EQ_Theta

@Blitz Boom Sen paused and thought about Omen’s question. It was a good one, and even he struggled to find the right words. If things do get better, would he still be around to find out? Or would their actions moving forward only be the stepping stones to a better future he would never see? All this pointed to a question about what their legacy would be, and that is already putting a lot of unwanted pressure on his mind. But to hope… or wanting to hope…. “I don’t know how long it would take for the folks back home to change their minds on Discord or us, but we should let it happen on its own, even if it takes a long time. I hope it happens, just like I hope what we do in the coming days will lead to something better. But hoping doesn’t mean ignoring the bad things; I accept things can go wrong, but I will continue to do the work because I believe in the good that can happen.” “Take all the time you need to think about it. I will also think about what you said.” Lin remained quiet and looked away. She believed in her brother, but she also had her reservations about his goals. Some part of her wanted to walk away from all of this, start over somewhere no one knew her. But she already voiced her desire to stand by him and see his task come to fruition, and so she would. If all of this were to end well, maybe she’ll take some time to pursue her own goals. However, that will have to wait. “The longma are secretive, isolated. I don’t think they’re ready to see-“ “What the?” The creature’s gills and the sound it gave off had the siblings on edge, wondering if they were feeling odd all of a sudden. But the response after carried a feeling of disappointment. The two didn’t fault the creature, more on themselves for hoping they could learn a little more. The magical fish and Omen’s explanation hinted at a kind of symbiotic or commensal relationship, but they couldn’t tell. Unfortunately, it appeared their meeting and discussion would be cut short, and they would part ways then and there. “I… We hope we can meet again someday!” The two would wave goodbye, acting according to the sudden change in their situation. Lin could only get some words out before the gate closed, intending her message would be for both the new creature they met and for Omen’s sister. The longma understood that the creature needed to remain hydrated, but she just wished they had a little more time. “Your sister also looks like she’s in a good place to grow. I was hoping we’d get to know him a little more.” “He needed to be on his way, and it isn’t right for us to stop him. Likewise, we should be on our way back home. The time we have left to prepare is ticking away.” Once everyone was ready, Lin would open a gate back to their home, though she would stick around for a bit in case Mother might come by. The longma didn’t feel like leaving without saying goodbye. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “Even now, we have no idea where magic originates, or if it is accurate to say that it actually originates from somewhere. The most we have come to understand is that it could be innate to creatures, but to what extent is unknown. And even then, it isn’t necessarily true to all creatures.” “But it is good knowing your source could very well be determined. That certainty is the kind that a lot of scholars would wish to have. However, that could also be a double-edged sword; having certainty could lead to complacency, and in turn, it could be a path to the stagnation of discovery.” “Oh, come now. Just because there is certainty doesn’t mean it should end any more endeavors for studies! It just means we need to look for something else to be certain about!” Vates and Magus let out a collective exasperated sigh. Though Videntor is right about how scholarly pursuits shouldn’t end at certainty, it would need to continue by continuously asking if that certainty would hold up over time. Still, they wouldn’t make an argument over that in public; the times have changed enough that brawls over academic theories would be looked down upon. However, the tales of this “Fountain of Youth” and the kitsune are intriguing, and the latter would sound like it could open up another line of inquiry for magic. That one could get Magus talking if he could learn a little more, but he kept himself reserved and his enthusiasm in check. “The kitsune sound interesting just by the way you describe them. I wonder what they would think of golems, if they have ever seen them…. It would be odd to be a common sight to them if they have already encountered golems before.” “There is no rush; we will be ready to discuss further whenever the best time would be, Princess.” Though Scriniarri wanted to say more, it looked like there were more pressing matters for Celestia to attend to. A shame their discussion was cut short, but they understood it. Someone of her stature would have business that would necessitate urgency, and the golems only felt lucky that they had this chance encounter.” The golem turned to his fellows, giving them an assured look before returning his attention to Princess Celestia with the same assuring and understanding smile. “We just want to say thank you, Princess. For your time and for the pleasure of meeting you.” The five bowed as the alicorn took her leave, feeling invigorated by their talk despite it ending abruptly. “That was quite an encounter with royalty. If Celestia were alive in our time, she might also enjoy walking and mingling with others in the agoras. Truly, it was nice for us to come here, Lady Scarcity. As much as we want to continue exploring Canterlot, would now be an opportune time to get ourselves settled in?”

