That One Techpriest You Used To Know

@@The Down Trotten, "Magical... what?" she tilted her head. "It isn't ventri... um..." "Ah, yes. Worry not, dearest Mori, I shall talk to this confused, yet somewhat sophisticated, stallion. No, good sir, it definitely falls under the category of 'magical hijinks and definitely not ventriloquism. This... girl is merely a peasant, unworthy of the presence of any decent pony with class who knows what they are looking at. She possesses some unique powers that assist her in her task, such as healing and the ability to see spirits. I, however..." Some invisible force pushed Mori's hood off, the claw disappearing as her mane spread out, pooling in midair. "... am the spirit of a famous baroness, with ancestry that goes back for millennia. Royal blood once flowed through my veins, all the way back from when dragons ruled the lands. I am...! Hmm... The baroness paused, and Mori's mane compacted, as if it had gone from a grand demonstration to merely sitting and pondering. "...what was I called while I was alive, again...?" she muttered to herself. Mori quickly flipped her hood back up before continuing. "There was an... incident that occurred and then through some magic of some sort, most of my spirit friends are all bundled up into one... being... and got all tangled up in my mane and tail. A lot of memories from a lot of spirits got mixed up... I'm trying to help them remember and relax. But, despite everything-" "I'm sorry to contradict you, Mori, but that would imply that, at one point or another, I liked you. And it pains me to admit that it was never the case. Ignoring her, Mori continued. "... I am merely a traveling undertaker, sir. The mountain just so happens to be where I am headed next. I care not about any legends, I merely want to ensure that the many that have died there have at least received their funeral rites and are given at least some sort of grave, even if I am unable to see any ultimate warrior or prismatic dragon that these stories talk about..." "Which brings me back to my original question. What are you doing here, child? You seem ill-suited for the challenge ahead."

@@The Down Trotten, "Oh, look at the poor dear and his pitifully flabbergasted self! Fuhuhuhu..." Mori bit her tongue for a moment, attempting to keep her already irritated self in check. "Forgive me, sir, I didn't mean to confuse you... or for my friends to speak out of turn and confuse you further." She batted her mane, which she passed through like the mist that it was. She sighed and shook her head. "I was merely inquiring how you were faring on the road... and-" "-and I," interrupted the rather surly spirit, causing Mori's mane to flow out of the hood assertively, "was wondering why you were on a path towards your inevitable doom, for you seem as a mere ordinary pony when others sharing the same path appeared to be accomplished in magic, physical skill, or both." A small ethereal claw appeared out from the wisps of mist, pointing one talon towards the pony. "Perhaps a comparison could be made to you being the joker of the court- are you hiding an ace in your metaphorical sleeves, hmm?" Mori remained silent, staring at her feet in embarrassment, fully expecting the Widow's interference to drive the pony away from them.

@@The Down Trotten, It was not long- only a few hours- before Mori made it to a crossroads. It appeared that the southern path lead to the village, while the northern half was very clearly towards the now-overbearing mountain that was looming ahead. She paced back and forth for a moment before checking her supplies. I do have plenty of food and water... and I'm sure that there is at least a little food to be found on the mountain. Quietly looking around, she carefully shouldered her packs, adjusted her cloak, and began the journey towards the mountain ahead. It appeared only a few miles away, at least. It shouldn't take long. As she continued to walk, however, she quickly spotted a brown earth pony on the road ahead of her. She stopped for a second, looking at him from the rear. He had a cloak and some saddlebags full of various gear and equipment. Was he headed up the mountain as well, then? Thinking back to the two ponies she had already met, Mori quietly decided that if this pony was like the other two, then perhaps he might be able to hold a conversation of some sort to distract her from the dread in her gut that had built up over the hours of chanting alone on the road. While her friends had come out of their shell somewhat, they still refused to talk or sing with her- and the loneliness was starting to get to her. Stalking forwards with the intent to greet this pony, she heard a familiar voice talk- still quieter than usual, but at least more than mere buzzing. If his cutie mark has anything to say about him, it's that he enjoys conversation. Strike up something with him, Mori. Let us see I am correct. "It is good to see that you are still here." Hmph. It still stings. "Then perhaps you shouldn't threaten to take the soul of every pony who rubs you the wrong way." With a soft sigh, she carefully picked up the pace until she was within earshot of the pony ahead of her. She carefully stowed the shovel on her back before pulling back her hair and stuffing as much of it into her cloak's hood as possible. Perhaps as an unintended side effect, it gave her an rather unsettling appearance, as the shadows caused by the gloomy clouds in the sky hid her face from casual observers, and caused the remainder of her mane to appear floaty. Pondering what she would say for a moment, she decided to begin with a simple and polite statement. "Hello, sir... How are your travels on this long road?" "Lost, perhaps, are we? It appears that a pony such as you has little reason to go towards your doom so casually." Mori sighed. "Must you always verbally assault every pony that I attempt to converse with?" "No, I am legitimately curious. Why would one without obvious demonstrations of his skills attempt this challenge? Compared to the other mortals I have met so far going down this road, he is the only one without any obvious physical skill or powers of some sort. There must be a reason."

