open Casual stroll

Blitz Boom · May 14, 2020

"Awh, poor thing."

It wasn't said in a condescending way by Sorrow, as should be evident by the sad face she were giving towards the Wonderbolt. It did not last long before her cheery self started to take over again though, and they'd be back in track to the odd, yet immensely large city of Fillydelphia.

"Phobias can be pretty scary, and really mess up ponies sometimes. I'm so sorry to hear that you have to deal with that, Breeze. But at least it didn't keep you out of the Wonderbolts. Some of those I've met with phobias can't deal with work so close to what they're afraid of, but you must be really good at keeping yourself in control, when you can still be a Wonderbolt. Or do they not send you to thunderstorms? I guess that could work too, though either way, it's good it didn't stop your dreams. It's important to have dreams."

Sorrow saw the spires of Fillydelphia in the distance, though a larger clue would be the dragons who flew past them, and gave a little wave before flying on. Seemed like a young dragon or runt, since he were only regular pony sized, though either way, a friendly dragon were a sign of how close they got.

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@EQ_Theta

On 5/13/2020 at 3:37 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m feeling better now. What you said, no matter how uncomfortable it was, I had to hear it. I can’t keep running away from unsettling realities forever.”

"Were it up to me, you wouldn't have to know things like this. Sometimes, ignorance of the cruel reality can be bliss."

Sadly, he had needde to make his point, which had to include telling some of what he had seen and knew about, yet wished as few others as posible were aware of. Most would sleep more soundly if they did not know of the darkness luring out in the world, and especially what happened in the underground. The sort of paranoia that came fokm knowing such things lead to seclution, distrust, and sleepless nights. Why would he wish this upon the majority just living their simple lives?

Most governing bodies had the same idea. They knew of the true horrors going on, but only shared what were absolutely needed to the public, to avoid panic and outrage at these things going on, despite there being law enforcements. Your usual, day to day simpleton would unfortunatly never understand, that some things could never be erradicated. Only influenced, and potentially staggered.

On 5/13/2020 at 3:37 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“That is a good thing to remember, and that with knowledge, you’ll know how to respond. You and Lin could’ve chosen to turn your backs on your fellow longma, but here you are, working towards a new future with new possibilities. I’d say that it a worthy goal to partake. And Rosa? These objects will be of great help when I present my case to the council of elders. I’ll take good care of them as if they are my own.”

"May they serve you well, Elder Ghilan. Hopefully I can have Sen and Lin deliver my tool belt to you sometime after my trial tomorrow. I think you'll find it enlightening to know what those in my profession keep on them, for varied purposes."

He'd observe the longma elder go through what were in the box, clearly curious and eager to learn. Something which others who made decisions seemed to be reluctant to partake in, yet hopefully the tools he now had ready, would help him convince the doubters. If not through kindness, then at least through warnings of what lurked out there, that they would need help to win over. Fear were not the nicest tool to harness, yet it were hard to deny it's effectiveness.

Soon after though, Elder Ghilan announced his need to be on his way, to go and see to his own apprentice. A less sizable ampunt of time to meet than Rosa had hoped for after all then, yet the important things had come across, so the time had been used wisely at least.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I will think myself fortunate that the time were better then. You'd have found back the though, that I were much the same. Hadn't had a need to adapt my behavior much in the last few decades, but maybe meeting your worse side, I would've ended up just trying to get you to leave me alone instead.

Too late to change that now though, in case you're getting ideas."

She'd say the last sentence with a small smile on her scaled face, but Leviathan would really not rule out that Ruby were thinking on turning nasty to chase the smaller dragoness off. She seemed to surprisingly be opening up a little, but dragons were prideful beings by nature. Of that started to surface again, not only would the lid be slammed shut again, but Ruby would likely try and get rid of Leviathan even more vehemently, due to a percieved weakness when near her.

Draconic pride were a tough one to deal with at times. Hopefully this time, it would not end in actual infighting, as it had a tendency to do when two stubborn sides butted heads.

"And I don't know a dragon who isn't at least a little hypocritical. I don't see why that's something to judge one another on. Besides, it would only lead to more harsh words and flared tempers, which isn't what I want. I want to help you get better.

Where it goes from there, I don't know. I'm not a zebra, toilling into a cauldron and babbling on about the future."

Among the equines, zebra's were likely the most capable, yet at the same time, the most irritating to deal with, due to their rhyming and constant knowhow about what would happen ahead of time. A minor pet peeve that came up there, yet it had just lead into it, and slipped out. That sort happened.

"So, do you need more rest, or is there something you'd want, that you could tell me to get you?"

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Hugging trees aren't so bad. Sometimes when I'm really feeling the need to hug, but there's nopony around, I'll hug a tree. Or a squirrel, hehe."

She didn't technically need to hug things on a regular basis per se, but she got really antsy and jittery if too much time passed between, so she made sure to do as the doctor (herself) perscribed, and get at least two hugs out every three days. Often far more than that, but that tended to be the bare minimum.

"And I think it's kinda funny being around big creatures. I've always been the tall one, ever since I started sprouting real fast at around half a year old. But now I got you and Serenade that's making me look like how I see others. It's fun!"