@Blitz Boom “A creature of chaos would make attempts at logic and reason look like an exercise in frustration. That sounds just like Discord…” “What a time we live in, huh? That we’d find ourselves befriending the one responsible for driving the longma to madness at one point in our history. Wonder what the folks back home would think of us if they haven’t written us off as a bunch of strangers too accustomed to life outside of the forest.” “Maybe that would make us a little like Discord, right, Omen? Preferring the company of ponies instead of his kind. Or maybe Discord was right about not being able to understand. I guess there are just some answers out there that we need not try to understand and simply let them be.” Lin had this drive to find the answers to her burning questions, but at times, finding out may not be quite the right thing. There may be questions out there that she would rather not want answered. What she may learn would be too much to comprehend, or if it were comprehensible, she may not like what she learns. If it was something she could impart to Omen and Sen, that lesson would be one. But, the realm’s visitor would also have some words for the group as well. “I think I understand what you mean. This wouldn’t be your normal way of communicating, and you need our words for that here.” “And it looks like you use your little fish to help you understand our words? Okay, I see where this is going. It’s new to you, but you try. It’s a good thing that we can speak with and learn from each other.” Omen seems to also be finding progress in communicating with the creature’s servant, and it appears to be curious of them in turn. Sen picked up on the latter question and stepped forward to answer that. Though he may be getting sidetracked from continuing preparations, he found this diversion to be a nice thing to get his mind off his worries on matters back home. “About your question, we have not encountered something like you before. Our home is a forest with not much as far as bodies of water go, but we do have rivers and ponds where fish live. I guess the closest we have to having something similar to you would be your small fish on your staff. As for us, Lin and I are longma, hybrids of dragons and ponies. If you could tell us, may we also ask what you are?” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “That must be nice, having a kind of magic that is innately part of one’s being. I could see how those could contribute to the development of different societies based on what that magic could be used for.” “Without magic, there was always a sense of being at the mercy of natural phenomenon. That, in turn, led to studying how the world works and how to best take advantage of the benefits it could offer. But, it also meant that it was a long road that was divided into understanding and faith; what could be divine and mundane clashed based on how one saw the world.” “I think you can see how and where debates and discussions have become so intertwined with the Hyracotherians. Because of this pursuit of knowledge, many have come to see the world as something to be understood. And when something new comes along, it has to be studied. Magic wasn’t exempt from this, and when it became a topic of inquiry, many would come to learn how to harness such powers. Schools that specialized in different conspectuses cropped up as a result. I believe there was one that proposed magic came from beyond this world and looked to the stars for inspiration behind their theory.” “And what happened to them, exactly?” “I don’t know; that group just disappeared. Their theory suggests magic originated from the beyond, which came to the world through falling stars. And their ideas for testing that theory involved sticking fragments of fallen stars into their heads. You have to admit, that makes them quite loony, right Wig Woggle?” The Hyracotherians may have studied magic, but there weren’t quite so many in the way of schools of thought. Some sought to learn magic for mundane uses, while others learned to enhance existing technologies. Those were the more common approaches that let many see improvements in the ways they went about their lives. The scholarly inclined had much larger, less-orthodox ways of seeing magic. Some had more reasonable takes, and then there were the… odd ones who had much more outlandish theories. “Fair enough. Long and dark histories of unsavory actions should be remembered. It is the one thing that we hoped would carry us forward long after our civilization crumbled. Admittedly, it was our fault, but that is exactly why it must never be forgotten.” “A slow march to destruction is something we do not wish for anyone. But seeing it happen, and feeling that we didn’t do enough to stop it… it makes us wonder if what we did - metaphorically flinging a light to the future - was the right decision. That was true when we first awakened out of our time, and it is true now. I hope you will never find yourself in that situation Princess. The weight of that responsibility should not be shouldered by anyone.” Scriniarii and Legatus were still disturbed by the last moments of their crumbling civilization and hoped nothing like it would happen again. Sadly, some events in their past, long after the collapse of the Hyracotherians, convinced them that their efforts just weren’t enough. And in this modern age, it felt like history might just repeat itself. Thankfully, Celestia’s remarks and insight provided hope that things could get better. The union and positive relations between many different races were a good sign. Perhaps in time, the golems may relinquish the promise they made to themselves long ago, and they would find their rest in better times. Alas, their work continues. But right now, their discussion would turn to the source of their past positivity. Even among the war-like tendencies their kind exhibited, there was someone who espoused a more affirmative and constructive philosophy to live by. “Gaudium… He was a philosopher who proposed the idea of a life of active development driven by hope. Hyracotherian society was one defined by a thirst for knowledge applied to daily life, something that came about after the decline of faith-based living. What we could learn today should be shared with others, who in turn could lead to developments that improve lives in the future. In every little bit of improvement, there is contentment and happiness to be found because it is a building block for something even bigger. That philosophy can be applied to self-improvement just as much as it can to societal improvement, though emphasis is placed on the latter.” “His philosophy can be summed up by his maxim: ‘pro iis qui nos sequuntur.’ For those who follow after us. It is a beautiful way of thinking and living, yes? That life is a pursuit that aims to build something better for those who come after?”

