open Casual stroll

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

"Of sorts," Karmic nodded when her sight returned to normal and she focused properly upon the old general. "It ... I can't really control it. It comes and goes. But I am able to keep its side effects to a minimum. I was with the Serpanther," she growled at this and couldn't exactly keep her composure for a couple of minutes. "But I was getting out in the morning anyway because the guards had enough of my ramblings and wanted me put for one night."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Yes! Roadtrip!" Aurora cheered with a flap of her wings and raised her left foreclaw. She brought it back down and blushed in embarrassment. "Um ... pumpkin head? You said?"

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Oh, no, I'm happy to come along," Twilight smiled with a nod. "We can get to the book discussion later. There's no rush for it," she added as she looked at Nerzhei. "Although, I'm a bit confused if you meant other ponies touching you in a crowded room or touching as in massage touching."

 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,609]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby didn't wait for Marley to go further away, but loosening the strap and necklace took a long enough moment for him to make it out of getting hit range before she started transforming. It was quick, and after it had finished, Ruby stretched and muttered something in unknown language, and thought there was no way for Marley to understand what she said, it was clear from the tone that she was complaining about something. She was, like she had told before, about twice her pony height from ground to the top of her back when her four legs were stretched straight, and her head which she held up was another pony length above that "It feels so good to get out of that pathetic form" she grinned towards Marley "Now if you excuse me." she then made her way deeper in the forest, but what Marley most likely would be able to notice, was her unexpectedly quiet movement, as she didn't make even close to as much noise as one would assume for creature of her size would make when moving 

-------------------
Nada observed the situation, too taken off guard to react to it before it calmed down a bit, and when it did, she looked at the circling phoenix as she went through her choices for actions. First option was naturally to not to do anything, which was a bad idea, because she didn't want either of the creatures to get hurt, and it was bound to happen if Fah'lina chose to fight the bird, and for the same reason she didn't want to chase the bird away, as only difference was that she was the one possibly getting hurt instead of Fah'lina. So she decided to do the only thing she knew how, and started humming a calming melody, which she hoped would calm the phoenix down.

 

[Rising Dusk 27,912]

@Blitz Boom

Not for a lack of trying anyways.  Ultimately it was the nature of the job to get meddled into trouble in one way or another.  Not every criminal wanted to come along quietly, as it were, actually more often than not they didn't at all.  They always ran, or fought back thinking they'd get away.  It had always interested Rising Dusk how often he'd been referred to as meddling, as if they were entitled to be left alone to do they're evil deeds.  So it was a mix of finding trouble and trouble finding him, to be fair it was an equal relationship.  The floor may get jealous, he'll have to be careful.

The kitchen was still cleaning botless, but otherwise not in the terrible disarray he's seen it in before.  Making his way over to the refrigerator to toss the golden ward disc on top of it from his mouth.  He needed to meet this Master  and bring an end to this case sooner rather than later.  The various royalties and other agencies will soon be aware of the situation, but if they're involvement can be avoided it would be for the best.  Even if the back up would be appreciated.  It would also be nice to return the sisters to Ponyville as soon as possible, well after Null's wing surgery that is.

Heading his way out of the kitchen for his last stop, for now, the cleaning room.  Seeing as this was a common napping spot for the young filly, a ward in there would work out well.  Entering the cleaning room he looked for a good spot for the disc, which looked to be on the shelf against he wall with all the cleaning supplies.  Placing the disc on a high enough shelf and behind a soap box, he did a once over of the room to see if he could locate the the mentioned basket sleeping filly and hopefully also a fuzzy spider bot.  Without cake batter of course

 

[Blitz Boom 4,641]

@Catpone Cerberus

In all honesty, Marley felt somewhat disappointing by what he saw. Certainly it were interesting to see a dragon emerge from a pony form like that, but after all the hype he had just expected something more... Grand. This however? He had honestly both seen and beaten up dragons larger than this, so physically he weren't all that impressed. That being said, regular dragons could have magic, and as had been clearly shown with Ruby, she had at least some, as she were able to transform, so that may be giving her the edge in an actual fight. He would have to be cautious and observant of such things, just to be sure.

"Scaled things comes in small packages it seems, heh. Worry not about me, I'll just be following and observing for now."

He would give her that she were silent for her size though, which were certainly good for a predator. He would do her the art after and follow in complete stealth mode, though he didn't bother hiding his smell. She were good at that, and he did want her to know where he were, so she didn't end up roasting him by accident, so it seemed smarter to slack off a little.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Fah'lina looked up at the circling bird through the water's surface. It weren't the clearest perhaps, but she could get the shape of the territorial thing who had apparently decided to settle down on her turf. Normally she would chase off an intruder, but phoenixes had proven to be challenging. Mostly she had to annoy them and they just left back to their own area, but as said, this one had decided to settle down. She had seen the start of a nest and everything.

Thoughts on how to deal with this dangerous annoyance were going through her head, and then Nada started to sink. Considering the mimic's previous experience with siren song, and how easy she were to affect since her ears were so large, she responded promptly by swimming to the bottom of the lake to get away from it, and wait out to whenever it were done.

The phoenix in the meantime, finally took notice of the siren and slowly began flapping closer and closer, ignoring the circling pattern over the lake in favor of getting near this one, but cautiously, in case the siren would try to grab him and pull him under.

Eventually, he'd feel bold enough to straight up land on her head, and when he his talons were planted firmly, bend forward to look her in the eyes upside down. His eyes were cautious, but ultimately more curious than that when it came to the strange creature who had started a song. In case she stopped or had stopped singing in the meantime, he'd then poke her on the forehead with the curved, upper side of his beak, clearly wanting to hear more.

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@Dji

"An unfortunate situation, though thankfully you didn't get hurt. The guard he assaulted were not so lucky, but the doctors tells me that he will make a recovery once the poison gets out of his system."

"Can't you just cleanse it with magic?"

"Sadly not. I couldn't say why, but the doctors says they have tried and it did not go over well. They thought it best to not share details.

Regardless, both him and the other attacker are in custody, so for the time being, things are calm. I would want to ask you about what we discussed earlier Enzo, but it seems you are busy. Perhaps I can offer some help, or find somepony who can? We have some good scholars in our archives that might be able to offer some assistance if you're trying to scour for anything in particular."

"I need someone who can ready draconian. Little one, do you have a need for something?"

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@Dji

"You didn't see her? It was that weird looking draconequus with the flowers 'round her neck and a big 'ol pumpkin on her shoulders. She were in the desert along with the others. You missed that? Jeez, somepony needs a pair of glasses."

Happy chuckled, but he were seriously surprised at this. Anomaly had been pretty easy to spot among the regular flesh and blood folks there, but of course, the towering sphinx and the lord of chaos did do a lot to just steal all the attention. Might be those two had been enough to keep her eyes peeled, along with the whole *reforming* thing that Onache and himself had gone through.

"Anyway, road trip it is, but not before I get my cart. I ain't leaving my source of bits and assorted other things just lying 'round here. Though... I'm thinking I see a familiar face."

As they had gotten closer, he had bitten notice in a light blue mare with short curled hair in her mane and tail, and a cutie mark resembling a cup of tea with bubbled rising from it. She were looking around the wagon, and down the hole he had gotten nicked from, and seeing as he knew who this were, there weren't much of a chance that she weren't there for him. So he responded by letting out a whistle to get her attention, which he certainly did.

"Bubble Tea, there's a sight for sore eyes. What can I help you with?"

"I was wondering if you had more of those bottles of scotch you sold me yesterday? It turned out to be a bigger seller than I had anticipated. Are you okay though? The scene here doesn't look all that well."

"Eh, nothing much to write home about. Weird things happens y'know? Anyway, I'll sort you out with a case, just gimme a minute."

He'd go into the wagon and start finding what he were looking for after that, leaving Bubble Tea the inn keeper and Aurora behind for the time being. Shouldn't be long.

"So... Are you his assistant? Or perhaps marefriend?"

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@Dji @EQ_Theta

"In Dragon Land, it's simple: Trying to relax means you want to be left alone. Trying to touch someone in a moment of relaxation is akin to flirting, and I have never held interest in a brutish bunch of muscles without brains. Something which I have repeatedly had to show."

