open Casual stroll

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord shrugged, "It used to be." He replied, ignoring the comment about dark humour. "It was almost wiped out at one point but now it's probably becoming more abundant now that there aren't as many Dracrystalline around to keep it in check. Thankfully it doesn't multiply fast enough to be a problem for, about..." Discord counted on his claw, growing more digits as he did. "Twenty years or so?" The extra digits fell off, becoming mice that quickly scurried away.

Edited October 24, 2017 by Shineling

[FanOfManyShows 396]

. @Blitz Boom

Chow really would regret suggesting that later, although Astral knew it was stupid, but it might also work, she could make chains from the walls and just teleport away, although doing it so suddenly would end up convincing Chow she was turning evil. "I've avoided evil before, it's was when I turned away from trying to resurrect my mom with dark magic." She paused for a moment and looked away. "Although I suppose I'd be doing that now... depends how the horcrux works." She let out a quiet giggle and looked to Chow. "Yeah it might work, as for learning magic, the books for that would be back at our house I think."

===============================================================

Warlock looked up to her with an evil grin. "Dear, I've dug up my own parents grave to resurrect them, I don't care about grave robbing." He said with a snicker. "But... I would have to figure out how to deal with the pain." He looked down and back to his hooves again. "I could wear my metal legs, but I need magic to make those since Sapphire destroyed the originals..." He said with a sigh. "I'd probably float even with legs though, It's a habit now." He said shrugging.

===============================================================

Iron Wing looked down. "Hm" He looked to the window, he could use his metal wings to reflect some light to reveal Zhu, but he wasn't wanting to shine light in a dragon's eye, no idea what it would do to react. "Why are you on the roof?" He asked looking up to the ceiling. "If you don't mind me asking that is."

===============================================================

Francis looked to the object, which is what he'd discribe it as. He sensed the love inside, but he could feel the lack of genuine love in there, he snickered, in his head somehow, he had felt that so many times as a changeling. "Might seem odd to you, in many ways." He said with a snicker, and took the gem and simply opened his mouth. His eyes closed as a pink magic flowed out of the gem into his mouth, his body seemed to heal of its smallest wounds, and a scar on his wing was even fixed as other small wounds were fixed too, he'd need more love to fix the major ones, like, a lot, same even went with Nectar, except she didn't need to open her mouth. He closed his mouth and cut the magic flow off, letting it drif in the air, he flicked his tongue out and took it into his mouth. "Hm, doesn't taste that bad, might just save it for later." He chuckled softly.

[Widdershins 9,960]

@Dijon Horseradish & @Blartz Blang

  Looking back at Spicy Rolls as she shouted out in greeting to him, Kaltrop's defenses once again rise with his proverbial hackles.

    "What do you want from me?! I've gotten literally thrown into some Inquisition in some Pony Hive, and I'm not supposed to get upset at everypony tossing everything all on me?"

With his head turned back around on his long neck to address the former red pegasus and unaware of Aurora's advance as a third red pegasus, Kaltrop's head swivels back as the second of three red, pegasus mares bumps into his chest. Addressing Dawn Streak, the drake once more ventilates his emotions. A habit that seems to happen often in firebreathers. Not that Kaltrop's was all that reliable to begin with.

    "And what do you want? You haven't exactly been helping either, sniping comments from a safe distance! Acting like you're better then dragons! Like dragons are only another species in your Equestria! A Dragon is Strong! A Dragon has to be able to defend themselves at all times! A Dragon doesn't have to listen to no pony!"

    Flustered in his finite fit, the drake appears to be almost chanting that which most young dragons get drilled into them from a young age from the small groups of peer pressure and equally misguided teen dragons. From his body language, he hasn't moved much to pose any threat of actually attacking anypony. Words really do seem to come to Kaltrop's arsenal more then his claws or magic breath.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

To Sir Blitz of Booming:

  "I'd, uh, be g-glad to help you Mr. Hour, but, uh... C-careful I-"

 With what could only be guessed at as a gentle, magical tug channeled from whatever horn Happy Hour had, Ambie began to fall out of the tree. His sturdy, earth pony frame capable of taking a moderate fall more than the pudgy pony would give himself credit for, laid at a heap somewhere between the base of the tree and Happy. His mane and tail, still the same usual shade of leafy green, still sported a few small pieces of tree debris, but his coat now turned to an almost pale, ivory white the tint more common among cave critters the like of which typically don't see all that much natural sunlight. Ambie lies for now, scuffed but unharmed. He ought be fine to go now after a few hearty prods. The likes of which a business-stallion like Happy would no doubt be prone to giving.

 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

  @Faxy Stacks & Bullets Bill (B.B, that is!)

      Prancing back into the room with the tea cart, muzzle held to her usual height, Rarity sits besides Foxy while she uses her magic to gently pour some green tea into rather small, decorative tea cups. With a wave towards the silver platter, she first addressed the group.

   "Oh, that is truly good to hear! Do feel comfortable & relax after all that has been in the past and your adventures through our dear town today! Make yourselves at home and do partake in some fine cucumber sandwiches to go with your tea while I talk to our dear Miss Socks here about her project here!"

  Turning to Foxy Socks now to give her client her whole, undivided attention, Rarity swivels in her seat.

  "Do tell, darling! What did you want done here? Just a bit of repair here & there on what few threadbare sections there are or a more overhaul of it? I know sentimental value may be of concern here, but perhaps the ensemble may last longer with entirely new fabric? What you think is best, darling?"

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@Shineling & @Blitz Boom

If one of the passengers had poked their heads outside of the... literally mobile home Anomaly was indirectly piloting, they would notice the music getting gradually louder the closer anything got to the small clearing in front of the congealed molasses mountain. Hopefully they got there before the flower-munching rock creature did; judging by what appears to be sentient movement of the overlarge, pony-sized daisy, it doesn't look like things will go well if its dancing gets interrupted.

With its two big leaves rather high up the stalk like hunched shoulders under its large, yellow-petaled "head", the whole stem appears to be swiftly shaking back and forth while it's shimmying in place. In fact, the whole circular area of grass appears to be swaying to match its movements in tune to the frenetic jazz drifting out of the area.....

 

 

                         OOC: I'm so sorry. I just had to pick the Ten Hours!  

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom @Widdershins

"Well, it may be difficult. It's in her nature to do that, but I'll make sure Brittle will be okay," Foxy whispered to Briar. Foxy debated whether or not she should notify Rarity of Anomaly's presence. Her thinking was cut short when Rarity came back to the area, with questions for Foxy.

 

Foxy didn't really think much of how her fox costume would be repaired, but she knew Rarity was skilled enough to make it good as new. "Well, as long as it's repaired and foxes can recognize me, I don't mind. I've heard very good things from you, so there is no need for me to worry too much." She honestly didn't know much about fabric herself, so she didn't care much. 

 

Foxy's eyes darted around quickly as she remembered Anomaly. She decided now was the best time to tell Rarity, as she could appear any moment. "Also, we may have a friend, um, appear. She's a bit eccentric, but she is quite nice." Foxy left out the part of her being a Draconequus for a for reasons, but she hoped Rarity would understand.

[Sekel 694]

@Widdershins & @Blitz Boom

DAWN & AURORA

"Oh. It's just Kaltrops," Aurora huffed in disappointment. "I thought you were an actual dragon," she added sitting down and flicking her tail so it covered her front hooves. She tilted her head at Spicy, then at the huffy whiny dragon. "You know, Spicy, I think Kaltrops was having a seizure. Why else would he have yelled like a mare when one accidentally bumped into him?"