@Blitz Boom This talk of strangeness and relativity was more comforting, at least to Lin. In a sense, there was a thing they shared with Omen, her sibling, and the latter’s new master that made her feel like she wasn’t out of place. Deep down, she felt a little more isolated despite being in the presence of other longma, and while she was still one, it didn’t feel like a kind of complete kinship. She was no flying octopus or a sea creature in general, but the oddity that she had become after returning from the wellspring made her distant, appearance-wise, among the longma. It didn’t sound right if she were to vocalize her thoughts, and so she would only keep it within her mind. Some thoughts ought to remain private no matter how much she’d want to share them. Even among those she trusted most. “I guess if you could say something about being given a new form, it carries familiarity. It helps make one feel like they belong, even before they know it. And it makes things easier, you know? No need to think about it when it comes naturally.” “That might not always be true, brother. But I wouldn’t know what goes on in the minds of every creature who comes here to pick someone to join them. They have their reasons.” The creature’s words were audible, though comprehending them proved to be a challenge to the longma siblings. Sen still couldn’t seem to wrap his head around if there was more to the words, while Lin attempted to piece something sensible in her mind. And there is something to be understood here. She got the words, and they made sense upon hearing them. Maybe she could try helping him while moving the conversation a little further. “Sen? Omen? Let me try something. You hear how the words were those we spoke just now?” “Yes, but where are you going with this?” “Just give me a moment to let me work on this.” She turned to the creature, walking up to and sitting by him. They were in a safe place, and it was certain that they could spend a little time to get a better understanding of each other. If he was using their words to communicate, he was trying. It was only right that they would try to speak and establish rapport. “I hear you, too, and I can understand; it’s hard to find the words sometimes. No need to be sorry.” “My name is Lin, and if I may ask, what did you mean by ‘looking for history?’” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “Illusions? I can imagine a creative use of that paired with emotions; playing with them to weave scenarios that could alter the way one sees the world…. Interactions with heightened emotional responses could make for quite a show, and more emotions harvested. That could make for quite a potent combination. The theater is a calling and a match made perfect with the right set-up for both her and any audience.” “Speaking of an audience, the Hyracotherian theater would have been a perfect place for her troupe. Though our methods were to narrate an event, dramatization of key scenes would enhance the experience and make it a spectacle. The Hyracotherians weren’t exactly the biggest creatures, and if they were still around today, they would only reach about half an average pony’s height. We were just that small.” “You could just envision what our academic disputes might have looked like back then… a bunch of toddlers with egos engaging in brawls!” Videntor returned, seemingly in better spirits than when he first left the group. It appeared that his time alone got his pent-up sadness vented out of his system, and he was back to making merry conversation like nothing happened. “You’re back! How are you feeling?” “Much better now that I worked through some old regrets. It didn’t completely get out of my mind, but it was enough of a start. Right now, I wanted to put that behind me and return to the present. I heard talk of guest speakers and theology classes. That second one sounds like it would be right for you, Vates.” “That was a long time ago, and even I understood the waning influence of faith in a changing society. I might just sit in and listen, but only when there is time to spare. However, I am intrigued by how that helped growing crops. From what I gathered about Earth ponies, they are the most skilled at working the land. Was that because they are more attuned to nature? Or is it some kind of innate magic that influences their ability? Do they even know they have that kind of magic if that is true?” Faith was a kind of baggage that Vates had a complicated history with. She had her role, and she did her duty to her fellow Hyracotherians through the services the temple offered. Once that was upended, she had to try and make do with what little influence she could still carry. By then, she was little more than a glorified fortune teller. Some still held fast and true to their faith, but it didn’t carry the same weight it did when she was much younger. Magus and Legatus were stunned by what the Princess mentioned. An Inquisition, a fervor and devotion taken to inexplicably dangerous heights. They didn’t think it was possible, but it seemed like history had recorded it for many to remember. Such a thing was foreign in their time, but there was no way would they ever believe that things would go so far to actually become reality. And then the story of the Evergrown, one that reminded the golems, especially Legatus, of their own history of exploitation in the name of security. In truth, history is mired with such tales. They once saw the rise of a large, nomadic tribe transform into a formidable empire that would span continents. As mighty as they were, it was built upon the hapless victims of conquest, their machine fed upon the efforts of others who didn’t wish to be part of that empire. It seemed that wherever one went, a terrible history would follow, rearing its ugly head and repeating. It was the kind of thing that the golems swore to put a stop to. After all, that was their mission when they agreed to preserve their essence within the focal orb. However, the mention of the Evergrown brought back Scriniarii's thoughts on Omen and the longma siblings. If they were to ever meet, there may be a chance for that to go well, better even, knowing that their experiences meeting creatures foreign to them usually ended in friendship or mutual respect. It may not be rare to find individuals who carried themselves well when meeting new creatures, but somehow, those with power and authority had a thing for imposing those over those who did not acknowledge it, leading to difficult or rocky relations. That could just be something coloring the golems' perceptions given the history of the Hyracotherians, as well as that of the different civilizations that they witnessed. It was a tale that repeated itself at different times; the details changed, but the gist remained the same. “History is lined with great and terrible tales, but the best we can do is to learn from them and avoid making the same mistakes that led to these events happening. It is good that things are looking up for Equestria instead of buckling under the weight of tragedies. That is enough to give us hope that our kind's mistakes aren't playing out again, especially now that unity without sacrificing uniqueness among creatures is becoming more prominent.” “And worry not about rambling. It is nice to hear about new developments in Equestria, even if we don’t really know the specifics. What little we can glean from them makes things sound positive, and so we ought to celebrate even the little things that can lead to bigger, positive developments. That was one lesson we heard being taught in our time by the thinker Gaudium.” “But back to what you said about military presence… I agree that having one as a means to establish security on the borders has its purpose. But as a policy that acts as a pretense for aggression? That is a delicate area. I do not envy your position of leadership in Equestria, but I hope that Equestria and beyond could be a utopia because you show that such a thing is possible. I cannot help but be curious about this 'Troy' and the issues they are causing. If I may ask, who are they, and what kind of trouble have they caused?”