There weren't much words did for you in Dragon Land, when you weren't one in charge. If you wanted others to listen to you when you were low on the pole like Nerzhei were, the only way were to get physical, and pin someone up against a wall or something for a little while, whilst growling straight in their face. Even the most dimwitted understood that gesture, though for ponies that would likely be seen as some kind of hyper aggressive assault. Among her kind however, it were just the natural order of things, and more akin to a pony saying *No*.

"That is among dragons though. Here it would be ponies, and they wouldn't aim to court you, but just ease your muscles."

"It doesn't take away from the fact that I do not like being touched while I'm trying to empty my head."

"Then don't think of it as ponies bothering you while you're calm. Think of it as a... First hand learning experience in how ponies relax, and their effects on dragons."

Lyriel admitted that it sounded somewhat thin, and her voice were not filled with confidence as she tried to spin this in a more favorable light to the dragon, yet as Nerzhei went silent and trying to think this over, she did get a glimmer of hope that this might actually have worked to some degree.

"...Fine. But I reserve the right to respond to anything improper with growls.

As for the question in a crowded room, I don't care much, as this place is impossible to traverse without ending up hitting someone eventually. It's still irritating, but it's tolerable, and I can humor the delusion that it means some sort of tolerance to my presence when anyone's willing to stand that close."

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@EQ_Theta

Soon as the portal closed, they would find that the link between the kitsune and themselves had been cut, and the pouches of gemstones would fall flat on the ground like nothing had happened. The drop too much for the mailmare, who just wandered cautiously over to the door, and knocked on it twice before putting it through the opening in the door meant for it. She could stick around and make sure, but... No, just no. She were outta here.

She flew off just after that, muttering something about *the others won't believe this* and wouldn't look back, even though her paranoia told her that turning her back on a bunch of potential crazies were a very bad idea. But she wasn't the law, just their messenger, so this were an issue for them to deal with, and there were still a chunk of Solar Guards in this town who could. Some of which she had to deliver some other letters too actually, so she better get to work.

Behind the door, some movement were heard, and a muffled voice, but nothing beyond that yet, as the recipient inside first took note of the letter, which gave Rosa a chance to respond to what Sen had presented him with.

"I would argue... Against it, since they like... Pranking others, but I guess... That wouldn't work now. Just wait until the sun... Actually sets first. Still a bit of... Light outside."

It weren't just that he didn't like to take medication. It also had something to do with the kitsune being known for liking to meddle with others, regardless of the situation, and he wouldn't be surprised if these were either placebos, or carried some kind of weird side effects just so that they could have a laugh on his behalf.

Still, he were too beaten up to argue against it, and as things stood now, Sen could possibly take him in a fight, and force this down his gullet, so why bother resisting? Might as well just embrace it, and hope whatever it were didn't do something too horrid to him.

That being said, the door finally started to open, and behind it, a filly looked up at Lin, then around at the other creatures with curious eyes behind the tinted glasses, and a big smile on her lips. In the collar of her little jacket, the letter that had just been delivered were stuck, and ready to pass along to her dad as soon as she could.

"Hello, I'm Jelly Drop. Are you here to talk to my daddy? He's making a cage right now, but this looks important."

"Who is your... Father, little one?"

The filly looked concerned up towards the tired looking bat pony, worried if he were feeling alright.

"My daddy is Stargazer, the best Night Guard in all of Equestria. Are you okay mister?"

"I'm fine. Could you go... Tell him that we need to speak to him?"

"Uhuh. Daaaad! We got company."

She'd run back and leave the door open whilst she fetched her father. At which point, Rosa started to take a tentative step back, unsure of how to handle the fact that he weren't just going to finally see the brother he had only ever vaguely read about, but that said brother also had a daughter. A halfblood by the looks of things, as no pure blooded bat pony naturally had those colors, though Rosa didn't really care about that, as much as whatever it were right of him to barge into their lives like this. It weren't just one life he were gonna end up interfering with now after all, but two. Potentially more, if he had more offspring or a wife.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

He's find her outside the kitchen area, towards the bathroom, laying as were mentioned in a basket of laundry. It were a right annoyance for Molotov to have to wash these again sometimes when she had gotten really dusty, but it helped calm her down and really get a few hours in here and there, so he welcomed it regardless. Could be tough getting her some sleep without giving her something laced with a sleeping aid of some kind, and if she didn't, she'd shut down. Their momma would roll in her grave if she knew he let that sorta thing happen.

On top of her, sat Carmen. She might not be able to sleep, but she could conserve power by going into a sleep-like state, and since the filly tended to have needs of eyes being on her, she had figured that this was as good a place as any to just slow down her processors and essentially rest. Neither would wake up from the presence of Dusky, but just keep going on. It were kinda cute, if you didn't have a fear or dislike for large, fuzzy spiders that were.

The officer would soon enough be found by Molotov who'd go over and stand next to him, and looking down on the two troublemakers.

"You almost forget what terrors they are when they're awake, right?"

Back in the main room, Null and Void would've gone over into a corner to talk in private about the whole ordeal with the wings and mechanical parts, leaving the rest to do as they pleased, under overview supervision of Felicia. If they were about to touch something that were going to be dangerous, she'd stop it, but other than that she didn't much care for what they did. She'd still observe them all relentlessly though. She were still a guard robot after all.

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

 

@Moonlit @Zephyr / Karou

In a desperate attempt to get some idea of what were going on, Briar narrowly opened his eyes, before shutting them down again almost immediately, and holding his right front hoof up to his temple to combat the pain that had caught him. How he longed for the day when he had gotten eased into things enough where these colors and sights did not overload his senses.

"With the greatest of respect to everypony involved, what is going on? And what is there a perfectly rational explanation for?"

Certainly the air around Serenade were blowing erratically, but it were too inconsistent to tell him anything. Were a spell going wrong? Were she secretly another changeling who had issues changing forms? Did she were a strange hat that kept wandering around her being? He didn't know, and in his uncertainty, he were feeling worried about what danger might actually stand in front of them, which he for some reason could not sense.

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@Lucid_Nightlight

"If I were president, I'd have you So arrested for making that sign, you big meaniepants."

She pulled her tongue at him, which then also pulled it's own tongue, and so on and so forth until a part were near enough him, at which point it'd grow a hand and poke him on the nose. That'd teach him.

"How about I tell him All of Your weaknesses then, huh? Like uhm... Well, obviously..."

She thought and she thought, with loud gears grinding being heard from somewhere within her.

"This is not fun when you have nothing. Have to be something though, like... This!"

Out of nowhere, a big, fluffy puppy landed on Lucid. It's long, green hair would make anypony allergic to dogs terrified by the mere chance of it ever touching them, and now, Lucid would feel the true terror of fear! Or at least he'd get an ear full of dog drool, as it were licking him around that area. That should teach him too, that nopony got into a war with Anomaly, the ruler of the asylum! Muahahahaha!!!

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

Lucid looked at the dog for a moment and then gave it a treat.

"So, what exactly is this dog supposed to do?"

"What's the dog's name?"

"Yeah! What's his name?"

Lumen was very annoyed by this.

"Hey! Pay attention to me! I'm trying to find ways to destroy you!"

[Early Sunsets 2,107]

@Blitz Boom @Moonlit

"She's sort of... shifting to a different form and back," Sun Fire said to Briar. It wasn't the same way a changeling changed form, so she wasn't entirely sure what was going on. She just knew that she didn't really feel threatened at the moment, and she thought of herself as a pretty good judge of character. "So, what exactly is happening?" Sun Fire asked Serenade. She glanced at Zephyr and flicked him with her tail to grab his attention before he could cast any crazy spells.

