GoldieS

ha he, true. First world problems on my end lol

Eh, I know, I just kinda wished I knew why. It's not like I was one of those needy online guys, or constant arguing or debating or anything. Like I said, just extra salty about if I guess... petty of me probably.

It probably sounds incredibly stupid and petty, but today I lost someone who I truly considered an actual friend online (for at least a year and some change). RPd and just shot the breeze all the time. All of a sudden I'm kicked from all his friends and actually blocked from messaging him on several sites... I can't figure out why... and it's left me surprisingly hurt. Sorry, not a whole lot of people I could vent this sort of thing to. Anyone else ever have a good online friend bail on them suddenly and without word?

The deer was caught off guard by her brazen attack, considering it was a dramatic shift in her strategy, from his eyes of course. He didn't expect a brute like her to be so adaptive, but that wasn't enough to scare him outright. He dropped the magic scythe as she tried to use it to her own advantage, not at all interested in being responsible for his own death. But, that was his mistake, he didn't have much time to erect a proper magic shield. He channeled his magic just barely throwing up a simple ethereal kite shield, one that wasn't exactly enough to cover himself by much as Maple rapidly pressed her advantage. She would be able to see it in his eyes, the realization he had made a grave error in his tactical decisions. "Oh how marvelous little brother! Simple, but cute no less!" Sally beamed in delight, giving Woody a good once over as she took a look. "Well... you could use a few... trinkets to complete the look. An appropriate ensemble if you will." She conjured a long earthy brown cape with soft fuzzy faded grey and black fabric like fur on the underside and around the hem of the hood. She clasped the ties together around his neck, tapping her cloven hoof to her snout in thought as she considered Woody's 'look'. "Oh! I almost forgot!" She snapped quickly. "Those ponies are such fools about their cutie marks..." Sally, without consulting Woody of course, plinked an mark onto Woody's flank. It was the image of a small yellow bird singing on a twig. "Perfect! Now, let's get going, shall we?" She said as she turned towards the open portal. From where they were, they could clearly see the fight between Maple and the Priest on the other side. It was fairly clear Maple did indeed have the upper hand... and things were going to turn rather sour in a mere moment. Though, why some blue robed skeleton creature was riding on her back, was anyone's guess. Woody could clearly see the strange creature, just like Maple herself.

The assembled Eldeer gave uncertain looks, glancing at each other. Some of the nobles in the back exchanged whispers and hushed comments. Meanwhile, Candor merely gave a smile as he stood beside changeling Will. "Interesting..." The lead Eldeer replied, rubbing the chin of his snout curiously. "I've personally never seen such a spiritual cohabitation before... I'm sure the king would be most interested in meeting you two. Certainly my fellow Loremasters at the White Tower would love to speak with you!" He paused, then bowed his head politely. "Please forgive me emissary, I never provided my name. Loremaster Valeskar Grove Hoof, Stellar Mage of the White Tower." "Come!" He said, rising from his bow. "You must be famished from your travels, might you fancy some orange grape whine? The palace has the most wondrous selection of whine and a brilliant set of galleries to relax in!" Valeskar didn't really wait for a response, apparently eager to get off the docks. He turned around, expecting Will and his small delegation of Equestrian nobles who had gathered behind him, to follow along.

Mort merely shrugged. "Eh, just not my thing I guess. But these hens though..." He dug into the juicy tender chicken, not at all pausing for the sake of manners or anything as silly as that. Even though there was a guest present, he couldn't help himself from enjoying a good well prepared meal. Not that he demanded that sort of thing from the servants all the time. More often than not, he was perfectly fine with some simple more... local foods, despite his often carnivorous appetite at times. "Wow! They really outdid themselves this time! Well, almost as good as last Friday." Mort mused as he continued to eat, before looking over to the dragon. "I can't imagine you get something so impressive back in the Dragon lands."

