open Casual stroll

Rising Dusk · January 15, 2020

Being locked in a magic nullifying cell made it understandable for the witch to be out of the loop on the attack of Manehatten. "The fear will not vanish for some time, but the swift actions of the O.M.I. helped negate what could have been a full blown panic," he admitted. "Twisted attacked the Sisters of Troy and our main street. All rebuked but not before enough of the city was aware of the attack. Sadly, he did attack a school as well," Rising confirmed Lily's guess. "The Captain saw to that herself. Her team stopped crystal spiders from foalnapping the children and destroy the queen along with an abomination." Passing along the small notes given to him when Minty came to bring him home. He had left to face Twisted when the attack began, but receiving the short message of their success was most helpful in keeping his emotions in check for the task at hoof. It wasn't the most pleasant of thoughts how the dark magics of Harrowmark could have affected such a magic sensitive unicorn if he approached the encounter in anger.

"I thought you might like the view and this is where the best hayburgers in Equestria are," he chuckled. This out of place hayburger food cart was a neat little secret as most would expect the high class ponies that populate this part of the city would never part take of such a common food. Really though, they were shamefully most delighted by the food cart. A brilliant move by the vendor pony instead of setting up shop in the already populated food cart industry of the center city. Foreseeing a snide remark about bringing her to such a place with all that was happening in Harrowmark he made sure to add, "And this part of the city is the best place to be should something happen and we need to quickly deliver you home." Cryptic, he knew, but he preferred to hope the fellowship would enjoy their travel peacefully.

"We're a little more... different in Equestria," he replied to her disbelief. Approaching the vendor, "Good Burg Burg, two hayburgers meals and another to go please," he greeted. The vendor mare earth pony, chocolate in color with a white and red buckball cap with 'Burg Burg' printed above the bill. "Oh, Detective! So nice to see ya again. Been a while since I last seen ya don't cha know. Coming right up!" she returned the greeting with a bubbly tune and a wide smile. Stepping behind her cart, she opened up on the cabinet to the storage under the food cart. Laying out three slabs of hay that had been formed into patties and held together by a dark sauce and various spices. The moment the slabs hit the silver surface, they let out harsh sizzles and steam erupted up around them and the wonderful scent of seasoned hay getting toasted. Next came a trio of seed peppered buns that she opened in halves and rolled across a small wheel above a tube, buttering up the insides before laying them on a less hot corner of the cooking top. Humming to herself as she placed out trays on the food cart attached to the side. With the buns a light brown, she scooped them up with a spatula in her mouth to toss them perfectly onto the trays. Quick tosses from behind the cart stacked the buns with lettuce, tomato and onions without even looking up. Next she came out with a red and yellow squeeze bottle in each hoof, twirling them around until she squirt rings of ketchup and mustard onto the stacks. Perfectly time for next the spatula went to work tossing the patties onto the buns then to finally top them with the other halves. Her tail swinging out a bucket of horseshoe shaped fried potatoes to lay a nice pile on each tray. Packing one tray into a to-go bag for the detective. Igniting his horn, he collected the prepared food trays and bag. Parting with a few Bits to pay for the meals. "Don't be a stranger now, ya hear?" she smiled and the detective nodded in kind. "Thank you, Good Burg Burg," he replied and walked over to an area nearby in the park with some benches to enjoy their meals.

Edited January 15, 2020 by Rising Dusk

Azure Acrylic · January 15, 2020

@Blitz Boom @Dreadmare

Azure giggles from remembering the happy memory and nodded to Shell.

”Yep, somehow, by random chance and luck, me and Flutters met each other a couple years ago, and had stayed in touch ever since. And yeah, siblings tend to look out for one another, they do care a lot for each filly and colt. And wow Shell, you’re saying the jellyfish there are bigger than ponies? That’s not good. And I’ve never seen water dragons before, no idea how they look like. And yeah, you might want to prepare yourself before introducing yourself to Zephyr.”

Azure then turned to Thunder to tell him what she thinks.

”Oh yeah, I remember those jerk bullies. They too picked on me, and they said they could squash me with one stomp of their hoof, as I’m so small. I ended up flying to the base of a column as fast as I could so I could bawl for the next 30 minutes. I was pouring up so many tears, you would not imagine how much I was standing in when I finally stopped.”

Azure then turns to Mrs. Shy.

”Oh, that would be lovely, Mrs. Shy. I like tea quite a bit. It’s nice.”

Catpone Cerberus · January 15, 2020

@Blitz Boom
It wasn't actually about honor, and just about being a coward, but Ruby didn't bother to explain the difference. She noticed Marley's mood change but lacked the empathy to care about it "I would never accept assistance, especially not for a revenge, after all, it's not really a personal revenge if someone else makes the killing blow now is it." "And though it's sweet that you care enough to care what happens to me..." she didn't actually think it was sweet, and that was apparent from her tone "...you make a mistake assuming you will be around to see my death if I lose, sure I'll have my revenge as soon as possible, but with my lifespan, as soon as possible can be anything from a week to several millennium."

--------------------------------------------
"I know, I'm just the type of creature that wants to help if there's a way to do so."

Nada nodded "To certain extend yes, i don't know any names of plants or anything like that, but I have through experience found out what kind of things help with what." "There has been few mistakes by me too, but the worst they have done is giving a stomachache." "I have also observed animals taking care of their own, and it's quite interesting how much you can learn from them even if you mostly can't understand them."
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@Widdershins
"Aright." Cerberus simply replied, he hadn't really gotten his answer but considering what he had learned about Widdershins during this time, he assumed he would never get one even if he tried to. "And true, fights can start from stupid things, I know someone who wants to fight me all the time because he's bored, and somehow that's my fault." "Though it's not actually me he wants to fight, but other me, a me who I know but have never met and know nothing about."

Blitz Boom · January 15, 2020

@Sekel

On 1/13/2020 at 11:13 PM, Sekel said:

"Enzo ... bring Atzy ... when she's able," Karmic whispered to the sphinx before she completely passed out on his neck.

Enzo nodded and wrapped a few layers of parchment around his neck and Karmic. Both to ensure that she were more securely locked in, but also to provide a bit of warmth if possible. Perhaps it were an undignified way of dealing with what his race historically considered lesser beings, yet he had found a certain fondness for these two strange individuals, and as such, he didn't wish for them to get hurt any further.

As he were a forceful creature though, he'd be tempted to drag Atzy out of here in the soft fur on the back of her neck, as if she were a kitten, if she stayed here much longer.

Although she didn't seem to have fur... Well, he had a big mouth, and she were still pony sized. He could munch down on his back and have teeth on both sides of her torso, to keep her in place. Less like a kitten and more akin to a chew toy. She'd probably be fine, though Enzo would likely need to scrub his tongue later.

On 1/13/2020 at 11:13 PM, Sekel said:

"Right, changeling and gem creatures mixed together. Still has the form of a changeling but with the added benefit of whatever the gem creatures brought to the species. Queen Dia'Thiz, thank you for helping us become separated, even thought it looked very painful for Karmic Fate."

"Pain is temporary. Getting overtaken is not. We believe she will learn to accept what she went through, were the best for her.

As for what you are brought that were not part of a mere changeling... We cannot say for certain, though we enjoy hearing how you feel. If you are whole, then it means that these are safe for when the right children are chosen for these bodies. Habitation will be succesful."

The entity tilted her head slightly, before wandering slowly to the side of Atzy to admire her new form, and see if anything stood out to her as being an anomaly that she could explain.

"As the first of them, you will need to discover many things on your own. What we can tell you is simply this: You will not need to feast upon the living anymore. Gems will be the food you'll need, even if other things may be consumed. Make sure not to starve yourself, and if you feel the gems, try to reach out with your horn, and see if they will obey your will. It may prove useful."

Atzy would still be able to transform, spin cocoons and generally do whatever a changeling could, minus feasting on emotions. The gem side were added benefits, and while she needed to try and sort out herself in the end what that would entail, it were likely that she'd be able to control gems with her horn, likely make more grow, and potentially, even manipulate the ones in her carapace. She would not be able to convert living creatures into gem like Dia'thiz could, yet that were only a good thing, as that would make the gemlings a large threat to any ecosystem.

She'd likely be able to still cover some tunnels and certain areas in gems though, as well as catch others in it. A less effective way of stopping things than what Dia'thiz did, yet again, a far less dangerous one, which would make her easier to be accepted. Though speaking of acceptance, it were likely for the best that she took contact to one or several of the princesses as quickly as possible, just to avoid potential issues. Ponies tended to not always do well with new sights.

"Are you done here, Atzy?"

Enzo half-growled this, clearly showing his contempt and impatience towards Dia'thiz, as well as a want to just get out of here as quickly as possible, before something went bad. There would be gemlings waking up with souls in them as they spoke, and he did not wish to waste time dealing with them, any more than their queen.

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@Sekel

The ghost flickered a little in the air in surprise herself, from seeing the strong reaction that the princess had to her suddenly showing up to her side. Thankfully she got herself in control before something poltergeistery would happen, though a few gems around the walls would be slightly vibrating before things calmed down fully, and Cherish just stood with a blush on her small face.

"S-Sorry Princess Twilight, I thought you knew I were there. I'll uhm... Do better, I promise."

This were rather awkward, though at least one seemed to find this entertaining, judging by the fleeting half smirk that had spread at seeing Twilight jump. It seemed the mare wouldn't outright laugh or show disrespect by fully grinning at the situation though. Or perhaps she just didn't know how to properly smile. It seemed like that a lot of times at least.

"Do you want a status report on the town's condition, your majesty?"

She did try to help out though, in the way of adding a distraction to get past this awkward situation. As well as giving an update on the town, which the princess may well care about, seeing as this were her home, and that she were technically the governing ruler of the area.

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@Sekel

Thorax's jaw almost hit the floor as he saw Aurora after the transformation. He had not been certain about a lot of things regarding her, even as she were able to eat the jelly, but to think that she could just all of a sudden down a whole jar, and then just transform into a fully fledged queen right on the spot? That were inconceivable, and honestly, it were causing him quite the amount of brain freeze to try and comprehend what he had just seen.

There surely would be some who had heard it though, as a half dozen guards came running in, spears risen and looked around in confusion, trying to figure out what had caused the scream from before. They knew it came from a female, but the only one there were a queen they didn't know. Were this the infamous Queen Onache? Seemed to be what they thought considering they turned their spear towards Aurora. One who got a bit too close though, would find said spear being stopped by a clawed hand, before the otherwise jovial Happy would kneel down to get into eyesight of him.

"Back off, twerp."

The look in his eyes were promising some pretty dark things, which caused the unprepared guard to stagger back a bit and prepare for an attack. One that did not come, as Happy instead turned his attention - and a much friendlier look - towards Aurora.

"May I offer you a hand, Queen Aurora?"

Happy's tone were kind, if a little taunting, and he'd reach out his hand palm up, to offer her some help getting up if required. She were gonna have enough to deal with without him being on her already. That sorta thing could come about later, when she'd be more open to a bit of a laugh.

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@Rising Dusk

(before the exited the taxi)

2 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Twisted attacked the Sisters of Troy and our main street. All rebuked but not before enough of the city was aware of the attack. Sadly, he did attack a school as well," Rising confirmed Lily's guess. "The Captain saw to that herself. Her team stopped crystal spiders from foalnapping the children and destroy the queen along with an abomination."

"...His name was Meadowsong."

Lily sent a glance towards the bauble to see if anything had changed, which seemed to be a no, before returning her attention towards the detective again.

"He grew up in the other side of Oaksbrook. Not one I spoke with a whole lot, but he was a nice young man that helped out around the farm every now and again. He didn't deserve what Twisted did to him."

She still didn't know why Twisted had targeted him. Meadowsong were unremarkable in every conceivable way, and tended to just keep to himself, and study bugs for fun every now and again. He weren't a known user of magic, or actively sought greatness, nor revenge on Twisted, yet all of a sudden whilst out in the fields, the mad tyrant had taken him and turned him into this... Thing. An abomination, as Rising so elegantly had put it.

"Regrettably, I had the *honor* of seeing him a little after Twisted forced me to work for him. I could still see something left of him in that things eyes, struggling against his control, just begging me to end it... Thank Viz'nay that his torment is finally over."

It had been a day that sickened her, and had given her nightmares more often than she cared to think about in the past fifteen years, as well as a tinge of guilt over not having the courage to free him, despite what Twisted would have done to her in retaliation. Likely taken his place she could imagine, as he wanted to have an influence on the hive, and this infiltrator were his way of asserting some dominance among them.

3 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Good Burg Burg, two hayburgers meals and another to go please," he greeted. The vendor mare earth pony, chocolate in color with a white and red buckball cap with 'Burg Burg' printed above the bill. "Oh, Detective! So nice to see ya again. Been a while since I last seen ya don't cha know. Coming right up!"

So this mare were the food vendor? Hmph, at least this one did not seem like a high and mighty snob, like many others she had observed in the area, so she would give the mare that. She still had no idea what to expect though, as again, she didn't see anything that could cook here, nor smelled a fire. It might be better for her to look closely, which entailed getting to the disk and watch every single step of the way, like one picky about what were put in their food.

Seeing often helped understanding, though honestly, she had no idea what kind of sorcery this were. Well, she knew it weren't magic, but the expression still seemed fitting as she had no idea what were going on.

Warming bread that fast alone were something that she could relatively understand, if the mare had used a small fire spell and a pan or slab of metal, but she clearly weren't a magic user. Besides, that wouldn't explain the way that bundle of compressed hay were cooked, or even how that were done. Nor why, as she couldn't see why one couldn't just eat hay as it were. Of course, the smells were mostly nice - although she personally could do with a little bitterness sprinkled in somewhere - but it still seemed strange. Were this the sort of food Equestrians enjoyed just whenever? How far along were their technology and whatnot in general, if this sort of advanced food kitchen on wheels, were seen as simple street food available to just about anyone? What, had they golems of metal too? A cure for the plague? Things running with the power of lightning? She could likely not even comprehend what sort of madness these ponies took for granted, that would utterly blow the mind of any Harrowmark resident.

