open Casual stroll

[NovaCosmic 126]

In the middle of Ponyville market looking for groceries, Melody Chair was in utter despair. There were no lettuce anywhere. 

If she decided to leave to go home, she would freeze in time.

 

"I need to find some lettuce, or else I won't be able to leave. But the market is crowded today, so if I go outside of the main square, I will be stuck again.."

 

Thinking to herself, she decided to ask around town if there is any more of the green, leafy vegetable she so craved. 

Edited August 14, 2015 by NovaCosmic

[Blitz Boom 4,631]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Blitz had her front hooves to the side and with a big, happy tone went *Weee* when Dax picked her up, hugged her and started swinging her around. After he had said what he wanted to, Blitz started to hug back and nuzzled against his coat with a big, half-mischievous grin on her face.

 

"Yey, a new friend. Today is awesome."

 

__________________________________

 

 

@,

 

"Such harsh words Cubus. And here I thought you didn't have it in you."

 

Vivid smiled slyly and kept moving forward whilst looking around the immediate area. She had seen when moving inside that there was a good, solid open space between the house and the fields, made bigger by a good deal of the fields having been harvested already.

 

"But I suppose it can be boring to talk with somepony not interesting. So what do you say that I try to Rise some interest."

 

Some extra pressure was put into the word Rise when Vivid said it and was followed by a spiral of purple energy working it's way from the tip of her horn and down to her head like a silk ribbon. When her words were done it had reached her head, and with a chanting done in an incomprehensible language pools started to form on the ground here and there in the open area between her and Cubus.

 

From each of the pools rose a random figure ranging from dragons, gryphons, wolves and so forth in the same size, which was about two heads higher than Cubus. They all had closed eyes when they rose and was standing immobile as Vivid turned around and looked at Cubus from behind the dozen and a half that had currently risen with a few more pools starting to form.

 

"Perhaps a minor tussle will spice things up a bit? And worry not swordspony, I will be nice and refrain from touching your spirit in any way. You have my word."

 

A purple flame was burning in her eyes as her magic worked it's ways and the forms that she had raised opened their eyes and got a battle-stance prepared. He might have attacked already, which would have taken some away, but it mattered little to Vivid. More could be risen, and she was not aiming to kill him either anyway. Just a little spar to see if she could shake some life into him. Besides, it might be interesting to test someone of his standing and see if the stories she had been told whilst waiting for the letters held truth.

 

________________________________

 

 

@,

 

"I'm putting dibs on its head if it have one then. My sister would have to admit defeat if she saw me dragging that towards her."

 

Last saw the twitch, but didn't mention it. She wasn't sure what had sparked that, and frankly it wasn't her place to prod into everything he did, especially not since it started to sound like they were gonna hang around eachother for a while now. It wouldn't be a good start to things.

 

"Anyway, want to celebrate the teaming up with a hunt? I bet we'd be able to find something worth facing around here that isn't gonna strain the stitches too bad."

 

_____________________________________

 

 

@@Denim&Venom,

 

"Ah yes, the bias towards predators. I can understand why they would rather not face that part, though I must say that Equestria is by far not the worst against those I have met. Now Germaney on the other hoof..."

 

Briar shivered a little in place whilst he recalled that particular very short visit. it had to be really, as the alternative would have been a much more permanent one than he would really like.

 

"I might have just hit a bad area, but it made those who tries to harvest me at times seem tame in comparison once they noticed my fangs. To be able to hide there in another form would have been quite usable.

 

That, and I can understand it being easier to do what they do if there is nopony that can point to them as a source for things going odd around them. Sometimes the best work is done in the shadows where others can't see after all."

 

_______________________________________

 

 

@,

@@NovaCosmic,

 

"Awh phooey, lost track of him again."

 

The voice was heard a few meters above Melody alongside the sudden flapping of large wings. If she would look up she would be able to see the large, pink half-Zebra who called herself Doc Zinger flying with her hoof over her glasses looking over the crowd. She wasn't really looking at anypony in particullar for long and there wasn't anypony near her, so it was safe to say she was pretty much speaking to herself.

 

"I know i saw him somewhere... Ah, there, and- Wauv, that's a lot of green stuff. Looks sorta like he grew a lettuce hump, heh."

 

With that she set into motion again and flew in the irregular, zig-zagged lines she always did towards her target whilst a multiple-shaded pink line left behind briefly in the air showed where she flew, and all the way to the spot where she landed on the ground, which was right in front of Blazedtime who she bent her neck at so she could look at him more directly in the eyes with a big smile on her face.