Dawn felt Kaltrops' annoyance, and that unfortunately fueled her own at actually touching a dragon. She quickly walked forward and turned before sitting in front of him, and near Aurora. When she did, she moved her tail in the opposite direction, to the left, and had it cover her front hooves that way. "Sniping comments from a safe distance, have I? Been treating you wrongly, huh!? Well, that could be that I'm treating dragons the way they're supposed to be treated! With prejudice, racism, and judgmental looks!"

[cwhip9 1,078]

On ‎10‎/‎22‎/‎2017 at 7:59 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I have no interest in hurting the colt. Hearing that side of you outside the dream though, I wonder if you can say the same."

Cresent's eye twitched in anoyence of how the feline turned that on him, or maybe he was just also reminding cresent as well, but cresent had to admit he was glad the feline said that. Still, whish the colt would have herd the first part of it only.

 

On ‎10‎/‎22‎/‎2017 at 7:59 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"So then, I think we've had our fun. How about we move along peacefully and try to help the colt then, hmm? Wouldn't want to disappoint the zebra who seemed to have oh so much confidence in our ability to help now, would we?"

As the cat moved ahead of the two ponys cresent let his wing leave the colt to give him space, hearing all that about a comrade on a quest would be a lot to take in....was it handeled too ruffly? too much care? Cresent would proably never get the answer unless cover up spoke about it to him.

"agreed" cresent said moving on still staying by the youngster side in case of foes or the like yet with enough space for one to think.  

Edited October 24, 2017 by cwhip9

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

Victoria huffed a little, it was clear the previous version of her was still there, but Angel had taken position below her, poking his head out between her front legs and smiling up at her which seemed to soften her again as she smiled back down at him.

"Well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to talk to you... for a bit. Just try to keep your saliva in your mouth and I'll do you the same courtesy. I... don't fit in per say, I'm just Battenberg's little sister. She's older than me, kinder than me and a better baker which leaves me as just a poor man's version of her. And as much as my family persist they still love me, I can tell they hate every moment I'm around... I feel it with you too."

"Victoria! That's just not true. I love you with all my heart."

Battenberg put her hoof around her sister and squeezed her gently. She didn't seem convinced.

"I know I can be... difficult... That's why its so hard for everyone to get on with me, but what else can I do? The only way I can make myself stand out from Batty is to make sure I look prettier than her, and I can barely even manage that. Ponies don't understand me, or how I work and that's why I'm always alone. All adds up and I end up becoming more and more vein because the more I can tell ponies don't like me, the more I don't like them."

Her expression was strange, despite her stories depressive tones she didn't seem to be bothered by it, it was as if she'd just grown used to her situation.

"I need ponies to get on with me before I can get on with them but I often upset them before they get the chance."

Angel tugged on her mane, again seemingly the only one who could touch it without her going off on one. She smiled wistfully at him.

"Angel's the only one who has no ill feelings towards me whatsoever. Foals are so cute and innocent, they understand me and they don't judge me. I long to be a mother and have a foal of my own, but sadly that seems to be an impossibility since no stallion wants to spend more than a few minutes with me; looking pretty is no good if you aren't a nice pony."

Her face remained nonchalant though her eyes did appear to be wetter than before. Battenberg took off her scarf and wrapped it around her sister.

"I love you Victoria, and so did our mother."

"Is that why she made you this scarf and gave me nothing?"

"She made this scarf for me because I'm the older sister, she told me to look after you and to use this scarf to remind both of us of her back in Trottingham. It's not my scarf Vicky, it's our scarf."

Victoria smiled and hugged her sister, Angel still whizzing about below them, completely unaware of any negative feelings in the air.

 

 

Royal Velvet followed the dragon out of Battenberg Bakery and onto the busy streets of Manehatten.

"That is correct. I saw you looking at Red's dress in that photo, am I picking up hints of interest?"

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom

Serenade blinks rapidly, her eyes shifting from her normal eye color to green and back again. She shakes her head then settles down next to Ziggy. "I'm not sure what I need to do, I can't seem to focus my mind."

[Blitz Boom 4,634]

@cwhip9

Seeing as he didn't know the way, Zinthar pretty quickly resorted to climbing into a tree and travel above them instead. It gave him some advantage when it came to watching the two, and the occasional slow bird if he were lucky, though perhaps he should give the feasting a rest for now. Nopony liked a fat cat, and the squirrels teased them.

It made the colt twitch a little, but after a time walking silently without being assaulted from above, he calmed himself some and just kept wandering, thinking over how he had ended up with what were essentially two monsters.

Crescent seemed like a good pony at least, but a vampire and a... Whatever the feline were, was still not normal, and likely dangerous. He just had to pray that the dangerous part would be directed towards those that got in their way, and not him.

"...Can I ask you something Crescent?"

He bit his lip for a moment before continuing.

"W-What happened to you, to make you, y-you know... D-Dead? And why would somepony try and bring you b-back?"

=================================

 

@Dji @Widdershins

"I swear, you two fight like an old couple. How about you both kiss and make up, eh?"

Spicy looked at Kaltrops and Dawn with a big grin on her muzzle. She knew well that the kissing idea was not going to fall in good waters, and that Kaltrops especially would end up giving her an earful for it, but she just had to.

"Seriously though, both of you calm down. Alright? I know you two hate eachother 'cause you're racist and short sighted, but this here town doesn't look like it needs more hostility. So, how about we all have a nice chat before it goes to a brawl, okay? Don't make me pick a side and have Marley escort the other one away."

"That isn't going to work with him."

Spicy had taken some notice of wings flapping near them, but hadn't bitten much notice in it before Nerzhei had landed and started speaking.

The dragoness was about as tall as a Human, two legged rather than those such as Benny, and had faded yellow scales with purple spots here and there. She had no hair, but rows of spikes on her head to her neck almost made it seem as if she had short, slicked back, pale hair.

She wore a robe with pockets, and a large shoulderbag in a strap down her left side, and on her left shoulder, a pink bunny with a tuft of halfway unkempt *hair* looked down on them all eith a pretty judgemental look. Not your average carrot chaser that one.

"And why's that?"

"Indoctrination. Sadly all too common in a good deal of dragon settlements, including my own, and if you've heard one variant you've heard them all."

The scolar's eyes briefly fell on Dawn, questioning and slightly concerned from what she had overheard. Her guess would be that a dragon had hurt the mare once, and pretty badly at that, but she would keep that to herself for now. If it was true, she'd just cause more harm than good by sharing that theory with the mare nearby. A pony might be able to talk with her about that, but a dragon? She wasn't an idiot.

"Figures that if he didn't want to state his reasons to you ponies that perhaps I could help mediate. Thought perhaps Ancalagon had called on me for that, though I'm not getting in the way before I'm asked. Just sharing an opinion as a neutral party for now."

"Sheesh, I get all the fun dragons, don't I? Alright, stay tight and ready if needed. Until then, I have to keep these two from beating eachother up if I can."

Marley and Pop had about the same reaction to both this, and the warring Kaltrops, Dawn, and potentially this new pony that had run out of the wagon. Putting their heads in their hooves/talons, and shaking them.

==================================

 

@Battenberg

Though she hadn't thought it possible just fifteen minutes ago, Pop were actually starting to feel rather bad for Victoria. All of those dreams, but hampered by a feeling that she were the forgotten foal of the bunch, which made her try to stand out more an be noticed. Something which just made her more obnoxious to be around it seemed, which made her act harder and... Well, a circle without an end more or less.

Pop hadn't any idea what it was like to fight for focus among siblings. She had a brother, but the two of them had been given about the same amount of attention when they grew up, so she didn't know what it was like to feel there were not enough parental love to share around. It made her more certain that two foals were the ideal number, so that there could always be unbridled attention from at lest one of the parents constantly if it had to be, but that wasn't the point right now.