As it happens, Zephyr actually had been about to use his magic. To do what, he wasn't sure. He had felt the magic building up in his horn, almost on its own, before Sun Fire snapped him out of it. He looked at his sister and back to Serenade. Sun Fire certainly didn't seem scared of the strange pony / monster thing, and while Zephyr trusted her judgment, it still did little to curb his panic. Even so, he carefully pulled the magic from his horn and tried to calm his breathing.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,609]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby could sense Marley following her, luckily we are on the right side of the wind so he won't ruin everything. she thought to herself as she sneaked further into the forest, her movement making it clear that this was the type of terrain was where she thrived. A second scent of a bear had now mixed in the air, and in the direction she was going, there could be heard roars of two angry bears, Ah, rival at lunch, well, I guess it's the lucky day for the weaker one. She finally stopped to a spot where she could see her pray, she had clear vision, but she had chosen her spot carefully so the two bears wouldn't be able to see the bright red predator in the shadows. The bears were two different sizes, both bigger than a pony, or a even a griffon really, but the one seemingly defending the dead carcass was clearly a smaller one.

Ruby planned for a moment, this one was too big for her to just bite into, so she needed to think how she should do this, but it didn't take longer than a moment, and soon enough Ruby charged from her hiding place, as quietly as she had moved until this point, and just snatched the bigger bear with her claws and disappearing back to the forest, leaving the smaller bear looking startled and confused, until it smelled the air and got it's guard up, clearly sensing what just went past it. Somewhere nearby the sound of panicking bear was cut short, followed by annoyed "Shut up.", which Marley may or may not have been able to hear, depending on his distance.

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

Nada didn't stop her humming when the phoenix landed on her, knowing that it wasn't yet calm and instead just curious, which didn't surprise her, since her singing didn't have any magic in it, so it's effect wouldn't be so immediate. But she also knew that generally wild animals seemed to get effected by songs regardless, so it was only question of patience when the bird either got tired or just left. She started adding lyrics to the melody, and soon it sounded what could be only described as lullaby for birds. 

 

 

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Zephyr / Karou Serenade closes her eyes, but the flickering keeps sending her between Pegasus and Siren. "If I was to venture a guess, being around a Discorded area affects my disguse. But I'm a Siren." She tries to smile, a close-mouth smile to avoid the fangs.

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

"Well... the moment of truth, everyone. I'm honestly feeling a little wobbly on the legs. How is Stargazer going to react to meeting you, Rosa?"

"More importantly, how exactly are we going to break the news to him? About Filigree and how much he knows?"

If Stargazer read the letter first, then it might solve one apparent issue with getting the conversation going. The last thing he would expect is to know someone went rifling through the mail to get something to talk about. But suppose he didn't, it would be a very awkward way to start talking, like they knew what the contents of the letter were before opening it. Might be confusing either way; learning about one's mother being at a trial without context would likely get Stargazer to side with Filigree on the basis of baseless accusations without proof to corroborate it. 

Suppose they could begin asking about how well he knows Filigree, compare what they know to what he knows. Might be a better way to go about it, and they have some documents to prove they aren't being funny about the whole unknown sibling gig they are going to have to bring up sooner or later. The whole situation has Sen ignoring the minor medicine issue with Rosa earlier for this matter. He knew Stargazer wasn't unreasonable, but that was from their limited interactions together. Frankly, he was thankful he didn't run him in just because he looked like he had no business in Ponyville. 

"I've got some approaches in mind but that isn't really easing my worries. I think I can bring up the topic, talk to him first before mentioning your relation to him, Rosa. Or would you prefer to tell him yourself?"

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

@Blitz Boom @Dji

"Wonderful! There's something to look forward to, Nerzhei! We can start out with a massage and if you don't like it, there's still the steam room and hot spring tub. I think you'll like the steam room; you get it all to yourself! No one intruding in your personal space and no chance for anypony to accidentally bump into you!"

The pegasus clapped with excitement, finally getting things underway. It may be a day away but it's a start, and Nerzhei might enjoy it. A shame Lyriel couldn't come along but it is likely some of the animals at the sanctuary already miss her presence and want to see her again. Some didn't get a chance to meet her up close. And Twilight is coming along. The more the merrier!

"I can have this arranged tomorrow afternoon! Very few ponies will be around at that time," Fluttershy then turned to face Lyriel, still feeling unsure about leaving her out on the activities but what comes next is addressed to both the dragon and the dryad. "Any other concerns I can help with? I don't want to interrupt you all any longer than I need to."

Edited March 4, 2019 by EQ_Theta

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

"Yeah, but he's taken a while to deal with them, he's powerful even when low on power." Astral sighed, looking away as she started walking. "We'll wait at the home though." Misty nodded, the two making their way their now.

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

Iron relaxed a bit more. "I will get right on it" He said, moving out of the room to retrieve it from elsewhere

Sapphire looked to Emerald. "I should've regretted doing that, I should've looked back sooner. Especially since we could've done this the entire time."

Iron was upstairs, looking around for crystals, collecting all the ones he had, eventually carrying them back down.

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

Warlock let out a uncomfortable chuckle, considering what was said to him.
"Good behavior? That's the last thing I would be trusted to keep doing, Even before this evil I turned to, not many trusted me at all."
He let out a deep sigh, taking a bite of his food, looking up. "Well anyway, I suppose I can try to act good, despite everything."
It took a lot to swallow his pride for that. but he was serious, somewhat.
================================

His expression was that of joy, still lingering on the fact he didn't think far into a speech. He let out a sigh while keeping his grin, deciding to keep it short.
"Thank you for this, I will keep this land safe, being my responsibility now."

================================
@Dji

"I can't give any opinion on that. The horn works but barely." He cast a simple spell, before it sparked and dissipated.
"There's no research on this from what I've found so I don't know why it's like this."
He looked to her. "You are the only one to think of who thought to make a replacement."
He grinned a bit as he realized there wasn't anything to lose here. "But what the heck, why not? I'm in."

Edited March 5, 2019 by FanOfManyShows

[Rising Dusk 27,912]

@Blitz Boom

Finding Blitz wasn't particularly hard, especially when the filly used a basket of freshly warmed cloths as a sleeping location.  The tell tale of her puffy tail and snout sticking out of the pile of cloths, this time topped with a fuzzy spider bot in an inactive state.  For the short time he's known the Booms, it was rare to see the filly not bouncing off the walls or bombarding him with a million questions.  Most off tangents from the first that hardly had to do with each other, but perhaps it was simply just the way she processed information.  Maybe the left field questions meant something, only the hyper little filly knew. Taking the fifth disc from the pouch of his hoodie to place it on a nearby vent, completing pentagram to strengthen the wards on the workshop.  Linked like this they'd be able to defuse the magic they blocked between the five discs to help make them last longer.

When he was joined by Molotov, he cast his gaze back to the basket full of cloths and a sleeping filly.  Knowing how hyper she could be, it wasn't hard to understand the stallion's comments.  But these were the precious moments to reflect upon, when a pony actually had a moment to breath to do so.  Some day the detective might get to experience these joys, but who knows.  Rising Dusk gave Molotov a smile and a nod, "Indeed."  Motioning with his head for the two to depart so the filly and spider bot could enjoy their sleep, or sleep like state.  The Boom family must have to do a lot of laundry with a sleep habit like that.  Everypony had their preferred way of sleeping, that zone of comfort where they could enter the realm of Princess Luna.  If pegasi could enjoy sleeping on a cloud, then Blitz has the right of enjoying some Zs in the laundry basket.

Returning to the main room it was time to check up on the sisters.  Seeing as Molotov went to find Rising Dusk, he must have left them with a large enough of an info dump to keep them busy.  It was easier for the detective to filter through the rambles of the inventor pony, but it couldn't always be expected of others.  Hopefully Null had calmed down enough to consider being helped for once.

[Blitz Boom 4,641]

@Lucid_Nightlight

"It was supposed to make you react all allergic and stuff. Bah, I should've tried a cat instead.

So... I dunno, call it Cruncher or something and slap a collar on him? Something made of diamond I guess, since he'll chew through metal."

What else had she done to this animal beyond making it with teeth and claws strong enough to breach metal... Perhaps nothing? Certainly didn't look like it had acid spit, which were a favorite of hers, and it seemed to be a dog body beneath all that fur. Might be a low brow thing then. Honestly she weren't sure, since it had been kind of a spur of the moment thing, that she had just wanted to make to create a dog with fur that would make an allergenic sneeze like there were no tomorrow, who could also eat through any cage it were put in. Sometimes she accidentally put something else in too, but so far, it seemed like this one were fine. Guess the couple had a pet then.

