EQ_Theta

@Blitz Boom "Of course. Take your time; we'll be here when you need us to help clear things up." "And about that time you were trapped in the crystal.... We don't blame you for what happened. We were scared, yes, but if it meant going back out there to save you, we'd do it again. Besides, I think getting to meet Discord and straightening things out with him was a big upside for us." "Maybe for you, sister. Between you and me, I'd say you were the one who grew a little closer to him." "We had an understanding, which is more than I can say for the rest of the longma. Let them continue to believe in their history of madness because meeting - and befriending - the lord of chaos is a lot more positive in my eyes. I feel less of a connection to the longma compared to creatures outside of our home, and as much as I try, it just doesn't feel like I am at home here with the others..." The two were at odds in their perception of Discord, but Sen didn't truly see the chaotic draconequus as anything hostile. Even then, he'd quietly concede that Discord is a friend; the longma siblings sought him out, and he did what he could to help them find and rescue Omen. In a way, that whole experience got the longma to reexamine their kind's history and see just how much it holds under scrutiny when they come face-to-face with the major players in the story. Though Lin would still write off the longma for being close-minded, she wasn't quite sure if bringing Discord to their village would be a good idea. Many still held resentment in their minds no matter how much time has passed. "We learn, we grow, and we become better than before. And the cycle begins again. It is a never-ending process, and no one will be excluded from it. You understand, Omen, and that is already the first step toward finding success. Things work differently no matter where we go, and so we learn and take those lessons to heart until we become better because of them. I just wished some lessons didn't have to come at great cost... If some would see just how destructive they were becoming, there would not be so much pain." Ghilan's words rang true, though for some, it was a lot more important for them to hear than others. Sen grew quiet at the thought, solemn in mind but uneasy in heart. He recalled the days of his first return to the village, how anger clouded his judgment. It pushed others away, those who just wanted to help; he never thought he'd find friendship and understanding from someone in power, and yet he sees Ghilan for what he truly is: someone who wanted to make things better. Sen could have destroyed that chance, but he chose better. And yet something still ached within, and he needed this moment to let it out instead of keeping it bottled up inside. He stepped forward, right in front of his old friend. A heavy sigh escaped his mouth while he thought of the right words. He was never good at this, but he was sentimental, and he couldn't discard the good memories of his youth just because of his anger. The elder and Xin were just about ready to leave when Sen spoke up. He seemed uneasy, but it was something he had to do. "I... need to say something, while there is still time. Xin? Do you recall our little... oath? The one we made between ourselves when we were children? That we would always look out for each other, watch each other's backs? I know what happened in the past broke our oath, and after that, I pushed you away. Ever since then, I blamed you for what happened, and no matter how much you wanted to apologize, I would turn you away because I believed there was no forgiving you. Even then, you still offered to help, and I see just how wrong I was. Solasan is gone, but I still needed someone to blame because I needed an enemy to point to for everything that happened after that night. But you don't deserve that; I'm sorry I've been so terrible. You once said that even if we couldn't go back to being friends, you didn't want to be my enemy. But I believe becoming friends again is something I'd like to try." Ghilan smiled and remained silent, seeing just how much Sen wanted this. Though he'd like to applaud the longma for this act, he decided to leave things be between them, heading off into the night to get some sleep. It was a big day coming up, and he needed his rest. As for Lin, she was more concerned and confused, not at what Sen did, but the manner in which he did it. This was important to both her brother and to Xin, but she was rather baffled as to why he didn't do it privately. It seemed like it was something meant for just the two of them, but Xin's smile grew as his eyes welled up. He didn't think this day would come, but he was more than happy that it did. "Thank you, old friend." The longma raised one claw and wrapped his leg around Sen's, their equivalent of a hoofshake. "If you would excuse us, Lin and Omen, I would like to catch up with Sen. I would like to speak with him in private; we have some things to discuss. We will leave you to your preparation for tomorrow. And I meant what I said, we may not have an official security escort tomorrow, but I will do my best to ensure your safety." The two left the hut, leaving just the longma and the Ki'Nathar to themselves. Tomorrow was the start of something big, and yet Sen was already off to a head start. "Well, Omen, I guess now it's just us left to prepare for the big day. You know, I never thought I'd see the day Sen would do something like that. But why would he apologize now, and why do it with us here to listen? He once said that he didn't trust Xin back then because he made up excuses to shift the blame away from himself for what happened with Elder Solasan and our family. Now he wants to forgive and start over? You think Sen is doing all right, or is something up with him?" ======================================================================================================================== (I'll add the rest when I am able. Happy holidays!)