@@Stardust*, @@Randimaxis, @@-Octavia-, Lilith whistled as night settled in, carefully lowering herself from a nearby tree before approaching the group. "There is a Ranger's hideout nearby. It is abandoned, at least for now- chances are their occupants are currently attempting to examine and report the threat of the approaching force. As this is an emergency, I'm sure they won't mind us using it." She squinted- the new moon shedding almost no light for her to see by- before carefully feeling around. Her hoof brushed against a crevice in the ground and she smiled carefully, gently removing a small cover of rock and revealing a dusty wooden ladder. "Go on down. There should be spare blankets and a fireplace down there. Be careful if you light one though, the process we use to prevent smoke from rising causes the air to get warmer and smokier than usual when around a fire, so be prepared for that. Stay in the main area and don't poke around. I'm going to stick around to see if I can draw the attention of any passing rangers and get directions to the Sanctuary. They're bound to have a major meeting tomorrow. And, for goodness sakes, don't yell. While you can talk normally, the stone will echo around and it will be exceedingly obvious to everyone around you if you raise your voice above it's normal volume." After assisting everyone into the small cavern below, she carefully sharpened a pair of sticks and used them to form a + on the wall- a symbol that there were non-Ranger occupants within- before quietly returning to the trees, closing her eyes and focusing her ears to hear anything moving nearby. The Rangers would be moving as fast as they would dare towards the Sanctuary, meaning that if she just focused...

@@DwhitetheGamer, @@Dynamo Pad, Agririon was right, then... what we view as entertainment can be seen in different dimensions as having actually happened. She paused, shaking in anticipation, before taking a breath and attempting to calm down. "Oh... um... yeah, Madolche is about sugar and sweets..." She paused as she thought about his deck type. "Wow, so you actually have a deck kinda similar to me! I was considering adding other XYZ monsters into my deck, but I couldn't make them work well with Puddingcess, who needs a clean graveyard to work to her fullest potential..." "But I look up to Yugi. He won a world tournament and then dueled against Maximilian Pegasus, the person who created Yu-Gi-Oh himself- and won, despite what everyone said! He's even harnessed the Exodia cards once. And he..." Rosalia paused, before quietly continuing. "... he even gave his prize money for his best friend's sister's surgery. Something that I can... personally relate to." She glanced at the embroidered hospital gown she enjoyed wearing before sighing. "But... I'm just a fan. It's not like he would ever-" Omigosh omigosh omigosh omigosh... She curtsied to him while nervously giggling... "Hello, Mister Moto, sir... are you enjoying Equestria so far?"