"Hey Lumen? Should we get a pet too? I'm thinking a flying cat, or a platypus maybe?"

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@Zephyr / Karou @Moonlit

At the mention of her being a siren, a vine slid out from beneath Briar's cape and wavered in the air to his side. The four leathery petals of the flower bud at the end opened and closed, ready to grab into something like a carnival claw (if those actually worked that were) as he had a conflicted mind about what were going on here. Sirens were something to be cautious about, yet at the same time, this were Ponyville, which had strange creatures gathering around from varied parts of the world at large, and few of them with harm in mind, far as he were aware.

It took about ten seconds, but he slowly slid the vine back where it had come from, and took a pained step forward, as he currently had some spikes from Brittle's panicked disguise stuck in his leg for the time being.

"Long have it been since I met a siren, and I hold no fondness for the experience, yet I wish to believe the best in those that I meet, and you have yet to attack us, so I will try to keep an open mind, though I would ask you this: Why do you hide who you are? Is this not a town of acceptance, as I have been led to believe?"

It were a struggle to not be more defensive, as the only other time he had met some sirens had been an experience that were comfortably in the realm of horrifying, but he'd try to not let it cloud his judgement too much. No creature could be judged by just seeing how others of their kind behaved. This were the saying he tried to live by, and if he could keep hold on to it when meeting minotaurs, then surely he could too with sirens, even though he would be cautious and quick to instinctively react defensively until he knew better.

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@Catpone Cerberus

So this were how she hunted? Primitive, yet effective. And he would give her that she did well in hiding in the shadows, out of sight. Then again, so did he, as he lounged on a branch above the bears. Or heh, Bear he supposed. Not much need for making it a plural when the sound made it clear that the larger one had been silenced. A lucky break for the smaller one for certain, though it were looking awfully spooked right now.

It would be pretty easy to just swoop down and finish it, but honestly, he weren't much for the taste of bear. It were too sinewy and fat for his taste, and finishing this one off would only prove to leave something for Ruby. Something which were utterly pointless, as she wouldn't want to ruin her disguise by bringing an entire bear likely, and the one she had caught should prove well in feeding her. If not, she would perhaps prefer to hunt herself rather than being fed regardless. Not being treated like a pet were a pride thing that he could relate to, though he'd see how this unfolded. For the time being, he sat snugly out of reach and in a good position for the remaining bear to not get a scent of him, so he could comfortably just wait and observe. This scene though, not how Ruby ate. It were rather rude to interrupt a private dinner.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

The song worked well honestly, with the phoenix cooing and chirping happily along with the song, until eventually he'd start to doze off, still firmly sitting on the head of the siren with seemingly no intent of letting go.

When the song would eventually be over, the phoenix would still slumber, and cautiously, Fah'Lina would poke her head out of the water, ready to dive again if she heard song or saw something burning coming towards her, yet finding that she so far didn't get either smashed towards her, and swam silently towards the shore, where she'd crawl up and look towards the lukewarm featherbag sitting up there. It'd be pretty easy to swat him weakly with a pebble right now, just to get back...

Probably weren't the smart choice though. Plus, she didn't have any small pebble at hand where she stood, so it wasn't an option regardless. Instead she just looked up towards the Siren with questioning eyes, wondering what she'd do with her new passenger, whilst showing some ideas through charades. Most of them seemed to involve trowing said bird though, so Fah'lina's input might not be the smartest to take into consideration right now.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"I need to tell him... Myself. Even if he won't like it."

Rosa weren't to thrilled with the idea, though just a day ago he would've run in here and think nothing of just letting the others explain. However, the more he had learned of his half brother - the fact that Stargazer had a family and were part of the Night Guards - the less confident he were in this even going well enough to where he would leave this place on his own. As it stood though, he were still going to try, but it had to be him that at least put things forward to begin with. He owed him that much at least.

Some movement were heard from further inside, likely from the guard in question, and Rosa felt himself actually being nervous. It had been a long time since this sort of thing had really affected him, yet now the feeling of butterflies rummaging around his stomach were rising, and he found himself second guessing whatever or not he shouldn't just turn around and scurry away as fast as he could. Frankly, if the flock weren't here to back him up, he likely would have done so right there and then, and just tell himself that there were a better time some other day.

It was good to have this sort of backup. It wasn't something he were used to having in his life, and especially not after he had pushed all his friends away back in the day, yet in some way, he trusted these three when they stood here and tried to help him along. Hay, they even saved his life. If that didn't build trust, what would?

"No matter how this goes, I want... To say thank you to you all. I don't think... I could do this without you."

He didn't get further before the stallion of the hour stepped through a door openeing further in and stepped towards the door.

Rosa hadn't been sure what he expected, but this were not exactly it. Considering both their mother and himself were build somewhat regularly for a working pony, and were of average height, he had assumed that his brother would be somewhat the same. He had not imagined a musclebound stallion rising an easy half head above him, that looked like he could crumble the lot of them into a ball if need be. He must have gotten most of his physical traits from their father, because there were little that compared him with Rosa, or Filigree.

"Ah, you three again. And you brought a friend this time. I'm guessing he needs help?"

The guard held his beefy hoof towards the honestly pretty broken-looking bat pony.

"Officer Stargazer of the Night Guard. What brings you here?"

"Your mother have been bad."

Rosa grimaced as Omen *spoke*. They should really have specified towards her before they got to this point that she weren't supposed to answer anything about this, and not just the part where the two were related. He only had himself to blame for not thinking about it.

Stargazer's response to this were little more than a confused, raised eyebrow, before turning his attention towards the bat pony again. At this point, he just assumed that Omen were not all there, and that what she said were just random. befitting of a creature made by Discord honestly.

A few seconds passed, and finally, Rosa rose a hoof to grab hold of Stargazer's. It felt like a jolt went through him as he slowly gave a shake, unsure whatever or not he could actually do this, before meeting the officers gaze head on.

"We bring a letter from... The courts in Canterlot. And my name is... Sub Rosa, former member of... The Ravenshine Consortium."

The grip in Rosa's hoof got tighter, whilst Stargazer's eyes hardened.

"Then in the name of the Royal Guards of Equestria, I'm placing you under arrest."

There were no hint of this being a joke in neither his voice nor demeanor, but Rosa had expected little else. Spies were not well liked as it were, and mentioning where he had worked, even if it weren't his workplace anymore, would increase that substantially for Rosa. Guess it were too much to hope to be heard out first, even with the admittance of guilt it were to acknowledge a working relationship with the Ravenshine Consortium.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"You're taking charge. Pretty assertive for someone who have claimed to not be well versed in that. have you been set up to this by anyone?"

"I can assure you that this were her own idea. She offered it to me as well, but my body is not meant to be handled that way. She did show one of said massages on me to try it out actually."

Nerzhei looked in disbelief between the pony and the dryad, not certain where to stand on this thing, as it were intrusive and potentially something she'd regret, but at the same time, it did show Fluttershy's assertive side, and if the dragon just outright rejected it, it might cause her to take a step back, rather than forward. A frustrating situation, yet she had given her word to try and help the pony, and that included having to at least try this, and then hope it wouldn't become too horrible.

"...I see. It will be something to spectate tomorrow then, though I have questions. First in regards to whatever I can take Lotus with me, as otherwise Lyriel will have to watch out for her. And secondly, how big is that place? You ponies don't always live in places I can actually enter."

Nerzhei were twice as tall as  would be roughly, and not keen on wandering on her hands if she could avoid it, which may be an issue, as not every building in this town were made with taller beings in mind.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

They barely entered the room before the confrontational Null went straight over to Molotov and stopped dead in front of him, making it impossible for the stallion to overlook her, regardless of how small she were.

"Just get it over with. But I swear, if you try anything funny -"

Molotov took a step back from the personal space invader.

"Woah, hold your horses there missy. I ain't gonna try anything out the procedure. I like your style, but you and I? It just wouldn't work."