@Blitz Boom “Well, I… uh, meant that generally, but I guess it also applies to eating. But the point still stands; if you ever feel like you’re being led to make decisions because you are desperate, try your best to avoid getting into it in the first place. It’s not a good place to be in, and the desperation would cloud your judgment, leading you to make rash decisions. It’s like being hungry and wanting to eat the next edible-looking thing, but that thing happens to be a poisonous mushroom. Someone could be very hungry, but that desperation would make them consider eating the poisonous mushroom despite it being a bad idea.” “That might not be a good example because you could go without eating for a long time. But do you remember my story? About how much I wanted to get back at the longma for the exile and tearing our family apart? For years, I poured myself into finding anything that could help me get revenge, even turning to dark magic. As much as I am grateful for a second chance at life, I still miss being able to do things like sleep. My desperation made me focus too much on revenge that I nearly lost myself and my life to that. And now, I have to live with the consequences. Truly, I don’t like being a cautionary tale, but I’d rather have my story help you avoid going down the path I did.” Though Lin still recalls this memory, it wasn’t from a sense of fondness. Every day was a reminder of what her focused drive for vengeance cost her and what else it would have taken from her had she not received her second chance. But there was something about it that gave her good memories; meeting Omen and being reunited with Sen, even tempering her anger just a little bit while rediscovering aspects of her younger self that she one buried away. It may not have been enough to get her to change into someone completely different, but it reminded her and Sen that some part of themselves and their innocence remained. Sen didn’t comment on Omen’s remarks about watching if ponies grew out of their graves, but it was a morbid thought that he wasn’t sure how to address. Even Lin found it a little too odd for herself, and she wouldn’t want to think about how common such a thing was for Omen to do back then. She then quietly thought about the delicious pies she could try in Canterlot, or maybe she could have another round of those little buns served with sweet, condensed milk. Just the thought made her mouth water. But now, they would need to focus on the trip ahead, evidenced by Ghilan coughing to get her attention, as he noticed her spacing out after several minutes of silence. “That’s right. Stay close, and I will lead us to where we need to go. That goes for you, Sen and Lin. I’ve travelled the route, and it is mostly safe. However, the reason we leave early tomorrow morning is that nighttime brings its own dangers. The outpost in the wilds is small, only guarded by a few hunters. They know how to defend it, and the size of the outpost makes it fairly defensible for a small group. Even so, there is danger out there, more so at night, so we want to get there before night falls.” “If you’d like, maybe Sen could tell you about his experience with that?” “Huh? You know you could ask Xin the same thing.” “I believe it would be best for Omen to hear it from someone she is more familiar with. That means you, Sen., but I will leave that to you and her.” “As for your question, Omen, let me do the introductions so the other hunters will know you are a friend. The longma from other villages do not know you, or have seen anyone like you. They can be very suspicious at best or hostile at worst. Let me smooth things over for you, and if things will get worse… well, I will not let that happen.” The dangers posed by wild animals hunting at night were always present; it was a fact of life for hunters operating out in the wilds. Sen and Xin only had a brief experience looking after one such outpost once, though that was with supervision from other hunters present. Though Sen managed to come out of that intact, it was a very mixed bag of experiences that made him second-guess his decision to join the hunters in the first place. As for Ghilan, he wouldn’t want to leave a mess lying around with the drawings of the map on the ground. He quickly brushed it away, cleaning up the soil until no trace of it was left. He would stay with Xin for a bit, excusing himself from the Sen, Lin, and Omen to discuss some things privately with the other longma, though it was nothing for the others to worry about. If they were to eavesdrop on them, they’d hear some discussions about security measures and other precautions for them to consider. And knowing Xin was their security for the journey, Sen was content to leave them be. “Don’t worry too much about what the elder said. Remember what it was like back then when you first entered the village? A lot of villagers were nervous about you, but we just need to show that you are not dangerous. To tell you the truth, I still feel like a stranger even among the longma, even feeling like all their eyes are watching my every move, waiting for the perfect excuse to throw me out. I take it something like that happened to you before?” ========================================================================== Vates