(sorry, traveling this week >.< Doing posts from phone) The Eldeer's scoffed at her comment, raising the shield to block her arrows just in the nick of time. As he did, the deer leaped backwards several times to avoid the bat. As a result, the deer was kept from attacking her, bringing his large cyth up to cause her to rethink getting close to him. Meanwhile... Maple's companions had flown up on to the adjacent roofs, cheering her on. They'd dealt with the cultists down below and cut the captives loose. Pest gave a polite tilt of understanding with his old greying rat head. "Oh, well, I suppose I could... teach you a thing or two." Sally smiled, pleased at his suggestion. "Now, first and foremost, you MUST visualize your creation... that's you in this case... Every tiny little detail. Every hair, every vein, all of it. Else you might find yourself somewhat... Uncomfortable. Difficult for some mortal to achieve of course... but, well, God's such as ourselves are superior intellectuals." She explained. "Then, it's as simple as channeling your power into your thoughts." The portal remained before them. On the other side, they could see Maple attacking Sally's cultist. Despite seeing this, she was more interested in teaching Woody. "Now, obviously you need to consider the elements, chemical compositions, component and system interactions and all that nonsense, but I'm sure you know biology." She added off handedly. Pest looked up, scratching his head and looking a little lost. Clearly their two methods we're slightly different.

@Duzzkey hey, if you're worried about time travel in the past, just go with the Novikov Self Consistency Principle! Also... I choose the ability to forge and create elemental minions to do my bidding!! Mu ha ha ha ha!

Mort smiled in delight, surveying the wonderful spread. He wasn't really in the mood to hide how hungry he was, not that he would have any other day anyways... "Excellent!" Mort said as he took his own seat at the table. "I bet you don't get stuff like this back home eh? Have to say, we certainly have the best chefs around. We like perfection, you see, the best of everything." He chuckled, before looking over to Luminio. "Hey, did the chefs use that sixth century brick oven I got from my trip to the west? I feel like this would have been the perfect opprotunity to test it out. I heard it gives a rather distinct flavor." Mort began cutting into his hen, along with some of the sides of course. He gave a quiet thanks to the servants after they set it down. He wasn't much for muscles though...

His weapons disappeared, along with the floating shields as Maple secured her weapons. The deer, at least, was willing to hear her out. However, his cheeks puffed out as he tried to contain his laughter. "Bah ah haha! And you call me the liar!?" He burst out laughing. "The sibling of a chaos god... certainly... why not?" He shook his head incredulously. "Ah, such an ignorant creature. Are all you Equestrian's so simple? Well, I expect nothing less than such a terrible excuse from a follower of the Wolf. You lot aren't exactly known for your... cunning or lies. For a brief moment, I actually believed you had the interests of your God at heart. Clearly you're just part of the rest of this rabble around the city." Two shields appeared on either side of him in an instant. At the same time, just to the side of maple as the deer stood mere meters from her, a giant scythe popped into existence. Without any hesitation, the moment it was conjured, the giant scythe swept in front of the deer trying to chop Maple's legs clean off. "Well, considering she's harassing my followers, I'll accompany you." Sally said as a matter of factly, slinking through the air like a snake in front of woody. "After all, wouldn't want you to play favorites... you know little brother, I thought you were past this when you gave Tambelon to my little prince." She huffed indignantly as she changed forms in a flash of light. Instead of her giant serpentine form, she shrunk into the visage of a small petite and skinny doe. She looked such a fragile creature, with a white and grey coat, mixed with a luscious purple main with pink antlers and hooves. A white, purple, and golden cowl appeared around her neck with the hood drawn down. Dark brown earthy gloves wrapped around her wrists and ankles. Her eyes sparkled a sky blue. "Come. And change your appearance. You've already caused quite a stir gallivanting around earlier in your natural form." She stated with her head held up, just as a portal opened up in front of them. Pest grumbled under his breath, his form bellowing from his giant belly. In a similar flash, he too changed forms, but into that of a giant grey rat with horns the size of a larger pony. He wore tattered black and green robes, with belts and straps tying pouches around his waist and across his chest. The feral rat like Pest held himself up with a long wooden staff with a green cloudy orb on the top. "I shall accompany you two..." He grumbled, his voice still the same even in his rat form. "I haven't finished training you dear brother, therefore it would be inappropriate for me to leave you to your own devices so soon." He gave Sally a condescending glance. Him going with the two was more to make sure Sally didn't take advantage of Woody more than any 'biomancy training'.

