Blitz Boom
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Posts posted by Blitz Boom
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(Null)
On 2024-03-04 at 3:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:"What, was my prior argument so convincing that you no longer care where your little friend is? Besides, what happened to all the fire you used to have? You certainly didn't offer Firebird this mercy."
"Who the fudge is Firebird? And if you're making a run for it, that means you ain't using her as leverage anymore. Your plans have failed. I'll find her."
It were implied by her tone of voice, and the look on her face, that if she found Ardee dead, then she would come back and bash his head in. Because of course she were worried about Ardee, but she had to get him to talk first, and just going off about her as the first weren't gonna make him listen. Granted he still didn't seem to much care for doing that, but she still tried.
As for Firebird... She hadn't the faintest idea who that were. She hadn't fought a phoenix recently. Heck, it had been what, 17 years or so, since she last got into a fight with those things? Hard to forget the details, it was jut the year that escaped her a little. Bloody annoying things honestly. She'd spooked one by accident, and then suddenly she had a swarm chasing her ten kilometers, until she finally got out of the forest, and could dive into a lake to put out the singed hair, where they had hit her. Being up against something like that again, she'd certainly remember that. But he were probably talking about a griffon, or pony. Still she hadn't a clue, but she were gonna guess that it were someone that Ninja killed. Unless...
"If FIrebird's that crazy one that attacked me in the cloud layer, I didn't want it to end like that. I warned him, but him and his goons tried to kill me, and rip off my wing. He didn't give me much of a choice."
She hadn't felt regret no, but that didn't mean that she had wanted that to happen. Ideally, he'd have just left her be, and taken off. Maybe get the hint, and not necessitate her to cut his throat, rather than just threaten it. But he had made his choice, and as such, she had to make hers too. Even if he had acted out of some sort of desperation, it still came down to a matter of his life, or hers.
*sigh* Perhaps Basher were right. Maybe her fire had been spent too early in this chase, and it were now waning some. A flare up when Ardee went missing, but otherwise, so spent that there were barely embers left. Were this a better time, maybe she would have thought over that, but of course, it wasn't gonna be like that...
On 2024-03-04 at 3:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:With a flash of light Basher was free, holding a small brightly glowing orb that kept the tendrils back as he hovered in the air. "I'll repay my debts my way. So if you want me, come and get me."
With that he dashed for the approaching sunlight, but he was slower than before. Null could see that the other two plated feathers had been removed, likely by the tendrils, and were sitting on the ground. He was slow enough that she could catch him, but not before he made it to the sunlight. She'd have to fight him one on one.
"Oh no you don't. We ain't done yet."
She'd snap up the feathers, and hold them between her teeth, lest that caused some sort of issue, and as such, she'd instead stash them under her beret. Either way, it'd be quick picking and packing, and she'd then get to chase. He were slower now, so perhaps that meant she could catch him now. It seemed likely it would be fully down to her at least, considering the sun were about up, and as such, the shadows couldn't come out to play.
She'd aim to tackle him in the air if she got close enough, and then tumble him down to the ground. She still hoped she could talk some semblance of sense into him. Or beat it in, without him dying. Her sister wanted him and his goons in her flock, and as such, she'd try her darndest to make that happen.
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(Fox)
It perked up as it saw Ardee fly about above it. Though... She didn't seem to head for it. Did it not now it were there? It seemed to go towards where the pony that had lost a few feathers had headed. Maybe she were headed for him?
If digging out the arrow were still an option, it would continue to do so with increased fervor. If it seemed impossible, it would ditch the arrow, and chase after Ardee. It knew where to go back to find the arrow. It were probably fine.
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(School)
Cherish would rise up a hoof. She couldn't say what it were like for every pony, but she could share how it were where she grew up. And if she were told she could speak, she would say what she could.
"In Equestria, fillies and colts does all sorts of things, because our marks happen when we do something that is tangible to our special gift. Sometimes it doesn't always make sense, but it's important to try, and get your mark, so we're encouraged to do lots of things, and see what happens. Then it's celebrated with a party, kinda like your birthday, and then you get the chance to change your name, if it doesn't fit your mark.
I didn't change my name, but I knew some who did.
Oh, and there's not a lot of symbolism, or chasing after elders to understand your mark, like with zebras or camels. Usually we know because of what we did when it popped up, and then we try and do stuff around that. We were also told that marks can change if you change a ton too, but it was rare."
Wasn't everyuth9ing, but it were baseline, the most important stuff, yes? There were room to elaborate after, if it were needed. She could still say a few more things. Like how she had gotten hers, if that sort helped.
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On 2024-03-02 at 12:23 AM, EQ_Theta said:
“I didn’t know the kitsune and Discord got along well! The longma know of him after his magic ran wild, turning our world into something so foreign and unknown. I wasn’t around to see it for myself, but it is a story passed down from generation to generation. They simply called it ‘The Madness’ for it was when some grew mad from seeing the world break. Trees would walk away while the fish in the rivers would fly above the water, among other things. It was a different time then, but I still didn’t imagine calling Discord a friend; he helped us out with finding and restoring Omen.”
"Discord is a controversial figure, whom few would actually call friend. At least in the olden times. But back then, even more than now, we kitsune were renowned tricksters. Discord found a kind of kinship with us, due to this commonality between us, and as the stories goes, there were a healthy respect from our side towards him, and curious fascination from his with us. But he were mostly staying in what is now Equestria, with us remaining here, far from one another. It were not often we met, though the stories speak kindly of him.
They also speak of the sadness that befell our early settlements, when the news broke that he had been defeated. Like you said, it were not always easy for others to live in his kingdom, but we still saw it as a loss when he were lost.
Centuries later, were the first time that Fright came to us, as we were establishing more permanent, expansive towns. By all accounts, a distraught creature, whose mentor had told her to seek us out, as part of her training. She is not the trickster that Discord is, yet still we welcomed her, and she told us of what had befallen Discord, and urged inaction. Saying that his time would come, but that it would cause havoc if it were then, so we stayed our paws, and let time pass.
I do not think she predicted how things would turn out with him, but from what we hear, it have indeed been for the best. He can function in a society now, without engulfing it wholly, thus even in chaos, there is some harmony. I hope to still draw breath, when he returns to visit, so I can see with my own eyes, how time have changed him, from our legends."
Discord had a fraught history with many species, and as they were now, the kitsune wouldn't be thrilled if he had arrived and turned their entire world chaotic. But it were different times then, when they were more primitive and rural than now, and his antics entertained them greatly. Hearing of his ongoing improvements since he returned, had made many of their kin excited to actually get to meet him, including several of the elders. There had been discussion on how they should approach getting an invitation to him, but then, his creation had come to them, and it became all the simpler. It were just a matter of how to ask her, and now she had volunteered to do so for them herself. Something that at least Sohe herself, were highly grateful for.
On 2024-03-02 at 12:23 AM, EQ_Theta said:“To tell you the truth, elder, I feel like I am being a part of something big: a change I hope would take root and last long into the future. It’s happening a lot sooner too, and I really want to go well. You can be sure I will pour my heart out for this task; I believe in the good it can do despite many uncertainties. I just hope what I do will be enough to get through to the longma because I don’t believe them to be too far gone.”
As she listened to his words, a door creaked ever so slightly, and a fresh breeze came in, blowing in the direction of the elder, who got a slightly sider smile on her face from that. It were brief, but she appreciated it still, as she had felt a want for a bit of air such as this. Blessed be the spirits who watched over her.
"Keep hold of your optimism, Sen. I imagine it will be tested in the times to come, but there is hope if you keep to it. Just do not lose sight of those around you, who would want to help you. Large change, is hard to do by yourself. Let those close to you, help you lift the burden."
Sen had the spirit to go at things it seemed, but it were not a task easily done by himself. Change took effort, often from several angles, and taking a lot of time, where you would face the hurdles of those who did not want change.
If you are a single individual, carrying it all on yourself, it could be overwhelming. You could be marked a traitor, heretic, potentially be killed, as without a figure for change, there wouldn't be the threat. Some did that, and managed to die as martyrs for a cause that would flare up in others, after their end, but it were risky. It may as well just end with you, and all would have been for naught.
But if you did not stand alone? More could help. It would be harder to end the effort, as there would be others to take up the mantle, that would then decry the killed one as a martyr, and rally further support. It were a risk that many were not willing to take. It would also make it easier to handle the pressure, and pushback. Sohe did not know how Lin felt about this, but Omen, albeit obviously a simple creature, seemed supportive, and he appeared to put great trust in her. As a creature of Discord, she must also be more useful than were seen on the surface, so her helping were likely great for him. As for Lin... As said, she wasn't sure, but she could imagine they both wanted change, so she would hope they could stand together.
On 2024-03-02 at 12:23 AM, EQ_Theta said:“From what you said, I am fairly sure I can’t speak with nature spirits. The longma say they have a level of familiarity with nature, but I don’t think anyone’s ever claimed to speak and understand spirits that are tied to nature. But I appreciate your offer nonetheless. It would be good to be certain. Speaking to the departed is much more different, but maybe it is possible to do that. Perhaps when there is more time, as I am not sure if being away for years to learn this skill may not be the best thing to do now. Don’t take this the wrong way, elder. I’m not ruling it out.”
“Just being here, talking with you and sharing things about ourselves and our kinds, it is an honor. I don’t see the need for us to be enemies, and I’d much prefer us to be friends. Although with what we’ve been through to help my sister, is there a way for me to repay your kindness?”
"Oh, I don't expect you to simply throw away everything to study now, dear child. You have much to do elsewhere. But still, the option is there, if you wish to pursue it later on. Though if you can hear the voices of the nature spirits, I will be more insistent on at least needing to teach you the basics, lest you end up deaf to their words. Such is my responsibility, as a speaker. But it is a rare gift, so we will see if left in a chamber more suitable to listen, will reveal a potential, that you were unaware of. It doesn't sound as if you grew up in a place, where if something of this sort happened, anyone would know what to do with it? You have had no understanding of what to even listen to. Where I intended to bring you, it will be evident if you can hear them. It is the same chamber I were once brought to, and where I bring others, who are suspected to have the gift.
And worry not about repaying us. You were in need of help, and have come here with an open mind, and respect. We have no reason to turn you away, or ask for something in return. Yet it may one day come to pass that we would ask you to help with something in turn. It would be appreciated that if that happens, you would remember our kindness in turn."
They knew very little of Sen, and as such, were not aware of what he even could offer. Personally, she didn't much care for payment. A good talk, and the option to get Discord here via his creation, were plenty enough for her. Though she could imagine one thing that Zhao would ask. Nothing too taxing, but she would let her speak for herself.
On 2024-03-02 at 12:23 AM, EQ_Theta said:“Hello there, Omen,” Lin smiled and calmly greeted. “I felt like I’ve just woken up from a really long nap. Where are we, and what’s going on?”
Omen looked down at Lin, now with her eyes opened, and speaking to her. And it seemed she remembered her, so that was a good sign, yes?
"I were watching you, to see when you would wake up. The kitsune put us in your head, to take the thing out of there. We are in a place they live."
"Kitsugane, to be exact. Welcome to Neighpon, young lady."
She were still in range to hear Omen, so it were hard to miss Lin being awake, even if her ears hadn't picked up on the young lady's words. These large things weren't just for decoration, even at her age.
Elder Zhao would be here soon, but for the time being, Sohe would remain calmly seated, and watch them from here. She could imagine Sen would go and show more enthusiasm for her waking up, and as such, she didn't want to interrupt too much on that. She would have a time to speak more properly with Lin soon enough, before they would need to wander off to do what they had to, far away from Neighponese shores.
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Foxglove would nod and scribble a few things down in a notebook, that she would pull out of her right saddlebag.
"That sounds promising. You also aren't complaining about impaired vision, or excessive headaches, that's good. The lines are gone from you too, your steps stable... I think you fit and healthy. Just need to run a few routine test with a light in your eyes, and check your reflexes, just to make sure nothing is impaired. But first, I would like to again mention a shower, and this time being more insistent. The bathroom is right there."
She would point towards the door leading to the shower and bathroom, connected to this room. It were vacant currently, and had the required soap and such a pony would need. And she would be wanting him to get in there, as he were somewhat pungent, if she were to be honest. In fact if he said it wasn't needed, she would straight up tell him that she wasn't letting him leave before he did so. How it didn't bother Shark, she didn't know, but perhaps the mare were just too worried to notice.
Unless he made a large fuss about it, he could go and clean himself. He could take what time he needed, and when he returned, he'd find that Shark were being checked. A small light shone on her eyes, her teeth being examined, while she stood on a scale. The nurse were helping with this, lifting her tail after getting one result, to see the difference, as it looked rather heavy. Shark were not at all bothered with this, and just giggled, and playfully snapped out towards the flat piece of wood Foxglove had pressed down on her tongue with.
"Hehe, is Shark good?"
"I would think yes. Heavier than expected, but I see no signs that you aren't perfectly healthy. Thank you for let me do a checkup."
"You help mate. Shark happy."
There were also a new presence in the room. An elderly mare with her green and silver mane tied up in a big, fluffy bun behind her head. She'd go straight over to Light, and look him up, her eyes scanning him to see if she saw anything out of the ordinary.
"Seems you are healthy then, how fortunate. You were lucky it did not get worse. Those critters are nasty things, if they infect you properly. A little less luck, and we'd have had to surgically remove the eggs, before they hatch."
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On 2024-02-29 at 5:31 AM, Rising Dusk said:Dawn looked between the undead bird identified as Chirpy and the sweet Will-O with her innocent inquiry. Understandable to say the least, but the question made it evident the other mare had little experience in the realm of teleportation magics. She simply smiled with the best, practiced reassuring smile she had, "Worry not Will-O dearest. Chirpy sweetie came safely through the portal behind us, the same principle applies to my circle. Albeit, I'm a little more practiced than some dusty old portal mages," Dawn winked. "It is perfectly safe for all party present," affirmed.
Will-O let out a sigh of relief.
"That's good to hear. I'm sorry if it seems like I m-mistrusted you, miss. It's just that I've had Chirpy since he was an egg, and alive or undead, he's still my best friend. With everything else happening, I just got a little worried. I'm sorry if it seemed a foolish question from my side. You're right really. We got through the other portal, and you're probably more practiced than them, even with all their tomes. At least more uhm... Modern and refined, I guess?"
She would wander into the circle after that, and rightly so, she and Chirpy, would arrive safely. Chirpy didn't even ruffle his feathers over this, and just let his milky eyes wander over this peculiar place they had arrived at.
On 2024-02-29 at 5:31 AM, Rising Dusk said:Dawn started to walk toward the front door of her home. The familiar rainbow ripples danced away from each of her hoof steps, telling of the mistress' return to her domain. "Ah, home sweet home. Did you miss mommy?" she inquired, changing her tone of voice as if speaking to a small pet. The manor creaked in its magnitude and a shudder of excitement rang out through the grounds, the plants, the statues, the hedges and the very air itself on the plot of land that was Dawn's domain. The large doors flung open on their own, leading into a large foyer decorated with more statues draped in heavy plant life.
"I hope you'll find yourselves comfortable here while you get settled into Equestria. Please, come in," she invited her guests. Some stone by them melted into a silver liquid and took up the visitor's luggage before rolling away like a wave into the manor.
Having arrived a few moments before them, Caramel had all the chance in the world to have a good look at the place. So when the others stepped through, and Will-O were gawking in amazement, she were already excited and delighted, letting out a raspy chuckle, ill fitting of her otherwise calm, somewhat smooth voice, but she cared little. What mattered it, in the grand scheme of things? And here even less so, as she gazed upon a marvel never witnessed in Harrowmark.
It's absolutely marvelous! I've never seen splendor of this like, and I have seen much in my life. And this is but the outside? What wonders might lie within this place?
Dawn my dear, you've been underplaying how well you were doing here in your own country, I would wager. This is a place that cannot have come from someone without extensive means to their name. Haha, how marvelous. I cannot wait to see what other layers you hide beneath that elegant visage."
"It's... I-It's enormous. You could fill all of Oaksbrook into this place."
"Probably several times over. Let's us follow our most generous hostess, shall we not?"
On 2024-02-29 at 5:31 AM, Rising Dusk said:Dawn started to walk toward the front door of her home. The familiar rainbow ripples danced away from each of her hoof steps, telling of the mistress' return to her domain. "Ah, home sweet home. Did you miss mommy?" she inquired, changing her tone of voice as if speaking to a small pet. The manor creaked in its magnitude and a shudder of excitement rang out through the grounds, the plants, the statues, the hedges and the very air itself on the plot of land that was Dawn's domain. The large doors flung open on their own, leading into a large foyer decorated with more statues draped in heavy plant life.
"I hope you'll find yourselves comfortable here while you get settled into Equestria. Please, come in," she invited her guests. Some stone by them melted into a silver liquid and took up the visitor's luggage before rolling away like a wave into the manor.
Once the luggage were grabbed, her smile stiffened some, and Caramel took a strong grip in one specific crate, that she would not simply let roll off like this.
"Please do not take this the wrong way dear, but these flowers are very delicate. I cannot simply let them float off unsupervised, especially in a place with enticing, yet unknown magics. Worry not, I will take extensive care to not impact any of your possessions."
She could agree to grabbing just the tall boxes with flowers in the larger crate if it were, but she would not let the flowers leave her. Even if Dawn were as delicate as a spider's touch, there were no saying what could happen to her precious botanical wonders, if Caramel had them out of sight, before she could secure them safely on even ground. And these had a new variant that she'd like to show Bash. It would be utterly dreadful if it broke before he even had the chance to witness it.
"Aah, but that aside, this is very peculiar. Your home is a living entity? A construct of some kind, mayhap? I haven't seen a proper non-necromantic construct in years. They're so prone to accidentally go crazy, if handled poorly you know. Dreadful business. A whole building, that quivers at its masters return though? What a fascinating, and certainly well done display. To think what a powerful mare we have encountered. Haha, how marvelous."
Will-O had not acted much on it, and instead just took in the splendor she had gazed at. Yes she were a bit... Nerve wracked, but a shuddering building were not the weirdest thing she had witnessed today, and Chirpy helped her be a bit calm. As did the enthusiastic presence of Caramel, who didn't seem worried in the slightest.
"I like the statues, miss. It's nice seeing a bit of nature in here. It brings things well together.
Is this place build with magic? It seems so incomprehensibly large."
"I concur. Sure the castle in Copperhagen is notable, but it seems so pale and dull, next to this marvel. Are homes of this size normal among your higher society?"
Both were awestruck. This were splendor of the sort neither had ever seen. And Caramel had seen things she did not think could be topped. And yet lo and behold, they were now in this potentially living, breathing marvel, so rich in scope and color, that even the most amazing of sights, started to pale for her. To think how much the world were, outside of their small country.
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On 2024-02-29 at 2:06 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:"No need to apologize, can't blame you for not seeing through a door, and I'm used to being stared at." He responded in friendly manner, though something peeked his interest "Though, if you are not busy, I'd be curious to hear more about these sketches, would you be up for coffee or something in...half an hour or so?"
The mare blinked in surprise at the question, and seemed perplexed for a second, before she gathered herself.
"Oh my. It has certainly been a long time since anypony asked me that. I would like to accept the suggestion, sir. I would recommend perhaps we meet at Rotario's? It is a small cafe, not long from here. It's been one of the few places I have frequented, in my time here. It is hard to miss, just a hundred and fifty meters north from here, and then take a left at the neon signs. It is quite apparent once you see it.
Ah, and I should perhaps introduce myself. My name is Magma Del Ray. Former researcher at Center Zero."
She would reach out a hoof in case he wished to shake, and if he did, he'd find her a little warmer than regular ponies.
"I do need to make a delivery of paperwork first though, so can we say in about... Considering the distance, expected traffic... 40 minutes? I promised to deliver these post haste to the O.M.I. Dreary bureaucratic paperwork only, nothing exciting I'm afraid."
If he'd agree, she'd push up her glasses, do a bow, and be on her way. What a peculiar day this were becoming. To think, somepony wanted to speak to her about science. It had been far too long.
That said, she did need to get this paperwork sorted, and inform the O.M.I. how to properly file it. It would help with their funding, and potentially recruitment too. She had taken the liberty to also add something that might make it easier for them to get the word out, so it were not mostly through what others said. Of course they might like to be a small unit, so it were not forced. It were simply an option. Just as it were for the guard to invite her out for coffee.
Aaah, first paperwork filings, and now a meetup with somepony who were interested in science. Today were actually starting to look quite good, she'd say.
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"I see. Well then, I shall not try and pry unsaid answers from you, if you think it best hidden, nor attempt to find what you and yours long term ways of doing things shall be. You seem to overall want for a better tomorrow, as the saying goes, so I will but wish you good luck with that, and offer an ear, or what capabilities I do have, if at some point you would have need of them.
As for your companions, I am not one to judge them, on past actions. I know them not, and they are now trying to do something better. Whatever sins that might be atoned for through such acts, are for them and you to know, not some random dragoness you have just met. Although I will say that the non-equine one, is also striking me as one whom wouldn't appreciate it if I began to ask too much, or make judgements. I may be mistaken, but she seems... How do I put this... She makes me instinctively think I would regret it very quickly, and rather briefly."
Nerzhei would run a finger across her neck, to indicate what she meant. She could be mistaken of course, but the little one did seem dangerous, in a lethal sense, from what little she had seen., Being told she were also the sort that her new acquaintance here had chased in his time, somewhat validated those concerns. The same were it for the other, but she didn't seem instantly worrisome. Perhaps more of a subtle danger came from her? She were unlikely to ever know, she'd wager.
"Of course what brief synopsis you gave, also tells some, but as said, I am not one to see a point in judging here. They both seek to do better, and that is a commendable effort. I'd rather show them the respect of focusing on that.
In any case, I worry I have kept you from your fellows too long. As said, if you need help, or someone to speak to, I can try and help some. Us dragons live long, and I have not reached my first century yet. You will have plenty of time to hold me to my word. If for nothing else, then perhaps to help being somewhat informative. We will see what time brings.
I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavor, Myrkr."
She'd bring a clenched fist to her chest, and do a slight bow of her neck, as a showing of respect. Certainly she had not spoken with him long, but he were a thoughtful, taught dragon. It put him higher on the scale than most dragons she had met in her entire life. Perhaps the bar were somewhat low though, all things considered. He still seemed a thoughtful dragon regardless, and she did truly wish him the best.
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On 2024-02-29 at 2:06 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:First he started to just talk,but obviously Spicy had no way of understanding what he was on about, so as his wits came back slowly but surely, he started saying in very thick Dragon-accent "Dangggerrr." with every repeat sounding more like the word he was trying to say, that being 'Danger', and as he repeated it, he drew a rough drawing of the priestess capturing Ruby and Leviathan with tendrils coming from the staff; It may have not been fully accurate drawing on the details, but it got the message across hopefully.
While he was more in his senses now, the panic was still clearly visible on Charir, and he kept looking towards the temple, and even seemingly jumping at any shadow that seemed darker than usual. And when he was done with the drawing, he ran to the wagon and hid behind it, rolling into a ball there. With the blind fear giving way to sense, it brought other emotions, as the possibility that Charir had once again lost everything crept in, and once again he had been unable to do anything.