@Blitz Boom “I guess strange is one way of looking at things, and I can understand us being strange to your sibling and his master. Would be similar to how our folks back home might have thought of you and Lin when we first returned home after so much time had passed.” “It is a matter of perspective. One sees things as normal that others would see as strange. Experience and history are varied, and that shapes perspectives. Although I concede; he is right that we would not be able to swim well. I can’t even swim at all.” Sen nodded at the assessment of himself. The thought of being labeled as “strange” didn’t seem odd. Having been around a whole assortment of places and creatures meant the word didn’t carry the kind of stigma some associated it with. Some would see it as an insult, a kind of label that instilled an egotistical sense of pride in putting someone else down for things outside their control. But seeing the truth that the world outside carried its own kind of strangeness meant the word’s power diminished, and nothing ever truly was strange, relatively speaking. After all, if everyone and everything is strange, then nothing and no one could be. Lin thought the same, though she couldn’t express it vocally; Shrimp running on her back was distracting enough. His little steps lightly tapping on her hide felt ticklish, and she would playfully try to get him to tone it down a little, all the while trying to stifle her chuckles. It would be rather inappropriate if she were to burst into laughter at such an odd time. But all that halted when the squid creature spoke to them. Rather, a noise emanated from the squid creature sounding like it was trying to communicate with them. Or perhaps it was the fish that came from the squid… which just raises questions about how all this was possible. It might be possible that they were communicating with a being that could be considered “eldritch” in nature, which brings back the discussion on how strange another could be. Regardless, Lin and Sen were cautious, slowly approaching and gauging their way of communication as the situation unfolded before them. The sound put the hairs on their backs on edge, and while they were wary, they didn’t want to come across as aloof. “‘Meet… you…?’ I’m sorry; did I hear you right?” “I… uh, think I understand what you just said. Does that mean… you can understand us? We don’t mean you any harm, and we are not looking for trouble. You want to meet us?” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “I didn’t mean to bring out such negativity around here. It seems like it is still a sore spot among the changelings, but now we know such a matter is delicate. And that would require a deft approach. I wasn’t thinking straight when I brought up the question, and I appreciate your openness to answering it despite the connotation surrounding the topic.” “Your nuanced answer is reminiscent of our time when debating topics like this was fairly common. But maybe our old way of speaking out in the open was not warranted here, especially when difficult history is the topic of discussion. Knowing what we know now, efforts to build up a broken or negative history is a monumental but admirable task. Changing preconceived notions based on unsavory experiences is a difficult - maybe even near impossible - endeavor, and what can help change it is a positive.” “That said, learning is a two-way street, and being open to change is just as essential. Whoever sees your efforts may not be so receptive. But that becomes an issue for them to resolve, knowing you are doing what you can.” Scriniarri didn’t want to come off as patronizing, but he also wanted to offer his own assurances for the changeling. Though he has never found himself in such a situation, learning of it from others gave him hope that he could find a way to diffuse such situations if he ever got into such. Even then, he might need to halt the discussion lest he rile up the other patrons into a bigger confrontation no one would rather have. Fortunately, Wig moved on to another topic, and Vates was happy to take over the golem’s discussion. “Spite has an aftertaste? I didn’t expect that, though that might be appropriate given what spiting others is about… Maybe the whole ‘teach others about our kind’ thing would turn out a lot different than what we could imagine. The Hyracotherians are long gone, and teaching about them would be like a history lesson on ancient civilizations. I doubt anyone would be scared of creatures that have long since disappeared from history.” “Hmm… maybe seeing a golem would be what fuels confusion? Or the dissonance between attitudes of today and of our time? Then there is also the matter of faith-driven beliefs being prominent at one point in our history…. You know, there is a lot of untapped potential there. I’m not sure how that could be introduced in your establishment, but the opportunity for such could be there in the future.” “But we will also take up your suggestion to see Cheshire if our travels take us there. We could only imagine just how delightful she is based on how you described her. It might even let us see how theater has changed since our time.” Vates might have been thinking of the open discussions in the agoras, the kind that many would stop by the listen to while going about their day. Some might equate it to the open mics of comedy clubs, though it would come off as less entertaining and more educational. Then again, that might cause business to dry up - the opposite of what a business wants. Perhaps a suggestion like that might not be such a good idea, especially when other emotions could still be harvested in large amounts for tea. Legatus smiled at the prospect of peaceful solutions and meetings, success stories from establishing new or improved relations among creatures in neighboring and distant lands. Likewise, some found their way to Equestria and had their own successes in forging new bonds that could last through the ages. In a sense, there was a kind of peace that he once thought impossible. But it was that thought that also caused him to pause, to reexamine the attitudes of his time and how their attempts at diplomacy worked. The question posed by Princess Celestia sealed the deal, and he wished he had a better answer. It may have been the product of his time, but the dissonance could prove to be something he hoped he could avoid. That said, it may be worth coming clean; all the warts of old strategies would come to the forefront. “Ah, I see the fruits of your approach have led to blossoming relations. Those are the kinds that I had once dreamed would happen. In my time, being friendly with another city-state was a turbulent matter. In some years, there was trade and friendly relations; in others, we would seal our borders and prepare for war. Disagreements among our leaders meant we were at their mercy, and our orders put our respective territories at odds with each other. Sometimes, the open sea was the only thing keeping battle at bay.” “But when it came to creatures or civilizations outside our sphere of influence, we tend to maintain neutrality. We kept a wide berth from anyone deemed dangerous. And if there were creatures living by our farthest borders, we establish limited trade relations. However, just by those creatures’ borders, we built our military to ensure we were ready to strike them should they prove a threat, or if we saw their integration as a source of strength.” “They would be made to join us under the pretense of their safety, but the only advantage was to us. They would assimilate into our culture and practices, and when conflict with another city-state was looming, they would be the first on the front lines. Conflict among the Hyracotherians was a fact of life; the question was who would make the first move. As much as we claimed to be a learned and forward-thinking society, it was always a veneer that covered our tribalism and barbarity.” Magus and Scriniarii overheard this, and as much as they wanted to continue presenting themselves as wizened beings, they didn’t argue their fellow’s points. For all of their advancements and directions toward building an enlightened society, their history of conflicts painted a different picture. It was something they avoided discussing, perhaps as a reminder of how their society ultimately collapsed. That their last-ditch effort to preserve something of value led to this… maybe it was a sign that some things ought to remain in the past.