What was, were that Victoria were quite a bit troubled, instead of the annoying brat she had thought of at first, and she really did need somepony to let her in. Now Pop wasn't able to do it, since she had already proven that it was likely that the two of them would end up beating eachother up within ten minutes of being left completely alone, but wasn't there some way she could help? Sure, she seemed to be doing fine enough with Benny, but uhm... She didn't really want to share him with a bad influence like this. He might be an adult, but he was still trying to learn as much as he could from ponies, and that left him impressionable at times. She doubted enough to become like Victoria showed herself mostly, but since she wasn't sure, it was a bit of a finicky solution.

"I'm sorry to hear that Victoria. Nopony should be stranded in a seemingly endless spiral like that.

I don't feel right to comment on what seems to be the core of a very personal, family issue, but if you're looking for stallions, perhaps I could ask there? I mean, you seem a lot like one of the nobles of Canterlot. They value looks over how they act a lot of the times, want to be clean, and look uhm... *cough* down on ponies sometimes *cough*. It's not a perfect fit, but I mean, I thought you fit in well there the first time I saw you come into the store.

...Okay, that was supposed to sound better than it actually did. Sorry.

I just mean, if you feel better this way, have you tried being with somepony like that? Or are you hoping for a more tolerant one that can get beneath the spikes? Not to pry too much, but it just sounds sad, and I meet a lot of ponies traveling around for ingredients. If I saw somepony that fit the bill, I wouldn't mind letting a word slip. You know, if it could help."

Pop smiled, but she did get a little blushy and squirmy over what she were saying. She hadn't started this thinking she would go this way, but hearing herself say it, it became evident to herself how much of a match maker she were actually playing right now. It was her mother all over again.

"You know, all of this sounded better in my own head before I actually started to say it."

Meanwhile, outside, Benny nodded at the question the Royal had given him.

"The design was excellent, which is kinda why I wanted to have a word. I'm sorta... Preparing to propose you see, but it just doesn't seem right when the only clothes I own is the armor I make, and I can't look for a tailor in Canterlot since Pop might find out and it's not exactly easy to find somepony who knows their stuff well enough to tailor to dragons. These tend to be an issue."

Benny spread his large, leathery wings a little to prove his point, as he stumbled through his minor confession with an awkward blush on his face.

"The dress you had made there looked both fetching and made to fit without an issue, and Pop usually doesn't go to Fillydelphia that often, so she shouldn't know it if I ordered a few suits from there. I have the bits to pay for the work, no worries there. Been preparing for things for five years now, and since Twinkle Dee finally got done with the necklace and ring, I have to start thinking about a memorable attire too."

Twinkle Dee was a renowned, and generally expensive jeweler in Manehattan, and one who knew how to make a memorable ring, necklace, or other kind of accessory more stunning than anypony who ordered from there asked for. She had her regular things that were sold well too of course, but the custom-ordered pieces were her main calling card, and something he had heard when he thought about the day he'd ask Pop the question, was that a wedding band from Twinkle Dee would make the greatest day of your life extra special. It had stuck with him back then, and when time came, he had wandered here to get it done. She finished with them three days ago, but there were so many other things he needed to have prepared. A suit or something like t hat were one of them.

"*cough* Anyway... Think I can set a time where swing by your boutique and get some measures taken? I understand if you don't wanna deal with the issues of making something fit a dragon, but I figured it couldn't hurt asking now that I had the chance, you know?"

======================================================================================

 

@Foxy Socks @Widdershins

Before Rarity switches her undivided attention towards Foxy, Briar would thank her for her hospitality, though if she heard it all in time were hard for him to say. There wasn't much wind in here that he could use to direct himself with, and the few peeks he had attempted to take still stung his eyes quite severely, so he wasn't entirely certain if he were slow on the uptake when it came to sensing Rarity moving her head to Foxy.

He also did his to send a whispered *thank you* to Foxy for saying that she would help shield Brittle in case something happened. Considering the life she had thus far, it was good to see how many ponies in this area that were willing to show the half converted changeling kindness. Hopefully one day, she would be able to come here with no magical help and thank everypony on her own, yet until that day, he would be more than happy to do so for her, and for himself as well for showing this kindness to his ward.

The sense of smell were helpful in accepting her kind offer for tea and sandwiches though, and he had no issue directing through the smell of perfume and cloth that permeated this place otherwise, to find the exact position of the offered sustenance.

The end of his vine would slip slowly away from Brittle, who shook a little from it, and gently pick up a sandwich that he handed to her, before going back and withdrawing a cup of tea. All of the movements slow, deliberate, and most importantly to him, not something that should make Brittle feel like he were letting go off her.

She accepted the two things, but averted her eyes from the others currently and just sat silently, whilst Briar withdrew a matching set of treats for himself. As cucumber were a rare treat for him, he savored the meal, slowly slicing through it with his sharp teeth, and sipping the tea when it felt needed. An delightful taste for both of them to be sure.

"Anomaly is w-weird..."

Brittle's voice were low, and starting to shake again. It seemed as if an hour were all the spell would be able to handle at once when it came to her, if the rapid deterioration of it would be anything to go by.

"I prefer the term eccentric myself, but let her lie until she decides to reappear. For now, I would like to voice my agreement with Foxy. I may not have been here long, but I have heard praising words about your work as well. I am certain that you will gain nothing but a pristine result from this when she is in charge, Foxy. Perhaps we can go and test it afterwards, yes?"

=======================================================================================

 

@Shineling @Widdershins

The rock creature looked at the moving flower and slowly moved closer. It had no idea that this plant might be dangerous in some kind of way, and if it wasn't dangerous, it were likely food.

It inched closer and closer, second for second, until a voice in the horizon caused him to stop.

"Datt Mamon, don't touch it! The writy words in my head says it's not food."

The sound of heavy fet slamming against the ground got louder as the house run towards the place, and stopped just above the rock creature with a final, loud stomp, before sinking down so it was safe for the beings on the other side of the gate to get out. Though... Were where Anomal-

BOO!

Gaaargh! *frantic sound of a typewriter going haywire slams through the room, followed by laughter*

Hah! Told you I'd get you eventually. Who needs a fourth wall?

Y-You little- Are you trying to give me a heart attack or something? Get back in there!

Yeah yeah, I'm going. And I'm taking this with me.

Huh? *writer looks on helplessly as Anomaly swipes his freshly opened juice box and jumps back into Equestria, landing from out of nowhere, just in front of her house, sipping said juice box with delight*

"Needs a bit of breezie, but still a good apple juice."

She went over to scratch Datt Mamon on the rocky head whilst she emptied my juice box (I will get you for this No you won't) and tossed it over her shoulder, where it'd get swallowed up by the earth before the area started to rumble.

Cracking out of the earth with some force, a tree sprang that bloomed and carried hanging juice boxes of various kinds, and all with her face on as a kind of promo. Seemed like a fun tree to plant, and this was her very own slice of the world, so she could do what she wanted here.

"So, where's the other guy, and the fourth of me?"

He should be around, and I sent the other you to the beach. I don't want more confusion here right now. Also, since you didn't ask, your friends are on the other side of the gate. They just need to wander out from the swirling portal at the bottom to get out.

===============================================================================

 

@Widdershins

"Alright, seems like you're heavier than you looked."

Happy had tried to get the pony out safe and sound, but his idea about the weight of said stallion had been off, and Ambie had slumped to the ground like a sack of potatoes. It would get kinda awkward if it turned out the halfling were seriously injured by this, but he better check up he supposed. There were enough branched that had snapped as he went down to make several he could float and once and poke to Ambie with like he was testing for a soft spot. Specifically, about twelve branches or pieces thereof of varying sizes and shapes had snapped and he were using them simultaneously. If this didn't poke life into him, he'd go with stage two: Kicking.

==========================================================================================

 

@Lloyd

"Well you got Misty and your dad to keep you in check, as well as me. We'll make sure you stay on the right side."