If she sounded more happy, she might actually explode into a rainbow. Or spawn kittens maybe. Physically that shouldn't be possible, but stranger things had happened in Equestria than that, so it shouldn't be counted out as an option.

"But but but! You said you had been away for a millennia? So you're one of the real old sirens, huh? Must've been really different back then compared to now."

Unless she were pushed off, Ziggy wouldn't have let go of Nada through her response, but just remain embraced, with her chin resting on the siren's scaly chest, and happy eyes looking upwards. If she had gotten an indication that the hug were enough for Nada, she'd jump back and just stand in front of Nada, clearly not afraid of, nor hateful towards, the siren.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Last I saw, 19 remains of our tribe. Once we were numbered in the dozens, but their heresy... Not everyone were willing to submit."

A great sadness passed over Lyriel, who had the flowers growing on her body progresively turn weaker and dangling down, as her mood lowered by the thought of what had happened, on that day when the heretics gave them the choice: Submit, or be culled.

She had been the lucky one, as she were not in the glade when it happened, yet she came back in time to see - from a distance - the consequences of remaining faithful.

Halting her movements, she stepped on the ground, and from it sprouted a mass of vines that reached up, and after twisting and turning in their growth, would show as a 1,8m, humanoid figure. A statue representing a feminine male that looked somewhat human, but with a large degree of greeny as part of his design. For example with branches for fingers, and a large outgrowth on the chest that seemed to represent moss, rather than chest hair. On his head too, were large branches growing as if on a tree, with vines hanging from them, and seemingly an owl perched on one branch.

"Vanthir. Once so beloved for his voice, were among the first to fall to heresy. Now, only madness springs from his mouth, and my old friend are hard to recognise."

The vines twisted and turned again, as the figure changed drastically, into a hulking 2,4 meter humanoid, with well defined muscles, bark functioning as a kind of protection on his broad chest, sharp, gnarled fingers, and a crazed look in the deep seated eyes, which sat in a face almost oozing sadistic glee. Y'know, what part of it were not covered in the thick beard that went down to his neckline.

This one were clearly a far more physically imposing figure, and a stark contrast in several unspoken ways to his previous form, which had loked more normal and les combat focused.

"This is who they are now. Lost to madness, and gorging in forbidden power from the cursed river. I weep for them, despite what they have done, and I sadly doubt that physically you could do them much. Even so, they still possess the magic of the earth. Plants will still sprout at their command, and maybe drag you down, never to be seen again."

Lyriel looked at the plant statue, lost in memories and regrets about her mad kin, and the combined terror and sadness she felt about remembering the day when the first had drunk, and everything had started to go down hill.

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@FanOfManyShows

17 hours ago, FanOfManyShows said:

"How could you hit this face?"

Chow's face grew pale for a moment, and his grip loosened as he saw this familiar face that were all but ingrained into his memories.

Yet soon after, came a hate of a sirt that he had not felt in a long time. How dared this... This witch, to make herself look like his mother?! She were going to regret this!

"Don't you DARE using her face! Get it off right now, or I'll gut you like a fish and leave you for the wolves to feast on!"

He were livid, but much as he wanted to beat the smug face off of Opal, he physically couldn't do it. Even if he knew it wasn't her, this still looked like his mother. The most important being in his life, who along with her husband, took in the foal they found in the wreckage way back when, and raised him like he were their own. He could no sooner hurt them, than he could move the sun.

When she finally shifted again, Chow didn't hesistate to strike, since quite frankly, he didn't have a connection to Sapphire, so that form meant nothing to him. Yet surprise surprise, the witch would move away just before he'd get thehit in, causing his hoof to instead just impact the floor with a resounding thud.

"Seekers of truth, are nothing to lies. They fail. They wither."

The raspy voice came again, a little stronger and noticeable than before, whilst for a brief moment, Astral would appear to start melting like a wax statue under strong lights. It lasted but a moment though, as if it were but a small figment of her imagination.

Soon as she were gone, Chow looked around, still angry and with a real need to kick something. Hard. Preferably in the face.

"Where did that good for nothing, two bit fraud go?!"

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@FanOfManyShows

Hogweed had been smiling at the apparent positive experience that Chariot had from the meal in freedom. Well, somewhat freedom, as they were still in jail, but it were freer than a tray in his cell. One should focus on the postives here, and realize that it were but a stepping stkne towards actual freedom for Chariot. Foal steps. Foal steps.

It were perplexing how he suddenly seemed to have a negative reaction to something going on behind her though, which caused her to turn around to see a rather non-specific guard standing there. Anotyer one of them, coming to antagonize him? When would they learn to just leave him alone?

"Please leave. Chariot isn't here for you ponies to insult and threaten."

18 hours ago, FanOfManyShows said:

"You're coming for a ride."

"Wait don't!" He extended his hoof out to Opal,
his cuffs suddenly shattering as Opal's eyes glowed bright, revealing her true form to Hogweed.

Hogweeds demeanor suddenly changed when Opal revealed herself. Becoming more bitter looking, yet somewhat relieved at the same time.

"Good, take this thing off my hooves already. I hate him."