Spicy had been surprised to see the little one smacking right into her at first. Especially since he seemed unguarded, which were not something she'd assume would be the case. Frankly it rang some alarm bells, even before he mentioned danger, and started scribbling into the ground.
She were about to say something, when he ran behind her wagon, and after she went and checked up on him, seemed to have curled into a ball. The poor thing were terrified.
"Awh, you poor lil' thing. Well, I ain't sure how much you can understand me, but don't you go worry 'bout nothin'. I'll go check up on your friends, and drag 'em back out here, aight? Just need to pick something up..."
She unlocked the cart and went inside. Weren't the gold she were after, or anything of the sort. No, she'd grab a small, sealed metal box, and let out a sigh.
"To think I'll be using these again... Well, can't be helped I guess. This here's trouble town."
She'd open it up, to reveal it to be a deck of cards. Onyx black with a golden pattern inscribed on both sides. She'd take them, half it, and stash a half on either side of her hip.
Checking on Charir, she'd be a bit sad 'bout him, but she were sure he'd be safer out here, than in there. Best to just let him stay out in relative safety, yeah? Though if he wanted to come along, he'd be welcome to. It were understandable that he'd be worried about his friends.
As she approached the doorway, Spicy would be met by a skeletal guard. She wouldn't be fazed too much, just use her right wing to grab a card, slide it across the side of her coat, and fling it at the skeleton. It barely had the time to move, before the card exploded, and sent the bones scattering out to the sides.
"Outta my way, old timer. I gots me some pals of sorts to rescue."
The bones would gather in time, but time were the correct term. It wouldn't be fast, since they had been forcefully blasted quite some distance. These cards were dangerous, and that were exactly why she didn't use them that much. Sure she liked her hidden weapon with flair, but dang it, these things were too powerful. She'd end up killing somepony, if she used them all willie-nillie.
On 2024-02-29 at 2:06 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:She laid down, not much to do now than wait for now, so may as well take the chance to rest her legs, she'd need the stamina if something went wrong. She didn't stay put for a long though, as frustrated cry escaped her, and she got back on her hooves, pacing as much as the cage allowed, she couldn't rest, she felt like she was suffocating, she didn't understand what was wrong with her, she had never felt like this before, this indescribable discomfort, it made it hard to think.
No guard would come for her, as she cried out in frustration. She were left truly alone, to wander this cage, which seemed to have enough room for her to pace around a little. Four Big Mac's could stand side by side in here comfortably, so there were a bit for a regular sized mare, like she currently were.
As said though, the cage were nice and sturdy, in their time. If she looked closely, she'd find that the hinges on the door were albeit intact, not exactly impossible to deal with. A bit of a lift, and a solid push or five, and she'd be able to get the door open, and leave her a way into freedom. Or into the temple at least, where she could either try and run off, or take charge, and garner some control over this whole thing, on her terms. It'd be up to her. The priestess wasn't here currently, so there weren't that obstacle to try and deal with currently. The regular guards were simpler. Slow skeletons, albeit seemingly hard to destroy, weren't impossible. And they were likely ordered to keep her alive. She could end up taking advantage of that.
If she went down the hall that led here, she'd find it currently abandoned, though there were a rack of spears, in case she wanted for a weapon. If she dared touching them that were. Who knew what the dark magic that had been present in many other things here, might do to her?
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Oh boy, this were an uhm... This were a special one, huh? Torture, limb reattachment, death- Sure they had some hard cases here sometimes, that mentioned these things, but not all at the same time. This kobold had a dreadful life, and yet she were strong enough to not take up the bottle. That were admirable, as for some, it were too easy to get lost in it. Sure she benefitted from that, as an inn keeper, but she refused to let somepony drink themselves to death. Many in this town were friends, or neighbors. She didn't want any of them to drink themselves into an early grave.
Not all places in town that were as high on the horse as they said, but that were their own demons to deal with. She ran a legitimate establishment here.
"Miss? I didn't mean to imply you needed alcohol, and I'm sorry if you somehow got the impression. I simply worried if you were okay.
We have many other things here if it is. Bubble tea, regular tea, coffee, juice, etc. If you need any of that, then please, just let me know.
And... I hope things will look up for you soon, miss. I cannot even imagine how dreadful any of those things must have been for you."
If there were nothing, she'd give a small, sympathetic smile, and leave them alone. It seemed they wanted to deal with this without her involvement. A small, tight-knit group by all accounts, yeah? She wasn't gonna force her way into it. But if needed, she'd stand ready to make sure they were serviced right. Though it might be best to deny Sheska alcohol. In her current state, it might be a slippery slope.
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@Catpone Cerberus @EQ_Theta @Evil Pink One @Rising Dusk
Your response will come tomorrow. Got lured into helping a friend prep for his move, so been off a few days. Gonna take the evening to gather energy, but I can see plenty of fun stuff to get going with on the morrow.
.png ":)")
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This is how it looks like sometimes, looking through the comments. @Evil Pink One is Twilight.
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(Fox)
It did feel a bit more springy and pepped up, but not enough to do much about the arrow. It were still well stuck.
It would continue with the plan to half-bury it, whilst looking up towards where it had been shot from. It didn't see Ardee from its low vantage point, so maybe that meant she were on her way now, to gather up the arrow? It would wait for the time being, for her, or any of the others it knew of, to come and collect this. Though soon as it were picked up by any other than Ardee, it would be off, to get back to her. It didn't much care for the others, beyond them being friends of hers. It were made for Ardee, and it intended to stay with her. She seemed a fun one.
If this took too long (about six-seven minutes, depending on if something interesting happened nearby) it would also just have tossed enough dirt over to more or less cover the arrow, and it would be off anyway. It would get bored staying here, and not having anything to do but wait for her. Yes it could not return the arrow, but it could just lead her to it if it came down to it, yeah? Or it were lost. It didn't much care personally, even if the feathers were nice.
If it were an option, and the ground were not too dense, it would have also instead of covering, been digging around it, with its little paws. If it could get the dirt around it lose, it should be easy enough to just pick it up, with the remaining dirt crumbling with a bit of a shake. But that wouldn't work if this were dense ground. It wasn't as physically strong as an actual fox.
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(Null)
Finally, a stroke of good luck. Something happened with the magic protecting him, though she weren't sure what. She hadn't the time to just stop her momentum, and looking back. Though she'd be happy for the help from Arcade later, once he'd have the chance to tell her. And a little after that didn't protect him anymore, Basher got caught in the tendrils, and went down. The sun were still approaching though, giving her little time to work with still, but it were enough for her to get to him, and being able to talk to him, though she already felt her back being sore. She really had to fly more often, and build up her flight stamina.
13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:"So, now what? You going to take more of my feathers then let me go? They don't grow that way you know, I can't afford to replace them."
"Hey, this feather business wasn't my idea, and I ain't coming to pluck you like a darn chicken. Keep the lot and paint them pink for all I care.
I've not been sent to kill you or anything, Basher. This is a recruitment run. I'm here to get you in with The Grey, so you can start paying off that debt that got you thrown into Tartarus in the first place. And yeah, I get you might find that sucky over total freedom, right here and now, but you're gonna die sooner or later again. Ain't anyone that's really immortal, and when that comes, if you haven't dealt with this, you'll be right back in the flames. And this time there won't be a second chance for you.
I could beat the tar out of you and drag you back if I had to, but I'd rather you saw some reason, and came willingly. Or do you want to end up like those tortured things Discord sent roaming around?"
It were true that Null's preferred method of dealing with things were violence. But if it were possible for her to handle this without, she'd take it, because Basher weren't all bad. They had a brief moment of talk back at the gates, that showed there were more to him than just beating folks to death for whatever reason. If he came back, and worked it off, he'd be able to pursue that sort, and in the end, evade the fires in Tartarus. He'd been there already, albeit briefly it sounded like. It should still be enough for him to know that he wouldn't want to return though, right? Tortured for so long, that he'd become those thoughtless, roaming things that Discord had used to cause so much devastation. That wasn't something she'd want, that were for sure, and she were sure he didn't either.
Might take a decade or so to pay off the debt, but it were still a worthwhile investment, she'd say. And who said he still couldn't beat things to death? Had to be some whose punishment were death. He'd have ample opportunity.
If here were reasonable, she'd even give him his bat back, once they were back at headquarters. Sure it had to be patched up a bit from her end, but it were fine now.
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(School)
Cherish were happy that it seemed like Gypsum liked their presentation, though a lot of the credit for the presentation itself, went to Teal. She were great at delivering this sort of speech, like if were were a tutor, or professor herself. Maye that would end up being her specialty in some way, shape or form? She hadn't a clue, but it would be fascinating to see what it'd end up as for her, and the others. Toupé might be first, but the rest might come soon after now, trying to catch up to her.
Anyway, the others had a lot to say too, and it were interesting to hear. She knew little of for example changelings, as they were still only somewhat recently allowed into society, by the time the crisis happened, and in her area at least, they hadn't any of them in school to explain stuff. They were mostly taught with old stories, and those were not nice about them.
The stuff about deer were fascinating too. She had no idea that they worked like so much of a unit, that even when it came to their marks, they would rely on others in their flock, as they got forward in life. Nor about the horns. She actually had thought that maybe they couldn't cast spells, but she had been proven well wrong then. Not that she knew how magic were used in the first place, being a pegasus and all, but this at least taught her how it were for deer, and how the concentration of magic were lesser than a pony's, but could be more complex. Raw power versus finesse and such, yes?
Then came Lilac, who had to explain for two. She were sorta starting to wonder if maybe it wasn't just that Nova were protective of his sister, but that he was also really shy, since he didn't much seemed to want to mingle, or even chat about these sorta things. Or he couldn't speak, but she were fairly sure she had heard him speak before... Right? If not, then maybe he were mute, and it sorta explained things too.
Anyway, diamond dogs were refreshingly simple, compared to what the rest of them had talked about. Self reliance, a bit of gem finding as culture, and then deciding what to do with themselves after. She had known a pup for a brief time once, who said he had been out looking for a ruby, and she always just thought it were something with him looking for food. She had known a place in the nearby forest where there some shinies like that, and had gotten him there but he didn't speak much of what he needed it for. He just picked the first of the gem cluster when they were there. Not a ruby, but the sapphire were pretty too. Nice to know more specific what were the case with him now then.
Then came minotaurs. It were rather brief, which fit Nova, and were mostly about their connection to mazes. She'd always just read about them as these strong, two legged creatures, that lived in rural ways, with strange, spiritual roots. But there'd never been much details. Sadly this didn't give much either, but it did make her want to look up more at the library someday. She were curious how they actually were, beyond the stereotypical outlandish brutes, that she'd been taught they were.
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(Spectra)
9 hours ago, Magloria said:"Authentic Arcadian Armor. I'm the real deal, through and through. Perhaps this is also a bonus, my old body acted as a conduit forever, really. Far past it's expected expiration - but now, let's see this horn in action..."
"I needn't armor to tell me that. Your blood speaks volumes."
Frankly, she didn't even know, nor care what Arcadian armor looked like, so it would do little to actually convince her of things. The blood though? That did, as Arcadian blood were subtly, yet notably different, if you knew what you were dealing with. She hadn't seen it as pure as this before, but the specs and slivers remaining in others that had come here, gave her enough to work with. Not enough for them to work with though. The bloodlines were too thin these days, after so long. This one were not, yet she also didn't seem immortal. It were peculiar, but in the end, nothing for her to concern herself of currently. The mare hadn't an interest in fighting Thriceborne clearly - at least not currently - and she were unlikely to stand in the way of Thriceborne's work. As such, she were not currently her problem, and she'd leave others to fight her. They'd see if she managed to live long enough to become a being worth keeping a close eye on.
9 hours ago, Magloria said:"It has a lot more grounded feel, much superior to my previous body. The mare who is observing...I don't even know her name, had a better body than mine." Spectra chuckled, as if it was some casual joke two friends told each other. The Arcadian Armor and it's spear would vanish off of her with a rainbow flash of her horn and Spectra looked at Thriceborne - perhaps being genuinely thankful for what she managed to do for her.
"Perhaps in the future, I will be seeing you again." Spectra said with a bow, and if there wasn't anything else - she'd walk off to look to where Operata ran off to."W-What was that? How did I... Wait, that's not me, was it? I can't. B-But then what..."
She felt it, within her prison of inactivity, but she yet couldn't see. She could tell something had happened to her though. Something that must be really bad, if she could tell some kind of magic or something, ran through her, but without her being able to move her own body, or even open her eyes. Why did it feel like she couldn't use her eyes?
She would soon enough wake to her grim reality. Question were how long she'd despair, and how long it would be, before she'd actively try and do something about it. Might be she couldn't use her body, but she'd keep trying to fight for it. Maybe eventually, she'd be able to gain some agency. Potentially when Spectra were sleeping? Regardless, she'd probably learn soon too that it would take a god, or death to separate them, and if death were the only way out, she'd try hers to get them killed. Even if all she'd ever have were her voice, perhaps she could distract the mare at the right time, to where they could die. Sure she'd prefer to live, but if there were no other way, then she'd at least be free in death.
As for Thriceborne, she'd look on, but with a wholly neutral look. It were interesting enough, but she had seen much in her time. It took quite a bit to make her aghast with surprise. She supposed it were pretty enough though. You didn't see much rainbow colored magic, except for harmony.
"If you live, you will come back. You'd wish for more power, the visage of an alicorn, a longer life - There is many reasons that brings creatures to my temple, but greed guides them all. And you I cannot imagine being sated for long.
But we shall see what comes of you. Farewell for now."
She would turn her back, and wander over to the debris. She had a lot to do to sort this mess her temple had become, so she might as well get to it. She also wouldn't say or do more, unless Spectra got too greedy, and tried to add Thriceborne to her collection. It would not go well for her, if she tried.
Going off to look for her servant, his tracks were fairly simple to follow, to a point. He would have gone towards the camp they had seen when in the time pocket, now a mess, overgrown by nature, with tattered lines and rusty pots. His steps also went away by then. He were like gone from the face of the earth. Or if she looked upwards, from where his tracks stopped, she'd find that he were hanging above her, clothes torn from tears and cuts, as he'd dangle back and forth slightly in the wind.
By his front left hoof, that were. It seemed he were still alive, even if unconscious, but someone had roughed him up, and taken anything of worth from him, then hung him up here as a warning. His flute were also shattered on the ground, seemingly stomped upon. And if she from there on the ground, she'd find fresh tracks. Equine ones, from someone with big hooves, and they were heading in the direction of the young pony who were waiting in his boat.
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(Stern)
10 hours ago, Magloria said:"Certainly feels like an upgrade. The shoes feel tougher than the kind I used to wear before, must be some sort of changes in standard issue. Will get used to in no time, no doubt."
"The boss makes quality stuff, y'know."
"Yeah, Vulkan were right good, and he taught the boss the ropes."
"Heh, has to make sure he lives up to Vulkan's standards too. Else you know what'd happen."
"The old timer will come 'round and smack him again."
The two grinned, and exchanged a high brohoof, before going back to sort the gear.
10 hours ago, Magloria said:Then he tried on the helmet. The snout bit felt a bit too uneven when he closed the visor. Maybe they didn't measure his snout properly? Or something like that? He lowered the visor back and forth to see if that changed things, and it didn't. He then would flip the visor up and move his head in various angles just incase it was him not having it on tight or something like that. Nope, it was still there. "Something seems off about the part of this helmet where my visor is down. Not sure what's up with that. You can take a look at it and adjust it if you need to." he said and then would hand the helmet to one of the twins.
Stern Steel would watch as one of the twins worked with the snout of the helmet, with approval as it seemed to fix the issue. The finishing touches on the helmet were something he wanted, but at least the snout of the helmet was fixed. "Rest of the armor fits good, just that snout was too tight on my snout. But the rest of this I feel fits better than my old armor, as much as I loved it, this works much better." Stern Steel said with a hearty chuckle.The twins had taken the visor back, but they weren't working on it. That got down to Benny. They were sorting the blade out, whilst they were snickering and whispering to one another. Nothing harmless, just a bit of a fun tale they remembered, from seeing this sorta sword. Sounded like something with a swordfish.
"Thank you, Benny. Though what's this I hear about Vulkan smacking you?"
He'd look over towards the twins, and rolled his eyes, then looked back at them. His grin and facial expression would look a bit sheepish, and his right hand would come up behind his head, and scratch there, making him look even more like an awkward teen, that had just been caught in doing something dumb. He were still down on all fours though. benny didn't really walk on two feet, unless he were carrying something that required him to use two hands. He liked wandering around like a bipedal. Especially here among ponies, where it left a lot more things in eye height.
"They're just joking. Sorta. I... Didn't always listen well, or pay attention, when he were tutoring me, and that sort can cause trouble in a forge, y'know? A bit of a quick smack wakes one up, so to speak. Wasn't a lot he had to do it, but he did joke that if he heard I were slacking on quality, that he'd come by and remind me the old fashioned way. Least I think he were joking. It can be hard to tell with him sometimes, y'know?
You two done with stuff yet?"
"Helmet's done."
The one sorting the helmet would come over, and give it back to Stern. It were a bit lukewarm to the touch still, but if he tried it on, it would fit perfectly this time. He'd have to give the sword a bit more. Had to get nice and polished first.
"Sword should be done soon, so... How've you been doing, Stern? Still holding up?"
He might as well try to talk, right? Weren't much else he'd be doing right now, while he waited for them.
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(Magloria)
10 hours ago, Magloria said:"I agree. My question is, what we will do in the case that it takes years to find her, if she lays low for that long. Spectra is someone from ages ago, so perhaps that carries over into how long it takes her to decide on decisions."
"If she plans on laying low for that long, it will just give us more time to prepare, and to look for her. Maybe we haven't before, but we are aware of her now, and we have made connections with many other races, that can let us know if they find even a trace to go by. I worry that she is aware of that though, and thus will rush things more than normally, to not give us the time it would take to weed her out. It might leave her open to make mistakes, but it would also do us poorly."
10 hours ago, Magloria said:"That is... interesting to think about. I never thought such a thing was possible. I am sure that whoever we decide to open up next, we will decide carefully on who to release." Magloria said in agreement.
"Magic is an ever evolving process. Always some who will try and outperform the last, or cover niches not done yet, so new ways of using magic pops up every so often. Innovative and helpful most of the time, but it have become enough of an issue with those who are less scrupulous, that we have needed to make use of specialists."
"It were only a good thing. It ever seemed just a matter of time before something magical would cause an issue too big for us to be prepared for. I will admit to not thinking it would be this though."
"Still, it could prove useful. But to return on topic, memory baubles are harmless things really. I believe they've started to teach that in ninth grade at her majesty's school these days."
It seemed they all agreed on things, which were good. The generals could put their hooves down and command to be the ones making the decisions, but it were ever easier, if others simply agreed with their assessments, and then worked from that, lest something would happen to bring their previous judgement into question. Things flowed easier that way.
10 hours ago, Magloria said:"I agree with your assessment. The best time for her to strike would be now. I do not think we would be able to stop her, unless we risk ourselves being put into her crystal orbs to be used as batteries. I can imagine that possibly, with her mindset she would seek to convert most of the city's population, those she captures - into just that. I read that Tirek was destructive, but he was unable to perfectly replicate the spells of those who are captured like Spectra seemingly can. Let us eat, then."
"Best case scenario, is that she will be too busy elsewhere, for long enough that we can prepare. It will also give her more time to vanish from sight, and prepare for her next move, but unfortunately we will have to hope for the lesser of two evils in this situation, as it were. I think if we have not had any reports of her marching towards the city, or anything strange happening here within the next three hours, that she is likely elsewhere, rather than having made direct travel towards us."
Ghelzar would shrug slightly. He would be ready to fight, if the witch came here, but he would acknowledge that the ponies had some fair points. The captain especially, would know how thin the ranks were in town right now, and thus could make a better assessment. And it were not as if he gave up. It were merely a hypothetical situation, and how he would think it would turn out. A bit of foresight like that, were good for someone in charge.
Hailstorm would eat a light salad mix, with some ranch. Nothing too heavy, in case he had to get going with things. That he were the only one who wouldn't get meat were a surprise to him, as well as the food clerk, but it were not their place to judge. If she could eat it, then let her do so.
Ghelzar would sit with the captain, and exchange some stories over food. Mostly it were Hailstorm explaining how things were honestly, but Ghelzar did speak of how he had ended up in the Inquisition in the first place. How he had been blinded, his whole village slaughtered, the years he spent trying to find her center, and find a will to continue on, etc. They wouldn't disturb Magloria, lest she wanted it, and it seemed right now that she didn't, and just wanted to eat in peace. Neither of them had an issue with that.
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22 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:
“Hmmm… that’s unexpected. Not immortal is not something that comes to mind when it comes to Discord. He always felt like there was more to him than what I saw. A being that was chaos incarnate was like a living force that just is and will be, no reincarnation needed. I’m not even sure if that is enough to describe him; he seems like he's larger than life, so to speak. To think there are more draconequii… that is a scary thought.”
Elder Sohe chuckled slightly.
"Oh they are powerful alright, though it varies how much. Discord is often seen as the strongest among them, as he has the highest connection with chaos, and knows how to use it well, but there are several, of varying power levels. Most are somewhat harmless though. They simply want to live life the way they feel like, and then play some tricks on us linear creatures. Discord and us kitsune, once got along well because we hold kinship over trickery, and now he is back, we hope he will one day come and see us again.
Fright on occasion are in the area too. She doesn't trick a lot though, but comes here to speak of spiritualism, from time to time. In many ways, I'd think her stronger than Discord, simply because she is level headed, and in control of herself, even if raw power says otherwise. She's among the better of them you can run into, if you meet draconequui out in the world. A delightful lady really.
Hmm, but I guess I digress a little. Their mortality..,. They normally do not focus on it. Much like with dragons, having that many years, unlikely to die from simple, short term things as you or I, they simply see themselves are being, until they aren't. You live for enough thousands of years, it starts to keep the prospects of death further and further away, yes? But it varies. Dracopnequui are as different in personality and mind, as they are in appearance."
"I can tell Master Discord, that you want to see him. Maybe he would like that."
"That would be appreciated. Thank you."
The elder would nod her head towards Omen, who were moving closer to Lin, to see how she were doing.
SHrimp in the meantime, would yawn, then slither off and go over on Sen, slowly crawling him. It was his turn to be his pillow now. At least until there'd be some food.
22 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:“Knowing Lin, she won’t let something like this set her back or keep her down, but I’m sure she’ll need some time to get her mind straightened out after what happened.”
“That last thing you mentioned about souls being left... I wouldn’t know if respect is even true for the longma. Growing up, I always thought it was just normal for us to have so much respect for our surroundings and each other. Turns out that respect is only given to those who stay true to our beliefs, even if it hurts or tramples over others. Those that stray from our laws are exiled and denied our customs as if they never existed.”
The longma grew somber and silent, taking what he said and betraying his feelings for the longma despite wanting to help change them. Some things just couldn’t be left alone, and others weren’t so lucky to find peace even outside the longma’s forest. The thought that the same was true for his parents terrified and saddened him; it shouldn’t have happened, and they deserved better. All that was left for him was to remember the best of them and keep their promise.
