open Casual stroll

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom

"You live in it? It would be great for you to show me where you live! I was worried about how Brittle and Agni would feel in such an environment, but as long as you're alright with it, I guess it wouldn't hurt. After all, I am good with animals." Despite being attacked a hoof full of times, Foxy enjoyed the bizarre and exotic wildlife there. With Briar, Foxy felt even safer. The only problem would be Agni, though perhaps the phoenix was familiar with the forest herself. Foxy tried to walk carefully not to disturb her though.

 

"It must be quite an experience living in there. From the few times I've been there, it is quite a beautiful place, even if a bit eerie. Hopefully there won't be trouble in it."

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord grinned, "Oh how wonderful, I haven't been on a nice little jaunt through your old realm in ages!" He said cheerfully, peering through the opened gate at the shifting masses beyond. "I hope the family's still doing well!"

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"Why would I tell you that? You would probably think it a lovely place..."

She had that snobbish, disgusted face on again but it very quickly flickered and faded.

"Um... I mean... You probably wouldn't mind it. I personally dislike it because its full of ponies like Sprinkles: energetic, fast, messy... I'd rather steer clear of there to keep myself pristine."

She grabbed hold of her mane with one hoof and smoothed it down the side of her head, pulling it out straight before it pinged back into the s shape it normally sat in.

"Even if I decide to be nice... which I haven't done yet... I still like to be clean and tidy and going near those ponies would make me uncomfortable, I hope you understand where I'm coming from."

Victoria was struggling with her own personality again, not sure whether she should open up entirely to the dragon and pony she walked alongside, though they seemed nice enough and had never done anything nasty to her unprovoked she wasn't sure if she was ready to get more personal with them, especially since she'd pretty much just met them. 

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Storm Shine @EQ_Theta

Omen looked confused at Lin for a moment as the gate behind her expanded, to allow for the passage of Discord without him needing to crawl or limbo through it. Overextending wasn't a word that she were aware of what meant in regards to her, but if it had something to do with the gates,could it be the thing after she woke up in Mother's home? When they all said she had lost several days of memories that were. She remembered her gates being weird then.

They weren't now though, so that wasn't an issue. Perhaps Lin was just worried? Strange, but sister were emotional many times. Might be something that defined her, though she wasn't sure. Not being good with interpreting emotions, Omen wasn't sure how it helped define people, but she had heard the phrase several times, so she tried to put it to use once in a while, thinking that perhaps in time, she'd understand it.

"Gate is safe."

She wandered through first, into the realm and looked around at strangely, nothing. Usually nothing remained solid in here, but for some reason, everything seemed kind of flat, and barely moved at all. And she didn't see a single pair of eyes anywhere. Had they all gotten masters while she was away? Weird, but the unformed ones would be happy. Siblings wanted to know of the world outside, so getting there was good.

"Quiet. Siblings?"

Omen began speaking in the native tongue they had here, which likely only Discord would be able to replicate, as he would be the only one who could spawn the extra three mouths it would require for outsiders to speak it. Lin might understand some of it, but she wasn't grown with this language, and it should be hard for her to replicate. Though who knew what the future might bring, in regards to her abilities? Mixed as they were, everything could happen.

Her  message was basically just calling out to see if anypony would answer, but nopony did. It was weird, especially since Discord were here and he were strong enough to warrant a crowd, but that was what that were.

"They must have gotten masters. Never seen so many go at once though. Always been long between it before."

But they had other things to think off, so unless there was anything, she'd make a piece of the *ground* rise up and float them around, as she looked for the right place to open a gate between here, and what she'd assume would be Las Pegasus.

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@Foxy Socks

"I can assure you Foxy, if there are trouble, I know how to put myself in respect with them. It will not be an issue."

Getting out of the store was taxing for Brittle he noticed, even if he couldn't see her currently. Not that he blamed her of course. There were a lot of various beings out here currently, and she didn't do well with big crowds, which likely meant that it was better if they navigated via the small streets and worked their way to the outskirts of town that way.

"Foxy? Would you be so kind as to assist in directing us out of town, towards the forest? I normally can do so myself, even when there are many others nearby, but it goes slowly at this volume, as I need to listen and feel out quite a bit more, and Brittle would do well in getting away from this as fast as possible. Down side roads too if it is possible, where there is less patrolling? I know it is asking a lot, and i do hope you can forgive me for that, but I only wish to think of what is best for her.

It would also allow us to explore some areas faster as well, which sounded like something you may have a vested interest in, though I wouldn't worry about Agni. An avian with the ability to breath fire does not sound like a low rung creature on the food chain. Or at least not one who could not defend itself if it were."

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@genessee

Alonsus wrinkled his nose slightly at what Lance said, yet after thinking on it for a moment, seemed to get around on the rather peculiar idea.

"Perhaps that could be well done, is it were the right kind of sandwich that were. Minute slices, cut out and served with a side of apple sauce... Perhaps a thing that you should bring before Chop? I am certain that he would value the suggestion."

The buff pony did get a small nervous tint in his voice as he talked about Chop, but that wasn't surprising, as the stallion scared Alonsus. Might be he had never hurt anypony whilst he worked here, but the chef were rather intimidating, and he wasn't as easy to just smile and giggle. He were generally a stone-faced individual, which were not ideal when you tried to defuse a situation with him there.

Then again, perhaps it was just on the job he were like this. Honestly, he were not sure what the former Coast Guard even did when he wasn't working here, so perhaps things were differently when he wasn't surrounded by pots and pans, whom he apparently considered to be his top priority.

"The worst I have partaken in, are the hot sauce eaten with my morning hay. It is a riveting way to wake up. Except for the one time Berry had replaced it with a far more concentrated version. Why she would trouble somepony like me with such a harsh gift is unfathomable, but perhaps she were simply blinded by l-"

A clang was heard as he got a tin tossed as his head, and he cringed and looked towards Berry.

"Alonsus does not halt from a challenge!"

With that, Alonsus would pick up the tin and prepare to toss tit back at her. Lance might want to interfere at some point, or move a little, so he wouldn't get hit.

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@Lloyd

Chow listened, but unfortunately, he were a stubborn, curious sort, so he also did as you might expect: He tried to touch the orb. It then floated away from him and he then tried again, and it floated... It was a bit of a chase going on until Astral got it, and it didn't help his position that his first thought was to point his hoof at the orb and say *Next time, you ain't getting away from me*. Even if he didn't react on that beyond a look, the fact it had been close said quite a bit regardless.

Getting handed the necklace helped on the impulse side of his want to talk smack at the ball, along with the fact that it was gone now, but now he were presented with a whole new kind of situation: Say yes or no to this.

Learning magic had been something he had tentatively tried when he was younger, and things had gone horribly, so he was a bit on the nervous side about trying again honestly. On the other hoof, this was small scale stuff, and he had a teacher now so perhaps he wouldn't end up handing his flank to himself by some kind of idiocy? It was all about taking that first big step, from which he got the feeling that there was no way back.

"...Alright, I'm game teacher, let it rip. But for the record, when I get the hang of stuff, I wanna be a wizard, not a witch. Witch sounds more like a title for mares. Then again-"

Chow put the necklace on and stroke a model-like pose.

"- I guess it does bring out my feminine glow, wouldn't you agree?"

Yeah yeah, it was a serious time and all that, but dang it, she wanted him to wear a necklace that were pretty much on the girly side of things. The least he could do was make a bit of fun about it.

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@Lloyd

"Such... Delicious power."

Athriel licked her lips as she were dragged up from the floor and flown with towards the main chamber, whilst Warlock feasted greedily on every inch of magic he could get his grubby feelers out for. Even with the necklace being some way from here, she could see how it, and everything they passed, would be drained like a flock of vampire bats had descended upon a victim.

She saw the smoke pouring from his eyes, which she guessed was a byproduct of the rapid feasting and usage of magic as he soared through the rubble of the traps.

And the feeling that came from him... Every inch that she were in proximity of, surged with the magic he were sorting through, and it made her shiver. It might be that he had been stronger when he had an element, but she hadn't been this close to him then. She had been at a distance. Being this close however, and carried like in a fantasy novel, she felt like a princess being kidnapped by the evil invaders. Such a thrill this were, and such delicious, volatile power she felt. It almost made her want to bite him to try and drain it from him, even if it would have no effect in her current state.