paused and considered her options. She once harbored deeply rooted feelings about wanting to simply end things on her terms. It wasn’t out of the question; having lived too long without having achieved purpose left the golem distraught for several lifetimes. Back then, it seemed like a good idea to preserve something from her time in the hopes that it would guide others in the future to avoid making the same mistakes the Hyracotherians did. But lifetime after lifetime, nothing seemed to make a difference. Power and knowledge once kept within the orb she and her fellows were in were taken, exploited, and abused, while they were discarded or sealed away time and time again. It was only the fortunate meeting with Sen, Lin, and Omen that gave her some measure of hope, yet that wasn’t enough to dissuade her from wanting nothing more from her unnaturally long and arduous life. There was once fulfillment and certainty in her line of work, but time marched on while she clung to the hope that she could keep doing what she loved. But nothing good could last forever. Even the prospect of existence as a golem left her unsure about wanting anything for the future. But, there was still an agreement with Lady Scarcity, and so she is bound to honor that agreement with her fellows. And now, perhaps there is something more on offer from the mare, a way to possibly return to her roots in a sense. She grew silent for what felt like hours despite only a few minutes passing by. Even the others were starting to wonder just what was going through her head. Was their friend all right? “Vates? This is a difficult choice for you, yes? Do you need time to make your decision?” She wouldn’t answer, but she looked to Scriniarii, then to the others, letting them know she was still present and aware. Her decision weighed heavily on her, and she had much on her mind. Eventually, she found her answer after much internal deliberation. “I… I only needed time to consider what I must do. But thank you for your concern.” “Lady Scarcity, I have made my decision. Though I understand that there is a lucrative opportunity with your second option, and that there is much for me to gain outside of monetary compensation, I also considered what would be best for myself and my well-being. Deep spiritual belief was at the center of my old life, and being disconnected from it always weighed heavily on me.” The golem stepped forward, slightly distancing herself from the others. This wasn’t an easy decision, and even she hesitated for a moment before continuing. *sigh* “The idea of traveling and learning about another’s customs and beliefs is enticing. Though they are not mine, even I have to believe that my kind’s ways can only go on for so long. But if someone can benefit from the old beliefs long after they have become irrelevant to me, then maybe that is where I feel I am needed most.” “I choose your first path, to go to the Kitsune. I hope you understand that my decision comes from a need to rediscover a purpose I once thought impossible to reach. And being able to find that among the Kitsune while learning and connecting with them may be what is best for me. But if I go down this path, does that change the terms of our agreement? I believe I still have obligations to fulfill with my fellow golems, especially concerning the ‘magic’ you seek to acquire.”

@Blitz Boom “Ha, well, I guess that is one thing going for you that Sen and I don’t. We have to watch what we eat, lest we get sick, poisoned or worse. Maybe even brother must have had something good if eating garbage was what you resorted to on some days…” “It’s Canterlot. If ponies ate tiny portions and still threw away food they didn’t finish, I’d be curious if I was desperate enough to eat it. Then again, even after eating thrown-out leftovers, I’d still be hungry. If it is one thing I’ve learned about that experience, Omen, don’t find yourself in a situation where you’re desperate; you might end up doing something you’ll regret.” Sen wouldn’t explain further, and though he didn’t get into a situation where he was desperate enough to eat everything edible out of a dumpster, he would prefer to find other edible meals instead. Foraging for food would be better, and it would be more nutritious. Half the things he ate out of the trash, he didn’t know, and perhaps knowing what’s going into one’s mouth would be the better option. If Discord’s magic or nature led to Omen also embodying it in some manner, it would explain much. Discord and Omen were distinct, but to longma like Xin and Ghilan, they were about the closest thing the longma had to insight into chaos and its nature. They may be able to live with Omen, but Discord.... That was a whole different story. “We should definitely visit Rosa again sometime, even let him know that Mother would like to meet him. I do miss that night at the carnival when we just ate, drank, and enjoyed each other’s company. It all seemed so simple then; that makes me wish for simple times.” “When we get the chance, we’ll even pick out a pie that you’d like to try. Not sure the baker would have something spicy, but we’ll see what else she has.” “We act as needed, but yes, we’ll keep away from the huntmaster’s second as much as possible. It’s all about seeing how things play