“I admit, I am jealous of your practices and beliefs. Your stance on your exiles and the respect you show them is admirable, and I feel like the longma could learn a lot from the kitsune. If only they could just be a little more open-minded. Still, it’s nice having this conversation with you and getting to know more about your beliefs and practices. Knowing even just a little more means I get the chance to examine the longma a little more and see where we could stand to be better.”
“I know this idea might sound crazy, but is there a chance of me learning how to speak with spirits? I understand if the kitsune do not want to share that information, but is it possible for someone like me to learn what is needed to do that?”
The elder pondered some, before answering these questions. It seemed important to Sen, and so, she wanted to address them properly.
"Respect holds many faces, Sen. For us, even those who are our enemies in life, are shown respect in death, because we believe that it is only our place to judge them, as they are in life. Their actions, their future acts- That is for the ancestors to decide on, and we believe that their judgement is fair. In parts because often when we see the exiles again, on the blessed day, they are repenting. It helps bring closure, and for their families to be able to look at their deceased with some level of fondness again."
There were also that they knew what happened to those that weren't given the proper burial, but she could not say that. It were a closely guarded secret, only meant for the elders. Yet it didn't mean that the rest she said, had not been true.
"Your people are not there. You value those who are part of the community, but shun them in full, for whatever reason got them exiled to begin with. It is saddening to hear that even the simple kindness of a burial, is denied those who stray from the flock.
Yet you are still young, and your mind is open, Sen. There is little that can be done of what happened in the past, but you can be one of those who pushes for change. A hard fight to win, I am certain, but us elders who guide the rules, will in time die. Such is the circle of life. Who comes after us, holds the key to change things for the better. If you pour your heart to it, you could well be part of that change, even if they will put obstacles in your way, to try and stop you."
While she spoke, Omen had gone closer to Lin, to the point were she had leaned all the way in, over Lin's face, looking at her twitching her eyes every now and again. Were she about to wake soon? Maybe. Maybe not. But perhaps if she stood here and looked closely, she would find out.
She were about the distance from Lin, as she had been when Shrimp had laid over both her, and Sen's face, as the latter had slept.
"And I cannot tell, if you could commune with spirits, Sen. Not here at the least.
As said, speaking with the nature spirits, is a gift that is not given to all. To us, it is proof of someone being chosen by the elements, and there is expectations that comes with that. You should have known, were you one of those, yet still, you might not have broken through, with no training, or understanding. I can take you a place, when Lin feels better, where you can try and listen. If you can hear them, I am obligated to offer guidance.
If you mean the spirits of the dead, it is something most can learn, yes. It is not easy though. Cutting corners there, will often do you more harm than good. But it is possible to teach you to be a speaker, over the years. If you mind your studies that is. Loa-Ni could explain this better than most.
And worry not it is only for us. I hardly think there is a race, who does not have their own versions of a spirit caller. The minotaurs have their shamans. The griffons call them omens. Ponies tend to go with medium, or decrying them necromancers. Camels call them spirit guides, the Yak Witherhooves, and so on, and so forth. It is not always wide spread, but there are invariably those who commune with the dead, in every culture. It is not against our rules to show our way of doing so, to outsiders. Not unless they are enemies, but you have come to our town armed with nothing but with and curiosity. You re not our enemies."
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"I like to think I had a hoof in it too."
Foxglove would wander in, having just heard his last words, with a bit of a smile on her face.
"It is good to see you are feeling better si-*Ooof*."
She'd get tackled by Shark, who took her into a hug. A rather tight one too, and the Lieutenant could tell that she was holding back too.
"Mate okay! Many thank to metal friend."
"Grfth..."
"You might want to put her down, miss. I don't think she can breathe."
Shark listened, and let her go, then went back over and nuzzled the side of Light's head, whilst Foxglove took a few deep breaths.
"Are you okay, Lieutenant?"
"Y-Yes I'm fine. She's just... Stronger than she looks.
A-Anyway, as I were about to say, you're cured of the poison, and thankfully there were no eggs, so you don't need any invasive surgery. The thing that bit you is called a Harvest Mite. It's a dreadful pest of a creature, that reproduce by infecting larger creatures with poison and eggs, and then the small ones hatch under the skin and... Well, it's not nice looking. It's also nowhere local. These things can only be found in very remote areas of Zebrica, and they're not allowed to be brought out of those areas, much less the country.
We'll run a search and figure out who and why got this illegally imported, but you can rest easy sir. The danger have passed, and we'll make sure to check it doesn't happen to anypony else. For now, I just need to be aware if your motor skills and such are okay right now. Could you please stand up, and walk a little? Soon as we know you're safe to walk, you can be safely discharged, though I'd suggest you get some food and water soon. You'll probably feel a little famished.
I would also recommend a shower, with all due respect, of course. It's just that the treatment did involve some profuse sweating on your end, among other things, so you would likely feel better, after a long, warm bath."
The lieutenant would speak calmly to him, explaining things as best she could there, with this clearly not being her first rodeo dealing with sick ponies. She wasn't much of a combat vet though, considering how easy Shark had gotten hold of her. Fairly typical medical staff issue sadly, so nothing surprising there.
Shark would let him walk up, but would stand close by, in case he'd start to wobble or anything. She'd probably be overprotective of him for a time after this, but it were little wonder. She had been terrified for him, after what happened. She didn't want that sort of thing to be a recurring issue.
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(Spectra)
On 2024-02-26 at 4:18 AM, Spectral Fade said:Spectra would bear her teeth as she looked at Thriceborne like a caged animal. In a sense, she was. "My whole purpose here was to find a way to fix myself. For years, that was all I ever wanted! Nobody ever listened, so why should I have thought you'd be willing to listen, or capable of delivering what I needed to resolve my condition...I can tell you are no pony, no, not at all - that look in your eyes when you were transferring my soul to this body, I figured it was how you got to be what I see before me." Spectra said, looking at her new body - green coat color. Not exactly her preferred color, but it will do.
"I have said enough for a taught mind, to know what I were."
Thriceborne cared little what the mare thought of her. What she were, what she would be- It were inconsequential. She did not possess what were needed to be a threat, like Fae had. Whom had mostly been so, as she had taken Thriceborne by surprise, and with no prior idea of her condition. The mare were quite formidable. In her own way, so were Spectra. Yet not in one that concerned her overly much currently. She were but another who had come here, seeking power, and had given to receive. And she had gotten power. A strong horn, embedded precisely into the earth pony mare's body, making her no different from any unicorn in ability, or earth pony in strength. A strong, healthy body, that she would find were not as empty as she had wanted. Yet that were the price of deceit.
Spectra were also wrong. Thriceborne had not become what she were, by the same means that she just had. Yet why would she speak of that? What had she to gain from it? Nothing, and thus it would be for her alone to know, until the day came when she found one worthy to listen.
"But if all you wanted, were freedom from that, then rejoice. Your new body holds not a sliver of that. I purged your blood of whatever impurities stained, and mix it with hers, that your new body would not reject it. It is mostly yours though, Arcadian. I know not how a pureblood still lives, but I havemet descendants. The purity matters highly to them. I assumed you were much the same."
On 2024-02-26 at 4:18 AM, Spectral Fade said:Spectra could hear the weak voice of Yuma Spurs in her mind. "...What do you mean by hearing "it?" What is "it"...?" Spectra asked, as if this form of dialog was quite painful for her. But still, Spectra needed to know. It sounded like the voice of the mare was in her mind. But how could that be possible? Usually by this point she'd be wondering what Operata would be off doing, but as of this moment she couldn't be bothered to think of him.
Thriceborne had no smirk on her face as she replied. This were not a matter of joy, or humor. This were serious, and should be addressed appropriately.
"What it is? It is her, whose body you now inhabit. Your souls have been interlocked. Inseparable by mortal means. You remain in control, but she will be there, listening. Watching. Judging what you do, with a body she once owned.
There is naught I can do about it now. Only gods might split you now, if one you can find, which deals in souls. Or you could wait to perish. The collectors shall reap you twice, sending each to the afterlife you would deserve."
Spurs were still gathering strength in her head, but it were a matter of time before she had full awareness, and the response would not be kind. And this then, would be something that Spectra would need to have with her, long as she lived, lest she could find a god able and willing, to separate them. And that would be no easy task. Equestria had no gods, so she needed to move far, and one so familiar with souls? Finding one would not be a task with ease. Nor would it be, to gain said god's favor, if it were found. They were fickly creatures, and it were not always easy, to get their attention, much less their boon.
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(Stern)
"Some sadly fails to understand that we should be above pettiness, unless they are confronted about it from a superior. I will see what I can do, about the captain, or even the generals addressing this at large, when the mission is over. You shouldn't have to hear such things."
She had missed the way he had reacted to them, and thus were unaware of his less than calm response, had he the chance. Yet still, even if she had seen it, she would have hoped it to be only temporary. She wanted to believe in the good of others, until she had seen differently. And even then, she were likely to still give another chance. Sometimes that were taken advantage of. Other times, it helped to make others feel like somepony actually cared, and wanted to help them. She liked to think of those successes, and feel hopeful.
When they got to the forge proper, one of the twins would see them, and bat the other, who'd lift his head, look around, and finally see them. After he had been pointed towards them that were.
"Oh hey. You two are back."
"Nice timing. We're done with the armor.
"If it fits we're done."
"Well, obviously, duh."
The two would grin at each other, then finish the polishing, and come forth with the pieces. The chest piece being the most important one to get on him, as that were the brunt of things. And lo and behold, it would fit nicely, custom made and ready for him. So would the sections of leg guards - couldn't have a simple full sleeve, or he wouldn't be able to walk proper - and the helmet... Was a bit too uneven for his snout. The idea were grand, as it'd give him vision, with a visor he could put down if needed, but also protect his head. They'd even given it a bit of a fancy, old style look, with a stripe of dense , stiff hairs. Made it look like he could polish his shoes with it, which well, he could. But it would be a bit too ill-fitting on his snout, for when he had the bottom section closed to cover that, so they needed to fix that. There were still a notable hole with some bars though, so he shouldn't worry about suffocating, even when he were fully geared up there.
It also came with shoes, which would fit well, but he'd need to get used to walking with them. A bit of extra weight and all that, though it's help him from stepping on things. And if he had to kick something in the face.
One of the twins grabbed the helmet, and went straight over to knock on the forge door, while the other one shrugged. Couldn't take it in there, or the fancy hairs on it, were probably gonna singe.
"Eh, can't all be perfect. Boss'll get it sorted."
Benny would in fact come out right after. The dragon holding a scorching hot blade by the handle, that he'd go over and cool down, before letting the twins have at making it ready. As Benny were a fire aligned dragon, the heat didn't bother him, so there weren't an issue doing things like that. In fact, he found it rather nice and cozy at times. Like being in one of the smaller lava pools back home.
As for the helmet, he'd look at it when given it, and hear the issue, then take a deep breath, and scorch the tip, whilst using his hands to correct it. A continuous flame, leaving the metal red hot, and malleable, while he corrected things slightly, and made sure then to check for any sort of dents. Of which there were one, so he'd do the same, and fix that. It'd be dipped down for cooling, before the twins yanked that too, so they'd each have a thing to finish. A bit of fine grinding, some polishing, nit picking- Y'know, the finishing touches.
"Phew, that outta sort it. Can't have that grind against the side of your snout. That sort's uncomfortable.
Just give them a few to finish things, and we'll see if this lives up to your expectations. How's the rest of the armor though. It seems to fit well on you. Nice and shiny too, heh. If some of my big sisters saw you from above right now, they'd think you prime hoard material."
What? It was a compliment. He were all nice and shiny right now. Dragons loved that sort of thing, for the most part.
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(Magloria)
On 2024-02-26 at 4:18 AM, Spectral Fade said:"I see your point in that case. I am sure that if Spectra does meet them, that there will inevitably be rumors and word getting out about it, so it might be worth it to look into, eventually. That is what I believe would be the case if she does find them. We don't know what she is doing. She could be on her way to them right now with the intention of raising an army to go on an offensive against Equestria, whatever her intentions are - our knowledge is quite limited. My knowledge of this time is limited. And in the time that I have been here, I have only barely scratched the surface."
"For the time being, all we can hope for, is that she does not find out, until we manage to address the situation. After all this, there is hope she will try to lay low, and gather her strength while we are occupied, and if so, we must use every available second we have, to our advantage."
There were a lot of unknown variables in this, and he did not like that. Nor that they had to rely on luck and guesswork to some extend, but it were sadly out of his control. They only had so much personnel, and so much knowledge... To some extend, they sadly had to rely on luck, with their forces being occupied with the populace, and the fire currently.
On 2024-02-26 at 4:18 AM, Spectral Fade said:"I agree. I am not familiar with the term "memory bauble", so there is not much for me to say on that for now. I have no doubt about your team will be able to find something of value. Be careful, and keep us informed incase of any unusual circumstances you come across." Magloria said with a nod, seemingly not finding much need to say much else here. They were to go through and search Spectra's artifacts with a fine comb, weeding out any potential traps or dangers - while cross referencing any historical data that could be found here. There was a lot to go through, so they would certainly have their hooves full with that to say the least. Magloria were from a different time so it was clear that she did not know what certain terms meant. Terms changed over the years. New things discovered - meant for magic was a far wider avenue than it was during her time.
As for the orbs, Magloria had some to speak on about that. "I would suggest that we be present if more orbs shall be opened - as incase there is an incident, we would best be located to help the Generals deal with it. I do not mind having something to eat, for a short break." Magloria stated. She didn't want to take too long to eat, but she couldn't lie - she had to eat something. Anything. Anything would be good. Perhaps her body had surpressed her hunger - but it couldn't any longer."You also know more of the process than most, so you can explain it to others better, if required. I simply ask that you all beware. We cannot for certain say whom we are letting out, and though I am loathe to think in such ways most times, you are encouraged to judge the book by its cover in this case."
"Indeed. We are not in an advantageous position currently, if we unleashed a notable villain.
As for your inquiry, a memory bauble is a general term for magic that infuses memory into an object. The most simple versions using round objects like crystal balls, hence the term. It tends to be used by those with more to remember than they are normally capable, those whose minds are slipping away, in an attempt to cling on to themselves, and overtly paranoid creatures, who do not trust their memories will not be scoured, if they remain in their heads. Those are among the most common use cases, but things can vary greatly from individual to individual. One were known to do it to store cooking recipes, as they kept losing their cookbooks."
Mostly it were harmless things, but as with all things, there were exceptions, and Spectra were likely going to be the exception of many rules. They had only just been made aware of her, and yet she had caused more death, than most of Equestria's adversaries had been anywhere close to doing. She would even go so far as to say that she exceeded the death count of several of the more notable ones, combined. It showed what kind of mare she were, and that made for a large issue. Several in fact, but one that sprung to her mind, were that she might leverage the reaming lives she had locked in, and the areas they were in, in case they did manage to catch her. If she detonated more like this, and especially in rapid succession...
It were not a good thought, but a necessary one. They could not simply avoid thinking of worst case scenarios like this.
On 2024-02-26 at 4:18 AM, Spectral Fade said:As they would turn towards the Cafeteria, Magloria would look to the two of them. "I would like to ask something. Hypothetically, if Spectra were to attack Canterlot on her own - knowing all the time she has had to gather up magic, spells, etc, how long do you think Canterlot would be able to hold out against her? Spectra has had many centuries of time on her hooves to gather up whatever she wanted without anyone finding her. If you were someone intent on conquering Equestria and had that time on your hooves, how would you go about it? Might be useful to think of things from her perspective, in an attempt to gauge and judge how she might potentially move, in order for us to be prepared for potential situations." Magloria spoke.
"What you speak of is also of concern, that we ought to be methodical in opening up each orb. While we won't be able to know and learn of everyone, I would suggest that those who seem more hazardous be kept under observation, at least until it is figured out what to be done with them." Magloria also suggested."The witch would assault the great bastion of Equestria? Hah! She would soon find the pyre warm and ready for her."
"I believe that if she attacked Canterlot now, it would fall."
Ghelzar turned towards the pony with a raised eyebrow, not expecting a response such as this from him.
"Her actions have cause wide spread panic, and our forces are spread thin trying to deal with the fire, cleanup, the refugees from the affected areas, public assurances, and so on, and so forth. Canterlot still has their guards, but they are not many. Not enough to keep a dedicated treat away for long, and the princesses are still trying to assess how to handle things.
They would fight certainly, but Spectra have shown that she cares not for the loss of life. I would think she would eye the chance to pain the town red, and cause the princesses to act emotionally to it. I do not believe they would die, but they care for the citizens. They would take whom they could, and teleport them from the city, then retreat. I can't imagine Spectra would willingly get lured away from a battlefield, in which her enemies care for the well being of those in it, whilst to her, they are easily breakable distractions. It would be to her advantage to fight in Canterlot, which would leave a choice: The citizenry, or the city. And a city can be rebuild.
Much as I like to pride that Canterlot is a strong bastion, that does not fall with ease, we do need to accept reality, and work from what we know. And as it stands, if she approaches without her strength weakening notably, Canterlot might very well fall right now. We are not prepared to handle her yet, but the more time passes before she tries, the better we stand. The preparation time will be of great importance, when it comes to whatever or not we can withstand a siege.
Time will also allow us to call upon unconventional allies, that will have us stand stronger. For now though, I believe we should eat."
They would reach the cafeteria a little after this. He had not addressed Magloria's suggestion, but it were mostly due to how he already had done so, as had the general. There were broad agreement to be cautious of whom were released. The big, mean looking centaur for instance, were not gonna get out for a while. He reeked of bad news, and while it might not be the case, it were plausible enough to where they had to thread cautiously.
The cafeteria simple. The food were readied and laid out in various containers behind the clear glass that separated the cooking staff from the guards, and you just had to go up and ask for what you wanted from the personnel. They'd hoof over some utensils too if needed, and there were a wide spread of things. Including as it were, meat. Yes it were not much, but they had a few that needed it at times, and as such, they had diversified some.
Ghelzar knew what he wanted for certain, as he smelled the air, and felt his stomach growl. It had truly been long since last he ate, and that were true even before he had been trapped. He had told himself he'd eat once he were done with his work in the town where he had been taken. Now however, it were long overdue, that he got something to feast upon.
The one behind the counter had to look a few times more, as she saw the griffon, and then noticed the milkiness in his eyes. Had he not come in with the captain, she would outright have thought he had somehow gotten lost and ended in here by accident.
He would ask for a drink of fine taste, a healthy portion of the meats they did have - mostly boiled down to some fried fish and spiced ground beef - along with some greens. Had she not seen otherwise, the mare behind the desk would not believe him blind. Odd though, considering the way he spoke. She also weren't sure what a drink of fine taste meant, so she added a cherry soda. It were one of the better options they had, so.,.. Maybe? If not, he could simply come up and replace it.
Magloria would likely be next in line, with a large amount of food, of which most were warm. Some heat crystals underneath the pot did wonders with stuff like this.
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I don't much care for the presentation itself honestly. I sucked at those in school. xD
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On 2024-02-25 at 8:43 AM, EQ_Theta said:
“I’ve heard of the Evergrown and Dryads, but I have never seen one. A friend once suggested that our similarities may mean the possibility of us living close to each other without us finding out. Maybe they just don’t want us to see them. But what you said about your ancestors walking among the living… that must be special to know there is more beyond the end of one’s physical life. It’s a comforting thought.”
“As for reincarnation, that is new to me. I’ve always thought draconequii live very long lives, almost like they are eternal. I mean, Discord is chaos, right? As long as chaos exists, so will he. Or am I misunderstanding something about reincarnation being part of that?”
"Draconequui are not the source of things such as chaos. More of a representation, that can harness the raw potential of the thing they spawn from. Discord is the purest representation of chaos, from which they all technically springs, and thus are considered the lord of it, but chaos will be, if he lives or dies. If it were different, the world would be a barren place, devoid of thought, as there'd be only order. And things such as free will, are too chaotic for that kind.
Ah, but you seem to think them immortal too, yes? They are not, I'm afraid. They are ageless, just like the alicorns, and strong enough that they will not easily die from any sort of fight, but draconequui have died, and eventually, more of them will die. How exactly varied. Some just wane in power over time, and vanishes. Others are killed by stronger beings, or their own. Best any can tell, they don't mind. They understand death is the inevitable end to life. But they are powerful demigods, and energy like that tends to not just vanish. Hence they believe in reincarnation. A brand new draconequui, ready to take on the world.
Sometimes there is more draconequui, other times less. They think that the new soul is just waiting for its moment, yes? Either to be born as they have offspring of their own, or through some act that spawns them. Like the Grand Nightmare Discord caused, which spawned Fright from the intense fear most beings felt.
Legends even have it they have a draconequui from the olden times, that represents death. Most consider it a fairy tale, but they do tend to tense up, if you speak the name of Mortimer around them. Heh, stories even tell of the olden times, when Discord would come to us every now and again, that he forbade the mentioning of the word."
"More than likely just their own beliefs, without substance. A draconequui spawned out of death itself, would be immensely powerful. There would be abundant stories about them."
"Oh, let an old fox dream, Zhao. It seems like an ever so fascinating story."
"Very well, Elder Sohe.
As for the evergrown and dryads... The dryads would have let it be known, if they lived near you. They are too curious by nature, about other races. Evergrown have been very reclusive, after what the Equestrians did to them, and are good at hiding. Even their scouting parties to find new homes, goes in secret, to avoid detection. You might have them nearby, and you'd never know, unless some anti-magic, or another evergrown came through. They always could see through their own defenses like that. Not too unlike us kitsune in honest."
On 2024-02-25 at 8:43 AM, EQ_Theta said:“Speaking with spirits sounds special! Maybe there might be a place for that in longma beliefs and practices if we could reach out to the spirits of our kind. There is already great reverence for our departed as we tend to the trees that are planted with their ashen remains, but it usually ends with those who stay true to the ways of our kind. Those who stray from it are not given the same courtesy, which calls many things to question… Maybe the restless of our kind could also find their rest.”
The longma had more to say on the matter, but Lin stirred again as she lay. This time, Sen noticed and watched, hoping they could have a better look at her or check up on her condition. He’d pause his conversation with Elder Sohe for now to see if there was more, although the stirring grew little by little despite Lin remaining asleep. Maybe it was a sign that she may be coming back into consciousness soon...
"Sister moves. Do you think she is waking up?"
"It is hard to say."
"It is a good sign though. Most remain motionless for hours or days, before they start to show much of anything. You might be fortunate, and she will wake within the hour."
"We should probably have some refreshments ready for that. An ordeal like that, will have taken its toll. On you too, Zhao."
"I suppose it cannot hurt to have something prepared. If she wakes up before I am back, be prepared to perhaps hold her down. Waking up after this can sometimes be momentarily disorienting. Shouldn't be more than a few seconds, but just in case, keep her from Elder Sohe, until you're certain of her mental state."
Zhao would leave after that, and would return eventually. For now there were but them, and Elder Sohe present. The latter of whom would have a seat in the corner.
"Aaah, that was better. These old bones just aren't what they used to anymore, I'm afraid.