Even if she was unleashed, it likely still wouldn't. She was an insect compared to Warlock at his height of power, and even attempting to treat him like another sacrifice would be foolish. Yet it did not make her mind go away from thinking about biting him, and... A few other things, which she wouldn't have even considered worth her time when she were more thoughtful, yet in the heat of the moment were intriguing.

At least it were until they got to the main room, and the large Sphinx loomed above the two. He was easily dwarfing them and starring at them warily, and with anger, but he were patient and would wait until they entered to make his move.

"So you come here with your lackey in your hooves? She is unworthy, but you still have a chance before I pummel you, feaster of magic. You will pass my test, or I will ensure that the element will never be within your grasp again."

Athriel would likely be dropped soon, and with the moment ruined, she would say something to Warlock and prepare herself for taking care of her landing.

"Remember, Sphinx's asks riddles."

If they could answer that, they could get through here with ease, but Warlock's approach would determine what would happen. He might try and take the element with a spell,  but the wards were intricate, and would take time to be eaten, so he'd either have to wait for that, or answer. If he had tried to attack already though, the Sphinx would dodge it, and in case he tried to keep him there with magic, the Sphinx would use his own to either take advantage of his grounding magic, or the ability to summon cloth. Either way, Warlock would have to fill the entire room with magic to get him, and not even that might work, considering the large hole on in the wall behind the Sphinx, where his previous attack had impacted. Plus Athriel would likely get killed, there was that too.

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@Lloyd

"Dragon named Zhu? Never heard of him."

"Me neither, but if he tried to break in, he deserves his spot down there."

"Yeah, totally. You can't just go around assaulting guards like that."

"Darn straight. But then it's good this guy knows how to handle himself, am I right?"

"Spot on there. Bet you just slammed him down and dragged his scaled rear right down there to the jailer, didn't you Wind?"

"Come on, let's get some of the juicy details. Did he cry? Oh I bet he did."

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@Lloyd

"You need to keep resisting the urge, and if it starts to get unbearable, let us know so we can tie you down. I know it is not ideal, but until you are healed fully, you need to keep your hooves away, or we have to take drastic measures. Worst case scenario, you could infect the growing tissue and cause permanent blindness, so please keep yourself in check, and inform us if things change. If you're lucky, the itching should stop again in a few hours."

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@woodchunks66

Chock it seemed were the mare's reaction. A pity, but it were still not as bad as she had feared. She would find solace in that.

Kneeling down so she were more able to see this Pony eye to eye, Lyriel hoped that she would seem less threatening and more welcome towards t he mare, instead of someone who would need to be feared. If anything, she longed to talk with and learn from the Ponies, not scare them in any kind of way. Ponies had saved her, and she had seldom found reason to think they would condemn her again, as long as they'd get used to her presence. Not the easiest as she were mostly in the forest, but perhaps a day would come when the integration of her would become easier.

"Don't be alarmed little friend, I would never harm one of your kind. I simply came here to escape the burden of the town for a moment, and fell upon this orchard in my haste. I couldn't help but to try and see how the trees felt, and how well they were taken care off, so I have simply wandered it and made contact here and there.

Are you by chance the one who keeps it in order? I would enjoy speaking to whomever are, if you aren't. The trees seem so pleased and healthy, that I find myself curious about who have them in their capable hooves."

If this were the owner of this place, hopefully the compliment would ease things. Though it might simply be the other thing, which she had thought on some times now, and how to handle too, when she would be able to find the peace for such an act.

Perhaps she would be able to handle it here actually, depending on how things went. The earth in this orchard were rich and flourishing. It would be ideal really, though it would also require her to be left undisturbed during the process. Perhaps if she could get along with this unknown mare, she would be so kind as to allow her adjustments.

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@BloodDrops

Slappy opened his muzzle to tell her off, but then remembered who it was he was about to talk back to, and what she could do. That managed to put quite the dampener on him, and he closed his muzzle without a word before wandering to the place he supposed she had hidden fish. He fished a plate of metal out of the container first that he dragged with him though. He didn't want to risk being infected by touching fish she had. He already had one vivid nightmare about what would happen. he did not need to see if this would happen in reality as well.

He managed to find a few and flop one of them up on the plate before dragging it back and putting the whole thing down a few hooves from Blood.

"I found them. There's enough here... R-Right?"

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@~Phoenix~

The fish moved towards them as they got closer, but they wouldn't break the surface, and they were pretty still in it as they seemed to expect the two mares to get even closer. To the point where they should be able to clearly see the vibrant colors of the fish, and the flowing faded-yellow fins that made them hard to not spot. Seemed like Virtue Snappers from the looks of it, which were normally only around the Western Coast. Pretty little things, but had quite the nasty habit of biting anything that got near them, which the Pegasus knew from experience.

"Don't go too close. Tried once, and they bit my face. Sharp little teeth hurts."

Sorrow wrinkled her nose and pulled back a few inches more from the water surface, just to make sure she didn't get into biting range.

"Y'know, you're really quiet Phoenix. Is something wrong? Do you miss Puff Puff, or... Wait, you're not one of those who thinks I'm crazy when I talk about ghosts, right? Those are So Boring! Not able to believe something just because they haven't seen it themselves. Ghosts are real! I can prove it too."

She looked boastfully on Phoenix and took a deep breath... But nothing happened. After a few seconds in this awkwardness, she blew out the stored air and looked down on her necklace.

"That was your que.

What do you mean you don't feel like it? There's 35 of you. There's got to be somepony who wanna show off.

...Seriously? Awh come on. It'll be fun. Just a small thing. Anything really."

If Phoenix would look, she'd see the eyes of the skull roll, before one of the orbs flashed slightly, and a wisp floated out of it. It wouldn't go away for long, and would basically just float around and move a little towards Phoenix, but it would soon float back into the socket it had gone away from, and rejoining the rest of them.

Legion was sometimes more helpful than this in showing off, but it all depended on who was part of it at the time. Currently, the souls who were, were feeling either lzy or wary of Phoenix, and one of them had only gone away for a bit because he knew she would just go on, so it was better to get it over with, long as it wasn't too long. The collective consciousness helped the wayward wisp, and being away from it right now felt wrong.

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@MiragetheChangeling

"Ponyville is a... Varied place. It is mostly a simple, friendly community from what I have heard, but it does draw in a fair share of trouble and disaster. I would advise you to have some kind of plan in case of emergency soon, just in case calamity befalls the town.

Recently there was one, and the town have gotten damaged by it. But the enemy was vanquished with no casualties, and things are getting rebuild. From what I heard, the forepony believes we may have the town completed and ready for inspection by tonight."

Stargazer had some thoughts on what he should and shouldn't say, as going into details about the monster and how close it had been for some of them were perhaps not the best way to sell Ponyville to them. Yet on the other hoof, he couldn't just make it seem like nothing ever happened, or they wouldn't be prepared. That could very well end up hurting them quite a bit if it were.

Jelly listened in, but she also heard something else that caught more of her interest. Namely the conversation from Mirage's side, to Amanita, that sounded like- No, she really were telling the mare about things around them. That was strange, why wouldn't she just look around herself instead of having to be told.

"Miss? Why is your friend telling you about things around you?"

Stargazer cringed at the question as he wandered towards Ponyville. Jelly did not know what Amanita was suffering under, and she were impulsive and curious when it came to things she didn't understand, so she had asked what older Ponies wouldn't do. Here was hoping they wouldn't take too much offense by his daughter's forthcoming nature and foalish curiosity.

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@Battenberg

"I actually don't enjoy messy things too much. I'm a store owner. I prefer things to be categorized, visible, and in good order. Not tossed to the side until it have become self aware and can walk away on its own."

It were not as bad as she might make it sound, but she did have a bit of an issue with this sort. Minor stuff only really, like sorting pencils, magazines, and even out paintings if she saw one. It was a bit weird, but she figured that if she played along some of Victoria's opinions. things might go smoother.

"We're not here to try and force you into something out of your comfort zone though, Victoria. If you don't like the place, we're not going anywhere near it. Simple as that. We don't wa-"

"Smack my tail and call me Celestia, I think we reached the next checkpoint. Where to now boss?"