As for the food itself, she were skeptical of how good it might actually be, despite the overall good smells. Some of the additions beyond the hay, as well as the strange colored condiments, made her unsure if this wouldn't just end up a sloppy mess of conflicting tastes. Plus, how good could the hay truly be, if its taste had to be masked by all these other things? It gave her some questions that were likely best not to ask.

3 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Don't be a stranger now, ya hear?" she smiled and the detective nodded in kind. "Thank you, Good Burg Burg," he replied and walked over to an area nearby in the park with some benches to enjoy their meals.

Lily followed, with the ornament steadily floating next to her, and cast a suspicious glance backwards towards the cart as they wandered into the park, though she did not say a word until she were certain they were out of hearing range.

"You Equestrians use your society's advances in strange ways, if this is what you can rise towards. Or is this sort of sorcery commonplace with you ponies?"

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@EQ_Theta

So this was their tale then? An ancient race, brought to their own demise by the very power that got them to their pinnacle to begin with. A fitting end in a sense, yet it were always sad when a civilization ended. So many lives just thrown away, and generations upon generations of history going away with them, with only scraps here and there uncovered over long periods of time.

Rosa were not a historian by any sense of the word, but he appreciated knowledge, and work in preserving it. Had things turned out differently with his father's encouragement that he should follow in his hoofsteppes, Rosa could have seen himself become an archaeologist, or some sort of librarian. It were sadly too late for that though he imagined, just as it were too late for the ancient spirits who inhabited the orb now, when they had finally realized what were happening to them, though it were too late to stop it. Be it a natural disaster or backlash of their twisted magic in some way, their era had crumbled, leaving nothing behind.

Except them. An actual *live* recording of so much knowledge that might be possible to utilize in better ways than they had. If one avoided to fall into the same traps as they had, with things such as a nonchalant relationship to dangerous magic, who knew what might be learned, and could be passed on to some who might wield the responsibility better?

He'd admit, just thinking on this made it tingle in his chest. Perhaps in due time, once his sentence were over (if he weren't trapped for life that were) he could swing by and try to reason with the spirits? Perhaps he'd be able to convince them to share what they knew, and not just the warnings about them, to see if it couldn't improve the life of the many. Provided that it were responsible hooves, claws, talons or whatnot, that would be asked to wield said knowledge.

"...There is a reason why outside of Harrowmark, dark magic is seldom a welcome thing. Most do not have the sense to be prepared, and think it simply magic that can be harnessed without precautions. That being said, there are some merit to it, provided that the ones using it knows what they are doing, and are kept supervised. It may surprise you to know that the best curse lifters are often those who have cast them themselves, just as more honorable necromancers can help the dead get their rest, rather than summon skeletal hordes, which most thinks are all they do.

One unicorn that I knew some years back, harnessed the darkness to reattach limbs, and extract rot, despite it making him a shunned exile. He knew what his magic were mostly used to create ghastly monstrosities from what could be dug up of any graveyard, but also understood that it could be harnessed to help others, if he used it scarcely and kept in mind what could happen.

Still, it is rare to find those who understands the duality of darkness, or who doesn't heed the warnings and falls prey to it. Truly a pity, but such is life at times.

Now then, perh-Ouch."

Rosa suddenly rose his hoof, and there, clinging to the soft part of his leg, right above the hoof itself, were Shrimp. Biting down hard and seemingly letting off a low, annoyed growl.

"It appears I may have been speaking too much for his liking."

He'd shake his hoof a little to see if Shrimp went off him by that, but no, the little thing were relentless as it hung from his risen hoof, thinking it hurt him, though Shrimp's small teeth weren't able to get through the pony's thicker hide. That being said, it were still somewhat painful and annoying.

"Feisty little thing, isn't he? Does anyone have access to something he'd rather try to eat than me?"

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@Moonlit

The zegasus giggled as the fry jumped up into her short mane and had a field day.

"Well, the law of dibs always counts."

To ptove her point, she'd snuggle with Serenade's head a little, keeping her chin on the silly siren's scalp with a big, pleased smile on her face, whilst the small fry had her field day. Ziggy imagined that this moment of joy were soon going to become overwhelming though, as she had learned one import tant thing about siren fry so far: They swarmed.

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@Rainbows2424 @Dreadmare

"Water dragons aren't all that different from the normal ones, except they're usually longer, and have webbed skin between their finger and toes. Oh, and gills too, along with a second membrane for their eyes, so the salt water doesn't hurt their vision.

Dragons aren't always easy to put into the right elemental category, but water dragons at least tends to really stand out if you meet them, though they're pretty big on keeping to themselves, so I'd sorta doubt you'd have ever seen one. One day though, maybe that'll change."

Of all the dragon subspecies, the water dragons were going to be the hardest ones to connect to for Equestria, because far as she had been told, they did not listen to the dragon lord. They had their own set of rules, own areas, and refused to work together with others, which especially counted for fire dragons, such as Ember. So this were something they'd have to take separate for that whole thing. Not that they needed Princess Twilight to come in over this though. The Coastal Guard had this handled well, and just needed to steel themselves with patience until the dragons were willing to believe their intentions and proposed a chat. They'd see how long it took.

On 1/14/2020 at 10:46 PM, Dreadmare said:

Mrs Shy smiles "It's true, and I appreciate the concern, I am glad that our Thunder has friends out there that look out for him, would any of you like any tea?"

Shell perked her ears when she heard this, and turned her attention back fully to Mr. Shy. It were probably best she didn't pick on the story about the bullies at flight camp too, since honestly, she didn't want to pick in an old wound, and it seemed like Thunder and Azure kind of connected over this in a weird way. Wasn't her place to mess stuff up.

"Tea? Thank you ma'am, that'd be great."

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@Catpone Cerberus

The griffon let out a healthy chuckle at Ruby's clear tone that she found his empathy to be pathetic. So well in character for her, and he would lie if he said that were not something he could respect her for. Still, whatever she would accept it or not, his words were true, and if she then just decided to push that away, that were her prerogative. It weren't as if he demanded she cared either, after all.

The second point where he reacted were at her last statement, about him not being around in times far, far ahead of them. He wouldn't laugh at that per se though. Just give off this knowing smile and a small glimmer in his eyes, that made him look rather punchable in the moment.

"The future is full of surprises. Now then, shall we, m'lady?"

He'd sway straight towards the door and wander right into- A closed door. Beak first. An unexpected turn of events that made him wrinkle his beak somewhat.

"That were rather unpleasant. Perhaps the front are being renovated? We should attempt the other entrance in the back."

Hopefully Ruby would not find it fitting to laugh at the pompous griffon wandering right into a closed door with a face that just begged for an impact by something, though it would hardly be fair to deny her the right to find it funny if it were. Had the tables been turned, chances were after all that Marley would be the one to stand where she did now, observing all of this, and he might well have laughed at the sight.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I'm no master of elixirs, such as the zebras apparently are, but I know enough to get by with. I imagine that this tome I got in Ponyville will help expand that knowledge."

Nerzhei wandered over and opened the large, leather shoulder bag she usually carried around with her. A rather sizable thing with enough room to fit a reasonably sized pony within if need be, though currently, it were more filled around a third with books. Of those, she'd withdraw one that looked like it had been bound in bark, rather than the smooth bindings of a regular book. It would have certain symbols on front, circling around a title declaring this as an elixir book. A rather mundane one that could be found at quite a few bookshops, as the zebra's didn't usually mind publishing books with the more ordinary elixirs for everyday use, that they had in their arsenal. As such, one could learn how to replicate some of their work, if they were patient enough to follow the steps, and could figure out the sometimes odd sounding recipe. Something which came from their rhyming, cryptic speech pattern, that had unfortunately also translated to some of their books. Sure it could have been translated before publishing, but it gave some degree of authenticity, and that sort of thing sold well, so the publishers they used rarely had that extra work done, unless it were a special order.

She'd also pick something else up from the bag. One of several vials with a purple liquid in, which she popped the cork out of, and took a swig from before putting said cork back again. Whatever were in it, it didn't seem to have much of an effect on her, except for mellowing her out a fraction further. Surprisingly enough, her mood usually improved when she weren't in pain, even if she had so far considered herself to be rather hospitable.

"So, to iterate, you learn from observing what other creatures do, and have found what herbs and such can help you, through trial and error? Not a safe route to experiment on yourself like that, but I suppose you didn't have a lot of options. Rather fortunate that your stomach turned out to be strong enough to handle it too. It may well have gone wrong either, judging by some of the things I've seen grow in this area. Certain plants appear to be rather irritating things, with tricky, seemingly random effects occurring if you get in contact with it. I can't imagine what madness might befall anyone who actually ate it."

Sphinx-Ara · January 16, 2020

@Rainbows2424 @Blitz Boom

Mrs Shy smiles as she goes about making the tea. Thunder smiles, showing Shell to the living room "Please make yourself at home" he would say to her and Azure, though it was quite clear that Azure seemed to have already made herself comfy in his mane.

Sekel · January 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom

ATZY

Short of grovelling at Dia'Thiz's hooves, Atzy took another look around the gemling chamber. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She had a body of her own now. She didn't have to rely on others to carry her everywhere. She didn't know what would happen going but one thing she did know was that the three of them had to get out of the mines. She walked over to Enzo and tested her wings. Atzy felt them move but heard something different. It wasn't the usual buzzing of changeling wings, nor the usual flutter of Pegasus wings. Her wings made the noise of pebbles rubbing together.

"I have to get used to that I guess. Let's go, Enzo," Atzy said after glancing at Queen Dia'Thiz and flew up to Enzo's back. She settled by Karmic near Enzo's neck and placed her hooves over her. "She mentioned me needing to eat gems. Are you able to grab some on the way out? Please?"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Twilight coughed into her hoof and even managed to smile at Cherish. "It just goes to show this is something I have to get used to from our resident ghost," she giggled and did her best to reassure Cherish that nothing was wrong. "Last, a report of the town would be lovely. Please tell me what's been happening while I slept."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

Aurora's eyes flew open upon hearing Happy. She gasped in air and reared her head back at seeing Happy's face close to hers. She lifted her head, saw Happy's hand and placed her hoof in it. After being helped up, Aurora shook herself and a shiver went through her body. "I don't want to taste that again. It's so sickeningly sweet," Aurora gagged, not noticing her new height, added features, or the fact that Happy had called her 'Queen'. She was still hung up on how the Royal Jelly tasted rather than what her body went through. She did start to shake like a leaf though, staring slightly down at guards holding spears towards her and squeaked out her scared sentence as she had done before her transformation. "Um ... what ... did ... did I do something wrong?"

Edited January 16, 2020 by Sekel

EQ_Theta · January 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom

The scholars in the orb paused for a moment, having to be painfully reminded about their own involvement in their species’ destruction. Even Sen and Lin grew uncomfortable and oddly silent after what Rosa mentioned; all of them knew what the thestral meant and that brought back shared memories of that day in the village. The only difference here was that Rosa’s examples had some aspect of good in it, a saving grace for the necromancer, curse lifter, and the unicorn. The Hyracotherian scholars didn’t and they very well know it.

Each of them were internally debating the prospect of discussing their shared past, the one event that brought them together, but even that would put a damper on the positivity happening at the moment. Though they didn’t need to look at each other, they all decided to avoid that topic altogether. No need to bring up a sordid past when there is more important matters to attend to at the moment.

Good thing Shrimp was there to break up the tense situation. Lin calmly walked up to the Refraction, taking the box of berries along, and showed her little friend some of it. “I’ll take care of this. Are you hungry, Shrimp? I’ve got some berries here!”

“Translation is finished though we fear the interpretation in the common tongue isn’t complete or wholly accurate. The original language is lost to the ages; even if we have samples of it, the rest needed cross-referencing to other ancient languages because of similar words and syntax.

Darkness comes in waves of three. Two have occurred, the third will come in the shadows of what had been. Beware the prisoner chained in flesh for you have not felt the last of him.”

“Sounds like a prophecy, and oddly speaks directly to whoever is reading it. A vague warning but it might not even be an accurate translation. Rosa, if it was written in Zhu's note to you, could this warning be intended for you... or us if Zhu foresaw us finding this note? And do you know what any of this means?"

Edited January 16, 2020 by EQ_Theta

Randimaxis · January 16, 2020

On 1/5/2020 at 1:03 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"...Sorry. You startled me."

"My most explicit apologies; it was truly not my intention to present myself in such a manner as to bring about such measure of disquiet within yourself. However, I must admit that the particulars of the musical interlude that I wandered upon purely by happenstance are most certainly familiar unto my being. There is a certain ambiance that such sorrowful melodies can invoke within the core of one's spirit, and as I have a close relation who was known somewhat for the mournful tones he used to put forth into the ether, there is a sense of familiarity to such that piqued my interest."

Clever always felt that he had to use as much of his vocabulary as he could, in order to help others understand what he was saying... but he had a hard time realizing that he actually tended to make himself harder to comprehend by doing this. Still, with his mind running a mile a minute, it was impressive to realize that he was lucky to be able to string together words that could be understood in the first place.

On 1/5/2020 at 1:03 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"*sigh* I thank you for your words, stranger. It helps a little to hear that some can still care for this old mare."

The mare was elderly? She most certainly doesn't appear so... but perhaps the runes and magics she utilizes could give me a better insight, should I inquire about such things.

First though, he should probably try to speak a bit more with her - maybe asking such questions were more of a private matter, and would be far more welcome after he gained more familiarity with this strange but fascinating mare.

"I certainly believe that any particular admission of pain, especially through the instrument of song, has exceeding potential to help alleviate whatever maladies of the metaphysical soul that an individual might suffer from, whether duly or unduly."

He stepped only a bit closer, and gave the mare a bit of a curious look. "Would it be a faux-pas on my particular end to perhaps inquire as to a recognizable and proper means of addressing your personage? Mine would be the moniker of Clever Spark, if you would perhaps indulge me a bit of greeting unto yourself? Forgive my assumptions of your current malignant woes, but it does appear that you have a modicum of suffering that you are currently ensconced in, and my curiosity - coupled with a sizable sliver of empathy - seems to be focused on the possibility that relating at least the generalities of your predicament might bring emotional release, even if only by a shallow margin. May I assist in such an endeavor, or would it be more fortuitous to inquire at a different point in time?"