Sen? Those traditions of yours, I would think you're right, that a longma who did not have that, could get stuck. I have learned enough of the subject, to know that souls who linger, are mostly because they can't find rest. Traditional burials, can help on that quite a lot. Lacking that, could well be unnerving. Even angering to some.
This is why we make sure that our kin gets a proper burial. Even the exiles, if their bodies are found, will be taken and given their proper dues. Their punishment are meant for when they live, not to make them suffer after. As for how? We use small urns. A part of them at the least, will be burned, and placed in that urn, in one of our towns, waiting for the day where our ancestors come. They will guide them home, when they leave again.
Not always there is a soul left. Some passes well on their own, but it is tradition. A last mark of respect, from their kin, and family. I know next to nothing of your kind, but it is comforting to know that you bury your death with respect."
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On 2024-02-23 at 8:29 AM, Evil Pink One said:He'd soon grab Shark and bring her near to him for a hug, not caring if it would disturb her or if she would allow it.
It was a selfish desire, his actions was.
A deep strong yet gentle hug.
" good morning." He said calmly to her.
Shark would rouse up as she were grabbed, going in closer, and wrapped her muscular tail around him. Her tensing up, showed that she had been thinking they were trying to take her away from him, or vice versa. That until he spoke, and then drew her in for a kiss. A pony one that were, which she had to train at some point, but she were too excited to think of that right now, and just licked his face repeatedly, with great delight and joy. Her tail were positively wagging. To a point where considering the strength and weight of the limb, it were making his bed rustle around. The nurse were starting to think she had to come over and hold it, to prevent them both from falling down, when thankfully the wagging would tone down a little, and the vibrations would subside enough where she didn't think it would tip over.
"Mate is safe! Mate is okay!"
On 2024-02-23 at 8:29 AM, Evil Pink One said:" how long was i out? What happened?"
He knows that Shark was fine since she's there. But what of the others?
Is he allowed to leave now? What was that that attacked them? Should he head to anomaly? Or to head mistress starlight? Should he involve others?
" so whats next ma'am?" He asked the nurse.
"Oh my. She's certainly... Energetic.
As for your questions, you were out for a few hours, while the toxins cleansed from your system. According to Lieutenant Foxglove, you should be cured, but she will know more details than I. She were the only one who seemed to know about what had befallen you, so she took over your treatment. Doctor Toxina seemed to know too, and evaluated, but she seemed satisfied with the treatment the lieutenant set forth. It was very fortunate, considering we still aren't entirely sure what attacked you. Some kind of exotic pet, I think?
As for what's next, I'd prefer if you would stay here, until the lieutenant can sign you out herself. You are technically her patient, until she discharges you. It's simply protocol.
Before that, can you tell me how you are perhaps? Just in case there are any side effects we should be aware of."
It were just some standard questions to get out of the way. The faster that were done, the faster they could move on to other things. Such as him getting discharged, before his peculiar marefriend would make a permanent bed out of him. It seemed he wouldn't mind, and it were cute, but at the same time, they had some rules, and they couldn't keep wasting brooms. Nopony had been dumb enough to go and touch her themselves after the first time, and honestly, it were part of why Foxglove had to take over the procedure in full. She had helped Shark get him here, so the peculiar mare would give some semblance of leniency to the lieutenant, long as she were careful.
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Manehattan were a nice place indeed, though they had their own problems. Yet instead of Ponyville's problem, these were more down to earth, and manageable via tools available to normal ponies. For the most part. They did have their peculiarities, cursed trinkets, crazies thinking of higher power, the usual. But nothing as major as Tirek, or Discord. Not so far at least. But a new day could bring all kinds of odd surprises with them, now couldn't it? And today had the bearings of being a strange day, with the potential for something odd, or major. That would be up to the newly arrived specialty guard to figure out.
Getting towards the morgue, he'd find that whilst he did get looks, and some whispered among themselves about him, there were other talks too. One pair for instance, were talking as they sat side by side on a bench, of tales of strange creatures in and around town. Stuff like wandering skeletons in dresses, large tree creatures, someone who spewed flames, and mind controlling fauna. One of them said that it were just overblown hysteria, and probably something with changelings, showing a bias there. The other would claim it wasn't, and also bring up one of the schools that had been overrun by exploding insects, and collapsed. The former would claim it were probably just bad infrastructure, but they both agreed it were nice they hadn't heard of anypony being in there, when it collapsed.
Hard to say what were true, and what were gossiping though. Folks liked telling tall tales, like Slenderpony, or the Ghost Tenor of Southern Lane. The guards in Canterlot had plenty of stories like that, they heard from all over the kingdom. One even claimed to have known somepony, who was visiting a grave, and one of the statues moved and tried to grab him. Most things had no proof to it, but stories could still be entertaining, and it helped pass the time.
He should be able to get to the morgue without any direct incident. Who'd go up and approach him after all, lest there was a problem to handle?
He would finally be approached as he'd get to the morgue though. If he tried using the door, somepony would try and exit just as he'd attempt to enter. It almost made her drop the apparent steel briefcase that she had been carrying, if she were just shocked by him. If they actually impacted, she would drop it, though it didn't clack open. In either case, the mare would correct her glasses, before addressing him.
"My apologies. I appear to have been somewhat distracted by-"
Her words faltered as she looked at him. Though she didn't look horrified, as much as slightly curious. As for her? She didn't look too out of the ordinary. A unicorn mare, with a grey coat, with a short red mane and tail. The pupils behind the glasses were red, and if he knew his glass, he'd be able to tell this wasn't prescription, but just window glass. Her horn were also broken, with about a third seemingly broken off, which likely meant she couldn't use magic currently. Tragic, but it happened at times.
"...Fascinating. Not just layers of metal, but seeming integration. I wonder..."
She'd shake her head.
"Apologies sir, I didn't mean to stare. You just remind me of some of the sketches that an old colleague of mine made. He always believed in seamless unification of metal and flesh. Your presence caused some memories of that to return. Better times.
But I will not waste your likely valuable time with such trivialities, sir. Have a good day, and in case you were a friend of the recently diseased, you have my condolences."
Lest there were something else, or questions to be asked, she would be on her way, and leave the guard to confront either his duties. He were more than likely here about the body she had glimpsed, that she wasn't meant to. Grizzly business, and then came a guard... One would assume this were duty, but it could also be a friend. She ruled nothing out. Though either way, she would not interrupt his doings. There were plenty enough for her to do, as it were.
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"An alliance of convenience? Admirable, and in these peculiar times, outright wise. I have not been here in Equestria proper for long, but I already hear stories of the things they had to face in the last few years, and the frequency is disturbing, though not as much as the seeming escalation.
This town appears to attract the worst of things, likely drawn to Princess Sparkle in some fashion, and they have gotten exponentially more dangerous, with her not taking any true precautions, from what I have been told. At this rate, something will eventually show up, that can't be handled by ordinary means, and creatures will die. You and yours working in a largely preemptive manner, to avoid things escalating to an unsustainable level, is more than likely sorely needed. Or we might well end up with this country under the heel of tyranny, or worse.
You seem a capable dragon, and I would assume them just as much, if not more, in their respective fields. There is likely little I could offer to help, but I do have the ear of the local princess. Study partners in a sense, as it were. If not me, then perhaps you would in time require her, and I could see to help in that regard, if things stay well. Ponies are finicky creatures, and as you said, a dragon's life lives are long. Just as they are for the alicorns. It is hard to predict what is to come.
Well, lest you are Zhu I would imagine, but it is not as if that one would ever willingly show his face, lest something terrible were about to happen.
Regardless, if in some fashion you can use aid eventually, I would be willing to listen. I find this place to be if not perfect, then suitable. It would be highly detrimental if the country were suddenly on fire, or a war-torn ravaged wasteland."
She would also miss some of the ponies here, if she were honest, but these were still new ties to be made. It were questionable how many would want to actually get to know her, and vice versa. The princess did, but she were also a highly curious mind, presented with a long time study partner, over various things. For the time being, that being the tome that had over time gotten Nerzhei banished. It were an intriguing puzzle for them both, and whilst they hadn't scheduled their first proper read through yet, Nerzhei had seen the look in Twilight's eyes, as they discussed it. The princess hungered for knowledge, much as she. A young mind, so filled with curiosity... Lest things changed, she believed the princess could become a good friend over time. Better than any she had before at the least, barring maybe Lotus, but sadly, her bunny's lifespan were short. Miniscule really, for a dragon. A blink of an eye, and her lifespan had run its course.
When that day came, she knew she would be sad, yet that just left all the more reason to treasure the time they did have.
"I would assume I shouldn't ask too many questions about your companions, nor of what steps you are wanting to take currently, but perhaps I might offer some advice in their stead? A newcomer to these forests have recently taken lodging in the old castle. I would advise you to try and avoid that, as you wander through the forest. Draconequui are... Fickle creatures, best to leave undisturbed if possible.
Mind me asking though... You have spoken about your order, and I admit to take notes, as there is a fascinating history there. Yet you are among the more intelligent and level-headed dragons I have known, so out of respect, I would ask if you would prefer I keep this to myself, or if it is something that I might bring up if the conversation goes in such ways? I do not much like to let history be forgotten, but this is your history, and one with a grim tale associated with it, I take it. I get the feeling it might be prudent to be on the safe side in this regard."
She weren't planning on taking all his time. Him and his, were likely to want to move on soon enough, but it were a shame. She had rarely had a chat with dragons, that didn't make her feel that she were speaking to a troglodyte. The vast amount she had met sadly, were about as sharp as a pool ball, and thus she'd get nowhere having a longer conversation with them.
Still, they had potentially thousands of years ahead of them. There were plenty of chances for them to perhaps talk other times to. Be it in a day, or a decade, time were relative so to speak, when your life span were as vast as they were for dragons.
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On 2024-02-24 at 10:54 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:Due to this, he wasn't really aware of what happened around him, so when the restrains got loose, he had no idea if he had burned them or if they just failed, nor did he think about it, as he could tell there was still something close by, and he took off running towards the exit. If the exit was still blocked, he'd freeze for a moment in front of it, before in his panicked state, he would test the barrier by sticking one finger/toe into it, just past the claw. This presumably burned his scales and flesh, which made him yelp and pull it away, leading to him pulling himself into a protective ball and staying there, Fight nor Flight was an option, so his instinct didn't know what else to do.
If the exit wasn't blocked, or it for some reason spared him from its effect, he'd keep running away from the temple for a while.
Strangely enough, the entrance were open, sort of. A section of the black magic had a hole, big enough for Charir to get through, long as he kept his wings close to his body. He would however, also run straight into Spicy if he did so, as she were but a meter from the door, looking on in confusion.
"Ouch! What's the- Hey the lil' fellah! Where's your friends?"
If he just kept running, after plowing into her, she'd look towards where he took off, then the temple, and shake her head. This here were starting to smell like one of those times when a lot of stuff started to go wrong. The sort where she'd be best off not getting too involved, but knew she had to. So she'd load up a few things from her wagon, and go in.
If Charir stopped though, assuming he had enough wits about him to remember her, perhaps he'd act differently. Could be that he'd try and lead/force her inside to help his friends. Or he'd hide in her wagon, smashing the door. Could be something third entirely. Hard to say how folks would act sometimes, y'know? Either way, she'd probably be in there soon, ready to try and see if she couldn't actually do something about whatever this were.
On 2024-02-24 at 10:54 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:Ruby looked genuinely surprised by the question? "Who?" "The only male in our group is a dragon." "And while I saw the skeleton with the staff helping you out, I have opened no caskets." "Must be some other pair of ponies, your servants were already walking around when we got here." since she was telling the truth, everything in the way she said it showed as much "I assure you, if I knew who you are talking about, I would happily bring them to you, wouldn't mind skinning them alive myself." honestly, if she did ever learn who to blame for this, she may actually do that.
"Yeah, we just showed up, and this place was crawling with skeletons."
This were so messed up, talking to what seemed like a mummified, ancient deer. Frankly this whole thing were gonna end up in her top 50 weird situation. Probably around 24'th so far, but things weren't over yet. Could still end up climbing the ranks.
"We know it to have been ponies Male, and female. The dragon that ran, were not the wakener, nor is she. But we will see if the answer will matter..
Take them away, and prepare the altar."
"What?! No way am I just gonn-Urgh!"
Her bindings would tighten around her, and she'd be wrapped up into a ball again, and taken away westwardly.
"You will both stay, 'til we know if you spout lies."
She'd be taken in after that, and would soon enough find herself locked in a cage, with guards leaving her. It was a good cage really Nice and sturdy metal, even if time had been a bit rough on the metal, and the stone around them. But a regular pony her size, wouldn't just be able to handle that either. They assumed it fine to leave her there.
As for Leviathan, there were no sign of her. She had seemingly not been taken away alongside her, but rather gone elsewhere. Potentially to ensure Ruby did not to something regrettable. Or it might end up that she were currently being flayed to join the undead hordes.
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The inn would start to simmer down, with all the activity being over. A fair few who had rooms, would want to retreat to their rooms, and try to just sit with their thoughts for a bit. Some of the locals would want to go home, and check on if it were still there, and to check up on their families. Several would remain though, needing a drink and some company after today.
The innkeeper would stay behind the desk for now, and just wash some glasses for now, and observing how things went. She weren't sure about Chega, Sear, and the two others. They were not local, and they seemed to have known the one that were acting up before, but they also seemed to help clean up after, rather than follow... Weren't really her place to ask about this she supposed. Not unless something happened. For now it were best if she just kept o doing what she did best.
That were until the helpful lady had suddenly gone over, sand slammed her head into the table. That... Didn't seem all that healthy. She'd get company soon after, but she would find that the Innkeeper - that being Bubble Tea - would stand over there soon as well, though she didn't make physical contact. Not everypony liked that sort of thing.
"Excuse me miss, but are you okay?"
She'd probably be told off. Wouldn't be the first time, nor the last, and she had gotten sorta jaded to it over time. Yet still, she did worry when she saw this sort of thing. Sometimes it led to somepony just needing to drink reality away for a bit. Other times, it were just a long day, like Stargazer had uttered the time he had come in, and done something similar. Though it didn't make as much noise as what Sheska had just done. It could also be an issue, like per se, a medical issue. Plenty of options, so when she saw this sort of thing, she felt compelled to go and check up on the one in question.
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The next post, will have Shade starting his examination.
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(Spectra)
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:"It was my bard's personal preference, one can suppose. I take it you have sacrificed many live ponies in your time."
"Rarely have I needed to sully myself, with the blood of the unwilling. Yet some kills, to bring me bodies for harvest, aiming to make a deal. And the more they ask for, the more I demand, and some have needed to give of themselves, to appease the deal they want made. Others come here for worship, giving of themselves willingly, to show their devotion- The most devoted or desperate, even offering their names.
Fae halted this, yet the great work never ends, it only pauses."
At a certain point, a life could be sectioned and valued at a certain worth, if you had the right set of mind for that kind of amoral business. Thriceborne knew the worth of a life, from one to the other, and what their parts might too be worth. It were part of what she did, and were about to do to to this mare too. Although she had already been paid, in her freedom. This were her completing the transaction on her end. Not that they couldn't make more deals some other time, if for instance she wanted for wings on her new vessel. They could come to an arrangement.
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:"When this is done, you may harvest my body for parts you may need. I am not going to go through the trouble of carrying a husk out of here. Consider it added payment for this transaction."
Thriceborne did not answer, but would nod. The body were peculiar. Old by the looks of things. There may be some uses for a body from olden times for her, in one fashion or another.
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:Spectra would shift slightly once she was able to move, looking over at Thriceborne as she put away the dagger.
"...What consequences?" is all Spectra could ask, with her new voice. Little did Spectra know - her soul wasn't alone inside of this body.
Still though, her Arcadian Blood had remained within Yuma. Mixed, but still there in far more proportion than anyone still alive as far as she knew.She would not gain an answer, before Thriceborne had put down her tools properly. When she had, she would turn around, her eyes having returned to normal, and her expression again neutral, as she gazed upon Spectra in her vessel, whilst the old one laid where it had been left. Breathing, and looking asleep, yet it were but an empty husk. A home with the lights on, but no one in residence.
"I asked of you, had you any conditions I should be aware of. You thought it for my own amusement? These rituals are delicate, and precise. Have you any affliction of the blood, or the vessel had an illness, it would delay, or even complicate matters, were I not told prior. Most times, I can still handle things, albeit I will not look kindly upon deceit, some are simply unaware, and I know well what I am doing.
And then there are magical afflictions. And the one you had, you could not have been unaware of. No, that kind are debilitating. Life altering. Yet still, you could have avoided much, had you but told me. I could have taken her out of the vessel in full then. Yet you held back. The magical flow were altered, and the path is set.
You should start hearing it soon. If you not already are?"
"Where... Where am I? What happened?"
A familiar voice would start to speak in her mind. Weak at first, but it would only grow stronger over time, as things began settling more. For now, it were but a weak voice, belonging to a confused, worried mare, who couldn't see anything, nor understood why she didn't feel anything. In time, she'd be able to see too, but the eyes wouldn't be hers to control. She were trapped, as were the one who did this to her.
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(Stern)
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:"I was doing that long before you were in the Guard. Other friends of mine would do it and we'd talk about it a lot. Of course, none of us succeeded on those bets." he chuckled somewhat. "I don't know what keeps him around still. Maybe its that, maybe something else. I don't know. Let's go wait to get the armor and then we'll be done with milling around and get down to business. I bet Hailstorm will understand why it took me so long to join the others back in that room. Every guard needs a registration and proper armor after all." he added.
"I'm certain he will understand. The captain does well, and have helped in keeping up with responsibilities, as Captain Shining have started to transition more and more towards being fully in the Crystal Empire. He'll know you need time to prepare, and to get armored up. I think he expected it to potentially take a while. That's another reason I think he made sure I came along. I can help with directions, and smoothen out any potential issue that might happen. Though it's been fairly calm so far. So that's nice."
On their way back towards Benny, there'd be a few group of guards that were rushing off to other assignments. One of them halted, then look at Stern, and go on to whisper something amongst themselves, whilst sending him glances. Quite unkind one, as a matter of fact. Which were why the lieutenant would excuse herself, and wander over.
"Is there a problem?"
"How couldn't there be?"
"I know it's before your time lieutenant, but that there's Stern."
"Outta be court-marshalled and tossed in the cages at Shark Bay."
"Hah, yeah, or-"
"That will be more than enough, recruit."
The group were surprised and halted talking, when her voice grew harsher, and she looked at them with a less than kind look herself.
"I am well aware who he is. I am also aware of Equestria's position on rehabilitation, and its tolerance policy for this sort of behavior, just as you should be.
But perhaps you have forgotten, and would prefer to be reassigned to Sergeant Helmsworth's unit instead?"
"What? No."
"No what?"
"N-No ma'am."
"Good. Now get out of my sight, before I change my mind."
They'd scurry along, and Foxglove would - after being certain they were gone, let out a deep sigh, and ease her posture again, before returning to Stern.
"Sorry you had to see that. I don't particularly like to do... Well, that. It's not what the guard should be like. We should be above stuff like that, and it grinds my gears when I see some who so brazenly think being a guard means they're above things, like the tolerance policies.
*sigh* But we were going to see if Benny were ready, yes? We should keep going. He'll probably have at least some of it out and cooling now."
Lest there were something, she'd keep leading on, and when they got there, they would indeed find some stuff being ready outside, with the two ponies from the forge, currently being in the process of polishing a fresh set of armor.
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(Magloria)
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:"Something to consider then. Can have a message sent to those individuals, if their location is known - that if a true blood Arcadian does happen to show up, it is likely to be the one we are looking for and that the Guard would need to know about it. Though whether or not they'd act upon it would be doubtful."
"We keep track of them if they pass through, but they don't have a set location. They come from all over the country, and beyond. An individual called the Magistrate, sends out a message at random intervals, that it is time for a pilgrimage, but there is no set schedule. Just as there is no trace of whom the sender is, and while we have asked, all of the members have refused to say who it is. It's not a group of interest, and they do help around the places they pass through, so we never had much reason to look further into it. There's enough real dangers to worry about, so we have limited it to just asking questions every now and again, and a few searches, to make sure everything's on the up and up. There's been nothing, and no changes, so it hasn't been a priority.
Yes, the hidden leader is peculiar, but hardly something that required a large scale investigations, unless something changed. And now that it have, we do not have the personnel to go and do something about it, until after we have dealt with the aftermath of what Spectra did. The mountains exploding will have caused wide spread panic, and caused anyone in the immediate area to have to be evacuated. There's fires, refugees around, trouble that have to be handled in the various towns, before some doomsayer gets a riot going, and so on. The larger force of the Equestrian army, will be will be occupied with this for days.
When we do have time, if she have not made a move, I will advise the generals that we should have the known operatives watched., in case something does change, and then try to track the Magistrate down. But we cannot have the word spread to them, that there might be an actual Arcadian out there. They might be too insistent on assisting them, no matter what they might have done. We can't say for sure, and as such, they have to be left in the dark. And yes, I will have some dispatched to guard their holy site, in case she learns of them, and decides to go there to wait."
Fact simply were that they had to use their resources properly. Which did not include running after every potential problem, that seemed benign, when they had actual criminals and horrible monsters to deal with. Ideally they could spare forces and resources to everything, but there were a matter of priority, and this group had never been one. They were about as dangerous as those selling foal-scout cookies.
...He could really do with a package of thin mints right about now actually...
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:"I do believe with all of us working together on this project, we will be able to cover all of our grounds. Perhaps there might be others such as you within these orbs, who might be useful to us such as yourself." M
"Potentially, but as is evident by Ghelzar, she have not been against capturing highly dangerous individuals in the past. We need to assume some will also be enemies of the kingdom. They will work on identifying notable ones fast as we can, but I am not naive enough to believe that we won't slip up, and miss somepony."
"Preparing for failure, is hardly a thing done in error. Best be prepared, lest hubris brings you low."
So this pony also accepted that he were imperfect, and were likely to cause some error, from a mistake? Fascinating. Ghelzar were used to leadership considering themselves infallible, and beyond High Priestess Goldenhawk herself, he hadn't found that anyone were. And he acknowledged that he may be somewhat biased in that regard.
As for this one? He were so far staying a creature of interest. Perhaps this assignment would not be as lackluster as he had assumed? Then again, he had yet to see the captain work in the field, during actual combat. The two of them had traded a blow earlier, but it were just for show. He could tell the captain held back too, only using the appropriate amount of force to get his attention. He probably couldn't defeat a griffon like himself, yet still, he were curious as to what would happen, when things became less calm, and he were not within safe walls.
On 2024-02-21 at 7:29 AM, Magloria said:"If Shade is to search the material was retrieved, I would suggest written material. Books. Diaries. Anything that could be considered personal. We need to know who Spectral Fade really is, if that is really even her real name. We know she is Arcadian, but how did she get into this position of power? Where does it come from? What was her upbringing? Those are questions that would provide useful to defeating her. The key of defeating your enemy, is to know them. Learn their motivations, history, and upbringing." Magloria suggested.
"While I concur, I believe you are not considering all possibilities. Any books of hers, are likely to be laced with falsehoods. If she's so keen on hiding who she is, why would she openly have information in her possession that were easily accessible? Even if she believed her treasures safe, this explosion tells me that she is likely overly cautious about anything related to herself, to the point of paranoia. She would be unlikely to have anything just lying around, that wasn't just false leads.