"Evidence?" The deer chuckled. "Well, just ask your friends down there..." The swords and shields stopped spinning, though he was exceptionally close to Maple, standing only a few yards away. The weapons oriented upward as if to give her but a brief moment to discuss whatever terms she had. At the very least, the Eldeer liked to hear his own voice... "Oh, trust me beautiful, I haven't lied to you yet. I don't need to after all." He smirked. "But I suppose I could merely have you as a house servent, I usually let them keep their looks so long as they maintain them. You know, keep the guests visually pleased." He merely rose a brow at her claim though, before outright laughing. "You can't be serious! I admire your... devotion for whichever god you serve, but if you think some meager assassin could harm her eternal beauty the Serpent, than you are far more foolish than I expected... however, if that's your goal, then you have no reason to steal my slaves, do you? Besides, the only one who could possibly stand up against the Serpent is the Lone Wonderer, so unless that's your assassin, or one of the other three, you're wasting your time speaking to me. If you're with the Wolf, then clearly you're looking for the Sole Survivor." Sally's jaw dropped just slightly, hurt at Woody's sudden complete disregard for her assistance. Though, perhaps she should have expected it considering who he was apparently siding with this entire time. "Very good little brother. It takes a great deal of patience, but the land will blossom should you allow it the opportunity to." Pest assured Woody. "Very well, I'll speak with-" "Oh she's fine!" Sally snapped, looking around at the blank canvas in clear displeasure and disdain. "That brat of a sister you have is busy bullying one of my priests! Maybe you should get her under control before *I* decide to." Pest merely frowned, tilting his head. "I was under the impression she was in Valhalla with War and her warriors?" "Nope. She's bullying my followers in Tambelon, which is rightfully mine I might add. Oh, and she has a bunch of undead goons trailing behind her." Sally stated as a matter of factly.

@WiiGuy2014 Candor gave a slight nod. "Ah, you don't have to call me Mr. Titles aren't important really, just a way of showing off you know? Strange without my Captain's armor or my troops behind me, but I'm just regular 'assistant' for you two." He smiled, stepping forward as he produced a... decent sized list from under his wings. Candor gave it a somewhat confused and embarrassed look. It was quite substantial, rather thorough. "Very well sir. Should be meeting with one Iltaldus Lighthorn. Not sure where exactly-" Before he could finish his statement, a small group of the Eldeer approached them from the docks, Candor gave a polite bow of is head at their arrival. "Ah! You must be Ambassador Will Guide!" The lead eldeer stated, dressed in blue and white flowing robes with red gems studding the edges. "Your Evolved changeling companion is on the ship I imagine? I'm very eager to see such a unique creature." The Eldeer's group was made up mostly of other nobles dressed in fancy white and blue robes, done up with various makeups. Two in the back, however, were more militaristic in nature. They wore scaled armor robes with dark brown leather wraps around their ankles just over their cloven hooves. Each sported arrows and a bow, along with an ornate short sword in the same blue and white colors of their companions. At the same instance, some of the other diplomats from Equestria were stepping off the ship. Nobles from around Equestria of course, some a little too excited to visit such a new land and represent their kingdom. Despite knowing they were under the full authority of Will during this trip, they weren't exactly an easy bunch of ponies to manage.