Chow grinned at her, trying to push some positive attitude unto the mare before wandering past her and whistling loudly at the guards standing at the hospital doors. Always seemed to work in getting him the attention he required.

"Something's come up that we need to handle. If anything happens, find us at-"

Chow gives off the address of where Astral and misty lives, as well as his own shop as an *in case we aren't there* option.

"- And make sure to knock loudly. I haven't reopened the shop yet, so the door stays closed until something goes down."

The guards nodded in agreement, as he wandered back to Astral, though he stopped for a bit to scratch the scar in his forehead. THe one that had allowed Athriel to escape, and though had been closed, still itched a little frankly. It wouldn't stand out at least though, considering his other wounds, so that was one worry off the plate. Just several hundred others to go.

"We'll get notified if there is anything, though I doubt it. The medical staff here is top notch, and none of your family members were critical. They'll pull through this, and so will we, you hear me? The Dubious Duet ain't gonna win. Now come on, let's get cracking."

===========================================================================

 

@Lloyd

"Remembers to call your parents? What a good, family stallion you are."

Athriel cackled as she imagined the horrified looks on other ponies as the shambling remnants of Warlock's kin walked towards them. How fun their screams must have been.

"Regarding the floating, it might be a habit, but it's a dangerous one to rely on. If they find a way to negate your magic, you'll be sprawling like a fish on the ground. Metal legs sounds like it could work as a temp option I suppose, but it would have to again not rely on magic, and what're the odds somepony actually managed to make something like that?

Our best bet is to grow you a new set, and then have you deal with the muscle training from there. I'm thinking you'll either toughen up through it, or we *convince* a zebra to assist us in keeping your screaming down. Whatever way, we then find a spot to ward off from their sight and prepare a proper assault.

I don't know if you can leech some power off one of the other elements to fasten things up though. You still have the Element of Depression with you, right? Could that perhaps do the trick if I get the rest started?"

Her immediate guess would be yes, as he did drain magic to become stronger before, but if greed wasn't his element anymore, than all bets were off, and it were better to get some assurances. It'd help if it was possible though, as the alternative was using some dark magic on the muscles and he were more likely to be dissolved than helped if she tried that. Volatile magic to use on something so delicate.

=========================================================================================

 

@Lloyd

"I am an observer, guarding the weave. I see the threads that you don't know you are weaving, and attempt to keep the pattern balanced, without your kind finding out that the stream you think is free, is dug with purpose by one in the shade."

"He means ponies don't like to be told that you're being manipulated."

"Pony, Dragon, all wander a path laid before them in darkness. I merely carry a light."

Zhu's snake tongue slithered out of his mouth and tasted the air before returning under the hood.

"But I suppose the dice have been thrown. Times have changed and the winds blows me away from my shades. Soon the light will shine and what were gone will return. Core of the sun, or flicker among the stars? Even I can't see that."

Scorn gave an annoyed snort. He disliked beings talking in riddles and half truths like this, and as Zhu slowly descended, he had to compress his want to stomp on him.

"Alright, enough about this. We have plans to set in motion. If we have the element, we need to find a way to make sure that they know."

"Of your plans, don't chose the one which involves the canyon or the Griffons. Betrayal will rise, and the crimson veil will fall upon Equestria."

"How about you come with a suggestion instead of belittling others?"

"It is my part to guide, not to take charge. Ponder your options, and flow with ideas. Perhaps I will answer once I return."

With that, Zhu opened the door and wandered out, unless he would get stopped by Iron Wings. The new general might also just let him go and bite notice in something that may be alarming: That the angle Zhu walked out wouldn't lead him to the front door, but instead further into the castle. Specifically, towards the royal bedrooms, that currently stood empty.

If he did nothing and saw nothing, Dew would look at him expectantly, wondering what his protegee would be able to think about in this situation.

=======================================================================================

 

@Lloyd

Shimmer grimaced and looked away as the gem was harvested. It may just be a storage container, but she had seen changelings feast on some close to her before, and she did not want to be faced with their eating habits again.

"We have the word out for those who signed up to be volunteer donors, in case of emergency. The doctors will make sure to keep you and your queen stabilized until we can get some of them here, though I hope this means you can approach it less ravenously, sir? It isn't easy finding volunteers for this, and it would hamper our integration attempts if either of you ended up assaulting either of them."

She glanced back once it sounded like he were done, and then gave a glance around to make sure that nopony in her squad had started to overreact, before looking back at the drone, curious for an answer to her question. Though she assumed that he might too have some questions, as the groundwork for the integration plans for their changeling allies were still mostly in the preparation stages, and not widely known about.

======================================================================================

 

@Shineling @EQ_Theta

"If she isn't found, it won't even be that long..."

Clayton had looked like his spirit had been broken even further when Discord said that the friends that had laid themselves in defense of everypony else, had been dead. He knew it was likely, but a small part of him had still hoped that if the horrid mare had survived, so would they.

And then... The Draconequus changed his statement.

"T-They're still alive? By Celestia, I can't just stand here then. I have to get them out!"

Normally the business pony would have been furious at something as twisted as that joke, but how could be focus on feeling angry when it now showed that there were a creature that could cure the infested, and that beneath the surface, his friends may yet still be possible to save? Nothing could stop him from feeling a spark of hope that shone over his anger in that moment, and he rushed in with the rope he had been given in tow, unaware of what Sen or Lin may have implored him about anymore.

Back with them, the drake - now known as apparently, a Refraction - kept on it's rampage towards t he gems that covered it's owner. It had gotten some traction now and the process sped up, which might also have something to do with the increased size. It may just be a few inches, but it was noticeable.

It was curious how this draconic creature had been know to Discord though, considering it had been gotten from another world, but portals between planes were fickle. perhaps as these creatures had started to go extinct on Equestria, a few of them had fallen through to the other plane somehow, and their eggs got scattered and dormant.

Whatever the reason, it was good that one were here at the current moment, though it were going to need quite a bit of time and gems to become big enough to be a more noticeable threat to gems like this, than a small being taking one at a time.

====================================================================================

 

@~Phoenix~

It would not be far until they stood at the small stand which would welcome the train when it would pass. The nomads Smokey had spoken off once didn't seem to be in the area currently, but that was more of a guarantee than anything. It was rare they were here, but just in case, the stop had been added to the train line, in case something important happened. Like if one of them got hurt and needed to get to the hospital fast, or something akin to that.

In the distance, a small toot could be heard, which widened the grin on the adventurers face.

"Ah, perfect timing. Soon we shall be at our well deserved meal Phoenix, and I can assure you that it will be excellent. We just need to hang in a little while longer."

====================================================================================

 

@genessee

"I think so? I mean, if you try to act completely normal then you'd have to be crazy, because nopony who is actually normal would try enough to be that average with everything. Gotta have some flaws of it starts to stink of fake. And speaking of stinking-"

Berry stopped up and knocked on a door to a rather large building, belonging to the blacksmith. When it opened, a small cloud of ash and metal flakes came out with the soot-covered pony that ran the place.

"Yeah?"

"Hi there Mister Slam. Your wife wanted to make sure you got something to eat, so she made sure we could bring you some of your favorite chow."

The blacksmith began rubbing off some of the soot from his right hoof so he could grab the package without an issue, which is when Berry leaned in to Lance and whispered.

"Next pack, that smells like cheese. Get it forth quickly."

The smell would barely be noticeable in the bag, but considering the contained the meal was in seemed to be sealed up, one had to wonder about what sort of harsh odor it might have trapped inside it.

======================================================================================

 

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

"I don't know. Can you watch her, and make sure the weird critter doesn't do something bad with the stick?"