Things will be examined, but it have to be done carefully. Anything real, could potentially be only in her head, or handed in a way that is not meant to be decoded. We also cannot rule out the possibility of memory baubles, implanted into any of the things of importance that she kept.
The plan of action is going to revolve around everything being categorized, and studied closely by our agents, a historian to cross reference any points of interest, and to spot more obvious inconsistencies, and a magical researcher, in case some of it are dangerous, or as said, holds a mind bauble, or something similar. When everything is done, they will bring it here to the castle for closer examination of a wider array of teams. I would say the deep cells, just in case there is a trigger on them that would try and cause more devastation.
I believe we should also call upon the assistance of one from the O.M.I. Would you concur, Dew?"
"Certainly. They tend to know a little here and there on magic. Perhaps there is something they can learn as well."
Screecher were not a mare chosen because she was a pretty mare, with a strong poker face. She were intelligent, and thought about things from several angles. It had made her rise quickly in the ranks, after she had joined twelve years ago, and had been one the previous general had relied upon near the end of his tenure, to properly plan any large scale tactical maneuver, as she thought of things he had overlooked. It made picking her as his successor fairly trivial, and it helped too that her and Dew always had a healthy amount of respect for one another. The transition were thus fairly smooth.
She were also the reason the Night Guards had Shade and his team. She used to have some guards who would handle certain low rung stuff, but she acknowledged that they were in some need of a specialized team, to handle espionage, and more shady business. The Solar Guard had theirs, even before Phantasma - though she considered this mare more ruthlessly efficient than her predecessor - but they had been lacking.
And then one day, she hears of a prisoner. One who were caught and put in a cell, due to his appearance, even though he hadn't truly done anything else, than creeping others out. She had gone to personally extend her apologies for the gross negligence in his capture, and then, they had started talking. He were one who worked in shadows, quite literally, and had no home to call his own anymore. He was angry, alone, and though he wouldn't show it, she could tell he were scared. He hadn't the safety net he once had, and being away from the sanctuary where others like him did their thing without judgement, he were also painfully aware of what kind of pariah he'd be out here. He wouldn't have much hope of being anything but potentially a bounty hunter. He had several useful skills that could work in that field, even if he considered it to be a steep fall from grace.
She were ever a mare to see potential though, and she would admit, she felt sympathy for him, after learning of the circumstances that led to his exile. So she offered him purpose, whilst being honest to him what it would entail. The risks, what others would be likely to say, what she expected of him to do, if the call came- They were in talks for hours, but in time, he would bend the knee, and swear fealty to the crown, and she had found him a reliable stallion, worthy of the trust she put into him.
Might be that Princess Celestia wanted nothing to do with him, but Princess Luna understood the need. In her day, she had her own flock to handle grizzly affairs too, before her banishment. The descendants of whom, had recently had members joining the Night Guard, to still serve her. Fanatics the lot of them really, but they were well trained, feverishly loyal fanatics. In battle, they could be relied upon to do what they had to, even if it meant their death. For the glory of the night majesty, yes?
Not that it mattered much. The old order were disbanded, and the remaining descendants scattered, looking for new purpose. Lest they caused trouble, it were of little concern, and if need be, they would likely fight for whatever area they were in, in case some chaos happened due to the current incident. That would be a relief for their scattered troops, and also the reason she had made sure messages were sent out for local guards to look for those with their mark, along with the more immediate orders, so they could have them assist in case one were there, and were needed. The princesses seal would grab their attention.
"Very well then, it seems things are in order. I will summon and brief Shade in a moment then."
"Quite so. Return to bring more out from the gems for the time being, but keep the number to under ten for the day. We are spread thin, and if one turns out to be an issue, they could end up causing more trouble than normal. We cannot afford chaos currently. Unless you see signs that their vitals might be decreasing. If even a minute amount, call for more, and speed up the process. We have already lost too many."
"Very well, generals. At your leave."
He would salute, with the generals nodding to them, before returning to their work. There were still much to do.
On the way back, Hailstorm would ask a question of his two guests as it were.
"We will pass the cafeteria on our way back. Are you two holding up, or are you feeling famished? It gets harder to keep focus for most, when they grow hungry enough, and we need everypony at their sharpest."
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(Ardee)
The fox did sense something were off, but wasn't sure what exactly. Its pony were acting strange, before she were about to shoot it against the other one. Was she afraid she'd miss? Maybe sheee- *whoosh*
It wouldn't have much time to think before it were shot off, going at higher velocity than previously. It made moving the arrow a bit more difficult, but she had shot it well, so it didn't need to do a lot more than get ready.
It might not have hit at all though, it it wasn't for the fortuitous arrival of some shadowy tentacles. Which did spook the fox, as it had certainly not expected something like that to arrive. Thankfully it didn't let go, and the arrow managed to hit a few feathers, barely needing it to pull on anything, other than the arrow. It was a nice shot from Ardee's side. If it could speak, it would tell her that, but it would try and convey things in a different way, if it got the chance.
For the time being... Well, whatever came up, must come down again, as they said, and so the arrow would soon start to plunge, and get down and hit the ground. Thankfully it did not hit anyone, cause that would have been really hard to explain. How would one expect to react, to suddenly getting a paper fox flying in on an arrow, with some magical feathers stuck to said arrow, jabbed into their shoulder? Or eye. An arrow could do a lot of harm. But that might have been another reason she wanted it to go on it. To make sure it were steered away from hitting someone? She were smarter than it had just thought.
For now, the arrow were safely stuck in the ground, keeping the two feathers in place. The paper fox would go off the arrow and go look a bit closer at the feathers. It wasn't an expert or anything on... Well, anything really. It was a construct, that had only recently been made, with baseline knowledge to be functional and helpful, that hadn't had much chance to expend yet. Anyway, it could still tell that these were magical. If it had seen Basher getting younger earlier when they were jabbed in, that would have been obvious, but it had been unfolded and trying to help Ardee. It had a very limited viewing point at the time, and hadn't seen what he were doing. It heard him though, but wasn't sure what he had been going on about.
Ah well, maybe it would some day. For now, it would try and yoink the arrow and the feathers, out of the ground. If it could, it would bite down on said arrow and be on its way, to bring it back to Ardee. Or at least where it knew she had been before. She'd probably want these things back, and it would avoid getting in contact with others on its way to get there. Which could include it going invisible, but it wanted to preserve energy, and it didn't know how that would work with the arrows, so it would avoid affecting it. So at worst, you'd see a couple of arrow in the air, seemingly rushing around near the ground by itself, which wasn't stealthy. So why even bother using the magic?
If it were well and truly stuck, or the feathers caused some sort of issue that made it weary, it would instead go around it, and toss as much sand and such that it could around the arrow. Ideally it would be able to cover it fully. If not, if it could at least cover some, it could stand up against it, and get ready to hide it from view, in case someone got here. This belonged to Ardee, and no one else.
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(Null)
Seemed like she got a few helpers on this, with Mongoose seemingly trying to grasp Basher, along with an arrow hitting. One she'd assume had been shot by Ardee, since who else would shoot an arrow at him? Didn't seem to really do much, but it were appreciated still, and both of them helping did help her to close the gap. Basher was a fast flyer, and thought she tried, Null were not exactly an experienced flyer. Without help, there'd be no way she'd realistically catch up to him. And yet, she still had to strain herself to fly as fast as possible now. It were probably gonna leave her with sore wings or something later, but that was an issue for future her. Current her didn't have the time to think about this, and just had to fly, and prepare herself to try and hit Basher, so they'd get down to ground level.
It'd be nice to do something about the unicorn seemingly helping him too, but if she got distracted by that one, she'd loose Basher, so she just had to hope that the mare wouldn't be able to help her much more than this, or it were gonna become an even greater pain in her rear to get this done. She might even have to try and chase him over the dunes, which likely wouldn't help once Mongoose couldn't help anymore, due to again the fact, that Basher were faster than her. She'd need to try and chase his trail, and hope she had more stamina than him at that point.
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On 2024-02-21 at 3:42 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“I… yes. Elder Zhao is right. I should have kept things under control, not make them worse.”
"What is youth, if not a time to make mistakes?"
Elder Sohe wouldn't judge, but just chuckle, as a few mistakes of her past came to mind rather fast. Aaah, what a little scamp she once were, and such trouble she got into. But that came from not knowing better. She grew up, she learned, and so, she faced her grey years now with wisdom. Largely from having learned not just from her mistakes, but those of others.
"Few are wise in youth, dear child. We are inexperienced, and lacking foresight. So we make mistakes. Some bigger than others, yet long as you live, there is the chance to learn from them. To understand how you erred, and what led there, so you can better yourself. You do that, and in time, you can face your autumn, with the wisdom that a long life of mistakes have given you.
Perhaps if you are wise enough, you can one day use what you learned, to teach tomorrow's youth how to avoid the worst of it."
On 2024-02-21 at 3:42 PM, EQ_Theta said:“Our afterlife? I guess haven’t thought of it much outside of what I was told growing up. The longma believe that we are part of nature, that once our time has come, we simply give all that is left of ourselves back to our source and surroundings. If some part of us continues after, I wouldn’t know, but I hope it might be true.”
"A difference of culture, yet it sounds somewhat how the dryads and evergrown function. When they die, or chose to return to the earth, they will be taken in, and nourish nature, as it have nourished them. It is not how we do things, but yet I find their belief nice and symbolic.
For us kitsune, we know there awaits us an afterlife. Either we will wander to the lands of our ancestors, or we will remain here, infusing ourselves to objects, and passing wisdom until we are ready. Yet in the end, we will come to face the ancestors. That is why it is important that we can do so with honor, for they decide what will come of us. If we will rise as one of the great spirits, or a servant, so pay off the debts we earned in life. A punishment for those truly wicked, yet most fear not that, as much as disappointing their ancestors.
Once per year, we have a great ceremony, on the day where the barrier between the spirit world, and ours, are their thinnest. On that day, the ancestors walk among us, and we enjoy each others company. For many, it is a chance to see family again. A great comfort especially, for those who lost family at a young age. Even if they rarely look as they did in life, they know us, as we know them."
"I am personally always looking forward to seeing Manahu Li-Che. She always brings such energy to the festivities.
What of you? What beliefs have your kind of death?"
Omen would tilt her head when addressed, thinking on it for a few seconds.
"...We do not. Mother makes us, and tells us to live, and be good children. I think we are supposed to learn from our masters, and what they think about death too? My master is Discord, but I do not know what draconequui believe in with death."
"They believe in reincarnation. That their energies scatter, and eventually reform as a whole new draconeqqui. I remember asking Fright of that once, and she were happy to talk about something, that very few cared to ask about. A delightfully insightful lady that one."
On 2024-02-21 at 3:42 PM, EQ_Theta said:“Spirits? And we could see them? I’ve heard of spirits, and I am familiar with how some believe in them being invisible, but this is unexpected! Do spirits take different forms, and do they decide if others can see them? Maybe spirits are different depending on what we believe about them. I admit, I sometimes wondered if there are spirits everywhere and some creatures could not see them for one reason or another.”
"There are many kinds of spirits, dear child. These are nature spirits. They are somewhat related to elementals, and their forms are mostly static, yet malleable. River here for instance, looks as this, when they halt their flow and rise from the waterbed, yet mostly flows on, bringing life-giving water to far and wide. Others like the Lights over there, take on the appearance of flickering, bulbous flames, wandering and bringing warmth to where they rest.
They rarely take names, beyond just describing what they are. They have no need for those things. And they are ever visible, lest they blend in with things, as River did before. Yet they are often shy, and unwilling to approach us fleshy beings with any frequency. But you will sometimes feel them. A cooling breeze on a hot day, or a flickering flame burning strongly in your camp, on a cold winter's night. They like to help those, whom they consider friendly, or harmless, even if they do not openly show themselves.
Few beings like myself, are able to hear and understand their words. We are trained then, to be the voice of the elements, and help bridge the gap between our kin, that we may live side by side, in peace and harmony. The presence of a speaker like me, also emboldens them a little from time to time, hence why they have gotten closer now, though most are more curious and willing to show themselves, in this town. Treat them with respect, and they will do so in kind.
Other spirits, such as the souls of the dead, are different. Some are able to show themselves, but it requires a strong spirit to do so consistently. Most wanders around unseen though, for all but those that practice the right spirituality. Such as mediums, and certain kinds of necromancers. The good ones of either, try and bring peace to the restless dead."
They would be standing still as she talked, with River still hanging over her. But they would eventually let go, and return to the river, allowing them to move on. That they had not tried to interact with them, were a good sign, to Elder Sohe. But they could talk of things like that later. She would let the young man speak, and catch her breath a little, as they moved on. Weren't long from here, to a modest guest room, where everything in it were seemingly build from wood. The bed itself were plush, and round, which fit the kitsune more, as they liked to curl when they slept, rather than laying flat or stretched out in an line.
She'd have a nice place to wake, when eventually she would.
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On 2024-02-21 at 6:23 AM, Rising Dusk said:"Patience Caramel. I understand your eagerness, but you underestimate how far a walk to get to the city proper from here is. My sister will have returned, whisked me and Will-O into the city and they'd be done with dinner before you even reached the first street. Give her a few moments to get our parents settled. We don't have the type of market you might be expecting. Streets and streets of stores. Dawn will make a much better guide in those regards. Your gold will be accepted, but I suggest getting it exchanged for Bits when you can,"
"Oh very well. I suppose I can show some degree of patience then. But I will reach the markets sooner, rather than later. I cannot wait to see what fascinating things there is sold in this country And to meet your alchemist friend, of course. Maybe not today, but you simply must introduce us eventually. I am so very curious what he have made of my gift."
Truthfully, she'd be impressed if he had been able to make anything good with it at all. Not that it were bad stuff, good grievances no. It were simply a delicate plant, and she weren't certain if he had even been able to harvest it properly, much less then use the unfamiliar ingredient in something. She hoped so though. From what Rising had said, she had expectations that he'd be someone of note, which she'd much enjoy. She so rarely had any alchemist of worth to talk to. Having one now would be wonderfully delightful.
"It's probably for the best to take it a little by little, yes. I'd worry about getting lost in a big place like this."
This town were bigger than Copperhagen, a city she had thought unfathomably big for all her life. And yet here, it were dwarfed, by a myriad of large buildings and bustling streets. Everything so modern that it might as well be otherworldly to her.
Will-O wouldn't say it out loud, but she did honestly worry about going up to someone in this place, and ending up causing a lot of awkwardness, from just how ancient she must seem in comparison, and how little she'd probably understand of things here. It'd probably be best if she stood back, and observed how the others did things for a start.
On 2024-02-21 at 6:23 AM, Rising Dusk said:"A teleportation circle," commentated while watching the sharp rainbow tapestry build right before him. "I never cease to amaze myself," the mare admired her own work. Even though Rising felt she had far too many different ways to perform the teleportation spell. Flare and presentation, vanity on full display.
"Looks like this is my farewell for now as well. Caramel, Will-O, a pleasure. We will meet again, shortly," Rising bowed his farewell to each in turn. Walking into the rainbow pool around his sister, the hero of Harrowmark was gone in a flash of rainbow light.
"Ladies?" Dawn invited.
"In my defense, this place looks very fascinating. How couldn't I feel the urge to explore it further? I admit that I hadn't expected you to return so swiftly though. You're a delightfully punctual mare, Dawn.
Alas, it seems time to say farewell. Take care for now, dear detective. And do remember to give my regards to your friend. I look forward to meeting him in person."
"D-Do take care, Sir Dusk. And try and get some sleep, okay? After everything going on, I'm sure you could use it."
Will-O were worried he might be pressuring himself too much here, but she didn't know his limits. Still she worried, and didn't want him to be overworked, if it could be helped.
Yet soon after, he would be gone, and so it were their turn. Caramel would go first, as to show Will-O that it were perfectly fine, with her crates going first. Couldn't forget her luggage after all now, could she?
After she were through, Will-O would approach, but halt for a moment, needing to ask a question of Dawn before she stepped in.
"I'm sorry for asking, but this... It's safe for undead, r-right? I wouldn't want Chirpy to get hurt."
The crow would cawk on her back, and move his legs a little, but he didn't seem bothered about things. He were sure that things would work well here. Soon as she were given the green light,. Will-O would take a deep breath, and then wander into the rune, along with Chirpy. She hadn't tried being teleported before, so... She weren't sure how this would feel. Hopefully okay.
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""Mate? Maaaaate?!"
Shark would poke him repeatedly with her snout, when he didn't say anything, after the doctor asked him questions.
Foxglove would force one of his eyes open, sop she could take a look, seeing only a faded line over it now.
"He's improving, at least for now, but we'll have to assume he can't move. Can you help me move him to the hospital?"
Shark unwrapped herself from Light, snuck under him, and lifted up. Even if he were regular weight, she were physically powerful. Her wings still needed some practice to carry him proper, but this were just lifting, whilst she could rely on her strong legs. She'd be able to handle him, lest he made himself heavy again. In that case, she'd drag him, with the help of Foxglove.
"Okay then, sir? If you can hear me, try and move around as little as possible. The drugs I gave you will last longer if you try and stay still. We're taking you to the hospital now."
She'd turn and look towards Sear, thanking her for the help in identifying the thing that poisoned him, and would then lead Shark out of here, and towards the hospital. They'd have some on the way, ask if they should help, but Shark would growl at them, saying "My mate!". She might be slightly possessive, as she were panicking and scared.
Light would at some point, end up getting knocked out by the drugs, more than likely. And if not, then the second shot he got would do it. He'd awaken later on in a hospital bed, with a drop in upper leg, and feeling clearer, yet heavy. If he looked, he'd be under a blanket, that bulged notably, with a nurse standing in the corner, writing on some paper. As she saw him wake up, she'd go over and look him over.
"Hello there sir. Don't worry, you're in the Ponyville Hospital. Everything's fine now. We had to clean your system, but the poison is out now, and Sergeant Foxglove wants you to know that you have made a full recovery. You might feel a little tired for a few more hours though.
You might also feel a pressure, but well..."
She'd go over and remove the blanket, revealing that Shark were laying across him. The weight were distributed somewhat, but she would still be resting soundly on him, with her head pressed against his chest, so she could hear his heart and lungs.
"We tried asking her to please let you rest in peace, but she made some... Convincing arguments for letting her stay."
She'd point towards the corner, where several broomsticks they had tried to use to move her off, after she started to growl and hiss at them, were shredded in a pile.
"We assume it brings her comfort to hear you breathe. Sergeant Foxglove managed to convince her to reposition though, after a... Minor scuffle. She should return soon enough to check up on you again.
Can I ask for now, how are you feeling? No hallucinations, or sensation of something crawling under your skin?"
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(Null)
On 2024-02-20 at 3:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:"There. That's him. And he's moving fast, looks like he's making a run for it."
"Ain't gonna be that easy. Let's go."
She'd look down and signal to Arcade which way she were going, the took off, aiming to intercept Basher. It was gonna be a pain in the rear once she did get to him she'd assume, but for the sake of Ardee, and that fool Basher himself, she were gonna beat some sense into him, if he liked it or not, and drag him back to The Grey. Had she the time, and a roll of ribbon, she'd wrap him up like a gift bag.
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(Ardee)
The fox would sit on her, thinking that it did a good job. She had been safe, not taken away more, by those that seemed like bad ponies, and there didn't seem to be other enemies around either. Honestly, it felt like it deserved a pamphlet for that. Something with a nice, thick font, to make a proper treat. But instead she stood and talked to herself. About what, it didn't know. It lacked context, but maybe it'd understand later. Preferably over dinner.
Seemed like it wasn't done with doing stuff before that though. She wanted to have it fly on an arrow, and do something to the one from before? Hmph. It better get that pamphlet later then, or it'd start hiding her arrows.
For now it would play along, and get situated on the arrow. If it hit were fully up to her ability with this, but if it did get there, the paper fox would go on, and try to pull one of the golden feathers. It could even direct the arrow a bit, if the aim were off, though they needed to practice this a lot more for it to be consistent and good. That said though, it didn't have an amazing degree of physical strength, fo if those feathers were placed in good, it wouldn't be able to get any of them. It only had the physical strength of a young cat, more or less. Enough to carry some arrows, or drag a reasonably sized book across the floor, but not enough to provide much in the physical department. If she wanted that, she should get herself a falcon, or an owl. Maybe even a Pygmy Ghost Vulture. They had some rather sharp claws, though good luck getting it out from any major settlement.
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(New Pegas)
The changelings wouldn't be aggressive. If they heard something, they were instructed to not approach anyone themselves, but report back, so that Yannit and the others could go and deal with it. And sadly, it were very apparent that the ones they'd find eventually, were not gonna be any help. They were stubborn, protective, and more than likely completely clueless as to what were going on. Sure they could be hiding it, and they could try and draw it out, but they were changelings. If they started to rough it out of others unprovoked, actions would not be taken against The Grey, but the other changelings instead. And they wouldn't do much good, by getting gang members focused in on Bling.
So they'd approach, ask, and then depart if there seemed to be nothing, with their senses on high alert, in case someone were obviously lying. It were a good approach all things considered, but wouldn't yield much result. Might be someone would see him though, as for instance as he were trying to rush out of town. A fair bit of eyes and ears around town, so it weren't exactly easy to do something in the open, that'd not be noticed by someone.
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(School)
"Hmm... Maybe start in the middle, with what they have in common, and then we each take a side, and switch between who says what? So like, I give a camel fact, then you give a zebra fact, or the other way around? Kinda showing how things change the longer off from the middle we are?"
Cherish would admit, it had been a while sine she had done a group project, and were a bit rusty on the whole thing. But she felt like this might be a good way to do things? Kinda show how they were similar, and then afterwards how much they varied, and became more their own sorts, to the points where they barely had anything in common, traditions or otherwise? At least she figured it were something they could work with, but she were interested in hearing what Teal had to say. Though they should probably also remember, that they shouldn't overexplain things, or they alone could take a half hour, if not more, and they were probably not meant to take that long.
Honestly she weren't sure. She didn't know how schools were here in Troy all that well yet, as they were still early with it, and Miss Gypsum might have other ways she wanted things done, than Cherish were used to. Probably would actually, but she meant like, very differently, and not just small details. She might be one of those teachers who liked a long lecture.
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(Spectra)
"Blood infusion and a horn are simple things. I had assumed you'd want wings too, or extra height. The desires of ponies, to pursue the visage of alicorns, are ever present.
Place the sacrifice upon the altar, while I precure parts."
She would wander off, and return with a selection of horns, in various lengths. They were... Disturbing for Operata, as these were not simply cut off. These had been removed at the core. This had some disturbing implications, to put it mildly. As did it that he could just imagine how it looked, had she also needed to bring out wings. A sight he could imagine, but never wanted to see. Nor did he this, so he would turn his back, and simply keep playing.
"Keeping the sacrifice under? Amateur."
She'd then grab the ritual dagger she had used on the altar before, whilst Spectra had the luxury of picking a horn, and cast some sort of spell on it, that made the blade glow red and purple. Then she'd stab Yuma in the heart with it, and left it in her chest. It did not seem to kill her though, as she'd continue to breathe, but she would be completely unresponsive, and unable to hear anything anymore.