Each time she fired an arrow, two shields came up to block it. Usually, they were the closest together in the consecutive pattern of sword shield, sword shield. The deer furrowed his brow. "Equestrian? That's rather interesting... they you probably have no idea what's going on here, do you? I suppose ignorance is bliss, isn't it?" He chuckled, charging forward to leap onto her roof top. Swords still swirling around him with the shields, he advanced trying to keep her moving for whatever reason. He had a confident yet displeased look on his face after her little reveal. "What do you think would happen to these ponies if left in the hooves of the wolf's followers hmm? You think they would merely run off to live another day? Hardly. We were all called here to fight, all four Empires. If Prince Itsu hadn't taken over the battle, your little wolf friends would have murdered every last on of them. At least I'm offering them shelter, beds, and hot food for their work. Like every slave, they have every chance to become a cultist and free themselves, with a little devotion and hard work of course." He explained. "Would you rather them die, or live comfortably among the Serpents? The only one of the four to revel in delightful food and luxury?" "Oh! How marvelous! You're just a natural!" Sally clapped her paws together, viewing the terrain he had forged with his own magic. Pest, however, seemed a little less pleased. "A work of... art..." He said hesitantly. "However, if you wish to master biomancy, you must change the way you view the world around you. Sally has the same trouble, as dose... little shadows..." He explained, becoming serious for the first time since Woody had met him. "You are a... facilitator. You merely provide the materials, and allow them to mold the world on their own. To control them, is to admit you have no respect for the forces of chaos. The natural way of things beyond our control, the free will of the universe." Sally smacked her forehead and groaned. "Brother your lessons have been very... informative... but we don't exactly have eons to help our newest brother put a little pizzazz into his home!" She giggled in delight as she held out her arms to conjure something of her own. "I personally like woodland forsts. You know, pine trees? They make such a fantastic backdrop to colorful flowers and thickets!" Coniferous trees began to sprout in an instant, mixed with the typical clutter of a forest floor, spaced with various clearings of tall grass and rocks. Pest, was not pleased by her manipulation of the natural world so readily. "What do you think little brother? Maybe some more... hmm... hinterlands foliage?" She considered.

@WiiGuy2014 The city was a sprawling utopia of giant white towers, capped with blue pointed roofs lined with shining gold designs. It was an impressive city, a city meant to awe all those who placed eyes on it. The walls were clean and free of blemishes, the stone streets devoid of any garbage and more than wide enough to comfortably accommodate the throngs of city goers. Why, it would easily give Canterlot a run for it's money. The procession stepped off the airship and onto the docks at the water's edge. The docks lead to a stone wharf lining the waters edge, sitting just below the retaining wall leading up to the magnificent city proper. Even the simple warehouses, customs buildings, and fishing huts on the waters edge were a sight to behold. They were made with some white oak wood, polished to perfection beneath dark blue tiled roofs. Captain Candor walked down the gangway closely behind Will, he represented the martial side of Equestria, and the 'security' for the diplomatic team. "Well, they can certainly make things look nice... in my experience, that only means they're trying to hide something..." He grumbled to Will. Candor had not done well on the trip over. Despite being a pegasus, airship travel didn't sit well with him. "Feeling well sir?" He asked will.

The eldeer merely rolled his eyes, one of the shields rising up to intercept the first arrow as another blocked the second. He merely chuckled, scoffing at her attempts. "Oh please, you must take me for a fool. Don't deny who you are love, your an ignorant barbarian, pure and simple." He concluded. The three swords had sailed right under her after she had jumped, failing to adjust course mid air while he was busy defending himself against her arrows. He let the ethereal weapons dissolve as they hit part of the rooftop Maple stood atop. "You know I envy you. You're stupidity is something to covet... after all, ignorance is bliss." He said with a chuckle. "You know, I wasn't lying when I said you have a delightful coat! I'd love to have you as an attendant in my entry hall. Mmm... maybe if you wore something a bit nicer though..." The aura around his horns began to intensify, but the swords and shields surrounding him didn't move. "Marvelous!" Sally cheered with glee, clasping her claws together as she slithered through the air and into the portal. Pest merely smiled. "Ah, excellent. Why in the world would you 'get rid' of your own dimension? It's your very own sanctuary, your home." Pest waited for Woody to enter next, then followed behind him, slinking across the ground like his namesake. Sally, meanwhile, was giggling as she swirled and danced in the wide open blank space that was Woody's newest realm. She looked exceptionally happy as she swirled around him once again after he entered. "Oh! How wonderful! What a perfectly clean slate dear brother! I just can't wait to put some beauty in here!" She practically shouted. "To create the most wondrous painting!" Pest gave her a condescending look. "Now Sally, recall your lessons. We don't create, we merely change. Brother, as you may have noticed, we cannot conjure things from thin air. It may appear as such at times, but in reality, we merely summon them from another time and place. Tartarus is an infinite realm that never ends. Therefore, there are plenty of materials to use and bring here to your own realm." "Ugh!" Sally gave a loud audible sigh. "Come now Pest, perhaps you should skip to the point... Little brother, do you know how to conjure objects and items? What have you brought to your presence before?"