To say that Fah'lina was not happy was an understatement. Wrapped up as she were in energy, she couldn't even hiss at the ghost that was stopping her from doing things, and it was aggravating for her. She was a free creature, not a pet in chains!

But Cherish couldn't let the rodent loose. It might be that she couldn't get hurt, but the stick with the other ghost in could, and if Charlie's stick got broken or removed, then the zegasus were in trouble and...

The thoughts kept on, giving her a near migraine and dimming her form. It also made the rocks get removed faster, but in a more violent, rough kind of way, rather than the restrained method that had been used thus far. It seemed like her mind played a good part in how close to a poltergeist she'd get.

Edited October 25, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[~Phoenix~ 196]

13 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

It would not be far until they stood at the small stand which would welcome the train when it would pass. The nomads Smokey had spoken off once didn't seem to be in the area currently, but that was more of a guarantee than anything. It was rare they were here, but just in case, the stop had been added to the train line, in case something important happened. Like if one of them got hurt and needed to get to the hospital fast, or something akin to that.

In the distance, a small toot could be heard, which widened the grin on the adventurers face.

"Ah, perfect timing. Soon we shall be at our well deserved meal Phoenix, and I can assure you that it will be excellent. We just need to hang in a little while longer."

Phoenix carefully took in everything that was there. in all of her time living in these woods, she had always heard the train passing by. after all, in such a calm quiet place, sound really does travel. however, she had never seen the tracks, or any station with her own eyes. it was a bit surreal, not knowing that this train was here the entire time. 

 

she began eagerly trotting towards the platform. although she had been staying away this entire time, trying to hide herself, she couldn't help but be curious and wonder. after all, it had been ages since she's seen another pony, let alone civilization. the events of the other night were certainly a lot to process, and only now was she beginning to realize. after all these years, hiding herself away began to sound a bit irrational. not only that, but her stomach gave her more than enough motive. 

 

she arrived at the platform, ahead of smokey. it seemed as though she had forgotten for a moment or two that she was even with anypony to begin with. she was looking around the place as if she was seeing it for the first time. and truthfully, she was. as she paced up and down the platform, her hooves clicked and clacked against the wooden boards. eventually, she turned towards the tracks, and stopped. she cautiously stuck her neck out and watched as the train approached. 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom @Shineling

"I'll go back in and help. Keep an eye on Omen?"

"I'll give her the rundown once she's out but I'll take things slow. Don't want to let the shock set in too quickly. And as for our little drake, I think she's earned herself more than just a reward."

Sen replied to his sister before the latter rushed back in. There was a moment when she hesitated to return and considered bringing Sen along. The danger is mostly kept at bay so long as no one does anything rash. Sen could already do that and so long as he watches the his movements, he'd be fine. And as for alternatives, Discord already managed to send one of the ponies encased in crystals and it didn't look any worse for wear, for the most part. Or maybe something may be wrong? The siblings couldn't tell the difference. 

"Discord? You think you might be able to bring the rest of the encased ponies in the cave out?" Sen asked, now feeling a lot more comfortable around him instead of before, being cautious despite Lin's more confident demeanor. 

[cwhip9 1,078]

@Blitz Boom(writing on the phone)     Cresent was glad to hear the colt talking...a bit shaky in his voice but glad to hear him still. He thought back to how it all started. "Well, cover it's not a happy tail as much as we could use but long ago...I had a good brother" he said. "I remember a nice house in a good snowy night when it happened" he said smilling it was like reading a old book you use to read growing up"it was a holiday not hollws eave but, you know gifts under a tree, socks by the fire place, and it always snows this time of year.." Cresent was scratching his mane the entire time he trotted working out the missing word 

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Lance quickly looked through his containers and found the smelly one, of which he quickly handed over to the clock maker. He, personally, despised the smell of cheese. And eggs, for that matter.

"There you go, sir. Have a good one."

[Blitz Boom 4,634]

@genessee

The blacksmith eagerly took hold of the canister and opened it, letting out the foul smell of what would best be described as a mix between strong cheese, chili, and sweet and sour sauce. Revolting together, yet as were seen on tge smith's face, apparently delicious to a select few.

"Aaah, heavenly. Thanks."

He didn't say more than that and a small nod before closing the door. He had a lot of work to do with the town in the state it currently were, and with the time he also had to spend eating now, it was just more of a time pressure.

When she were sure that he had closed and walked away, Berry let down the smiling facade to take a few deep breaths. Holding her breath while the box was open wasn't easy, but it were a necessity to not seem incredibly rude.

"Assaults the nose that one, doesn't it? Chop says it's a delicacy from where his parents used to live, but I'm still saying he made that up. I mean, it's so bad smelling that Straw forbade him from serving it on premise, but only as special delivery orders. How's that delicious to anypony?

But anyway, worst part done, time to deliver to the last one. Ready to walk or are you still trying to cleanse out your lungs?"

===================================

 

@cwhip9

"Y-You mean Hearth's Warming Eve?"

Cover-up knew of the holiday, though he had never celebrated it himself. In Ormenthal, they went with some pretty old traditions from outside of Equestria. It wasn't bad though. Around the same time, they celebrated something they called *Wulfenbach*, and it was kind of the same. It involved some weird dancing, but so did the usual Equestrian holidays, so it wasn't too different.

They even gave out presents there. Sure, usually more practical things than toys, but the principle was the same. His brush had been given to him one of those times by his mother for example, and it had served him far better than a toy train ever would have. Plus it incentivized him to make the matching inkwell to it, so it kept him active.

It was sad to think that perhaps he was the last one who would remember those traditions, but then again..  His family had been spotted elsewhere, so perhaps that was true after all...

The thought depressed him somewhat, but he managed to lift his head and remain focused mostly on Crescent, waiting on what else his story ended up telling.

==========================================================================

 

@EQ_Theta @Shineling

Lin would find Clayton already at work securing one of his crystallized companions with the rope. Thankfully the gems they had been encased in had been a special case, forced on by magic and the voracious nature of these gems near a magic source like that, so they were unlikely to chip if they were being moved. Still, he wanted to be careful and make sure, so much as he wanted to rush this and get them out, he had to be certain that he were getting them along in a proper angle, and whilst secured tightly. Carrying them would be easier, but even with the Refraction out there, he didn't want physical contact with the gems.

He wondered if it even had an effect on these actually, and if so, how. It seemed to handle the gems, which were great, but this weren't a chunk of gems cmrudely growing on somepony, like had been in Omen's case. These were changed to crystal years aoi with a result much like if one got petrified. What would happen if that gt drained? Would they crack open and just walk out? She had so why not them?

A nervous glance was sent towards that particular, empty statue.

How was he going to explain this to all of them? He had started this off by simply making it sound as if he knew of this place, instead of the ugly truth about how he had been here, but it was obvious that he were far more than somepony who had just heard a tale or two at this point, and he didn't know how to convey this to the others. Hay, would they even believe him, when he had technically lied once already?

The thoughts plagued his mind as he secured one of the ponies that had looked like they were attempting to run away, unaware of Lin's approach unless she made a noticeable amount of sound or touched him.

Outside, whilst more of Omen got clearer, the gems still attempted to get away, but without anypony to touch, they were dreadfully unable to do much else than feebly slide slowly by instinct, as cluster after cluster got drained by the small creature that kept firing off excess energy into the air occasionally.

==================================================================================

 

@~Phoenix~

The large, metallic frame approached with haste, seemingly unstoppable until the conductor noticed the two ponies on the usually abandoned stop. IT had gotten strangely populated the last few days considering the usual norm, but it wasn't his place to ask why that were. Ponyville were in a right state and full of workers, so he assumed that had been the reason for the outliners, yet it didn't really matter. he didn't need a reason, he just had to set the train to stop so the two could go on.

The speed fell off and the train settled closely to where Phoenix and Smokey stood.