[Sorrysorrysorry - I don't think I even got the notice that I'd been responded to!]

Blitz Boom · January 17, 2020

@EQ_Theta

"I think that if the message were meant for me, it would have been written in a language I could understand, just like the rest of the letter were. More than likely, this were meant to whomever would find the note alongside me, though I cannot say for sure if this were meant for you, or someone else. If his alleged sight are as strong as reports claim, and he saw multiple things ahead of him, all of you may have just been one of several possibilities. That you needed translation by an ancient civilisation to understand this message, makes me hesitant to say for certain that it weren't meant for another outcome."

This were why working with or against seers were problematic. There were either the frauds who became annoying to deal with, the ones who saw down one path and could be frustrating to deal with as it were hard to say if what they predicted were a large hit or miss, and then those like Zhu allegedly were part of. The ones with the so called *True sight*, that saw all the outcomes. Those were the worst, as there were so many variables, that it were impossible to say that whatever they were doing, even included something that had come to fruition. Say, a being might have been prepared to enter the fray, but some minor thing had happened and the being in question had never been born, as a readily available example.

The thestral scratched his chin, pondering over what to do about this. Something which were a good deal easier to do after Lin had lured Shrimp away from gnawing on the noisemaker, by offering him food. Shrimp hadn't been hungry though, and just slithered up on Lin's head instead of even looking at the berry coffer.

The issue with him biting Rosa came completely down to him and the others having disturbed the refraction's nap, and since Shrimp liked the others and Rosa talked the most, his ire had been directed towards the thestral. He considered the leather-winged one well and truly warned about doing this again now, so that were done with for the time being. If it happened again though, Rosa might get a face full of glittery fire to more or less signal *I told you to stop!*.

"Perhaps we can discern it by the wording used here, if we assume the translation are entirely correct. It sounds as if it talks about a prisoner in flesh, who have already been an issue to you before. Are there any being who have caused you hardships, who would fit that? A male it sounds like. I think focusing on that part rather than the vague notion of waves are a more sensible beginning."

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

@Randimaxis

This one certain liked to talk, didn't he?

Such were one of the first thoughts from Vivid as this stranger kept on talking, and more prominently began to present himself as one of those who either loved the sound of their voice, had a tendency to over explain, or were just a being of a higher social ranking,w ho tended to drivel on rather than get to the case.

Vivid cared very little for the last group. After her release, she had lurked around in the shadows and alleys of major cities such as Canterlot at times, to observe and listen in to how things went these days. IN those times, she had sometimes run across nobles or other self imposed beings of importance, who wasted both theirs and others time by going on and on for no reason, to explain something that could have been said in less than a fifth of the words.

In general, Vivid avoided going to these major towns as a principle, as she did not like the judgmental stares that she got when she wandered around alone. It gnawed at her, and made her feel like even more than a freak than she already were. Yet when she did venture in there, she made extra certain to avoid the high and mighty, as their arrogance were infuriating to her. A bunch of fools who thought they were worth more than others around them, just begging to be knocked down a peg or two...

Her contract prevented her from outright harming them, but she could still very much teach the a lesson. That however, she had given her word to try and avoid if possible, as the princess and her husband had been worried about this sort of outcome too. They wanted what was best for Vivid, which she greatly appreciated more often than not, and they had rightly thought that she might do something still within her boundaries to make these more arrogant ponies understand how small and insignificant they actually were, which would just end the mare in all sorts of legal trouble, if not an all out attack, as her appearance and use of veil magic already did a good enough job as marking her as a potential threat. Doing something that could be seen as an attack would just lead to hardships for her, and potentially ruin her chance of reintegrating into equine society, so she had begrudgingly have to give them a point, and promise she'd do her outmost to try and avoid going that route.

Still, this strange creature did not seem like one of those. Though he certainly talked quite a lot, there weren't that glimmer of arrogance in his eyes that spoke of him feeling superior, nor were he speaking in a demeaning way to her. He seemed actually concerned, and those good for nothing nobles certainly wouldn't be. Perhaps this one wouldn't turn out to be so bad.

"Certainly a talkative young man, aren't you, Clever? My name is Vivid Loss. I am a guide of sorts."

She had found that her regular title from back in the day did not fare well these days, and that more often than not, just saying she were a guide tended to be better, and then if more details were asked, explain that it were a soul guide. A lesser striking name than that from her age, but she had to admit that it sounded kinder, and did fit her job description more accurately.

"And I doubt you would truly understand what thoughts torments me now. You seem young, and full of life. What experience would you have with death, and the pain it brings to remember those close to your heart, whom it mercilessly takes away?"

Vivid gave a weak smile towards Clever, trying to show some sort of calm and collected response to things, but the smile were as hollow as the fallen tree she sat upon. A foolish thing to do anyway honestly, as this were a sorrowful time. What reason were there to smile, when the memories of those lost still fell upon her like a veil of dread.

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

@Sekel

Dia'thiz would nod as Atzy shared her desire to leave, and a small glow left all three of her horns, as she sent a signal to her hive about letting them leave in peace.

"They will not disturb you as you leave, but beware: Some may remember, and they may well seek you out. To what avail is not something we can say for sure, but our memories does not tell of much infighting in the hive. It seems unlikely they would seek you harm.

Until we meet again, Atzy. Guardian."

The queen would give a nod towards Enzo too, as her words stopped and she returned to where the throne stood. With little effort, she would summoned diamond to patch up te holes that were made in it, so that she could place herself upon this seat of power, and await her awakened hive to come to her for answers and guidance.

Enzo didn't stick around enough to bite notice in it, nor return the greeting, but just turned around and went on his way as soon as Atzy had joined Karmic on his back.

On 1/16/2020 at 9:01 AM, Sekel said:

"She mentioned me needing to eat gems. Are you able to grab some on the way out? Please?"

Without a word, Enzo would halt his walk forward, and would smash the bone bracelet around his right front ankle into the wall at his right. The strong impact would pulverize some stone, and loosen up a meaty chunk of diamond, roughly two and a half times Atzy's size, which should do the trick for quite a while. As for damages to himself or the bracelets, there'd be none. They were carved out of elder dragon bones, and those things were sturdier than metal. It would take quite a bit more to even scratch them, though yes, he would be able to feel the impact in his leg and paw. Quite frankly, he welcomed that, as it helped him to get some tension and anger out of his body, when he knew that this aggressive action had actually destroyed something.

Regarding the chunk of diamond, it would be wrapped in several layers of the parment that he could summon out of seemingly nowhere, and placed around his neck as an additional necklace. In their current situation, this seemed the most reasonable place to keep it for the time being, as he started to backtrack out of here.

With random intervals, they'd cross between one and twelve gemlings, going in the opposite direction to heed their queen's call. Some of them would pause briefly and send glances towards Atzy, almost as if they felt something familiar in her presence, but it never lasted long, and no one approached them. Their queen had explicitly told them not to, and they would follow their leaders words. Besides, it weren't as if any could know who others were, based on looks alone. Atzy and them were all in new bodies, who hadn't exactly been formed to perfectly resemble what they once looked like. Other senses would have to be relied on if recognition were to happen, though at least for now, she'd be free of questions from them.

"...What do you plan on doing, now that you are unbound?"

Enzo would ask this after several minutes of silence, at a point where he couldn't sense any gemlings around him besides Atzy. A question which were clearly meant for the future queen in the making, as he attempted to break the ice, so to speak.

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

@Sekel

"Yes your majesty.

First off, the inspection of the houses have been completed. Every house have been deemed safe and the owners have moved back into them. One of them had shoddy plumbing though, and I had three dozen volunteers correcting it until that one were given a pass.

And speaking of plumbing, I had them replace the pipes in the school. Some of them seemed rusty, hence why I ordered them to close it for a few days. It's ready to take in students again tomorrow."

This one hadn't been part of the original restoration job on the town, but there had been a widespread agreement with Last that it were irresponsible to let a problem like that get worse, and just fix the small damages to the east wall, so there had been little backlash about her decision to have the school closed while this were fixed. The mayor hadn't been too pleased with closing the entire school for it, but Last refused to accept anything less, to completely negate the admittedly almost non-existent risk to the students from all that construction work going on, and Mayor Mare's will were nothing against Last's. She had quite quickly had to concede that it were for the best to be on the safe side.

"Some troublemakers entered town too and caused further damages, but they were minimal, and the locals have more or less fixed those already. The mayor and the Night Guard dealt with them more directly than me, so you will have to debrief them for details.

I'd still suggest that the town got some tunnels and underground shelters installed in town, so there's an option to escape or hide during attacks, but as for the job you, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia asked me to oversee, it is finished. Your town is back to normal."

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

@Sekel

Happy's tough claws would gently wrap around Aurora's hoof as it were placed in his hand, and with that support there, he'd help her rise up, following her movement, rather than force her upwards.

As for the guards, they couldn't tell what to think at this point, and as such, just kept turning their spears against this unknown queen. The human one had said Aurora, but who were that supposed to be? They didn't know the name, so it might just be a lie.

Knowing no better, they turned their attention towards their king, thinking that he would know what to do here, and awaited whatever his judgement on this were going to be. One did raise his hoof, ready to move in closer to seem like more of a threat, but a harsh look from Happy made him stagger back and place it right down again. This one were starting to scare them.

"It... It's okay. You can put the spears down and leave the room again. Queen Aurora isn't our enemy.

The guards were not sure that were entirely true, especially as Thorax seemed to have a bit of a hard time looking calm and collected right now, but an order were an order, and soon after, they'd all be back outside at their post.

"Good, I were about ready to think I needed to beat them up."

The tone and smile made it seem as if he were making a jest, but Happy were not. Had they tried anything funny, he would have beaten the lot of them up, and he knew that if it had come to that, that he could do it. They didn't seem all that comfortable being guards, and had been confused, so an ambush would have worked pretty well he'd say.

"Just... Please don't do that, okay?

Aurora? Are you okay? This rapid of a transformation looked like it hurt. Sounded like it too."

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

@Dreadmare @Rainbows2424

"I could, but I think it's better I don't. I get sorta messy at home."

Shell didn't live in a pigs sty, and all her work related stuff were in tip top order, but dear Celestia, her bedroom looked like a war zone. She were the sort who just liked to crawl in under the mess and sleep all her cares away when the time finally came for it, but she knew well that to anypony who looked, it probably looked like her room had been ransacked by somepony looking for something.

That and she put her hooves up on the coffee table. That sorta thing just wasn't okay to do in other ponies houses.

So instead, she'd find a seat, and plunge down, then correct a bit of gauze around her left front left that looked like it might get lose soon. Wouldn't do her any good to just lay around and unravel like a roll of toilet paper, bashed around by a cat.

Randimaxis · January 17, 2020

8 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Certainly a talkative young man, aren't you, Clever? My name is Vivid Loss. I am a guide of sorts. And I doubt you would truly understand what thoughts torments me now. You seem young, and full of life. What experience would you have with death, and the pain it brings to remember those close to your heart, whom it mercilessly takes away?"

Clever gave a slight sigh, then nodded.

"Though I certainly admit that the full scope of my knowledge is hindered by my age and lack of social experience, I have... tasted of the sorrow this world can bring forth unto an individual. My dearest father is invalid, being incapable of self-care due to... t-to an accident that left him mute and mutilated."

The kirin seemed to shuffle his hooves a bit, his eyes seeking a number of different things to look at... aside from Vivid, of course. His emotional state was stable enough, but the subject left him uneasy. Nevertheless, he was determined to try to communicate with this interesting mare.

"My mother, however... she did not... survive... the same incident."

Though he was upset at the loss that tugged at his heart, he wanted to make a connection; the road had been a bit of fun... but lonely. It wasn't love he was looking for, as much as simply someone to talk to. And his pain, though deep and bright, seemed to be a means to that end.

"I admit, I may not quite reach the particular fathoms of sorrow and distress that your own personage seems to express, yet I do have a reasonable understanding as to the yearning and permanency that an exquisite loss can place upon the emotional framework of one's heart. Admittedly, more of my experience has been of the realm that comes forward from the sounds of a sorrowful ballad... such as, for example, the one that you were expressing mere moments ago."

He gave a smile, but it was tinged with the emotions he was feeling; the sadness at the wounds his father had gotten were deep, but not nearly as deep as the cut Life gave him when it took his beloved mother from him.

"Sometimes, a mournful song contains the sounds our hearts wish to make - a quote from my father, during his more active period of existence."

He looked her over again, and decided to try to make the conversation stretch a bit further, if he could; awkwardness was usually how they ended, but maybe this would be different?

"You... speak of having the profession of guidance, you said? Might I inquire as to the nature of this particular method of guidance that you speak of? And, if you would not find my inquiries too blatantly forward, may I also inquire about the runes and sigils upon you? I have recognized a number of them from different manuals I have spent time lightly familiarizing myself with, and it honestly intrigues me as to what possible reasoning there might be for them to be emblazoned upon yourself?"

He didn't seem afraid of them; he honestly looked quite curious about her, and seemed eager to learn whatever she would tell him about them... IF she said anything at all over the subject.

EQ_Theta · January 18, 2020

@Blitz Boom

The siblings looked to each other, concerned and worried that they might have encountered someone who fit the descriptions provided by the warning. Frankly, they had unfortunate meetings with beings who caused them so much grief and misfortune. The thought they could be facing them again, reopening terrible wounds they thought were closed for good, didn’t sit well with them. Sadly, they would need to reveal these if they had a chance at fighting back should it come to it. At the very least, if they didn’t fit the criteria, then it would be no problem anymore.