@@DwhitetheGamer, Mori was starting to get somewhat irritated with this pony. Was it that he didn't understand, or that he was too narrow-minded to comprehend? Either way, she took a deep breath and headed off her frustration. She was about to respond again, but the pony announced his intention to return to his training and stood up, leaving the remnants of his meal and the canteen on the ground. As he stood up and started boxing, she stared at Copper with a sort of mild curiosity, somewhat intrigued at his 'training regime.' It didn't seem much like training to her at first, except for perhaps as a simple exercise to develop balance. Was this another one of the mainland's oddities? She stood up, dusted herself off, and packed up what was left of the bread and collected the canteen left on the ground. At least something was familiar to her, being left to clean up alone after being dismissed as a fool. But it also made her question Ice's words. Was he merely taking pity on her, as if she was a beggar or some poor unfortunate, or did he truly meant what he said? We shall have to see. "Very well then, Master Strikes. I shall leave you to your regime. May the road be ever blessed before you... Thank you for your company, as short and full of conflict as it was." Using her shovel as a walking stick, Mori stood up and began walking again, humming the melody to the song in an attempt to resume the music where they had left off. However, it seemed that between her rebuke and the interruption by Copper, they were not willing to sing along. Despite this, she continued, allowing the now much more natural music of the mare humming to herself quietly to float on the air. It faded as she started to focus and, moving somewhat faster now, started to slowly but surely put miles behind her towards the village.

@@Dynamo Pad, @@DwhitetheGamer, @@Skylord Nexus, "Hello, Mister Dynamo." She said with a smile. "My name's Rosalia. I play a Madolche deck, and I used it to win a local tournament... Then I got invited to the Equestrian Battle Nation Tournament, almost completely out of the blue! I'm quite surprised I qualified, to be honest..." She glanced over towards the game again as Yuya considered his options. "Madolche is a combo deck- it uses cards to bring out more cards and to set up board control. A lot of it's power is in their XYZ Summon Madolche Queen Tiarasimu. It might be weak compared to some of the bigger numbers, but it allows me to clear the board temporarily, which has single-handedly won me the game many times by sending larger numbers back into their deck or back to the Extra Deck..." She paused for a second, lost in thought. "With Pendulum Summoning, it's like a constant Madolchepalooza effect, but without the cards returning to the deck afterwards... but I'd need more card draw to make use of it effectively. Hmm..." She turned back towards Dynamo. "Well, what kind of deck do you play? I'm sure it's quite powerful, whatever it may-" Rosalia stopped as she suddenly caught the glance of a rather interesting hairstyle that she instantly recognized. Her eyes widened. Agririon was right- travel between dimensions could be off-putting at times, but the results were sometimes spectacular. She raised a hoof, pointing towards a pony within his group. "Is... is that... Y-Yugi Moto...?"

@@Dynamo Pad, @@DwhitetheGamer, @@Skylord Nexus, Rosalia limped near the front, her eyes wide from the battles that occurred beforehand. So this was Pendulum Summoning! Quietly, she watched as the two duelists- Yusei and Yuya- played each other, using the new technique that she had never seen before to swing the battle back and forth between the two. "Wow..." she said as the monsters attacked each other with sparks of light and large, heavy impacts, which Yuya appeared to have been victorious in. However, she knew from experience that the game wasn't over until the win conditions were met. She should know- she played a very combo-heavy deck, and sometimes, one card could turn the game around immensely. But these large monsters were definitely impressive to watch- Queen Tiarasimu wasn't nearly as large or impressive, and couldn't dish out as much visually impressive actions as some of the large-scale combat that the ones on the field were dishing out. Totally obsessed in the duel, she took a few steps back to attempt to move with the raging crowd- and ended up bumping into some poor pony behind her. She winced as she carefully continued to maneuver throughout the crowd, before it stopped shifting and she ended up next to a group of seemingly experienced strangers talking about some sort of... tournament? Maybe they were going to the same thing that she was going to. Out of nowhere, however, Agririon's warning sounded through her head. Yeah, yeah, have fun at this tournament thing. Just remember to not get too friendly with strangers. Just because you're here to have fun doesn't mean there won't be ponies there looking for you. But... they seem alright and they don't look like bounty hunters... and they are standing right there... Rosalia paused for a second before looking over to the group next to her. "What do you all think of this duel? Pendulum Summoning is pretty cool... It's impressive what you can do with it. I bet it would work really well with my deck if I can find the right ones to put in."