 

"Hehe, I knew I saw you out there somewhere. You want a hoof or are you trying to grow a plant shell and become a turtlepony?"

[P-Jay 1,987]

@@Blitz Boom, 

 

cubus remained deadpan as the various foes were summoned around him. he even went as far as to actually yawn a little.

 

he remained silent throughout her little speech, and merely nodded. "very well. a little scuffle might indeed prove useful."

 

he simply shifted his hooves a little farther apart, before seeming content. "you may attack." he said, after he had done almost nothing for his stance.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

caliber kept that smile on. "sure, sure, you can have the head. im just looking forward to the fight, to be honest." he cracked his neck a little, and grinned at her. then at the forest. "and you know what? that sounds like a swell idea. haven't had a fight in a while..."

[Denim&Venöm 19,053]

 

 

"Ah yes, the bias towards predators. I can understand why they would rather not face that part, though I must say that Equestria is by far not the worst against those I have met. Now Germaney on the other hoof..."   Briar shivered a little in place whilst he recalled that particular very short visit. it had to be really, as the alternative would have been a much more permanent one than he would really like.   "I might have just hit a bad area, but it made those who tries to harvest me at times seem tame in comparison once they noticed my fangs. To be able to hide there in another form would have been quite usable.  

 

"Ugh. Yeah. Parts of the deutschland are pretty tweaked. They have awesome music, fun festivals and enough tasty liquor to blitz an immortal sun goddess, but they are certainly tweaked in more than a few respects." 

 

 

 

That, and I can understand it being easier to do what they do if there is nopony that can point to them as a source for things going odd around them. Sometimes the best work is done in the shadows where others can't see after all."  

 

"It's like the legend of St. Minty Kringle of the winter moon festival. To see a be-stockinged green & pink mare in a red felt ensemble, break into ponies houses in reverse burglaries, would kinda detract from the miracle of a generous pony mysteriously delivering gifts to all those who cherish one another during the coldest of seasons. To know how she does it, would rid the act of the magic of it being done. 

 

Having something just happen to you out of nowhere makes you feel special. Seeing what did that and how, tends to undo that." 

[NovaCosmic 126]

Melody jumped at the chance to get some lettuce. Maybe if she befriends Blaze, she will have an easy way to get home...

 

She steps up closer to Blaze and stares into his eyes. 

 

"I need help with something, so is it okay if I help you carry that juicy green stuff?...That is, if you help me get around the place?"

 

She paces back and stares around the market.

 

"I think I may get trapped If i'm not careful."

 

She looks back at Blaze with a nervous smile.

 

"Just don't bring me into any desolate areas....if you can help it."

[P-Jay 1,987]

rune had been wandering in the everfree forest, looking for that 'witchy' tree. supposedly, it's fruit would make a much better drawing juice then simple enchanted ink. might prove useful to use for his glyph research.

 

he continued wandering, where someone could easily spot him.

[Melke 160]

@, 

 

Melke wandered about the woods for a little while longer and was taking some time to inspect some of the plants. He does not really know the names and their purpose but he is recording it down for later. As he was messing around with the plants, his ears perked up as he heard someone approaching.

 

Oh no! Who is it? A pony? I don't think that is possible, Zecora told me that no pony comes into these woods. Those weird wolves? Why am I debating?! I better hide.

 

Melke pulled out a white mask from his make-shift bag and put it over his face. He then jumped up and climbed a nearby tree and then hid among the branches, waiting for whoever it is to pass by.

Edited August 14, 2015 by Negativa_Melke

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Yay, a new friend. Today is awesome!"

 

Dax set her down gently after returning her nuzzle.  He was now all smiles; there was no trace of the scared, shy pony from before.  If Blitz could bottle that energy, she could make fireworks that would last forever.

 

"I've always wanted a friend!  ANDYOU'RENOWMYFRIENDOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH..."  The stallion actually did a little jig of happiness as his words ran together like the twittering of an excited bird.  A moment or two of this, and then he settled down a bit.  He looked at Blitz, grinning like Pinkie Pie when someone mentions cupcakes.

 

"So, what is it that friends do?  I have no idea!  I'm asking because I really don't know - AND THAT'S OKAY, BECAUSE I HAVE A FRIEND WHO CAN TELL ME!  This is gonna be awesome!  I have no idea what we'll do, but I'm sure it'll..."