@Blitz Boom “It is an important moment, and I doubt it wouldn’t make us look good if we jumped in to interrupt. I guess that goes doubly so for your siblings when they get picked. All the more reason why we should be careful and not ruin the moment.” Of course, Sen and Lin observed what went on with the newly formed sibling and his new master, keeping an eye on them as they continued their approach to Shrimp. Now, they would be spotted, and the two caught an eye being trained on them. The two froze, paralyzed with their insides gripped and tightening; they feared the possible warning and talk from Mother or her guest, but for now, nothing of the sort happened. They were greeted with some raised tentacles, and in turn, they also instinctively smiled and raised one claw in the air to say hello back. And Shrimp? The little one had so much energy, he leaped at Sen. All this happened so quickly that they were now caught in between conversation with Omen and Klughlurg. That and the longma also brought Shrimp closer for them to touch. This was going better than expected, though the longma siblings were still subconsciously waiting for “the talk” that might come later. And they’d feel it would be the worst they’d get like they were being scolded like little children walking into places they shouldn’t be in. But as Omen said, the new sibling’s master was seemingly friendly, and so they also smiled and bowed. “Hi there! It’s, uh… nice to meet you. We didn’t mean to interrupt you during this, um… important moment.” “We just wanted to pick up our little friend, and… we will be on our way.” Lin’s smile grew even wider as she spoke, though it was a little tricky for her to not break eye contact. She quickly scooted over to Omen and tried to speak through her smile. “Uh, Omen? Is there a way we could get our words translated for your sibling’s master if he couldn't understand us? Just to let him know that we are friendly and we didn’t mean to interrupt.” The longma hoped for the best, and there was a good chance it would turn out well given how things are going now. They certainly believe Mother’s realm to be a safe haven, though safe from awkward interactions was something they didn’t think find themselves in. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Videntor stepped aside, heading off into a booth to be alone with his thoughts. It wasn’t something he thought possible, but the stream of memories long locked away proved they couldn’t be kept hidden forever. Considering he lasted several lifetimes without recalling them, the others were concerned for themselves as much as they were for him. It questioned what else they were hiding, if not from others, then from themselves; some longed for simpler times while others recalled an older conversation about how long they ought to exist before they’ve had enough. As for the golem himself, he didn’t appear to need the implements in the room, but he made sure to lock himself inside. From there, he’d take this moment to calm himself, think back on his regrets, and wonder just what he could have imaginably achieved in the time between being first sealed away in an orb and now. There is a saying, “Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answers to,” but in his solace dared to ask it anyway. Outside, the others might hear murmurs, signs of the golem talking to himself, and lots of sobbing. They quietly ruminated on their own state for a moment, but they’d keep it to themselves. “It’s a heavy thing, being burdened by deeply seated thoughts on the brink of bursting. Perhaps our fellow will find comfort that he doesn’t carry them anymore. Though joy is fleeting, making our own does have its own rewards, not that it invalidates what you do, Wig Woggle. Emotions aside, your tea is delicious. Do changelings equate emotions with taste? Like happiness is equivalent to something that tastes sweet? It is a fascinating thing to wonder about.” “Speaking of which, changelings are new to us and give them a clean slate to us. We weren’t around during the attack on Canterlot, but from what interactions we have through you paint them in an interesting light as creatures with a great affinity to emotions. Though I am intrigued by something; may I ask you a question? From the perspective of a changeling, would it be preferable to being an unknown to the ponies of this age compared to working toward repairing a tarnished reputation with the ponies?” “I admit to falling under the former, though that is mostly by circumstance. A civilization long forgotten has no stigma or expectations, making them putting them in a neutral state. Although I suppose that means it is possible to leave a negative impression if not careful. And… I just realized that this might have become a rather heavy point of discussion. I apologize; these kinds of discussions were common in our time, but prodding like they may be insensitive nowadays. If it is, there is no need to answer.” Scriniarii may have overstepped his boundaries. In a way, he recognized the difference in situations between the Hyracotherians and the Changelings. However, he was also reminded of the longma based on his interactions with Sen and Lin and the brief understanding of their situation. Out of respect for them, he opted to keep the longma out of the discussion and let them be the ones to open themselves to the world when they were ready. The golem scholars knew Celestia spoke true, but saying anything more could give them away. They simply nodded in agreement that whoever made them was truly skilled, and they would leave it at that. Truly, their knowledge of golem-craft was limited at best; only those who knew better could explain it, and being subjected to the process didn’t give them any insight into it. However, Legatus had something that could be best described as an itch in his mind, something that could be sated by insight. Princess Celestia being here might be the one most suited to answering it. “Princess, if I may ask? As someone knowledgable and skilled in statecraft, what is your approach to meeting creatures new and unknown to the ponies of Equestria? Would you send delegations to meet them in their domains, or would you let them establish first contact with ponykind? Although I am no longer practiced in such matters, I once handled those affairs, and I cannot help but be curious about how you would go about it.”