The deer merely chuckled. "Oh? What we do? Well, at least we don't waste life like you lot." His nose scrunched in displeasure as his antlers began to channel magic. Roughly a dozen ethereal pink swords rose from the ground to hover in the air, along with several simple kite shields mixed in between. He wiped off his elegant battle dress, freeing it of several little muddy spots. "Mhmm... you'd rather slaughter these pathetic creatures. I understand, you're of simple mind after all. Me? I prefer to give them a second chance, a chance to be something more than just training dummies for you fools. Well, no point in explaining things to you. Just know I'll only use you as a trophy for my dining hall after I remove your limbs. You have and exquisite coat!" He complimented. Three of the swords shifted upwards, pointing towards Maple before shooting towards her at lightning speed. The spun in the air, making them difficult to see anything other than a pink blur hurdling towards her. Pest beamed in delight. He seemed all the more happy to start giving Woody a few pointers. "It's certainly a delightful skill. But, it's also important to remember you are merely the catalyst for the creation of living things." Pest explained. "They aren't yours any more than happiness or anger is." Salacious rolled her eyes and gave an audible sigh. "Yes yes, anyway, we're just waiting for you darling. Have you ever created your own little dimension? A place to enjoy your privacy from time to time? It's an excellent place to create your realm, a place only you may access on a whim. Others might learn how to pop in and out... but ultimately it is you who decides who comes and goes. Of course, you can do even more there than out here, especially if it's parallel to Tartarus where our magic is strongest." "You must be the one to create it, brother." Pest added. "Else, it won't truly be yours. We must only offer guidance." He gave Salacious a sidelong glance, to which she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

@WiiGuy2014 he he lol, indeed! XD

Got a cuddle alert. Must awkwardly reciprocate. *Cuddles @WiiGuy2014 after he finishes cuddling everyone else*

The unarmored cultists fell fairly easily to Maple's bow, along with the relentless onslaught of her followers. Fortunately, the bat's keen eyes and experience kept her arrows true, and away from the captives and prisoners. By the time maple made her way up to the roof, her group was finishing up the Serpent followers, their attack hidden by several overturned carts down one side of the street, and some rubble on the opposite. From where she was she could see the city's sorry state. Columns of smoke rose from the air, some buildings were half collapsed and blown apart, and purple and pink banners with a snake blazoned in shining black hung from the fancier structures, including the cathedral like castle in the center. Everywhere she could see, it was the same thing. The cultists were rounding up the inhabitants of the city, dragging them out of their homes to either chain them or have a little fun with them. "And what is a brute like you doing here? Shouldn't you be west of the Arienel fighting off the warriors from Talebheim?" Someone said, tisking as he faded into existence on a rooftop just across the alley from Maple's. It was another cultist. A deer, clad in purple, pink, and black robes beneath shining scale male armor. He was skinny like the others, with tiny cloven hooves, and done up in some makeup to accentuate his facial features. "Now now, it was already decided *we* get to take the city. Why don't you run along and leave my slaves to me? Wouldn't want this to get unpleasant... you're lucky you ran into me and not one of my other colleagues as is." Salacious swirled around woody, giggling. "Oh you! Don't be so silly... simplicity can be beauty just as much as extravagance! It's about the care, the devotion to its being that matters!" War merely rolled her eyes, making a gagging gesture. She turned around shaking her head. "I'm leaving. We'll talk later, runt. I have a bone to pick with you anyway." War grumbled, fading into her own realm. The serpent rolled her eyes. "Ignore her! She's just jealous we get along so well." She said, nudging Woody. "Now, I'm going to teach you everything you need to know to get started. How to build your own realm!" "Pardon the interruption..." Pestilence chimed in, friendly enough and with a chuckle. "But if you want trees, I'm afraid she's still learning. Additionally, I would love to teach you the finer principles of biomancy so you might create flora and fauna for your realm." Salacious merely scrunched her nose in displeasure at the accusation that she was still a novice when it came to making living things. Well, compared to his skill at creating living things that is.