 

He looked towards Ponyville, and Blitz could almost see the light bulb snap on over his head.

 

"... I've never actually ever been in Ponyville before, y'know - would you show me around?  Can you show me around?  Are there other ponies there who don't know me?  Will they accept me too?  Can we go there?  Huh?  Can we?  Huh?  Do YOU live there?  Huh?  Can I see where you live?  Huh?"

 

He was as giddy as a blank flank finally getting their cutie mark... it was adorable!

[Love Doctor Blaze 536]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Blitz had her front hooves to the side and with a big, happy tone went *Weee* when Dax picked her up, hugged her and started swinging her around. After he had said what he wanted to, Blitz started to hug back and nuzzled against his coat with a big, half-mischievous grin on her face.

 

"Yey, a new friend. Today is awesome."

 

__________________________________

 

 

@,

 

"Such harsh words Cubus. And here I thought you didn't have it in you."

 

Vivid smiled slyly and kept moving forward whilst looking around the immediate area. She had seen when moving inside that there was a good, solid open space between the house and the fields, made bigger by a good deal of the fields having been harvested already.

 

"But I suppose it can be boring to talk with somepony not interesting. So what do you say that I try to Rise some interest."

 

Some extra pressure was put into the word Rise when Vivid said it and was followed by a spiral of purple energy working it's way from the tip of her horn and down to her head like a silk ribbon. When her words were done it had reached her head, and with a chanting done in an incomprehensible language pools started to form on the ground here and there in the open area between her and Cubus.

 

From each of the pools rose a random figure ranging from dragons, gryphons, wolves and so forth in the same size, which was about two heads higher than Cubus. They all had closed eyes when they rose and was standing immobile as Vivid turned around and looked at Cubus from behind the dozen and a half that had currently risen with a few more pools starting to form.

 

"Perhaps a minor tussle will spice things up a bit? And worry not swordspony, I will be nice and refrain from touching your spirit in any way. You have my word."

 

A purple flame was burning in her eyes as her magic worked it's ways and the forms that she had raised opened their eyes and got a battle-stance prepared. He might have attacked already, which would have taken some away, but it mattered little to Vivid. More could be risen, and she was not aiming to kill him either anyway. Just a little spar to see if she could shake some life into him. Besides, it might be interesting to test someone of his standing and see if the stories she had been told whilst waiting for the letters held truth.

 

________________________________

 

 

@,

 

"I'm putting dibs on its head if it have one then. My sister would have to admit defeat if she saw me dragging that towards her."

 

Last saw the twitch, but didn't mention it. She wasn't sure what had sparked that, and frankly it wasn't her place to prod into everything he did, especially not since it started to sound like they were gonna hang around eachother for a while now. It wouldn't be a good start to things.

 

"Anyway, want to celebrate the teaming up with a hunt? I bet we'd be able to find something worth facing around here that isn't gonna strain the stitches too bad."

 

_____________________________________

 

 

@@Denim&Venom,

 

"Ah yes, the bias towards predators. I can understand why they would rather not face that part, though I must say that Equestria is by far not the worst against those I have met. Now Germaney on the other hoof..."

 

Briar shivered a little in place whilst he recalled that particular very short visit. it had to be really, as the alternative would have been a much more permanent one than he would really like.

 

"I might have just hit a bad area, but it made those who tries to harvest me at times seem tame in comparison once they noticed my fangs. To be able to hide there in another form would have been quite usable.

 

That, and I can understand it being easier to do what they do if there is nopony that can point to them as a source for things going odd around them. Sometimes the best work is done in the shadows where others can't see after all."

 

_______________________________________

 

 

@,

@@NovaCosmic,

 

"Awh phooey, lost track of him again."

 

The voice was heard a few meters above Melody alongside the sudden flapping of large wings. If she would look up she would be able to see the large, pink half-Zebra who called herself Doc Zinger flying with her hoof over her glasses looking over the crowd. She wasn't really looking at anypony in particullar for long and there wasn't anypony near her, so it was safe to say she was pretty much speaking to herself.

 

"I know i saw him somewhere... Ah, there, and- Wauv, that's a lot of green stuff. Looks sorta like he grew a lettuce hump, heh."

 

With that she set into motion again and flew in the irregular, zig-zagged lines she always did towards her target whilst a multiple-shaded pink line left behind briefly in the air showed where she flew, and all the way to the spot where she landed on the ground, which was right in front of Blazedtime who she bent her neck at so she could look at him more directly in the eyes with a big smile on her face.