"She needs no music anymore, trapped within the blade as she is, 'til the end of this ritual.
As for what this old body of yours holds of potential? I would normally harvest it for parts, but if you hold fondness for it, I could leave it a living husk, or transfer this current soul into it instead, if you have reason to keep this sacrifice?"
As she spoke, Operata would wander off, going into the jungle to get away from this. He couldn't stay here for this.
"Hmph. Your bard lacks discipline. Were I you, I would work to correct that, lest he becomes an embarrassment.
Now then, have you picked your horn? And furthermore, is there some I ought to know of your current body? Any affliction, or oddity?"
Provided that Spectra had picked between the baker's dozen of horns on display, giving her the option of several lengths and shapes to work from, Thriceborne would implement this into Yuma's body. It were... Not something for the feint of hard, but she did it with speed, and a finesse that showed that this were not her first time inserting or removing a horn into a subject. The same would be the case if she wanted for wings, though there'd only be two pairs to pick from there. The rest had been unsalvageable.
She would then be directed to lay next to Yuma on the altar, and the work would begin. If she had wanted her old body alive, she'd be marking her with a symbol, written in Thriceborne's own blood, on her chest. If she had wanted for Yuma to posses it, she would then also paint the symbol on her, as well as another on their forehead, and left thigh.
The last she'd be told were to brace herself, as the experience would be troubling, before Thriceborne's eyes closed. She took a deep breath... Then opened them fully, her eyes now pure red, like blood filled them up, and Spectra would then feel an otherworldly sensation, as she were lifted up, out of her shell. Yet there wouldn't be any pain. It were as if she were weighing nothing, floating on a sky, separated from her old vessel.
If she looked down, she'd find that Thriceborne held a hoof up, directing her soul to stay, then put her hooves upon the mare's jugulars. Blood would start flooding from the both, directing up her legs, meeting on her head, as the blood mixed and combined, covering the mare entirely with a layer of foreign blood. It would last a half minute, before the blood would flow away again, back into both unconscious mares.
Thriceborne then jerked her head up, as the last blood flowed from her legs, and the wounds began closing. Though her eyes were pure red, with no iris, Spectra might feel unnerved by this. As if she were not gazing upon a pony, but some kind of unholy monster, that even the deepest, darkest pits of Tartarus might not be prepared for. If it struck her faintly or strongly, or if she were so caught up in things that she did not notice, if she gazed upon Thriceborne, it would be hard to think of this as simply a pony, in that brief moment, before her soul would be plunged into the dagger, and she'd feel it as if she were liquid, being poured into a form. Filling out an unfamiliar shape, with the flow of her very being. Something that would take seconds, but feel like hours, or even days, as the soul were filled into its new vessel. Something few would consider painful, but most thought of as unnerving, or outright terrifying.
As the liquid her settled in, she'd yet be unable to move though. Her new ears would hear something though. Words spoken in a guttural voice, spouting nonsense that would be undecipherable. Nothing would seemingly change for her, and then, Thriceborne would grab the dagger, and yank it out. At which point It would feel as if Spectra were suddenly waking up from a coma, taking a deep gasp of air, in her new vessel.
Thriceborne wouldn't stop though, even though the mare could move, and would instead move to prepare using the dagger on her old body. She'd move to stab her, and then pause, teeth clenching as she gazed upon the dagger, with a growl upon her face.
"...You fed me liesss, little mare. Now live with the consssequences."
She'd pull the dagger back, as the slithering voice escaped through gnashed teeth, and she'd move to put it back in the hut. She were done now. Spectra had her vessel, and her old body were in the condition that she had wanted. She'd soon find that her deception would come at a cost.
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(Stern)
On 2024-02-19 at 6:24 PM, Spectral Fade said:"I have no idea how you've even survived all this long. I don't know if you are a regular pony or what, but you seem immortal."
"I eat a lot of plumbs."
He'd chuckle, knowing full well how that annoyed the sorts like Foxglove, because it didn't make sense. It had been tested, and plumbs didn't do anything special for longevity. They had to settle for the stallion just having unusually resistant genes, but it were a running thing on slow days, to try and speculate on what the reason were that he seemingly just didn't die, or at least go into decline, as you'd expect a stallion his age would have done twenty, even thirty years ago. Hay, if anypony actually did figure out the real secret, if one were to be found, the one who found out were legally entitled to get a promotion. Not to like captain or the sort, but still, a promotion none the less.
It kept he young folks guessing and trying things, which in turn meant that Parch got more visitors at times, wanting to talk with him. So why would he ever divulge his secrets, if he had some at all? He refused to even say if he did something special, and just kept making up new things when asked. Last time had been him saying that he made sure to floss before he brushed his teeth.
On 2024-02-19 at 6:24 PM, Spectral Fade said:"Times can't always stay the same I suppose. There you have it. I'll be back in the guard again, you'll be seeing more of me. Feels weird especially considering I never felt like I "left" the guard, just yesterday I was a guard...and here I am, signing my papers again." he stated. If there was anything else Parchment had to say, he'd listen - but if not he'd go back to where they were before, ready to wait for his armor.
Was good to see that Parchment was still alive. Some things were the same."It's always good seeing an old face again. Try and keep your nose clean though, you hear? Show them that there's a good stallion behind the facade, even if you'd need a shovel to dig it out sometimes."
He'd chuckle, and smile warmly at Stern. It were not one he ever assumed to see again, and certainly not under these circumstances, but he were happy about it. The kid weren't perfect, but everypony kept exaggerating all the time. He knew what was what, as he had to update the ledgers with relevant information, and the dusty folder Stern used to have, were not as dark as many assumed. It were gone though. Not that it were destroyed. No, he was considered a missing pony, so his file had been moved into deep storage, until they knew more. He'd send somepony to rummage around and find it later, when things weren't so busy around here.
He had nothing else to say, lest Stern gave him something to work with, and as such, Foxglove could direct him back through the long halls, and towards the forge. Though he could ask about things, like for instance his family, if he wanted to. Any guard in Canterlot, had their papers in Parch's storage, including the dead, until they were properly buried, and their family had received benefits. Retired ones had their own section, where the papers would be stored until their natural deaths too, in case they needed them due to issues with the benefits, or medals. Parch would know what were happening, or had happened to, any family of Stern's that had been active in the guard. Long as they were stationed in Canterlot, at any point.
If they left towards the forge, Foxglove would eventually start talking to pass the time some.
"...I put bits on him lasting until five years ago. Put another in for next years.
I know it's a little morbid, but when so many others are doing it... There's some peer pressure, and he is actively encouraging it. At this point, I get the feeling he will actually last the next twelve years, and beat us all. Can't fathom how he does it though. Head Physician Needle allegedly tried to ask his family, but even they have no idea. His daughter did not last as long, and his granddaughter has grandfoals of her own by now.
Honestly I think it helps him a lot with the loss of his wife and daughter, to see his family grow and expand. Dunno if it is what keeps him hanging on though."
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(Magloria)
On 2024-02-19 at 6:24 PM, Spectral Fade said:Magloria would think about what Hailstorm said, it was a valuable concern. "It will be also valuable to know what descendants of Arcadia are like, it seems from what you are speaking of they have a religious reverence for it. If Spectra can prove her heritage to them, it is possible that she may have a following - which would complicate these matters." Magloria spoke calmly as she would then listen towards Ghelzar's story.
"A few of them might have feint traces of Arcadian blood in their veins, but not enough for it to matter. Most are unicorns, that considers Arcadia a holy site for magic, once brimming with untold potential, and if they keep their beliefs, one day they'll be let in, and bring back the prosperity and glory of the world's lost wonder.
At least that is what their pamphlets says. I don't believe it, but they've always seemed harmless, and even helpful to others, as they make their pilgrimage there. Never been much of a reason to worry about them."
He didn't believe things were that simple, as their literature said, but he had not found a single report of them causing issue. They treated their holy site with great reverence, but that could be said for those worshipping the princesses too, and they had so far not started a fight with anypony that scoffed at them, for what they stood for. They considered themselves above that apparently. But if a true-blood Arcadian showed up... He didn't know what they would be used for, but he did not want to know what a bunch of zealots would do, if they found what would essentially be a holy mare to them, sent to lead them to a new age.
On 2024-02-19 at 6:24 PM, Spectral Fade said:"That is very dangerous. The manner of which she captured you was far more brazen and open than expected. I do not know if the explosion in the mountain was caused by her direct intent, or by some malfunction in the Orbs being retrieved from the former lair. I would suggest that in order for us to free any further victims, we will need her to tell us exactly what happened - so a deadly explosion like that does not occur again. That would come after soundly defeating her and removing her ability to do any damage to us." Magloria spoke cooly, and then would address Ghelzar's question.
"To put it one way, I was out on an expedition to some uncharted territory beyond Equestrian Waters. At the time, I sailed for the Early Equestrian flag, though there were many times I did my own private expeditions. Spectra was one of the crew. She went by the name "Fair Wind". Over the months of the expedition, she proved fairly valuable. When we returned, I remember her saying she had something to talk to me privately - and before I knew it, I was knocked out - then awakening from my imprisonment in her former lair. I found Veil, gathered what supplies I could, and immediately escaped.""Vile trickery seems her method of choice. She would have done much the same to me, had mine eyes been easy to fool. Lest she were prepared for one as I, I believe her able to be taken aghast. That she adapts so quickly, and yet succeeds, makes her dangerous indeed."
The town had either been under her spell, or she had forced them to work for her, under threat of something bad happening, were his assumption at the time. It were why he hadn't hurt them, as they did not seem willing, or filled with vitriol. Perhaps had he not spend time to gather them, and detain them for their own sake, she would not have had the time to prepare in those precious minutes offered her, and he could have taken her by enough surprise, to be the victor.
Yet he could not say so for certain. He only knew he had been careless, and she had adapted faster than he, and it had seemingly cost him a thousand years. A lot must have happened i that time. His name likely forgotten by all than a few of the ancients, like Princess Celestia... Perhaps when all were done with Spectra, he could find the future he had fought for, waiting on the other side? Provided he lived of course, and what judgement would fall upon him at the time, if he did. It seemed as if the holy flame, were not pleased by his continued existence, but for the time being, Captain Hailstorm would be the one to evaluate how he did. A stallion who too, did not seem to trust him much, and yet had requested to personally oversee an inquisitor, such as him.
Foolish? Perhaps, but he believed the captain more duty bound, and accepting of circumstances, to be the reason. He said they needed fighters, and Ghelzar were one. A potentially resourceful ally, in things to come. Yet still, the captain too would be evaluated by this choice, and should know it. If his choice were misplaced, his career would be over. All he had been through to get where he were, likely gone for good. He might even stand trial next to Ghelzar, seen as guilty of what they would accuse him of. And yet, he hadn't hesitated.
It were not something he would say of many that he just met, but the stallion were making an impression on him. A good one at that. As such, he would endeavor to impress, unless his impression of the stallion would waver. He saw little reason to follow one, who hadn't the conviction to follow through, and at the least endeavor to uphold strong ideals.
"I know not who or what this *Veil* you speak of are, though still, you seem resourceful, and able to adapt well. You strike me as a mare of much potential."
It were a compliment, though if she saw it as such, were hard to say. He were not usually one to toss smiles and hugs around, so the things he said tended to have an aura of seriousness to them, that for some, made it hard to grasp a compliment, large or minor.
"Veil were the magical kitsune with the phoenix. Endeavor not to pester her when we return though. She's a fair bit younger than she seems.
Now then, generals? May we have a word?"
The two would take a few seconds, then turn and look towards the group approaching them. As were custom, Hailstorm would then salute them, before saying things.
"We bring word from Princess Luna. On advice from Magloria, she have asked that Shade Stealer be ordered to examine the things he managed to procure from the mountains, before they exploded. She believes the items might hold some significance, that could help in detaining our fugitive."
"I concur. Who is this?"
"The latest to be released from his confines. Princess Luna have put him under my personal supervision, as he assists us in this hunt. Present yourself please."
"I am High Inquisitor Ghelzar."
Screecher practically felt Dew tense up, as the name were spoken. It meant little to her, as she were not one to much care to read about history all that much. She had better things to spend her time on.
"Is there a problem?"
"Yes, but we will discuss so in private.
Captain Hailstorm? Were you made to be his charge?"
"No sir, I volunteered, and I take full responsibility for my actions. Considering the circumstances, we are in need of what capable assistance we can muster, and he had already sworn himself to hunting her."
"Hmm, we'll see. Keep your wits about you, captain."
Dew did not like the sounds of these things. Especially not as Hailstorm were on his short list for taking over after him, when he'd finally have the chance to retire, but... The stallion had a knack for these things, in his experience. He would let this proceed, though he would be judged by how well he handled Ghelzar. A wrong step with that one, could end up catastrophic. But then, this could also be the point where the captain would prove himself more capable than even he had given him credit for. They'd see soon enough, but for his sake, Dew hoped it would be the latter.
"Are there any else you would need to speak of, in this brief moment of respite?"
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I'll edit in the last post in the morning. Been a long, tiring day, so didn't have the energy to finish the last bit. Worry not, it will be done after I have rested.
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On 2024-02-18 at 12:39 AM, EQ_Theta said:
“I’m… I’m all right. I can manage.” The longma slowly stood up, attempting to balance himself on his feet despite leaning toward the nearest wall to keep himself up. Perhaps his mind is still adjusting to his return to reality, but it wouldn’t take long for him to be up straight again despite the discomfort. He’d then look to Elder Zhao, an answer given for Shrimp’s current situation.
"Seems you've been through something taxing in there, yes?"
"He fell to a malignant influence. I had to forcefully restrain him, and remove it. Such things causes a degree of pain."
Elder Sohe chuckled softly. A sound not unlike wind slowly escaping a balloon.
"That so? Ever the teacher, aren't we?"
She'd speak to Zhao as she said this, who simply nodded in response.
On 2024-02-18 at 12:39 AM, EQ_Theta said:“You’re right; the pain will pass. I can remember where we left off from our talk inside Lin’s mindscape. About seeking help… I wish it were true for the other longma. A lot has happened since we returned to them from exile, and a lot of what happened after that wouldn’t be possible without help from Omen. Lin and I have a lot to be thankful for.”
“As for our elder Solasan, he’s… long gone. The real one, I mean. The thing that took his face is also facing punishment for what he’s done, but I suspect it has some relation to whatever got its hold on Lin. Unfortunately, we never learned what it was, only fighting it to free our village. Maybe now that we aren't in that kind of danger, we could learn about our past and about who we were that led us to our current state.”
"A pity he is dead. It seems an insufficient punishment for failing his duties. Unless your ideas of the afterlife, includes a just judgement process? Ours do, but I can imagine you are not in a state of mind to hear of that now."
"Let us get his sister to a bed first. We can sit and speak after, while he gets to his senses, yes?"
"That would be the preferred way we handle things, yes."
On 2024-02-18 at 12:39 AM, EQ_Theta said:“I believe I am prepared now, Elder Zhao. I think we may still have more to discuss following what happened in the mindscape. Is there something specific you want to talk about?”
"B."
"Better than I would expect you giving him, considering the state he is in."
"He had meditation practice, and approached obstacles with logic, when it came to restoring memories at first. The ending part were lackluster though, with an attempt at rectifying it afterwards done somewhat well."
They would wander out of this room, and back out to where water ran across the wooden bridges, leading them further up. The spirits were still wandering about, looking on, but this time, they seemed more comfortable getting closer, to have a look at the peculiar outsiders. Yet they would hide around Elder Sohe to do so, slowing them down some, yet she didn't mind. She had a smile on her face, and would reassure them that their guests were safe.
One large, elongated salamander, seemingly made out of water and twigs, would roil up from the river. it would stand over her, resting its form - in which water still ran through by the looks of things - on her back, with its long front legs on the ground. The back half of it still in the river, potentially meaning it were unable to leave it fully.
It stared at Sen, Lin, and Omen, tilting its head the same as Omen did, as she gazed curiously into its large, blue eyes.
It were the one who got closest. If Sen tried to approach any of them, they'd rush off, not wanting to actually get within range to be touched by him. Nor Elder Zhao, though she did not try either. The only one they wanted to have physical contact with it appeared, were Elder Sohe. Most would still remain at a distance, and curiously watch on though.
"Strange creatures."
"Be not afraid of the spirits. They mean no harm. River even braves their stream, to witness who is here. It is not often we have visitors of other kins, that walks with the elders."
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On 2024-02-17 at 1:41 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:"I also have duties to attend, so I won't hold you any longer, I appreciate your words, and we'll meet again at some point, hopefully in calmer circumstances." "I'll put a word forward in the headquarters that this town needs more guards." Stargazer hadn't asked for it, but Solar didn't do it for him as much as he did for the reason of security, one guard could not do the job 24/7, or well, a regular guard couldn't, he could, but he was half machine, literally, though even he needed to sleep now and then...point being, forcing a single individual to be responsible for the town was at best negligent, and at worst deadly.
"It is a little difficult in this case I am afraid. As the local princess, Princess Twilight has to establish her own guard order. She doesn't have protectors until she herself officially ask for some guards from the other guard unit, to cover things until she has her own, or to start off her own unit.
With all due respect towards the princess, I believe she's grown complacent, after her and her friends have dealt with all the big issues, and have neglected to understand the impact even the small ones can have. Or the fact that they are not always here, as for instance, she is out of town right now, and several large episodes have happened since.
*sigh* I came here, as a favor to Princess Luna, as she saw the issues, but I believe she underestimated things too, and believed I'd mostly be used for minor local issues, like pocket thieves.
So I appreciate if you can set in words, since then perhaps the generals might send some out of principle, regardless of her potential objections, and I will in turn, speak to that mare that have wandered around with her recently. I can tell she's battle hardened, and she seems protective. Perhaps I can convince Princess Twilight to use her, to establish a proper guard of her own. Ponyville's not as safe as it sometimes look.
Regardless, I shall hold you no longer. Thank you once more, and I wish you a good trip."
Stargazer would salute Solar, as were proper in his mind, and then go on his way.
Solar were not wrong that all of this, were too much for Stargazer. He did his best, and tried to utilize the few guards coming through, or lecturing some guest studies at the school, but he barely got any sleep, and it were draining him. If he could at least get a solar guard out here, so he could have one to switch shifts with at times, that would be a vast improvement, but the most important thing would really be to talk to the princess about the security personally. Hopefully she would be back soon.
Though he supposed... Perhaps if he talked to her friends first, it might help his case? He'd stand stronger, if he had at least some of them agreeing with him, since he knew she valued their opinions greatly.
On 2024-02-17 at 1:41 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:After printing the draft of the report for the Sheez incident, Solar checked his mail for anything that may take priority over writing reports, and he did find one thing that did, a report from Manehattan. It stated that a body matching descriptions of what goes under Solar's responsibilities had been found and moved to proper storage to wait for him, along all the actions taken regarding the area of discovery. So Solar took off once again, and ended up taking a train because he had flown enough for today.
Getting off the train, he'd find that Manehattan were about as one could expect. A sprawling metropolis of ponies, though i recent years, a number of dragons and griffons, among others, had started to move here. Curiosity got the better of many, and after how well Fillydelphia went, with having ponies and dragons coexist, there were belief it could be done here too. Albeit there had been a few awkward moments, to put it mildly, it were overall going well. Not as easy as Deltrot, but they had a leader of sorts there, so that tended to make for a more orderly population of dragons.
If he scanned around fast, he might also see that there were seemingly two hoofprints scorched into the stone near the entry to the train. It did not go deep, but the singe were notable, and seemed to be from a few days past. He'd find a few more around here, but they were scattered, and didn't leave much of a pattern to follow. Though in one place, there were signs that fresh cement had been poured into one stone, repairing some circular holes that had come into it. Looked more melted than carved or drilled though. Like someone somepony had dropped acid on the stone for some unknown reason.
Didn't seem like there were a panic though, so it were probably not something that he'd have to worry about. The local authorities had likely handled this a while ago.
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On 2024-02-17 at 1:41 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:"Furthermore, blindness is what brought the doom of our order, in hunt for justice, we became tools of injustice, and in our quest to bring hope, we lost our own vision for future." "Some of us became so fanatical, that they lost their devotion." while somber, he sounded like he had accepted it all at this point
"I am sad to hear that the willing ignorance for history is true here too, guess it's just an universal truth for our kind, a saddening irony, as with our long lives we should be the ones to treasure it, to learn from the mistakes of those before us." "Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it."
"There is an old saying, that goes that if you hunt monsters long enough, you will eventually become one yourself. I do not put much faith in it being that simple, but there is some truth to it that certain things can change you, if you are too exposed to it. Just as how faith can be corrupted, or a narrow view can cause one to loose their once pure vision. Sadly none of us tend to be perfect.
It also ties somewhat into what you said, about repeating history. Ignoring or forgetting what have happened before, no matter how painful, can cause you to go off track, or repeat past mistakes. That is why there is a need for conserving, and save history, so we can learn from it, and avoid the mistakes our forefathers made. Or in the case of us dragons, what we ourselves likely did, centuries past."
She were still rather young for a dragon, so she did not have this sort of look back on things that the older ones did, but she had seen, and heard from some, who did not learn, because they didn't care to remember, or record what they had done of importance. Of course, that were still better than those who did remember, and yet continued to do poor things, because they wanted to, but it were still irresponsible in her mind. They could live for tens of thousands of years. They did not just read history, they lived through a lot of it. Kingdoms had risen and fallen in the time of the elder dragons, and would continue to do so, while they continued to live. They had a lot to teach the younger races, if only they cared to.
On 2024-02-17 at 1:41 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:"If the order stands or falls is not a question, it has fallen already, I do not carry the weight of rebuilding, but the weight of legacy and history, I will continue my duties as paladin of Pyre, I try to inspire others to fight for justice, I will warn others of the mistakes we made, but the order will die with me, for it is my duty to carry the weight of our mistakes." "You may wonder why I stayed, why I still consider myself part of it, and to that, there's two answers, one is simple, I had...I have nothing else, it is as much part of me as I am part of it, and the second..." he took out an enchanted sword from under the robe, putting it on the ground in front of him, at first glance it looked like it was made of bronze, but at closer look the material was different, though that wasn't probably the focus point, as the sword was decorated with what resembled dragon eyes, one smaller and one bigger, eyes, which turned to look at Nerzhei "...I was chosen by the holy relic of the order, The blade of Sight, it called me to it, and it is my duty to carry it until I perish."
Nerzhei listened, and she wrote. Page up and down in her notebook, making sure to get the history lesson she were given, down upon paper. It were important it sounded as, though in general, she considered it highly fascinating too, albeit also sad. The rise and fall of an order, that were meant to do good... It were almost as a fairy tale, but she could see and hear, that he were not just reciting some fantasy. He had lived this, and knew the stories. He also knew well of the price of hubris, and falling short of your ideals.
She did not pity him, because offering pity to a dragon were insulting. Yet she did sympathize with him, for what he had been through, and what he would continue to now, as he stood alone with this knowledge, and the impact that it might have, in or after his lifetime.
