EQ_Theta

@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.”

@Blitz Boom Brother and sister looked back on their time at the carnival, a fleeting moment they wished they could experience again. Even just the thought got them feeling wistful, wanting just a little more time when they would much rather experience the days of their childhood, or what little of it they managed to have. However, that moment of longing was interrupted by the sight of Mother scaling herself down in size, something Sen and Lin didn’t think was possible. They stood in stunned silence, watching the whole process until its end and wondering just what more they had yet to learn. “Whoa! We always thought you were larger than life. Now, you’re about a head or two taller than us.” “Heh heh, it’s uh… Well, I’m… I don’t know what to say, really. I suppose it makes sense that you want to see the pictures and… now you can do that. Maybe I should stop talking and not ruin the moment.” The siblings huddled themselves closer to Mother and Omen so they could all sit down and go through the pictures Sen had from the carnival. For the longest time, Sen couldn’t recall a time when he did this with his parents; sitting and sharing a moment of respite over something that looked so insignificant. There was always something to do, and what time they could spare, it was a different kind of moment to bond, like his father’s massages to soothe the day’s aches. Perhaps it might be time to make some new memories of good, simple moments like this. “The colored makeup… that one happened because of a bet with Rosa. We had a little contest, and we were getting into it; the loser had to get their face painted, and I guess you can see where this is going. Much as I wanted to win, I had to fulfill the terms of the bet.” “Hey, to be fair, Mother is right; you look good in face paint and a rubber nose! And besides, I’m sure you - we - made Rosa’s night an enjoyable one.” Lin brought Omen in closer and looked to her brother, then to Mother. “Remember the last message mother and father left us? That we look out for those we care about? I’ve seen how you stick around with Rosa, and by the looks of it, you see something of a mentor in him.” Sen nodded, smiling. It was true that he saw in Rosa a mentor, a far cry from their tense first meeting. There was always a reminder that the longma acted on, keeping the last message from mother and father in mind despite never knowing the exact words. In some ways, he came to see the thestral as someone he trusted and admired, warts and all, and he would do what he could for him as he would do for anyone he held close and in high regard. “Rosa helped us out, and we did the same for him. It was only right that we stuck with him, and in turn, we also introduced him to Ghilan. When we find time, we’ll see him again and plan a visit here so you can meet him. I couldn’t imagine how different things would be if we hadn’t met him, but I am glad we did. And Mother? It’s an honor - for myself, as well as for Lin, Omen, and Rosa - to have a spot in a place special to you.” “We’ll get it done. I admit, I am curious to see how Rosa would react to seeing Mother and this place in general. It reminds me of the first time we came here, all confused and not sure how things worked.” —————————————————————————————————————————————————————— The golems were happy with this meeting, perhaps the first in the years of awakening and reawakening in different time periods where first contact was followed by pleasant encounters. Long were the days when many sought knowledge and power from the focal orb they were imprisoned in, and playing the part of a mythical djinn wore out its welcome. Sadly, they were at the mercy of those who found the orb, and there was little to do but accept or withdraw aid. Perhaps in this more civilized age, the concept of manners and courtesy meant more than just words, something that left a smile on Scriniarii and his fellows. The group bowed and saw Rusty off to another matter that needed his attention, one that could hopefully be resolved in time. The commotion rattled the stony ears of the golems, an unexpected sensation, but it brought the familiarity of a fleshy body. One has to wonder about the advancements made in golem creation to create sensations so similar to a biological body. But now was a question of where to go next, and Scarcity wasn’t in a rush to fill out the necessary paperwork. Scriniarii gathered his fellows, interested to hear their take. “… I wouldn’t mind staying here a little longer to see what else this place has to offer. Rusty certainly sold me on this museum.” “And yet we haven’t seen more of Canterlot. There will be time to return here, and we can do so at a more leisurely pace.” “Scarcity’s suggestion of the royal archives sounds enticing, but we might find something so interesting we could forget what we were even supposed to do.” “All the more reason that puts us back to the point about being able to return at a later time when we can explore at our leisure.” “Then it sounds like there must be a compromise among our wants. Do you all feel strongly about what you wish to do?” The others went quiet for a moment, silent in thought though the answer was looking at Scriniarii in the face. Or rather, he could see through the different answers that the two were in agreement over the others. As for himself, Scriniarii didn’t feel strongly about doing one thing or another, which puts one option in a more favorable place than the others. “Maybe going around Canterlot for a stroll might be preferable?” He saw the others nodding with varying degrees of enthusiasm; the answer and the way forward were clear. And from his own experiences in times long past, there was something about locales that defined itself through its inhabitants. A city is a beast of its own, and what it can show can be worth a lot to those who are keen on taking it all in. “Ms. Scarcity, we are ready to proceed. May we explore Canterlot further? Perhaps the ideal way to experience the city is to see what goes on in it and let it surprise us.”

@Blitz Boom Though conflicted in mind, there was no doubt in the sense of comfort and belonging Lin found in the presence of Mother and the others. It was enough to get her to forget her troubles, at least until she thought of them again. And it was true for her deep-seated hatred, something she carried subconsciously. In one manner, she recalled Uncle Uddo’s sentiments on the longma, who are beyond redemption. On the other hoof was Sen, who continued to believe that they should take a chance on their fellows. As much as she harbored a longstanding grudge, she couldn’t find it in herself to be truly heartless despite having already vowed to exact her revenge. Lin looked to Mother, then to Omen and Sen, still undecided but having already considered her next moves. “I’m… confused about all this, and I am afraid too… of being let down, of being betrayed, and of losing what hope we’ve gained for ourselves.” Sen stepped back and smiled, perhaps understanding his sister’s deeply held fears. That beneath her anger was someone who hoped for the future, had those hopes taken, and was unsure about how to make of it but to lash out at everyone they believed responsible. Though their situations shaped them into beings different from who they were as children, they still had similarities, with something not lost on him. “That anger, I know it. I carry it with me, just as you do, and we take our anger out on those who we think deserve it. Maybe we should let that go and work toward something better, if not for others, then for us. But if you cannot let go of that anger, then at least do not act on it, for the sake of those who do not deserve it.” “I could only imagine how different we could have turned out had it not been for those who helped us out, like Omen. If there is an example of how there is good out there beyond the forest, I can think of no one who can show it better than her. And let’s not forget how her perspective can make even complicated problems look a little simpler.” Lin smirked and chuckled, wondering how all this even happened after what felt like a lifetime from their first meeting. “I’m sure we shouldn’t forget Rosa and the friends we made then and now as examples. Frankly, I doubt we have been setting good examples for her in return. Us putting ourselves in between her and the hunt master’s second means we have made an enemy among the longma, one who will hound us until we make a mistake. He knows how he can rile us up, make us careless.” “And we’ll handle it when the time comes, preferably with a better approach. Omen is capable; we ought to trust that she can handle herself, but we should also have each other’s backs. But for now, let’s focus on what comes next.” “Right. Mother? Thank you for this; I’m glad we got this chance to talk. And about what you told us, about your tale and what it means for your children… we’ll keep our lips sealed.” Sen stood by, happy at the way things turned out despite wishing he could sway Lin to his way of thinking. At least her considering, or reconsidering, her anger and what she plans to do about it was something of a victory for him. That said, he remembered the other reason why he wanted to come to this realm, one that made him want to stop by in the first place. “Mother? There is one other thing. I don’t know if you have something against bringing things from the outside world and keeping them here, but I have something that we wanted to give to you if you’d like.” The longma opened his saddle bag and pulled out the pictures the group got at the Moonlit Thicket, the carnival that they and Rosa visited. Among them was the group photo, a reminder of Sen’s silly clown make-up after losing a bet with Rosa, but more importantly, a reminder of a time when their worries were virtually non-existent. It was a brief moment in their lives, but Sen and Lin wished moments like these lasted longer. He motioned for Lin and Omen to gather around him so they could sit together with Mother, hoping to spend some moments recollecting times when their lives felt a lot simpler. “Ha ha! I still remember that night and your squishy clown nose. It felt like we were younger again, playing like we didn’t have a care in the world.” “And all that happened because we were scared for Rosa… that it might have been his last night of freedom before we knew what would happen to him.” The longma sat by Mother and reached one copy of the photo to her, along with several others taken by a roving photographer in the area that night. “I’m truly fond of that picture of us, with Lin pulling me, Rosa, and Omen in for a hug. We thought of getting a few extra copies, even one for you, Mother.” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “That sounds about right from what accounts we learned from the minotaur in our time. Truth be told, we just kept to ourselves and let them be; they were content to do the same for us. Though there was a story about one, which ended up getting trapped in some labyrinthine ruins. Or maybe it was someone else trapped in those ruins and the minotaur happened to be the area as well…” “It seems we can’t even can’t get our accounts right, but the minotaur was the one thing constant. It was, from what we learned, the product of terrible circumstances. He was big, fierce, and had some hunting implements on him, but once he was out, he just left.” “As for the sphinx, there was one that was fond of telling riddles to passers-by. Some reportedly entertained the notion of answering those riddles, but they weren’t too good at it. Eventually, travelers went around the sphinx on account of being delayed in their travels. I never learned what became of that sphinx, as the reports of encounters with it just dropped to nothing. Maybe it got tired of having no one to visit that it relocated elsewhere.” “The only thing for certain was that it was no elder sphinx. But, your tales of the sphinxes according to your history do corroborate what we learned in our time. Frankly, it still boggles the mind that even in this day and age, there is more to know about the creatures we once believed as myth.” The golems nodded, satisfied with the knowledge that what they learned in their time continued to be built up, even if it was through others. That interconnectivity of the world, whether its inhabitants knew it or not, was always something to admire. And being told about the library and the Evergrown was another thing for the group to note. They might find something that could be of use to their friends among the longma should they cross paths again. Now whether or not that information would be useful was something they couldn’t anticipate, but forest-dwelling beings might have their own run-ins with the Evergrown, and it helps to be prepared. Videntor chuckled at Rusty’s suggestion. That he and his fellow golems would be immortalized in one form or another…. It was something they never thought possible, and it got him wondering just what that would mean for the Hyracotherians as a whole. “When you put it that way, it might be one way to remember a seemingly forgotten race. If it ever happens, Ryder should consider approaching you as a consultant. Maybe you would become a pioneer in the study of a long-gone civilization. You already have some exposure to our history, though if there is any chance of seeing us in the flesh, I cannot say. Then again, that might be a topic for those who dabble in the ethical quandaries of resurrecting creatures thought long gone. Flesh golems… well, I would rather not think about that and the mental exercise needed to consider the ethics behind that approach.” Though the golems were having an excellent time in the museum, they recalled their other obligations for the day and wouldn’t want to put things off. There was more for them to do and an agreement to uphold with Scarcity. Scriniarii would have to step in and get the group back on track. “This has been a very enlightening time, Rusty, but I am afraid we would need to cut our time here short. Thank you very much for accommodating us; it has been a pleasure getting to know you and the history of Equestria, though perhaps we might find ourselves returning in the future. There is a lot more for us to learn, seeing as we are displaced from our time. For now, it is time that we go our own way.” The golem bowed, still keeping the longma practice in mind despite having it become a reflex at this point. He found himself realizing how it had become second nature before extending one hoof toward Rusty. It may feel strange at first, but it was likely how ponies greeted each other, and the golems would do well to acclimate themselves to the practices of their new home. Likewise, Videntor and the others also extended theirs to shake the stallion’s hoof, emulating each other’s moves. By then, the group turned to Scarcity, ready to head off to their next destination.