out and adapting.” “If there is a chance he will act out and do something stupid, we will take advantage. Yes, I think that might be the way to go, and if things change, we’ll let you in on the plan.” Elder Ghilan smiled and nodded, quietly acknowledging the siblings’ plan and understanding that Omen would also see how their approach could work. Delicate matters like this require deft approaches, and sometimes, letting adversaries make their moves toward one’s favorable outcomes is just as effective. If one were to play mind games with an opponent who would also engage in a similar approach, staying a few steps ahead would be one’s best move. The elder sighed, setting the cage down in resignation. He had anticipated this response, but he had to try something to ensure things would go as smoothly as possible for the other elders and themselves. Still, Omen knew Shrimp well enough to trust her on what to do, and so he’ll leave it at that. “Agreed. With fewer things to keep track of, the meeting could go a little smoother. But that breathing flames could be useful for deterring others looking to harm you.” “We will manage without. It is also important to avoid spooking the other elders. Who knows what will turn their opinions against all of us if something does go wrong? It would be best to leave your little friend in a safe place as well for your peace of mind. In any case, one last thing I wanted to mention is our schedule and route. We leave shortly after first light, when the sun first strikes through the trees.” Ghilan pulled a stick from his back and began drawing shapes on the ground. Though the village was built atop dirt, where grass grew in numerous patches, the dark soil was about as good as it got for sketching things that needed visuals. It wasn’t a common practice, but it had its advantages, like erasing drawings when they were no longer necessary. The children took advantage of this the most, but even grown-ups had their moments. “As for where we will pass, leave that to me. I am used to the journey and the path we will take, as I needed to travel to see the other elders before. It is a little over a day before we will arrive, but we know we are more than halfway done when we stop by a small outpost occupied by some hunters. They will make sure we are safe for the evening, though I would advise caution for you, Omen. They have never met someone like you, and seeing you will most certainly unnerve them.” ========================================================================== “Away from a life in the military was something I was hoping for; I’ve spent enough lifetimes away from that to wish for something more. It only leaves me questioning whether I truly liked what I was signing up for all those years ago. But yes, I shouldn’t ramble on for something I agree with, Lady Scarcity.” The other golems nodded and listened to both Scarcity and Legatus, and they agreed about what they could do to pass themselves off when moving about in Canterlot. It was another thing to focus their efforts on as they acclimated to a more tangible form of existence in a new age. Aside from Videntor, though, they might try to avoid sounding a lot older than they looked. However, Magus would probably be the exception, given that he is the oldest of the group, biologically speaking. But Vates remained quiet, knowing just how out of place and time she was in her current circumstances. Even back when she was with the longma siblings, she was one of those who voiced her desire to be completely wiped, understanding that she didn’t have much going for her if she continued existing. Even now, she had her reservations about her existence as a golem, but she had to continue, as this was her reality. “The deities, or spirits, as you say, are elements of nature given names and a means for us to understand them. Maintaining those beliefs was my life back then, but a job is a job. I’ve had years to come to terms that other beliefs will rise in places that aren’t my home, and so I should respect that. I can be open-minded about that, but I would need some time to learn and acclimate to the new work environment.” “Crafting charms may be doable, but I would need the assistance of someone capable of magic, like Magus here, for specific items like wards or warming stones. We had something back then: an experimental tool when magic was first being studied, called waystones. Those were just means for quick travel from one point to another, as long as the two points had paired waystones. Call it teleportation for non-magic users. But before I can commit or say anything further… what exactly is this ‘unconventional’ that you mentioned just now?” Though Vates wouldn’t say more, it was about as simple as magic got in her time. When news of teleportation magic became widespread, many flocked to try out this discovery. Soon, there was a market for magical trinkets that offered simple conveniences, and merchants would find themselves using ships less when traveling between city-states across the sea. A lot of those in the temple would leave their work for more lucrative opportunities in this form of commerce, though some, like Vates, remained adamant that there was still a place for the temple in their waning age. But even that didn’t last.