He promptly got out of the way and scurried over to get a tape measure before Null could clog him, which were frankly a wise choice, as she had been close to doing something she'd probably regret doing. Especially since there were some law officers in this ratty shack. Speaking of which, Void came over to speak to one that they were well familiar with, looking tired, but with a small smile she couldn't get off her face entirely.

"S-She agreed to g-give it a chance. T-Thank you for leading us t-to this pony, even though... N-No, doesn't matter. He is h-how he is I g-guess."

She were about to mention how Molotov were confusing, strange, and forward in a way that she hadn't been exposed to before, which were frankly making her skin crawl a little, but he were helping them, and he seemed to be a friend of the detective, so it seemed wrong to badmouth him. Might just be how he were too, right? Everypony had their strange quirks.

"Uhm... D-Did you find his s-sister, and put up t-the ward? And w-what's going on here... You m-mentioned witches, r-right? We've met s-some before, perhaps we could h-help you? Where is the o-ones you're dealing with f-from?"

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

Chow would be there roughly twenty minutes later, knocking on the door as he were catching his breath. He'd sure gotten some funny looks speeding around to make it in good time, but whatever, long as he made it in good time right? And he'd darn well think that he were. Getting home, finding the bits, then back to the train station, and then over here in twenty? Sure them fancy witches and their teleporting could've done that in a heartbeat, but with nothing but your legs? That right there were a good time.

"Anypony home? It's ya favorite bear butcher."

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

"Neither of us were thinking right sister. The only thing either of us can do now is to try and repair the damage, be it between us, or you with them. Much as I loathe what they represent, they seem... Tolerable. Perhaps somepony you should focus on mending fences with, once you are whole again."

It were begrudgingly that she said this, as in the deepest recesses of her metaphorical heart, she yearned to have Sapphire fully for herself again, instead of having to share her, but that ship seemed to have sailed a long, long time ago. Knowing them though, the daughter would try and finish what the mother had not, and greet her aunt with an attempt of permanent *rest*. This were going to be a riot once they eventually got Sapphire back together, and got Emerald a new body to possess. Being floating and powerless like this were annoying, and especially once the big gathering of families were going to proceed. hardly fair being incorporeal when they had to compete over who first tried to stab another...

Iron returned little after the small talk the sister managed to have, carrying some crystals of varied effectiveness, though they seemed like most, if not all, could do the trick.

"Good. Now drain or expend every drop of magic within a few shards. We're going to need them free of any trace of magic."

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

"Wanting to change is the first step, and we know it isn't easy. Some have to go through this for a long time before they can actually embrace it. B-but it helps to have supporters and guidance! That's going to be my role when it is you know. Being there, show you that you can have somepony that you can trust wants to help you you get past your checkered past, and giving you what help you'll need to finally see the good side.

Though uhm, speaking of sides... I know it might be personal, but can I ask Why did you turn to evil?"

It were unlikely that she'd get an answer to this, but she had to try, right? Besides, if he were willing to share this with her, and it were meant to be a secret, perhaps she could gain some trust from him eventually by keeping it from anypony else. It were going to be difficult for them to move along if there weren't some degree of trust between them at least, and she would admit, there were several things that made her question if she actually could trust him. Yet at the same time, she knew that somepony had to, and she didn't know anypony else who were willing to try.

*sigh* Hopefully this would end well, though it were all going to start with the trial. She could not imagine the generals were going to be kind towards him when it came to his sentencing, no matter how much she'd try to speak his case.

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

The Solar Guards beneath looked up, somewhat unsure about what to do after the somewhat vague response that didn't make any mention about the unity that the three branches of guards had worked hard to maintain, before finally somepony lifted his sword and yelled out *For Equestria!*. Almost like they had been waiting for a sign, not only the Solar Guard, but every guard beneath lifted their respective weapons towards the sky and roared out with the might of a thunderstorm:

"For Equestria!"

Iron would feel a pat on his shoulder after, curtsy of a chucking Tidal Wave, who looked up at him and shook her head in amusement.

"We sure got a lot to teach you rookie, but I've seen worse responses to a coronation before. We'll get you whipped into shape soon enough."

"The ceremony is over. We should retreat to the general quarters, and then run through some of the essentials. Follow me."

Screecher would turn from the balcony in silence and lead the way towards the room meant only for the generals, which were more or less just a large room with a map over Equestria in on a large slab of stone int he middle, various stone figurines of ponies and other such creatures to be used to illustrate thing on said map, and some chairs nearby, in case they needed to rest. A table for food in case of long shifts and pictures hanging on the wall were also present, each seemingly having showing off a former general, if you followed the plagues beneath each. Be they good or bad, this is where they were remembered by those who followed.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"I don't think I have allergies. Though, pollen can a little annoying for Novia."

"His weakness is more of a mental one. His immaturity and overconfidence can get him into dangerous situations. Making him angry can also cloud his judgement."

Pringle stared at Lumen.

"You are too tiny and adorable to eat him."

A pet? This made Lumen think. What pet would he want? 

"What about a lion with antlers? That would be a nice p- wait! I'm supposed to be evil and stuff! Back on the evil now. How about... I destroy you with..."

He went over to the bakery counter ordered a chocolate cake and came back.

"...this! Now you will all eat unhealthy food!"

"At most only the dog would be destroyed by that one."

"And that's only if the chocolate is half his weight, plus since Anomaly made the dog, how can we guarantee that the dog is weak to chocolate to begin with?"

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

Sen and Lin were touched by Rosa's words; replied with a small nod and a smile towards him. It was just like with the miners, the feeling of elation that was once there when they saw the them rejoicing. Reprieve and a release of worries, genuine feelings of joy and laughter that could soften a heart of stone. They were glad and hoped Omen felt the same feeling of satisfaction and warmth that comes from helping others out of kindness. They still don't know exactly how or if Omen could feel the way they did but they'd have time to learn from her; they see her as a teacher as much as a close friend. Rosa, for all his faults, is a friend and they are more than willing to see him reunited with family. 

Of course, all that hypothetical planning in Lin's head is just speculation until the moment comes. And as expected, Stargazer steps forth by the door to greet them. Omen's rather blunt opening was unexpected, leaving the siblings wide eyed and stunned at how this started. Lacking context doesn't do anyone favors but at least Stargazer shrugged it off. Sen walked up to Omen and took her aside.

"Maybe we should let Lin and Rosa do the talking," Sen whispered. "I think Stargazer needs some context." 

Now with Rosa taking the conversation forward, it might seem to go a little smoother. Unfortunately, it quickly turned south. They knew the reputation of spies wasn't exactly a very flattering one, but hearing what Stargazer had to say about Rosa got the siblings to panic. They quickly stepped in between the bat ponies, silently intending the guard pony to stop what he was doing and listen.

"Wait! Please hear us out." Lin began, taking a step forward and looked at Stargazer eye to eye. "We know the reputation of this... Ravenshire Consortium... it's not a good one. But Rosa isn't with them anymore. He's changed. But this isn't about his past."

"It's about your mother, Filigree," Sen continued. "The trial the letter mentions is about her. There's a mine, west of Phillydelphia, where changeling emeralds were found and are linked to Filigree. Those crystals covered numerous miners and their families believed they lost someone close to them because someone wanted to take over Equestria with those accursed things. Maybe you might not know the name Fancy Filigree; what about Silky Rose?"

"Omen is right when she said your mother being bad. Before you answer, please think about this: how well do you know your mother?"

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

@Blitz Boom @Dji

"I don't think Lotus will be allowed in the spa. They have a strict no pets rule there but Lyriel can look after her. Or maybe I can ask Angel to stay with both of them? He certainly likes being around them both today and I'm sure tomorrow will be no different!"

Just as Fluttershy made a mention of Angel got the little bunny to show up at the castle on cue. The door wasn't shut behind them and the little bunny managed to sneak by and squeak to get everyone's attention. The pegasus was the first to pick up on this, seeing him waving his little paw up in the air before running up Lyriel to snuggle in her hair. One problem more or less taken care of.