@Blitz Boom Lin and, by extension, Sen listened close to Mother’s tale, one that they didn’t expect. The two have heard of Mortimer’s name, odd in itself, but not someone they would hear about in a long time. A “force of the very fabric of reality,” in Mother’s words, but one that the two couldn’t grasp; it was a concept that was beyond them. But the two continued, pondering on the background of the Ki’Nathar, Omen, and this place they found themselves in time and time again. It was the lattermost aspect that caught the two’s attention. The longma paused, deep in their thoughts but mind racing quick, bouncing from one concept to the next. “To forget… blissful in one way, bothersome in another,” Sen muttered but just audible enough for the others. “Sometimes it is tempting to want to forget, to do away with experiences that are best removed from memory. And yet… would it be worth it to do away with the bad if it meant casting away the good as well?” “It’s odd that you mentioned names and the power that they have, Mother. I still remember what Ghilan said, when mine and Sen’s names were struck out of our village’s histories. It’s like we never existed, never have been. And yet many hold memories of us as a warning to those who would dare follow our actions. It was unjust, but even exposing the old elder couldn’t undo it and everything else that came about because of it. Nothing would bring back our parents, even after knowing just how much it destroyed you, Sen.” “It’s why I just can’t see things the way you do. You have every right to be angry, to turn your back on the longma. After everything that has happened, why? Why do you want something better for them?” Lin looked down, dejected; her anger and deep wounds gave way to sorrow, and Sen turned to her, sitting by her side, unsure if his answer would be satisfactory. He then looked to Omen and Mother, perhaps wondering if they could give him the answers he hoped Lin would accept. And yet, as much as he feared the response, he needed to give one. “The more I thought about this, the more I understand your way of thinking. And you’re right; in some ways, our fellow longma are to blame. I’m still angry at my old friend, Xin, for not having my back when it mattered most, and I still don’t know if I can forgive him. Omen had to talk me out of throwing him off the edge of a cliff. In truth, the situation was a lot more complicated than we thought. Solasan threatened his family, just like he did with us, and the old elder might have done the same to others.” “You have every right to be angry, but is it worth turning your back or getting revenge on those who don’t deserve it? Would you rather maintain your anger and risk hurting others who didn't deserve your wrath or show others there is a better way? We have been on enough adventures outside the longma village to know there are wonderful folks out there, learning from them. Just look around you now and tell me you haven’t learned a thing or two.” Lin did as her brother said, looking at him, then turning to Omen, Shrimp, and Mother. She gave each of them a good, long glance, thinking about what Sen just said. And she flashed a smile, a small one, but sincere. It is a reminder of many things: comfort, trust, happiness, and love. Regardless of what was outside, this place, this purgatory, is her sanctuary and always will be. The longma approached Mother and hugged her tightly. “I don’t know if I am swayed from my lack of belief in the longma or if they could become better, but I am glad that we had the chance to talk like this. Thank you, Sen, and thank you too, Mother, for telling me your story. I may not truly know what it feels like to be in your place knowing we are more alike makes me feel a little more at ease about my worries. Whatever becomes of my plans once all this is over, I will let you know. I have a lot to think about. And Sen is right, you are all wonderful, and I am grateful that I got to know and learn from you!” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “That much is true, Rusty. Making sense of chaos is an exercise in futility. Even in the more academically inclined environments of our home and among the hyracotherians, there is only so much disorganization one could take before we would wave the proverbial white flag and prefer to leave things be.” “And yet magic is the one thing that ended up becoming a formal field of academic study… Even channeling it is as much a study of the concept of magic as the study of gemstones. A miracle that it was formalized after the decline of organized belief systems, and yet the latter maintains its cultural relevance after its abandonment.” “That is because such matters shaped the hyracotherian civilizations’ early years. Only did the Age of Enlightenment come and with it, the gradual shift in our kind’s direction. One ought to remember this lesson even as you scoff at it, Magus.” Vates may have been among those who administered rites and practiced the old traditions of the temple, but she still held fast to the benefits and services it offered to the everyday citizens of their time. To her, there would always be room for belief and faith, even as the world began to move past them. Though, at this point, the situation would appear to be two old golems bickering with each other about things that may no longer matter to anyone but themselves. “Moving back to the topic of the draconequui, it seems they have been around for what might be a significant portion of Equestria’s history, or at least, that is the impression that I am getting. For creatures who seem to be secretive or prefer to keep to themselves, they are surprisingly a known element, reformed or otherwise.” "This talk of the creatures now becoming more visible to the common eye jogged a memory from the old days. Strange as it might be, it reminded Videntor of something notable from his time and about the creatures that many have come to see as common sights. “You know, just like the draconequus becoming more integrated into modern pony society, the days when the draconequui were more distant were similar to our time. What were sights of creatures common today were once deemed to be fantastical or mythical in times long past. The minotaur and the sphinx were such examples then; they were different and one-of-a-kind, and the hyracotherians would keep their distance lest we commit unknown transgressions toward them.” “My fellow speaks true even if he exaggerates a little. From a time when we had no contact with the myriad creatures found in Equestria nowadays, they were once the entities that caught the imagination and subjects of tall tales told by those who venture far from our lands. Now that we know better, it only serves to caution us about making up stories lest they turn out true. Alternatively, if we could return to our own time and tell others what we have learned, it might have us reevaluate just how large and wide the world truly is, even back then." “Though it does pose an interesting question, if you are willing to entertain it, Rusty. Equestria’s ponies no doubt have their share of myths and legends. Similar to minotaurs and sphinxes being real despite their mythological reputation to the hyracotherians, might there be creatures in any of the pony tribes' myths that turned out to be real?”

@Blitz Boom The siblings embraced Mother and held this moment close, perhaps a little longer than they thought. Something about moments like this made them want to cherish it, finding what comfort they could before returning to the world outside. It was… invigorating, reminding them to pause and find the strength to face whatever it was that awaited them once this moment of respite had passed. As they bared their worries, a weight was lifted, though not entirely. They listened and didn’t want Mother to overexert herself. The answers to their problems reasonably didn’t come from just one place, and with the complicated situation they were in, it might be too much to hope there was a solution that would conveniently fall on their laps. Even so, Mother’s words were reassuring, but something in them also got the siblings thinking. “Visionaries?” Lin paused and pondered, deep in thought, but her emotions betrayed her. What was meant to lift her spirits didn’t do so, and her face exhibited sadness. It would be something true for Sen, but seeing this on her was unexpected. Even she had to avert her sight from Mother, troubled with thoughts forming in her mind. “Lin?” Sen looked on, eyebrow cocked. “I… I don’t know if that word is right to describe me. This whole thing, talking things out with the longma elders? It’s Sen’s… dream, I guess? It’s important to him, so I go along and help however I can, but it’s not something I could call my own. And to be honest, I’m not even sure I have a dream or goal I want to work toward.” “Sister, are you all right? What brought this on?” “You know that I haven't had the most positive things to say about the longma. Remember how I felt so angry at their betrayal and inaction that after my exile, I sought to use dark magic to leave the longma villages ruined? In some ways, I still harbor those feelings, or a least believe that all this might be a lost cause. Yet I still go along with what Sen wants, probably because I want to be proven wrong. And honestly? I feel like I am just distracting myself from facing the truth, that once all this is over, I’m not sure what I want to do with myself. I guess… I was hoping I could ask you for advice, Mother. Have you felt… lost, not knowing what to do, or felt like you are lacking purpose? Maybe our pasts are far too different to be relatable, but perhaps you can help me find perspective?” The longma wasn’t sure if she could Mother had found herself in a situation like hers at the moment, but she felt she needed to ask this question. As for Sen, he was beside himself, unsure how he could help and unaware that Lin felt the way she did. Maybe there was something to this line of questioning, and Lin was looking to a distant yet plausible future. And perhaps Sen ought to do so too. Mother had lots to say and more for the two to think about, but something about this issue ate at Lin, more than she would want to admit. Keeping it all in, bottled up, didn't feel right. But then, she was among those she wholly trusted, and that was enough for her to feel safe about bringing up this issue. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— “An old race? That’s odd… We’ve never come across the draconequi in our time. What little we know of them comes from tales of Discord, and he gets brought up in conversation when it comes to the recent history of Equestria. To think there are more of them out there… Maybe he wasn't spotted around our areas long ago, and that makes it all the more strange. Having a civilization that spanned multiple large landmasses and coastal settlements would have given the hyracotherians a fairly expansive area of influence. Perhaps the draconequi didn't head our way, or they might not have been interested.” “All the same, I think it may be best for us to avoid looking for them. A little chaos isn’t such a bad thing, but to spend every waking moment in chaos itself. I couldn’t imagine it.” Even the other golems remained oddly quiet at the thought. They didn’t need to imagine it, not when they managed to quietly peer into the minds of Sen and Lin, recalling how their village was once affected by Discord’s chaos. It wasn’t something they openly discussed, but it was a memory collectively shared by their village. It may have been unknown collateral on Discord’s part, but the reach of chaos was far, much farther than anyone could have imagined. Discord now being an ally to Equestria... that wasn’t something anyone thought could happen and yet it did. It could be taken as a lesson on how anyone could change given the right approach or catalyst. And to know Rusty met a draconequus in the flesh, now that is something even the golems could give him props for, knowing that they never had the pleasure of ever seeing a draconequus. “Huh, personally meeting a draconequus. That must have been quite the experience, Rusty. I don’t think any of us golems could imagine being in your position at the time. You’ve got us feeling envious.” “Though I suppose it is safe to say the ponies of Equestria didn’t have problems with other draconequi? Or rather, if there were problems with them, it wasn’t on a scale comparable to Discord? I admit to being curious about them just as much as I am intrigued by Equestria’s founding tribes, even if I would prefer to keep the draconequi at a fair distance.”

@Blitz Boom The lull between words was eerie, something the siblings were still getting used to. The awkward silence was one thing, but this one felt different. The vastness of a dark realm with the beings they’d expect to be here meant their words were carried on a breeze that was present but oddly intangible. However, they knew their words would get across to the intended recipient, and the two didn’t worry one bit. Wandering for minutes at a time, Sen and Lin would find their way to the pillar and, among odd objects, the doorway. Beyond that was a sight most comforting, a presence that could let the two feel at ease where few places can. “Mother! It’s always good to see you!” Lin exclaimed, running straight to Mother and embracing her tightly. Sen followed, a little more hesitant, but if Mother didn't have objections to it, perhaps he could also join in and hug her. “Things have been complicated, but we’re doing our best. We wanted to let you know about what’s happening lately.” Sen paused for a moment, still wondering how things have gone by so quickly and are just as quickly coming to pass. It felt unbelievable that he, Lin, and Omen are now in the position they are in, and the role they will play would be just as big if it works out. “The council of the longma elders has summoned us to speak before them about possibly opening up the longma to the outside world. We’ve been preparing for this, and we’ll be set to leave for this tomorrow, but… I don’t know. Even with our preparations, I can’t help but feel worried. I really want this to succeed, but some part of me can’t help thinking back to the night our parents were taken away… like it might happen again.” “It’s not just that, Mother…” Lin chimed in, questioning herself if she had to mention more recent events but relenting at the need to come clean. “We’ve also discovered something back home. Old ruins mostly, but while we were there, something, or someone, took over me. It spoke about coming for the longma like it wants to bring us back under its control. Sen and Omen brought me to the kitsune for their help, but it may be a matter of time before it comes back.” “I suppose we just couldn’t keep this all to ourselves because we thought you should know, and we didn't want to worry you, but it isn’t all bad news. We’ve met some friendly faces back home, and our grandfather helped us out with preparations. It's good knowing that he's still around and doing well. I think he’s getting familiar with Omen and the gates she and I can create. Maybe in time, this could be just another normal thing that happens in the village. Even some young longma in the village have seen Shrimp and have taken a liking to our little friend.” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Back at the museum, Legatus and Magus were just finishing up the visual presentation before joining up with the rest of the golems. The two had found their appreciation for the history of Equestria, even pining for something like it back home. Then again, magic and civilization at the time hadn’t advanced enough for them to create something like this. Combine that with a more prominent belief system that eventually faded for a more empirical approach to life and governance, and magic eventually supplanted belief as a driving force behind advancement. As for Videntor and Vates, they found themselves in quite a conundrum. Nightmare Moon was a modern event? It seemed like even the use of “moons” to denote the passage of time was a foreign idea. “I think my fellows might have jumped far ahead, Rusty. Nightmare Moon and the story surrounding her was something we picked up from hearsay. Which is strange, at least to us, because there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on what led to Princess Luna becoming Nightmare Moon, hence the rumors.” “Maybe a mix of difficult emotions and a complex social state could have nudged the princess into the tragic situation that she and the rest of Equestria found themselves in. I can see why someone could be led down such a path and could sympathize.” “But back to the mural and pony history. We were shown three pony tribes coming together to form the Equestria that we know today. If we may ask, and stop us if this isn't the right thing to ask, but where do alicorns like Princesses Celestia and Luna come in? Or rather, shouldn’t a representative from each tribe take on the task of governance? I would seem right given that the three tribes were the ones to establish Equestria in the past.” To the golems, the question may have come as a bit insensitive. It was one thing to question history, but this one also bordered on questioning established authority. Some might misconstrue this line of questioning as the kind to stir unsavory relations. And right now, the golems could be in a possibly precarious situation that may sound like a bunch of upstarts wanting to usurp authority. They were "new" in a sense to the citizens of Canterlot; the golems knew this and were treading a narrow line that could easily be overstepped.