Her words were harsh, cruel, and most importantly- Not reality. This were only what Opal would see and hear before she left, whilst in reality, She had risen up with fear and desperation in her eyes, and shouted for Chariot to run away whilst she charged in, yet to no avail. Neither her warning, her attempt at attacking the intruder, or the illusion, would last more than a few seconds, and at that time, the two of them would be gone. Leaving Hogweed behind to have to try and deal with everything going on, with what to her were clearly a kidnapping, yet to others might seem like a successful prison escape.

FanOfManyShows · May 14, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Opal arrived somewhere distant, rubbing her head as she found herself in a strange location, a familiar forest
"What are you DOING?!" Chariot cried out, stomping his hoof down

"Freeing you from that vile prison."

"I am not on board for this! I was trying to turn away from this!"

"Hogweed will be only relieved to not be working with you, at least I have a use for you; find the elements for me!""

His brows furrowed as his mane floated, feeling a surge of magic those cuffs wouldn't allow, he grinned. "You'll only find a new enemy."
He started hovering up instinctually, before releasing a pulse of magic at Opal, sending her flying away.

Opal got up on her hooves, her horn glowing as the forest warped around her, seeming to be a unconscious decision,
her horn sparking as she blasts a cone of fire at Chariot
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"I don't know Chow, She can't be doing anything good."

Misty ran outside to see if Opal had just teleported outside the building, just to see if she was near. "Astral, Chow!"

She looked over and ran quickly, putting a hoof over her eyes to see better into the distance
"that's no good."

It was barely noticeable, but there was a faint smoke rising up into view, coming from the direction of the everfree, before a large explosion interrupted the horizon
"I think she might've gone there."

EQ_Theta · May 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom

“I’m in no rush but I suppose I can have this chest moved to my home. Lin? Can you open a gate for me?”

The longma nodded and a gate opened behind the elder. Sen proceeded to assist with moving the crate over to the other side with Ghilan pushing from one end.

“Ma serranas la dareth shiral, Rosa, Vhenallin. Elgar lasa ghilana ma atish’anan.”

With that greeting, the elder bowed and departed through the gate. Behind him was Sen, returning to join the rest of the group as well as a fairly young longma’s head poking out of to see who was on the other side. She examined the group, unsure of what to think but all she could give is a sheepish smile before pulling her head back to her side of the gate. Sen and Lin noticed, chuckling and waving back at who they suspect to be the elder’s young apprentice.

Even the siblings suspected they’d be with the elder longer but it seems like matters back home needed to be attended, even as the day winds down. Lin, however, couldn’t get something out of her mind, namely the elder’s parting words. She knows a little about the language but she never thought someone could actually use it to a proficient degree.

“Well, that was unexpected. I didn’t know the elder could speak the old tongue fluently. Wonder who taught him that?”

“I guess we wait now. For those who will take us to the golem makers. I gotta say, all of this happening now…. It feels like the times are changing.”

Blitz Boom · May 16, 2020

@EQ_Theta

Rosa made sure to bow towards the elder before he left, yet his greeting manners would not only extens towards him, but also this curious youngling that were seen. His likely apprentice, whom seemed pretty curious about what she were witnessing.

To her, he would give a traditional, Equestrian salute, with a smile on his face.

Shrimp too would bite notice in the new little one, and would dump down to a few inches off the ground, and slither towards the gate to look at the small longma with curious chirps. He weren't used to dealing with their young, and as such, wanted to have a closer look. He didn't manage to get much of one before she retracted though, and soon after again, the gate were closed. It sadly didn't leave him time to learn who this were, yet seeing as he stood and sniffed the air, he were picking up on her scent, and would likely seek her out some other time if he had the chance.

The words Elder Ghilan said were curious to Rosa though. So far he had thought the longma used the general Equine standard speech, yet they had their own language? An old tongue too, from what Sen and Lin talked about? How peculiar that they had changed to the Equine tongue then, when they were isolationists... There surely were a story there somewhere, yet there weren't time to think on that, as just when he opened his muzzle, he'd feel something grab him, and everything went dark.

It would be the same for Sen and Lin, whom would only feel this curious embrace by something with long, thin appendages, with hands at the end that held a surprisingly strong, yet gentle grip on them for a second, before they all suddenly found themselves falling down from about ten cencimeters off the ground, and down on a layer of soft, dry dirt.

There would be no visual on what had grabbed them, nor any warning. It were like something invisible had dragged them away and dropped them the next moment, without leaving any other trace than the faint smell of roasted chestnuts.

They would find though, that the coins they had carried were gone. The previously mentioned toll that Scarcity had talked about.

And speaking of the mare, she would be standing along with Brick a half meter from them, looking at a light further along this torch-lit grotto they had been dumped into. The entrance/exit, which were seemingly flanked by two large, bulky statues of minotaurs, standing completely still. Considering where they likely were though, one would be follish to think they'd stay that way.

"There you were darlings. I do hope that you were not interrupted in something important? If so, I do apologize. My associates are not ones to wait, once the time and target is set."

Perched on her head, sat Hammond, and looked down on the three of them, still in complete silence. Yet his eyes would say quite a lot, considering how he seemed to hungrily devour every bit of information he could get about the lot of them. He had surely not gotten less curious since last they saw him. He'd also raise a paw to slowly wave towards them, as he had gathered were something he should do when meeting others that his mistress talked well with.

As for for the grotto, right now it wouldn't look like much. Simply a parh in a rocky path, like any mine, lit by torchlight. There were likely more to se further inside, or outside, though which way one should go to find those they were meant to speak with, were hard to tell right now.