“We’ve… met a some beings who could fit the descriptions in the warning,” Lin started though even with her confidence that the matter is supposedly behind her, she still finds it difficult to bring up the subject again. “There was a time when I studied a tome of dark magic, learned what it had to offer. All that started when I sought a being called Malvernis, who agreed to teach me what he knew and more from the tome in exchange for his release. I don’t know what he is beyond being ancient and bound to some dark mountaintop where no life can grow. Remember the mountain where we left that statue before delivering it to Scarcity? That was where I found him.

Thing is, he was kept in a prison of stone, not flesh. Malvernis is attributed to darkness but only in the loosest sense. His name is synonymous to decay and he is now captured and hidden in a place no one will ever find again.”

“The other was a being constructed from magic named Legion. That business with the orb, the magic that consumed them, Legion used it to start a new order beginning with the longma village we’re from. He took on the appearance of our former elder, placed the whole village under his control so no one will oppose him. Sadly, that included me and Lin. Back before venturing in the swamp, we mentioned we were susceptible to mental manipulation. It started from Legion.

He’s currently experiencing an eternity of torture from some creature we couldn’t comprehend but after everything we’ve been through, there was always a feeling he could come back. He is formed from magic and while he can’t be destroyed, he could take on another form. Or some part of him still lingers and we don’t know. Maybe that whole ‘prisoner-chained-in-flesh’ thing is just him hiding in someone we don’t suspect. I hope it isn’t because I never want to live through that again.”

Sen spoke his piece but through it all, he couldn’t look anyone in the eye. Recounting that experience wasn’t easy and having to explain the latter part gave him the feeling that he and Lin are still compromised despite having been given the equivalent of a magical check-up. The scholars said no trace of Legion’s magic lingers in them yet the nature of magic, its properties, leaves just enough room for them to worry that they haven’t seen the last of the vile creature.

“It doesn’t fill in the first part of the warning, darkness coming in three waves. If it is pertaining to Legion, it wouldn’t make sense as he was active only once. And we made sure Malvernis wouldn’t ever escape.”

“What about King Sombra?” The scholars spoke up, having remained silent all throughout, likely looking over their own library of information. “Some accounts say the unicorn tyrant of the Crystal Empire isn’t truly a pony but a creature bound to the form of one.”

Edited January 18, 2020 by EQ_Theta

Catpone Cerberus · January 19, 2020

@Blitz Boom
Ruby didn't laugh, as laughing wasn't really her style, and instead she let out the familiar exhale of amusement, which was accompanied by equally amused facial expression, though the amusement wasn't necessarily linked to Marley's previous facial expression, since Ruby found the misfortune of others amusing in general. "I'd say that was a beautiful example of just how surprising future can be."

-------------------------------------
"Well, I do have basic knowledge of plants, as in, knowing what to look for to figure out it's straight up poison." "My kind also has certain immunities, they are mostly related to poisons and venoms you would find in a sea, but some land-poisons are similar." she had noticed the vial and the fact that Nerzhei took a sip of it, but didn't ask about it, because like previously, she didn't feel like it was any of her business.

Widdershins · January 19, 2020

@Catpone Cerberus

Your Author?

Widdershins said with a bob of his head, in an inane, prompting way that gives me no way of following up on that if its even followed up on given the hardwired continuity I've put in for just this occasion because there's no way anyone around him can hear me doing his narrating and there's no possible way for me to even respond...

Oh, he's being fussy. Again~

There anything goals I can help ya wit'?

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

@Sekel

Kaltrop's wing retracts jerkily off Dawn Streak, and slowly relaxes back over her from time to time like a dog's legs kicking in its sleep. Throughout the night the drakeling had been sleeping fitfully with slight tremors, he wasn't comfortable inside a house with a controlled inner climate. As Dawn woke up slowly as she did she would notice his head jolt up and down on rare occasions and the even rarer scattered phrase that sounded something similiar to him crying out in his dreams, something about being "Still Useful.... please."

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

And Sekel again!

"Short?!!!"

Came the bellow. This was a trigger for Shortstack, a great many things were and it didn't help that it was the name his brother had nearly foisted upon him. Maybe it was from being third eldest and having that be held over him by the far less reliable Flit, but anyone taller than him that didn't give him the immediate respect that he felt he deserved (which, of course was all of it) was just asking for a fight. Fighting was something he knew well.

"Wahl see O's short when I pound yee intae tha ground!"

And Shortstack lunged at Dazzle.

Which was quite remarkable as most lunging didn't really lend itself well to saying full sentences before contact was made. SS's fighting style was a very simple, easily deduced one formed from many years of street brawls, mostly with his siblings. Anypony who'd have been in the wilds long enough to have been around a wild animal like a Wild Boar would know how to work around it. Because that's essentially what Shortstack was. Shortstack had very well built upper body, a rare trait in ponies... that know how to train in a logical, normal fashion. Once he got his teeth or hooves on something, he could rip apart a brick wall. Though this had the rather hilarious side effects of making him extraordinarily top heavy, easy to trip and absolutely no aim due to his usual beserker rage. This meant no harm would usually come to the antagonizer...

...but as for the rest of the town AROUND where he was aiming...

"Carving a path" was something Shortstack was good at. And what was usually the second step in what got the Cephalli family banned from most towns they came across. This was gonna hurt, not anypony in particular, but just a general kind of hurt to be had in the area.

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

@Blitz Boom

Mauf had dealt with the odd Knight Errant and monster slayer in history past. Heros and others wanting to find some excuse to slay something didn't sit well with them. But maybe this time & town would be different.

Blither flinched. Startling easy was more a thing of the youngest brother rather than the oldest, but still. This was social interaction, it required nerves he didn't have. Spinning around to try and face the new face, Blither had unconsciously come to cower at Alonsus's side in a manner not unlike the flimsily garbed damsel at the knees of the Hero & protagonist holding his mighty sword aloft on the cover of dimestore romance/adventure/badly written sensationalism. Perhaps from unintentionally picked-up traits from the thousands of books that Blither had once read in the ruined library the 'Family' once called home, the much smaller stallion spoke to Long Stare from under Alonsus, barely touching him at an angle, his head & neck under the larger stallion's.

"Oh, uhm....." He took a deep, calming breath. "I need to find a suitable member of sitis ruling from which to procure applicable aid? I... uhm, require remedy as to situate the placement of my fellow, uh... my family members. I need to find my family.

Before they demolish this city."

***********************************************************************

"Aw! Neat!" Sunny grined wildly. Unaware of any blunder on her own part or how the other mare had refused her hoofshake she clomps one hoof down to vigrously shake the other straight out in an over-exaggerated motion of the hoofshake all while beaming her usual grin even more brightly.

On 1/14/2020 at 4:19 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"It sounds as if you come from far away, hm? Do tell, do you bring any of your family with you? Such as this big brother you mentioned? I would love to greet them as well."

At the mention of her family, the beaming smile of Sunny Flush clouds over just as quickly as it had came on. Her chubby face tears up with childish, pouting tears. "M-my Family?!!? AWWW! I MISS MY BWOTHERS!!! WE GOT WOST IN THE FOWEST! Help me find them, PWEASE?!!?" Sunny flops down on the ground before Scarcity's hooves with enough force to make her slightly hop.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

@Pinkfire

In the back alley of Sugarcube Corner, about midday, the door in lies swinging open & abandoned. The Cakes were out on an errand & Pinkie Pie had left the store seemingly locked while she went off on one of her very, very many whims. Likely to restock her ball or balloon stores she kept around Ponyville. Being hyperactive & meta had a lot of unexpected preparations.

The normally bright and cheery interior of the sweetsshop contrasted with the dingy darkness lurking out the backdoor that led to the storage rooms. It was unusual for doors to be left swinging open like that even if robbery was an unheard of and unfussed about happenstance in Equestria. Normally any rare passerby pone would have closed it, but no one had yet and the door looked fair beaten up somehow. As if struck really, really fast by somepony impatient. That would usually be attributed to Pinkie Pie, of course.

Still though... a swinging door left open, even on a peaceful realm like Equestria tended to attract oppourtunistic scavengers...

Sekel · January 19, 2020

@Blitz Boom

ATZY

"I honestly don't know," Atzy admitted slowly once she was sure her horn had stopped humming to in vicinity of other gemlings. She looked at the walls and managed to grab a small piece of diamond on their way past it with a small bit of magic. She was astounded to find her magical aura be a pure white rather than the sickly green of the common Changeling. "I have to figure out this new body, and I can't really do that without, well, a lot of gems around. But. I want to at least stay with you until Karmic wakes up. That much I do know for sure."

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Thank you for that report, Last," Twilight smiled at her. "It's going to take a bit of getting used to, having my own guard captain like the other princesses have. For the tunnels and excavation shelters, it is definitely a good idea. Especially after what just happened with the town. Perhaps you can get a report together and take it to the mayor?" she suggested, stepping out with Cherish's stick in her magic. "But before you get to that, we need to have some breakfast."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I'm fine. I feel fine," Aurora told Thorax and then blinked at noticing she was actually taller than him now. She took a couple of experimental steps and almost tripped over her gangly legs. She did right herself before crashing into anything and smiled apologetically. Aurora then gave her wings an experimental buzz and very quickly noticed they had grown as well. "That. This doesn't feel right. I should be smaller than you, King Thorax. I should not be ... the jelly. I swallowed it. A whole jar full just to relieve myself of that tingling feeling. I'm a queen ..." she trailed off, unable to comprehend this. "Wh-how? Other than having my mane be a different colour, there was nothing of note that tied to me being a royal Changeling filly!"

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

"Kaltrops?" Dawn whispered, gently poking his side with her hoof. Her voice was full of concern and since she was still waking up, she hadn't had time to get it properly together yet. "Is everything alright?"

@Widdershins

DAZZLE GLEAM

"Yeah, short," Dazzle repeated. She spotted the way he reared and smirked to herself. "You're imitating a wild boar," she chuckled and calmly stepped to the side as he began his charge. "I've fought them and you are nothing like them, Shorty. Besides. You are not intimidating, like at all."

Blitz Boom · January 19, 2020

@Randimaxis

On 1/17/2020 at 8:10 PM, Randimaxis said:

"My mother, however... she did not... survive... the same incident."

Up until this point, Vivid had been somewhat sympathetic towards Clever. Having an incident that caused your own parent to be left voiceless and mutilated, would undoubtedly be a horrendous thing to go through for all parties, and the rehabilitation and constant care he must need, would surely be an additional, continuous blow to his fathers self esteem.

However, as cruel as it may sound, it were not enough to make her heart figuratively bleed for the strange being. In her excruciatingly long life, Vivid had seen quite a lot of things, and both experienced and bore witness to all kinds of loss and pain. Be it in life, or in death, she could somewhat confidently say that whilst she were sorry for anyone who had their parents go through something like Clever's father had, he sounded as if he were still alive, and though reliant on care, able to have some semblance of a life. There were far worse fates one could experience, up to and including the sort of debilitating, never ending pain that would have required Clever to debate with himself whatever it were the kindest to be there for his father, or let his suffering end.

And then... The mention of his mothers death came into the picture.

At this point, Vivid would start to look at Clever with greater sympathy, and internally give off a prayer of old, for his unfortunate mothers soul. Gods be willing, she had managed to let go and embrace the afterlife, rather than linger on this plane to suffer.

On 1/17/2020 at 8:10 PM, Randimaxis said:

He looked her over again, and decided to try to make the conversation stretch a bit further, if he could; awkwardness was usually how they ended, but maybe this would be different?

Clever would find that Vivid had risen from her seat and stood in front of him as he looked towards her. In her eyes, sympathy for his plight almost radiated, along with a certain glimmer within that spoke of something else. That being understanding, from one being to another, that knew well the loss of your close relatives.

Still, she could see that he had more to say, so she would hold her tongue until he were done, and stay put in case he backed away from her near presence. In her experience, not too many enjoyed that, due to her looks, even if nothing would really be different. It were not as if she oozed off dark magic, or felt warmer to be around. In fact, were one to touch her clothes, they'd feel somewhat chilly to them. The scorching effect that kept her warm, required a certain degree of infernal influence in your being to react to it, so there would be no harm to him. Why, he would not even be burned by touching her flaming ears. At worst, it would feel like putting your hoof near an electrical warming fan.

On 1/17/2020 at 8:10 PM, Randimaxis said:

"You... speak of having the profession of guidance, you said? Might I inquire as to the nature of this particular method of guidance that you speak of? And, if you would not find my inquiries too blatantly forward, may I also inquire about the runes and sigils upon you? I have recognized a number of them from different manuals I have spent time lightly familiarizing myself with, and it honestly intrigues me as to what possible reasoning there might be for them to be emblazoned upon yourself?"

"You have my deepest condolences, Clever. Believe me when I say that I know how the loss of those closest to you, isn't easy to endure, and I am truly sorry that you had to experience that in the way it did."

He had other questions, yes, but this needed to be addressed before anything in her opinion.

She knew that many ponies of this age then liked to give out hugs as part of the process at this point, but Vivid were not from a time of hugs and constant joy, and she would admit that it made her feel somewhat uncomfortable to do such a personal thing towards those she didn't consider family, loved ones, or dear, personal friends. The look on Candance's face when she had done so, and found the weakened Vivid struggling to get loose were one she'd seldom forget.

So instead she just put a hoof on his shoulder, and gave him a small smile, as a way to show her sympathy further in a less intrusive way. Unless of course he would've moved out of her range, in which case, it would just be the smile.

"I've known death many a time in my life. My mother passed as I were born, and I nearly went with her. Then as times went on, and I found a stallion to love and call my own, he too would eventually pass, from an illness that I could not save him from.

Both of those I mourn, even if I only got to know my mother for a short time, but the pain you asked me about, does not come from them. Those I have come to accept are gone, and in a better place, yet three are those who still lies close to my heart, and whose passing sometimes feel like it will tear me apart."

Vivid would reach under her scarf, and cringe somewhat as a small gust of warm wind passed by and impacted her skin below. It felt like ice to her, but she needed to grab hold of something that were needed to explain things: A small bauble, crafted in some sort of gnarled old wood, encased in dark metal, and resting on an old chain of the same metal.

Opening it, a small imprint would be shown upon the wood, of four names, with a heart carved in besides all of them, besides her own.