@Blitz Boom Sen gave a quick glance back at his sister, raising his eyebrow quizzically. Lin may have a playful streak, but whether they would push through with her shenanigans was something to be seen. He knew it was all in good, playful fun, but in a way, that look was a dare. If she was going to do something, he’d try calling her bluff. Lin just smirked; if there was a night when she’d catch Sen talking in his sleep, she might just pick up something to tease him with come the next morning. It was all a matter of time for both, and only time would tell if they would act when the urge happens upon them. As for the elderly longma, he wasn’t quite sure what to make of Omen mimicking his own gestures. An odd thing for sure, but it was also rather interesting to see such a display. To him, she might be picking up on some new behaviors and actions. A learning experience perhaps? He’d take it as an assurance; there may come a time when the worst will happen, but knowing Omen and his grandchildren are navigating their experiences as best as they can could mean things will be all right. Now that they were prepared to head off, Zo stood by the front of his workshop, bowing and waving to Sen, Lin, and Omen with certainty that they will meet again A wonderful bunch they are, strange as it was on the outside, but he knows they are looking out for each other. It is as good as anyone has when going through life, and maybe it might just be what gets them through their next big hurdle. A gate opened by the group, and on the other side was a familiar place that reminded the siblings of home. It was a sanctuary where they felt safe. The world outside didn’t seem to exist in this place, and it was a kind of comfort where even their problems felt distant despite being at the back of their minds. “Hello! Mother? We’ve come to visit!” A message carried through the air would reach the siblings. They have their way forward to a meeting they have been looking forward to for a while. Even if Lin didn’t express it, having this lull between major moments to see a comforting presence was always going to be a delight. The two longma were excited to see Mother again. The golems headed off, taking heed of Mystril’s words before following Rusty to the museum proper. With the mimic issue resolved, the building felt a little safer. Or at least that was the impression that some of the golems had as they navigated their way around. The mimic was in trusty company with someone empathetic to it, and perhaps in time, they might run into the griffon again with a new companion in tow. For now, Rusty would show the golems a mural and some artifacts along the way. It was quite the collection hinting at an early form of tribalism before another period of development. Though it was a hint of early pony civilization, they were soon proven wrong as these were for a different creature’s history. Regardless, this was a building that showed itself to be a repository for many creatures, something that Scriniarii and his fellows were glad to see. The mural was the main attraction, beautifully preserved as if only a few years had passed since its creation. Each golem stood in anticipation, eagerly awaiting to see moments of history presented in vivid detail. By Rusty’s word, they’d see what he meant by the upcoming history lesson as it began. From start to finish, it was a spectacle, showcasing the three main pony tribes and their tense relationship mellowing out into the unity that endured to the modern day. Even the history of the Hearth’s Warming holiday was tied to the formation of the Equestrian known today. Ultimately, it was a rollercoaster of emotions woven together into an intricate tale, one that was complicated but very much the tapestry that defines Equestria now. And now the golems have glimpsed into the tale. “Rusty… what we just saw… I don’t know what to say.” “Well, I do! Vibrant as it is, the tale doesn’t shy away from its intricacies. Even its darkest moments were important, and seeing them for what it was is commendable. The whole of it is quite an introduction to Equestria’s history.” “True, but something feels off about it. Specifically about Nightmare Moon. Was Princess Luna’s turn a product of jealousy or was there a darker, malevolent force stoking a sense of inferiority? If we may ask, what is your take on this matter, Rusty?”

@Blitz Boom Hey there and Happy New Year! No need to worry about not being able to write. Health comes first, so I understand if you need to tend to that before writing.

@Blitz Boom “Eh, no worries! I’m just messing with Sen. It’s not like I’ll do anything troublesome, right?” Lin shot a very mischievous grin toward her brother, attempting to keep him a little on edge. She even raised her brows, though it wouldn’t go any further than playful ribbing… probably. The longma got a good laugh out of it, so it was enough. As for Sen, this kind of teasing wasn’t exactly normal for his sister, but seeing her in good spirits was an upside, so he’d let her off with nothing more to add. It was time to go, though not yet for the longer journey ahead. Sen had to quickly grab something from their home before they headed off to their next stop. For the moment, it was just Omen and Lin at their grandfather’s hut, and a rather odd question was raised. Unexpected as far as topics could get, but it was still a grim idea. Even the elderly longma couldn’t find himself able to answer it adequately. He’d still try to keep up his spirits as if the question’s implications didn’t affect him, yet it was a reminder of what happened all those years ago. “Tch, I doubt the other elders would try anything against me. I mean, what do they have to gain by going after the elderly?” “It’s not something to take lightly, grandfather! You know mother and father were taken away from us. Going after you is not out of the question.” “If the elders will have any grievances, it will be directly related to you. The way I see it, you’re doing something new and pushing for something completely unknown. The harder you push, the harder the other elders will try to push back, maybe violently. It is why you should try helping them understand. The elders would not think to try going after me. I am old, and them trying anything on me will make them look incredibly petty. No reason to worry about them going after me; I will manage.” The elderly longma placed one claw over Lin’s and Omen’s shoulders, imparting his words to them as well as the assurance that they do not need to worry about him. To Zo, the elders would look silly trying to go after someone unrelated to the meeting between them and the siblings and Omen. They could try making something up, but it is up in the air whether anyone will take them at their word just because they said so. It wouldn’t be long until Sen returned, saddle bag resting comfortably on his back. Grandfather Zo didn’t feel the need to repeat his whole spiel on being careful and sending off his grandchildren in case they needed to do something elsewhere. That said, he stood by and waited until everyone was ready to go. “I’m back. I just needed to quickly grab some things. I was hoping we could visit Mother for a while and let her know what has been happening lately. And I also wanted to bring some things for her from the carnival we visited with Rosa.” “Sounds good. Looks like we’ve got our next stop, Omen. Shall we go?” Lin opened a gate to Mother’s realm before their grandfather’s hut once everyone was ready to step through. As much as things were already looking strange in the village, the elderly longma still couldn't get used to this feeling. He'd simply stand by to see everyone off, even awkwardly waving one claw in the air in an attempt to mimic what Omen did when she waved her hoof. The golems felt a kindly assurance from Rusty, and perhaps in this age as a whole. It seemed that there was a warmth in this time that was only fleeting in the years between now and their age’s extinction. The feeling was odd yet calming, a blessing in the form of accommodating souls. “There are times when we long for an age that can no longer come back, I consider this meeting among ourselves to be fortunate. We can learn from you as you hope to learn from us; that is always something positive to look forward to regardless of the ear. After all, nothing can change what has already come to pass, but changing what is to come is a possibility.” “That and being able to forge a path forward with those we meet keeps us grounded. We may not have all of our old memories, but I’d say making new ones is a fair and interesting trade-off.” With the mimic situation resolved, and the golems not having much more to add to their awkward history of violence in academia, they were just about ready to see more in the museum. A place like this didn’t exist in their time, but having such a building dedicated to preserving and understanding history was a pleasant discovery. Now an opportunity to learn about Equestria’s history? That is something the golems wouldn’t pass up. “We shall follow your suggestions, Rusty. The mural sounds like an excellent piece to see, and we’d love to hear more about the princesses and their history. Let us proceed, and Mystril? It was an honor to meet you.” The golems all bowed toward the griffon, delighted in their meeting and confident that the mimic was now in good care. “Truth be told, we have heard a little bit of Equestria’s history, though it involved Discord and his chaos taking the world. We haven’t learned much about the princesses. Is it right for us to speculate that Princess Celestia and Luna had a hoof in the unification of the equine races?”

@Blitz Boom “Thanks. I appreciate it.” “Aww, why do you have to ruin it…. Don’t worry, Omen; I understand if you don’t want to say it. Besides, not being able to sleep means I get to watch him with you while he sleeps! You’re not getting away that easily, Sen!” “Ugh… Please don’t make it awkward. I still have to sleep, you know.” Sen covered his face with one hoof, exasperated that this was something Lin would turn into an evening pastime. He trusted Omen with discretion, but Lin would probably turn this into a collection of embarrassing moments that she would hold over him. However, Lin was aware that Sen was plagued with nightmares for a long time, and that he developed a habit of talking in his sleep. What Omen said about the nightmares haunted him; making light of that was a low blow and a line she wouldn’t cross. It was bad enough for him to relive those terrible memories, and she wouldn’t add more to it by making light of his grief despite his nightmares lessening. “Honestly? I have no idea what will happen. Whether things go well or not… it may best to handle that when we get there. I don’t really want to jump ahead and decide, but yes, we can take my gates back home. It’ll be faster for us, and I’m sure Elder Ghilan would appreciate quick travel.” “If things go bad, we should be ready to act, but let’s hope things don’t go there.” Lin had some suspicions that things wouldn’t go smoothly, but it was more of an expectation. Complications were expected, but she didn’t have a high opinion of the elders in general; something going wrong was just par for the course. Sen’s more hidden prejudices toward longma authority could rear up, and the major obstacle for them, aside from convincing the elders to take their words to heart, was to keep their tempers in check. But this speculation was academic, and only time would tell if things would truly go well or devolve into something worse. “Hey, I appreciate getting to hear the news sooner than others, but I doubt there will be more to say if we all just stayed here and talked. Go on! I am certain you have other places to be.” With that, Zo was ready to part, wishing the group farewell. There would still be enough time for Sen, Lin, and Omen to go around town to secure some supplies or meet with anyone else in the village. The mornings were busy, and today was no different. One listening in to the chatter around the place had some commenting on a possible storm coming in, prompting some preparations from those present. Though the golems planned to explain, even come clean as to the truth behind their current condition and the history that led to them in their state, Scriniarii looked to the others and gave them a slight nod; no words needed to be said to let Scarcity just talk. It was sufficient to avoid bringing up the whole situation to Rusty, and he sounded convinced of what the mare told him. They had a cover story to keep, and they would just stick to it, though a few sprinkles of information wouldn’t hurt. “It was a trying time, returning to a conscious state without a physical form. Having to go through it again and again eventually caused us to no longer sense the passage of time normally. Even then, we felt our senses slip a little at a time that even memories and identity started to fade.” “I suppose it is fortunate that we can still remember aspects of ourselves when we awaken. Even when our old skills would not completely carry over, who we were remain.” The golems’ attention was fixated on the mimic now, with Magus carefully watching the creature as he lowered the barrier. So far so good, though the others were ready to act in case they were needed. Good thing Mystril was readily watching and moving based on the situation, as it was now firmly under control. Perhaps calling for security wouldn’t be necessary. “It is - was - an aspect of our time. Debates with other scholars were frequent; when we studied, oration was part of the curriculum, and we were sometimes expected to debate among students or teachers. Sometimes, grand symposiums were organized to discuss new ideas.” “Hmph, more often than not, those ended up devolving into shouting matches. Heated exchanges sometimes ended with one wrestling another to the ground in an attempt to disprove new knowledge. Do you remember that, Scriniarii?” “You should have seen it! Public symposiums ended up becoming spectacles in their own right when a crowd of onlookers showed up and made bets on the side. Even now I wonder how anyone could advance knowledge under those circumstances!” The golem let out a faint chuckle, causing the others to grow quiet at their own experiences. It didn’t need to be said, but the looks on their faces suggest that they may have seen… or have been involved… in their personal squabbles among other scholars. It was something unbecoming of them, but they were young and full of energy once. “It makes me wish for more civilized discussions. If you were to take one lesson from us today, Mystril, it is this: heated discussions about scholarly topics that end in brawls aren’t worth it. It’s not exactly effective or enticing academic peer review, especially when your peers are ready to fight you.” Scriniarii turned to Rusty, also addressing his fellow golems’ recollection to him as well. Things may very well be different in this era, though the mental image of dignified scholars beating each other up over academic disagreements could be seen as chuckle-worthy to some. An odd sight to be sure, but claims of the Hyracotherians’ society being a civilized one could be dispelled with this tale. “I suppose this means the mimic situation here is resolved, right? Maybe we could have a look at the exhibits. In your opinion, if there is one thing in the museum that all guests should see, what would it be?”