"The spa isn't a terribly small place though. It's definitely smaller than the castle but you likely wouldn't have to worry about being cramped. Maybe the low doorframe will be an issue but there's enough room for you to move around freely."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,609]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby waited for a moment for Marley to appear, but when he didn't, she just shrugged, got the thick bear fur out of the way and started eating her prey, bears were so big that their bones and fur were big enough for Ruby need to separate them from the meat, but other than that there wasn't any problem with the meal. If Marley didn't appear in any point, Ruby finished her meal, and burned the rest with her flames, before calmly walking to where she had left Marley, passing the alive bear who had continued eating his meal, but stopped and sank into a fearful pose like a scared puppy when she passed it, and after it realized Ruby didn't even acknowledge its existence, it started dragging it's own meal to opposite direction, keeping and eye on Ruby the whole time. When Ruby reached the place, she turned back to pony and tightened her strap and necklace. 
 

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

Nada smiled softly when the phoenix fell asleep on her head, and when she was done with the song, she started slowly floating towards where she assumed its nest was, making sure she wouldn't wake it up, and if there was any indication that was closr to happening, she would quietly sing the song to put it back to sleep. When she found what looked like a nest, she would try to gently move the bird from top of her head to the nest, again singing the song quietly as she did it. 

 

 

[Early Sunsets 2,107]

@Blitz Boom @Moonlit

Sun Fire glanced at Briar, then back to Serenade, slightly worried. "A siren? I think I've heard stories about them. I guess we'll find out pretty soon if those stories are always true," she thought.

Zephyr definitely remembered Satou's stories about sirens, though he had always assumed they were just that. Nothing but stories. Seeing one right in front of him brought back some scary memories of hiding under a blanket late at night while Satou told one of her tales. Though, if anypony asked, he would strongly deny ever being scared of a story.

Being scared of the real thing, however, was an entirely different situation, and Zephyr was certainly afraid now. He fidgeted anxiously, hoping nothing bad was about to happen.

Edited March 7, 2019 by Zephyr / Karou

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Zephyr / Karou Serenade looks cross "I swear by Luna and Celestia, those three sisters are STILL causing problems. and I hide the fact I'm a siren because of those three. The nobles up in Canterlot would either have me imprisoned or banished. Yes there are Sirens who are evil and cause strife, but there are others like myself."

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

"I don't think I need anything," Karmic shook her head and resumed sorting the books. "I know which ones are in Equestrian and which aren't. The ones that I can understand," she smirked.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Marefriend?" Aurora asked in shock looking at this Bubble Tea, Happy was talking with, raising her left foreclaw in nervousness. "N-No ... what gave you that idea? I''m just a friend of his. Yes, that's right, a friend."

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Tomorrow? I suppose it's a bit late for an appointment. Tomorrow will work fine," Twilight mumbled to herself with a few nods, lost in her own world again as the others conversed. "That will help with Nerzhei's issues about space, Fluttershy. Good thinking."

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"Yes! A willing subject!" Watts crowed, pumping her hoof in the air. She laughed and then looked at Zealous properly with a serious expression, all happiness contained within her eyes. "Now, to actually measure and work with your stump, I'm going to have to invade your personal space. Would you be okay with me doing that?"

[Blitz Boom 4,641]

@EQ_Theta

"I have never had a mother, and I have never heard of anypony by that name."

Stargazer had spent his foalhood in the Canterlot Orphanage, with only a few, brief attempts by others to adopt him, yet he had always been sent back. To him, those did not give him a bond that would make him think of anypony as his mother, and when he had finally gotten out of the orphanage, it were because he were getting to be an adult, and were about to spend a long time in prison for his collected trouble-making actions, before the guard took him in and finally got him disciplined. They had been the closest thing to a functional caretaker he had ever had, so being told that he presumably had a mother now that were apparently in trouble did not make him all teary-eyed and crawling to his knees, because whoever his birth mother were, were nothing more than some mare who left him and never came back. Besides, this information were likely lies anyway. You couldn't trust spies like this one.

"And whatever or not he is actually a former or current member is irrelevant. There is a standing order to arrest and question any members of this organisation, after several security breaches they have been tentatively linked to them. The court will determine what happens to him after that."

"It's true, and she's... Telling them about you to... Try and have a chance to manipulate her. I came to... Warn you."

Rosa would slowly use his free hoof to reach under his right wing, and pull the files out that Scarcity had gathered, so that he could reach them towards Stargazer, whom had kept an eye on him throughout the process, ready to slam the weakened bat pony into the ground if he tried pulling a weapon of some sort out.

"Even if this were true, why would somepony like you care about this in the slightest?"

Rosa didn't answer at first, but just looked nervously around him, and at Sen and Lin, whom he were glad had jumped in before. Whilst he had expected to be arrested, the harshness in Stargazer's demeanor made it somewhat clear that whatever words Rosa would have had on his own would just be seen as lies. If this were to be believed in the slightest, every ounce of credibility that could be scrounged up were going to be needed here.

As for the guard in question, he flapped through the one with his own name on, then paused and went back to check some things, which gave him a surprised, yet sour expression on his face. Knowing Scarcity, she had likely included a picture of their mother, as well as Stargazer himself at the youngest she were able to find a photo of, just to try and cement things further. When the guard finally got around to reading Rosa's, he thought it time to finally start speaking again.

"Filigree left more than... One foal behind."

What he saw must have affected Stargazer some, as he suddenly let go of Rosa's hoof, and started comparing something in the two files, and looking like he were starting to get a migraine.

"They have to be forgeries."

"Not even the Ravenshine... Consortium, can replicate those... In the right way. Yours are legit, as is the other. It's easy to... Check up on. The letter from the Canterlot Courts... Will also prove these to be right."

Said letter were pulled out from Stargazer's belt, the seal examined, and then finally it were opened to give him a chance to read this through. It would carry the story of what happened with Filigree, how she got into the custody of Equestria, and why his presence were wanted there. Something that would reinforce the strength of the birth certificate's authenticity.

"She used us to get... What she wanted, but she's trapped in a... Corner now, and tried to grasp at straws.The only good thing... That came from my hunt for her, were learning about you... Brother."

The court order were dropped on the floor.

"...What exactly do you hope will come from this? That I'll just welcome you here with open hooves? You're a criminal."

"I'm a traitor to my... Own country. When I learned what the... Information were used to, I stole what I... Could, and ran away. I've been trying to... Filter it back to the countries... It were taken from, to give them the proof they... Needed against my former country and... Redeem myself. How do you think... King Thorax got hold of those document he have sent to Equestria?

And... I don't expect to be welcomed here. I expect you to be... Angry, to arrest me, and... Likely disown me for what I've unwittingly done. There's... Nothing rational in me even trying."

"Then why bother?"

Rosa made sure to look straight into Stargazers angry, somewhat teary eyes before giving a response to this latest question.

"Because I have to hope I'm wrong since... You're the only family I have left."

It weren't easy to get through this, neither physically nor mentally, but he had been able to say his piece on this, to a brother he had not even knew he had just a few months ago. Rosa held little hope for it ending well, with the aforementioned jailing and disowning likely to happen, yet he had to at least try to make this work. Not like there were any way back now.

In the silence between them, Sen and Lin were able to chip in if they so chose. It might help things, though it could also just make it worse, depending on whatever were going through Stargazer's head right now, and in the next few minutes. It were quite a lot he had been asked to swallow here all of a sudden.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Dji

Nerzhei followed Angel with her eyes as he entered, greeted the flock, and went over to the dryad. He didn't seem like a terrible influence or anything, but she still weren't sure what to think of the little creature, even if Lotus seemed to like having him around.

*sigh* She were starting to sound paranoid here. Just because he were the first bunny that seemed to get along with Lotus, that didn't mean that this were some sort of trap. This weren't Dragon Land, where you couldn't trust anyone further than you could throw them, and as little as she wanted to put her faith in others, these ponies so far seemed like good beings, albeit a little special in certain ways. There were likely not that big of a reason to think that they'd suddenly turn on a coin and do something regrettable. Besides, Lyriel would be there to supervise, and the dryad had some degree of trust from the dragon.

"...Very well, I'll join in on this excursion tomorrow night, and leave Lotus in the care of Lyriel for a time."