 

"Hehe, I knew I saw you out there somewhere. You want a hoof or are you trying to grow a plant shell and become a turtlepony?"

 

 

Blaze was beginning to pant from the effort it took to haul 3 kilo of lettuce. "Atleast i don't have to shop for some time" Said Blaze, he stopped for a little break. He wiped the sweat off his face, and turned around only to be met with the mare he talked with at the music shop. blaze got scared out of his wits, and jumped up, which resulted in lettuce, everywere. Blaze took a few calming breaths and looked at her. "Well, i didn't expect you here, but i could use some help" Said Blaze with a smile

[P-Jay 1,987]

@, 

 

rune looked up, frowning. it sounded like someone was there...but then again, this is the everfree forest. theres bound to be some animals, or moving plants to make noises.

 

he continued walking, and decided to take a break, stopping underneath the tree melke was at, and sat down, pulling out some food. he started munching on them, pondering where to look next.

[Blitz Boom 4,631]

@,

 

"As you wish. Let's begin the warm up then, shall we?"

 

Vivid stood still as the first attack began with a pair of shadowy wolves quickly moving in for a simple, easy to spot combined attack. Behind them, a dragon and three gryphons rose with the gryphons starting to flank the swordspony and the dragon raising up above the crowd and preparing a breath attack in the middle of where Cubus stood currently.

 

She knew that this would not be enough to defeat him, and if it was, she would quite frankly be very disappointed. Especially since the dragons breath was just smoke basically as burning down this place would also be against her contract.

 

But that be as it may, she wasn't doing this first sweep to hit him, no. She ws doing it to test his movements. And with the many eyes that she currently watched him from that kept getting new memmbers she was sure that she was going to see something, and she could up the game a little accordingly when that was.

 

_______________________________________________

 

 

@,

 

"Good, then let's buckle up and get going. Were loosing daylight and I don't want to be near the town when the darkness gets the predators out of their hidings. Not when the fun things will be hidden further inside."

 

You could hear a slight anticipating tone going over her voice at the possibility for some fun now. Granted, she could not go full on currently, and that meant a spar against Caliber would be a sad sight to watch, but finding something lurking in the woods and having a little go at that? It would likely be fine enough. And if it wasn't... Well, she had wandered into town holding a gaping wound in her stomach once already, what would a second time really end up doing?

 

_____________________________________________

 

@@Denim&Venom,

 

"Sometimes, real magic isn't meant to be explained."

 

He could understand what she was saying to a certain degree. Illusionists for example made a good show in making things seem magic even if it was just a sleigh of hooves, and having the fact going in and explain how it was done would just end up invalidating everything and make it seem cheap and hollow. Even if it wasn't really magic, it was enjoyable and exciting because you could still believe that it was, and often that belief was all that stood between a mundane trick and a mysterious wonder.

 

"I must admit, it is a nice change of pace to hear somepony talk for keeping the mystery alive. For a few years a lot of the ponies I hear in especially the heavy populated areas wants explanations, rationalize too much to make it seem easier to understand or even go to lengths to tell others that want to believe that it isn't real or just petty tricks for reasons unknown. It's disheartening to hear at times really."

 

_________________________________

 

 

@@NovaCosmic,

@,

 

When she saw the lettuce get spattered all around, Ziggy went began *circling* Blaze and the other pony that had showed up in fast movements that made it hard to see anything besides the pattern left briefly behind where she moved. After a little she stopped, next to the other pony and facing Blaze, with her front right leg bent to her chest and full of a good deal of the dropped lettuce. She hadn't been able to get All of it, but there would be a good deal less to pick up now at least.

 

"I sorta hoped I could catch all of it. I gotta practise more someday."

 

She grinned widely at Blaze. She hadn't seen him since the music shop, and she had pretty much went away from there after she had bought the CD he had shown her he had made (and a CD player 20 minutes later when she returned), and had spent some time listening to it since then. She still wasn't sure if she Really liked it yet, as it wasn't her usual style of music to listen to, but it was slowly warming on her so eh, good enough for her really. Not much music that could bring her out of her comfort zone after all.

 

"And hi to you. My names Doc Zinger, but everypony calls me Ziggy. What's your name? And why no desolate areas?"