@Blitz Boom “It is the least I can do to help. I do not know what will happen when you will face the elders soon, but here is a lesson I learned long ago. When faced with something unknown, it is best to go in as prepared as you can get. I just hope I did enough to prepare all of you for what is to come.” “You did that and more, grandfather. Even we don’t know more to expect from the other elders, but you gave us some ideas.” “Then I leave the rest to you. I wish I could go, but at my age, maybe I should not push myself too much. So, how about you all do me a favor and be careful, all right? Who knows what you will encounter when you meet the elders? And let me know how it goes. Never thought I would live to learn young folks like you get to meet the elders in such an important event!” Though Sen and Lin were still harboring some doubts that things would go their way, it was good to know someone was backing them. He may not be there physically, but Zo placed his confidence in them and Omen. Regardless of anyone’s thoughts, this was a moment that could lead to big changes among the longma. What hopes he had now placed in them, the new generation. Maybe he might live a little longer to see it for himself; it would be something that their parents would be proud of if they were still around. Sen looked to Omen with a mortified expression, eyes widened at the mention of saying strange things in his sleep. He remembers the nightmares, the pained memories of reliving the worst experience of his life, but other things…. That one he does not recall, though he now wondered what else he might have said in his sleep. Lin, meanwhile, looked to her brother, then to the Ki’Nathar, with a very big grin on her face. Even she couldn’t help tenting her talons with a mischievous smirk. “I said many strange things while I slept? We’re not talking about those nightmares, are we?” “Ooh! Ooh! This has ‘juicy’ written all over it! You have to tell me! Was it strange, embarrassing things?” Lin just couldn't help herself upon learning about what she just heard. Even the thought of knowing something like this had her giddily jumping on the spot. “Sister, please. I don’t think I want to know. I mean, it’s nice to know Shrimp was sleeping on me, but if I did say embarrassing things, maybe let’s not anyone else know about it?” Sen tried to make himself appear smaller, hiding his face behind his claws. If Lin was pumping this kind of information out of Omen, he just hoped they had the privacy afforded by staying inside their grandfather’s workshop. Grandfather Zo watched and chuckled to himself, amused by this display. Despite seeing his grandchildren all grown up, there was still a hint of the young, playful selves that remained from days long gone. One could only wonder how things go at night when there is little to do… “It is good to see civilization advance with new findings, seeing how it grows and develops. We saw it now and again, but being disembodied meant we couldn’t interact with it. We were always at the mercy of whoever held our leash, so to speak. Not all of it was a terrible experience; there were times when someone found us and exchanged information. Other times, we were drawn to those we've met because of their curiosity or kindness. Those were some interesting moments worth their weight in gold, even if they were fleeting. But you are right. Time marches on, and what becomes of it later remains to be seen.” Vates wondered just how different the future might be if time continued on its current trajectory. Big cities, modern technology… it was all a curious matter. Yet she was just as curious about what would be left behind to be forgotten when the times change. What kingdoms rise and what fall, all were fascinating. “I’d much rather believe that there is a better term than ‘monster hunter,’ at least for those who seek to understand how such operate. Though I suppose they are a scholar in some respect, especially when they put their talents for positive reasons.” “Even now the trade for exotic pets continues? I would have hoped such a thing wouldn’t be around anymore, but maybe that was too much to ask for. The pursuit for wealth can lead one to undertake strange trades.” Magus pondered about what else might still be around, finding some commonality in this age and the past. The methods may be different, but the danger persisted. He looked to the mimic in the room with them, carefully considering the possibility that such things may be out there. Monster hunters may be knowledgeable about the dangers the creatures had, but the same could not be said for the buyers…. Scriniarii listened as Mystril took charge of the situation. Knowledge combined with initiative and conviction, all amounted to an impressive display of control over a potential crisis. Not many had all aspects covered, and that on display got the other golems to stand down and place their confidence in her. Magus dissipated his protective barrier, convinced that the urgent need for it had passed. The group didn’t have anything more to argue about, aside from Rusty’s well-founded concern. The golem approached the stallion, hesitating for a moment about whether to place one hoof on him for reassurance. As he understood, it was a gesture that may be more appropriate for close individuals. Perhaps it isn’t right in the heat of the moment, but he’d still step in to diffuse the growing tension. “Calm, Rusty. Mystril has the situation under control. Has she not shown sufficient knowledge of the mimic and the drive to care for it? I believe that the imminent danger has passed, and we can be assured of our safety here.” “What you did here, Mystril, reminded us of our fellows long, long ago. Scholars with conviction are rare, more so when it comes to standing up for what they believe in. They gave us some of the most heated discussions when our perspectives differed, but they offered valuable insight nonetheless. We believe that what is unknown, what we don’t understand, should be examined to dispel the fear surrounding them. If you will permit, maybe we can turn to you as a guide on these kinds of mimics?” He said his piece, smiling all throughout. He didn’t mind the griffon raising her voice and puffing her chest. This matter was important to her, and he knew it was in these moments that one could truly show who they are and what they stand for. It was respectable, at least to him and his fellow golems.

@Blitz Boom “I think it might be better to ask Elder Ghilan what might be safe to answer. The meeting will be unpredictable, so having some way to make things work in your favor is the best way to go about it. If you are considering it, speaking with him about what the other elders will ask is an option, but do so before you speak with the elders. We already had our debate, which should give you an idea of what some of those questions might be. However, you might want to do so discretely or when no one else is around to overhear you. There is no telling who might be listening in on you, especially if they disagree with Ghilan.” “And we’ll also be here to help you out when you are put in a difficult spot. If needed, we’ll cover for you if a question is tricky to answer. But, yeah, let’s try to avoid talking about what happened to the last elder unless they keep pressuring us for an answer. We’ll leave that one to Elder Ghilan.” “If you are lucky, maybe the other elders will not ask you the tough questions about the last elder Solasan.” It was becoming more evident that being honest was now clashing with winning over the elders. They viewed the latter as their way of getting them to see things in a new way, but that may come at the cost of honesty. And if the elders even catch a whiff of dishonesty, it would look bad on the siblings and Omen, possibly even worse for Ghilan. The current elder likely did his homework on the other elders when he was new, so he could provide Omen and the siblings with some advice on how to approach their line of questioning. If they could win over a few of them without compromising their subtlety, it could give them a much-needed advantage. Perhaps this could be a hint of political intrigue working on a smaller scale. The situation is different, but some of their key aspects are still present. The elderly longma grew more relaxed once Omen got his scent. It was an awkward affair at first, likening it to a curious animal sniffing something new, but this one isn’t an animal at all. Sen told himself that the strangeness would be something they had to get used to, but it was different knowing that even Zo would have to live with it. He may be joking about checking out of life early, but at his age, he may get scared easily. “Ah, well… you have noticed that the huts are just hollowed structures that we use for different purposes. My workshop here is also my home. Or rather, my home is somewhere in the back. If you happen to come around here or open a gate nearby, just call out to me. It should let me know you are nearby.” “Knocking is also a good idea. That might be better than popping up suddenly in front of anyone, but there are no doors here in the village, so to speak, Omen. Knocking on walls is an option though.” “Heh heh… Do you remember some time ago at Rosa’s home? I was sleeping, and you were just sitting in front of me the whole time? When I opened my eyes… you scared me good when I woke up. Had me just about ready to jump out of the bed.” Sen chuckled as he remembered one notable scenario back then. He may have been genuinely scared when it first happened, but it has become a kind of fond memory for him. At some point, he expected something like it would happen. Lin wished she could have seen it play out, though Grandfather Zo hoped he wouldn’t be on the receiving end of something like that. It was a surprise for sure, but scaring someone as an outcome may not really be his idea of a “surprise.” As long as they were setting some ground rules, he was fine. “The weather was a fact of life, but with so many having their faith questioned, one can imagine how they began to turn toward other means of coping with natural disasters. I suppose it doesn’t matter anymore, but thank you. In some ways, it is comforting to know there is a solution to the issue arising from severe weather, even if that came from another place and time.” There was an instance of a whole island being swallowed whole by the sea, the result of a particularly severe wave. It was around the time a volcanic eruption also happened, a bad combination of disasters. Vates once believed that to be a punishment from the elementals for abandoning faith and devotion to the old ways. To some degree, she still believed that to be the case, even when she long since signed up to be part of a project to preserve herself long after her body withered away. If there was still a sign that that island was around, scant remains would be all that’s left. It would be a miracle if someone rediscovered it beneath the waves of the Neighgean Sea, but neither Vates nor her fellow golems had hopes for that happening any time soon. However, there was something else that needed their attention now; the time for looking back on the past will have to wait. “Monster hunting as a profession is unfamiliar. It is natural to want to understand the world and the creatures that live in it, but hunting them? I suppose the pursuit of knowledge doesn’t have the same appeal to everyone, but engaging in the hunt for creatures…. It is complicated. Some may call it barbarism, and yet in these moments, some have gathered knowledge of these creatures that we call monsters.” Magus’s mind and speech drifted into philosophizing the monster-hunting profession, possibly even inadvertently stating his thoughts on the matter. As an academic, he detests the idea of uncouth methods of gathering and expanding knowledge, yet he would begrudgingly admit that there was some merit in the knowledge gained from hunting. If the perspectives were reversed, then those hunted monsters may see sentient creatures as the true monsters. He wouldn’t argue, seeing as it was academic, and Mystril returned with food. The golem did as instructed and lowered the mimic to her level. The barrier may be placed on the ground, but one could still manipulate objects inside as usual. It gave everyone a better look at what they had in the barrier, and some of Mystril’s observations were promising. The creature was relatively harmless, but its behavior was about as expected as a scared animal backed into a corner. “It still warrants the question of what kind of environment did it have before it was discovered… I suppose there are plenty of questions that can come about from this one. At least we are certain about what kind of mimic we have here, and some of our worries can be eased.” “But doesn’t it concern anyone that such a creature was kept in the museum for, I assume, a long time? Cursed objects or not, I think ensuring the safety of the building should be considered.” Scriniarii approached the griffon, carefully examining the mimic while impressed by Mystril’s knowledge about the creature and how she responded to the situation as it unfolded. It was a commendable effort at containing a situation that could have spiraled out of anyone’s control. Now that the current threat has been assessed, the request that followed was rather odd but understandable. “Knowing of mimics is one thing, but dealing with them is another matter. We have heard and compiled information on the classical mimics, but we… never actually fended off one before. Observing them was about as close as we got to having an encounter with a mimic. You handled yourself very well just now, and we will defer to you on how we should proceed; your knowledge of these mimics is valuable. As such, we will leave the mimic be, but we will keep the barrier up for the moment. So, what happens now? Will you take this mimic in and take care of it?”