If they paid good attention, they would find that Brick were carrying something on his back. A metallic box around the size of his head, covered in glowing runes of many sizes, and chained to his trunk with strong chains. Likely had something to do with the fact that it kept shaking. Not that he seemed to mind much.

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@FanOfManyShows

"He will take what is yours for himself, and throw you to the guards. To him, you are just a scapegoat. A part of his own plans. You don't need him. "

There would not only be a voice anymore, whispering on the edge of her sanity, but also a darkened figure. What sort of creature though? Impossible to say really. It were little more than a faint shadow, lurking at the very edge of Opel's peripheral vision, and never stray closer than that, even if she turned her head to look. The owner of this vaguely feminine, raspy voice, would remain just at the edge and barely visible.

All she'd be able to see somewhat clearly, were a milky white eye, sitting in a face that seemed to shift ever so slighty between face forms. From equine, to draconic, to minotaur and cat. Many others were there, with the only constant being the narrowed eye watching her with no visible emotion behind it.

The voice did suddenly have a little emotion within it though. A sort of eagerness and malice that spoke of it not liking the presence of Chariot, for whatever reason.

As for the changing surroundings, a part that would certainly not be part of Opal's design choices, would be a visual of someone she once knew. Be it an old friend, or maybe a teacher or parent - in essence, some being whom she once adored and/or respected - lurking behind one of the trees, shaking their head in disapointment at her antics, before turning around and wandering away into the darker parts of the forest. A small lie, which one could overlook, yet one with some potential impact.

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@FanOfManyShows

Smoke over the forest? Coukd be anything from a bonfire, to campers having messed up and atarted a forest fire, or lighting striking a tree. Heck, could be someone messing about, like that filly making explosives.

But right now, Chop didn't much care for logic and reason. He were very clearly agitated in a way that Misty and Astral wouldn't have seen before. Tense too, with his muscles rippling beneath his short coat, and his teeth clenched down in a scowl.

"Then let's go already. I'm gonna teach that filthy little dirt-eater a thing a two that she ain't gonna be forgetting anytime soon."

They might have to evaluate if it were smart to bring Chop right now. Sure he were armed and ready to put up a fight, but this mad? Might be it'd go too far, and while he probably wouldn't care in the moment, he had shown to be a rather sensitive one when his head were screwed on right. He wouldn't be able to just get over doing something too rash in the long run. Also, it'd be hard to question Opal if she were mulch, though hey, they were witches. They might be able to leash him up after beating her up, but before going on from there. It were gonna be up to them to judge what to do here. Wasn't like he could port himself after all. Far too advanced magic for him at this stage.

Rising Dusk · May 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Dawn folds one hoof over the other in waiting while Lily makes herself comfortable. Responding to her inquiry without batting an eyelash, "Yes." Taking the time for the pair to walk up to her throne and the comfort of her enchanted pillow, only would delay her questions. She much prefers to think of her ways as efficient and fun. Her and Minty got along way to well for Rising's taste, so she's told. With Lily settled in now, Dawn ignited her pale rainbow swirling horn and poofs in a parchment of paper and rainbow feathered quill. Said items floating harmlessly to her side, out of her view as to not be distracting. Not being the twin gifted with a steel trap memory, Dawn had to rely on old fashion note taking. The enchanted quill acting on its own as Lily began to answer the hostess' questions.

The valued items of Harrowmark were quite simple or most abundant in Equestria. Fabric and herbs being the most easy to export to a far away land, but even fabric could be expanded upon to full outfits. Many a fashion designers would be most delighted at the chance to start new Harrowmark lines of clothing. Dresses themed for a dark land would soon be filling displays in the front windows of even stores Dawn visits. "Earth tones are a rare sight in Equestria. Harrowmark would be inundated with golds, silvers and bright colors. Fine silks, satin, fleece and velvet. Let alone more common fabrics like cotton and denim," Dawn listed off, her quill making note of several fashion designers to consult and offer dibs in a new land. Herbs and spices were easy, Equestria had more than she could even think of. Not even a list of chefs and farmers would scratch the surface, but she did know a hoof full of herbalists that might be able to offer samples Dawn could present. Spell books, easy, although she might be able to offer up the more powerful spells in royal libraries. A new avenue Dawn would have to tap into.

The need to put some under hoof might be more necessary than Lily thought. Not everypony plays nice and some truly respect power over honeyed words. Others might need removed of their positions so a more impressionable successor can take their place. Quite the contrary, Dawn works by maneuvering herself into a position where they are trying to earn HER endearment. Dawn works from the shadows. She is a whisper, a secret hoof shake. Ripe targets being ponies already endeared with higher authorities, rather than the higher authorities themselves. "Queen, High Priestess, got it," she simply smiled, not needing to explain how she worked aloud. How delightful for her to have a brother available to unlock those doors. "Somepony will need to keep an eye on him. He's a pony watcher and tends to wander," she chuckled. Their first time to an amusement park was a nightmare. Many a times the family had moved on to the next ride just for Rising to stop and watch some show or curious social exchange without warning. At the time as a young filly, Dawn was more annoyed at the slow pace it caused. Today though, she understands that early development earned Rising an invaluable skill in being able to read ponies.