@Blitz Boom “It’s true that I don’t want you to experience what I went through. But I guess by ‘sharing’ in this case, it’s more like talking about it to you. I’ve been keeping that to myself for a very long time, but I feel safe talking about those things with you or Lin, Rosa, or even Mother. I can talk about things that I find difficult to speak about if it were anybody else.” Sen still hasn’t completely figured out his thoughts on the things that bother him, things difficult to speak of. Old wounds haven’t healed despite how much time has passed. But he was sincere in his sentiments; just being able to talk about the things that hurt him made it easier to live with them and probably gave him a new perspective. “That might just be a good excuse to buy a pie, but I’m sure the big and friendly baker would appreciate customers taking an interest in her goods. Surely that beats eating food from the trash, right? Or eating other creatures for that matter... That's just going to be weird.” As Lin and Omen went on about food, Sen silently nodded at the notion of having food better than scraps found in the garbage. Eating better meant getting sick less, and he wasn’t going to get himself sick out of desperation to eat something. Then again, maybe this might not be a problem for Omen. All the while, Ghilan and Xin just kept themselves quiet as they ate, taking in Sen’s makeshift salad while trying not to sound disgusted at the thought of Sen’s and Omen’s past experiences with food from the trash. They could only wonder what drove them to eat food others tossed out. Similarly, they were just as interested in those pies Lin mentioned; someone making them for money probably meant those things were delicious. The elder watched as Omen did her little gate trick, moving from one place to another. It was quick and clean, nothing more to say about it, just as he imagined it might go. It was good to know that unnecessary involvement with the nastier elements of the village could be avoided, though he wondered what exactly got Feng to be so abrasive towards Omen and the siblings. Even the Ki’Nathar’s musings had him curious, leaving him with nothing but theories. “It might be him testing things, seeing what he can get away with if he were to meddle with you. If he is not afraid of the consequences, or possibly realizes that there aren’t truly any consequences, he may be more emboldened to try more and more things. Sending him away would tell him he can try again; it could be annoying, but if it hurts you more than him…” “Then we’ll need a more permanent solution. Something to get him off our backs for good.” “As much as I would like to step in and help, I am under a lot of suspicion from the other villagers for giving you more attention than them. Bring me proof that he is aggravating you, then I can act on it, but not in a way that makes it look like you’re setting him up to get caught. All I am saying is just try not to make it look obvious.” Lin scoffed, huffing at the elder’s suggestion. She’d rather do something more proactive, but knowing how that turned out the last time, she was lucky all it got her and Sen was a reprimand. Knowing Feng got the same treatment means he could be emboldened to try something more drastic. For now, she’d go along with Ghilan’s suggestion. If something were to get the huntmaster’s second humiliated or worse in front of the village, that will have to do. And Elder Ghilan would prefer to move to another topic altogether. The elder brandished the cage before Omen. He wasn’t happy that he needed to bring this up, but knowing possible safety issues arising from having Shrimp moving about, it might be prudent to ensure everyone else knew about it. “There’s no need to wake up your little friend; he seems to be enjoying his nap. But, I am concerned about him possibly getting loose during the meeting with the elders, not to mention seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces could disturb or upset him. Which brings me to this wooden cage: big enough for him to move around and sleep in while light enough to carry." "You do realize that a caged creature could be more distressed than if it were left out in the open, right Ghilan? This might not be a good idea for their little companion." "This is only a precaution. You know your little friend better than I do, so I am asking you for your thoughts on this. Would you need to house Shrimp in this cage during the meeting? Or could I entrust you to keep him on his best behavior when we meet with the elders? I trust you know yourselves and what is best for your little companion, so if this cage is needed, it will be here.” ========================================================================== “Oh, at least hauntings here are not going to be a concern. Having a profession built on beliefs and learning just how true they are that they manifest in reality is a sobering form