@Blitz Boom “I only advise caution. The same goes for you too, Sen and Lin. Speak out of turn, say too much, and you may bring unwanted attention and questioning to yourselves. If what you will speak about does more harm for your case, it will be better to say nothing.” “And if we are put on the spot? What if the elders ask us things that will put us in a bad light and demand answers?” “Then it will be better to leave it to Elder Ghilan. He sounds like the type to know a thing or two about navigating the other elders. Turn to him for guidance, even if he looks inexperienced. You are all gathered together, and it will serve you all well to work together.” Zo wouldn’t admit it, but he was lacking in knowledge about this matter. No one but the elders attended their gatherings, and what goes on beyond their closed walls is only for them. However, some platitudes, however empty they may be, could still prove true for the siblings and Omen. He had an inkling that the other elders would not be convinced by the word of an outsider. Yet, the word of an elder may still carry some more weight, maybe just enough to shift things toward a favorable result. That and honesty can go far in this situation. Establishing one’s self as trustworthy where there is no reason to find trust is just as much of a play as being logically convincing. There are some options now on the table, but a wrong word can just as easily take those options away. The elderly longma took a step back from hearing Omen’s request. Sniffing him and getting his scent? An odd thing to say, but it sounded harmless. He then looked to Sen and Lin, who gave him a reassuring nod that it was safe. “I suppose there is no harm in getting my scent. And, you know, there is no need to rush in telling me if you found something. If anything should be a priority, the one you need to tell is Ghilan, just not around the time when everyone should be sleeping. No one wants to be disturbed from their rest; even if you don’t need it, others do.” “He’s right. We may not need sleep, but it’s rude to wake someone up if there is no good reason to do so. If it can wait until morning, it’s better to wait until then. And there is always the option to just talk about it among ourselves and figure out the best way to proceed.” “Just one thing, Omen. I am getting on in age, and I do not want to get scared to an early grave. Please take it easy and try not to come around so suddenly, all right?” Grandfather Zo chuckled at the thought of getting too scared, though he did mean it. Even if Omen did come around with sudden news, perhaps doing so without suddenly opening a gate near him. The risks to health were present, and while he possibly still had some years left in him, he wasn’t in a rush to check out of life so soon. That is especially so if there are Evegrown in the forest. It will be quite the revelation to learn they weren’t alone despite their isolationism. “That must be a nice feeling, not having to worry about the weather. Storms would ravage coastal settlements, leaving many places flooded and lives upended. It would take months to reestablish a sense of order and normalcy only for it to start once more when the next disaster comes.” “A vicious cycle… Some would find a sense of resiliency in it, but I do not believe that should be something to be proud of. Back then, many would find themselves in the temple to ask for a blessing from Aquans to be spared from the devastation. Whether their prayers were heard....” Vates didn’t continue further, mostly to spare some of the grisly details from her experiences in the temple. However, her dejected look betrayed her silence and attempts to hide information. Some did try to dull the storm’s devastation through prayer. Sometimes, the storms weakened and things didn’t turn out too bad. Other times, it felt like Aquans didn’t listen, and for some, that led to their faith being shaken. By then, there is only so much the diviners can do to offer comfort before their words would ring as hollow as their prayers. “A mimic… dangerous when loose but this one invites pity? This is unexpected indeed.” “I didn’t think it would be a mimic; I just gave an educated guess, but this one turned out to be right.” The golems approached the barrier to examine the creature further. Though the others looked on and attempted to form possible reasons or hypotheses for its creation, one has to wonder if this was an artificial construct or if there are naturally occurring instances of this creature. If it was the former, who created it, and for what purpose? For the moment, Magus only looked on, holding the protective barrier up. There wouldn’t be any tests on this creature for the moment, but he considered resuming them when Mystril returns. As for Vates, she stepped away, staying closer to Rusty for now to talk things over with him. The surprise that she was right was still setting in. These were rare creatures, and from what little is known to the golems, it may not even be enough information. Still, it was worth sharing some known details to narrow down what kind of mimic they had. Mystril already said as much. “It is difficult to say with this one. Hyracotherians’ experiences with mimics mostly originate from larger ones disguising themselves as chests or large trunks. Those have large, razor-sharp teeth, and they hide their limbs well. When they stand, they tower over anyone who encounters them, and they possess unnatural strength and speed despite their lanky legs. They aren’t venomous, or at least that is true for the kind of mimic that I described. This one doesn’t seem to have the identifying traits of the mimics familiar to the Hyracotherians. Mystril may be more knowledgeable about mimics than us, I’m afraid, but she is empathetic towards this one. Let’s see what we can learn; maybe there won’t be a reason to fear the mimic in our midst.”

@Blitz Boom That is pretty cool, having connected stories among different characters! And the mention of Earth Mother, I think I can work something out to give the longma a kind of commonality with the Evergrown. The longma believe nature is a kind of "living system" that looks out for them so long as proper respect and care are given. The thing is, they don't really know if someone is working through nature or if it is just how the natural world works. Isolationism and the longma's beliefs left them with one interpretation of their world, and I think it'll be a shock when they learn of something that says otherwise. Looking forward to how things play out when the Evergrown are introduced!

@Blitz Boom “Try telling that to the elders and see if they listen. They do not know your Mother, and they did not see what happened. As far as they are concerned, you fought back, and Solasan is not around now; Ghilan is in his spot as elder. That is as good enough as removing the former elder from his post and enough for the other elders to summon Ghilan for questioning.” “Omen is right about asking if the other elders knew what Solasan did. They should know that the real one was long gone and a fake was running the village.” “And how will you prove that? Will you go around looking for a long-decayed elder and dig up what is left of him for proof?” “Xin’s family was threatened by Solasan, and he’s coming with us. His word will carry weight with the elders.” “You better have more than just his word. Unless you know of other folks in this village who were threatened or saw what happened, one longma’s word might not be enough.” Zo’s words were true in a sense that more evidence was required. Sadly, there might not be enough time to go around interviewing the villagers for more solid proof of Solasan’s treachery. Tangible proof is in short supply, but there might still be something to work with. If one were to recall the golem scholars, their disembodied voices were stored in an orb that served as a repository, and that orb was, at one point, in Solasan’s possession. There might still be something in that orb, a recorded memory or some voices. Irrefutable proof that couldn’t just be fabricated, and fortunately, they’ll only need to borrow the orb for a while. It was that or bring Legion back from the realm Mother sent him to for punishment. For that, they’ll need to get him to admit the truth, but Sen and Lin weren’t going to stake the burden of proof on someone so remorseless. Lin thought about her options, then turned to Sen and Omen with a confident smile. “We know someone we can turn to for our proof.” “Honestly, do not let me stop you from trying to look, however way you will go about it. Just so we are clear, path going west of the village is where the travelers were coming from, and if I can guess where you are going soon, that is where you will pass as well.” “You know where we are going?” “My guess is Shii Cao’yuan. That is where the important gatherings happen so that place makes sense to me. You might not have enough time to investigate unless you get lucky and run into one of those Evergrown. If you do happen to see or meet one, let me know, all right? That is surely going to make you the most interesting someone in this village, Omen.” It may not be wise to bank on luck to find the Evergrown; there may not even be Evergrown in the forest. However, there may be just enough evidence to not rule out their presence. If the Evergrown are there, it might get the longma to rethink their whole isolationist stance when a group of intelligent creatures is just nearby. “That is true. And I know for sure my fellows are going to have to see these weather machines one day.” “Controlling the weather… I never thought I’d see the day something like that becomes reality. Nature’s fury, now leashed. It must be nice to not worry about severe storms. Or am I mistaken and those are still naturally occurring?” Scriniarii interjected, the thought crossing his mind. If the weather was now under control, then has that eliminated naturally occurring storms? Or is there a certain point where the pegasi allow the weather to simply be, no control required? Even then, one must wonder if the pegasi allow powerful storms to exist and if so, their reasoning behind it. It might not be a pretty answer. “The way you described its behavior, I am inclined to believe what we have here is not a curse. What if we are looking at this the wrong way and coming to the conclusion that it is cursed? Perhaps it could be a ravenous mimic masquerading as a necklace.” “Erratic flight, attacking visitors…. Perhaps its creators intended it to be such. Still, maybe there is something we can do to make sure we know what we are dealing with. We will test by aggravating this necklace first by using little bolts of magic.” Vates didn’t want to start things off too quickly, not when they could misdiagnose the problem. With the necklace now surrounded by a protection barrier, they could start by establishing what it was they were dealing with. Magus conjured a small bolt of energy and fired it right at the necklace to see how it would react. Rusty and Mystril won’t have to worry about damage though. The bolt of energy would not leave a mark, sort of like how rubber flicked against a wall; it will bounce off, leaving the object no worse for wear. If the necklace came to life again, then they could better study it up close and in safety.

@Blitz Boom “Elder Ghilan’s position is… unique. Normally, one village’s elders are left to run their villages without the involvement of other elders. Here, it’s a different case where what happened in a village is concerning enough that other elders have to learn about it. It seems your arrival and the whole mess with the former elder Solasan was big enough to get their attention.” “I guess leaving things where they were after Solasan’s gone wasn’t enough. I just wanted to be done with that.” “Maybe, but the other elders will not see it that way. If I were to guess, they would be pointing their claws at all of you and Ghilan. They do not know the details, and they will assume you had something to do with his disappearance. Now Omen, from what I remember, Solasan was about as average as you can get with an elder. He did not do much to stick out until what happened to your mother and father. Even then, the village hunters followed him, some even liked him. Guess he was just good at hiding his true nature until then.” “He made sure we were well-trained and the routes going through the forest were secured. Even encouraged the hunters to develop new techniques that could make us more effective trackers and fighters. But Xin told us he also threatened him, which was possibly true for those who didn’t listen to him.” “If you are certain, then that might help your case. But only bring it up when the topic comes up. Better to be safe than sorry.” Sen and Lin didn’t think too much about Solasan and would much rather prefer to blot out all memories of him. But now, all they had was that rage and sorrow, wondering what kinds of pain they’d wish to inflict on him, or rather, the monster that took his face. He wasn’t longma, but he presented himself as one, and from what he mentioned in the past, that creature took up his work. The real Solasan was just as responsible, and that was something the siblings would use to direct their ire toward his memory. They once heard that none should speak ill of the departed, but they’d make an exception for him. Recalling the time he was taken away by Omen’s sister, they can only hope she is doling out the kind of fate that makes him wish he could be released from that kind of fate, not that it will help. “Well… there is something like what you described. It is hearsay but there is a thick patch of trees in the forest that has grown going west. Most travelers go through it instead of around it, but there have been stories of delays lasting for at least two days. The lost travers arrived tired but fine, though they recall feeling like the forest is ‘shifting’ or the trees are ‘watching them.’ Creepy but no one is certain of the truth behind them. Most just accept that they got turned around before finding their way.” “And no one’s decided to investigate?” “No, or at least no one is taking this seriously. If the longma just waved it off like it was nothing, then I do not think it is anyone’s business to find enemies in places where there are none. Look, I know we were debating earlier but this might be important to you; sorry that we have to cut that short. We might end up arguing in circles if we kept at it for longer. I just hope that what we did helped you prepare. I take it this means you will try looking for these Evergrown?” Grandfather Zo didn’t seem to find the idea that there are other highly intelligent creatures in the forest to be enticing, but maybe the friend Omen mentioned would know more than him. As it stands, the Evergrown were an unknown, and that makes them a point of caution by default. They seemed to be content to keep their distance for the moment, which was nice, but sooner or later, an encounter would be inevitable. Perhaps it may be a little safer to have some confirmation, and that may happen with his grandchildren and Omen looking into it. “It is a stark contrast between invoking the divine and directly harnessing natural elements. We have heard about pegasi walking on clouds, and it is not so farfetched to believe they can do more with the weather. If magic exists, then we have to at least believe a lot of things can be possible.” Vates finished up her hoof reading, doing one last examination and going over the remaining lines on Rusty’s hoof. As much as she would want to examine each line, being out of practice meant she’d do more harm if she tried to examine every aspect of the hoof-reading process. Frankly, she was planning on abandoning that practice since no one found much use for it nowadays aside from the novelty. Still, she accepted the stallion shaking her hoof, content that something positive came from it. But back to the other matter… It seems there was more to the interest in curses than just professional curiosity. They’d all be led to another part of the museum, sectioned off as if it was hiding something sinister. Tied to curses, one would assume there was a whole section that just had cursed objects in storage. One specific piece seemed to be this necklace, ornate and gilded in different metals. “Place it on the ground, and we will examine it in safety. At the very least, having a protective barrier will prevent further harm to lives and property. Magus? I will need your assistance.” The two golems stood across each other, the necklace in between them. Magus didn’t need to be reminded of what to do, only that this procedure needed his magical abilities. He sat up, raised both front legs, and began making circular gestures with his hooves. Then, holding his catalyst, he began creating a large sigil mid-air, manifesting as a golden, six-pronged, circular sigil. He’d then direct the sigil to the ground, surrounding the necklace and creating the magical barrier as described earlier by Vates. It didn’t take long for the magic to hold, and soon they’d be ready for a battery of tests. “As sudden and unprofessional as this may be, there is a clear and present danger, so it must be addressed. Before we continue, can you tell us more about that incident with the visitor? Your recounting made it seem like the object was behaving rather beast-like.”