They shouldn't be long until they would reach one of the Dragons Only areas, so their journey may soon be at an end. But that didn't mean that he'd stop trying to be friendly, or to see if he couldn't lighten up things. After all, Pop was going to help Victoria with her stallion dilemma, so they'd likely end up meeting again at some point. Might as well try to make that on a good standing.

"As I was trying to say, we don't want to make this hard on you. Might be that you haven't decided on whatever you want to be nice, but I saw you with Angel. There's a good mare hidden down there that should get out more, but trying to force it is just going to go badly. All takes their own pace, right?"

[Amanita 6,826]

@Blitz Boom

Amanita looked towards Jelly’s direction, slightly towards the right. Her ears are perked forwards. “Hm? Oh, well... Miss, you see..” Amanita seemed unsure how to explain this. “I... have a disability... I can’t see.” Amanita may sound blunt but, she’s still partly a teenager, maybe around 18 to 19? So perhaps that’s why Amanita may seem blunt, she doesn’t know how to explain this.

Mirage on the other hand looked surprised that the young mare even heard her whispering.  “What Amanita said...” Mirage didn’t seem to know how to explain this as well, so she let Amanita explain it as best as she could. “ But, um...” Mirage remembers what Stargazer had said about the town.  “Um, sir? What exactly happened to the town?” She asks about the town out of curiosity. Many thoughts were running through Mirage’s head, mostly about what had happened to the town to cause it needing to be rebuilt.

[Brobot 1,436]

@Blitz Boom

AJ squinted her eyes at the being in front of her and she relaxed a little,but she was still disturbed about what the thing said "yes i am indeed the pony who.....runs..things...here."she was never good at fancy talk,"you said you spoke to the trees?"AJ was thing she must be talking to a maniac right now...but as her family has taught her...she needed to give this...thing the benefit of the doubt"what exactly are you"AJ stated.....

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

Astral couldn't help but chuckle at him. "I think you'd be more of a wizard type." She looked at the spell book. "But that necklace does suit you." She said with a smirk, putting her hoof down onto the levitation spell. "Okay so, there's unspoken spells and spoken spells, levitation is an unspoken spell, just think the words for the spell, while harnessing the appropriate energy required, and you'll start levitating the object you want to levitate." She looked down, she closed her eyes as magic sparked off her as she floated up, her limbs relaxing, there was no arura forming around her. "Now, for your first attempt, the field of magic will be visible, but with practice you can make it as transparent as you want." She said, as the magic aura around her became visible, similar in color to her mane. "See?" She said with a little bit of a smile as she floated back down. "I'd recommend levitating a small object though and working towards larger objects and multiple objects before levitating yourself. Mostly because the body is a collection of moving parts, so you need to levitate each one individually." She turned to another magic covering how to harness magic for spells. "It also requires more focus to levitate yourself than other objects, or ponies." She looked up at him as she pushed the book to him. "Just, don't levitate me, anyway, memorize that, then you can use the magic needed to levitate this." She pointed at the book itself, in fact if he had read it earlier he'd see the levitation spell page even recommended to levitate the book itself for the spell. "Hopefully that isn't too much to remember."

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

Warlock looked up to the Sphynx, floating down onto the ground, practically pouring magic out as he sighed. "So, what is the riddle, then?" He asked, knowing the other option would be either killing the sphinx, or just trying to steal the element, or even losing it permanently.

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

"Well actually he just followed me to the dungeon. Didn't really resist." He said, smirking a little. "Hope that's not too disappointing?"

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

"I will make sure to alert you about it then." He knew very well that he could just unstrap himself with levitation, but he was smart enough not to even consider that, and he had gone through extreme pain before so he could resist the sensation of itching.

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine

There wasn't much to say about the sudden silence in the realm but the siblings somehow didn't seem to notice the sounds of many voices wanting ti see the world beyond. They certainly would've tried to speak to Sen the first time he arrived back then but it seemed so long ago.

As for moving around to other places, Lin seemed curious if there was a network connecting the gates together where some places could be traversed faster when entering from certain places. She had read about a similar system from her tome of myths and wondered about it for a while. 

The two would keep to themselves for a moment to reflect on their little spat from earlier. They hoped it didn't give Omen any more reason to be concerned about them. 

[Widdershins 9,959]

@~Phoenix~, @Foxy Socks & @Blitz Boom

   After having made a great show of having been flattered by his flourish of style and gentlestallionly bow; Rarity made a nodding mental note of his cape for latter reference and showed her guests off at her front door. Calling out to Foxy as she left, the seamstress mare reiterated her promise.

  "Oh, soon as I tidy up, I shall have your project delivered unto you on the morrow! Do take care out there in the countryside! Try Chamomile! That's good for the nerves!"

She added on, for benefit of the quivery, out-of-sorts-seeming mare that had accompanied Briar and hadn't spoken up once. Turning back around to inside her place of business while muttering thoughts of what best gemstones to weave; Rarity comes back to look up at Rainbow Dash.

  "Hmm? Oh, you have anywhere to be today, Dashie? You're usually off dashing around so much it's hard to hunt you down when somepony does need you! ...Or off sleeping somewhere in the middle of the day." 

 

  To Blitz's Smokey:

     Widdershins's voice comes in clear and rather notably calm and measured despite the circumstances and character of his. His voice seems to come generally from the area of his limbless, ends-less body where it lies on the bathroom floor, lazily making half-hearted attempts to turn its head-end up to try and address Smokey and Grim as he talks.

   No, can't say I remember Ponyville... well, several Ponyvilles, but none that involved fire, If I remember right. Would rather hope that I don't forget the times I've been in fire. I should say it sounds quite implausible to know things about beings you've never met. Hmm. This all is probably a notable bit more of an awkward mess then you might assume.

   See, Time isn't entirely linear for me. What this might very well be is that I, the one before you now (or perhaps behind), have yet to actually meet you yet. Different Dimensions operate on different time, you know. As I'm sure you can piece together from my own accidental intrusion. There's quite a lot of rules to being a Space traveler. 

    ...speaking of pieces...  As I said, I'll do what I can to ease things, should you give me the chance. Would be technically easier on me if I had my head & neck back. The limbs might pop back in sometime later, they usually do.

  Tell you what. You come over here, open your mouth at me, I'll try and plug my body back in and see if I can't pop my face back out with as much minimal discomfort as possible? All things considered? Then we'll find the other sentient horse being that has my tail inside of her, and you'll catch me up to this predicament I've so clumsily floundered into?

 

 @Blitz Boom again:

  From where Ambie sits between the wagon and Happy Hour rummaging through his; he gives the latter currently-stallion a confused look. 

  "Well, you don't have to go through all the trouble. Like... I managed pulling the logs just on a tarp earlier, so surely there's no harm to be had here if I just pull it gently?..."

  Out of curiosity, Ambie goes over to the wagon, then thinks for a moment before deciding on a course of action. Grabbing ahold of the post where the harness would have tied up to in his mouth and backing away from it proves to have a very slow, but reliable progression. Not enough distance to cover towards Hour all that fast to be a dependable option, but notable enough to show that Ambie seems to have some pretty impressive jaw strength.

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord frowned slightly, "Odd, seems there's nobody home.." He scratched at his chin slightly, "I don't think I've ever seen your home so quiet before Omen. It's actually slightly unsettling in comparison, even for one such as myself."

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

"Uh--"

Lance attempted to move back quite a bit.

"I don't-- hey, uh, I don't really think this is a good idea, you guys should stop, maybe?"

While he tried to sound confident, he kind of squeaked out the last sentence.