Mort slid to a stop before he entered the entry hall with Luminio and the dignitary. He paused for a brief moment, adjusting his suit and making sure he his feathers were still perfectly in line. Then, he casually strolled in, assuming a swaying step as he approached the others. His look was best described as nonchalant, a playboy. "Ha ha! Bad marks? What, are we in school again?" Mort joked, stepping up to them, he conveniently kept out any bows or even tilts of the head. Mort wished Luminio wouldn't do it either... but he couldn't stop him from trying to give off that nobility vibe. Dragons did respect... respect after all. Though, they never seemed interested in reciprocating it. So, Mort was intent on having a bit of fun with this politician. "Well, welcome to our estate!" Mort added, leaning forward to gently grab the dragon's head to give a peck on either side of his cheek. A... strange noble pony custom, one that Mort absolutely hated. However, he did so enjoy seeing other creature's reactions when he did it. This dragon was in Equestria after all, so he was getting the full treatment...

Mort jumped, almost tearing some of his 'fancy' clothes in the process. He stood there for a moment in his room, grumbling about it, before finishing the dressing process. He hurried to it, leaving his his knife in favor of his sharpened talons and carnivorous beak. Most creature's found a particular distaste using tooth and claw in a fight... but Mort had no such reservations. Plus, he figured a lot of dragon's respected that sort of thing, the confidence and look of sharpened talons and chompers. After navigating the piles of clothes he had cluttering his room, Mort rushed out, quickly moving to the main hall to link up with Luminio to greet the dragon and his retinue together.

"Ugh, what!? So we're giving him all the good food..." Mort brooded. "Fine, long as he stays away from my lobster..." "Wait, who what now? What did you say his title was? So like, does that include uhm, tentacles and stuff?" He huffed in annoyance. "I don't even know... I hate politics. You know you're doing all the talking, right?" Like it was any different than usual. With a final huff, Mort went off to change out of his thief's getup. He didn't like wearing fancy suits, just didn't feel comfortable. How anyone could wear them all day and not have to itch themselves constantly, or adjust in front of everyone for comfort sake, was beyond him. Even when he told the tailor specifically to make it feel 'nice', the most they could do is make it with a velvet interior. He walked down the endless opulent corridors of the manor to his room, walking at a brisk pace to not leave Luminio alone with the dragon for more than a few minutes should the other bird change out before him.

"Hey, I'm right there with yah." Mort replied with a smile, resting his talons on Luminio's shoulder. "Hey, I said a long time ago in Griffonstone when we were little I'd roll with you as long as you'd roll with me. So... I'm not calling it quits before you." "Alright, so what fancy-pants ponies are showing up today? I need a tux or anything? Ugh... I hate fancy clothes..." Mort brooded. Mort had to admit... he enjoyed mocking them behind their backs, thinking in the end he'd end up steeling anything worth of value they had later. It was a funny thought, usually didn't pan out that way, but it gave him the gusto and motivation to act all 'friendly' in the moment. After all, they were world class entertainers and apparently expert investors.

Mort rolled his eyes. "Chill out." He replied defensively. "I didn't say anything bad or anything..." Mort added, following the other griffon out after placing the gem down. "Don't need more coin either... my budget's fine." Once they were both out, Mort did the honors of closing the place back up. For whatever reason, he got a kick out of the secret bookshelf entrance. It was just one of those cool neat little things, stuff like that was just downright fun. "I'm just saying like, don't you want someone to know it was you that stole all this?" He asked, a little hesitantly. "I don't mean literally you, like... okay, this might sound... stupid or lame, but like, a super villain!?" Mort smiled a little at the thought. By no means was he usually a nerd or anything like that but... the idea sounded fun to him. Sneaking in somewhere and stealing something had lost its excitement a long time ago, it was more routine now.

@The_Gobo Ah, of course, assessment corrected. 10/10!!!