"I'm not sure I see how this Le Pourri is a threat commerce," she inquired. A pitcher of water, glass and bowl of fruit floated their direction, bobbing and weaving to the beat of the music before landing on a table that grew out of the floor by her throne. The pitcher poured its water into the glass and inside the bowl of fruit, grapes. Grapes that were different colors of the rainbow. Each color a different flavor: orange, lemon, strawberry, cherry, grape, blue berry and green apple.

Windy Breeze · May 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom

“I still go to missions involving lightnings and thunders, but only the minor ones. They knew they had to keep me away from the 'major'. I have heard cases of ponies caught surprised or succumb to their fear fold their wings instincts while in mid flight. Quill told me her pegasus neighbor had fallen to her doom after she got distracted by a griffon passing by” she let out a sad sigh “It's a very sad tragedy”

“Oh, I also forgot to tell you Quill actually lives in the edge of the town. The houses we are now seeing could even possibly where she live. I also forget to tell you why she decided to live in the edge of the town. She heard crying from her neighbor's house so she decided to move”

Edited May 16, 2020 by Windy Breeze ☁️ ☁️ ☁️

Catpone Cerberus · May 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom
Ruby was going to comment something regarding Leviathan's response, but ultimately decided against it, because as much as she hated it, she agreed with the part about harsh words and flared tempers, because even with her confrontational nature, Ruby didn't want any unnecessary annoyance while she was in this shape.

"I always need rest and there's plenty of things I want..." she started as she slowly got up "...but I'm in the mood for a snack." she proceeded to head out, slowly, before sniffing the air "A small deer or a boar or something around the same size could work...." she obviously wasn't going to directly ask for help, but her tone clearly suggested that she was telling Leviathan to help with it. "...even a small dragon would do." she gave Leviathan a look that indicated it was meant as a joke of sorts, but there was also a hint of seriousness reminding her that eating Leviathan wasn't out of the question for the younger dragoness, even if it was quite unlikely.

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"I haven't actually seen enough of the current day Equestria to know how much it has changed." Nada admitted, she wouldn't push Ziggy away, but she would kinda ignore her after a while, as in, start moving like she would without pony hanging on her "The language of course is quite different, and lot has happened based on the pony history, but in other hoof, some ponies from back then are still alive somehow, so that could mean some things haven't changed at all." "One big change if it's really true is that ponies are more accepting of other creatures now, but I'll have to see it to believe it."

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Scarecrow watched as Lyriel created Vanthir, thinking in his mind that maybe more accurate number would be 1-2 for the amount of aggressive dryads he could carry, and when she changed the form into even bigger one, he lowered it to 1, in a good day, a half would probably be more accurate. "I admit that I probably wouldn't be able to do much alone, but I still would try if necessary." "Nothing they could do scares me, at worst my existence would get lot more boring, being trapped inside ground or something." he kept silent for a moment as he knew his next words may be quite unpleasant for Lyriel as she still clearly cared for her corrupted kind "Has anyone tried to destroy them? you know, burn them or something? your kind seems quite flammable." he then finally asked while looking at the recreation of one of her kind.

EQ_Theta · May 16, 2020

@Blitz Boom

It wouldn’t be long before the siblings felt the sensation of spectral appendages grabbing and pulling them down to… somewhere. Even Lin would let out a scream, both she and Sen were gripped with fear as an unknown force was dragging them off. They didn’t even keep their eyes open to know how they were being taken away despite expecting something to happen. If this had something to do with the golems and Scarcity’s little beacons, this is the last thing they thought possible.

This wouldn’t last and when they felt the ground once more, the siblings opened their eyes to a foreign place with familiar faces surrounding them: Scarcity, Brick, and little Hammond. Sen and Lin would wave back towards the little creature, though they would wave in Scarcity’s general direction to greet them everyone present.

“Scarcity? We just wrapped up our business for the time being before getting pulled here. It was terrifying! H-How was that possible?”

“W-where are we? And what is in that box Brick is carrying?”

Though it was evident the siblings are still shaken by their experience, it didn’t put a damper on their curiosity. Perhaps the one thing still on their minds was where to go from here. Seemed like they expected someone else to come get them but that may not be the custom of whoever it is they will meet.It was as if at any moment, there was more to see; someone or something would come for them. Equally strange is how the scholars in the orb have remained silent throughout this whole ordeal, not even commenting on the situation.

FanOfManyShows · May 17, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Opal's ears twitched, as Chariot looked on in curiosity. "You're hearing it aren't you?"

"Hearing what?" She glanced at a familiar figure looking on in disappointment, gritting her teeth. "General Iron?" She ran over to them

Chariot sighed and extended his hoof, several strips of cloth wrapping around her and holding her in place
"The Element of Greed taunted me when I used it too, you must be hearing something from using this one so much."

"No! Let me go!"
She yelled out, suddenly taking a form of Chariots dead wife, as he looked on in horror,
ending the spell abruptly as Opal ran after the illusion of Iron Wing, and whereever it would lead her.
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Astral wouldn't wait long to send them both to the source of the smoke, as Astral suddenly extended out a sword,
Chariot looking ahead with a look of horror, as if he saw a ghost, paying little attention to her arrival, thinking them as just another illusion.