of existence. Even more so when it turns out those things eventually wane over time. One need only question just how relevant their calling in life becomes when those changes begin to hit much closer to home.” “Don’t get too sentimental, Vates. We’ve all gone through that phase at one point of our unnaturally long lives.” “If only you lived the life of a temple priestess.... Then you’d learn just how much belief and the supernatural are the center of one’s life.” Vates felt a slight tinge of jealousy upon hearing about this Macabre clan. Though she wasn’t too hung up on the idea of ghosts, poltergeists, and similar entities, knowing about those who can make a living from the supernatural left her wishing she was back at the temple and carrying out her duties. The world changed so much then, seeing how the old belief system crumbled and wore away in time, replacing faith with intellectual pursuits. Though she saw the writing on the wall and made her transition to where her skills would prove useful, she still longed for the days spent tending to the spiritual needs of her fellow Hyracotherians, even as fewer continued to believe in the old deities. “Well, we could start with trying to blend in with the locals, and though we could speak it, I doubt we could write.” Scriniarii picked up the paper and pen, attempting to write something. Unfortunately, poor coordination with his teeth meant any words he could write ended up looking more like a collection of illegible scribbles. This wasn’t going to do, but Magus lifted his makeshift magic catalyst, moving it about like a wand, and sure enough, he began writing a few simple words with more grace and fine control. Silent and reserved as he was, he would become the group’s designated scribe if necessary. “I suppose I will be taking in everyone’s information, Lady Scarcity. As observed, we are all capable of speaking the common tongue, though writing it may be more troublesome for my fellows. As for the information you require, I was a mage… though that might not be much. The closest analogue would be a scholar of esoteric magical arts and craftwork, as I also dabbled in magical catalyst construction. I could also pass as an alchemist if need be.” “And back from our first introduction, I recall mentioning that I was an archivist, and after visiting the museum, maybe my old title would be appropriate for me. I initially specialized in the preservation of artifacts and ancient tablets, though I also worked with academic scholars to manage their findings in relation to the artifacts we studied.” “That’s right, Lady Scarcity. I was one such scholar, and I worked together with Scriniarii on various occasions. I did work in the temple as a seer, but when that was not a viable long-term career option, I went into academic pursuits. I worked on material culture, studying artifacts, cultures, and practices of different tribes. If there was a spiritual aspect to it, I also provided some input as a religious scholar.” “I was an ambassador, or a consul, in our time. Though I served in the Hyracotherian military and oversaw training and deployments, I mostly worked on diplomatic missions, establishing contact with distant tribes and securing alliances. And, may we also not bring up the other unsavory parts of my old work? I’d rather stick to just being an intermediary or negotiator.” That left only Vates, the only member of the group whose work was a lot closer to mystical than outright practical. Even then, at least Videntor eventually found himself pursuing academic work, becoming the only true scholar and researcher of the group. Vates was the only one with a very questionable and likely outdated profession that didn’t translate into anything workable in the modern age. Then again, she still maintained some semblance of her old faith and their related tasks, but those would make her leanings closer to being a charlatan than anything practical. Just the thought of that left her quiet, scrambling within the recesses of her mind to come up with something for Scarcity to use for their permits. “I was a diviner of the old Hyracotherian temple long ago, and my primary duties involved tending to the spiritual health of those who visited the temple. Maybe in modern ages, I would be a priestess or some kind of spiritual leader who interprets signs from the divine. Nowadays, the most I can do is hoof readings for simple divination. At times, I was also a custodian and caretaker of the temple, ensuring it had the equipment needed to perform various services to those who needed them.” “There are some approximations and liberties taken with our old professions, Lady Scarcity. Time away from our kind and being trapped in an orb meant our old lives had changed with the passage of civilizations. Would those descriptions suffice? Or would you need more information about how we can present our old identities for a more modern age?”