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@Blitz Boom

Phoenix gazed down at the rather colorful fish. something about watching them was indeed very calming. she had almost forgotten what had happened a few moments ago with Smokey. a light smile crept onto her face as she thought of him. and it just as soon went away as she thought about how widdershins had come in and ruined the moment they were sharing. 

as she looked down at the colorful fish, she also couldn't help but notice her own reflection, as well as that of the mare beside her, who was a bit taller. there were few mirrors out in the woods, as one could expect. as a result, Phoenix hadn't had the chance to look at her own face very often. but right now, as she did, she felt as though her face was natural to herself. as if this is who she was, and who she was meant to be. as her comfort with herself grew, she began to realize something. she might actually be afraid to turn back. she would be afraid to be suddenly greeted by a similar, albeit unfamiliar face in the mirror. she truly was becoming at home with her situation. and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. 

as she pondered this, lost in thought, she suddenly shifted her vision at Sorrow's reflection, noticing the glowing eyes in the skull around her neck. she lifted her gaze off of the reflection, and onto the real deal as the wisp suddenly flew out of the skull in Phoenix's direction. she was a bit startled, and took a few steps back. but after registering Sorrows words, she could deduce that the wisp served only to reinforce Sorrow's truth, and it had no intent to harm. 

truth be told, she didn't know what to do or say. she simply watched the wisp with a shocked look on her face. 

 

@Widdershins @Foxy Socks @Blitz Boom

 

Rainbowdash had been hovering a few feet above everypony else as everything had been going on. she would have piped in, but the whole situation seemed a bit over her head. as it seemed like they were all leaving, she lifted a hoof to wave at them. "goodbye" she said with a grin as they trotted out the door. 

she began to float on her back, with her wings still beating to somehow keep her afloat, as she crossed her hooves behind her head "yeah, well i just got bored, so i figured i'd stop by anyway" she replied with a bit of a stubborn tone. she didn't like it when other ponies questioned her intentions. 

 

Edited December 18, 2017 by ~Phoenix~

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@MiragetheChangeling

Jelly looked with big eyes on the mare as she told the filly that she were blind. She had not expected that to be the answer, and after the initial shock, she started to feel really bad for the mare. It might she herself had some issues with her eyes being overly sensitive, but having to live with something like this was in a whole nother league. Poor Amanita.

"I'm sorry to hear that miss. I didn't think it was something bad like that."

Stargazer was as always happy to hear that his daughter wasn't the sort who would just brush over something like this, but apologize to be on the safe side. Sure, she still had her times of being an irresponsible filly, but that was part of being a foal, and it was leagues better than how he had been.

But this wasn't a time to reflect on his past. As Jelly had been addressed, so had he, and he were expected to respond. Now how to put it mildly...

"A large, shadowy creature came out of nowhere during a surprise storm, and began to cause damages. Thankfully we had evacuation protocols in place, so nopony got gravely wounded, but it still left the town in quite a state after it was defeated.

The princesses arrived and appointed somepony to stand for the rebuilding efforts, and got contact with somepony who could provide materials, and the rebuilding have gone on since then.

In case we meet her, I should warn you that the forepony is very... Direct, and can seem hostile, but she is just focused on her duty. She won't hurt anypony."

In parts because she couldn't really. With her injuries, trying to take hostile actions could result in her painful demise, and he really hoped that would not be something which would happen. Much as she was crude and distant to most, he couldn't help but respect her dedication to get the best possible job done in a timely fashion, and he was frankly curious about what she might end up doing when all of this were said and done.

Battle ready as a soldier, devoted like a fanatic, and fierce like a storm. Last Stand had many traits that had likely served her well where she came from before, but he honestly didn't know if she could fall in well with everypony else when this was over. She certainly couldn't fall down to being a stationary guard at least, he were certain of that. She were far too much of a warrior for tedious work of that caliber, at least in his opinion.

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

 

 

@Lloyd

Chow chuckled. Good to see that Astral was starting to work with his jokes, instead of just passing 'em by or something like it. Sure it had been pretty stupid on his part to act like he did with a lil' necklace on him, but you had to learn to laugh at the little things in life, and goof off a bit when you had the chance,

But now it was serious time. She were trying to teach him something here, and listening in as closely as could be were gonna help him so he didn't mess this up. The student had to learn from the teacher, or he'd just end up failing his test, or some other kind of metaphor for this. He didn't know. He were trying to concentrate here.

After Astral was done talking, he grabbed hold of the book and read what the current subject t hoof said. Seemed simple enough compared to what he had thought it'd be, and since it said to start with the book... Well, here goes.

He put it down, and followed the steps as best he could, along with keeping in mind what Astral had just said. It took a few tries, but eventually, a dirt-brown aura wrangled around the book, and started to lift it up. It frankly looked like it was surrounded by muddy water, though he didn't care about that. He just saw an accomplishment, and started to grin widely with a bit of foalish glee in his eyes.

"Hehe, I think I got it. Wasn't so- *Twack*"

it wasn't entirely sure what he had done to mess this up, but halfway through his joking boast, the book flew up and smacked him straight in the face. Naturally, that made him end his victories attitude, and with the book now pressing against his face with no apparent want to let go, he had to let out a sigh and turn to where he thought Astral were.

"Something tells me I deserved that one. Little help here please?"

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

 

@Lloyd

The Sphinx glared down on the two, and continuously contemplating just stomping on them before he opened his mouth.

"You made a mockery of the temple, so you still need testing. As you loosened my bonds, I will accept doing this my kinds way. Succeed in answering my riddles three, and you will gain the element you're searching for. Fail either, and it will not be easy for you to retrieve it again. That is, if I let you live to begin with.

The first one is as follows: We hurt without moving. We poison without touching. We bear the truth and the lies. We are not to be judged by our size. What are we? We hurt without moving. We poison without touching. We bear the truth and the lies. We are not to be judged by our size. What are we?

The second is then: I’m always there, some distance away. Somewhere between land or sea and sky I lay. You may move towards me, yet distant I stay. What am I?

The third for you to answer: I am a mother and a father, but have never given birth. I’m rarely still, but I never wander. What am I?

Answer these, carrier of Greed, and the Element of Treachery is yours to take."

Athriel (which had recently gotten out of Warlock's hooves) opened her beak to say something, but a slab of cloth came out of nowhere and wrapped around her head, stopping her from giving off more than a muffled sound.

"This is his test, not yours. He will answer, or be as unworthy in the eyes of Enzo as you are."

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

 

@Lloyd

"Wait, he just went to the jail? What they hay?"

"Yeah, you can say that again. You didn't even beat him up?"

"No threats?"

"Not even a mean glare?"

"Dang... If you ain't pulling our legs here, that there just makes this Zhu fellow even more suspicious."

"Could be he just knew he was caught and didn't to get beaten up."

"That or he's crazy or got a plan. Then again, we don't have any prisoners right now he might want to try and pull out."

"Yeah, the few we have down there are some nasty sorts. Not ones anypony would want back on the streets."

"Peh, as if anypony could get past the jailer anyway."

"Yeah, I guess... Anyway, pity there wasn't an epic fighting scene in your story, but good to hear the bugger is locked down regardless. Can't have anypony snooping around and hitting out guards after all."

"He didn't get hold of anything before you caught him, did he?"

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

 

@Lloyd

"Good, good."

The doctor kept scribbling, then raised his head as he heard the Ambassador gasp after breath.It wasn't a loud sound, and as it turned out when he got there, it wasn't anything, but he still had to respond to it immediately. To him and the other doctors, saving his life were their top priority, so he had to stay on top of things in case something sounded like it was going wrong.

Thankfully, nothing were currently, and the doctor went on to scribbling down a few things after that whilst looking over Golden, which left Shimmer nervous for the stallion, and not entirely sure what she were supposed to do right now. Check on him perhaps? But the doctor was with him, surely she'd just get in the way?

"...So sir? Beyond itchy, how are you feeling currently? Nothing else that is holding you down?"

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

 

@woodchunks66

"I am a Dryad, a child of the Earth Mother."

Lyriel sat down on the ground, and put a hand to the ground, palm down.

Rising it in a fluent motion, an array of small roses grew beneath it and flourished, as if drawn towards her hand, not stopping until they reached and her fingers caressed the delicate flora.

"Where I'm from, my kind used to watch nature and help it blossom. Under our care, the Earth Mother's creations were taken care off, even when the Atazi- No, your kind calls them Dragons. I must remember this. Even when the Dragons took of our trees, we would make sure new stood, so the valley never died."

A sigh escaped her mouth as she ran a finger down the largest rose.