“I suppose it is about what I would ask you to do that worries me, and I am afraid I might be put in a situation that would require making the toughest choices. The kind that is difficult but necessary; sometimes, the right choice this the one that is painful to make, the one that will leave me feeling regretful even if it is the best option. And the worst part is, I don’t know what form that will take if, or when, that time comes.” *sigh* “Maybe it’s best not to think about that for now. No point in getting worried over something we cannot control. When it comes, we’ll deal with it the best way we can, like we usually do.” Sen grew quiet, recalling the night his mother and father told him to run. Was it like this for them? Saving their child’s life even if it meant they would lose theirs? Or the uncertainty of a life away from the village with no one to turn to for guidance? Even now he wondered if running away was truly the best outcome out of a terrible situation. He hated the implication of such a thing and dreaded the possibility of being put in the same scenario as them. But he was certain of one thing: the welfare of his friends. As long as they were safe, he knew where to steer his choices. As for Lin, perhaps her feelings on making the right calls couldn’t be easily described in words. It was simply something she felt inside like warmth welling up. It starts tense, but seeing a positive payoff would be the equivalent of the floodgates opening and with it, the tension that was building up earlier releasing, giving way to a cooler, more relaxed state. Or at least, that was what she imagined it would be like. It felt good, not quite like fire as Omen says, but there was warmth, and she smiled upon hearing what the Ki'Nathar said. It was a kind of validation, even if it wasn't quite the same. The longma got to see what she remained behind for, and there were still some lingering questions. However, maybe that could wait for another visit. When she saw Omen looking around and probing herself with her tongue, it brought something to her and her brother’s attention. Where did Shrimp go? They would have to remind themselves that a young creature could harbor great curiosity, and they would very much act on it. Fortunately, they wouldn’t need to look far to see him with the newly arrived creature and a newly formed sibling. “Hey, uh... maybe we should go and grab Shrimp, huh? It’s about time we head back home and make our final preparations.” “Let’s try to make this quick and not disturb Mother and her guest too much. I think the important part where one of your formless siblings is giving form is done.” The two quickly made their way to Mother, but just as they were close, they tried to tiptoe close and silently gestured to Shrimp to come close. If that didn’t work, they’d try whispering; anything that didn’t draw a lot of attention to themselves would be preferable. Unfortunately, being among a few beings and not much else didn’t leave a lot of room for them to be discrete. Whatever they were doing would catch everyone else’s attention by default, and they weren’t exactly good at hiding it. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————— “It is definitely a time long past, even we aren’t sure how far back our civilization goes. No contact with other races means we aren’t even certain if there was a point that we existed alongside ponykind but were unaware of it. Frankly, it is a matter that we would need to ascertain to determine certainty. But back to your question, we, as Hyracotherians, originate from the Neighgaean Sea. The region lies in the west, but if we were to trace our movements, it would be more accurate to say we come from the east, past a vast ocean or two and likely another large landmass.” “It might pose a challenge to identify where we came from specifically, as modern maps may not have our home on it. Then again, it would be difficult to even mark our path when we were too focused on a crisis, watching the end of our civilization happen before our eyes. Charting a route… it wasn’t the first thing on our minds.” Magus chimed in, having recalled the result of the catalytic event that caused them to… choose the life that led them to become buried, separated from their physical forms, and disembodied for lifetimes. In hindsight, there was regret in his mind, wishing he had chosen another way. “Past circumstances aside, the Neighgaean is a region known for many smaller islands within a large sea. With it, each island or group of islands formed the territories of major city-states led by their respective governments. It was a time of turbulent relationships between major groups, but we still found ourselves enjoying the benefits of trade and a shared culture despite disagreements with each other. And perhaps fortunately, the sea was present to keep us from outright invading and claiming the others’ territories. Maybe with some maps, we could see if some part of it remains today.” Even now, Legatus also added his part, feeling a little more comfortable sharing some information in his area of expertise. He was more focused on the relationships between different city-states, the kind that would be relevant in a military setting. However, without conflict or related topics, his knowledge and its applications felt more limited in scope, more so now that it was considered long outdated. Though there were some notable conflicts within the region, the golems knew peace in their time. It was a period of cultural upheaval more than a moment of open war. Novel discoveries were being made, and scholars lively debated with each other about the merits of novel ideas. There was the occasional violent discussion, but a beating would be resolved with more bruised egos than broken bones. However, if prompted to trace their path from their homeland to Equestria, it would be a much more difficult task. The changes in geography and the times meant that old knowledge may not be able to translate well in a modern setting. A map may help, but an archaeological dig site marking an approximation would be a first step. However, even Scriniarii and Legatus saw this to be a circular problem until one had given an educated guess. After all, if there was no guess on where they likely originated, then it would be difficult to find a dig site. “Well, it is nice to have some confirmation that our senses and emotions remain intact. I was concerned that not everything stayed the same. I mean… it would be awkward to find aspects of myself missing and only realizing it when I needed them most.” Vates groaned and rolled her eyes sideways at Videntor’s… attempt… at humor. It seemed that being separated from the others also meant their personalities were becoming more distinct. A far cry from the more monotonous version of themselves when they spoke in unison; the golem preferred their current predicament over an existence as a very minuscule hive mind, even if their choice was brought about by a sense of obligation to stop their past from repeating itself. Now? She had the urge to slap her fellow golem on the head. It was a reminder that despite their advanced age, their minds were not caught up. Aside from that, she and Videntor watched the changeling mix up a concoction of nostalgia. There was already one in a barrel, and if it was there, maybe even ponies and changelings felt the urge to experience the longing of things long past, happy ones preferably. Even the two weren’t exempt from it, and she wondered if the feeling was more than just something she felt deep inside. Perhaps it could be more… “Thank you very much!” The two picked up their mugs, looked to the changeling, then the liquid contents, and drank. Vates took in each sip slowly, attempting to gauge just what nostalgia might taste like. As for Videntor, he just downed the whole thing, making himself appear to be a lot thirstier than he looked. The former began to feel the warmth of the sun, the seawater spraying over the shoreline at the temple where she performed her rituals. Those days were slow, sometimes difficult, but she still remembered them fondly. Guidance - it was the word that best described her role, even as that diminished and gave way to more grounded study, causing the waning days of blind belief. As for Videntor, he remembered more simple things. Long walks along the sea, a few sessions at the agoda spent in study and debate. Even simple comforts like food were enough to bring a smile to his face. But after a moment, it turned upside down, the light in his eyes dimming. There was a tinge of sadness and longing, and he grew oddly quiet; his eyes stared into something imperceptible from far, far away. “Huh… I… did not know I could feel so strongly about…. I-I’m sorry.” “What is it?” “Just remembering my father and mother. Spending time engrossed in studies, I never considered having children. I always dreamed of being able to discover something big, something everyone would use and appreciate, but that chance never came. And then, our whole world felt like it came to an end, and every minute felt like hours. Seeing what I had, those things reminded me of what could have been and what I lost. It all goes back to my parents, and I miss them, more than I thought. Wig Woggle? Apologies if my reaction to your drink was inappropriate for your establishment. Could I have a moment alone? I'll just be over there by the corner.”