@@DwhitetheGamer, Still too weak to manifest a voice audible to anyone but Mori, the spirit laughed. The boy's naivety continues to amuse me. Fuhuhuhu... Mori sighed as the conversation returned to... her. "She's not going to respond to that, Master Strikes... it's a term I've applied to her, not one that she has created herself. She's in no position, nor mood, to talk aloud, especially in her... current state." Mori paused, lost in thought for a moment, tearing off another chunk of bread and nibbling on it. "But, to be honest, she has probably been through more than the two of us together have been. It became even worse after what was left of her soul mingled with the others... she is currently unable separate her memories from the others and just assumed that pain and suffering is how the world works. Immense power, a dominating personality, and a terrible grudge... it is my burden to carry her until she can rest in peace..." She paused and looked around. "In short, she is currently in... therapy, perhaps is the best word to use in this situation, Master Strikes? I should add that to my list of tasks to be accomplished. Spiritual therapist..."

"Is he... still upset? Fuhuhu... what a crybaby." Mori ignored the tiny voice in the back of her head as she carefully backed away, her shovel still at the ready. She opened her mouth to speak- but what was left of her mane did it for her. "Her curse... to bear... for her life..." "If only they were capable of spewing out sentences that did not sound like they came out of a play." Mori remained silent before stowing her shovel on her back. "Do not cry, Master Strikes... We understand how it is to feel abused in that sense. We were scorned and beaten whenever we left our home, even for necessities such as food and water..." She sighed. "So is the lot of those born different. Whether blessed or cursed, greater such as yourself or lesser such as me... most ponies will look down on us in an attempt to make themselves feel better for mediocrity. But such a thing is in the past for us, and we must learn to release these harmful memories, lest they detract from the task ahead." After a pause, she continued. "... shall we sup together? She is incapable of harassing you anymore, at least for the time being... perhaps some food is in order." She carefully sat down and withdrew from her bags some bread and the canteen of cider from the train earlier. She tore off a sizable chunk and offered it to him with the canteen. "Dwell not on the past. Eat and drink if you would, Master Strikes, so to return some of your natural color."

@@DwhitetheGamer, Mori was startled by the outburst and physically started to back away as he screamed at the spirit, carefully taking out her shovel and preparing herself in a defensive stance in case the pony flat out attacked her. The Widow herself, however, took no pity on Copper sobbing on the ground before her. "Oh, is the poor abused pony going to crawl up into a corner and cry himself a river? Can't take a few words- no matter how true they may be? I will not waste my infinitely important time dealing with overly-emotional brats like you. You merely weaken the population with your very presence, allowing me an easier time when my shadow will spread across the entire world..." As she continued to speak, Mori's mane billowed and shifted, and the whispers became much more pronounced- and audible to even Copper. Eventually, a pair of claws and a vaguely pony-shaped form clawed it's way into focus as it reached towards him. "But your power- your life force- it will do nicely as an appetizer, even as I leave you to rot on the cold stone ro- CLANG!!! Mori had swing her shovel perpendicular to her current stance, slamming the forming monster in the face with the shovel blade. Unlike normal weapons, however, the shovel did not pass through the ectoplasm- it made a hard stop right on the demonic spirit's nose. It immediately retreated, going up all the way towards Mori's head and bundling itself up in a tight ball, making her appear to have her hair done up in a neat bun. All of the whispers ceased immediately. "Oww... your magic, your shovel, you wound me so... Accursed bindings..." She held the position for a few moments before turning and quietly stalking back towards Copper. "I am so sorry, Master Strikes... I didn't think you'd take it so hard. Everyone else seemed to ignore her taunts..." She paused for a moment. "Are... you okay? I have some bread here, if you want some food... I know that I like to eat when I get stressed." ((I have decided to place emphasis on Mori's speaking role by putting it in a fancy font.))