Focusing on either one of them, would activate an old spell that she had long since put upon this, which would cause a slight visual and auditory illusion, with a see-through representation the one in question showing up a little away and in front of Clever, wandering, dancing, and in general just looking free of pain or any worry. They'd constantly shift around though, showing themselves at various ages, in different situations, and no depiction lasting more than around 5 seconds, unless he really concentrated on it. The better concentration, the longer a particular depiction would last. Not how the spell were originally, but age had caused it to require that kind of focus to stabilize.

The first would be Somber Fountain, and she would be seen as up to the age of a young teen, mostly carrying bags and looking around, observing and trying to understand the things around them. Her mane and tail were short, carrying streaks of purple, but were mainly pale-pink, with a yellow coat.

The second were Troll Doll. An impish looking filly never showing as anymore than 10 years of age, who looked quite a lot like her older sister, except their colors were in different places. In her case, her base color were pink, with a purple mane, carrying yellow streaks, and the mane in question were quite large, and standing upwards in a weird way that almost made it seem as if she were electrical. Her mannerism appeared typical of a filly her age, with jumping around, trying to experience anything that one could, and in one instance, chasing a squirrel.

The last, would only be shown as a newborn. Little more than a few weeks to a month old, wrapped up in old looking cloth and either looking up towards somepony unknown, or sleeping soundly. The name of this little one, who's mane were grey and coat as dark as tar, were Gloomy Night. The only colt among the three younglings.

The last would be Vivid Loss, though the one shown as mainly an adult in her thirties, and with glimpsed towards a crone in her late 80's to 90's, carried little resemblance to the one in front of Clever.

Her general form seemed about the same, but her coat were a more parchment yellow, with a medium length mane and normal tail in green and light blue, though as she ages, the blue began being replaced with more and more grey, especially around her far shorter, regular sized horn.

The ears were normal, though with a slight cut in her right one, and she wore very outdated glasses, from a time when eye-wear had at times been laughably bad, but still better than nothing. Her eyes even seemed different, with being fully opened, green, and usually brimming with hope or joy as she looked around at what were presumably her foals out of the illusions grasp, rather than the more closed, dark ones she appeared to have now.

The joy weren't there in her olden age though, were Vivid were carrying a lot of strange items, and appeared both bitter, and incapable of seeing anything good left in life, yet driven on by some sort of objective.

The auditory were never words, but laughter and sounds of other things, like cheering, chuckling, grumbling, drawn out sigh's and that sort of thing. Both the auditory and visual illusions would end a few seconds after you'd stop focusing on the names, with the subjects and sounds simply fizzling out of existence as if they had never been there.

"Somber were my oldest, and the song which you heard, were once her favorite, back when the melody were still new."

A sentence which should raise some flags, as the origins of this particular song were quite old. The iteration from the box were the newest incarnation of it, but even that were several centuries old, and this song had been changed depending on how language evolved for about as long as Equestrian history had been recorded, with some evidence to it being even older than that.

"Even if she hated me for wrongs she blamed on me, I loved her until the end, and this song reminds me of her. Hearing it reminds me of the good times, but it are followed by the tragedies that befell us all, and even these many years later, it hurts to think of any of them. Especially the day when we last met..."

A tear ran down her face, which she let fall towards the ground without an attempt to stop it. She had already bared her heart to Clever now. It mattered not if he saw her tears anymore.

"Their fates are how I know that the pain of loss sometimes becomes a wound that never heals, and I hope that for you, that will never happen. I would not wish this kind of pain on anyone."

She took a moment then, to gather herself, and take in a few deep breaths before going on to a topic which did not hurt as much per se, but might make things from here go quite sour, as not too many she had found were willing to accept her... Profession, so to speak.

"As for what I do, I guide souls to the afterlife. I can both see and hear the lost spirits that sometimes lingers in this world, unable to move on, or who have been trapped here, and I try to help those in pain move on to the next world. Mostly by talking to them, though at times, I am required to hurl them along by force. Not what I prefer, but it is not always possible to reason with the damned.

And speaking of the damned, I hope that you are wrong, with having seen some of the sigils emblazoned upon me in your literature. Even if some are little more than ancient symbols of life, death and rebirth, the ones who brought it to this world, had nothing but cruel intentions in having knowledge of them spread around.

Believe me, any book that carries these symbols, are better of burnt, lest someone throws caution to the wind and makes contact to creatures that should remain where they are. Your world are better off with Discord and his ilk being loose than those monsters."

The books that Clever had seen might have mentioned them as something of a forgotten language, or potentially warning signs of some kind. Hay, in the time that Vivid had been locked down, some of them might have gotten different meanings in varied histories and cultures, and were no longer used in the way they were intended, which might well have limited the danger they could possess. One symbol alone did little to nothing after all. It were all a matter of context, and using many in the correct way to summon the demons that were behind them.

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@EQ_Theta

"There are certainly enough options to go from it sounds like.

If we assume that the words are to be taken somewhat literal, and that they are addressed to you two, I wouldn't be so sure that whoever that Malvernis being are, does not fit the warning exactly. Since it seems to be explicitly talking about a creature whom have caused darkness before, and speaks of waves of three, it could well be that whatever got him trapped in the first place counted as the first, with his release causing the second, whilst the third is to come.

However, if you do know how he is trapped now, and that in no way, shape or form involves a living being even guarding him, then it is likely not this one, no."

If all terms had to apply to fit a suspect, then the part about being chained in flesh would need to be as well. He could explain this for the other suspects, but as Lin knew the confinements of Malvernis from the sound of it, and she dismissed this as not being true, then they should likely focus less on this one and move on.

"Legion is a different matter though. Even if you say that he merely took the form of your former elder, propherices does not distinguish all that often in their vague terminology. If the one he took the form off caused wrongdoings previously, and Legion also did in the same shape, it might well count as two waves. It is one of those open to interpretation things that makes these sort of things a headache to deal with.

Regarding the prison of flesh... I would be concerned not about another version of him being somewhere, as likely that one would have struck already for revenge, but rather about what sort of place the one you last met have gone to. If you can't comprehend his jailer, it is not impossible to think that somehow, the torment you speak off would involve placing him in a vessel to make sure pain worked more efficiently, or the creature in question is just revolting enough to literally use a prison made of flesh. Potentially animal bones and hides though. Again, propherices are annoyingly vague, and can include things being looked on in a twisted way to fit, though whatever the case, are you completely certain that there is no escape route for him? The answer to that might prove important."

It never helped when there weren't enough data to go by, and in this case, he heard things that were more than likely rather disturbing, yet nothing that definitively proved one way or another that Legion were entirely secured. That he were taken by some unfathomable being were interesting in a way, but creatures beyond comprehension such as gods or demigods, worked in ways that made little sense to regular mortals. They could torment a creature they hated forever, or empower it and set it loose to see what would happen, or worse yet, make a herald out of it. Other times, they just got bored and tossed the thing away, like a toy they had gotten sick off.

Furthermore, a creature could always escape eventually, if they were cunning enough, and with Legion being a likely amalgamation of several consciousness in one, judging by the name and description, there'd surely be enough mind to go around with to eventually think of something.

Much here relied on the sort of being that had taken Legion really, and how open you were to interpretation of the prophecy, and if they didn't have enough answers about things, they couldn't rule this out for certain.

"King Sombra may well be an option too, but I do feel like he'd have to have impacted if not Sen and Lin directly, then at least the longma as a whole for it to fit.

If he have though, he might fit. His presence is well described as being a dark one, including a malicious shadow of sorts in some reports I've seen, and if he is seen as more of a presence than a singular entity, it might well be that he can take possession of someone and works through that lens.

If I understand things correctly, he were able to come back once before through that strange horn of his. If that thing is still intact, I would worry how it is being guarded. If a creature have taken possession of it, and are keeping him trapped within itself, there would be a literal prison of flesh there. A vessel that would eventually give in, and lose the fight.

*sigh* It could be either, or neither. It may also happen today, or in fifty years, as there is no time frame. I would honestly think the only way to make sure would be to find Zhu and make him talk in more details. Kindly if possible, but as it could be a massive threat not only to you, but also others, despite it potentially not even being a message directed specifically at you, you might need to be more forceful.

I know this might be a... Sensitive topic, but do you know anyone adept at extracting information, possibly through a mind assault of sorts? Just in case you somehow managed to encounter the seer, and he were unwilling to work with you."

Rosa wouldn't flat out suggest torture, as that were an ugly thing that he refused to put up as an option. But having someone violating Zhu's mind to make him talk through things like mind reading, or mind control, were a less horrendous, yet still morally reprehensible thing that might be needed, and it would be good to know if they knew some before he tarnished his own name further by giving them a few names. It didn't put him in a good light to know those, nor if he were asked what situation required hi to, as he'd flat out refuse to elaborate on that. Might give them ideas of their own, yet some things had to be unsaid for various reasons. Whatever they were good or not were open to interpretation.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Marley gave her a bit of a stink eye for that comment, though as could be seen by his resigned shrug, he couldn't exactly say that he did not deserve that.

So instead he'd just leave them to the back door in silence, and this time took in the handle of this far less colorful door, in the starkly darker colors, compared to the front. This one were thankfully open, and lead them to be able to enter a currently, mostly empty bar, by the looks of things. Only ones there were a half dozen cleaners, and behind the bar desk, a small dragoness of the Equestrian kind stood, cleaning some glasses and whistling away.

Among the Equestrian dragons, there were a certain elemental connection. Earth and fire were the predominant ones, with water aligned dragons tended to keep to themselves off the shore in Dragon Land. Those had the largest difference in dragon kind, as they tended to have webbed feet, hands, gills, and an extra set of see through eyelids, to help them in the water.

Fire and earth had varied looks though, with the easiest way to discern them being that fire were more used to hot climates, had stronger flames, and generally ate lesser gems that the gluttonous earth variants, who were also more likely to be granted wings later in life, if at all, and more often became hulking behemoths. Yet even with these variants, it were hard to discern them, as there were a lot of mutations and varied looks in dragons, so unless they were of the somewhat rare variant who could use magic, you'd just have to guess, or judge based on lava bathing, as fire variants were the only ones who could do that of the Equestrian sorts. Most not in the known, just saw dragons as being dragons, and that was it. Less confusing.

Wind dragons were must the same, but they had a habit of being like this one: Lankier, less bulky, and with stronger wings. They also had softer, more light scales and were only rarely in dark colors. This one for example, were cream colored, with a line of small spikes going from her forehead and down to the base of her neck.

Looking up as she heard the door open, she'd meet eyes with Marley and Ruby, and greet them with a big grin on her scaled face.

"You must be the first members of the party. Come in come in, we're almost ready for ya."

Marley would turn to Ruby, and stroke his chin a bit.

"Not what I expected, but... It sounds as if others will be here soon. I suppose we could stick around and wait a bit if it were?"

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"Sounds like you're covered for a fair bit then, that's good. Worst comes to worst though, you can come around and we can see if perhaps there's something to be done. I'm reluctant to let a friend of Lyriel go and languish somewhere without having the option of getting help."

It seemed the right thing to do, though she'd get a little annoyed if her cave would all of a sudden get blood drippings all over the place because of it. Sure it wasn't too bad, but the smell got her a little riled up at times, and it were hard to focus on studying in that state of mind.

Quite honestly, it weren't all that easy right now either, what with her concentration having been broken, so she may as well go and do something else.

Closing her book and wrapping the leather binding around it properly, Nerzhei would soon after rise up, Lotus still sitting on her shoulder, and brush a bit of dust off the front of her robes. A bit silly perhaps, considering a cave were in general dusty, but she felt more civilized like this, and that did matter to her, more than it perhaps should.

"I could do with a walk, before I calcify to my seat. What about you two?"

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

@Widdershins

"Demolish!?! Dear Celestia, this cannot stand!"

Alonsus had smirked a little to himself, once the effeminate stallion had sought shelter under his mighty presence. A little silly to see, but he would not question it too much, as Stare had a tendency to cause others to back away from her when she approached them like that, regardless of how utterly harmless she were, and he were right in this tourists angle. It were perfectly reasonable really.

Plus, he were a good one to stand and seek strength from, considering his well kept physique. Thank the heavens that it were now used more for menial labor and helping others feel protected, rather than for intimidation and hurting others on behalf of a crime ring.

"No. We should probably find the mayor first, she's closest. Follow me."

Stare wouldn't seemingly be affected much by the news of the potential demolition, as that happened often enough here in Ponyville, but still, she'd walk with some degree of haste towards a target around three hundred meters from them. A smaller house, with a crude sign hanging above the door that said *Guard station*. Neither the sign nor building seemed to have been properly freshened up for a while, but there just hadn't been time for it. They should be able to reach this building within the next few minutes, if they kept up the pace.

Whilst the mare moved in so much silence that she may as well have been a mirage, Alonsus took the mighty steps that he now could, depending on where Blither stood as they walked, to avoid hitting him by accident, and seemed ready for a showdown, with a boastful smile upon his face, and a determined glance lingering in his eyes, as he had been completely swept up the sign of an adventure unfolding in front of him.

It had everything really. A damsel (sort of) in distress, finding the local hero, seeking help, whom now took off along with his trusted follower to deal with the mighty foes that were surely ready to descend upon their town. This were going to be a dastardly tale once everything were said and done, he were sure of it.

"Why do your family seek our destruction? Are they a roaming band of fiends from lands beyond Equestria, coming to conquer us?"

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@Widdershins

Oh my, what a powerful slam, and the mare were not even trying. There were most definitely things Scarcity could think of that her new friend here could be used for. Such strength were welcome in many a place, and could fetch such a delightful price.

Not in a slavery sort of fashion though, Celestia no. Scarcity did have some standards that she would never cross. Renting out were better, and with fair payment of course. One would never get good results by underpaying or entirely refuse to pay those doing work for you.

"Easy there dear, I assure you that I will help find your family. Are they too of your size? If not, perhaps you can tell me how they look, and we can go around and ask if somepony have perhaps seen them."