"Excellent. Think you can go find us a seat Phoenix? I will handle getting us some tickets, and ask about if there's some delays that will keep us from arriving anywhere with any degree of haste."

It was ladies first, so he'd wait for Phoenix to get on first, whilst a ticket salespony got nearer and glanced at the two ponies with a raised eyebrow.

"Smokey? What are you doing here?"

The adventurer grinned and tipped his hat to the stallion.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Puff Puff. But there's a time and a place for everything. Think I could purchase some tickets for my lovely companion and myself?"

A small smirk spread on Puff's face, and he nodded whilst pointing towards the front of the train.

"I left the tickets up front. Follow me please."

If Phoenix were still there and watching them, instead of having moved on to find a seat at any point after the train had stopped, Puff would also look at her and say *Feel free to find a seat in the meantime ma'am.*

Edited October 27, 2017 by Blitz Boom
Added the rest.

[~Phoenix~ 196]

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The large, metallic frame approached with haste, seemingly unstoppable until the conductor noticed the two ponies on the usually abandoned stop. IT had gotten strangely populated the last few days considering the usual norm, but it wasn't his place to ask why that were. Ponyville were in a right state and full of workers, so he assumed that had been the reason for the outliners, yet it didn't really matter. he didn't need a reason, he just had to set the train to stop so the two could go on.

The speed fell off and the train settled closely to where Phoenix and Smokey stood.

"Excellent. Think you can go find us a seat Phoenix? I will handle getting us some tickets, and ask about if there's some delays that will keep us from arriving anywhere with any degree of haste."

It was ladies first, so he'd wait for Phoenix to get on first, whilst a ticket salespony got nearer and glanced at the two ponies with a raised eyebrow.

"Smokey? What are you doing here?"

The adventurer grinned and tipped his hat to the stallion.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Puff Puff. But there's a time and a place for everything. Think I could purchase some tickets for my lovely companion and myself?"

A small smirk spread on Puff's face, and he nodded whilst pointing towards the front of the train.

"I left the tickets up front. Follow me please."

If Phoenix were still there and watching them, instead of having moved on to find a seat at any point after the train had stopped, Puff would also look at her and say *Feel free to find a seat in the meantime ma'am.*

Phoenix backed up a bit as the Large Locomotive came to a screeching halt. if she didn't know any better, she'd go as far as to say that they were going to skip this stop until they saw Smokey and herself. her ears twitched and she turned her view over to Smokey as asked her to go find some seats. she gave an affirmative nod, and was about to step onto the train when she heard another Pony approaching.

 

it was very clear to her from the look that he gave Smokey that they knew each other. and after hearing both of them speak, her suspicions were confirmed. of course, one little detail of their conversation definitely jumped out at her. being called a "lovely companion" certainly elicited a bit of a blush.  she shook her head and wrote it off as she stepped onto the train. 

 

she had no idea how many ponies would be on there, but there were enough. finding an empty seat for two wasn't impossible, but it certainly provided some challenges. on her instinct, she immediately found the car that had the least amount of ponies in it. upon doing so, she found a seat near the corner of the car, where she could keep to herself. lucky for her, all the ponies seemed to be congregating on the opposite end. 

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

You wouldn't have been able to tell the difference if somepony had punched Lance in the stomach right after the door closed. He had managed to look relatively normal when the smell first hit, but he immediately doubled over as soon as he was sure the clock maker wasn't looking.

"How is *cough* that not ill-- *sputter* --egal?"

I don't think I've smelled anything worse than that. Ever.

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich Serenade nods, "Fah'lina, if you don't mind, coming over here when she releases you." She turns to Cherish, "You have my word, if you could release her please" Serenade settles down next to Ziggy and leaves space open for Fah'lina to sit nearby. 

[dragon4111 914]

@Widdershins@Blitz Boom

"Helping to improve ponies lives Little dragon? And do some some respect to your elders boy" Ancalagon asked with a chuckle slightly. He looked over to Lyriel and asked "Enjoyed that?" he asked with a chuckle. "I can have more brought to your valley or have some of my couriers clean up the pollution," Ancalagon stated with a gentle tone. "I sense another dragon but why isn't he heeding the call of a dragon lord?" Ancalagon asked himself as he looked to the direction. He sent out the call far more fiercely this time.

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

The interior still leaves Lin feeling a little sickly, much more than she expected. A second trip inside didn't ease the feeling despite being in a somewhat more familiar place. But it wasn't her that was more than just uneasy. Ever since stepping foot in this mine, Clayton seemed more... reluctant, stuttering and generally put off by the place. That was an understatement but Lin or Sen didn't want to pry. Not until now, that is. 

"Clayton," Lin hesitated but mustered up the courage to ask, knowing this might be a difficult thing to talk about. "These statues... there's a lot more to them than just miners. You seemed to be more distressed when seeing them and well, it's worrying. There's a lot more there is to this place, isn't there?"

Then again, being this shifty might mean more than just withholding emotions. Especially about a stranger formation of crystals that looked a little too different from the others. 

"I understand if this place is making you uneasy but if there is anything you need to get off your chest, now might be the best time to do that. I'll listen to whatever you have to say."

@Shineling

The process of releasing Omen was taking a while but being in Discord's midst did present an interesting opportunity to learn from him. Especially about some of the things Sen learned while he was on the road. Tales spread fast, especially those of big events, those that didn't seem possible but happened anyway. Word of mouth or otherwise, there things that even the longma didn't believe happened. Now was as good a time as any to find out for sure. 

"You know, Discord, I didn't think it was likely that you'd be hanging out with somepony like Fluttershy. I hope this doesn't come as offensive but there was a time when your chaotic magic enveloped Equestria, even regions beyond. It reached my village and.... You have the power to make the world chaotic. What made you change your mind?

[Blitz Boom 4,634]

@EQ_Theta @Shineling

Clayton tightened a knot whilst he thought over what he could say. Those of them that had made it out had sworn eachother to secrecy, in case anypony would come around and accidentally get get her out again. But were was the point in it anymore? She were out, and the word had to be spread so there was a chance that somepony could do something before she did irreversible damage.

"...I could tell page up and page down about w-what happened here, but it isn't the time. Outside, when the others can h-hear it. Maybe. I-I still need to think on how to p-put what happened here into words.

But you're r-right. something did happen here, a-and the few of us who got away h-had to carry the secret with us. It was the only way to m-make sure that nopony came in and tried anything with her."

A mixture of anger and fear went over his eyes as he looked at the opened statue of the bat pony.

"It seems a-all we got was time, and t-that is over now."

Clayton bit into the rope on the first of his petrified friends, and went outside, where the Refraction had started to grow accustomed enough to this drainage to speed up the process a little, though Omen were still a third or so covered by the parasitic clusters. the rest were at this point, little more than diamonds.

If Lin wanted answers to what had gone on, she could likely make Clayton spill the beans before they got outside by being insistent and stopping him from leaving the cave, though it remained to be seen if she had the want to do so.

=====================================================================================

 

@dragon4111 @Widdershins

"I never meant any disrespect sir. I'm just wondering if the sound came from you."

Benny went uneasy in the air a moment as Ancalagons call got stronger, and he took a claw to his head, as if he were having a migraine.

"Bloody hay that's a harsh pounding... Seems like you are the originator after all. Can I ask why you're doing this, and what it's for? It's starting to do a number on my head, and I don't know what's going on."

Lyriel in the meantime, finished drinking the bit of water that she had been offered, and at the prospect of getting more, her heart flustered and screamed for her to say yes. The purity of this was intense and reinvigorating, and she wanted with every fiber of her being to feel this rush or cleanliness again.

Just look at her. She had transcended what she had been like before, and flourished in ways she hadn't thought possible. This had to be how their kind was supposed to feel and look like, right?