"Fuhuhuhuhu... how easily your rage flows. If I were not bound by these peasants, I would have your soul on a platter before me, boy. Or perhaps in the gutter where ponies with such a lack of control over their emotions belong. How would you like that, hmm? Unable to do anything as your essence rots away before your very eyes..." "Please..." begged Mori, eyes widening at his growing irritation. "Ignore her... she delights in antagonizing others. It is all she can do in this form; she can do no harm unless we allow it." "Well... um... my friends are..." She paused for a moment. "... well... I guess the best way to explain it is in a... metaphor, is it called? I don't know too many literary devices... Imagine if a single spirit was a cup of water. The best way to describe it is, when they made their home in my mane, they poured their glass of water into a single pond. They mix with all the other water and lose their identity, somewhat... She is the only one strong enough to maintain her own personality, and even then she has been... affected by the others. It is a long story." "Anyways..." she said quietly. "If you wish to talk to them, there is nothing stopping you, but... I would not expect a coherent response from anyone except... her. They tend to communicate in simple terms or emotions..."

@@DwhitetheGamer, Mori ignored Copper at first, relishing in the music as it quietly toned down. Still smiling, she opened her eyes before they began again... and jumped about a mile in the air (metaphorically) when she realized he was standing nearby. The spirits very quickly resumed their normal whispers, more agitated than before seeing how they were interrupted. "Ah... hello, Master Strikes. I did not see you there..." "Ah, the fool seeks us out. Are you enchanted by our clarion call, young one? Would you like to join the choir...? Fuhuhuhuhu..." A single spectral claw reached out from her hood and attempted to gently stroke Copper's face, and the faint beginnings of a glowing, predatory grin appeared in her mane. "I am sure that with a pretty voice like yours, our eulogies will sound sweeter still..." "Please..." Mori whispered softly, pulling back the hand into her mane and tucking it into her hood. "Not now..." Shaking her head slightly, she gave an embarrassed smile to Copper. "The song is a classical piece sometimes used at funeral processions. We were informed it was relatively well known on the mainland. Perhaps it is not familiar to you; but the song is traditionally played on the piano. I never learned how to play one as a child, so we found a modified version of it for choral use. It's one of the songs we like to sing while walking..." "Eh heh... heh..." The whispers of her companions intensified still, apparently very clearly put off by being ignored by the stallion. She carefully lowered her hood and, producing a simple wooden comb, began to alternate between stroking it and combing the billowing mist that made up her mane, now left free to gust and flow in the chill breeze- an obvious nervous tic of some sort. "Please do not take offense, my friends... I am unsure if he knows of your presence..." she whispered before looking back at him and, nervously trying to appear natural, responded with, "We sang it together, yes... my friends and I..."

@@Unicorncob, @, @@P-Jay, @@J.R., @@DwhitetheGamer, Mori's walk towards the tavern was suddenly interrupted by a truly odd spectacle- the odd pony from the train dancing in the square, and a minotaur and a... rather short pony trading conversation nearby. It was interesting to say the least. After giving the Widow a short period to comment on events that were occuring- which, surprisingly, she remained silent during- Mori quietly took out her shovel and, after a quick glace at the map she had picked up from the harbors, made her way around the center of town before exiting the town via the northern road. As she walked, a musical note entered her head. Then another. Then... another. She shortly found herself humming to a familiar tune as she walked along the northern path. Soon after, her friends began mimicking the tune, the several dozen of them clinging to her mane vibrating in harmony to the music. Soon after, much to her surprise, the Widow herself joined in. Mori shifted the tune, moving from humming to chanting as she continued down the rocky road- and, much to her pleasure, the spirits soon followed suit, and before long, a few spirits were mimicking an organ, and the Widow was chanting the main melody to the song. It seemed so simple a pleasure, but Mori's spirit soared within her as she mentally guided the spiritual choir. Those in the northern section of town would be surprised to hear what seemed to be an entire chorus, but when, in fact, it was merely Mori as she walked along the path, fading slowly as she began to put the miles behind her... ((She'll show up in to the hamlet in a few real days' time from now. If anything happens on the road, P-Jay- anything interesting that she might be interested in checking out- just mention me. ))

@@J.R., "Oh, interesting. We are more similar that I initially thought, then... I am one of the last from my home, too..." Mori shouldered her shovel, having cleared a large swath of the library ground. She gave one last look around before smiling slightly towards Ice and bowing. "It was nice to meet you, Master Ice. I hope that our paths may cross again. May your road be ever blessed before you..." Straightening, she began to walk away towards the local tavern on her last stop before she would begin her journey northwards- lingering just a moment, however, giving Ice an opportunity to speak if he so desired.