@Blitz Boom Much appreciated! I gotta say, this part's creepy; it's gonna spook the longma when they learn of it, but it will be interesting when the Evergrown show up!

@Blitz Boom I didn't really have any plans to bring back former elder Solasan, but mentioning him in dialogue when he gets brought up is all good. As for the Evergrown, I think having an encounter in the forest could be interesting. With the longma and Omen preparing to travel into the forest, meeting one could give them a little more information to work with when they meet with the elders. I'm thinking I can work with what Omen said in your post about a place in the forest where "plants grow very fast sometimes" as a possible starting point where the Evergrown can be introduced. After that, I'm up with what you've got prepared for the Evergrown!

@Blitz Boom The elderly longma sighed and wished he knew more about the workings of the elders. He can only go off on the impressions he gets when he sees one at work. Frankly, both Solasan and Ghilan work tirelessly on maintaining the village, though their beliefs on what is best for those they govern are different. In more ways than expected, he preferred Ghilan and his more lax views, pushing for progress in exploration and the preservation of findings. With what Omen said, it seems even his grandchildren also have similar sentiments or that they are in agreement with something about being less isolated. Unfortunately, that also came with the need to learn how to write, but he understood that oral traditions wouldn’t last if there wasn’t a way to keep them. That, and he saw the trappings of relying on oral accounts, including the possibility of malicious misinterpretations. “Running a village means overseeing what can be improved, but what form that takes is dependent on the elder in charge. An elder takes up their role for life, but an unpopular elder can be stripped of their position if the common villagers and the hunters agree that the elder cannot do the job properly. Without both groups in agreement, everyone will just have to put up with the elder until they willingly step down. You can already imagine how elders can take advantage of that kind of policy.” “Some elders may only see the need to keep up appearances to give off the impression that they are helping. Whether or not they actually do is another matter.” Appeasing one group is the easier course of action; as long as one group is favored, there can’t be a formal process to remove the elder. And from that perspective, appeasing the hunters is the course usually taken. They may be a smaller group, relatively speaking, but waving a little power in front of them ends up doing wonders for a very unscrupulous elder. After all, as long as the village can remain safe, common villagers wouldn’t feel the need to complain, especially if they can get a few concessions every now and again. Elders like Ghilan would scoff at the idea, but others would see how this can benefit them in the long term. “To the longma, asking for help among their fellows and using the resources at their disposal is no different from relying on themselves. This self-reliance comes from our beliefs in isolation, that creatures who are not longma care not for us. Worse, they may seek to use this moment of help to exploit us further, take things that we are in no position to give. That is enough to know that we should not rely on others outside of our own.” “Wait… what did you say? That last part… you said there are other creatures within our forest. Are you certain of that?” “It’s not something we have confirmed yet, but the possibility is there.” “Then you have to tell me more about it! If they are there, then how long have they been around?!” Grandfather Zo was getting rather focused in his response, now stepping into the counter-arguments that the elders would bank on for a response. In essence, he now touched upon the root of the arguments behind why the longma are the way they are. He wouldn’t dive too deep to give away an opening, but it was the starting point. However, that last part of Omen’s response caught his attention, something unexpected that diverted his train of thought, possibly derailing the debate. “I suppose we might be here for some time. Maybe I can spare a quick reading while we continue with our current discussion. From what I can gather, the modern age knows more about natural phenomena like wind and storms as an aspect of the weather. Back then, we believed them to be the movements of the elementals or interactions between more than one of them. For example, a storm was created when Aeros and Aquans were in disagreement with each other, causing water and wind to become violent.” “Today, I doubt anyone would believe in the existence of the elementals. The lack of empirical methods to study these natural occurrences meant that many would turn to the supernatural to explain how things happen, though I suppose that might still be of some value today.” Vates sat down and began with her readings, gesturing for Rusty to place one hoof for her to hold and examine. When it came to readings, the golem would examine lines along the hoof, which can give an idea of one’s state of fortune or health. For now, she examined the left hoof, a lighter shade than anticipated, but it meant clearer lines for reading. A line running the width of the hoof was a good first sign of vitality, though the presence of a shorter, frayed arc below it was something to consider. There were plenty of other aspects of hoof reading that the reader should consider, but Vates has already mentioned being out of practice; she could only draw upon the basics. For now, she’ll stick to reading Rusty’s vitality and health, a fairly solid starting point for divining one’s current and future states. “From what I can see, a long line on your hoof is a good sign of health. However, you may need to pace yourself, as your energies can be expended in shorter bursts and you can tire yourself out easily. It can become problematic, as those can become complicated health issues as you grow older. Now, you can argue that what I said are common platitudes that can apply to anyone, but whether or not you truly believe in this reading, I leave that up to you.” Admittedly, that sounded like a common disclaimer that absolves the reader of responsibility, but Vates has seen enough to know that belief plays a role in the readings as much as the lines on one’s hooves. How Rusty will respond to the golem’s admission remains to be seen. “Our approach was to learn of the nature of the curse before dispelling them. The prevalence of magic even in our day means extra care should be taken. If an object is cursed, purifying it through the burning of incense and an invocation of an elemental was how we went about it, but expelling the curse through magic was also possible. Now if a location is cursed, then the approach was to either construct a protection charm to traverse the area or use magical wards to minimize the effects of the curse to a smaller area for isolation and removal.” “The first part was important because curses come in different types. From least to most harmful, you have jinxes, hexes, and true curses. Jinxes are generally annoying but harmless; hexes cause harm and difficulties. The true curses are highly dangerous. As such, magical protection fields are erected to study the nature of the curse before further action is taken. To answer your question, Mystril, the process dangerous and a curse is treated with extreme caution, at least until it's true nature can be determined. A falsely identified curse can cause harm and property damage, amon other things.” Frankly, curses were a very difficult thing to handle. Each case is considered unique to each other, and one strategy for dealing with it may not always be effective for similar cases. The best course of action in their day was the protection field that can isolate a curse’s effects into a smaller area. No one usually talked about curses openly, but something about Mystril’s question got the golem thinking and reading far into the purpose behind it. “If I may ask, are you thinking about lifting curses from some objects in this museum?”

@Blitz Boom “I’m sure cooperating with the elders is allowed, especially if they ask you to get something for them. Don’t take it the wrong way. From what I’ve been hearing about you and our Elder Ghilan, some of the villagers see you as a friend to him. Regardless of what they say, you should ask yourself a question: who is Elder Ghilan to you? The elders are always working, even when they should be taking a break, and anything that can tarnish their image to the villagers they oversee could spell the end of their work. Unfortunately, you’ve caught on to the idea that they are unlikeable or stuck in the past, and it is unavoidable. I wouldn’t be surprised if my grandchildren have developed a hatred for elders or authority figures in general, given what happened to them.” It wouldn’t take long for both Sen and Lin to respond, scowling or sneering at their grandfather at what he just mentioned. The silence and lack of words were enough for him that he simply chuckled at having picked at their brains and figured them out in just a few moments. He didn’t mind it though, as it was understandable. Lin had developed a generally distrustful attitude toward her fellow longma despite her efforts to act amenable and friendly toward them. There were some exceptions, as she didn’t direct her prejudices against children or those who exhibited friendliness towards her, Sen, or Omen. After all, there were some good eggs in the village, and she couldn’t be angry at them. Sen… was a different story, and his first meeting with Elder Ghilan was already a testament to that. They got off on the wrong hoof, with Sen becoming uncharacteristically violent toward someone willing to help him for the sole reason that they were an elder. He may have mellowed out, but that prejudice could be a liability in the coming meeting with the other elders. For a moment, Zo pondered Omen’s retort. She had a solid point about the aspect of time and urgency, something that Lin and Sen would agree with. They were the ones who benefited from that kind of response. Still, playing devil’s advocate meant he would have to present something convincing as a counter-argument, and argumentative skills at his age meant he wasn’t going to have all the time in the world to respond. “The example you provided: buying medicine, what you suggested is an exchange built upon the understanding that one has to give a service or good to someone who pays for it. Giving help is not built on the same obligation, as another creature is not obligated to help, especially to someone they do not know. Instead, you now have to rely on someone else’s morals, something that is not easily determined. What you stated with the kitsune may not be true for other creatures; some will want to be compensated or demand payment that we longma cannot provide. It would be better for us to find the cure on our own, even if it is a slower process.” “Which leads me to my next point. If I were an elder, it would be my responsibility to know the village I oversee, including knowing whose expertise I can rely on to help a longma in need. We are not a stagnant kind who keep to ourselves and do nothing. This forest we call home has blessings that we can use for our benefit. If the cure lies in something we can find in it, then we will use it. After all, if we cannot place our trust in creatures beyond ourselves, then we can only rely on our fellow longma.” Sometimes, playing the contradictory angle means spouting things one does not truly believe in. Zo knows that this is just practice, but he cannot help but see the pained looks on Sen’s and Lin’s faces. The two couldn’t muster a reply now, the realization dawning on them that they could be hearing the same thing in just a few days. They couldn’t imagine that the longma’s pride and stubbornness would see their egos take precedence over life. Still, they would weather this, if only to understand and prepare for what is to come. The other elders may not be as nice… “Ah, well… I dabbled in divination, telling fortunes based on what was needed by those who came to me. The movements of celestial bodies were something I once tried, but I ended up performing more mundane hoof readings. I… umm, don’t suppose you’d consider doing one right now? Because after years of being a disembodied voice, I’m afraid I am terribly out of practice. I’d be wasting your time.” “However, I also tended to the temples where I performed other rituals. These comprised of offerings to mystical figures that, according to modern understanding, were the incarnations of natural phenomena. It may take a while to go over them all but as an example, a ritual involving healing through water would require invocation to Aquans and would happen along rivers.” There were plenty more of such elemental beings, but the gist was identical across the board. Invocations or incantations to a given incarnation of nature would need one to call upon their name, followed by a series of acts relevant to the ritual. Those that are higher in the hierarchy of incarnations would require offerings, usually of food. Other rituals required… sacrifices, but that was the domain of heretical practices, the kind that mystics or diviners never dabbled in. However, the rise in more focused studies eventually caused these more occult practices to fall out of favor, remaining around only out of tradition. Yet, some still find these ways a part of their lives and continued to last until the hyracotherian race came to an end. Though the conversation had begun with Videntor and his enthusiasm with recounting the past, it seems now Vates has highjacked the conversation. He didn’t mind it too much, as seeing his fellow golem also join in felt like they were now finding some common ground. There was a lot to discuss, though the excitement in Rusty’s response was a good sign that they could share more. “I understand you have a lot of questions. How about we take it one at a time? Vates? I believe you can shed some light on this aspect of our past.” “I have mentioned that I was a diviner, and at the temple, I conducted the rituals that took place there. If there wasn’t something big happening, then I just performed simple readings. But in this case, the incense and reliefs you see here are specifically for cleansing and purifying objects for blessings. The elemental Flaemis is invoked, calling upon the fire to purge impurities. In some cases, the ritual is performed away from the temple, usually in places touched by curses to remove them.” Vates would leave the floor open for more questions, though she may be up for a demonstration if there happen to be curses in need of lifting. Then again, the preparations could be lengthy depending on the availability of materials.