This were a fortunate turn of events really. She'd be able to make a connection to Sunny, meet her family heads on, and more than likely learn more, and potentially confirm if these came from where she suspected. A shame that the one she were actually here to see would have to wait a little, but oh well, her visit had been meant as a surprise anyway. It mattered little if said surprise would come a small amount of time later.

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

@Sekel

"We'll take it from there then."

Though he didn't directly say it right now, Enzo were actually happy that Atzy weren't going to leave, at least right now, and the easing of tension in his walk and back muscles should clue Atzy into that.

Things might well get strained between all of them once Karmic woke up and started her undoubtedly long rant about that being excruciating to go through - which were a fair thing to bring up honestly, regardless of the results - yet some small part of him hoped that they could work through their differences, and that Atzy as she now were, would be accepted among the ponies, rather than being shunned or potentially chased. They had accepted a sphinx of all beings in their town though, so a changeling who no longer needed to feed off ponies would surely not be an issue in comparison... Right?

Soon as they were out of the mine, Enzo would spread his wings, and fly off with the two of them. They had barely left the island before a sound would make him look back down, and witness as countless spikes and layers of diamond spread all around the surrounding area near the mine. A defensive thing perhaps, or just the first step of converting the entire thing to more suit their want? hard to say, but they better stay down there with this sort of thing. The entity wouldn't want to know what happened when you tried to break a sphinx deal.

"I assume we need to tell the ponies about them, yes?"

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@Sekel

Though you couldn't tell by her exterior, Last's heart skip a beat as Twilight said guard captain. Sure she had been honored to be a guard, and were hoping to rise to some degree of rank, such as lieutenant, but a full fledged captain? Considering Twilight needed several battalions of guards to have a general, like the larger Coastal, Night and Solar Guards had, that would mean that... She were in charge of the princess's guard?

This were quite the amount of pressure, on her, but she were going to prove herself worthy to it. Starting with getting the princess through this, and then later, once things had calmed down, start recruiting in town. Then would come training, getting a new armor design made (she'd need some help on that) constructing some barracks and a proper training grounds for the ones signing up, etc. etc. A lot of work, that would require a long period of time, but she felt invigorated by the mere thought of it.

Blessed be the moon, and the princess, for providing her with such a grand purpose, yet they had things to do first, and it would require her full attention. All of the planning for this, would have to be postponed for the time being.

"I'll bring my suggestions to Mayor Mare after our task is complete, your majesty."

Considering the time of day they were in, breakfast were perhaps not the most fitting thing to get to now, but you could technically say that after resting for some hours, the first meal were that. It'd be a flimsy argument, but whatever. Semantics that really didn't matter, though Last would think of this as an afternoon meal, as they made their way to what she would assume were the pantry.

"Can I ask, do you have any lemons or chilies?"

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

@Sekel

"There's something special about a royal nymph compared to others that's hard to see when they grow older. I haven't seen it yet, but the nurses says that they just instinctively know, like it's some sort of pheromone. I think when you were hatched, your nurse saw that too, and got scared of what Chrysalis would do if she found out there were competition for her throne."

"Just gonna put this out there: Not even Onache would do anything towards a nymph, regardless of it being royal or not."

"Most queens never would, but Chrysalis weren't a kind soul..."

A bit of an understatement honestly, but what else were he going to do? Give more details? The poor mare were likely shaken enough right now without hearing about the atrocities Chrysalis did against her own hive, for little other reason than to remain in power.

Taking a few steps forward, Thorax would attempt to place a comforting hoof on Aurora's shoulder, as he looked up at her - it were very weird for him to be the shortest one in the room right now - with worried, yet kind eyes.

"It seems like we're both sharing a heavy crown now, Aurora. You more than me in some ways, but know that I'll try and help you the best that I can."

Happy would then lean down and put an arm around her shoulder, whilst shooting her a real impish sort of grin.

"You got my vote too, Queenie. Besides, look on the bright side. Sure you're a little taller, a good deal stronger in body and magic, and have to get used to a life changing experience, but you've just learned us all an important lesson, and y'know, being more powerful really ain't that bad. A whole lot less things you'll have to be worried about hurting you now."

He'd reach a clawed finger over, and with the softer underside, would gently push on her nose, as if it were a button.

"Boop."

Why? Well, he wanted to, that was it really. Had for a long time too, but if he had tried that with Onache, his hide would've adorned her throne. Against Aurora? Pretty sure he could take her on if she got aggressive because of it, and y'know, it felt like they were becoming real chums. Surely she wouldn't hurt her friend, eh?

Azure Acrylic · January 19, 2020

Azure smiled as she turned and lowered her head to start nibbling on her tail.

“Mrrff, thanks Mrs Shy, mrrfff, I do enjoy tea.” she said with a mouth full of long tail hair.

“Mrrffff, I think I used to be the same size as you and Shell, Thunder, mrrrfff, but then I think I drank something that shrank me down t’ this, mrrrffff.”

She turns to Shell to ask her about her messy house, while still nibbling on her tail.

“Shell, mrrfff, you said you get sorta messy at home, mrrffffff, does that mean you don’t really tidy up your room?”

Sphinx-Ara · January 19, 2020

@Rainbows2424 @Blitz Boom

Mrs Shy smiles and nods "two teas and one coffee coming right up" she would say somewhat shyly as she'd make her way to make the tea and coffee. Thunder would look to Shell then up to Azure "Oh? Well that wouldn't have been unheard of, I know of at least two ponies who could have made a potion that does that" he says, making his way to the sofa and sits down "hey Shell, make yourself comfortable"

EcstaticWind · January 20, 2020

On 1/12/2020 at 9:18 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Brittle tentatively accepted the ice cream, and looked on it for a while, trying to debate whatever or not to try. They might have done something to it, or she'd throw up and not just feel sick, but also have others look at her. Then they'd point and laugh again, and- *meep!*

She got a bit jumpy when Briar had put his hoof on her shoulder, just as she were about to go further down the rabbit hole, though she managed to keep hold of the ice cream. She wasn't sure how, since she sometimes started to flail when it were, but... Yeah, there it were. Luck or something, r-right?

Looking up at his smiling face, she felt a bit more at ease, knowing that he were there to stop it if others started to laugh or throw things. Nopony had done anything like that before him, but Briar so far hadn't let her get hurt by anypony. Or accepted them being mean to her, even if he sometimes had to scare the offenders off, which she knew he weren't happy to do. She could feel it, and sometimes see it, even if he tried to keep a positive face on for her sake.

"At the same time?"

Brittle slowly nodded up towards him, and the two rose the treats to their muzzles. He'd then count down to three, and on three, would take a small bite out of the ice cream, at the same time as Brittle did. Difference were that she'd also hold her breath, and pinch her eyes together, worried that she'd have another allergic reaction to this.

Seconds ticked by, and... Nothing happened. The ice melted in her muzzle, which left a nice, sweet taste around her gums, but that were it. Even when she tentatively swallowed a little, nothing happened. It looked like she could actually eat this?

A tear ran down her face that she wiped away, before very slowly eating through the rest of this, with her gaze turned downwards and to the side, as to avoid looking directly at anypony.

Briar in the meantime, went slowly through his as well, as he recalled the dreaded thing that happened if you ate frozen treats too fast, and seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit.

"I must commend them on this sirup. It is not of the purest quality that I have ever attempted, but considering it is not tapped directly from the tree, this is rather exquisite.

Do tell, how much did this cost? I do not wish to be a burden upon your wallet."

He had honestly been ready to pay, and still had his necklace/wallet open and ready to take out what bits were needed. He could just pay their new friend here directly instead now though, if it were. It wouldn't be an issue.

"Payment isn't necessary. It was a treat for new friends. That and I feel kinda guilty about how I acted in regards to your offer of adventure. It was hardly mature of me to act the way I did and I was a bit too eager in trying to prove to Brittle that I don't mean her any harm."

Velvet had been thinking about it little by little, and came to that conclusion. He should have been calmer and more patient, thinking the situation over more carefully and not becoming upset the way he had. Even if his decision remained the same, and it likely would. But there was always the chance he might have chosen differently. He thought about it a little longer, his gaze starting to drift like he was daydreaming, the issue raised in his mind once again as he mulled over how he should approach similar situations in the future, until snapping himself back to reality with a sheepish expression.

"Sorry. Anyway, don't worry about the bits. It's my treat to you both. And, about that offer... I may reconsider in the future. For now, though, I don't believe I'm ready to embark on an adventure worth telling. As I am, I'd be a hindrance more than a help. But perhaps someday, maybe sooner rather than later, I may be of more use to someone looking for a helping hoof out in the wild."

EQ_Theta · January 20, 2020

@Blitz Boom

The siblings reacted with a look of disgust on their faces. Assaulting another’s mind, or utilizing magic in a similar vein is one line they wouldn’t dare cross. Having already known the effects of a similar thing first-hoof, that was just abhorrent no matter who was on the receiving end. Unfortunately, the Hyracotherians would know of such information.

“We… know of some methods…,” the scholars responded, resigned to the possibility that Rosa could chew them out for that. Despite being a vessel of knowledge that could be used to help, it there bits of information in there that wouldn’t sit well with anyone, especially those with standards. “Either replicating known techniques or utilizing our own, we have that knowledge. Some of it was of our invention. One was notably used for espionage but we dare not use it again.”

“Couldn’t we just try to convince Zhu to explain without being reprehensible about it? Or are seers really that secretive about their prophecies?”

As far as Sen and Lin know, none of the suspects they know of were whom the warning mentioned. King Sombra might sound like a good fit if the prophecy was being vague about who the recipients were. It was as good as a lead gone cold.

Catpone Cerberus · January 20, 2020

@Widdershins
Cerberus shrugged twice, once to both questions "There isn't really any goals I'm trying to reach, if I ever need something it tends to just happen, so instead I focus on enjoying life." "If you know something fun to do, I'm open for suggestions."

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@Blitz Boom
This seemed like it could be a trap, empty building, things being different than they are supposed to be, example being the door situation, and lastly the friendliness and the comment about party they were not invited to but were welcome to take part in, this really seemed like very stereotypical ambush, only thing missing was the door being locked behind them. But regardless, Ruby just nodded at Marley's question, she wasn't scared of a trap, in fact, she craved for some real entertainment, as pony being drunk and bird walking into a door were entertaining only as long as they lasted. She paid extra attention to the dragon and the other creatures inside, looking for any sign of incoming threat.

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"I'll keep it in mind."

"I can float along if you don't mind, otherwise I'll be probably heading back to my current place of stay to see if anyone is looking for me." she wasn't in hurry and wanted to ask something from Nerzhei if she got the chance, but she would also understand if the dragon wanted to be left alone, and her questions wasn't really that important, as it was purely curiosity.

Randimaxis · January 20, 2020

He didn't flinch from her approach; Clever wasn't afraid of her - inexperience with social norms played a part, but it was also that yearning inside him to connect, to be a part of something greater than just belonging in the world around him. Though he still seemed to be struggling to deal with his internal issues, he lent her a small smile at her presence.

On 1/19/2020 at 12:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"You have my deepest condolences, Clever. Believe me when I say that I know how the loss of those closest to you, isn't easy to endure, and I am truly sorry that you had to experience that in the way it did."

He twitched a bit, but for what reason was indiscernable.

"It... y-yes, absolutely. A separation from the connections of familial relations is... i-is exceedingly difficult."

On 1/19/2020 at 12:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I've known death many a time in my life. My mother passed as I were born, and I nearly went with her. Then as times went on, and I found a stallion to love and call my own, he too would eventually pass, from an illness that I could not save him from.

Both of those I mourn, even if I only got to know my mother for a short time, but the pain you asked me about, does not come from them. Those I have come to accept are gone, and in a better place, yet three are those who still lies close to my heart, and whose passing sometimes feel like it will tear me apart."

He looked at her, his sadness still evident (and something more in his eyes), but with sympathy. He apparently not only accepted her as she was, but was quite open to what she had to say; most certainly not of the aristocratic vein, this one.

He watched the procession of past entities with a mix of wonder and curiosity, observing closely each of their mannerisms and their faces as they made their particular waltzes that emulated the life they once held. Though the magics used were certainly something he sought to learn more about, he knew that the subjects were far more important at this time, if he were to make a connection to this particular being.

On 1/19/2020 at 12:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Somber were my oldest, and the song which you heard, were once her favorite, back when the melody were still new."

"Even if she hated me for wrongs she blamed on me, I loved her until the end, and this song reminds me of her. Hearing it reminds me of the good times, but it are followed by the tragedies that befell us all, and even these many years later, it hurts to think of any of them. Especially the day when we last met..."

"Their fates are how I know that the pain of loss sometimes becomes a wound that never heals, and I hope that for you, that will never happen. I would not wish this kind of pain on anyone."

Clever dropped his gaze for a moment, and his breath caught in his throat. Now, he was fighting tears.

"Oh, there is a most assured wisdom to your communications, madam... and were it a particular choice of my own, I would gladly allow such particulars to heal the incredible wounds upon my very heart. However, there are most definitely times and reasons that such an endeavor can prove... incredibly elusive, in a manner of speaking. Though I thoroughly appreciate your kindness in wishing my personage well."

When she placed a hoof on his shoulder, he didn't flinch away - in fact, he raised a hoof to place upon her own and gave her a grateful smile, though muted by his inner turmoil. He accepted her, even with his apparent knowledge of the symbols that she wore.

On 1/19/2020 at 12:08 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"As for what I do, I guide souls to the afterlife. I can both see and hear the lost spirits that sometimes lingers in this world, unable to move on, or who have been trapped here, and I try to help those in pain move on to the next world. Mostly by talking to them, though at times, I am required to hurl them along by force. Not what I prefer, but it is not always possible to reason with the damned.

And speaking of the damned, I hope that you are wrong, with having seen some of the sigils emblazoned upon me in your literature. Even if some are little more than ancient symbols of life, death and rebirth, the ones who brought it to this world, had nothing but cruel intentions in having knowledge of them spread around.

Believe me, any book that carries these symbols, are better of burnt, lest someone throws caution to the wind and makes contact to creatures that should remain where they are. Your world are better off with Discord and his ilk being loose than those monsters."