"Why would you take his form, it just makes me want to take you down more."

He looked at the ground as he sat down, chuckling to himself
"Worse than I thought."
He looked to Astral
"Opal, it is pointless to play this type of mind game with me, I have a stronger mind than you think."

Astral was a little confused by this, lowering her sword. "Are you- serious right now? Is she serious right now?" She said, looking to Chow.

Widdershins · May 18, 2020

@Catpone Cerberus

The area he prodding would send out more exclamatory marks up in the air as if trying its best to be visibly distressed. The longer it took for Cerberus to get closer, the more those dashes became peppered with little symbols that appeared to be sweat drop marks, as if asking desperately for help.

For in that spot of dirt, buried under a thick layer of red Badlands dust a small orb-like creature lay hidden, fitfully trying to find aid in it being uncovered. Very faintly a cry came out muffled so that it was a good thing there was a fine set of cat ears nearby to investigate it.

Hey, Hey! Hey, Listen! Listen!

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@Pastel Heart & @Blitz Boom

Jelly and her friend would find the pair of wings not much difficult to fold around the stallion. He would help them somewhat when they got close enough for him to grab with his hooves; but otherwise, despite his complaints, the wings seemed a bit resilient if not boneless seeming. As dense with feathers to the point of seeming to be almost nothing but, it would undoubtedly help explain why he seemed to shed so many feathers like the chicken he acted like.

The scrawny, fidgety stallion led the way back into town after, though his body language might have put it across that he did so more to socially distance himself from the two trouble-inviting fillies. He would grunt in a light, indirect, critical tone

"Oh, and i'm sure the wasp that jabs a hole in you didn't mean any harm, it only meant to protect its home. #183. Then the paralytic poison enters your bloodstream because Nature insisted that it be more efficient at keeping away errant hooves. #76. Let's see how happy your parents are when you bring home a live wasp nest!...

Oh, who am I kiddng. Of course fillies have done that!"

On 5/5/2020 at 10:32 AM, Pastel Heart said:

Soooo big guy, which one of us do ya think is cuter~? It's not every day you get to meet two dazzling heroines like us! So who has more points?"

"Noooooo."

Slimpsy would grimace sweatily, staring straight ahead. Not many in the Cephalli Family had a rigid sense of Right & Wrong, but he was practiced in that. Though in Slimpsy's case that was clearly leaning more towards considering everything Wrong until proven Slightly Less Wrong.

"You are FAR too young for me, that I can garuntee! Even if there isn't a law against it, i'm still pretty sure there's a law against it! That's a #32!" He would shudder, an action that came to him as easily as the reflexive way he peppered his sentences with seemingly random numbers. "Besides! I've had enough Fiction read AT me to know what happens once any sort of romantic interest is shown between any adventurers! Somebeing ALWAYS gets put in irreversible danger! #7!"

"And no, Pegasus Filly. I'm not going to be adding more magic to get rid of magic. All magic is curses. Magic is defined by the fact that no one knows what it does! I'd rather die like this than die trying to find a way to not die like this."

##############################

Pastel Heart · May 18, 2020

@Widdershins

Pastel couldn't make sense of what Slimpsy was saying. The two were on completely different wavelengths. Not knowing how to respond to his paranoid seriousness, she just laughed.

"Nyaha! You're pretty funny, big guy! Whatevs, I'm already Jellys princess anyway!"

She stood proudly declaring this. One had to wonder exactly what thin line between reality and fantasy she was on.

@Blitz Boom

As the three approached Ponyville, Pastel giggled as Cloud coo'd with every bounce. It was almost like a rhythm. She couldn't help but hum a tune.

"You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches on ahead~"

Pastel had an exceptional singing voice, it was surprisingly polished and mature for her age. It was almost like she'd be a pro, despite the rest of her traits. Maybe this would calm Slimpsy as well.

She stopped upon remembering. They gotta take Slimpsy somewhere where he can get checked out, but she wasn't as familiar with Ponyvilles layout. She looked at Jelly, smiling.

"Sooo, lead the way, my big strong knight~!"

Edited May 18, 2020 by Pastel Heart

Blitz Boom · May 18, 2020

@EQ_Theta

Scarcity seemed somewhat amused by their panicked response to their transport here, judging by the minor increase in her smirk. Such a sight as this glance upon these little faces, never truly got old, did it?

"As I informed you about, my associates would take care of your travel arrangements here. Rather efficient, would you not agree? Untraceable, instantaneous transportation, bordering on the verge of teleportation. Makes your method seem somewhat slow in comparison, yet more readily available. Also does not require exclusive contact with me, which these do require, as they are unwilling to directly deal with those whom they do not trust.

You needn't worry though. They took their toll, and they are harmless creatures. They would not cause you suffering.

As for what lies within the box... I believe that to an interesting thing to merely see unfold, without spoilers in advance. Though I suppose that I could indulge you enough to say that this is my payment to the golem makers, for their services. Nopony enjoys not being paid for their hard work after all.

Now then, shall we darlings? This dusty cave is hardly a place for us to linger."

Scarcity would take point, and wander calmly towards the outside, rather than further inside the cave, and would soon enough be confronted by the suddenly mobile minotaur statues. Rather lifelike and detailed ones, and not the clumsy, metallic or clay creations that one usually thought of when they heard the word golem. A nice indication of the sort of skill these crafters of the ancient art had.