@Blitz Boom “You will be better off not offering anything as a gift. Your intentions may be good at heart, but they will come off as a bad thing to the other elders regardless of how you see it. Understand that, as elders, they are in a higher position than other longma, and even if others will be grateful at receiving things they can use, the elders are not simply any ordinary longma.” “We understand, grandfather, though we could always ask Elder Ghilan about this as well. As an elder, he may have some ideas on how the other elders think.” “Go right ahead. He is young, but if he is observant, I think he will say the same thing. I honestly have no idea how he will do, given his age, but a young mind may have ideas we older folks have not yet considered.” Though Grandfather Zo didn’t articulate it quite fully, he has his reservations about Ghilan. An older leader would have some of the necessary knowledge and life experience to guide the village based on its needs and shortcomings. However, a younger elder, an oxymoronic idea, could bring in a fresh perspective to old problems. What he didn’t state was how someone of his age and stature at the same time could be impressionable, open to new ideas but unaware of the pitfalls of those ideas. This becomes especially true with radical and completely novel ideas like becoming less isolationist. It may be an opportunity to learn some lessons along the way if those who propose it do get their way. Unfortunately, some situations may not leave enough room open to learning. Sometimes, the price of failure is so high that novel ideas without solid foundations and effective execution are not worth the trouble. That was one thing he hoped Sen, Lin, Omen, and Ghilan could learn sooner rather than later. Unxpected… Omen would begin with a rather sobering idea of illness, but knowing what she described earlier with Lin and how the Kitsune ended up helping, it was still within the realm of possibilities. Though grateful, he was still somewhat weary about the idea of other creatures helping, especially a lot of unknowns were tied to that help. Fortunately, the topic was something he could work with given its relevance, timely or otherwise. “I believe that it would be better for us to discover what that sickness is and how it can be treated. If more longma minds are needed to secure that help, then so be it. Let us be self-reliant in dealing with our problems.” “And you would rather let the sickness fester and spread rather than treat it immediately? What if the longma do not find the cure?” “Can you be certain that another creature’s help will be given freely? What if they demand something in return, and that is not given, do you continue looking elsewhere until someone helps? Not all creatures are kind at heart, and if they see curing a sick longma as an agreement, then that would still be time wasted negotiating instead of wisely spent on finding a cure.” The arguments may be a little underdeveloped, but he knew where to start. When he heard about Lin’s predicament, he had some assumptions that the deed was not done freely. The kitsune may have helped Lin, but there may have been some compromise from Sen and Omen’s end. Likewise, her current state left Lin looking not quite like a longma anymore. Was it the result of another deal with Mother? If so, then the cost of such an act, and its consequences, were something more knowable to Omen and Sen. The extent would only be known to Lin. “Hmm… I suppose the more distant members of the sirens’ civilization may be relevant to the tales our kind of have heard. Unfortunately, they will remain tall tales with no one to confirm their validity.” “All the more reason there was to map the coasts and waterways. With a better understanding of natural phenomena, even the weather could be studied to debunk myths and tales told by sailors.” “Yet you do not find some fascination in hearing those tales? It makes for an interesting study concerning the imagination and how unknown natural phenomena can be ascribed to something mythical or divine. I may have dabbled in the supernatural, but learning about the lines blurred by the logical and illogical interest me.” Vates was rather intrigued by how others thought, where logic ended and faith began. Her position in her distant life oftentimes veered into aspects and beliefs not dictated by reason, but even so, many sought guidance from higher powers when conventional solutions failed. Some might scoff at the idea, but it was a reality ingrained in their culture. It was better to work with what they knew, but divine intervention, however illogical, sometimes won out in the end. Videntor smiled, regained his composure, and followed Rusty with the others not far behind. It felt good to let out some pent-up emotions, even when those emotions were excitement. Something may yet live on from a bygone age, only needing verification. The golems came across a griffon who would be joining them in gathering information on recovered relics. Reaction notwithstanding, the five smiled and bowed, reassuring her that there was nothing to worry about. Once inside storage, the golems would set about examining the object contained within. Some were shards of ancient pottery, adorned with painted reliefs, though the shape they were in made it hard to tell what they were depicting. Other pieces looked like they were from columns of larger structures. However, they didn’t seem to be from the Hyracotherians’ time. Some loose pieces on the table were coins, arrowheads, and jewelry, but nothing appeared to point to the relevant period. There was also the occasional stone tablet, but their script was difficult to discern; they may be of the golems’ time, but it may take extensive study to be sure. It felt like a lost cause examining all of these recovered artifacts until a stone mural in the far corner of the room caught Videntor’s attention. He slowly approached it, looking through the faded depictions of quadrupeds marked in dried pigment. The figures were intricate and detailed, identified through their poses as if performing the steps of a ritual. Common among them was a shrine, golden despite the faded colors, with a shrouded figure standing before the worshippers and incense and smoke streaking upward. Vates noticed this too and approached, eyes widened at what she was seeing before her. “Eh, some of these things may not be related to the Hyracotherians, but some more time spent studying them could clear up the uncertainty surrounding these items. But this… it is a familiar sight. Where have I seen it before?” “It is a stone relief, a reminder made to all visitors about the rituals of the temple. This one depicts cleansing, I think. The faded colors make it difficult to be certain, but this one is undoubtedly one of ours. It was placed in the temple I where I conducted rituals, this I am certain, Rusty and Mystril.”

@Blitz Boom The elderly longma listened, breath held as he attempted to process what Omen said, and it made a lot of sense. Unlike her explanation earlier, he understood the merits of the arguments presented to him. There was proof: Lin and what she became were evidence enough. To the old longma, even Sen might have had something happen that necessitated outside intervention. It just made too much sense seeing it all before him. “I know there are things that the longma hold close, and I don’t blame them. Maybe it would be better if we just remained isolated, but it might not cut it anymore. Knowing what’s happened to us, our family, reaching out beyond ourselves was what we needed, even if it took years for us to realize it.” “As much as I hate to admit it, our exile was what got us on the path to healing. We saw that things could be better for the longma, us included. All the possibilities that we might have missed out on are out there if only we could reach out to them. We just want something better for all of us.” Sen and Lin made their cases heard, as did Omen, and grandfather considered. It may hold a biased view, but it was biased toward his family. He’d throw his support behind them no matter how strange they sounded; in this case, it wasn’t anywhere near the farfetched things he heard from other villagers. He’d take his family’s words, and if they vouch for Omen being worthy of trust, he’d follow their lead. It was simply heartwarming to see how they didn’t let a tragedy make them bitter, and Zo couldn’t help but flash a big smile at that. “You’ve convinced me, but I suppose it shouldn’t be so difficult if you’re family. Yes, that includes you, Omen. You made your case, and I see why it's good. Now you’ve got to convince the elders, and they’re trickier. I’m sure they are much sharper than me, and they’ll ask questions to see if you know what you’re talking about. I doubt my old bones could carry me around, especially so far away from home, but you have my support, wherever you are.” “That second thing you mentioned…. that is your proof. Convince the elders by making a claim backed with proof. If you can explain what you’re saying and show them what they stand to gain, the more you can win them over. The elders need to know what you’re talking about. It will be trickier for those who are too set in their ways, but there is always a chance to get them to come around to your ideas.” “However, what you just suggested there with… uh, gold, you say? Don’t try it, especially if you want to win the elders over. It may be a gift to you, but they will not see it that way. It will look like you’re trying to buy them off. They do not know what gold is, so it will look like you’re giving them something they cannot use, which is worse.” The siblings and Omen may recall the trinkets they each wear, especially the scales and the gemstones. Those are generally fine as ornamentation because they are familiar to the longma. But gold? It may appear as a simple metallic brick, nice to look at but worth little to those who can’t use it. What’s worse is that a simple gesture of goodwill could be misunderstood as a bribery attempt, and the elders wouldn’t look too kindly on that. What may be better was to recall the simplicity of showing respect. Though not simple in practice, the idea was still sound. Being given the chance to speak can open opportunities to learn about who they’re talking to and how to build rapport. That connection could be better than a gift, especially for the elders who may be interested in something… immaterial. “I’m sure you have plenty to say, but I suggest you take it steady. Plan how you’ll introduce your ideas and anticipate questions. Hmm… you know, while you’re all here, would you like a little test run for some practice? Give me a wild idea you’ll present to the elders, and I will try to counter your proposal.” “You want to debate us, grandfather? Are you sure?” “Of course! Besides, this preparation isn’t for me but for all of you.” Grandfather Zo chuckled, eagerly awaiting to hear the first idea proposed to him. He’ll try to play the role of stubborn, unconvinced elder to see how Sen, Lin, and Omen would handle themselves. “I may not be sharp, but it’s good for you to practice.” “Worry not. Even we may be getting our information mixed up. Old civilizations could have similarities with one another, and knowing how distant in the past they may be, it may be best to take some time to sort out that information.” “Speaking of which, this building and the displays make it appear that even history was sorted out for many to see and learn from. Underwater civilizations are rather interesting, especially in how they build themselves up compared to ours on the surface. To be honest, the sirens were considered a myth in our time; there were tall tales about sailors ending up in the thrall of the sirens’ enchanting songs until they ran aground of the jagged rocks. It is interesting to know that they are more commonly heard of by the average pony.” Magus didn’t lie about the golems and their lack of knowledge about certain groups. What may be common knowledge to ponies elsewhere were myths and tales elsewhere. That was true for the golems back in their day, though it was rather odd that the prevalence of such tales was still common despite having the means to travel far and wide. The sea may be vast but even then, their knowledge wasn’t so far-reaching. One can only imagine what lay beneath the waves of their populated islands if underwater civilizations were around in their time. For now, thoughts of what could have been would have to wait. Time spent within the museum could fill the golems in on what those civilizations were and where they were based. If other hyracotherians from their day were still alive, they might be astounded to learn of the things that were close to home but remained unknown. “Interesting that a dig has unearthed something. If it is related to the ruins of a city-state, whoever discovered it could have found the remains of Hyrakopetra, Heraklea, or possibly Aeonea. Those are the names of the most notable city-states of our day, large centers of trade, culture, and government. I-I’m sorry… it just all came spilling out, remembering names of places. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a chance to talk about home.” Videntor didn’t seem to be too hung up on the mention of an adventurer finding things from the golems’ time. Though he and his fellows have heard of treasure hunters and their ability to find things of differing value, what may be a significant find could very well be a mundane object. Then again, just being able to talk about this matter felt rather uplifting for the golem, as if he was releasing some bottled-up memories. The others didn’t mind; his words recalled the old days, of times when they could still see themselves in their old homes and cities. It simply felt nice to remember, even if those were from another lifetime ago. “By your lead, I… we would love to see what you have in storage. If you will permit, maybe we could offer what information we can provide? Anything to help sort your collection and expand what knowledge you have gathered.”