 

You could see it in Ziggy's eyes that if she hadn't the lettuce grasped a little loosely right now (She really had to get this sorted too) she would have drawn in the unknown pony to a big hug. It was a weird look to be able to spot, but if you saw the glimmer in her eyes and the increasing smile it told a lot, and if that wasn't something that just anypony took notice off... Well, actions would speak louder than words soon enough. It was just a matter of time.

 

____________________________________________________

 

 

@@Randimaxis,

 

"Friends can do all sorts of things. Playing, talking, pranking ponies and moremoremore."

 

The gleefulness of Dax was quickly getting contagious. Or she was just getting slightly hyper again, it was hard to tell really.

 

"No idea if anypony in there knows you, but they accept all sorts there. And I bet they'd do it even More if you showed up with a bang. Wanna visit where I live and we'll find something? Huh? Huh? Huh? Pleeease? I have some really good fireworks that spread joy and fun times."

 

As she started halfway to run in circles around Dax and ending with bouncing up and down in front of him with big eyes the hyper theory seemed to be winning in this regard, but what did it matter? She had all sorts of reasons to be hyper. After all, she just found a new pony that was now her friend too, and it sounded like he Really needed a friend. Not sure why he wouldn't have anypony though as he seemed like a nice pony, but eh, what'd she know? And not like it mattered. She was his friend now, so that was the important part, and she wanted to have fun with her new friend.

 

"It's not in town though. We have to go a bit into the woods. That'a way."

 

She pointed in the rough direction of where she lived. Frankly she wasn't entirely sure where it was as she just tended to follow a few pointers and then wait until the clearing around her shack and workshop started to show. It was easier to find into Ponyville though for some reason. She wasn't entirely sure why, but eh long as it worked right?

[Denim&Venöm 19,053]

 

 

"Sometimes, real magic isn't meant to be explained."  

 

 "I must admit, it is a nice change of pace to hear somepony talk for keeping the mystery alive. For a few years a lot of the ponies I hear in especially the heavy populated areas wants explanations, rationalize too much to make it seem easier to understand or even go to lengths to tell others that want to believe that it isn't real or just petty tricks for reasons unknown. It's disheartening to hear at times really."

 

 

"Tis a sad state of affairs. A messy mix of curiosity, the need for control, and the fear of being manipulated. It also has to do with that feeling of being special, when something unexplainable happens.  When it doesn't happen to you, you ask "Why should it happen to anyone else?" They want to be the ones with the answers, the ones in control, and the ones who feel special by placing the smoke and mirrors where there are none.

 

Yet they ultimately fail to realize, nopony, no one, is ever in complete control. You are at the whim of chance. You life, your fate, your present, are the results of events set in motion long before time was a notion, influenced by the passing thoughts and actions of those long before anyone you've heard of was born. In attempting to avoid a certain outcome or answer, you very much become the cause of it.

 

Embracing the absurdism of life, is when you'll finally have control. " 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Sure!  Sounds like you have a plan, and I'm always happy to do whatever needs doing... friend!"

 

He happily began to mimic Blitz's bouncing, and he followed her wherever she was planning on taking him to.

 

He seemed very, very happy to have actually found a friend, and he seemed genuinely pleased to simply have somepony to talk to... but why?  Why didn't he have any friends in the first place?  It appeared rather odd that Dax was so nice, yet so lonely.

[Espurr 449]

 

@@Blitz Boom, 

 

Star sighed.

 

"Well, I liked the city but after living there for so long, it grew boring. I wanted some adventure. I wanted to live in a place where the air was cleaner." Star said and took a deep breath. "This was the perfect place. Plus, I had too good of a reputation back in the city. I was sort of famous. I wanted to get away from that fame so I came here."

[Melke 160]

@, 

 

Melke peeked out from among the leaves he hid in and look at the new pony. He first inspected the pony at the bottom of the tree then stared at the food he had.

 

Well, I guess there is always that one pony who would come these woods. Those runes... I can't tell what they mean but I can feel their magical signature. I wonder what is he doing here?

 

I guess I best go and look for more berries later, I haven't eaten yet and most of the food that these ponies eat are not fitting to my taste, though I would say that they sure know how to make things look tasty.

 

Melke decided that he had enough of looking at the pony and decided to go before he gets spotted. As he hopped to another tree, he slipped and fell. He landed on something and when he look up, he met eye to eye with a large wooden wolf.

 

"Ah..haha..nya..... hello? How are nya doing?" Melke stammered nervously.

 

The wolf growl and snarled at Melke before trying to pounce on him to eat him. Melke sprinted past the tree he was at and past the pony, going deeper into the forest with the wolf hot on his tail.