"I promise that I will take good care of both her, and Angel, if he so wishes to join us."

Lyriel giggled and lowered her head to the ground to allow Angel easier access to the mane he so seemed to like. Blessed be this little bunny, and the way he had welcomed her presence within the city borders. Fluttershy were lucky to have such a kindhearted companion.

"If we have sorted that then, is there other things to discuss? Questions to answer? Or perhaps royal work to be done? I can't imagine being a ruler among your kind includes long periods of time where you're not doing much."

Honestly, she'd prefer to get back to studying, but something told her that this would potentially get put on hold until after this spa thing tomorrow. Not that time were of the essence, as both the princess and her had several millennia of natural life ahead of them to study this, but it were a fascinating study that were worth diving into sooner rather than later in her opinion.

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

 

@Dji

"Very well. I will find somepony fluent in draconian as quickly as I can. Have a pleasant evening."

The former general waved at them before wandering into the castle. It were going to take him some time to get on with things, as there would be many guards who would want to give him their best, as he had been a well beloved general. Mattered little to Enzo for now at least, as he just returned to sorting through books in silence. At least for a few minutes, before he finally vented something that had been rummaging through his head with some degree of frequency over the last day or so.

"Can ponies accept that which they fear, little one? I am not blind to the looks I am given, and the fright I can smell in the air. Do you think this will ever change, or am I wasting my time trying to fit where only a single pony offered me purpose?"

Sorting were going to take a bit more, so he may as well let this thought be spoken, and see what the answer may be, as he sometimes had doubt if it were ultimately worth his or the ponies time to stay here, or if it would be wiser to simply leave, as soon as this endeavor were over with. As one of them, and one who could see many things in her visions, Aurora would perhaps have the perspective on what ponies were able to accept to answer this properly.

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

 

@Dji

"Alright. It's just that I've seen him flirting, and horrible as it were, I figured perhaps you two ran around because it finally worked. Didn't mean to pry."

Honestly, she could care less, but she were curious and Bubble Tea were a very direct mare. She figured she'd ask, and then see where things went. If she wanted to think into this a little more, the way Aurora answered could be kind of suspicious, but eh, even if that were, that part weren't any of her business. Some things were pretty private.

Weren't many seconds after that when Happy came out with a small crate carrying around 9 half liter bottles filled with golden-brown liquid in a small, wooden case with no lid.

"That should get you sorted for a while. Usual rate's fine by ya?"

"I'm not gonna argue against it."

She left a bag of bits, and picked up the crate. The two of them had made a discount deal last time, since she bought so much at once, so she had brought the right amount for that, and he knew i. Didn't even need to count 'em.

"Looks like you're leaving. Come around again one day, alright? The customers will be disappointed otherwise."

"No worries about that. This town's pretty neat, so thinking I'll make regular visits."

They shared a nod from the innkeeper and a wave from Happy, before Bubble left again. She gave a nod towards Aurora as well, but figured she shouldn't talk more to her for the time being. Next time perhaps, after things had gotten calmer.

After she got out of hearing range, Happy would shake his head and turn to Aurora with a chuckle.

"I know, sooner or later I have to spill the beans to her about what I am, but I'm enjoying the business until then. Anyway, you two got along well?"

While Aurora answered, he'd start packing up the wagon and get ready for them to be on their way.

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

 

@Zephyr / Karou @Moonlit

"I know not of three sisters. The two I met were brothers, making a large area into their unwitting arena of unrest and constant fighting. I were trapped there for two weeks, and I have scarcely been happier escaping somewhere, except for the jungle in which I were grown. And that is a rather high bar of resentment to have neared."

A shiver went through him by the thoughts of those two towering above servants and victims alike, using everypony who got within too close as combatants in their sick, twisted little arena. Nothing good had come from that fifty mile area, where the unwitting were kidnapped and forced to join, and he felt sorry for the country in which it were set. Thank the great trees that such a thing were far, far away from the shores of Equestria.

"Yet it sounds as if these that you speak off have given a bad reputation to your kind as well in this country. I can sympathize with the need to hide yourself then.

Zephyr, Sun, I know that as Equestrians you will have other experiences of these creatures, but her reasoning is sound. Should we not try and give her the benefit of the doubt for now? Though, perhaps also move away from the garden, in case that truly is what is changing perception. I get the impression that it would be bad for the citizens at large to take notice of this.

If it helps ease your minds some, I can tell you that my kind are not affected by the magic of their song, so I can interfere in the worst possible scenario, as unlikely as I think it to be with miss Serenade."

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Were that a more satisfying meal?"

Marley wandered out from the direction that Ruby had just been in. He had assumed that she would have called him out on his branch as she passed the bear, as her senses seemed to be quite strong, yet it had appeared that she missed him. Perhaps after feeding, her senses were dulled down somewhat? Plenty of beings got like that when they were finished eating, so that were an option.

May be that she just didn't care and wished to move on of course. She were a peculiar dragon sometimes, whom he could not claim to understand all that well yet.

Hm, he'd learn in time. Now however, he wished to see if the beasts belly had been sated, and then see if they could find something else to do before the auction. Would not be that much longer before they were taken away, surely.

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@Catpone Cerberus

Try as much as she liked, Serenade would find that actually moving a sleeping phoenix weren't as easy as it may sound.

For once, any movement would just make him instinctively get a tigther grip on whatever surface he were holding on to, which in this case were a clawful of Siren head. Another issue were that phoenixes were well connected to fire, which would be shown propmtly, as attempts to push him around through physical contact would result in the affected area of the phoenix to suddenly get red hot to the touch.

The singing would keep his instincts down to a state of being somewhat easier to deal with, though again, grabbing hold or pushing about would result in exponential heat strong enough to set some things on fire by touch alone. Nada would have to somehow balance the right amount of slight pressure with calm song, and attempt to coax the phoenix into letting go and move to another object, like a branch or rock.

She had quite the task ahead of her, and the audience (Fah'lina) were fixated on the situation in complete silence, as if this were a chess tournament. Though if this actually were chess, she were likely to have stolen some pieces from the board to get something to happen. Here, the mimic would just sit around and see if the siren were able to safely get the phoenix off her.

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@Lucid_Nightlight

Normally the sight of a chocolate cake being offered would make Anomaly bounce over to take a big, mushy bite from the chocolatey deliciousnes. However, this place had already shown to be happy inserting silver into their food for no reason at all, so how could she trust that it weren't gonna be in this too? She couldn't, and she were not gonna find out what'd happen if she ate silver. Touching it were bad enough, but chomping down? She'd end up dead. Again! And it likely sucked the first time too.

So she just kept away, and send it hungry looks with drool falling from the side of her jagged smile. Darn the ruination of chocolate! What'd be next, they'd make breezies less delicious?

Huh, she could say that in this dimension without the author's interference... Hehehe, this were gonna get neat.

"Well, I dunno if he can eat chocolate. He'll eat metal, so his stomach's pretty good, so... Feed him some and see what happens?

Anyway, to the important stuff with snuggles and me: An antler-lion sounds kinda neat, but it's just so plain. What about it getting two heads, and can breath frosty winds with the constant smell of fresh mint? Cat breath can get real stinky when they're all normal and stuff.

Come ooon. I'll let you pick the colooooors."

In her mind, this were a pretty sweet deal in his favor, but hey, that were what relationships were about right? Bit back and forth with compromises all the way, or it'd just get controlling and boring. Wouldn't want that with her new cuddlemate.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"Silver? Nah, I didn't order silver, that's not part of the eating unhealthy plan. Besides, who knows where that silver has been?"

"Hold on, how did you know she was thinking that?"

"Lucky guess. How did YOU know she was thinking that? Did you read her mind?"

"How rude, Lucid! You didn't even eat a live turkey before reading her mind! Everyone knows that's proper manners!"

Lumen thought for a quick moment. What would be some good colors?