"I tire of humility. Why do we not have one that brags about his power, then has the power to match his confidence? Much more interesting than ponies who do nothing but acknowledge their proper place in the world. Still, this one is still quite the darling. We shall pardon thy immaturity for now." Mori herself, however, quietly looked down at her feet. "How strange... where we come from, those of my profession are treated as lower beings. I guess the mainlands are quite different, as everyone said." "Oh!" Mori exclaimed, suddenly looking up. "That reminds me... we heard whispers of several of the ancient ones around here, and they came back to you. In fact, from what I see, you appear to be covered in a thin layer of spiritual energy... do you know why that is? And, perhaps, if you do, would you be willing to share?" She paused carefully. "... I understand if it must remain a secret."

@@J.R., "My schtick...?" she said questioningly. "I am not a performer... I am merely an undertaker and a gravedigger, Master Ice. I heal those close to death, or, if they do not survive, I ensure that they are at peace for their journey beyond. My family has been performing this necessary task for thousands of years, for no one else will willingly sully their hooves with the dead..." She tilted her head sideways, causing some of the pale blue mist of her mane to spill out. "But then my home had no more need for our family's service, so I left the Southern Isles to ply my craft for the unfortunate of the world... to keep the ancient places at peace." "Fool this stallion not with omission, peasant. You could see our kind, as could your father. And your mother gave you the most brilliant secrets of healing... And the shovel, used for both your rites and for defending us from ruffians and robbers that you are quite skilled in using. Not to mention that we cling to you night and day as a result of that wretched transformation..." "Those are unrelated to my tasks," she responded. "And, while helpful, are irrelevant." "Oh, really...? How intriguing that you think so. False humility does not complement you, Mori." "And neither does false pride. I am nothing in life by myself. Without spirits to calm, ponies to heal, and rites to carry out, I am worthless." "I am certain this stallion thinks otherwise. The mainlanders always think they're right over everything- their equality and their hunt for some shred of companionship to help them along in their petty lives. Unfortunately for him, you are correct. How droll that I must be stuck with mere trash, barely worth being called a pony, for all eternity! What do you think, oh sweet, naive scholar, doubtlessly raised in the traditions of his home?" Mori shook her head slightly before turning back to Ice. "As I said, I am merely questing to give those who have gone before and failed their proper ceremonies... inevitably, this means I shall scale to the top to ensure that the possibility of those that have died, even after completing the final trial and collapsing on the final step- that even they, too, receive what they deserve..."

@@J.R., A scholar and a warrior? Fuhuhuhu... He is out of your grasp by miles, Mori, but allow me to have him for my own. "Hush..." Mori whispered as she continued to clear out rubble, pondering the question more than, admittedly, seemed usual- even to her. "... of course," she settled on as a safe answer after about a minute and a half. "Learning is a key part of one's life, is it not? It would seem odd to not enjoy it... at least, on topics that one enjoys learning about." She shrugged slightly, unearthing another partially ruined book and setting it on one of the mostly intact shelves. As she was about to return to her task, however, the second walker returned to her carrying a pair half-frozen loaves and the empty gold bag. She looked at it, smiled, and scratched it beneath the chin before taking the loaves and adding them to her pack. "Thank you, friends..." Even if they do mold over, she thought to herself, at least I can toast it out with some fire. It might not taste the best, but it won't make me sick. As the spirit returned to her misty tail, she turned back towards the rubble and quietly kept digging, keeping to her own thoughts for the moment.