@Blitz Boom Sen smiled, and his heart warmed at the thought of Omen’s sentiments. As much as he wanted to correct her about maintaining the good that they could do if their talk with the elders went well, perhaps it was best to leave it be. They could refine their approach later. If there was some good they could do, it was best to start somewhere, and home was a good place to start. Maybe it would become a home for Omen as well sometime down the line. He hoped it would become a place for her where she would want for nothing. Then again, home was just as much a place for happiness as it was for pain. The longma remained in silent contemplation, his smile fading at the thought of memories long-buried. Those gnawed at him, eating away at his positivity. Omen saw those too, and he made no secret about how much it hurt - how much it still hurts. It was no secret how much he talked about it, but that advice about talking things out to ease the pain, he wasn’t sure it was sound. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. But he was adamant about it being a cautionary tale, and he’d talk about it no matter how much it felt like picking away at a scab that won’t truly heal. He appreciated Omen’s help. “I don’t wish my pain on anyone else, and I hope you never experience it. Maybe with things going well… that’s one more thing to help me heal. If there was one thing I learned about carrying that pain for a long, long time, it’s that it never truly goes away. I just learned to live with it. But being with you, Lin, and Rosa, it gets easier.” It was true that his past still haunted him, about how he still feels the guilt of abandoning his parents all those years ago. Some nights, he relives those harrowing moments, always feeling paralyzed and unable to do anything. And yet, those nights don’t come around as often as they used to. Instead, he recalls the night at the carnival, competing with Rosa, sharing meals with Omen, and meeting new creatures with Lin, all things that brought him so much joy. He sometimes wished he could relive those moments, the fleeting moments when he truly felt close to them. Maybe if things went well, he could create more of those and hoped others would have the opportunity to create memories that are just as sweet. But they would have to focus now on other matters. The big day was coming soon, and they would need to settle on final preparations. “I couldn’t have imagined eating food from the trash would be something you and Omen had in common. The smell of eggs gone bad was already too much for me to handle.” “Time spent in exile has led to some strange situations, some beyond our control. I made do with food from the garbage, but on some days, I preferred starving. Strange food was a mixed bag; on some days, the food was good, and others, I wouldn’t touch it.” “I guess you’re right, but when ponies make good food, it wouldn’t matter how mysterious it was. Pies may be mysterious, Omen, but good technique and ingredients can do wonders! Besides, it doesn’t have to be mysterious; remember that big, friendly mare who runs the bakery in Canterlot? The one a cat led us to? I think she can teach us all about pies, so they won’t have to be as strange.” Lin chomped down on the makeshift salad Sen created, seemingly forgetting to critique its taste. Xin and Ghilan ate their fill but remained quiet. Though they could easily point out the overwhelmingly bitter taste of the watercress and the mismatched crunchiness of the leaves with the chewy mushrooms, they kept that to themselves. Frankly, they were engrossed by the conversation between the longma siblings and Omen, learning a little more about them and their experiences. It seemed like their time away from the village opened them to experiences not thought possible. And for Ghilan, he was interested in knowing more about what they learned and how it changed them. He may not find himself in their position, but the insight he can gather could prove valuable. But as they ate, the conversation turned to more serious matters, and he would need to step in to offer some guidance and insight of his own. “It is a sound approach with each of us settling for something in our control. However, I would highly advise you to just not engage Feng at all, which means sending him away is not an option. But knowing your abilities, you can send you and your friends away to safety instead. And you have Feng’s scent; unless I misunderstand how that works, maybe you can use that to know when he is close by and move away to safety before he can get to you? That is how it works, correct?” “I don’t like it, but I guess it will have to do.” “I know I am asking a lot for you to restrain yourselves, but I don’t want things to get out of control. The way I see it, remaining in control would show that you are wisening up to Feng’s tricks, that you are taking a smart approach, and that you are not stooping down to his level.” Lin would much rather find a way to permanently remove the threat to herself and her friends, but she conceded to Ghilan’s suggestion. This was a delicate situation, and making things worse wouldn’t help anyone. The longma of the village may be amenable to having former exiles among them, but it wouldn’t take much to turn that sentiment around. If anything, giving Omen a home here could be a wasted effort if the village collectively decided to kick them out. And when the bully is someone in authority, they can change the narrative to whatever would make things worse for the siblings and Omen. “It would not matter if you truly are not a danger to anyone. Feng has already made up his mind about you, and he’s bent on making you look bad to anyone still uncertain about you. It may seem stupid, but Feng isn’t