Edited August 15, 2015 by Negativa_Melke

[P-Jay 1,987]

@@Blitz Boom, 

 

cubus looked almost bored. and the second the dragon breathed the column of smoke, he acted. the griffons were at his sides. timberwolves in front, and dragon above the wolves.

 

he dashed forward in a fluid motion, avoiding the smoke and advancing at the wolves, whom he vaulted over. he hadn't drawn his sword, yet, and at this rate, he probably wouldn't need to.

 

he landed behind the wolves, and gripped one's hind leg. he swung it, and smashed it into the other one before it could react. 

 

"i thought i was gonna have a little workout..." he murmured, keeping one eye on the griffons, and the other on the dragon overhead himself.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

caliber clapped his hooves. "alright, then, lessgo!" he got up, and started trotting deeper into the woods. he presumed last stand was following.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

@,

 

rune had just finished his flower sandwich, when some little...cat...thing bolted past him. "...odd. a cat in the everfree forest..." his ear twitched as he watched the timberwolf chasing. it was after the cat, apparently. 

 

rune almost yawned, and merely stuck out his hind leg as the wolf ran past. it tripped, and tumbled head-over-heels. 

 

a simple dissembly spell was enough to take it down. "i wonder what happened with that cat...thing." he wondered outloud, as he continued his meal. 

[Melke 160]

@, 

 

Melke kept on running for a bit more before finally turning his head to check if the wolf is still after him. 

 

Huh? It stopped chasing me alread-

 

SMACK! Melke ran into a low hanging branch and it knocked him by the head and he fell head over heels backward until he stopped by a tree. He sat up though dizzy, he started to inspect the damage.

 

Ow... That really hurt. And I am starving... but I am so dizzy to even move... My mask... it cracked.

 

Melke took off his mask and then opened his bag, placing the mask back in and taking out some herbs to eat. The herbs helped to stem the pain and but he can't get up yet as he was still dizzy.

Edited August 15, 2015 by Negativa_Melke

[reader8363 1,281]

Feeder walked around ponyville, looking at the building. He stopped at a few stores, to buy stuff for his bag. when he was done. He walked to the park, found a slightly secluded part, then sat down, and went through his bags, to check if he has everything he needs.

[P-Jay 1,987]

@, 

 

rune swallowed the last bit of food, and clapped his hooves. "time to get back to work!" he chirped, standing up and walking in the direction the cat had fled. hopefully it was alright...

 

he trotted about, looking for the eye-catching black leaves and red trunk. and it wasn't long at all before he came across the same cat-thing.

 

it looked hurt...perhaps it was smart enough to talk? after all, not every cat wore a mask.

 

"...yo~!" he called out to it.

[cwhip9 1,078]

Cresent the batpony with an orange mane had just got off from the long night shift and was flying back to ponyville, going over the days events he found himself get more and more sleepy soon in midflight he was sleeping, Until he was woken up with a loud SPLAT.

Pain in the face is what made him relies he hit something, or more fell into one of the vendors tomato stands.

After blinking away the paste he saw an rather annoyed looking earth pony

 

cresent smiled uneasily "hehe..this isn't the forest is it?"

Edited August 15, 2015 by cwhip9

[Blitz Boom 4,631]

@@Denim&Venom,

 

Briar nodded to what Priestess said. He was mostly agreeing with what she was saying, though when it started to sound a bit like she was referring to fate he wasn't entirely on it anymore. Not that he was certain that this was what she was talking about, and considering how he had jumped to conclusions before he would not open his mouth at this, but if it was indeed fate he could still think his potential response to that and the belief he had in fate not being an actual thing.

 

He embraced that some things could be set in motion that was out of your control to do something about, but at the same time he also believed that choice is what made the path forward, not a list set in stone before you even had the chance to take your first breath. Not because it might not end being true, but because it would make everything meaningless. What would the point be in striving for anything if it had already been decided after all?

 

Yet, he would keep this inside so he could avoid making more of a fool of himself right now. Once had frankly been more than enough.

 

"Life is a mystery best left unsolved. Even if some things can be good to know in the end it is dreadfully boring and essentially rather pointless to try and get the answer to everything. Yet somepony will always try and others again will listen to see if that will make everything clear and better."

 

__________________________________________

 

 

@@Randimaxis,

 

"Yey . I bet we can be there in like... 15 minutes or something if we hit the right way then."