"Now, I'm the only sane one left... Perhaps there are others of my kind, but in the Silver Valley, there lies now only madness, and with help I was brought to your country, where I now warden the Everfree Forest. Such a troubled place it is..."

She got lost in thoughts for a moment, thinking on the creatures and the fauna she had thus far found in the strange forest. They were so different from what had been where she had grown, before the waters turned them all into vegetation, and she were still trying to understand fully how the place functioned. It seemed so chaotic, and yet, there was an order, from what she had been told. She just couldn't see it yet.

"The trees are very different from these. The forest are varied, with every sprout seemingly having a tale of its own, while yours tend to be the same. They feel happy, and satisfied with their lives. I may not be able to hear words, but the feelings they share with me we connect, tells me all I need to know. Their pain, their sadness, or here, the pleasant lives, with little troubling them"

A weak chuckle escaped her as she let go of the rose and looked down on the pony, whom she were still taller than, even now as she had sat down on the ground.

"You needn't worry though. Trees does not have emotions as severe as you and I. For them, pain is neglect, and their sorrow are days without water. If they are treated well, they will give of their fruits as joyfully as you Ponies seem to enjoy hugs, and it will not hurt them in the slightest.

Can I ask you something then, little one? You seem... Wary of me. So did many others in the town, as I wandered there for the first time today. Does my appearance frighten your kind by chance? Please, tell me if that is the case, so that I may correct it."

Lyriel ran her hand across  the roses, which twisted and fell, before flourishing again as a small bush.

Nature was malleable for her kind. They mended the creations of their mother, moved entire areas around to make room for new sprouts to bloom, or simply grew things were it seemed needed, among other things. And just like it, they too could adapt to what was better for the ecosystem. Perhaps for her, it were to blend in better, but she wished to be certain what might cause looks to go her way first, even if she were almost convinced it were indeed her appearance.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Storm Shine

"Perhaps they have found masters. Only Mother knows."

She stopped, and opened a small gate in thin air and popped her head through it.

There were quite a few gasps and sounds of surprise, but she didn't say anything. She just popped her head back in just as the Refraction were starting to hiss at the loud ones.

"Wrong sky city."

She closed it, and they started to move a little again, before she halted and looked into the distance.

It was doubtful that Sen could feel it, and Discord were hard to pin down as to what he were able to feel out, but Lin should be able to feel at least a little of what Omen did, as their bodies shared of the mass of this place. A powerful aura, all consuming and seeming to fill the entirety of the realm coming out of nowhere in the distance.

What Omen felt even from here made her take a half step backwards, unsure what was going on, and just starring into the horizon.

Then suddenly, things started to move. It was a little hard to see from the darkness here being so close in color as often as it were, but Omen at least could clearly see wha seemed like a flood of her siblings just start to float out on the stable ground, like batter being poured into a form.

As they fell down and laid dormant, Omen didn't even look at them, but instead had her focus on the figure that had stood in the middle of where they had been. He weren't there long before he put an appendage on thin air, and opened a way into what had to be Mother's room like it were nothing, so what he looked like weren't possible to say currently. The only one who might have a chance would be Discord, though the encounter was so fast that even he shouldn't be able to gander much. At best, just a humanoid form and some sort of clothing, though it may appear blurry.

As quickly as it had started, as quickly did it end, and he was gone.

Omen looked around and down, where hordes other siblings laid still. They weren't dead, as it wasn't exactly easy to kill what did not truly live, but whoever had been there seemed to have made them sleep. Though Omen just thought they were relaxing. She had never seen sleep in here, so it wasn't something her brain registered as an option.

SO after looking for a little bit, she would look to her right and open another gate to stick her head through. There were less yelps this time, though a few gasps of surprise and what sounded like running did come through.

"Las Pegasus?"

"Y-Yes!"

"Okay."

Whoever she had just asked would run off as well as she stuck her head back into the current shadowy realm and expanded the gate.

"Stuttering pony says this is the place."

Las Pegasus was different from some sky cities like Cloudsdale, in that not only Pegasi could wander there, though there were some thin places where the bridges, streets and such weren't as solid, where they dad to restrict access now and again whilst new magic and/or roadwork were done. It was a costly affair, but with the money the town raked in from tourists of the non-winged races, it was more worth it than it was trouble.

As to where Omen had opened into, it was less glamorous: Closed down storage hut, that seemed to be full of parts for something, with the town being somewhere on the left, at least if you judged from the sounds.

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

 

@genessee

Alonsus had his hoof raised, ready to toss, but at Lances words halted. Perhaps the stallion was right? Ah, but to see Berry's smug face right now, as she started to feel safe from retaliation... How was a stallion of perfect proportions - such as himself - supposed to ignore how much such an expression begged for him to continue?

"Alright, that's enough you two."

The pause were thankfully enough to give Straw the chance to interfere himself, which really took the wind out of Alonsus' sails when it came to the option for retaliation. It didn't touch his boastfulness, but that was hardly a surprise, considering how much the stallion oozed of confidence and egoism. You didn't need to be a Changeling to sort this one out.

"Alonsus, go check on Chop. The doors to a few of the cabinets have started to wobble. Lance, follow me to my office please. I would like an update on how your route went thus far, and I need an additional signature from you."

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

 

@Widdershins

Smokey just felt worse and worse the more Widdershins spoke on. At first it was just his head over how confusing this creature were in every conceivable way, but then came the part about him still having two pieces missing that wasn't on the floor, and those were... If ever there was going to be a test to what Phoenix and him would be able to bear and still be around one another, it would to to have this disgusting thing inside their muzzles again as he rummaged around after scavenged body parts.

"I don't know what's worse. The headache you're giving me, or the urge to vomit from knowing that somehow, there's still some part of you down my throat. Phoenix is not going to be happy about this..."

"And speaking of which, I'm going to check up on the young lady, to see where she might be."

Grim interrupted, and started to go towards the door.

"I should come to. She have to know about-"

"Do I need to repeat my remark about smacking you? You'll let me handle this, whilst you... Get sorted. It's going to be bad enough that you might see her go through it, if it goes both ways then there's no way to salvage this. I just hope she's not by a door..."

The last part was mumbled to himself as he wrinkled his nostrils and went out of the bathroom. Quite frankly, not just to look for Phoenix, but also to get away from what was about to happen. Certain things wasn't supposed to be seen unless you wanted to have nightmares, and stuffing a Draconequus's headless torso into your muzzle was one of them. He would never be able to look at Smokey the same way again if he saw that.

Back in said bathroom, now alone and faced with what was going to likely be the worst experience in his life, right after... No, this was even worse than the cactus valley, and there was no way around it.

Smokey took a shaky grab in the currently present and attached parts of Widdershins, and slowly raised him up to his face.

"There's not enough mouthwash in Equestria to cover this..."

With that, he opened wide, and slid Widdershins forward.

He hated his life sometimes...

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

 

@Widdershins

"What're you on abou- Oh bloody Tartarus..."

Happy hadn't seen what Ambie had been going at as he rummaged through his wagon, trying to find the specific spare part he had in mind, but he had figured t he stallion was just rambling on.

That was, until he got what he found, turned around, and then saw the stallion just drag stuff along like he hadn't noticed something was wrong.

Oh, the urge to just grab him, shake him vigorously and yell at him *How did you survive this long?!*... He was starting to feel like a saint for still having the strength of character to not just go through with that, even if he did facehoof. It might not be the best response, but come one, how much was a regular mortal supposed to endure without some kind of negative response?

Yeah sure, the lad had some good jaw strength, and seemingly also a good amount of back muscles since he had just dragged things along without getting injured either yesterday or today, but what did that help with all the rest going against him? Honestly, had his parents spend any degree of time to raise him to at least use the thinker a little bit, or had they just blindfolded him, put him into traffic, and then hoped one day he wouldn't wander back?

Dang it! If this was an RPG, this fellah would be a Rogue with all his points into Luck, and a few haphazardly set in Stealth.

"Alright, calm yourself Happy, you've gotten this far... Please put it down Ambie, and we'll fix it. You might be able to handle it like that, but it might get damaged if you use it wrongly. The Apples wouldn't like that, right?"

He wondered how they'd react to him slapping the daylight out of their worker just to see if it would rattle something in place. Somehow... He didn't think they'd outright tell him not to.