@Blitz Boom Ghilan left rather saddened by Omen’s reply; though he had hoped to impart some wisdom to a friend, there may come a time when the choice to lead may not truly be a choice. Or rather, the choice would be to take up leadership or leave things be to go to ruin. He, however, understood where that response came from. He too was in a similar position, unwilling to lead because of doubts. Those doubts could have led to more pain inflicted on those undeserving; yet he could not leave things be lest harm would come to more than just those who knew the risks. He understood her position, and maybe he should have expected that kind of reply despite having, according to him, positive influences. If time permits, this may be a possible source of a friendly debate between their viewpoints. It would be an interesting exchange of ideas. Alas, it will have to wait, bowing before heading off with Xin in tow. As for Grandfather Zo, he welcomed everyone inside, mess and all. He’d probably be getting an earful from his grandchildren about keeping things clean and tidy, but he wouldn’t have any of it. The mess was an odd way for him to remain in control of his workshop. No one would be touching it unless they wanted to get a nasty scolding. Then again, the siblings didn’t really know his system and would prefer to stay out of that. It was his mess, and if he wanted to clean it, he’d do it. Though the clutter in his workshop was preferred, the clutter in Omen’s reply left him quiet, slowly attempting to decipher what she just said. “You… said a mouthful. Sorry if I am not following but did you say something went into Lin’s head? A-and you were a… ball of… yarn? I don’t understand.” “She is right about things being strange, but it’s all right now, grandfather. There’s no need to worry. We wanted to visit and let you know what was happening. See, we’ve been… summoned by the council of elders. They want us to meet with them.” “They do? Does it have something to do with you going into some place you shouldn’t?!” “No, it doesn’t. It’s more about, well… us… coming home with these very… different ideas. About wanting the longma to be less… isolated. It’s difficult to explain but we hope it could lead to something better for the longma as a whole.” The elderly longma paused, unsure what to make of this development. He initially thought he’d be proud to know they were about to head off and do something big and unprecedented. Then, he imagined how all this could go wrong and how big of a mistake they were walking into. Knowing how things turned out for his own child, it may be too much to expect something good only to end up leading to a bad end. Now that he’s already getting on in years, he may even feel a little more powerless to change things. “I hope you know what you’re getting yourselves into. You know how it is with old folks, stubborn and unwilling to see things differently. You try getting me to take my herbs and I’d give you an earful about why it’s none of your business. That might be what you’ll get with old leaders, but what do I know? Maybe you’ll convince them. So, do you have what you need to get them to listen? Or do you also need some advice? I doubt I can be there with you, what with me and my old age, but I think I could give you some help. Something to help you pick at their minds could go a long way, right?” Grandfather Zo’s advanced age meant he wouldn’t make the trek to the meeting with the elders, but he wasn’t going to take this sitting down. Anything that could help his grandchildren or Omen could go a long way. That may be his only way to help, but he’d give them whatever they needed if it meant they’d succeed. Perhaps his stubbornness might be a point of commonality with the other elders, something Sen, Lin, and Omen could leverage to their advantage. “Machine parts? Ancient ones? Perhaps they could have originated from the Mekhanites? I’ve never seen them, and information that could point to them is sparse. They were supposedly from a primordial ‘god’ that was split into multiple pieces in an attempt to prevent it from coming back. An ancient canyon in a landmass west of the Neighgean was said to have been the product of that ‘god’s’ rampage. That could be of further study if only to confirm its truth or dispel it as myth.” “Aquatic civilizations are rather new to us, though it is interesting that they are around in one form or another. If time permits, maybe we’d like to see them. It’s all rather overwhelming, seeing this modern age and all that it has to offer. Something seems to pull our intrigue in different directions, inviting us to learn more. Maybe we could see some of it in this place?” Though somewhat limited, the golems did have some passing knowledge of other civilizations in their time. Or perhaps the more accurate thing to say was that their knowledge was limited to hearsay. Despite having some advancements in their time, the kind the modern age has would overshadow much of what they had long, long ago. Vates and Magus, specifically, had that knowledge, though blind spots in what they knew meant that their knowledge was closer to speculation. Still, it might be nice to be proven right or wrong and expand what they know. However, Videntor would use this time to pop the question and slowly ease the revelation surrounding himself and his fellow golems. “There is a specific period that I hoped this place might have some information on. Several thousand years ago, there was a civilization in the Neighgean Sea inhabited by the Hyracotherians. They were rather small for their size, about half as large as the ponies of today.” He paused, hesitated even. If it was normal for golems to feel some kind of knot in their artificial bellies, that might be the best description for what Videntor felt. As much as he was initially giddy to bring up his past, something tried to convince him to stop or reconsider. No, he got this far, and he has to go all the way. Scriniarii glanced back and nodded silently, acknowledging his fellow to get him to commit. “You see, my fellows and I… are the last remnants of that civilization. We just wanted to know if anything from our time survived to this day. A balm upon my soul it will be if even the smallest thing may have been discovered from the Hyracotherians’ ruins.”

@Blitz Boom “It’s a delicate balance and a difficult lesson. Sometimes, what I want isn’t going to be what’s best for others, and other times, I may have to drag everyone to a better outcome. The pressure can be overwhelming, but I work towards what’s best, and the power that comes with leadership keeps me honest. One day, you may find yourself in a situation that will force you to step up and lead; I hope you too will find that balance when others look to you for guidance and leadership.” Deep down, Ghilan never saw in himself a leader nor did he want the task of becoming an elder. What led him to become an elder was a product of circumstance, though he may also place some blame on himself and his morals. He couldn’t just let someone get hurt because another abused their power. Sadly, even his best efforts couldn’t spare the unfortunate, grisly ends, which fueled his desire to do right by those who continued to live on. Now that the exiled siblings were back and with Omen, he could find a new perspective through them so he could live up to his ideals. For now, he was satisfied. He got what he needed to address off this chest, and the siblings could finalize their preparations. Someone would eventually be left running the village in the elder’s absence, but he also had that taken care of some time ago. Even better was what Omen relayed from the Kitsune elders, bringing a smile to longma elder’s face. “From the way you said it, it seems your meeting with the kitsune elders went very well. Their caution is understandable, and it would in everyone’s best interest that they are ensured their safety.” “They would be our guests, and so we should treat them the way we’d treat our own. I’d hate for anything to happen to them because that wouldn’t cast a good light on us. The kitsune are good folk who are like us, and I think we can learn a lot from them.” “I’m sure, and if you vouch for them, then I will look forward to meeting with them. In the meantime, you ought to finish preparing. We’ll meet tomorrow before we head off. Have a good day, everyone.” Ghilan and Xin bowed and left, needing a moment for himself to give the latter some words for his task for the coming days. As for Sen and Lin, it seemed they now have the remainder of the day to prepare, though they’ll head off to visit a certain someone. Going by Ghilan’s words, they wouldn’t need to pack much, though some of the things Rosa left to the siblings and Omen will definitely come in handy when making their case to the other elders. “Elder Ghilan’s right about us needing to visit someone, but I hope he isn't as cranky as last time. Shall we go?” If there weren’t any objections to this, the siblings would lead the way to their grandfather’s home. It was still relatively early for the day, and he was not in his workshop. It was still a rather cluttered space, but it was how he preferred things to be. There was chaos, but it was an organized kind of chaos that brought about familiarity in a rather ironic sense. It wasn’t too far from the siblings’ family home, and he could find moments to walk about and see his grandchildren again. Or so he thought for a long while. He’d soon find them approaching as he was preparing to open his workshop for the day. “And here I thought you would all be around to stay! You don’t come and visit anymore! What? Don’t like being around me?” Abrasive just like the last time but the elderly longma hobbled up close to his grandchildren and clutched their claws tight. He may be prickly on the outside, but one couldn’t deny there was a familiarity that the siblings recognized, and it was clear they were happy to see each other. “Ah, Omen! I hope you and my grandchildren have been keeping out of trouble, Come into my workspace, and let’s talk. I don’t get many visitors anyway so there’s time for us. What have you all been up to lately?” The golems followed behind Scarcity, mostly content with their next destination. Though Magus hoped to get to work soon, he had to respect the ground rules set by himself and his fellows. A majority vote for the museum means he had to concede, though he understood that even they were just as likely to be itching to get to work. It was not a big deal, as he could find something that could just as likely pique his interest and make him stay a little longer. However, something Scarcity said caught the golems’ interest: the unknown section. That could be a place for those with unknown origins that the golems can examine to find some parts of their old culture. Though they wouldn’t make their thoughts on that vocal, their collectively raised brows could be enough for Scarcity to pick up on their interest. Once at the museum, the five were about to head in until a stallion approached Scarcity. Their conversation got them to stop for a while to listen in, though in their minds, they may have considered standing still to act like statues, at least according to what the stallion thought of them initially. “I am afraid we may disappoint you, sir, though I suppose talking statues may be more fascinating than disappointing. But there is no need to apologize, professor. Maybe talking statues are not a common sight in Equestria but it is understandable to be caught off-guard. My name is Scriniarii, and my fellows and I are pleased to make your acquaintance.” The golems smiled and nodded, even bowing. Meeting this professor is an interesting coincidence as he states he knows about civilizations that are no longer around. Perhaps he might know something of the golems’ kind or of other civilizations that could have been around in their time. “I don’t suppose we could ask you about something involving your field of expertise, but you probably have encountered many different long-extinct civilizations in your line of study. Just out of curiosity, what is the most interesting one you have encountered?” And there it was: Videntor’s morbid curiosity kicking in. Though it wouldn’t be evident at first, his interest in learning if something from the golems’ past made it to the present. It wouldn’t matter to him if it weren’t accurate, as he was secretly hopeful that something might have survived, even if it was something mundane. The other golems held their tongues, interested in seeing where this discussion might go.

@Blitz Boom “Yes, I was taking precautions to make sure everyone is safe, but the way we see those ruins is ingrained into our beliefs as longma. Sen and Lin may not believe in them as much now, given how much time they spent away from the village, but not everyone will see things the way they do.” “They needed to know, elder. What happened to their parents and what led to that are important to them; it’s why I asked them to come with me to those ruins. I have been going into those ruins so I can get the story right, so if you should be angry with someone, it’s me. Don’t take it out on them.” “I can’t have them or you going around breaking village rules just because you don’t agree with them. Look, as much as I agree with Omen about breaking rules that hurt others, I am in a difficult position. I cannot just look the other way if breaking a rule means others will get hurt later. Let me be clear, I simply ask that you all be careful and exercise good judgment, all right?” The siblings didn’t expect to hear that, even being taken aback by what they just heard. Though it they were both convinced of Xin’s guilt, they didn’t think it would run so deep that he’d go against longma beliefs. It may have even gotten to Sen as he stood there, slack-jawed and silent. He truly meant his words, that he, rightfully or not, felt responsible for something so out of his control. “That’s good to know.” Ghilan and Xin collectively breathed a sigh of relief, the former even taking a moment to sit and catch his breath before standing up again. “If necessary, then perhaps you can go and have another look at the ruins but you have to make sure no one but us knows that you’re going. I don’t want anyone else getting ideas because they saw you enter the ruins.” “I made sure to seal the entrance to the one we went to before Sen and the others left. The only ways in are through Omen’s gates or if someone were to break their way in.” “Good. If you happen to visit the kitsune again, please send them my thanks. This whole situation could have spiraled out of control if it weren’t for their help. In the meantime, we should all finish our preparations. Bring whatever you’ll need and visit others in the village to let them know what’s happening. You all have connections in the village; I’m sure they’ll appreciate you checking in on them, especially you, Sen and Lin.” “You’re right. I suppose that means we’ll have some folks to visit. We’ll see to it that we get it done.” Ghilan didn’t need to spell out what he meant by his words. The siblings know that their grandfather is still out and about in the village plying his trade. Seems like they’ll all need to stop by and say hello, and Grandfather Zo would love a moment to sit and chat, learning about what his grandchildren will be up to in a few days’ time… Or he might get cranky because the siblings haven’t been visiting. After all, it’s been quite a while since they’ve last seen each other. “We are simply curious visitors displaced from our time, but I suppose none need to know that should we visit the gallery. Then again, high-class art galleries weren’t around in our day, so we may stand out regardless. My fellows and I are already out of place by virtue of our current forms. It might be wise for a first excursion to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to ourselves, even if we are simply admiring art.” “You do realize that we are already drawing attention to ourselves, right? The odd looks and glances are very noticeable when we were walking around town.” “…Drawing more unnecessary attention to ourselves. That said, we could stop by one place first before handling the paperwork. As much as we would like to get to work, one diversion wouldn’t be so bad. Is that something we can agree on, my fellows?” Scriniarii turned to the other golems, who whispered among themselves about what they would want to do. As much as they seemed to agree on a lot of things, this one took a bit of time before they could reach a consensus. Magus would prefer to get started on work sooner, but Vates was more vocal about seeing a little more before getting to the heart of their agreement with Scarcity. Scriniarii didn’t have a preference and would be amenable to what the majority of his peers would decide upon, leaving someone else to become the tie-breaker. “The museum sounds like an interesting place to visit. Though we have seen the passage of time and the rise and fall of different civilizations, I don’t think we’ve seen all of it.” “And from a different perspective, if I may add. There is only so much one could glean from an orb. It will be quite a learning experience to see history based on what others have left behind, and Lady Scarcity’s description makes it sound more appealing. From what I’ve seen so far, it’s like the rest of the world came to this place, food and fashion included. However, I am rather biased because I prefer to visit out of a certain kind of… morbid curiosity.” The golems’ eyes widened as they turned to Videntor; a morbid kind of curiosity? To think they knew him after all that time spent in the orb. Their glances became worrisome now that it was possible their fellow golem didn’t come out right after being given a new body. But their worries wouldn’t be necessary as the golem would grin, dispelling the tension growing among them. “Don’t give me that look. I am simply curious to know if anything from our time survived to the present day. No harm in that, right?” “I suppose.” The lead golem nodded and turned to Scarcity, convinced of the other golems’ sentiments. “Lady Scarcity, perhaps the food and clothes can wait another day, but I believe we can spare some time to visit the museum before we proceed with the paperwork. Our curiosity for history has gotten the better of us.”