 

Blitz grabbed the spring she had dropped when Dax had pulled her in for a swirly hugand started to make her way through the first parts of the forest. After a few minutes she looked up at Dax with questioning eyes and a thought that had danced around her head for a bit finally getting into focus.

 

"Say, is it Really barren where you come from? Like a barn way, way, Way out there where nopony else goes? It sorta sounded like you didn't have many ponies to talk with before."

 

__________________________________

 

 

@@Espurr,

 

"Master said much the same. That being well known haves a cost, though I never understood it."

 

There was frankly a lot that Omen didn't understand even back then, but she never had reason to either. She wasn't supposed to be one of the great thinkers or try to make sense of the ever shifting world. Her task was simpler, and in a way she wished it still was.

 

"What did your fame spring from? Were you a ruler?"

 

_________________________________

 

 

@,

 

"Very well then, let us up the antics."

 

Behind Cubus the wolves melted together and formed from their meagre selves into a strong manticore whilst the Gryphons that had missed the swordspony before circled around and grabbed hold of a few of the unformed ones each and started throwing them towards him. If they didn't hit him they would form, potentially melt together into a strong form, and continue their assault further.

 

Above them the dragon twitched and turned, switching from the clunky form into a winged serpent that looked down upon him with narrow eyes before a rain of *poison* (basically smoke bombs) rained down, following his movements to make sure he didn't stand still for too long. That is unless he could do something about its presence.

 

___________________________________

 

 

@,

 

Last was following alright, but she was also keeping her ears perked for anything that might start making sounds out of nowhere, or the sudden absence of it for that matter. To hear the ground rumble as something was about to rise or hearing the flaps of wings were telling, but so was it when the sensitive critters around them went silent. Either because they tried to hide themselves from the presence of a predator, or because said predator had already cleared enough out to make the rest leave the place be.

 

Not all things worth having a go at had that effect on things around them, but more often than not it was a good idea to listen to the critters, so she was going to, and then see if this would lead to something hunt-worthy. Good chance they'd see something first though, but eh, that was how things went at times too after all. Sometimes, you just had to adapt to what was going on.

 

___________________________________________

 

@@reader8363,

 

"W-Why am I doing this?... I should... I should have waited..."

 

The low voice was heard not far from the part where Feeder had decided to pause. More specifically, it came from one of the bushes where a bit of movement was shown before the head of a teenage filly slowly popped out and looked from side to side to check if the way was clear.

 

The patches of different coloured exoskeleton and the two tone mane seemed random as Changelings didn't normally have any mane or tail to speak about and usually were pure black, but as she hesitantly took a step forward and the holes in her leg showed  it was hard to argue against her being one of them. Or at least somewhat, as Brittle Buzz after all wasn't fully converted, so it was hard to say for sure if she could be counted as a full on Changeling or if you had to think mixed. Depended on the viewer likely.

 

Brittle almost started to take the econd step out and head towards the bushes on the other side of the pathway when she finally bit notice in there being somepony else there and stopped moving, looking at Feeder with big, worried eyes and fear resting just beneath the surface. Not because of anything in particular at this point, but just because he was a stranger, and strangers were often mean from her experience.

 

___________________________________________

 

 

@@cwhip9,

 

The flapping of wings was heard a little from the centre of Ponyville before a pony landed. This wasn't unusual in Ponyville, considering the amount of Pegasi that made their home in the area, but the one that had landed wasn't exactly one of the normal sights of their kin, and a few eyebrows was raised as the leathery wings of the newcomer folded down and he looked around.

 

(This is how he looks)

 

"So this is Ponyville then... Interesting."

 

His voice was somewhat half-deep with a slightly gravel undertone to it as he stood and spoke lowly to himself, more or less ignoring the looks he got from those passing by as he knew what most of them were thinking. He blamed them not, considering everything, but if he were to direct his attention to each and every one of them right now he would end being drowned in the same question, and he just wasn't in the mood for that.

 

Frankly, he would rather start with one, then take it from there to ease into things. This might be his new home for now, and he knew that in time he would answer the same things over and over again, but just for the first few minutes at least he would prefer to just have a look, see how things looked in this town and then take it from there, and he would give the citizens that they were kind to give him that little time to breathe in.

 

Granted, if he wanted to attract less attention he should have not worn his helmet, but it had been his for so long now that it felt odd for him not to have it on, and besides, he didn't exactly have any bags with him. The few possessions he owned had been sent here a few days ago, which included the only bag he owned, and he wasn't gonna wander with his helmet in his teeth. Especially not since it didn't matter since helmet or not, his wings were characteristic for where he had been before, though more evolved than most of his colleagues. Not a surprise considering how long he had been there, but still.