With this, his gaze rose to meet her once more, and the tears that were floating there held fast as his mind changed tracks, so to speak.

"A guide for souls into the afterlife? I fathom the concept, as I believe one particular word stands forth from the collected knowledge I have ammassed... would the word 'reaper' hold any meaning for this profession? If this is certainly the case, then I most assuredly have a respect for such a noble and necessary position you hold. Many melodies have spoken of the lost and weary, those that traipse the landscape and seek a destination that eludes them - and you are a ferry-tender of a manner, leading these wayward entities into their destined beyonds. Such is a profession worthy of committing oneself to... and..."

He seemed to search for the proper words before speaking again. "... a-and how exasperatingly lonely and morose such an encounter could possibly make one. I am hesitant to ask, but... it is my sincerest hope that you were not the one who was made to guide your loved ones into the hereafter, for such an act sounds as though it might tear asunder the heart and mind, and leave one's own spirits disheartened and bereft of happiness. U-unless, of course, it were such a situation as to bring a sense of closure unto one."

"And, as for the study of the sigils," he continued on carefully, "I assure you that my studies were, at best, second-hoof information that was recorded for posteritiy's sake; I am not so foolish as to seek them myself, nor would I choose to study the sources without extreme caution - if I were even of a mind to practice such study in the first place. No, my curiosity is purely scientific, madam... and such knowledge is of a purview that I choose not to indulge in, regardless of what supposed benefits it may attempt to extoll, but to understand in a greater capacity as equated to all available magics to date."

He wiped a hoof across his eyes, clearing them of tears... yet not quite of his pain.

"Please... as I am a seeker of social companionship, I would request that, should it assist you in finding at least a temporary peace within, perhaps you would speak further with me about the particulars of yourself? I admit that I would not wish to bring forth undue stress and broach unwated subjects... yet, I have never met such an equine as yourself before, and as I am of a mental gatherer of what exists in this world, it intrigues me to make the acquaintence of such an individual as yourself. If you would be amendable to the experience?"

Sekel · January 21, 2020

@Blitz Boom

ATZY

"That would be correct," Atzy replied in agreement, looking over Enzo's back and down at the mine. She shuddered, wincing as her horn stopped its vibrating. She hadn't realized it was continuously doing that until they were far enough away from the mine.

"I guess Queen Dia'Thiz was right about one thing. My horn is definitely a sensor for gems," she commented and ran her tongue over her teeth. They were slightly jagged. Hard enough to eat through the gems she now required to live but still soft enough to not cut her tongue. Atzy sighed and looked down at the unconscious mare she had her hooves placed over protectively.

"To be honest, I don't think I could leave Karmic. As difficult to comprehend for me as it may seem, she's sort of like a sister to me," Atzy told Enzo with a smile that if listened carefully enough, a happy tone played through her voice when she spoke.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I apologize if naming you captain was too much. Maybe general? Lieutenant? Officer?" Twilight asked Last in a panic, her questions getting quicker and more frantic. She did pause for a second to answer Last's question about food. "Lemons and chillis, there's an abundance in the pantry. Spike likes those to go with his gems."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

Aurora automatically scrunched up her muzzle in a cute fashion. She didn't know how to react otherwise. "That felt weird," Aurora mumbled after a couple minutes and shook her head, reasserting herself. "Everything about this feels weird!" she complained only to get a fearful expression. She began hyperventilating and shifted her stance from side to side in a panicked fashion. "Oh no. Onache. Queen Onache. What'll she do when she sees me like this!? She's only seen me as a griffin!"

Rising Dusk · January 22, 2020

@Blitz Boom

It wasn't likely Minty, Flare Blitz and Wind Gale were as aware the abomination attacking the school was at one time a pony of Harrowmark. Now there was a name to the story Minty had told him about the school. The dealings Rising had with the trapped souls that borrowed his body until their return to Harrowmark painted just the tip of an iceberg that was Twisted's work. A true pity, but Rising hoped his suffering was over. While death in Harrowmark was not the most permanent, Flare put Meadowsong to rest here in Equestria. Maybe that'll be enough to stop his soul from being abused again. A lot of heavy thoughts to think about when in the presence of a good hayburger.

It was rare to see such bewilderment in this day and age over a simple thing. To watch the observant expressions appear on Lily's face was the most amusement the detective has had since this whole ordeal began. The concepts of cauldrons and fireplaces being the primary sources of cooking in Equestria had long been in the past. Now everything was on grills, burners, pots, ovens and stoves. Either powered by magic or various forms of gas and coals. Faster, more reliable forms of cooking, as seen here on display for Lily with the Good Burg Burg's performance in preparing their meals. Maybe something they take for granted, but it's become such a normal part of their lives it was hard to notice at times. On top of all that, getting to experience a new type of food that base on it's assembly, must seem rather odd compared to the food of Harrowmark. Now the concept started making the detective think about what kinds of food Lily may have had to prepare for Twisted as his apprentice. Not something he wanted to think that much about really. Getting to the bench was a nice change of pace though. They needed to kill time anyways. "This kind of thing is common place. In the home, on the street. It's been this way for a long time now," he explained. "Equestria sure is a different place," pulling on memories of his short time in Harrowmark.

Her skepticism was understandable for something new, but her sure was going to eat. Floating her one of the trays to sample. The extra energy wouldn't hurt while they're waiting. Setting the to-go tray on an empty part of the park bench he was finally able to partake of his own. If Lily didn't know how to eat, she'd be getting her demonstration when Rising lifted up the hayburger in both hooves and took a large bite out of it. The wonderfully cooked hay patty, so perfectly spiced and mixed with the lovely condiments. Munching away on a mouth full of his hayburger with puffed cheeks.

Widdershins · January 23, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Sunny perked up again, beaming another broad smile at Scarcity. "Oh yeah! Especially Shortie! He says he's so tall he blots out the sun itself! He says they once built whole cities on his back, once! Well, what He says anyhow!" Sunny Flush puffs one cheek out in a show and gets up to follow Scarcity like a good little girl. "A good lil' sister should listen to their big brothers, y'know! ...he's still the cutest lil' thing though!"

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To Blitz Boom again!

Blither got up to follow the two ponies in line and bringing up their rear. Given half a choice, the small blue stallion was much more a natural follower even if responsibility tended to fall more often on his head. He grimaced at Alonsus's query. "Conquering" was a little too apt for them. Sure, maybe they had a little blood on their... well hard to say what, but they at least *Tried* not to step on too many heads. What they were wasn't typically something you asked questions of, for good reason. Sure, they demolished a town or several, but that had been when things got out of... well, no side could be blamed, Blither assured himself.

"I'm not-...We're.... that is to say, uhm, how best to parse this... Perseus Cu Battem? Verbatim at Sitis? Not in, uhm, so many words no... It's just that our precise Physiological, Ecological niche happenstance oft situates itself in detriment to the pre-established dominant species which... uhm... we don't, uh... "Fit In" well with others. My Family isn't what you would call all that "Subtle.""

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@Sekel

Shortstack had thrown an entire horse at Dazzle.

In brawling, Shortstack had quickly learned that you make do with what you can get a hold of. Most citizens of Ponyville had quickly learned an almost supernatural habit of not being there when something dramatic was happening, which almost always was in Ponyville. Maybe it was the natural instinct of horses to startle easy and clear the scene whenever an arguement seemed to start happening, almost as if the whole drama would play itself out as it usually did in an almost TV show way.

One of these bystanders happened to be a step too slow. And Shortstack, an opportunist at his core and befitting most his species, took advantage of the fetlock that had had the misfortune of being within reach of his teeth as he plummeted past Dazzle.

The blue stallion, who interestingly enough only seemed to have one eye in the blur he had become as he missed her ear by a scant few inches, sailed past to crash in a few crates of hay* with much crashing sound effects and a distant "I'm Okaaay!"

Shortstack tumbled into a ball, buffing against the walls on the opposite side of the now abandoned courtyard. Getting up, he stamps over to a vegetable cart... and puts the back of his head under its spokes. What the little stallion lacked in aim... he made up for in determination and rage. It usually took alot to calm him down. Usually something his "Little" sister was quite good at diverting him from.

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To Sekel again!:

"Hnn?~ What?! Who-?..." The drake jolted his head upright, awake in an instant. Living in the wild taught you to sleep shallowly and keep an ear out for any intruders to your den. It didn't happen all that often to Kaltrop, but he knew well that he made enemies quickly enough, the way he had preyed on the rare, passing caravan.

"Humph... yes, fine, whatever. ...what is the Horse doing laying on a dragon?"

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@Cathorse Catberus

No goals or wishes or anything?!!? Widdershins responded incredu-deliciously!

Stop narrating yourself, That's my job.

I do what I want.

No one else can hear me responding, so you just come across as more Batty.

Which is what every mortal being does! Widdershins exuberantly gestures with wide open limbs, flinging his teacup to one side and wedging it firmly on a cat's head.

There's something everybeing wishes for! Even if its just a snack!

... Say, you heard of the Parasprites? I used to make those little darlings for some foals I once babysat! You wanna go get some?!!?

Blitz Boom · January 23, 2020

@Rainbows2424 @AzureMoon

"Wait, you used to be our size? I thought breezies were only around the size of... Well, you."

Did this mean this one wasn't a breezie, but just a shrunken pegasus? Might be a trickery trick though. She'd heard that Breezies were a bit mischievous, so who knew what to believe? Better just keep thinking she were a breezie messing with her, or who had been real large, until she were told otherwise.

"And my house is perfectly clean. Just my room that's a mess ''cause I like to sleep just covered in blankets and plushies. Really makes all the stress just melt away."

Seeing as she had been asked politely to sit down now, Shell would do just that, and smile as the mare of the house went to make some tea. To think she were going to drink tea with an Element wearers family. What a strange, wonderful day this were.

"Still some days until you need to show up for your first day, Thunder. So if you know somepony who can make a potion to shrink others,t hen I bet they'd know how to enlarge too, right? Might be you could help Azure."

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@EcstaticWind

"The offer will always stand, were you ever to change your mind. You merely need to send words to one of those whom I informed you of, and I'm certain that things will work out.

And thank you for the treat. It is most kind of you, Velvet."

Briar rose his hoof to his chest, and gave a galant bow to the stallion. His vine held the ice cream whilst he were doing this, which certainly made some nearby creatures gawk and move ahead, ready to tell a tale to others, but there appeared to not be anything other than gossip in mind currently. Never hurt to take notice of those around you in cases like this though, just in case something went bad, even if you wished to believe the best in others, and thought it unlikely that something bad were to happen.

"Yes, uhm... T-Thank you..."

Brittle didn't have it in her to bow, or being as generally galant as Briar were, but she still tried to be as polite as possible. Which due to her nervous state, and the feeling of eyes starting to follow her every movement - something she more or less constantly felt in any town - didn't get much farther than a direct look at Velvet, along with a small, fleeting smile along the few words.

Someday, she hoped she'd be able to be as brave as Briar were, instead of shaking like a leaf in the wind by the smallest sign of resentment towards her presence from others. Perhaps then she could say a proper thanks for what were a well tasting treat.

"If I may though? You could potentially still write with them, and hear some exploits of their travels via letters to get an idea of what might happen, were you to ever wander with them. I know that Lulu Leila, and Flaxy especially, would enjoy having a pen pal of sorts that they could share some interesting tales with."

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@EQ_Theta

Rosa weren't going to judge the souls. It would be pretty hypocritical of him to do so, considering some of his associates, and it weren't as if he hadn't been the one to bring this up in the first place. Quite frankly, if anyone were to be judged here, it should be him.

"I would never suggest to use forceful methods as a first resort. If there is a chance that they would be willing to talk without going to extremes, those methods should be tried at first, yet one must also consider that there is not always the time to deal with one who refuses to talk, if the information you seek are critical, and even worse, must be acquired quickly. Regrettable as it is, that situation may well call for some... Less than pleasant methods to be taken into consideration."

It seemed that Sen and Lin had a good deal against using methods like this. In general, Rosa were happy to see this, as it spoke of them having a good set of morals.

That being said, he could personally attest to the fact that morals sometimes had to be more flexible than one were comfortable with, even if it wasn't something they overly enjoyed taking part in. Thankfully, the option were there to have others help you with that, which were why there were a thriving industry of the kind of specialists required for these sorts of tasks. Not anyone who'd be legally able to show their face in Equestria, if their actions were known, but that were a minor details he should maybe keep to himself for now.

"If you can talk sense with Zhu, I would strongly advise you to do so, rather than invading his mind. I am merely saying that not having a backup plan isn't advisable, and that no matter how you personally feel about it, you have to take things like this into consideration. As it sounds as if they have the means to this, you can just leave them to deal with him if it comes to that, though I pray to the stars that it doesn't."

This were in part because he didn't want Zhu as their enemy either. The seer were a neutral force as far as he were aware, and he already made life miserable for some. One could only fear what he might do, were he have someone whom he truly despised, though he'd rather not bring this sort of thought up to Sen and Lin. They'd be in complete denial about using a little force if this were, and that might well spell doom for them, were they to be unable to decipher the exact sort of issue they needed to deal with. If the message in question were for them, of course.

"A worry for another day though. I'm sure there are more pleasant things you'd like to focus on, yes?"

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@Catpone Cerberus

Much as she'd look, there weren't going to be a trap sprung. Unless she counted a round chair rolling towards them after one of the sweepers accidentally knocked it over. He'd get hold of it again soon though, and mumble a low *sorry* before getting his long mane out of his face and getting back to work. He weren't paid enough to be focused on customer service, and quite frankly, he were too busy to think it important either. They had to make this place look good, and fast.

"I'm afraid that we aren't part of any advanced party, miss. We were simply seeing if perhaps there were some... Interesting beings around today."

The dragoness chuckled a little to herself, and leaned over the counter a little with a big, jovial smile on her face.