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

 

@~Phoenix~

Sorrow looked at Phoenix's shocked expression with a great big grin on her muzzle, and jumped in place.

"Haha! You see Legion? She's a believer now. I knew you could do it."

"...Are you trying to freak out ponies again?"

The voice behind her made the mare give out a meep, and turned around shocked to face-

"Daddy!"

Sorrow bounced over and hugged the regular sized Earth pony whilst he stole a glance at Phoenix and let out a sigh.

"How many times do we have to go over this honey? Not everypony wants to believe in ghosts, and not everypony takes it well to know too much about either that or Legion.

Miss Phoenix? I'm sorry for what might have transcribed before I arrived. Sorrow means things well, but she does tend to have a certain... Approach towards those who are less inclined to believe in the spiritual. I can assure you that she means no harm."

After leaving Smokey to do.... What he had to do, Grim had looked around for a few minutes before he heard somepony outside. The overly joyful voice of his daughter had been hard to miss, and had been something to pinpoint by once he had gotten out, and since he had heard her mention the mare's name, he figured that if he found one, he'd get the both.

Sadly, he didn't get there in time before Sorrow made Legion perform for Phoenix it seemed, at least judging by the expression. Hopefully it woouln't be too late to salvage things, though that might depend on exactly what Legion had shown off. It really depended on who were part of the collective mind when it came to thinking about what they may or may not do, and he just wasn't sure right now. Last he recalled, it had a few boastful types with them, but it kept changing, so it was impossible for most ponies to know, including himself.

Edited December 18, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[Brobot 1,436]

@Blitz Boom AJs mouth dropped as she make flowers grow out of thin air"wha....wha...wha.."AJ stuttered,she has seen some crazy magic before but this was out of this world.AJ paused for a moment to register what the....Dryad had said," well thank ya,we work hard at sweet apple acres to keep our trees happy,and for you apprence...your just fine the way you are super cube"AJ deiced that her appearance was just.....disrupting,she will just have to get used to,"you said your where the only sane one left....what do you mean,you said that the dragons took your trees..." Aj automatically thought of Spike and Ember,"this must have happened a long time ago.....

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"Y-you don't like mess?"

Victoria seemed surprised at this, though not many details were given it seemed to please her and once again a genuine smile appeared on her face. For a moment it looked like she was about to hug Pop, but she stood her ground, lifted one front hoof and turned her head up to the sky, attempting to look uninterested but she was still smiling.

"Maybe I have misjudged you..."

She looked about and paused for a moment, thinking about the route. Then she did a little hop and turned to face the road heading right, lifting a hoof and pointing.

"Take a right here Benny!"

Her manner was completely different, she was smiling with her eyes closed and stood up straight and confident. Her voice was different too, higher pitched, louder, less formal. It was almost bizarre to see her like this without the little foal by her side. It seemed Victoria's shell was cracking.

Suddenly Victoria's eyes snapped open and her smile dropped, she was looking straight up at a small yellow Pegasus, the airborne pony smiled down at Victoria for a second then dropped down, landing neatly in front of her before wrapping both her front hooves around her teacher's sister.

"Hey Vicky! What's got you so happy?"

She stepped back from Victoria who's face had once again turned to a scowl.

"You know not to touch me! You're all sticky..."

She brushed sprinkles from her mane in disgust and pushed past the pegasus.

"You should learn from these two... probably the first ponies besides Battenberg, Angel and maybe Red, I don't dislike, unlike you they know what it means to be clean and tidy."

Sprinkles was shocked for a moment but then giggled.

"Wow, how in Equestria did you get her to say that?! I saw that cute little hop she did too, looks like she's really warming up to you guys, nice seeing you again by the way!"

She extended a hoof to the pair, ready for a proper greeting despite having last seen them a mere hour ago.

Edited December 18, 2017 by Battenberg

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom

There was certainly enough of a crowd to make it hard to listen to navigate as Briar said, so Foxy gladly accepted to help. "Of course, I am familiar with this area. It may take a minute, but it will certainly be faster." Foxy set off with the others toward a less crowded section, mostly taken up by houses being repaired, with less of a distraction.

 

Foxy spent enough time in the town that she was familiar with most things, of course except when new things such as the tents are added. Being good at direction was something she worked on since she was a filly after the accident in the forest. She of course didn't know it then, but over time her experience allowed her to find most anything even in dense forests, or a large city such as Canterlot. Sometimes in her free time she even studied maps.

 

"Hopefully it's quiet enough here, though I'll try heading in more empty areas if you prefer," Foxy said, making sure Brittle felt as comfortable as she needed. With Agni on her back, Foxy tired more easily, so she stopped a few times before continuing. 

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom 

@Moonlit 

@Dji

 

Suddenly, the gear from the clock tower, which had practically destroyed somepony’s home earlier in the fight against The Forgotten One, began rolling away once more, causing the tarp that had been used to cover it to be carried away by the wind.  The gear itself rolled onto a bridge further up the river, causing it to collapse and block the way for Serenade.  The tarp however landed on a cart as if guided by magic, which then rolled right to the edge of the river where it was stopped by a bush.  The cart was big enough that both Serenade and Ziggy would be able to fit in it, and the tarp was big enough to cover them both, but was this solution too obvious?  The Traveler wondered this as he watched events transpire, unseen, hidden by powerful magic.

 

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

Astral giggled. "You lost focus." She said, reaching to the book and placing her hoof on it, the spell keeping it there fell apart as she removed it from his face. "Don't worry, with practice you'll be able to do that. Plus, my dad had that happen when he first did this, so you aren't alone." She said, giggling. "So just try levitating it again." She placed the book down on the ground. "Maybe try focusing less magic into the spell, because if you put to much magic into levitating a small object, it'll move way faster than you want it to, like what just happened." She said, almost holding back a chuckle as she said that.

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

He looked down, lifting a hoof up to his muzzle. 'Destiny' He thought, yet he wasn't sure that was a suitable answer for that. But he also realized they weren't really here for the element of treachery, but then, it'd help to have one less element available for their enemies to use against them. He looked up to the Sphinx. "How many tries to I get for each riddle?" He asked, smirking a little.

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

He paused for a moment, he never did see Zhu grab onto anything. "I did use one of my feathers to keep him in check." A feather slid out of place, floating outside of the arrangement that made up his wings, singling out the feather, which was indeed the same one used to threaten Zhu. "Other than that he just followed me"

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

"I am feeling, intact." With that he felt the dark magic disturbance pass over him, like a wave as it went away. "Although, not being blind would make me feel better." He said, with a slight chuckle, if he was able to see, he could see what was causing this dark magic disturbance. As far as he could sense, it lead to Astral, having a conversation with Chow. Seeming she was teaching him light magic, not dark magic, but he could only hear what they were discussing, not able to see what they were doing, he decided to not listen further, as he heard the sound of a fire igniting, which was Astral casting a spell allowing her to see if he was listing.

Astral watched as the spell flashed green briefly before turning red. "Odd." She put her hoof down as the flame dissipated, continuing to watch Chow try to cast the spell, if he hadn't started already.

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine

Seems the sights leave a lot to be desired at the moment but the sounds of a bustling town should lead them to the right place to start. Sen picked up on this and moved left to the source of the noise, ignoring other things within the immediate vicinity. A storage shed like this would open up to the outside and while he did so, waited for the rest to join him. 

"So, I guess we should search south of the city. File Fiddler's or Fancy Filligree's office."

Lin went out to the streets and was quite stunned by how big the place is that it confused her. She couldn't tell which way was which. 

"Loojs like this might take longer than expected."

[~Phoenix~ 196]

@Blitz Boom

after standing there and staring at the skull on her neck for a few moments, Phoenix shook her head to snap herself out of whatever daze she found herself in. right about then is when Grim showed up. she wasn't too surprised to see that Grim was actually Sorrows father. after all, there didn't seem to be too many other Stallions on the premises whom sorrow could have been talking of earlier. 

she glanced over at grim, and noticed that his muzzle seemed to be a bit bruised, and it looked as though his nose may have been bleeding a bit earlier as well. did he get into a fight? that was something she may have to figure out later. for now, there was the matter of that creepy skull around Sorrows neck... she had a ton of questions, but seeing Grims reaction, she decided that it may be best to withhold them for the time being. 