The sword presented would make her stop writing for now, and get close to look at it. She knew ore and stone well, since as a geomancer, she meddled with many things in the earth. Of course she couldn't mold metal that simple, but with enough force and fire, she could, and had, made many materials to use out of ore she could sense in the ground, or in mountains, and push it into view. And she could definitely tell that this were not any of the sorts of ore that she had seen before. It were somewhat like bronze, but she had used a lot of that, and knew that whatever this were, it weren't bronze. Not exactly anyway. Perhaps some sort of mixed metal? It were hard to tell for her.
The other notable detail about the blade were... Morbid though, as it appeared to have dragon eyes on it. Potentially just elaborate gems of sorts, but the way they moved and looked at her, made her think otherwise.
Body parts used as enchanted foci of sorts were a little off in her taste, but she weren't gonna judge, or scream about the immorality of this. She had seen worse... Probably anyway. More graphic at least, and it wasn't her place to judge about this.
"The blade appears to be sentient. Fascinating... I mostly heard that as a feature of weaponry from Croshna, at least if the tales of the guardians of the gates of Tartarus are real. I haven't had much time to investigate that. Just heard some stories here and there.
Regardless, I can see why you would continue to carry this with you, and I can respect that you chose to honor your calling, by keeping this with you. I can't say I know of many who would be willing to do so, after all you have been through. Most would likely have cast everything that reminded them of it aside, and let it wither away, in some forgotten corner of history.
Still I wonder something. You say the order will die with you. Considering what you told, I can understand why you would want that. It became... Misguided over time. Yet as you also say, you carry the responsibility of this blade, and I will assume that when you perish, it is meant to then be passed on to another? With that, and the fact that it would appear that you try and live to the ideals of the order, and warn others of the mistakes that were made, have you perhaps considered establishing a new order?
I can understand you wanting the old one to be gone when you are, yet the ideals, and what skills you have, could benefit many, if set within a fresh framework. A clean slate, build upon ideals and ideas, from one who have seen the mistakes that can be wrought, and thus you would have if not all the answers, then several that could help you steer things in a better direction.
It is your decision of course, but you have millennia ahead of you yet, and a legacy upon you that could help to enlighten and guide others. Perhaps then if a tyrant would begin to rise again, as they are inevitably bound to do, you could help stir a new order in a better direction.
Speculation only of course, with a dosage of foresight based on unknowable predicaments. Though history does show that nothing good lasts, as it were. In time, the peace of any utopia will crack, and the ones living under it, will be tested gravely. Some will succeed in halting things. Others will fall in line, or die. There are certain patterns one can see, if they look at things long enough, and is why it is important to not forget history. It is easier to fall into such things, if you do not recall how it were lead up to the times before it.
As for size, I were not going to judge. I am an earth aligned dragon. If I do not experience a growth spurt within the next fourteen years, I will not grow larger than I am now. My variant are simple in that regard, and frankly, I would prefer not having that growth. I enjoy being part of a society, and that is harder, if you are larger than a castle. I do not slack with my magic, and it will only improve with time. Not to the degrees of Le Perinne I would imagine, but that is like comparing a bear to an insect. I accept there is likely limitations."
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While it were a noble sacrifice, Leviathan would be captured shortly after Ruby, as she'd desperately rush forward, preparing magic as best she could to fight this- And then got struck with a dark lighting from above her. A spell from the priestess's staff it would seem, that stunned her, with a dark glow going over her eyes, as she were rapidly cocooned. She wasn't dead, but this surprise attack in a weak moment, had left her defenseless for the time being, and they'd both be sent off back to the depths of the temple.
Charir would be somewhat safe, yet ultimately still restrained, in the hallways leading away from the priestess. And she were headed over to deal with him too, prepared to *upgrade* him from his weaker restraints, to make him primed for transport. He'd been able to burn enough of it to be able to wriggle along if he were trying though, yet it would be slow.
Still, she did not come for him. The odd deer they had met at the door, would wander past him, and go towards the priestess. For some reason, it would make her halt, and then backtrack, wander away from him, whilst her gaze seemingly still remained on him. He would follow a few more steps, until he would stop, though she would not. She would continue to wander away, seemingly no longer wanting Charir.
He would go back, and follow until he would find Charir. That included in case he had gotten his breath back, and had scorched through the last restraints. Without the priestess there to keep reinforcing the magic, it would not repair itself.
If he did find him still restrained though, the restraints would turn to smog, that would drain towards the deer's horns, seemingly being absorbed. He could run after that if he wanted to, and would no longer be followed. Or he could follow the deer if he wanted to, as he turned around, and began wandering back, towards where the others had been brought to.
As for the others, Ruby would find herself soon after, with the dark magic restraints dissipating around her, and then reforming to chains, that would wrap around her, holding her in place. She'd be before the apparent leader of these undead, with Leviathan being released next to her, though the dragoness slumped over, a dark haze still flowing across her eyes, as she didn't seem responsive anymore.
"Intruders."
His voice still sounded rusty and coarse, but it were more steady at least, and not breaking as before. He had also since been adorned with an old coat, that seemed threadbare, and had clearly had better days, but had once been important for some reason. But the passage of time tended to carry little for such things.
He'd take in a deep huff of air, and then look between them calmly. Ruby could try and transform if she wanted to in here. This room were around the size of an average cathedral main room, so high to the ceiling, far to the walls, and such. But it might still be too small for her real form. If not, then she could change, and even move around a bit perhaps. The size and surprise advantage, would likely help against this one, and the dozens of guards in this room, standing around and waiting for order. Or for either of them to become a problem.
The deer's mouth would open, and the darkness rushed out of Leviathan's eyes, and into his maw. She'd be groggy as she roused back to life, and looked up, as she were trying to get her footing again.
"Urgh, I hate bl- ...What the?"
She had to blink a few times, as she took note of the larger deer, as well as the restraints around her appendages. Which of course, halted her from casting magic. Worse than that. It seemed to sort of repress her body's knowledge that it even had magic. She couldn't even begin brewing something in advantage. And then others wondered why she hated this sort of magic. It were harnessed by bloody cheaters.
"Two wakeners of pony kin stirred it, yet I see just one. Where is he, wakener? Where wanders he, who opened the casket?
Give him up, or the intruder joins us."
The deer would speak directly to Ruby, apparently thinking that she had been here with another pony, and had done something. It seemed the ones who had been here before them, had started something that they were now about to be punished for.
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(Null)
On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:Basher snorted at that, "Way I see it, she's safer with me than she was with you. Your goon would have killed her had I not gotten her out of here. Might want to ask them about it."
Then Basher would disappear, teleported away.
Null had glared at Mongoose at that point, along with Craven, though he'd stop when he felt Yannit glare at him.
"I-It's not true. I wouldn't... I m-mean I got nervous, b-but I tossed my knife away. I'm not-"
"Enough. He is trying to sow conflict. Do not let him."
On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:Nine was already searching the path, "Ardee's path comes through here, and exits out to he road before stopping. She was moving with another who also disappears, likely a unicorn."
It wasn't much, but it were a start. Told something about Basher having an accomplish in this matter too, helping him with this. But with what end goal? He hadn't made a demand yet. What were he planning to do here?
On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:Nine would add to Mongoose, "It is imperative that Ardee get out of this unharmed. She is owed too much to allow her to come to harm."
"We're... I'm sorry. We didn't know she wasn't one of his gang when we found her here. We did warn you that Briar doesn't do hostage situations well."
If Null didn't have anything else for them in light of Basher's comments, Briar would fade into the shadows.
"I wasn't aware she had gone with him then. The blame ain't yours in this. And you know this time. Act on it, best you can."
How could they have known about this? She hadn't even been aware, before it were too late. She hadn't expected this to happen, considering she had hired some to keep watch over her.
On 2024-02-16 at 7:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:Arcade would try to stop her, once the others had left on their assignments, maybe in the alley where Ardee and the unicorn had teleported away. Doing what he could to make her look at him. "Stop. If this is anyone's fault it is mine. I should have trusted that you would be fine and not left her alone in the hotel. I should have forced that changeling to stay behind. I should have been more suspicious about that pegasus trying to get close to Ardee. But none of that matters, because we are going to find her and she's going to be alright. All we need to worry about is how. Just focus on how, and leave the what-ifs to me."
He'd give her a moment before returning his attention to the alley, "So they teleported out? Unless that unicorn was especially powerful, they probably didn't get far. Even the academics struggled to go too far, especially if they were bringing someone else with them. I reckon no more than say a hundred lengths of here and to somewhere with either a clear line of sight, or that they're very familiar with and well acquainted with the relative position. Can you get a view from above?"
"I-"
Null were stunned. She were not used to this sort of thing, in the midst of her shifting blame to herself, for something she didn't technically have any control over. She didn't know how to feel about that either, as she were shaken out of her state of mind somewhat by this.
"Above... Yes, I can do that. I'll see if something shows up."
She'd take wing, and fly up, to look for the right sort of trail up here. It also helped her to clear her head, and get more focused again, bit by bit, though without the internal bashing of herself over this thing. It were good of him to shake her out of it like that frankly, as otherwise, she might not have even thought of flying about. Might be she had wings, but using them still wasn't something that'd just come to her all the time. And his idea on doing it now were good. From up here, she'd probably be able to find a trail, as yes, they likely hadn't gone too far. She just hoped that when they did find them, it would be in time. She didn't know what Basher had planned, but it probably wasn't anything good.
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(Ardee)
The paper fox wouldn't say a word. Not that it really could, as it didn't have a mouth or anything. It were just a folded out slab of paper right now, clutching to Ardee, and keeping her from vision. And it seemed to work against these two! It didn't always, so it were a nice positive to see that they were fooled, and didn't have good senses. Or you know, just remembered where she had stood, and took a swing in the general direction. invisible did not mean the same as intangible. She could still very well be hit by something, or someone.
It would just stay this way on Ardee, in case she went out and either followed them, or began sneaking off elsewhere. If she stayed, and started talking, or poke at it, it would assume this meant it didn't have to do this anymore, and would fold itself back together again, and crawl up on her shoulder, letting out a yawning motion. These sorts of thing were tiring, even short terms, when you were a small construct like it were, with a limited magic source.
If Ardee kept following, it would keep spending what little it had, but it would also eventually result in it going inert at some point later, having run out of magic, and as thus, needing time to replenish. She could fold it and put it in a pocket if it came to that. it wouldn't like it, but it's be simpler to transport around like that.
Regardless, it would be with her. It liked her, and as it had been made for her, it understood that it were supposed to help her. Plus the others weren't great. The little ones didn't give it much height to look at things when crawled upon, and the strange bug ponies seemed occupied with other things, than entertaining it. Seemed pretty boring.
As for Basher and his friend? It were curious about what it had seen. Especially the de-aging, but it weren't inclined to follow, unless Ardee would be doing that. Seemed like they were bad news.
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(New Pegas)
Using the changelings would get word out, and potentially someone would know where to look for at least a few of the gang members. But it were gonna take at least an hour, before that route would get them anywhere. Including with Bling urging the hive to action, as there were a lot doing other things, and trying to find Basher and his, weren't exactly a small task. Nor something everyone wanted to get involved with. They liked Bling, and what she did for them, but there were still a fair few afraid of gangs, and who didn't want any sort of involvement, that might get them hurt by one.
It was the slow route, but the changeling's way were methodical and would work in the long run, more than likely. But it were for the best the rest of them were out dealing with things in their short run. Gave them better coverage
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(School)
Cherish were fascinated with what she heard. Like she'd tell Teal, zebras were more stories and strange street vendors where she had grown up. You'd mostly hear stories about how they could see the future, and spoke with the dead, cursed everypony that looked at them the wrong way etc. A lot of stories, and some of them were probably just hyped up, or scary stories. For one, she didn't believe the part about them being cursing others, just for a small slight. Nor some of the more rude things she'd heard, from some who didn't like them, because they were a bit strange. Which granted, they were, for your average pony. Weren't like they got exposed to their kind all that much, and the street vendors tended to deal in all sorts of odd things and elixirs.
It tended to really draw the foals though, with some saving their allowance, specifically to get some of their trinkets or potions. Some teachers forbade them taking them to school, because it distracted them all too much, though the zebras never sold them anything dangerous. They wouldn't want that hanging over them.
Anyway, she'd move on to tell about rhe camels, and the similarities she'd seen in more details, like how it were with the marks that spawned under them in their rest, and the role their elder had in this, which were somewhat akin to the zebras. She'd also mention how she liked the symbolism and history that seemed to be in both theirs, and the zebra's way of handling things. Didn't seem like something that had just spawned out of nowhere. It seemed very traditional, and she found that kinda interesting.
She did like history and traditions, but it were also related to her cutie mark. Traditions and culture, did play a part in love, when she had been helping to give some ideas of how others at school could write a love letter to their crushes, or how she had left a few clues at times, between some she saw liked each other, to try and nudge things a little gently. Learning how courtship worked for various ones, helped to understand love more, and she liked the stories around it. Like how the griffins in Engstahd had courted one another.
It were a lot more hunter related, and included wearing freshly carved skins from strong predators, than she would personally like seeing, but it were still interesting to look at. Sometimes you could end up forgetting that griffins were natural predators, and shouldn't be underestimated. Though she still bet Crow were stronger than a griffon her age, if she wanted to. She didn't mention any of this though. They should focus on the work, and the more side stories she told, the more they'd maybe end up not finishing on time. She didn't want to disappoint Miss Gypsum.
Regarding their collage, she'd fill in what she had read, and say how far apart or close some of the things she had read about camels, were from what Teal had said about zebras. A big one were how their marks showed, as the camel's marks were external, curiously enough. It might be more elemental, kind of, than what ponies had? Since it were in sand, but she hadn't seen anything about that. Didn't really matter much either, right? Wasn't like she understood the exact details of cutie mark magic either. It were just this weird thing that happened, that helped to show your way further in life.
Camels also didn't sound like they had to more or less meditate over their marks every so often, before important decisions, like zebras did. They appeared more relaxed about it, as it scattered into the sands. Both fascinating sorts of creatures, right? Maybe someday, she'd get to see a real caravan of camels, and maybe see how they did things. But school right now first. They were learning about marks of all sorts now, and should try and focus.
She did wonder why regular equine marks wasn't an option yet though... Maybe Toupé already knew, and that's why they were handling others, to learn some culture?
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(Spectra)
Was the same amount of payment as last time, but the zebra would still gladly accept that, and get them to the island. It were still easy work, and even if he were away all day, it were still better payment than what he would have done for the next week or so. Yes it were morally questionable, but they would have gotten someone to do it anyway. Might as well be someone that could use the money for something good, right? Besides, he knew a fair few who'd start asking questions, and it seemed fairly obvious that it wouldn't go well for them.
He'd enjoy that there were now music as he sailed them to the island. A bit somber, and seemed likely related to the mare still sleeping, but it were a nice break in the silence. He'd considered getting a radio sometimes, for his trips out here, but that's be a big investment, and he had worked hard to get money for the essential things. He'd been able to pay off the most crucial thing, between the last few barrels he'd brought in, and the last trip with these two, but he still had to think carefully about things. He'd need money to be able to get away from here, and he certainly wanted that. This wasn't the place he wanted to spend his life. He wanted to gout and find a place in Equestria. Maybe even get to Zebrica, and join some of his own kin even? He heard rumors of a zebra alchemist in the Everfree Forest too. Maybe she could use an apprentice? That'd be a nice life.
He could sit with these thoughts, as he answered to the island, sprawling with life now that the spell had dissipated completely. It did also seem though, that someone, or something, had been smashing things at the dock. There were bits of trees and planks scattered about, along with some makeshift rope made from vegetation. Could be Thriceborne had been around to do stuff in their absence. They'd see soon enough though.
She'd be where they'd expect, at the temple. It had been cleaned up a fair bit, with rocks and such pushed into piles, and a hut having been constructed in the middle. Not a lot, but it would serve as a beginning at the least, with the two stone pillars to the side of it, with the bowls on top, providing light for the dark hours.
She herself had her back turned to them, standing above a makeshift alter in front of the hut, chanting as she carved symbols into it with a ceremonial blade. If they tried to talk to her, she'd ignore them, and continue her work on this, until she were done. It would only be a few more minutes, and when it were complete, she'd cut herself, planting a single droplet of blood on top, and a rush of red light would flourish through the intricate pattern carved into the whole thing. She'd turn around after that.
They might focus on the fact that she appeared to have a makeshift bandage on her upper chest, and a cut across her forehead, that weren't there when they left.
"Aura and her bard. You are back sooner than I expected.
Am I to assume that this be the one whom you want then?"
She'd indicate the passed out mare, still sleeping soundly, and without a care in the world.
"Made to sleep, knowing not what is to come. Acceptable for the work, yet I assume you have some wants with how you wish her presented? A horn I know, but are there any else to speak of?"
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(Stern)
On 2024-02-16 at 2:46 AM, Magloria said:"Makes me wonder, if one does manage to defeat Spectra - and all of those she had imprisoned are released, with the body count being in the thousands - what will the leadership do with her? Put her in Tartarus? Build a new jail to put her in? Whatever the case, I suspect that emotions would be running more wild than Tirek - as she'd taken individuals from many different timeframes. Some of which, would have to spend the rest of their lives adjusting to the damage that she caused them. Not as simple as regaining your magic and walking away from it, to fix the damage - like with Tirek, as much as my thoughts go with that." he said to that. Now they were approaching the registration desk that seemed exactly the same.
"It is hard to say. Tirek is essentially a living soul in Tartarus, so he's not in the worst place there. That's what I understood from how it was explained to me at least. Something about there being layers, and the deeper layers being impossible to get out of, unless the doors to Tartarus opens fully? I admit that I didn't ask much into it. I were trying to settle a broken leg at the time.
Anyway, if that's it... Maybe she'd be sent to one of the deep layers, which meant that she'd have to perhaps die? *sigh* I don't know, but all this pain and death, it's going to get her punished severely, I think. If not in Tartarus, then maybe she'll be banished from this world, like with the Pony of Shadows, or the siren sisters. Not that I'm a big fan of that. It seems harsh to me, to just push the issue away, and let it be a problem for somepony else.
Well, whatever happens, it is far above my station. I don't have the authority to put a punishment on this sort of high profile criminal, nor the power to try. I'm just the medic, you know? My job is to keep as many alive as I can."
On 2024-02-16 at 2:46 AM, Magloria said:"Guess you could say that they finally dug me out of the hole they found me in. Along with many others...was abducted by a crazy mare from a long time who wants all magic for herself, that's pretty much all I know other than that she was responsible for the destruction of a mountain. Bet you were there to see the stuff with Tirek, Chrysalis and all that while I was gone - but yeah...I'm here for a new registration. I am going to be back in the swing of things, so you'll be seeing me around here like the old days." Stern said, thinking about how his other family members served in the guard. His grandfather, his father, and perhaps even generations before that. The "Steel" family were all kinda the same, strong, burly, and thinking they were in charge of everything. He didn't know if any of his family were still in the guard, or if there had been any new family members about in the guard. Maybe one of his brothers got married and had a foal who is full grown now? Kinda was strange for him to think about.
"Things just gets weirder and more dangerous, the more time passes, huh? Ah well, Equestria's been tested before, and it still stands. I'm sure some of you young folks, will keep an old stallion safe from all that stuff."
He'd chuckle a little, though it were a fact that he were in no way able to provide much in a fight. He were a paper pusher, and a stallion at an age were it was astonishing that he were even mobile, and able to work. A heavy sword, lashing around like a nimble fighter though? He'd probably sprain something just from trying to swing a blade in the first place. Better to let him stay here were it were nice ands safe, and handle the paperwork. Let the young and spry folks handle the combat, which to him, were basically everyone. Including Benny. The dragon were still in his twenties, whilst Parch were at the point where some debated if he classified as a senior, or an actual antique.
He'd wander behind the desk, back to the rooms where all the paper laid. He were not the only one here. He had some spry helpers here and there, to handle the heavy lifting, but they answered to him in the end, and he still refused to let any take care of registrations, beyond him. If he weren't in when somepony came to be registered, they would have to wait until he were. Sure his assistants could make some preliminary paperwork, but he were the only one with the key to the box that kept the badges and official seal, so it were little more than a reminder note, so he knew that he had somepony new showing up.
He did have a few over the years, that had been posed to take over his spot, but all three had retired by now. In the spirit of fairness, he had decided upon his primary assistant being a mare in her twenties, that he saw potential in. He assumed that when he were about ready to leave, she should be ready to handle this, and still have plenty of years back in her.
When he returned, he'd carry the usual official paperwork, the seal, a feather, and some ink. He preferred this getting done this way, rather than with pen. He believed it to look impersonal and shoddy.
"Well then, you know the drill Stern. Just sign your name, I'll brand it with the seal, and then give you your badge. It hasn't much changed since the last time you read it, beyond opening up for non-equines. Strange times we live in, yes? Can't say I mind much. The dragon have been helpful in warming my tea on a slow day, and listening to old stories. It brings a bit of new life into these dusty halls."
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(Magloria)
"Sounds like something her majesty would order. Very well, let us head towards the general's room. I may be able to suggest things to Shade, but she is the only one whom he actually obeys, beyond the princess, of course.
As for your concerns of Arcadia... I would worry less of the artifacts she may be able to unlock, and more of the ones who make their pilgrimage there, thinking the passable outskirts of the ruined kingdom, to be a holy site. I find it too likely that they might simply follow and obey a true-blooded Arcadian, if indeed she proves herself to be that."
Granted, she would need to also have the blood of one to prove that, but he weren't aware of her current deeds, and plans of changing body. Nor of Thriceborne and her methods, but perhaps they would be someday. For now though, his worry were of what he knew, which were of the fanatics, which were generally seen as harmless. Not much point in worrying, when no true-blooded Arcadian existed, to open up the seal, and plunder the city truly. Nor give them somepony to rally around. This however... It could prove problematic.
Moving through the halls towards the general's room, would give time for Ghelzar to answer questions, and tell his tale. At least the end of it, as he knew it.
"I were called upon, to save a town, sieged by a witch most foul. Ponies missing, and screams howling through the night, marked the need of an inquisitor. So I arrived, and many came clamoring for help. I captured all, feeling the taint of evil upon them. Mine eyes work not, yet my senses see beyond them. A foulness were upon them, and when trapped, the witch showed. I felt her presence behind, then readied to strike her down. Next I know, you stand before me, and a millennia have passed.
Her vile trickery is unlike what I have tried before. Her grasp came, and yet I knew it not. Wickedness have faced me in many forms, yet this... I were lit brightly with hubris, and thus I failed. This shall not come to pass again."
He hadn't a clue if the town had just been affected by some familiar spell, if it were struck, and Spectra took advantage of it, or if perhaps it were a trap to try and lure in those like him in the first place. Nor would he care to hear anything, but her screams as the flames would take her. A wicked creature like her, should not be poised to cause more foul acts.
She were lucky with whom she got regardless. His senses were high, and it seemed to be amplified in some way by a magical source. Likely his own, dormant one, that he had activated through enlightenment. A bit cliche of a statement, but it were not as simple as just reaching your best state of mind. Trauma, ordeals, the strength of both body and mind to surpass your limits- A lot factored into it, and had he not been the victim of what he were, he would likely never have reached this stage. He would not have the reason to test and surpass himself.