"How about all of them? Ok, now eat the cake! You will be unhealthy and I will rule the world or something."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,609]

@Blitz Boom
Both Marley's assumptions were partly correct, Ruby had been able to tell that Marley was or at least had been somewhere close, but because of the scent of smoke and blood were still floating around her system, she hadn't been able to tell if the smell of Marley was just floating there or if he actually was there, but she didn't care either, because she knew Marley would follow her.  "Indeed it was, I would have shared some with you if you had come and asked nicely." she sighed a displeased sigh "Too bad we are so busy, I would love to take a nap right about now."

 

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The claws of the bird didn't really bother Nada, because her scales and skin were thick enough for it to not hurt, but the fiery nature of the bird was a bit more challenging, but she stayed calm. She picked up a piece of wood and tried to force it gently under the phoenix's legs so that it would grab on that, and if that didn't work, she would try several different other things, all relating to getting the bird to grab on something else, and if none of those didn't work, she went to cover her hooves on thick layer of wet dirt, a good insulator against heat, the she would float above the nest of the phoenix in a way that the bird was in an angle that if it was to let go, it would fall off, and lastly she would with her insulated hooves try to force the bird to let go, again singing the song as she did everything.

 

 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

They knew they had to expect this... both Sen and Lin understood that this couldn't end with a happy ending, not with the way it went. Stargazer never knew Rosa, no way would he drop the act and suddenly embrace him as a brother. But they had to try, at least to smooth things over so it would turn out less antagonistic. Now that Stargazer has some idea who his unknown brother is, his past affiliations and the negative reputation it carried, they were uncertain if they could do anything more within their limitations. Rosa is changed, but his brother has nothing to work with. Their pleas for his efforts to atone will fall on deaf ears or, at the very least, speculation. 

Both remained silent for the time being, thinking of something to get the bat pony guard to stand down and let Rosa walk away for now. A delicate situation that needs a careful approach, lest they ruin this once chance. They stayed silent for the meantime, letting tensions cool down and let everyone collect their thoughts.

"Stargazer, all we're asking is a chance to understand how all of this fits together.... Between you, Rosa, and Filigree. We'll ask her to come clean with everything, the documents, your histories..."

"Once we find out all we need to know, you can come to your conclusions about all of this. Please don't throw this chance away; if not to reunite with Rosa, then at least to get some answers." 

The two have said their piece, unsure if this changes anything. Deep down, they wished they had more to say but sometimes, it may be better to say less or nothing at all. For their friend's sake, they hoped it will be enough to get Stargazer to reconsider and be open to seeing the trial to its conclusion. In the back of their minds, they are also wondering how Omen is processing the events that had just transpired. What would she think about it?

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@Blitz Boom @Dji

"I guess that would be all for now. I'll probably stop by the spa in a while to ask about a good time to set an appointment and their closing time. They're usually very accommodating for unusual requests, but that's mostly because it's Rarity asking. They'll never turn down their most frequent customer! Perhaps a little extension beyond their usual hours isn't bothersome."

And Fluttershy isn't joking. Rarity being a regular customer meant she'd cook up some strange additions to her usual spa treatment, mostly hairstyles she sees on the cover of Vanity Mare. That one time she tried getting her hair to blow in the nonexistent wind like Celestia and Luna didn't pan out so well... Even Aloe and Lotus Blossom had to turn her down that day because no magic could replicate it, and them being earth ponies already left them with limited options. Still, it doesn't hamper their business and it pretty much got them an additional side venture opening up an on-site salon with a two-for-one service promo. Now if only Fluttershy could get them to stop spreading the rumor she uses tail extensions... 

"I'll come by tomorrow when we're ready to go! Angel, let's go home!"

The bunny pouted, having just arrived to only go back home. He isn't too broken up about it since Lyriel will be sticking around. And from the looks of his moss-covered fur, he's gonna need another bath. Not a bad thing since he's gonna get pampered again. For the time being, Fluttershy waved goodbye to Twilight and Nerzhei.

"Oh, Lyriel? Will you be staying with the others?"

Edited March 8, 2019 by EQ_Theta
Found an incomplete sentence

[Rising Dusk 27,912]

@Blitz Boom

Molotov never seemed to have much difficulty skipping a beat, or extruding his ego outward.  It was a wonder that the stallion wasn't hoof slapped in the presence of the mares he encountered.  Although hearing from Scarlet, it probably wasn't all that rare an occurrence when it did happen.  At least he could settle into his work instead of being a beat stick for the fiery pegasus that was his current project.  Rising Dusk could only imagine what Null was about to be put through, after having seen how Molotov's own wings actually went into his back through various connections.  And here she was getting one wing replaced, but having to use it without the aid of magic.  That was going to be quite interesting to see in the end.  Nice enough to see Void was blurting out the obvious, but he didn't need to use many of his detective skills to know what she was thinking.  They even had a past he didn't have all the details on.

"Yes and yes," the unicorn replied to the inquiry about the little Boom that the sisters haven't met yet.  If they thought Molotov was a little odd, it'll be interesting when they meet the hyper explosive happy filly.  Whenever she decided to wake up, that is.  Being that active all the time tended to require more long term naps at some point.  Of course though, Void was as curious as ever.  Not that he felt it wouldn't be brought up eventually, he was just hoping getting Null her wing would have distracted them longer.  To some degree though, they had the right to know since they were the targets after.  But since it was still an open case, he couldn't give too much up.

"We apprehended a witch of the wilds from Harrowmark.  She seemed mildly annoyed that I poked her in the eye while countering her peep spell.  She's apparently in the service of some creature only thus far known as The Master who is stirring a little trouble in the city.  I buffeted his first attempt of mischief, but he'll be back," he gave her the brief overview, with of course leaving out the more doom and gloom parts.

[Early Sunsets 2,107]

@Blitz Boom @Moonlit

"I guess so. I will say I don't feel nearly as threatened as I thought I would be standing in front of a siren, so we're off to a good start." Sun Fire looked back at Serenade. "Sorry for being so quick to make assumptions."

Zephyr, however, was still quite wary of the siren. He trusted his sister's judgement as much as his own, maybe even more, but he still couldn't get rid of the feeling that Serenade wasn't as harmless as she let on. Maybe it was just the paranoid part of Zephyr talking, but he knew better than most ponies that others don't always mean as well as they seem to. Regardless, he nodded in agreement. "I hope Sun Fire knows what she's doing."

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

A few moments would pass, and then Astral would open the door,  greeting Chow in, her mane in shambles for some reason. "I had only just laid down, but good you're here."
She walked back in, sighing. First heading to the living room to sit there. "Because now we can chat more openly about magic stuff."

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

Iron placed them on the floor, sparks and bolts of magic being emitted from them as he lifted his hoof to them, the magic heading towards his hoof.

Sapphire took a step back. "Iron?"

He narrowed his eyes as he focused. "Yes?"

"What spell is that?"

The glow of the crystals started to dim as he expended them.
"A basic aura recharge, but without a target so it'll just recharge whatever aura is nearby."
Soon after he said that, Sapphire's own gem glowed as the magic headed to her.

"Well that's a good choice then."

"It should do the trick though."

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Warlock had become very obviously caught off guard from the question, before getting up on his hooves, stumbling over to her.
He got close to the bars. "That's a long story miss, but I won't sacrifice details if you are oh so eager for an explanation."
He stumbled on over to his bed, sitting on it "I was a canterlot general." He looked to her from the bed. "I was on a mission, but back at home there was a fire, burning my entire family in it, but there was magic, for ponies like me I wasted my two legs, and many spells attempting to get them back,  then some witch and Celestia saw it fit to imprison me when my last attempt started, not that it was unearned, I did steal the elements of disharmony after all, and you know of the guards I've hurt so there was that as well. If only there was, some other way..." He sighed, grumbling a bit. "I did say a lot, but you asked."

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Wings chuckled a bit. "Good to know It wasn't that bad, since I'm not good with speeches." He said while following her and admiring the plaques and statues. "Hopefully I won't be remembered for bad speeches though." As he looked around at all of them, but something did feel off, with a empty place interrupting the statues, still obviously for somepony. "Wonder who was in that spot." He idly wondered, before continuing to follow screecher.

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@Dji

"It's not like that hasn't stopped you." He said with a chuckle. "Maybe we can go to where ever your working place is first."