@@J.R., Mori was relieved that the pony did not take offense to being treated out of turn, but it did surprise her. He was not like the other one at all. Was everyone so different here, too? A rainbow of personalities... this journey would be interesting indeed. "I am here to begin my own journey up the legendary mountain to the northeast," she said carefully in response to Ice's. "If the mountain is as difficult to scale as they say it is in the stories told, then there will be many that have been denied a proper burial along its paths, and that many still roam the slopes as ghosts and ghouls of varying descriptions. I will do my duty to them and ensure that they are properly put to rest, even if it means conquering the mountain itself to do so..." She paused carefully as she examined the book in her hooves. "You are an... interesting pony, Master Ice. A earth pony, like myself, that radiates a chill like a winter glacier, and who also appears to be a scholar of some description. What are you doing here in a town like Griffonstone?"

@@J.R., Mori was slightly surprised to be treated as polite company to this pony. It was definitely a new experience for her. She ruminated on this for a few seconds before timidly raising her hoof and meeting his, shaking it slightly before pulling it away awkwardly. "I am known as Memento Mori... I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Master Ice." As she turned to walk away, a clawed hand of mist emerged from her mane, gently stroking Ice's face (though he would feel only a chill). I like this one, the Widow crooned aloud. We should take him for our own purposes... Mori quickly stepped away, combing away her hair into a neat blob before tucking it into her cloak, which she quickly put the hood up on before giving her an apologetic glance. "Forgive me... I have little control over her actions." She carefully walked a safe distance away from the pony and took her shovel out of the ground, carefully clearing out rubble by herself in a separate area and remaining silent for a while as she cleared, looking around for the books on the ground. She found one with a ruined cover that appeared interesting, so she picked it up and offered it to Ice. "Is this one that you're looking for? I am not well acquainted with this script."

Mori stalked along the streets towards the spirits, following them to the river before running into the second spirit that disappeared when she approached, instantly growing back a large segment of her tail. She knelt down and carefully filled three or four canteens full of the cold, crisp ice water before standing and wandering back towards the town, following the faint trail that had come before. Carefully stalking across the roads, she came across another stallion, carrying a box made out of ice behind. He was rooting through the rubble and picking out books from the rubble. Mori vaguely wondered what they are. If they were obituaries, it would be interesting to see a history of those that had died in the town recently. It might give her an idea of where to go next. As she walked by, however, a small scrap of her misty mane wisped across his ankles before the whispers intensified. There... there! The ancient ones are there...! Glancing at the pony again, she was quite surprised to see that he was encompassed by what appeared to be a layer of spiritual energy. Was this stallion half-spirit, or was it something else? Either way, the blended response she received reminded her of her father, and it was all she could do to not give him a hug, or even merely a brush of acknowledgement of some sort. Shaking her head at the silliness of it, she decided to attempt to start a conversation again to learn more about this pony potentially, or at least find out what he was doing. She took out her shovel, stuck it into the ground and leaned on it to rest her hooves as she considered what to say. At least the Widow wasn't antagonizing her potential conversation partner this time. "Greetings," Mori said in her formal manner. "What are you looking for in the rubble, sir...? Is it important?"

@@DwhitetheGamer, @@P-Jay, "Insolent fool. We should tear out his soul and take his power for our own. Does he not know he speaks with royalty?" Mori remained silent, taking the cider and sipping it before putting it down and responding. "I am but a simple gravedigger, a complete outcast from society- barely more important than a slave... is it not tradition for the lowest social classes to refer to any above them as 'master?'" She paused and considered her mug. "The mainland is full of odd traditions indeed." After hearing the bartender mention the train stopping, she quietly poured the rest of the cider out of the mug into one of her several canteens before screwing it shut and letting it fall back underneath her cloak. "Or, perhaps I am the one out of place here. Either way, there are tasks ahead of us that must be accomplished." Handing back the mug, she nodded. "It was nice talking to you..." "Copper Strikes is his name, the insolent one. Know that we shall take our toll for your disrespect." "Mind her not, for she is powerless without me. Thank you for this short conversation, Master Strikes. May your road be ever blessed before you..." She stood up and walked through the door, exiting from the train quietly. @@J.R., What is next, then? More of your useless pontificating? Or perhaps we may start this journey towards thy doom? "Momentarily," said Memento to herself. "We must find a griffon willing to part with suitable amounts of bread and water for the journey ahead." Let us free... we will find what you are searching for... "No- not you. But someone else will do..." Mori looked around before taking her shovel out from her pack and quietly scooping out a globule of spirit energy from her tail. Quietly tossing it to the ground, she stood back and withdrew a coin pouch as it split into two barely visible forms. Find bread. Take bread. Give coins. Return... Find water. Return... The spirits sounded a mental chime before taking off in opposite directions, gliding across the ground quietly. The mindless ones will only fail you. "Then so be it. The world is not prepared for you." Mori paused as the whispers grew louder. Ancient ones... meet them...! Ensure their peace... Ancient spirits...? She quietly turned in the direction the second walked glided off towards. "Well then... let us find their spirits. Perhaps we can prepare for the journey ahead with their company." More to be manipulated...? Good.