"I... I-I.... Can't a-accept that."

She had to force it out of herself to say no. Every bit of will she could scramble together to resist this temptation, and she quite frankly didn't know if she had any strength left to refuse it if she were offered again.

"This isn't... No, i-it's wrong. It changes me. Twists my mind to long for more. J-Just like them."

She looked at her hands. Flourished, and healthier than they ever had been. Bu they weren't hers. These flowers, the dress, even her own body. It wasn't her. What she looked at now was little better than what she had left behind. Addicts to water that changed their mind and bodies, even if this was more of a purifying thing than a pollution, such as the rainbow water had been.

Perhaps it was stupid to refuse. This felt great, and she didn't devolve into heresy, or thoughts on turning the others around her, but this rising lust for more water as she had drunk more and more had still scared her, and made her think on how it must have been for her family and friends, first time they took in the polluted water. Did they not feel a rush such as this, to keep drinking the water? Were they not blinded in their pursuit of ascension by taking in what they thought were their ideal? Much as she thought this was genuinely the best thing to happen to her, the thought that they had as well made her afraid to indulge in this, lest she somehow ended up like them.

"I'm sorry noble one, but i-it's too strong for me. Too alluring. Perhaps a time comes when I can trust I won't fall, but I barely have the strength to not beg for more now. Please, forgive me."

========================================================================================

 

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich

Cherish didn't like it one bit, but she floated the mimic over to Serenade and let it go, at which point one of two things would happen.

1. Serenade would grab it, and keep the squirming thing through her hissing assault towards the ghost until the mimic tired out and calmed down enough to just send mean looks. She was a feisty, nimble one though, so Serenade should hold tight to make sure, but she likely knew that already after how long she had seen the mimic and how dificult it was for Ziggy to hold it.

2. She wouldn't be fast enough or hold tightly enough, and the mimic would torpedo over towards Cherish, where it'd fly directly at her head, jaws first, and cause the ghost to slam around the debris from the closed path around randomly, in a fit of panic. She may be dead, but surprises like that made her react instinctively, and panic/anger with ghosts that had been around the block could be violent. Serenade would likely have to watch out for herself and Ziggy when stuff started to fly around to not get hit.

=====================================================================================

 

@genessee

"Chop says the trick is to breathe through your ears. Of course, until the cybernetic under-dwellers rise and rebuild us all as half machine and half flesh - it will happen any day now! - you can't actually do that, so just hold the breath, and pray the blacksmith isn't in a talky mood.. Or you can flat out tell him you wish he'd wait to open it until you're gone since it's like a fright train of pungent odors hammering into your skull. He's a regular uninformed one, so he's not an issue. Now if you said that to the mailmares though... You don't wanna know what they do. Especially the one with the supposed lazy eye. She might act all cute and innocent, but I know its a camera, just recording everything to their masters."

Berry looked around with a sudden nervous tick, just to make sure Derpy or one of her colleagues were there, before lowering her voice and whispering to Lance.

"Don't ask who. They have ears everywhere."

"But as I was saying, let's get going, okay? Far from the smell of the worst dish you can imagine, and straight on to the hospital. We got an order there from somepony who wanted fish. Bit weird, but hey, they paid, and Chop is used to feeding Griffons, so no biggie there. Plus it smells better."

Trying to play off what went on before, the mare quickly went on her way away from the blacksmith and towards the hospital, which considering how Lance had taken the smell of the last thing sent, he'd likely be happy about.

==============================================================================

 

@~Phoenix~

It would be about ten minutes after the train had started again before Smokey would show up, whistling happily and saying hello to a few passengers he passed hat knew him. He wasn't a Daring Do kind of celebrity, and didn't write books, but he knew some here and there where he'd been, and he liked to stay on friendly terms.

Frankly he had been tempted to go the Daring do route before, but then there was a focus on him constantly, and he might have to detail every detail about the places he raided- which included every item in there he had seen. It would make getting supplies for the grey and black markets a messy business, and he wasn't like that mare, Scarcity. She knew how to keep everything in check, and who to keep bribed to make sure minor things wasn't investigated too closely. He didn't have that, and frankly, he hated the public light anyway. It sounded exhausting, and would take away the time he'd rather spend doing something else. Such as traveling with Phoenix for instance.

"Ah, there you are. I'm sorry for the time, but I was told something that made hme have to improvise a little.

The bad news is that the train can't go to Dodge Junction currently, because of an issue with their tracks, so it's being diverted away from the area. Means we have to wait until we reach Canterlot before we can indulge in the meal I promised you I'm afraid. So it's going to be a few hours if everything goes according to plan.

The good news however, is that I was able to procure a few things that should take care of the worst hunger at least."

A small box had been on his back as he had come over to her, which he floated off and placed in front of them. Inside would be a pair of chocolate muffins, a pair of apples, some slices of bread, a jar of strawberry jam, and a butter knife.

"Don't worry, I didn't steal it. I bought it fair and square from a few passengers here and there that had some extra lying around, which occupied my time. Hopefully it should be enough to take care of the worst, unless you have allergens perhaps? I can go on the hunt to see if there are other things if it is. I have  the bits to handle things. Ah, which does remind me, here is your ticket."

He reached up behind his hat and pulled out the small bit of paper that the ticket were made of, and put it near her. If hse wanted totgrab it or not meant nothing, as the one to check were the one he bought it from, so he'd know. It However, it still felt as if he should offer her this, just in case. SOme ponies liked to have everything in check after all.

[~Phoenix~ 196]

Just now, Blitz Boom said:

It would be about ten minutes after the train had started again before Smokey would show up, whistling happily and saying hello to a few passengers he passed hat knew him. He wasn't a Daring Do kind of celebrity, and didn't write books, but he knew some here and there where he'd been, and he liked to stay on friendly terms.

Frankly he had been tempted to go the Daring do route before, but then there was a focus on him constantly, and he might have to detail every detail about the places he raided- which included every item in there he had seen. It would make getting supplies for the grey and black markets a messy business, and he wasn't like that mare, Scarcity. She knew how to keep everything in check, and who to keep bribed to make sure minor things wasn't investigated too closely. He didn't have that, and frankly, he hated the public light anyway. It sounded exhausting, and would take away the time he'd rather spend doing something else. Such as traveling with Phoenix for instance.

"Ah, there you are. I'm sorry for the time, but I was told something that made hme have to improvise a little.

The bad news is that the train can't go to Dodge Junction currently, because of an issue with their tracks, so it's being diverted away from the area. Means we have to wait until we reach Canterlot before we can indulge in the meal I promised you I'm afraid. So it's going to be a few hours if everything goes according to plan.

The good news however, is that I was able to procure a few things that should take care of the worst hunger at least."

A small box had been on his back as he had come over to her, which he floated off and placed in front of them. Inside would be a pair of chocolate muffins, a pair of apples, some slices of bread, a jar of strawberry jam, and a butter knife.

"Don't worry, I didn't steal it. I bought it fair and square from a few passengers here and there that had some extra lying around, which occupied my time. Hopefully it should be enough to take care of the worst, unless you have allergens perhaps? I can go on the hunt to see if there are other things if it is. I have  the bits to handle things. Ah, which does remind me, here is your ticket."

He reached up behind his hat and pulled out the small bit of paper that the ticket were made of, and put it near her. If hse wanted totgrab it or not meant nothing, as the one to check were the one he bought it from, so he'd know. It However, it still felt as if he should offer her this, just in case. SOme ponies liked to have everything in check after all.