That said, he were considered highly dangerous, even by the other inquisitors, because he were known to bring some of them down too. He were blind - no pun intended - to allegiance, when it came to his calling, which were to smite the wicked. Too dangerous to be with others, but too valuable to rid themselves off, Goldenhawk had declared him her personal holy weapon, which allowed her to make him leader of his own order, albeit he were the only one in said order. She made a big show off it, though truth be told, she did it for other reasons, than his usefulness. Not that any would spread rumors. Doing so were considered heresy, and heretic were not treated well at the best of times, among the inquisitors.
"What of you? How did this wicked mare, ensnare you?"
She'd have enough time to answer this, before, they'd get to the general's quarters, where voices behind the doors made it apparent that they were there, and speaking. Likely to others, which were proven when the door opened, and a half dozen various officers rushed out, not giving any of them as much as a glance, as they rushed to fulfill their orders. The generals would be sitting at their desk, overlooking a map of Equestria, and thoughtfully gaze over it, whilst moving some wooden horses around. It seemed they were busy strategizing on what to do.
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On 2024-02-15 at 3:42 PM, EQ_Theta said:
“Places like those ruins are considered taboo, but we were only told they were cursed. Even the younger longma in the village are told the same thing. The elder Solasan warned everyone to keep away from them, but not even he could follow his warning. What he found there was just the start, and it soon gained enough power to keep a whole village under its rule, with none of us the wiser. We had to learn why he was going in there and its importance; we just didn't expect to find what we did or lead to the mess we found ourselves in.”
“Sadly, even one place didn’t give us a lot of information, only clues to some unknown location through glyphs that glowed before fading. If the opportunity presents itself, we will look into this, but we... are aware that the longma investigating this matter presents problems. Omen also knows about it, so we have some way of moving forward without putting ourselves at risk, but we'll be careful nonetheless. If possible, we'll try to be discrete to avoid drawing attention to what we found and how we came across it.”
"Hmm... From the perspective of the uninitiated, deeming the ruins that you were infected in as cursed, seems appropriate, albeit lackluster. It serves well enough as a means to warn others away from dangers at the least. This minute credit I will give your elder.
Yet to then wander into the embrace, of the evil that he forbade any else from seeing, and punishing dissenters to the rule that he broke, as severely as he did? Hmph. He's a disgrace to the position of power that he laid claim to. No degree of self insight, or acknowledgement of fault, speaks poorly of one meant to lead. You cannot properly lead others, if you do not lead both by example. And one way of doing so, is to accept your mistakes, and if something has happened because of it, to give yourself in, and choose the village, over the individual. Seeking simply power instead? Lackluster as a leader. I hope your other elders are better than this. if not, I worry for your kin."
Elder Zhao were not flawless. She had done things in her past that were less than ideal. As had most of the other elders. But they had accepted that, and confronted their flaws. If they hadn't, and had done as Salosan had done, they'd have been stripped of their position of power, and made to either improve themselves, or leave the safety of the village. Most then chose the former, and improved themselves. Got past their weakness, and became if not an elder again, at least a well respected member of their society. Certain other methods could also be used at times, but it did not detract from the fact that in their culture, an unwillingness to chose the village, over the individual, marked a weak leader. Someone like Salosan, would not have been well received here. They had several legends of some like him, that proved so.
"As for your curiosity, I am not one to judge for that. I only ask that you consider enough restraints, to show caution. You might not be as lucky as you were this time, if you do not.
Looking for locations, and referencing runes should be somewhat harmless though. Try and visit libraries of various kinds of creatures, if you have trouble deciphering them. Same if you find maps. You will find that different species, looks upon their country differently. Like the ways the Neighponese ponies marks their cites and roads, where we mark our towns, shrines, and ley lines.
There is no shame in seeking help from others."
On 2024-02-15 at 3:42 PM, EQ_Theta said:“Ugh… Oh! Hello to you, too. I… I’m fine. Hhngh… maybe not. I’ve got a headache, and the rest of my body feels like someone beat me up and knocked me out cold, but I’ll manage. It looks like I’m back from that strange mindscape.”
Lin nearby would twitch occasionally, though she wasn’t quite awake yet. It was only a mere sign of activity that gave some relief that she’d be up eventually. For now, she’d remain asleep, her mind likely attempting to make sense and repair what it could after Sen and the others did their part. Sen looked around to see Omen was up, and Elder Zhao moving and speaking about, they were likely just waiting on him. He’d give himself a moment to let some of the pain from his headache subside, though it would be hard to focus for a time on account of, well… everything hurting.
“I… uh… suppose now might be a good time to talk, right? Is Lin awake?”
"Hmm."
The elderly kitsune craned her neck to look at Lin, as she twitched in her slumber on occasion. After a few seconds, she would return to gaze at Sen.
"She seems healthy, stirring a minor bit... I would think she'd wake soon enough. The mind is a delicate thing to meddle with, dear child. Even done by good paws, it can take a little time to readjust. Don't worry, we will make sure she is taken care of. is that not so, dearie?"
"Of course, Elder Sohe. I would never have suggested otherwise."
Elder Zhao would engulf Lin in a magical aura, lifting her above ground, and leading the way outwards. Unless it seemed like she were starting to wake up, in which case she'd set her down. If not, they would be ready to get on their way.
"What about you, Sen? Do you need help to move as well?"
"I can move him if he does.
Can I get Shrimp back now?"
Elder Zhao would wave her paw, and the sleeping refraction would float over on Omen, where he'd lay comfortably at her neck again, none the wiser about what happened.
"Your pet were interrupting the ceremony, so I cast a sleeping spell. Give it time.
Now then Sen, are you prepared? I am imagining you're dealing with some pain now, but don't fret. It will pass soon enough."
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I'm having fun making up new and random beings around the castle. All from the top of my head, but I enjoy the variety. Even from one off chars that's probably never gonna be used again.
Enjoy another who remembers Stern, and who he probably, and rightfully so, would have likely assumed were dead since last he saw him.
Some folks just seem to go on forever.
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(Spectra)
They'd find the zebra not far from where he had been, the last time they saw him. The shadows were beginning to fall, as the trip had taken time after all, in both directions, but the waters were calm. So were the town, yet there were an odd tone over it. A sort of pressure felt, from the mostly silent populace. Might just be that there were a curfew they were trying to uphold though. Some places had dangerous things out, after night fell. And this were close to wilderness. They likely had something like that in the area.
The young zebra would hear them before he saw them, turning curiously towards the sound of the flute, as he saw them approach. When they did though, he were more or less alone at the harbor. All others had taken their ships in and tied them up, and he were about to as well, until they had been spotted by him.
Now, he weren't greatly keen on sailing this time of night. Nor would he be, to see that they'd have another passenger with them. One who seemed to not be there of her own free will. Yet long as he were paid, he'd agree to do as told, and take them there, whilst keeping his mouth shut. It were not honest work perhaps, but it were a way to get gold. The last had helped him solve an issue that had kept him working more than he wished to, but more from them, this soon? And perhaps, even something he'd be paid a little more for, to ensure he'd be silent? It could help him potentially get away from here. Out into the world, away from this little sliver in the wilderness.
Of course, he wouldn't haggle, or demand more pay, of course. They kidnapped ponies. They'd probably do worse to him too, if he started to become a hassle. But he'd happily take a bonus as it were if offered. Otherwise, he'd just utter the few words needed to know they were to leave now, and go back to the island, at which point he'd have to wait for them again. As well as kindly ask for payment, if it weren't offered already, but Spectra had seen the last time, that if he were paid, he didn't ask, didn't pester with questions in general, and just did as he were told. Simpler to just pay up front, make him do work, and then get on with it.
Who knew? Perhaps when her idea of a world order came to fruition, he'd get a chance to be a lackey, rather than slave away at a mine or something similar. He'd know to obey without question. That were practical in anything from a servant to a courier, or otherwise. More than could be said about Operata for certain, considering he might know more, yet questioned her at many points in time. More so now, as things unfolded to show more and more cruelty from Spectra.
Anyway, they would soon be able to travel towards the island. Thriceborne would soon have to be faced with her end of their deal.
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(Stern)
On 2024-02-13 at 6:01 AM, Spectral Fade said:"Whatever happens happens, I'll learn to deal with it. I've dealt with things before, of course nothing on this level - but I'll handle it. The statue you speak of, am still quite surprised it all lead to that - had to have been quite the sight to see, all that. If you say that Discord is "reformed", could the same also be possible with Tirek? Seems like he tried to steal all of Equestrian magic in a brute force manner - not like Spectra, who manipulates every pony individually and keeps them locked away somewhere. I won't even suggest that she would be redeemable, did Discord kill anyone, like she did?"
"I don't think for TIrek. He's escaped a few times, and he's tried to take over Equestria both times. Nearly succeeded too, from what I understand. There's not much to redeem with him, unless he changes after some time in Tartarus. I get the feeling it won't be in our generation, that things will change with him.
As for deaths... The stories about Discord varies a lot. Some says he never killed, others that he caused genocide. The princesses are likely the only ones who have some idea, and Princess Celestia have decided that he can be redeemed. I will have to assume that she doesn't think he have taken lives, or at least not on purpose. With Tirek, far as I know, he just stole magic, and left ponies alive, so that he could go and drain them some other time, if they eventually managed to charge more magic up again. Or just didn't care about them, after getting magic, and just kept going while they ran. Either way, he can't harvest the dead, I suppose."
She honestly didn't know much about the kill count of the other draconequui. Gluttony ate basically everything, so it were possible that she had eaten some ponies. Dead or alive were a question she'd prefer not asking. Avarice were greed incarnate. She'd assume he had no reason to directly kill another, but financial struggles had caused deaths before, so... She wouldn't be surprised, if he had an indirect kill count.
Fright were the literal Element of Fear, and had admitted to once causing great fear in many. Maybe she had caused some heart attacks? The lieutenant didn't know, but perhaps Stern herself could ask someday.
On 2024-02-13 at 6:01 AM, Spectral Fade said:Then he'd stand up as his registration was mentioned. His eyes widened slightly and he chuckled, "Oh, how could I forget about that. Let's go get that dealt with." he said, ready to go and get that done. He'd let her lead the way to the registration office, whether it was in the same place or not - he didn't hold much reservation about that.
She'd lead the way, and it wouldn't be long before Foxglove would have stern in front of the registration desk. Which hadn't changed in the past twenty years. It were even the same dingy old bell at the vacant desk, that one had to press to get somepony from the back rooms to show up. And as it were dinged, a fossil of a pony would show up. Parchment yellow and bald, the only sign of his mane color, where the tuft of tail he had left in faded grey, ending a bit before his cutie mark. A pen scribbling upon paper.
This pony had been seen as old and assumed to be about ready to retire by the time that Stern were here, and yet the old prune were still here, still doing this most dull, mundane part of the paperwork, among a few other duties.
His bushy eyebrows would lift slightly as he saw who were there, and a thin smile spread on his wrinkly face, as his ice-blue eyes landed upon Stern.
"So they finally found the hole you were hiding in, hm? Must have been a good one. You look barely older than when I last saw you.
And hello there, Foxglove. You haven't gotten into trouble, have you?"
The elderly pony's voice were actually creaking, yet somehow lively, despite his general look being of one who should have been dead and buried around fifteen years ago. It were still a running wager when this fossil would finally either croak, or retire, and his bet had been placed that he'd still be here, when he were a hundred and twenty. And against all reason or logic, he were winning. And the prize poll were so gigantic at this point, that if he died - of natural causes of course, as murdering him would be automatically disqualifying - would make you rich enough to retire comfortably. It were amazing what the compounding interest of a little under a half century of guards, offering small bets of twenty bits to put down their guess, managed to get up to. Even the current generals were part of the betting pool. Heck, Stern might have even made his own bet, as countless others had, about Parch and his staying power.
The biggest kick in the teeth if it did end up with him staying the course though? Not only would he be able to life the last life he would have in him in utter luxury, he'd also have enough to make sure his family were taken well care off for a long time, after he'd be gone. From a bet that he had started himself, because he kept hearing whispers on how they figured he would end up retiring soon enough, and who would have to take over his post. And he still to this day, encouraged others to take part. Often when registering a new recruit, which some saw as a bit morbid, but there were those who believed they would be the ones to make it big. Those like Foxglove, had already lost though. She had assumed he were dead five years ago. As a medical professional, she still couldn't fathom how this stallion were ticking on, much less doing so without any sort of medical gear attached to him constantly.
"Nothing of the sort, I assure you. Stern, I take it you remember Parch?"
His full name were Pedantic Parchment, but everyone just called him Parch. Three generations of generals had done so too, with there being several times when anypony using his full name, just caused confusion. Even among his own family. Hay, even in official letters, they were just addressed to Parch. Just one of those things that had stuck.
"I remember him at least. I have handled every registration in Canterlot since before his father were a glitter in his grandpa's eyes. I've seen everything, and then some. Not as fun as yours though."
"H-Hey."
"Confused young lady this one, let me tell you. Stacks of paper she didn't even need-"
"T-There's no need to-"
"-Medical kit clenched between her teeth, tools balanced on her back. And then her lunch slipped."
Foxglove blushed a bit by that. She had hoped he had forgotten this, but sadly, Parch had a spotless memory. He remembered things like this. It were one of the things that kept him going: Seeing fresh new recruits make an utter fool of themselves. never stopped being funny.
"P-Please stop. We're here in official duties."
"Oh very well, I suppose. So, is it you that I need to deal with then, Stern?"
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(Magloria)
"Soon after Equestria's founding? So you are from over eleven hundred years past...
When I returned, the world had changed i ways I am yet to fathom. Try as I might, it have moved on without me, and seldom is it not a struggle to adjust, and follow these new times. I do not pity you, that you will need the same, yet know that at the least, you will have one who understands. Perhaps in times to come, we might have chances to speak of such times too? Better times, before darkness took hold."
It might have been a thousand years since she had been imprisoned in the moon, but before that, another century had passed, after the fall of Discord. The end of chaos in these lands, as the draconequui more or less all fled these lands, now aware that they were not as untouchable as they had once thought. Yet also the beginning of the early years, of the land they would come to call Equestria. One with a very rough start she might add, but it went well for a long time. And then... *sigh* She had meant to do things differently, but she had fallen. That would forever be her shame to bear, and the prospect of repeating that mistake, would be her greatest fear.
The amount of things that had happened since then, were staggering. And now it sounded as if this mare had been there before her fall. She wondered, had Magloria even been told of how she had fallen? Of Nightmare Moon, and the eternal night, that she had tried to usher in? It were hard to say, but she admitted to wish to speak of it still, with one that remembered far further back. To times still reeling from a chaotic lord, before everypony began to forget who he were.
"I yet recall the slow decline of Arcadia. What sister have told me of it, makes me wonder what threat this mare might become, were she to find what remains, and those who yet worship the idea of the fallen kingdom. I thank you for letting us know of this, and of the importance of what items might have been retrieved.
Tell General Screecher to command Shade in the matter of said trinkets. There is little time to waste.
Now please, leave us at peace."
Luna would bow her head as best she could towards the mare, and when she were out, would close and lock the door fully. She wished to be alone with her sister now, and calm her, then work from that to make decisions at this grave hour.
Outside, the captain and Ghelzar would wait for her. Ghelzar looked surprisingly at sound mind, considering what he had been told. It were likely easier for him to just accept and obey, than it were to wallow in panic.
"We have a path now, I see. Had the princess orders, or shall we return to the escapees?"
If she said that Luna had told them to get to screecher, he would nod, and lead the way. Regardless if he did or not, Ghelzar would address her shortly afterwards though.
"You told no lie, of this I thank you. Yet you know less than I, of the world that is gone? When time permits, wish you to know of the Inquisition, and what were wrought, from one who passed though blood and ash?"
It would likely give her the only perspective on that, which were not simply negative, so perhaps there would be something to gain from listening some day. This were also his way of trying to reach out, and show her acknowledgement. A sort of way to indirectly say *I'm sorry for doubting you. Wanna hang out later?*. Which honestly, were not something he'd say in such terms. Not just because such phrases were not there in his time, but also because griffon pride wouldn't allow it. They weren't dragons, but still, they had their pride, and while that had lessened over the generations, it still varied a fair bit. Some would sooner die than thank another for instance. Others would hug you the first chance they got. Griffons were odd sometimes.
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IC: The Frozen North (1x1 with Blitz Boom)
in 1x1 RP
@Props Valroa
(Spectra)
There wouldn't be words, but a feeling of confusion and worry would be evident, as Yuma heard the voice, and recognized it. The mare who had lured her away from others, and she wanted something with her body. Were she about to be sacrificed? Had she already been? Were... Were she dead?
There'd be this, and plenty more emotions, that Yuma tried tackling, as her body kept moving outside of her control. But at least it currently kept her quiet, for as long as that would remain true.
"We will see what happens."
Would she die before she reached this goal? Were she going to return in triumph? In the end, it mattered little to her, but they would see now, wouldn't they? For now, the mare had left a perfectly suitable Arcadian body behind. One older than it looked, with granted, an annoying limitation on it. Yet still... There were ways to deal with many things, and she knew just what to do with this. Though she doubted that Spectra would much like what those plans were. Not that she'd be anywhere near when it were used, but if ever she did find out, things might get somewhat lively.
Following the trial, she'd find a large tree had been cut through, and were sitting on its side, around a half meter from the point where the ground became too muddled with plant life and harder ground, to properly see tracks. The way the ground had been ruffled up due to the impact of this, were not helping things either. But there were still a few vaguely seen tracks, headed towards where the boat were. perhaps her ride would be gone, when she would come over and return to where she had been? A small matter probably, as she could teleport to some extend, but it would certainly still be annoying.
She'd soon enough get to the docks, and find that the boat were not currently in the water, off the docks.
Instead it were slightly on ground, with the young zebra cleaning it for a few algae that had begun latching on in recent times, that he hadn't had the time to deal with. he assumed he had time for this though, and would turn around when he heard a sound. It were the mare that the others had brought here unconscious. Alone. That made him somewhat nervous. What were going to happen now? Were she about to force him to move out of here, leaving the others behind, under threat of calling the law down on him? Would she stab him? It wasn't as if he knew anything about this one after all. She might be dangerous.
If she asked, he would say that no, he hadn't seen anyone else here. And if she started looking around, she wouldn't find any tracks here in the softer sand either, indicating a large equine had been here.
If this were Fae, she were playing games with her in some fashion. But where had she gone, if it were her? Fae were no small pony. It wouldn't be easy for her to simple hide in plain sight. Had she climbed up a tree or something?
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(Stern)
"Far as I know, the guard got access to a better vein of metal, and Vulkan figured out how to work it proper into lighter weight steel. It was before my time, but honestly, better materials tend to cause a better result. We do have standard light weight steel, that is still used for many normal armors, but I understood it as you being a bit on a special mission, so I used officer grade steel for this. I assume that were right?"
He'd look towards Foxglove, not as certain anymore.
"He's part of a special task currently. I would argue its best that he's geared properly."
"Phew, good to hear. Anyway, this stuff's a bit sturdier, and more flexible. You should be able to fight proper in this.
I used some good stuff for your weapon too, but it's not highest grade. That's reserved for a general's order, but I still think you'll like it."
"Huh, might be? I'll keep an eye out for sure, though I didn't expect us to be bored anytime soon. The whole guard, Moon and Solar, are rushing around, picking up every bit or armor and weapon available. Things are heating up, heh. Sorry, maybe a bad time for a joke.
*cough* A-Anyway, I'm sure things will be a bit more chaotic for you, once things are done, and you get a chance to settle down, and take a proper look at everything. Heck, I'm still surprised and mystified by some of the things I see sometimes, and I've been in Equestria for 5 years now. Still a lot of *Fish out of water* kind of things, y'know? If you need to talk, from one fish to another, try come around sometimes. It'd be interesting hearing more than old stories about you. Cause really, you aren't living up to those I remember right now. I still have all my fangs."
He'd give off a goofy grin. It were rather hard to find Benny threatening, even for the most dragon-cautious, so that had certainly helped him to fit in better than some of his other, more brutish kin. And this were still him doing rather well. Those who had seen seen him stumble over himself if his marefriend came around, or wander around with a piece of caramel in his scales, trying to find out where the smell came from, had it even harder arguing that he were some sort of secret danger for the guard.
"Got it boss. Feast your eyes on this beauty."
The one that had handled the blade would hold it up, and present it to Stern. Sharp and glistening in the light, the blade were as he had asked it to be. Yes this would take a while, if done from scratch, but at times they had faulty things done here. Mostly a blade being bigger than intended. Benny had gotten in a habit of keeping some around, so in case something came up, that was a rush order, he could reshape that and thus do it faster. This were one of those cases, where he just had to take the oversized blade of something from a few months ago, and then shave it down, form the blade properly, and then have it nice and ready. It even had a leather handle, to allow for a more comfortable grip with either hoof or teeth. He assumed Stern didn't mind.
Of course, that part had only been added after it got out of the forge, but that were part of the finishing touches the twins had done on it, and it were nice and solidly attached. Wouldn't just slip off or anything of the sort.
If Stern took it, and took a few practice swings, he'd find the blade light, but razor sharp. If he put some weight of his own into it, it would probably slice through most things he put the blade to, that were realistic. So like... Not diamond. Bad idea.
"Nice, right? Try putting it on your back, and you'll see it gets stuck there. Same if you hold it down your side. Vulkan taught me that higher grade metal of this sort, can be made somewhat magnetic to stuff that's made with it's own materials, so there's a bit in the core of the blade, that helps it latch on. It's pretty nifty. Especially for stuff so sharp that it might destroy a scabbard, but you can run with that if you want. Up to you really."
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(Magloria)
The others enjoyed their meals well. Though he had expected otherwise, Hailstorm would find that Ghelzar actually ate with good table manners. He didn't make a mess, or just shoved his whole face down into the tray. He'd take bites, cut, etc. with actual table manners. Including using a fork and knife. Not always he had that luxury out in the field, but this place had cutlery. He'd comply with that, and eat right. He wouldn't even slurp his water.
Of course, another reason to eat with utensils, were that if a fight happened, you'd have a couple of weapons with you, but that minor tidbit were not all that important.
When they were done, they would go and deposit their trays the right place, with Ghelzar also going and thanking the mare at the counter for the meal, before returning to Hailstorm, who were about ready for them to wander off, soon as Magloria were. And since it seemed she too were ready, it were time to go.
"It seems all are prepared. let us get back to work."
It weren't a long way back to the crystal room. Sure there were a lot of paths in here, but he knew where to go, and it were not as bad as in Shark Bay. The Coastal Guard headquarters were expansive and gnarled, as it also functioned as an extra layer of security for them, and they had enough to fight out there, that it were often needed.
Returning, they'd find that the ones whom they had left, had gone around and were looking over the various ones, and marking them with their assumption of danger level. The centaur had a large *Danger* warning on him, showing that this one weren't trusted all that much. Understandably so, just from the looks alone, though something told Hailstorm that if they checked up on it, they'd find this one had a story too, that would just make him an even bigger problem.
"Now then, whom to pick next... I think we should try and find somepony low brow. We have had a notable amount of higher end targets for now. We could do with one with a less... Storied legacy, if possible."