@@P-Jay, Spectral laughter filled Mori's ears, but the Widow didn't say a word to the stallion seated nearby. Mori remained stoic, reviewing the menu as she combed her billowing mane out of her face, trying to make sense of the menu. Applewoods Special? Griffonstone Storm? Why do they give these odd names to their liquor? Another custom I do not understand... Shaking her head, she handed the menu back. "Yes, master bartender... I think cider would be the best option." She quietly produced a few coins and placed them on the table. "Thank you..." She then turned to the obviously jarred stallion. "Forgive me the rudeness of my forced companion, master....?" She left the statement open for a second before continuing. "I came here not to insult you, but to potentially inquire for a chance of some small conversation. Are you headed towards this 'mountain' as well?" "Of course the child is. Why would anyone be going this far otherwise? Perhaps you should ponder your questions before speaking, lest he think that you are the youngling." "If you do not remain silent," Mori said aside, "you will be punished accordingly." She shook her head as the spirit quieted. "I beg for your forgiveness, master... she is usually not this talkative."

((This spooky text symbolizes the Widow. It will be underlined if audible to those nearby.)) @@DwhitetheGamer, @@P-Jay, Lost and alone on this hellish mechanism, headed for your pitiful demise. Yet you are not fearful. Tell me why, Mori. Do you desire death? "I desire only to deliver a sign of respite to the brave souls who have gone before." Mori opened her eyes and brushed the mist clinging to her face to one side as she stood up, Durandos a familiar weight on her back as she adjusted her cloak and her bag. She had heard legends of this mountain, a test of courage that most never returned from, and of the legends of the spirits that resided there in defense of their fallen bodies, left to rot on the frozen mountain- and for good reason. Mere ponies could not scale the mountain, and between the spirits and the harsh conditions, merely setting hoof onto it was almost a death sentence. But she was no mere pony. Much to her disappointment. Quietly, Mori stood and stalked down the hall. There were bound to be others headed towards the mountaintop, and discussing with them the potential challenges ahead would be a fine place to start. Secretly, she wondered how the mainlands were different from their island home. As she started down the hall, she came across a young stallion sitting by himself at the bar, the blue of his coat standing out from the other colors nearby. She paused, and turned to look at him. He seemed like a good place to start attempting to socialize. Before she opened the door, a familiar, harsh whisper sounded in her ears again. A young pony, with a hidden power. But look, he is but a child, drinking tea offered as pity to a young customer! You have spent more time in the graveyards than he has been alive. What use have we for such a pitiful creature? Mori ignored the mist and took a step forwards. Leave him. Do not trouble your eyes with this outcast. Opening the door, she quietly sat down a few seats away from the blue pony- but just as she did so, the Widow spoke out again, this time to the pony. "Have you come to seek your death upon this iron contraption as well, fool? Or will you act your age and stay behind your mother's skirt?" "Silence," Mori stated. "That is no way to speak to one who is above us." Your attraction to this one is unreasonable. Are you stricken in your heart? Or, perhaps, in your head? "It is called being 'respectful'," returned Mori, seemingly talking to air at this point. "Perhaps you have never heard of the term." She took a moment to enjoy the silence before turning to the bartender. "What would you have in stock, master barkeeper? I am not from around here, and I am unfamiliar with this regions' drinks of choice."