"State your business."

They had spears directed towards Brick, yet spoke to Scarcity, whom he were shielding with himself, as a good bodyguard should do.

"Tell your mistress that Scarcity have arrived, and wish to negotiate. Let her know that I can offer her what she have sought."

Their eyes flickered with a pale light, yet they did not move an inch from their position, unless Sen and Lin would try and move past, in which case they'd block them from doing so.

"She will arrive soon. Remain here."

"Very well. It appears that we have a bit of waiting to do my dears, but I'm sure that is no issue, no? All things in due time after all.

And speak of which. Are our honorary guests taking to the proceedings well so far?"

She were speaking of the members of the orb, who had been surprisingly silent for the time being, yet perhaps they were merely bidding their time, and observing the craftmanship. It were hard to tell with such creatures, yes?

Behind them. Omen would step through a gate, with Shrimp on her back, and close up behind her again. No big surprise there, since she had their *scents*. She'd get a wave from her smaller sibling, which she'd return, yet for the time being, she'd remain silent and observe. Seemed as if things had gotten strange since she were gone.

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

@Rising Dusk

On 5/16/2020 at 2:43 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Earth tones are a rare sight in Equestria. Harrowmark would be inundated with golds, silvers and bright colors. Fine silks, satin, fleece and velvet. Let alone more common fabrics like cotton and denim,"

"I do not know what those fabrics are, but if they're soft and/or durable, you'll find some who are interested. The colorful things would mostly be for the capitol I could imagine though. The earthy tones we carry in the smaller villages aren't just because we couldn't waste things on adding other colors. It also helps us blend in more with the background, which makes us less easy to find for whatever lurks out there. Perhaps when the temples are up again, and if the darkness gets pushed away from the towns a little more, that might change. Most important is really the feel of the fabric. What I and all else I know wear, are not soft, so I know that at least that is something that all would be eager to gain. You'll find out yourself who would want what, and in what colors though. I don't know the preferences of everyone else, only those I know, and some of them would like to be more colorful. At least back when I still talked with them."

Things change when you go to apprentice for a sadistic tyrant for fifteen years. In Harrowmark such change were at a snail's pace, but preferences and secret longings could always change relatively fast. Now that it might end up with them gaining some breathing room, and look towards attaining things, rather than just scrape by, it'd be interesting to see how things would turn out, and what wants they'd all start to show.

She for one though, would like something reminiscent of her current outfit, but softer, and perhaps with a few, golden streaks in it. It didn't sound too intrusive, and it might look pretty, though she'd have to look as things started to wander through in due time. If the stuff she had seen in the streets were something to judge by though, the selection of styles, colors, and fabric, were astounding, and would give her much to think about.

On 5/16/2020 at 2:43 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Somepony will need to keep an eye on him. He's a pony watcher and tends to wander,"

"make sure the queen is informed of that then. She will likely put someone on him, to make sure he doesn't wander towards something too dangerous without being stopped. It would not look good to have our great hero, go out and get eaten by a bog hunter, or amalgam."

Another point where she wondered how Rising had gotten to where he were, if he were that simple to distract. Good reactions maybe? pure luck? Whatever the case, it seemingly worked, so could she really judge him? Considering the cage from before, the answer to that were yes. Yes she could.

And then came the part that surprised her some, as Dawn touched on the subject of the treat she had saved until the end, yet in a manner that suggested that she did not take the creature seriously. Why, she even appeared to not grasp why this one had been mentioned, as Dawn were asking about her like a threat. Which she were, granted, but that were not the main point to this.

On 5/16/2020 at 2:43 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"I'm not sure I see how this Le Pourri is a threat commerce,"

"You asked for competition, and she is whom I know of. A problem solver of sorts, who goes for a prize for her services which I think you wouldn't ever considered, yet are still treading the same sorts of grounds. I cannot say how she might react to the sudden, outside influence, trying to leech off of her *market*, so to speak, hence I think it prudent that I expanded upon things when it came to her.

Perhaps you'll never meet her though. Gods knows I have tried to find her, but with no luck. I'd be weary of anyone offering you a deal without disclosing what they want in return."

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"Sounds like it's time for me to stretch my legs, and see what might run around here. I'm sure some of them wouldn't mind a little detour to this cave."

It just wouldn't be deer, since she frankly had enough stuff going on in her life, without having to deal with vindictive bucks and does, using their nature magic to pester her. They weren't strong enough to win, obviously, but for a lesser race, they were tenacious, and it got tedious to deal with them in the long run. She'd prefer to avoid this tedium, if possible.

It wouldn't be more than a few minutes before a rather loud squeal would be heard outside, and if Ruby were to look, she'd find that a rather large boar were currently running towards the cave. Why that were? Simply, it were being pelted by large balls of hail from behind. Every time it tried going in another direction, it would get one slammed down close to the ground, which scared it into going another direction instead. That being towards the cave, where the dragon flying behind it wouldn't be able to reach it anymore. At least that would be it's primitive thought, and in its eagerness to get away from Leviathan, it were unlikely that it'd bite notice in Ruby before it were too late.