"it's fine... I've seen some weird stuff before" she shrugged it off as she wiped the look off her face. "should we head back inside?"

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Phew. That was close!

Lance nodded and began to follow Straw into the office, leaving his two coworkers behind.

I wonder what he needs an additional signature for? Is there, like, a danger that I'm not aware of that I have to sign a waiver or something for? 

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Battenberg

"Well, I don't mind a little dirt here and there, but that should be outside. Any store and kitchen should be clean as a whistle, and organized so you can find exactly what you're looking for, when you're looking for it. Might seem candy is a messy process, but if there's any dirt in the making at all, it's worthless, and frankly disgusting."

Urgh, especially when she had to pull Taffy. That stuff took long enough time as it was, but then to find that there had been something mingled in (remnants of other products, dirt, bits or something else) and all that hard work were wasted. Sure, she thought that Victoria had her... Cleanliness issues turned up high, but when it came to the the kitchen, she'd stand right with her and smack anypony who tried to get in the way of keeping it that way, with a spoon. Benny could attest that as she had already had to smack him several times, when he got curious and tried to stick a finger in a mixture of whatever.

It seemed to help Victoria that Pop talked about this side of thing too. She hadn't seen the mare this friendly since Angel had been around, but perhaps it helped when she had somepony she could relate to a little? She'd have to remember to tell Snip Snap about that. Might be that things would go better if he brought along some of the mane and tail products he used whilst speaking of how best to clean both. Not with the same product though Pop had suggested that once, and she had never seen such a stink eye tossed her way. Not even from her mother, and that mare knew how to give a stern one when it came down to it.

Of course, if she had to follow everything the stylist said, she'd have to use four products just for the shower, then three products when she had dried herself. He was very particulate about those kinds of things, though Benny had presented him with a grimace. The little hair Benny had on his body could be handled with a simple shampoo, and the scales were frankly not Snip's domain. He just suggested a fish bath where they could nibble things from him and then went along to his next customer at the time.

But, those thoughts weren't for now. After today, she would be able to send noise to the stylist and let him know that she had somepony that would like to meet him, and then take things from there, but currently she had a meeting with her parents in law to deal with first. That was, until Sprinkles came in and simultaneously gave a distraction, and made Victoria mostly crawl into her shell again.

"Hey it's... Sprinkles, right? Nice to see you again ma'am."

Benny stopped briefly and waved at the mare with a toothy grin before wandering on. He didn't want to be too late when meeting up with his folks.

"Hello Sprinkles."

Pop reached out a hoof and shook the cupcake mare's hoof.

"Victoria is helping us find our way to meet Benny's parents, and we just got to talking about a few things. I think that it helped her to hear that others prefer to run a tidy shop as well."

"Can we please talk and walk at the same time? I don't wanna make them wait too long, and it ain't fair to drag it out for our helpful guide. I bet she's seven kinds of busy today, aintcha?"

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

 

@woodchunks66

Lyriel gave a saddened smile when it came to the subject of her sanity, and the Dragons from where she came from. A question she knew she had set up to be answered, but it still did not take away from how it made her feel.

"The Dragons harvested lumber from the valley, and we would then have the trees regrown. They did not take more than they needed, and they protected us in return. It was a good arrangement that lasted us for a long time.

My people though... Eventually one dared to drink of water running with the energy of the fallen Adatzne bow, and it made him feel powerful. When he returned, he convinced others to follow, and eventually the only choice were to drink, or..."

The pained expression on her face told well that whatever it was that happened to the stragglers, it were not a good thing.

"I managed to escape, and I hid. Years passed where I was forced to see their insanity and heresy spread from a distance. They forgot the purpose, what we had going with the Dragons, and even began to spat on the Earth Mother's name. She who granted us life, were twisted into a villain in their eyes...

There is nothing left back there for me, and I praise our mother below that those ponies accidentally showed up and helped me get away. I have much to thank them for, and quite a lot to learn from your kind. You are very different from the dragons around my old home.

Still, I see that I have far to go to understand, and to blend in. Much as your words are kind, I can see that I still unsettle you some. Perhaps you would be so kind as to show me a small piece of ground where I may remedy this? It is dangerous in the forest to do so currently, as not all of the creatures feel comfortable with me currently, but you Ponies seem like noble, honorable creatures most of the time. I would trust you to not strike me when I am vulnerable."

Ponies in general were not something that she would say were trustworthy enough for this quite yet, even if she did admire them. But this one were a friend of nature, and what she had felt with the apple trees made her somewhat certain that this one were among the better of their kind.

A thought crossed her mind, which made her emit a pearly laugh a over something that she had forgotten to explain.

"Ah, I'm sorry little one, I forget at times that not all understands my kind. Dryads are malleable beings. We morph into trees to hide, change how we appear depending on the season, things such as that. Some of my kind, even changed thoroughly how they appeared, to meet the Dragons in forms they would feel better as, though their wings could not carry them. I would like the opportunity to do the same, though to your kind instead, yet I need fertile ground and a little time undisturbed.

The trees think fondly of you, keeper of the orchard. So I would like to ask if you would assist me in this. I assure you, no harm will come to this beautiful place."

Apple Jack still hadn't given her name, so Lyriel had to call her by other things. This one seemed to resonate well with her from what she had seen thus far.

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@Foxy Socks

"We thank you ever so kindly Foxy."

Brittle nodded a little and followed as they crossed down streets that were thankfully not as populated as other areas, yet still had their inhabitants. Unfortunately, not something which could be avoided, but nopony appeared to wish to stop their strange group from wandering onward, and did not ask them questions, so they would have some peace to wander in. A good thing for Brittle, who needed to be brought back to the forest, and away from everypony after the morning she had been through.

There was a minor halt from Briars side as they followed the mare and her pet that delayed them a few seconds, as the Evergrown wandered directly into a hanging, metal sign, but it was fine. Well, mostly anyway.

He had gotten a few drops of *blood* falling from his nostrils after that, which rapidly caused two patches of grass and flowers to burst forth where they had hit. Briar had to wander with his head held high to keep it from being worse after that, but at least one more drop would fall and do the same thing as they went on their way out of town.

"Is there much further to go, Foxy? I think I feel trees, but not having my nose to help is limiting me somewhat."

At that point, they would be passing a potted plant. It may well be that which he felt, unless they really were near the border between forest and town.

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@Lloyd

"Well you know what they say: IF you can't be smart, at least be entertaining.

Let's see if it'll go better second time 'round then."

Chow still had a rather small idea of how magic flow worked, so he figured that perhaps the issue was that he had gone and concentrated on it too much before, and then slipped. So this time, he attempted to make it a more casual thought instead of attempting to split his head on it.

So after that didn't work, he went back to having a good focus, and this time when the book got up in the air, he kept focus. Sure he grinned, but other than that, he didn't repeat how he had messed it up before, and it seemed to work. Now came the part where he had to try something.

Taking some focus off a little by little, he checked how much he needed to hold to not get smacked again, which on his current level seemed to still be a good deal. He wavered too much, the book started to wobble or float closer to him, and he had to pick the focus up again to keep it going, so he got that part going for him at least. Amateur hour compared to how effortlessly Astral seemed to do this, but she had years of practice. He had a botched ritual and three minutes. He'd take a small victory where he could.

"Alright, magic back then..."

he almost got smacked in the face again, but the book was a tiny bit more controlled this time, so he managed to grab it with his hoof. After that it was as easy as using a straw... To empty a giant vat of lard. Meaning that it got done, but it took a while, and his strained facial expressions showed off that it wasn't all that easy.

"Magic users are a tougher crowd than I gave you credit for. This ain't as easy as I figured.

Mind me asking though, can we go a bit basic before trying again? Controlling magic output, flow and stuff like that is gibberish to me. Mind explaining how to regulate that stuff? I'd like to not try and levitate something sharp and have it aim for my face, and it sounds like the output is one of the places where I'm messing up royally.

And... Did I see your hoof change color before? I could've sworn I caught a glimpse of something green and red."