@Blitz Boom Lin watched on, seeing the process yet still uncertain how communication went between Mother and the newly arrived creature. Only hypotheses swirled in her mind, but there would be a kind of magic or constant within this realm that made all perceive one language as if they were another, more recognizable one. How that worked is truly beyond the longma’s understanding; it was just something she had to accept. After all, maybe even she and Sen perceived Mother’s words in the common language despite the possibility that they could be speaking together in the old tongue. Even that would be strange now considering Lin’s understanding is rudimentary at best. However, seeing the process of selection unfold made her wonder… was this the kind of thing she would have gone through with Sen if they opted to become masters to Omen? Perhaps, but then that might cause some kind of contract dispute issue. The process before them was for the formless ones who received a master, and of Omen already had one, would that mean summoning Discord in the realm and going through some kind of negotiation? A lot of this seemed moot, but it was something to think about. As for Sen, he wondered how other creatures might be able to find their way into this realm. His meeting with Omen meant he had a way to come here, but what of others who didn’t have such an introduction? It was tempting to find answers, such that an inquisitive mind would find contentment. But he might not have such a drive. Right now, he was satisfied in his own current state of affairs with Omen and Mother, having found companionship, warmth, and happiness with them. “It is, isn’t it? To think for yourself and find what is right for you… it’s something only you can decide. We can suggest and nudge you toward many different paths, but it all comes back to you. To be honest, it just feels wrong to me to give you orders, to make you do things that you might disagree with just because I want to. There’s no respect for you there, not when it takes away your choice. It… sort of feels like the opposite of what I learned as a hunter.” Lin cocked an eyebrow upon hearing her brother mention those words, sensing something off about them. “Well that doesn’t sound right, Sen. There’s supposed to be order in that command structure, authority in ranks. When one part of the structure fails, the next in line picks up to keep that order in place. I figured you’d know that better than me. What makes you say that instead?” “Haven’t you forgotten what happened to us? Whose orders led to our mother and father being taken away? If that order is rotten at the top, then the whole of that order is just as rotten because of those who follow it. The hunters who chose to follow instead of thinking for themselves were just as responsible. And honestly, I'd rather be free to choose than to follow someone blindly.” The longma turned to the Ki’Nathar, slowly catching his breath and letting his rising anger cool. “It’s why I left the hunters and why I’d prefer to think for myself instead of having others do it for me. And maybe I understand what you said about that warm feeling. Does it feel like a weight is lifted off your chest? Like a kind of relief that you did the right thing and the results were good?” “I guess that’s also how I’d feel when the thinking and acting all fall into place. It feels good when everything works out. Is that the same for you too, Omen?” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— The golems were certainly feeling a little more exposed now, given present company, but one cannot be envious of the position they were in. Princess Celestia, in the flesh and in their midst, seeing them? The five harkened it to seeing their own city-states’ leaders moving about in the agora and simply interacting with the common folk. It made them feel more grounded in a sense, exposed to the everyday routines of everyone else. To see Celestia among them was a very humbling experience, one that they didn’t think would happen so soon. “If we may, Princess, Canterlot has been wonderful. The sights, architecture, even those who call it home have been vibrant and accommodating. Though we feel the displacement from our own time, I believe acclimating and adapting to this age will be smoother affairs. And Lady Scarcity has been a most patient and accommodating guide to us.” “Our visit to the museum has been enlightening. It gave us a brief introduction to you, but seeing you here… That was an unexpected part of our day. A surprise for sure, but it is a welcome one. It is a pleasure to meet you, as the stories make you seem larger than life. I mean... more than that, as the stories also mentioned something about alicorns being bigger physically. If I may ask, is this kind of physique normal for alicorns? There were no alicorns in our time; or it might be more accurate to say that ponies did not exist in our day.” Wig Woggle directed the golems’ attention to her and her emotion tea. An odd thing to learn about, as emotions were an intangible thing. Their curiosity was certainly piqued, and if they had a collective eyebrow cock, now was the moment they expressed it. The changelings dabbled in this, the harvesting of emotions, using them as sustenance. But actually infusing emotions into a beverage that, to the initial understanding of the golems, would let them experience emotions through a drink. Now that was something worth trying. “Emotion tea? That sounds interesting, and it could let us do a little test while we are here. As golems, we would not need sustenance, but as constructs housing the essences of once flesh-and-blood creatures, some of our old natural sensations are still present. Maybe you could help us determine whether this is all in our minds or if something else is causing them?” “We would still need an emotion for the good changeling to add to our drink. Something simple for a sample?” “No way am I passing up something like this over a simple emotion.” Videntor paused for a moment, thinking about what emotion would be appropriate for this occasion. It needed to be something imaginative, open-ended, and only limited by how one interpreted said emotion. Such a thing would lead to different reactions based on what counted as said emotion. He eventually landed on a suggestion but had to keep himself from going all-out in case it wouldn’t translate well into a flavor of emotion tea. “Wig Woggle? Is it possible to create a ‘nostalgia’ emotion tea? Or would that be thinking a little too big?”