"Ah, looking for targets I see. Well, you might as well stay handy if that is. I've been told to prep the bar area too since there's gonna be some pretty annoying family members in the party they don't want around the hatchlings. Got the low down on a few creepers too that I've been paid extra to send some bad influence towards. You're welcome to do whatever to those, long as you don't go overboard. This ain't a butchers shop."

The dragoness weren't at all fuzzed about talking openly about these sorts of things. She knew her reputation, and honestly she didn't care if it kept some folks away. Others directly showed up to either punish their annoying *friends*, to get away from bad company, or to see others get what they deserved. And that was just here. The front of the place were a popular place for younglings and families in general, so this place kept well afloat, with little oversight seeing as the local officials didn't see the point in a little karma being tossed around, long as it didn't go overboard.

"Hatchlings? A dragon party per chance?"

"Nah, griffons. Loads of 'em gathered to some sort of party for their younglings. Thinking there'll be a few single ladies around too, if that's the sorta thought that got that smile on your face."

Marley were indeed smiling some, though he regretted not having his proper attire on for this sort of thing. *sigh* Perhaps something to wear for a date, were he to entice another during such a delightful gathering? It almost tingled his feathers to think of.

"Guessing with him occupied, you're the one looking for a hustle then, right?"

She pointed at Ruby, and put a hand out to shake her hoof, to try and seem friendly. Ponies tended to like this sort of thing.

"Name's Snuthrezza, but folks usually just calls me Snuzzle. Who're you two?"

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I just feel like walking somewhere. If you don't mind me seeing where you reside, you can lead the way. If not, we'll just take a stroll somewhere. I don't blame you if you want to be cautious."

Quite frankly, in her situation, Nerzhei would likely want to seclude herself too. Open warfare between dragons and ponies were strictly outlawed from both sides, despite hostility and exiling the others from their area were commonplace, so she had a degree of security that she could hide behind, that didn't require her home to be near inaccessible.

Nada didn't sound as if she had this same sort of luxury, from what little Nerzhei so far got of the interaction between ponies and sirens, so it would be understandable if she wanted as few to know of where she lived as possible.

Leading them outside, Nerzhei would take her fresh arm, and with a small appliance of magic - and a solid grip in the rock next tot he entrance - she'd drag the boulder in front of the door, to avoid others entering and making a mess of her domicile whilst she were away. Her research were vital to her, and so were the dragon/pony history book she had long ago recovered, and she wouldn't risk that being stolen because she were careless and left an opening for others to enter and steal something.

Regardless, she were ready now to walk. It were up to Nada where they'd walk to.

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@Randimaxis

Vivid appreciated the understanding from Clever more than he might think. Usually, she kept the talk of her family to herself, as she did not like to cut into old wounds, but she had been at a highly emotional state and already thinking of them when he arrived, and she had been a bit more open about things in the moment, as it seemed like he also understood loss well, with his own being far fresher than hers were.

He could have easily sent her into rage if he were to dismiss her losses, mock her, look down on her in any way, or something like that, but instead he proved to be understanding and accepted what he were told, without passing judgement upon her that she frankly didn't think she deserved, yet had many a time been the subject off, and she hated every last one who did that. She beat herself up about her mistakes enough as it were without having some random fool think they were better than her, and had the right to tell her that she were a horrible creature, or something else like that. Sometimes, that contract of hers really did save her from getting some dark, dark deeds associated with her name...

Anyway, to return tot opic before she began to think of others who were best off staying far away from her, it seemed as if instead of judgement, Vivid were receiving equal measures of sympathy and questions about her professions. Something which frankly brought a warm smile to her face. Usually others didn't care to hear much of this but she were more than happy to explain what it entailed, what a more proper title for what she did were, and sadly - as his questions went on and he touched something that made her smile wither and die - that things were not as nice as he might have hoped for her.

He''d also go into more details on the signs, but that seemed like something best addressed afterwards. At least in her perspective.

"I'm not a reaper, no. Reapers are entities on a level beyond that of spirits, who ferries the soul the last way towards their intended afterlife. They alone knows what it is truly like there, as only they can wander between the planes, though they never speak, nor acknowledge those around them. They simply fulfill their function in the great cycle of life and death.

What I am, could well be seen as a Spirit Guide. Crudely speaking, those like me are needed, because the reapers are not flawless, or are unwilling to force anyone beyond. I cannot see the afterlife myself, but I have at times seen a gate flowing with warmth and an otherworldly light. consume the ones whom goes beyond the treshold. Perhaps one day, it will be my turn to pass that gate, and see what lies beyond, though that is likely still far ahead of me.

As for the profession itself, I know not how it is these days, but in my time, it were seen a a necessity, but one that would mark you an outcast. I rare held a home for long, which were one of the things my daughter hated me for. The stigma and constant moving got too much for her. I cannot blame her for this, though I had hoped that when last we met, she had been able to let go and forgive.

Sadly... She had not."

A tear threatened to leave Vivid's eye again, and her voice grew silent for a few seconds as she tried to gather herself.

"I don't feel ready to speak of this in details, but yes, I had to help all of them along, for each their own reason. Perhaps one day when I can talk of this, you will understand why it is so hard to speak of.

*sigh* As for your experience with the runes... Your approach to them are wise. I wish that back then, I had been as cautious as you were."

On 1/20/2020 at 8:30 PM, Randimaxis said:

"Please... as I am a seeker of social companionship, I would request that, should it assist you in finding at least a temporary peace within, perhaps you would speak further with me about the particulars of yourself? I admit that I would not wish to bring forth undue stress and broach unwated subjects... yet, I have never met such an equine as yourself before, and as I am of a mental gatherer of what exists in this world, it intrigues me to make the acquaintence of such an individual as yourself. If you would be amendable to the experience?"

A small, weak chuckle escaped Vivid as she were called out for being an equine of a kind that Clever had never seen before. If only he knew how right he were... Though that would come in due time, and would be quite the test of his resolve towards apparently wanting her company. Something which surprised and delighted the mare.

"It have been a long time since anyone wanted to be near me, though I'm pleased that someone are willing to do so, even if I must admit, I hardly know you. In fact, I am not even sure what sort of species you are. Are you per chance a dragon and pony hybrid? It would be good if they finally moved past the old grudges that not even in my day, anyone could remember what came from. It had just seemingly always been like that."

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@Sekel

"I hope for you that she feels the same then. Though she might need time. It looked like what she went through to be separated, weren't painless. Some beings have a hard time letting go of things like that."

Enzo weren't exactly sure which ones that would be, but regardless, there'd surely be some who were spiteful and carried old grudges among the equines. Not to an extend like the sphinxes, who had those that carried grudges through several generations of those who wronged them, but they were prideful beings, and that were something that risked happening when they got cross. Ponies seemed kinder than this, but again, many varied ones, so it were hard to tell what the individual might think.

"Still, what's done is done, and you are both alive. There are some grounds to rejoice there.

That being said, I aim to have one of their healers look at her. I think I saw a large building other sick ones went towards earlier in Canterlot. It might prove a good first target on our travels, and I can then see if the generals are finally ready to listen. It might be important for you to join that conversation, unless you'd rather hide from them?"

In the distance, the shield of Canterlot would start to be vaguely visible, as a small glimmer in the horizon, though they'd still need some time to get there. Plenty enough to lay some kind of strategy for what to do once they got there.

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@Sekel

Before they got to the kitchen, Last would clear her throat to try and get the princesses attention, rather than have her go into a panic.

"You'd need an army to command a general, your majesty. And I'm perfectly capable of fulfilling your high expectations for a captain. I just need to begin preparing things when we're done with our mission."

She weren't sure how the princess had thought of the title affecting Last really, as outwardly, she hadn't shown any signs of it, but perhaps it were the pause. Might be that which had tipped off the princess, though regardless, hopefully this would calm her nerves some, so that they could eat peacefully.

On 1/21/2020 at 10:32 AM, Sekel said:

"Lemons and chillis, there's an abundance in the pantry. Spike likes those to go with his gems."

"I'll take a few of those then. I'm not much for sweets or apples."

Came from living in an area where neither were something you could easily get hold of, even if she could eat a zesty muffin or something at times. Long as it weren't overly sweet, it were likely that she'd at least try it.

So when they got to the kitchen, she'd seek out the place the princess had spoken off, and withdrew two lemons, and two chilies. Which she'd then proceed to eat raw (skin and everything) at the table, without looking like the overly sour and spicy flavors bothered her.

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@Sekel

Happy almost fell to the ground laughing at the response to the boop. It might be a bit childish of him, but come on. That had just looked funny! He'd totally have to do this again some other time, and against other ponies too. Something which might earn him a kick to the face at times, but hey, what were life without risk, right?

On 1/21/2020 at 10:32 AM, Sekel said:

"Oh no. Onache. Queen Onache. What'll she do when she sees me like this!? She's only seen me as a griffin!"

"She'd gonna be surprised as all hay, but you're gonna be fine. Cool your snout, queenie."

Thorax withdrew his hoof and wrinkled his nose a bit at Happy's behavior. Considering the stories he'd heard of this one, he had sorta expected a more... Intimidating, harsh fellow than this goof, and honestly he weren't sure if he hadn't preferred that. It were hard to get a read on this variant, and what to actually do or say in response to everything he came with.

"I don't know. Historically, she haven't gotten along with other queens."

"That's mostly been about prey and territory disputes. No need to hunt ponies anymore, with us having our own turf, means that ain't an issue going forward. Besides, I'll put in a good word for ya. She'll trust my judgement on this."

"I'll try not to comment on that, but... Regardless, I think we need to talk about something more important here. The implications of you being a queen from Chrysalis's hive, Aurora. You know that with all she did, that carries some stigma, right? Chrysalis hurt a lot of beings, including changelings. It might cause some tensions for you."

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

@Rising Dusk

On 1/22/2020 at 1:49 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"This kind of thing is common place. In the home, on the street. It's been this way for a long time now," he explained. "Equestria sure is a different place,"

"It seems nice enough here. Less dangerous things to encounter in the wilds, and your dead probably stays that way. Still feels like I've walked into another time."

It were a weird experience honestly on many levels. From the technological pushes this land had, to hardly feeling any dark magic flow through the ground, to such a degree that she had to keep feeling through some other schools of magic to get even the faintest whiff, and most of those schools she did not even know. What sort of magic were rainbow colored? Or bright pink for that mattered? Did Equestrians have access to some sort of unique magic? Lily didn't know, and honestly, she hadn't had the time to think of this. Nor have a go and see what would happen, were she to try and tap into these sources of magic.

As she were offered the tray, Lily would skeptically accept it, and raise the hayburger itself up first to take a bite out of, though one quite a bit smaller than that Rising took, as she weren't sure that she'd enjoy this.

Chewing through this slowly, and taking in all the tastes, she'd eventually swallow what she had tried, and take a more meaty bite to see if she could get more of the same sensation to really voice her opinion on this.

"...*gulp* It's not bad, but it could do with a bitter aftertaste. Some shaven grimroot would do it well."

A minor mention honestly, as there were nothing really wrong about it. She were just more accustomed to bitter or earthy tastes, so when this one were lacking that, she bit notice in it. Perhaps those fries were something that would add the bitter taste she were looking for? Hmm, might be worth an attempt.

They wouldn't be, though she'd eat those all the same. No need to waste food, and it were still good. Just not what she usually went for.

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

@Widdershins

"As an older sister myself, I do concur. One should listen to their elder siblings more often than not."

Things would be so much easier if sometimes, her little sister hadn't questioned her at some rather inopportune times, but those times were few and far in between. Her sister were a reliable mare who could see the logic in things, and as Scarcity had proven many a time as they grew up, and even to this day, her judgement were one to take notice of, and things would go a whole lot smoother if it were generally followed.

As for the sibling to this new companion of hers, Scarcity were not sure exactly what to think, as there were notions of the brother being both small, and immensely large, to a point where he'd currently be towering above Sunny, were he in the area. A peculiar situation, but they'd see how things progressed as they went along. Might be that she could get some more concrete evidence and clues to work with as they went along.

"Might I suggest that we head to the town's center? There should be plenty of ponies and others to ask if they have seen your brother, though do please be careful, Sunny. It will not be easier if you accidentally step on one of their wagons, and I'm sure you would love for them to enjoy having you around, rather than fear what you may step on next, hm?"

Unless there were any objections, Scarcity would begin to lead them towards the town's square. As fine a place as any to begin this search for Sunny's mysterious big brother.

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

@Widdershins

"I'm afraid that I don't know what you're saying, but it sounds as if they are dangerous."

"I think he's saying his family is a dominant group. Like with predators and prey."

"Hm, that does not sound good to Alonsus."

It likely weren't either, even though neither of them were sure what to make of this. Seemed like something for a higher up to deal with, and quickly, if possibl- Oh hey, they were here. And it seemed like the front door were unlocked, since Stare could just open it up and wander in - yet again, without making a sound - without any resistance.

It might also help on the sound that it seemed as if they were entering at the end of a conversation, which added some noise to things, despite it being talked about in a small office in the next room on the right in the really, really impersonal looking place. Weren't anything on the walls or any furniture up yet. Just boxes, and whatever were in them,. along with a newly built holding cell, which had seemed like the priority to get made.

"- going as it should."

"Good to hear that. I want to thinkt he best, but there is always something to worry about when it comes to situations like his."

"Don't worry about him mayor. As his parole officer, I'll deal with anything regarding this, just in case. You can be at ease."

"If I'm more at ease around you, I might start doing something I'll regret, officer."

"Oh? is that s-"

"...What?"

"We have company."

A few seconds would pass, before Mayor Mare, followed by a large, muscular bat pony would wander out of the next room to meet with the ones who had entered the place. Whilst Stare didn't make a sound, a certain earth stallion's meaty hooves were hard to not hear for one with sensitive ears like Stargazer.

He weren't quite the size of Alonsus, but it were rather close for the bat pony, who looked down upon the strange group of two known, and one unknown pony. Might be a tourist, or one of the locals he hadn't had the time to meet before. He would say something, but Mayor Mare were the one to lead the word as gathered and clear headed as ever. Though, with a slight blush on her cheeks that were fading as they spoke.

"Hello there. Are there anything we can help you with?"

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