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@Lloyd

"I am feeling generous, so i will allow three attempts per riddle. Be thankful I am not as petty as those who spawned me, or one answer would be all you had gotten before you were pulverized."

They hadn't been so bad he thought, but they were of the old school. It was one riddle, one attempt, and a befitting punishment afterward if you failed. He could understand this, but Enzo had not found it as interesting. There was something satisfying in seeing a pony squirm after getting one or two attempts wrong that was just too enjoyable to skip out on in his opinion. Plus he really didn't feel like being all that wrathful most of the time, and he had no great secret to govern, except this element, and he hated it with all of his heart. It had been why he was trapped here, and the sooner he could be rid of it, the better.

Yet, rules were rules. He had to give something up, tests should be provided, and a few riddles shouldn't be an issue. If they were, then he was frankly disappointed. He would expect more from someone who came for this particular relic.

Warlock might find it easier to cheat as time went on though. Athriel were a knowledgeable mare, and Enzo clearly knew that, as he had silenced her. But if Warlock were to use say, a communication spell cast discreetly, he might get some assistance without it being obvious that he cheated. Athriel at least hoped tht he would, as she actually did have some idea what the answers were to these, frankly old riddles.

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@Lloyd

"Man, wicked ability."

"Yeah. Good way to threaten somepony and make them know you can mess 'em up good without even touching them."

"No wonder he just followed then. Here's hoping he didn't mess with anything."

"Well the door is locked, so I doubt he could get in here anyway. We'd see it easily if he had tried to break it in too."

"Point taken. Anyway, Wind? You need anything, you come and find us, alright? We owe you one, and debts should be repaid."

"Listened to the Night Guard again, have we?"

"Oh like you never gambled with them Mr. High-and-mighty."

"Please, most Solar Guards have at one point or another. Only really saints or those who wanna support their family all the way that isn't there at one point or another. Come on Wind, back me up here. You've been playing cards with the Night Guards too, right?"

It was a problem that had persisted through many generals, since Luna had been sent to the moon and the Night Guard more or less had nothing better to do than train and look bored. Eventually they turned to some friendly gambles,a nd then the Solar Guard joined in, then the Coast Guards now and again... It wasn't as wide-spread after Luna had returned, and the Night Guard had better things to focus their time on once again, but it were still a part of the Royal Guards history that a lot had gotten involved in.

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@Lloyd

"Thankfully we have good doctors here, and they seem confident that you can be helped. It just takes time.

Speaking of which, I think it is time I go and check up on the other patients again, and make sure they're doing better. Can I answer or do anything for you before I leave?"

Shimmer gave a stolen glance to Golden and twitched slightly, as she once again mumbled a small prayer. She had never really gotten the chance to tell him exactly how much his guidance had meant for her, and if he went down now, she'd never... No, she didn't want to think about it,a nd it would be easier to get out of her head if she couldn't see him. At least that was what she hoped for, though something told her that it may just be a pipe dream, and that she wouldn't feel at ease until she saw him awake again.

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@EQ_Theta

Omen hadn't been here for a long time. How long she didn't know, but if any here could remember her brief visit, it would have been thirteen years ago.

It mostly just included her showing up out of nowhere and then sniffing things in the museum, which hadn't gone over too well. Especially not when she tipped that vase over, but they had likely forgotten about that. Maybe.

With such a short run, she hadn't much idea how the town looked like in the entirety, or about all of the ponies there, so she couldn't show them anywhere either. She got them here, that was all she could do for certain.

Not knowing of what else to do, she stepped forward until she got out of the small alley and somepony saw her. A salespony wandering around with open boxes full of stuff on his sides, clearly meant to entice impulsive tourists.

At first he figured tht he could make a sale and approached her as she wandered closer, thinking that she looked weird, but that he had seen weirder. That was until he looked behind her and noticed the entourage, at which point he halted.

Omen just crossed the last bit of way between then, not thinking about how he didn't seem like he knew what to do of himself, and projected a question towards him.

"Where is File Fiddler?"

The whispering voice inside his head was the last straw, and the salespony turned quickly on the spot, causing the lids on the boxes to slam down, and took off in the opposite direction without answering.

Omen didn't think of it. Before she met Sen and Lin, this was how most ponies reacted when she spoke to her, so it wasn't something she found weird anymore. It was frankly stranger when ponies did just stay and talk all things considered, but she were getting used to that a little by little as well.

Undeterred, she went on to the next pony she could see and tried the same, resulting in the same reaction, before she went on to the third. Perhaps this would go differently, but it were also entirely possible that somepony else should try and take over before she kept scaring ponies and tourists away, and have them cause a ruckus.

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@~Phoenix~

Grim had a funny expression on his face as he was asked the question he knew was coming sooner or later.

"I wouldn't recommend it. The Draconequus have... Left his head somewhere inside Smokey."

Sorrow fluttered back from her dad and gave him a very curious expression whilst Legion's eyes flared up a small bit more than normal.

"A what did what?"

"There is a Draconequus that came here via some odd circumstances, and some pieces of his body may be in other locations."

He hadn't seen the two ponies kiss, even if he had his suspicions considering the mouthwash and where Widdershins's parts were left, but he still wouldn't have said if it were. Sorrow were not that tight-lipped as he were, and he did not want rumors to spread and mess up things for his employee and Phoenix. The youngsters should get a chance at things without him getting the timid mare to run away. Smokey would be heartbroken at this point, he were certain of it.

"I'm afraid that it is also why I came looking for you. It seems that he isn't the only one who are in possession of unwanted spare parts..."

He would wait to say more now, as the penny would drop. Hopefully this would not make Phoenix run away, or set fire to the garden for that matter. Things were bad enough already without them having to try and stop an inferno, and the natural disaster that would arrive when Rose arrived to see her hard work ruined.

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

 

@genessee

They arrived at the office without more issues from the two powder kegs, and soon Lance would be back where it all started.

Straw let out a small sigh and took off his hat, and put it down next to his desk, revealing a bald spot on top of his head. Not something he liked to show, but the hat was itching his head right now and he needed a small break.

"I forgot your signature on the employee form page two. Can't miss that one, or the pay system will get all bundled up, and you should get paid for your work after all. Reminds me, tell me how the delivery went? I smelled that you had to deliver to the blacksmith, yes?"

[Brobot 1,436]

@Blitz Boom"he convinced others to follow, and eventually the only choice were to drink, or..."AJ echoed under her breath and frowned,this story....why hasn't Granny Smith told them about these creatures...considering Granny even knew about them,AJ smiled once she heard keeper of the orchard " sugercube...every one calls me Applejack or AJ for short" AJ thought for and nodded "ill show you the most fertile soil in the whole farm so you .....transform..."AJ shook her head in disbelief in as she said that word " and if you dot mid after i can sit you down at the farm house for some apple fritters and we can exchange stories" AJ ;had the Dyrad across the farm to a bush she pulled back that bush and their lied a secret grove where AJs parents tree stood,her eyes always teared up when she saw it,"alright...umm...Lyriel was it, this is the most fertile land in ponyvile....Heck in equestria...should i give you space or should i watch..." AJ looked up at Lyriel for a response....

Edited December 20, 2017 by woodchunks66

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom @Storm Shine

Just another thing to add to the complications, though Sen felt a little more confident with mingling with strangers given his recent success in Ponyville. Lin was pretty much afflicted with sensory overload from seeing too many things happening at once and couldn't adapt fast enough to the overwhelming sensations. Sen walked over to her and lay her against a nearby wall beforw finding another stranger to ask. 

"E-excuse me? Do you know where I can find someone named File Fiddler?"

It was still a bit shoddy for Sen's attempt but finding somepony carefully walking down the street after seeing the entourage of oddities tends to put anypony on edge. He wasn't sure about the reply but he thought sounding soft-spoken might give whoever he is speaking to less reason to be scared. 

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

"Haha, yeah. Weird stuff, that blacksmith eats. The delivery went fine, though we did apparently meet a former hero. I didn't really get why he was so cool-- you'll have to ask Berry about that, she seemed to know more about it than I did."

Lance leaned over the form, glanced over the page carelessly to make sure it didn't blatantly say something along the lines of 'sign below and your soul is mine', and scrawled his signature on the blank given.

"Aaaand... done! Is that all?"