@Blitz Boom Sen and Lin paused and thought about Mother’s words, about Omen’s thoughts on them. Wisdom… or a life of experiences that carries that wisdom wherever they went. The siblings weren’t sure if they could even be considered wise, but they didn’t contest Mother. If there was truth behind those words, then she could see them, and they would hopefully try to find it in their own ways. There was no denying their time together, even with Rosa, imparted lessons they would bring with them. Perhaps that was the takeaway; that they had something for the other to benefit from and that they would grow as they learned from each other. For now, Mother had to attend to another matter, leaving Sen and Lin with Omen. Lin didn’t feel ready to leave just yet and held off from opening a gate back home. “Something wrong, sister? There’s still time to prepare before we head off.” “Oh? No, I’m fine. I am curious about what Mother does when visitors come and what goes on when masters are chosen. I just want to have a look, that’s all.” “All right then. Omen, let’s stay for a little while longer.” Lin followed in the direction Mother went, wandering until they saw Mother meeting the strange visitor and seeing what went on. She wasn’t sure what to make of the being, but Lin held the belief that knowing the kind creatures the longma were, they appeared to be normal compared to the more bizarre creatures out there. Frankly, it was a lot to take in, and it somehow also brought up some memories of Legion of all beings. As much as she didn’t want to think about him, it was the creature that took him away that actually came to mind despite being different. Of all things, even that was just odd to Lin. But for Sen, he had something else in mind. Seeing this selection process had him wondering about another event from the past. He didn’t think it was something he’d look back on, but it left him curious now that they were seeing an important event in this realm from the eyes of an outsider. “Omen? If you don’t mind me asking…. Us being friends… does that kind of relationship feel different from having a master like Discord? And, well… I’m not sure if I can phrase this any better but which of the two do you prefer? Or is it not a good idea to compare having a friend and a master?” Sen’s stammering didn’t make him come off as confident, but the idea and the question, evening in his head, already sounded awkward. However, his curiosity won over his caution, and he felt like he had to ask. By then, popping the question seemed more pressing than worrying about what Omen’s answer would be. If his concern was whether he’d be offended by what he’d hear, he didn’t exactly communicate it well, though the thought did cross his mind. Lin only stood by in silence, stunned at this inelegant start of a conversation. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “Yes, that is true, and something that we would consider on our downtime. Having maps of our own would help us explore Canterlot on our own greatly. I, or rather, we seem to have felt conjoined from eons bound to an orb.” “It’s only settling in now, is it, fellows? That we aren’t linked to each other or kept together through a device. We have the freedom of mobility in more ways than one. I suppose our minds are still accustomed to all of us being kept together, stuck in one place. Where one of us went, we all went….” “It will take us some time to get used to all this, Ms. Scarcity. As strange as it sounds, even something so basic feels so new; even getting our mindset out of so many lifetimes being stationary or at the mercy of another’s whims. All of the things we took for granted now felt odd and different, even when they should be second nature.” The golems were reminded of these things, seemingly as if they had found themselves back to the earliest days of childhood. Growing up meant having to follow their parents around, and only then did they slowly begin to realize that soon, their independence would come in slowly and in stages. In a sense, they felt they had regressed, and they would have to relearn old lessons. Perhaps one day, they might find themselves parting for good, exploring the world on their own terms instead of being kept together. Though they did share some interests, and other things that piqued one’s interest would do the same for another, the golems would eventually need to strike out on their own and pursue their own ideals away from their fellows. It certainly felt like they were just emerging from a nest, living another life despite retaining the experiences and memories of bygone times. As the group proceeded through the town, the golems couldn’t help but quietly compare the sights to their own time. A bakery, stores, cafes…. These weren’t present back then, at least in their current iterations. There was the agora, a market where many peddled their wares and goods. It was more accurate to say that this public square was meant for more than just a place to sell things; it was just as much a place for public speaking and social gatherings. Though the way things are now, perhaps the public space of Canterlot is just as much of an agora, just with more constructed fixtures and more well-defined spaces for certain functions. “Well… I don’t know about everyone else, but I am wondering if having a constructed body has the capacity to feel different sensations like hunger. Or maybe it’s my mind making me feel hungry. Seems like there’s more for us to learn about our new bodies.” Videntor commented as he stood outside Bashful Booker’s Bakery, glancing at the bread and confections. He hoped the feelings of hunger were real, as eons of being unable to eat suddenly gave him the urge to try and examine the extent of what his golem body can or can’t do. As for Vates, recalling the routines of temple life had her thinking back on the lives of others who could afford more opulent lifestyles. However, there was a drastic difference between what it was back then, as the dresses at the boutique were certainly more extravagant compared to the more simple tunics of old. Those who flaunted their wealth back then showed it through the materials of their clothes more than their designs. The other golems didn’t have as great of an attraction to the material goods, as their interests lay in the academic or abstract realm, though they still looked around in earnest, eager to see what the city had to show them. But all that changed as they arrived at Emotion Tea, a tea house, it seemed, if going by the name alone. One must wonder what their specialty was and how that differentiated them from other similar establishments. However, the presence of guards appeared to be of notable interest, even more than the tea, as Scarcity beckoned them to come with her. Princess Celestia in the flesh. It was a most unexpected, yet welcome coincidence to the golems. They had their introduction to the princess back in the museum, but it was one thing to only go by past actions and reputation. Now they were in the presence of royalty, the being that occupied the highest office in the land. The princess’s regal appearance, majestic as it was, contrasted the image of her engaging in the mundane of everyday life. Then again, in the golems’ olden days, even those in government could be found taking part in common activities; one could mistake them for being just another face in the crowd. With introductions underway to the princess and the establishment’s owner, the golems slowly bowed to both, recognizing the two esteemed individuals in their midst and answering them both simultaneously. As much as Scriniarii intended to blurt out the truth regarding themselves and their history, he’d restrain himself and stick to the cover story Scarcity went with back at the museum. “Well met to you, Princess and Miss Woggle. My name is Scriniarri, and these are my fellows: Videntor, Legatus, Magus, and Vates. I… suppose there is no easy way to make these introductions, but we are golems from a time long forgotten. We were discovered at an archeological dig, and now we are getting accustomed to integrating ourselves among the beings of this era.” “If I may add, Princess, after learning about you from our recent visit to Canterlot’s museum, it is an honor to meet you. I hope our sudden arrival and introduction has not interrupted your day.”