going to be stupid about it. So, no, he will not go after Sen and Lin’s grandfather. That will just make him look insane to everyone else in the village.” “You will not need to worry about anything happening to your grandfather, but I will inform some hunters to quietly keep an eye on him. He will be safe while we are away. Feng may be planning something, but that is directed at us. Might as well keep it that way to minimize the danger to others, right? Now, would anyone have any other concerns that need to be addressed? I would like to discuss our plan and schedule for tomorrow. Likewise, I need to also discuss something concerning your little friend, Omen.” Ghilan had a small pack on him when he arrived, and he would place it before the Ki’Nathar and the refraction. Both of them were free to inspect it, and if either of them fiddled with the leafy covers, they would see a small wooden cage. It was rather large for the little one, with ample room to move about. However, the bars were close enough to each other that Shrimp wouldn’t be able to slither between them. The elder wasn’t quite sure how they’d react to it, but he wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t thrilled with the idea. He’d rather just get it out of the way sooner, including letting their dislike be known immediately, but he’d prefer to come clean with them. =================================================================================================================================== “I don’t know… Given our differing circumstances, sometimes being snuffed of life is preferable, but I won’t claim equivalency based on how Equestria operates its most unsavory aspects. After all, having done the dirty work gives me some insight into why they're necessary, just as much as the secrecy is vital. But to your question, I don’t have an answer that would satisfy.” “In any case, the idea that other worlds or planes of reality exist is… a lot to take in. Knowing about them is one thing, but to fully understand them would take significant time. How magic ties into those is another thing entirely. To think there are other avenues of study beyond what our knowledge has revealed only tells us that what we know is a fraction of what we have yet to learn. Then again, the concept of, uhh… ‘universes’ as you call them, is a very foreign term for us. If time permits, that might be something we can study. I am certain of your description about them being fascinating.” Scriniarii stepped in to stop Legatus from having an unnecessary diatribe on the merits of secretive work. Knowing their history and the circumstances that led the golems into their current state, they wouldn’t need to air their dirty laundry out in the open. They had to be careful with what information they would divulge, knowing that they were operating under a cover story. And if they had to talk about it, it was better done in private. Fortunately, they were taken to a place where they would have their moment of reprieve to discuss their private grievances. “Ah, that is nice to know, and though we may not know if we would need those compartments, it’s good to be aware of them. I don’t suppose the home might be haunted by the previous occupant?” Vates took a swipe at Videntor’s leg, sending a sharp knock that disrupted his balance. “Ow! Hey!” “I apologize for the insensitivity of that comment. We do not know if you believe in superstitions, but there is a belief in our time that those who pass on in a home may not truly pass on. Their essence or spirit, whatever the appropriate term may be, could be attached to objects in the home. Or in some cases, they could be attached to the home. Cleansing rituals would need to be performed to remove the lingering presence in the home, which is usually identified by feelings of being watched.” “Back then, homes were small enough to notice those presences, but larger ones? The process would be more involved. Unfortunately, I do not perform those, so I wouldn’t know what to do with removing an unwanted presence in the home. I guess nowadays ponies might call them ‘hauntings,’ right?” Though their experiences with the supernatural are incredibly limited, the golems have had their own share of such tales back when they were more active in their time. Later on, being unearthed meant hearing more about similar phenomena from the different civilizations that interacted with them. Some things remained similar as time went on, and that familiarity gave plenty of creatures unexpected connections with each other. Vates and Videntor believed in those tales, but others within their group didn’t share the kind of openness they had. Surprising, really, considering they could be considered ghosts depending on perspectives. But, as their civilization marched on, even belief in the supernatural gave way to the pursuit of the tangible and the empirical, and those beliefs slowly faded away, with only vestiges remaining in the fringes of Hyracotherian consciousness. “We appreciate the privacy all the same, and the quiet of this part of town gives it a touch of home from a long time ago. As beautiful as Canterlot is, its vastness and scale can be overwhelming at times. Here, it is nice and quaint, conducive to relaxation and work. And as for the terms of our agreement, we would uphold our end. There won’t be a need to be at odds with each other.” “Though now, the feeling of familiarity makes us a little more eager to work. Which brings us to the question: what can we do to prepare? And would we need to provide you with anything to ensure we can work here legally? Being displaced from our time has left us with little outside of what knowledge we can provide.”

No need to worry! Sad to hear that, but no rush. Take your time.