 

Phoenix placed her head against the window she sat next to, as she waited for Smokey to return. he sure was taking his sweet time. she looked out into the woods, her eyes simply tracing the landscape to pass the time. 

after a while, she heard the door to the car open, and it was none other than the Stallion in question. she looked up for a moment to confirm that it was him, and she shook her head a bit as she noticed him greeting ponies here and there. "quite the social one, he is" she thought to herself as she placed her head back against the window. 

she could feel the cushions of the seat beneath her shift as Smokey sat down beside her. she looked a little upset as she heard the bad news. it was already getting late into the morning and she hadn't had a single thing to eat since... well, she couldn't really remember in all honesty. however, her eyes lit up with delight as Smokey opened the box in front of them. she was about to ask him where he got all of these, but as if he could read her mind, he explained that for her. 

her horn began to glow with a royal blue hue as the ticket levitated itself out of Smokey's hoof. she placed it in the little clip on the seat to signify to any passing conductor that her ticket was already payed for. meanwhile, her eyes were fixated on one of those chocolate muffins...

"Thank you..." she said with a soft smile, pausing for a moment only to be polite as she didn't want to look like some hungry animal in front of him. a moment or two later, the muffin levitated out of the box and towards Phoenix's mouth as she began to munch on it. this would definitely help to stave off the hunger and allow her to wait a bit more patiently to arrive in town for them to have a real meal. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

it had been a while after her snack, and due to her night terrors, she could almost never get enough sleep during the hours of night. normally, she'd still be able to function, but with the soft rumbles of the train as it went over the tracks, as well as the soothing images of the countryside as they passed by, Phoenix couldn't help herself. over the course of the last few minutes, she had slowly drifted off to sleep, leaning against the window. 

the train hit a bump in the tracks. luckily for Phoenix, her body wasn't going to let her miss out on the chance for more sleep, and as such she wasn't jostled awake. however, the jolt was enough to disrupt her position, and Smokey would soon find her leaning against him, with her head on his shoulder. 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

Lin helped Clayton move the other statues out into the open, but the answer the stallion gave her wasn't what she hoped to hear. Maybe she pressed too much, or maybe not enough, but it wasn't something she was satisfied with. She didn't think she was unreasonable for asking since she offered to help and while she was waiting for the Refraction to completely remove the crystals from Omen, she had more than enough time to pass. Which brings her back to the moment...

"Clayton," Lin sighed though she did try to mostly hide other ways of expressing her exasperation, and not just simply because she is moving heavy objects.

"I don't understand and I'm not convinced about what you just said. What is over? Who are you talking about? My brother and I want to help you; it's the least we can do for you since you helped us. I won't get in your way and I'll listen but all I'm asking is to know what happened. Take it from the top."

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

Astral smiled slightly, she was glad to know she wouldn't be switching sides if they helped her, in fact they had been the one thing keeping her from turning for quite some time now. "Well, I'd teleport us but it might wreck the place, so heading outside to teleport would be a smart idea." She said with more of a smile as she walked down the hallway away from the hospital room. checking behind herself at least twice to see if Chow was following her.

======================================================================================

Warlock chuckled, he had felt pain before, limbs reattaching couldn't be any worse than them getting removed for him. He'd tried using magic to get them magic before as well, they fell apart, so he knew what it could feel like to try to retrieve them a third time. "Those metal legs were enchanted with the ability to move like normal legs, even when around the element of greed." He looked down and lifted a hoof to his muzzle. "Thinking about it, there was a pony who's enchantments looked rather, similar, hm." Suddenly his interest was peaked in Iron Wing, although just to find out who made his wings, he tucked that thought away as he noticed Athriel's mention of the element of depression. "Element of depression isn't with me, don't know why you thought it might be." He snickered a little.

======================================================================================

He eyed the dragon as he walked out, curious why he'd head to where he seemed to be heading, he looked to Dew, not sure if he should do something or not. The sisters where in ponyville, where they getting something from the throne room? Although as he considered this all, he sighed when he realized Zhu had already left the room. "Should we do something about where he's heading?" He quietly asked Dew.

======================================================================================

He rolled his eyes, partially glad this was the lowest form of judgment he'd gotten so far. "I may not be reformed but I don'y exactly attack ponies for love, it doesn't taste right if I do that." He looked to his queen. "After my legs are alright, I could just disguise myself as a pony and steal love like I normally do."

Nectar glared at him, already awake now, she didn't exactly like his refusal to change. But the only thing stopping him was literally just his feeding habits.

"I could though, not do that, with those containers. Probably would mean I can take magic without a pony needed, or without them directly there at least."

[Widdershins 9,960]

@Blitz Boom &  @Foxy Socks

  "Hmm, yes, quite! I see! Going for realism & camouflage are we? I've oft tried mine own hoof at a few rather dashing examples of camouflage before!"  Rarity animatedly nods, thinking excitedly about the few other times she had gone for a more "au naturale" look herself while sacrificing none of the style, despite Dash's usual scoffing. Getting back up, atitter at the prospect of a new creative project and holding the fabric delicately in the air, as if folding over one hoof, the white unicorn nods to her newfound audience. 

  "Right! I can surely use this as a fine template! I shan't take very long to accomplish this; I trust you are all well situated for the time being? Do not hesitate to knock on my door if you require anything more!

  ...Oh, yes. And I'm sure any friend of yours shall be mine as well, dears! I'm certain we will get along swimmingly when she pops in; do feel free to let her in once she arrives!"

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

B.B and @Dji

    "Well, This dragon got dragged in here! Treated like I'm instantly some sort of stupid spectacle or something! If you want us to be monsters, we'll be monsters! What would some spongy, soft little pony know about being treated like a threat just because you look like one? I am what I have to be and no pony can take that from me! 

  There's no love, cause no other would give you love! There's no where, unless I'm there! All the time, all the way! 

  Look into my eyes & you will see, what you mean to me! Look into my heart and there you'll find I've got nothing to hide! Take me as I am, take my life!

  You can't tell me, that I'm not worth trying for! You can't tell me, I'm not worth dying for! You know it to be true, that everything I do..."

   With this last bit of emphasis, the young drake brings a claw to his chest to stubbornly declare through narrowed eyes: "...I do it for ME!"

 "... I don't need your condescension. Or... or anything really.      ...and now you ponies is somehow cloning yourselves.

   And who are You now?" Kaltrop points his muzzle dismissively at Aurora.  

                                                               ~~*************************************************************************~~                         

 At B.B. again!                                         

    "Feh..."      

 With a sigh and a sputter, Ambie groans up at Happy Hour from his position where he landed on his chest, his flank rising up into the air against the tree trunk.

  "...I'm, uhm, okay~ you, uh, needed help then, Sir?"

The pale pony proffers. 

Edited October 30, 2017 by Widdershins
Mentions, and somehow the Enter button stopped working...

[Sekel 694]

@Widdershins & @Blitz Boom

DAWN AND AURORA

Aurora looked behind her and spotted Marley and Pop. She smiled and waved to them both with her wing, grinning at Marley too, knowing that when she answered Kaltrops, they're all gonna get shocked. "Kaltrops, you'd know me as a featherbrained idiot who seems to happy to be a griffin and if that's not clear enough ..." Aurora trailed off, losing her confidence when she realised what had just happened. Even if Kaltrops had unknowingly given her an ultimatum, it was a lot to suddenly force her to reveal who she was. She got an uneasy look and glanced over to Spicy.

Dawn looked over and blinked slowly, unable to really comprehend what she was seeing or hearing. This Pegasus looked like her, yet didn't. It was really eerie but kinda familiar at the same time. She stood up and picked her way over to Pop. "You ... um ... you seeing what I'm seeing?" she whispered to her friend, pointing back at the mare.

@Seamore Sandwich

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Twilight took a walk through the market place, pointedly avoiding any major distractions for the time being just to clear her head. The meeting took forever to get through, and the rest afterwards didn't really help much either.

Edited October 30, 2017 by Dji
added a mention, unsure of where to go with Twilight