 

The blank flank issue was another thing that some might focus on, but he was pretty much jaded about any taunting and weird looks that gave him by now, so he wasn't really focusing on that. Especially not when there came something more important to focus on as a youngster fell from the sky and impacted one of the boxes in a tomato stand from the looks of things.

 

Internally giving out a sigh, the older pony wandered over and looked over the damages with an unmoved expression on his face. It didn't seem as bad as it could have been, but there was certainly a reason for the carts owner to be a little annoyed at the batpony that had crashed down.

 

"Is everything okay here?"

[NovaCosmic 126]

@[member='blazedtime' ],

 

"So...uh....Blaze, is it? What are you up to today?"  Said Melody nervously.

 

"Aside from buying lettuce....of course..." 

 

She looked around the market.

 

"I need to get more than lettuce, actually. I'm also looking for some purple tomatoes, though apparently, they only grow in the Everfree Forest. So they are quite hard to come by..."

 

Melody trotted around the market hoping to find some, but her efforts were fruitless (literally).

 

 

 

 

[Denim&Venöm 19,053]

 

 

"Life is a mystery best left unsolved. Even if some things can be good to know in the end it is dreadfully boring and essentially rather pointless to try and get the answer to everything. Yet somepony will always try and others again will listen to see if that will make everything clear and better."  

 

 

Indeed it is, but it's still fun to try. Like being en route to a destination, sometimes the journey is the best part. And regardless of the answer,  trying to solve in pursuit of that mystery, and the things you learn along the way, amount to far more than whatever answers lay ahead. 

 

Irue, that it is also pointless the have all the answers. No pony is meant to have all the answers, as some questions were not made for us to answer, but for somebody else to realize. Each one of us having some answers, helps us piece together the portrait, hidden within the puzzle that is our world."

[reader8363 1,281]

@Blitz Boom,

 

Once he knew he had everything he need, Feeder slung his bags onto his back, then he caught movement from a bush, he turned to the bush where he saw movement, he sad, as he smiled &  in his kind sounding voice,

 

"Who's there? don't be afraid, I'm not going to hurt you."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Yey  . I bet we can be there in like... 15 minutes or something if we hit the right way then."

 

Dax nodded.  "Well, what're we waiting for?  Let's go!"  He followed Blitz, a million questions running through his head.

 

"Say, is it Really barren where you come from? Like a barn way, way, Way out there where nopony else goes? It sorta sounded like you didn't have many ponies to talk with before."

 

He gave a heavy sigh.  Dax didn't really want to talk about it, but there was no way he was going to deny Blitz anything she asked for... even if what she was asking for were heavy answers.

 

"I... really don't.  But it's not because I live that far out of town... though that doesn't help things.  Look, you remember when I said I was a miner?  Wellllllll... that's not exactly true.  Y'see, I'm..."

 

He swallowed loudly, then simply determined he was going to say it.

 

"Actually, my family OWNS the Blackwater Mines.  We provide Equestria with more than half its emeralds, and we've been doing so for a long, long time.  My family doesn't have a... good reputation with other ponies.  In fact," he said gloomily, "they're... not so nice.  They're mean, actually.  Mean, nasty, rude and self-entitled.  My Father's really strict, my Mother is kinda greedy, and DON'T get me started on my little brother.  Truth is, they aren't exactly well liked by anypony.  And I'M a Blackwater, so ponies tend to not like me because of it."

 

Dax looked at the ground, all the energy of earlier seemingly sucked right out of him.

 

"I wanted to work with the miners.  My Father said they were 'beneath us', but I didn't think so.  So, when he wasn't looking, I snuck out to the mines and helped out.  We found this HUGE vein of emerald once - biggest one ever mined.  The other miners thought I was great... then, my finky little brother, Oglevy, ratted me out.  Father was MAD.  He..."

 

He looked at Blitz with shame in his eyes, bordering on tears.

 

"... he made me fire the miners that liked me the most.  Made ME do it.  I haven't had any friends since."

 

Dax loped along, staring at the ground.  His shame was out; it felt kind of good getting it off his back, but he still felt too lousy to enjoy it.  He wondered what his new (and only) friend would think of that.

 

He hoped he hadn't just lost his new friend most of all.