As promised ealier, this were not so much hunting or feeding Ruby, as much as simply direct the local wildlife to a more convenient place for her to strike down. And as she said she liked fear, this should prove quite tasty, as it sure weren't happy about the current pursuit.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"Lots of ponies are more accepting, but it sorta had to happen eventually. I mean, the zebras and bat ponies were not all that liked in the olden days, but then Equestrians needed help from either side, they started to tolerate them around, then interbreeding started, and y'know, it's hard to be excluding of a full equine sub-race when you're seeing hybrids. Okay, I heard it were real bad for a bit at the start, but apparently Princess Celestia got real angry about that sorta thing, so that were stomped out pretty quickly. I think the only time I've really read about her being more miffed about something, where when the Evergrown started to get harvested, and began to run away from society because they were afraid for their lives. Can't blame her really. That's really not okay to do to anypony.

Where were I... Oh right, hybrids. I'm one, and I've had to get a stink eye here and there, but that's just cranky old ones who can't accept change. You just gotta sorta tune them out, y'know? They're the tiny minority yelping up, not most.

Still, lots of the real change have been in the last hoofful of years, because of Princess Twilight. Dragons, griffons, Changelings, and more. Old enemies, or elusive races that didn't much care for us, are starting to become friends. She's really determined to mend old relationships, and look past bad history. It's kinda hard for some to accept, with the changelings suffering the worst from it, but things are getting better. Everypony just needs to get used to seeing them around, and talk with them so that they can see that they're not jerks or monsters. Things just need time and kindness like that, hehe."

Ziggy would cling on for a while, but eventually she'd let go, once Nada started to really move around, and she figured she were full up on siren hugs for the time being. Wouldn't be the last time she'd go get herself a scaled belly hug though, that were for sure. It were a strange feeling unlike dragons, but in a good way. Sorta... Smoother and less dry, if that made sense?

"Y'know, I think you and King Thorax would have lots to talk about, since you'd both be going into this from a role of former enemies. Race wise I mean. Not you, specifically, hehe.

Well... Okay, Serenade said that there's some real bad blood between changelings and sirens, but they're reformed changelings. Look totally different, so that might make a big difference, right?"

The bag she were carrying were starting to stir a little It seemed that something were moving in there, which would be a certain mimic. it might be wise to keep an eye on Agni soon, if she decided to pop her head out to figure out who were being noisy.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

He were right in the words hurting Lyriel. The pained expression on her face and silence as she were asked a fair, yet tough question, were telling more than words could have. And it weren't as if it were an unreasonable question. They were menaces, and had defiled the Earth Mother's doctrines. Were it not kinder to put them out of their misery? A question she had asked herself a few times over the years, yet it never made her feel less sick to her stomach to think about.

"...Even corrupted as they are, they still grow the trees of the Silver Valley, which the dragons around it depends on. Our winged protectors only use fire to make sure that they do not interfere with the lumber harvest, nor tries to escape, but they would never reduce them to ash if there were a choice. They still need them, even like this, no matter how simple it would be to..

I'm sorry, but it'd a sensitive topic. Even after everything they have done, they are still my people. Those whom I grew up with. Thinking about harming them like this is not an easy ask of me. I would also like to try and keep up hope, that the sphinx did not lie, and that salvation truly can be found for them within this forest. Even if the hope is minor, I feel as if I must cling to that, rather than thoughts on the further demise of my village."

Scarecrow likely meant well, and only wanted to think on the options to deal with this, but surely he could understand the position that she were in? Asking whatever or not she wished to see her own family and friends burn up, would be a tough one to sell at the best of times, and she quite honestly feared whatever being could easily answer this with *Yes*, and not show any emotions towards the would-be victims.

"I know that Dragon Lord Ember and the Princess Twilight is in talks these days, so perhaps they could one day find a solution, if I beg my case to them? I know not, but I would prefer to explore all avenues of hope before going to extremes.

...And you are correct. We are sadly, rather flammable. Yet we can regrow, long as our core remains."

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

@Pastel Heart @Widdershins

On 5/18/2020 at 8:36 AM, Widdershins said:

"Oh, and i'm sure the wasp that jabs a hole in you didn't mean any harm, it only meant to protect its home. #183. Then the paralytic poison enters your bloodstream because Nature insisted that it be more efficient at keeping away errant hooves. #76. Let's see how happy your parents are when you bring home a live wasp nest!...

Oh, who am I kiddng. Of course fillies have done that!"

"I knew a colt who did that back in Canterlot. His parents are bee keepers, so he thought he were helping. He said that it had gotten kinda bad, but that they were still proud that he got it home by himself. I dunno, seems dangerous to me, with all the stinging."

Jelly really didn't like wasp. There were always too many of the for Gary to eat, they were often dangerous to spiders in general, and they were really aggressive little things. Had made it all kinds of worrying then when the hive had shown up at school, until Honey Bloom had gotten it down, and started to get it back home. His parents had been called in to do it at first, but he beat them to the punch, and honestly done well. He just confused wasps for bees at the time. In his defense though, he were seven. It were still pretty well done when thinking about that, and made some of the teachers look kinda weak when they had been screeching and running away, talking about how dangerous the hive were.

On 5/18/2020 at 5:23 PM, Pastel Heart said:

"Nyaha! You're pretty funny, big guy! Whatevs, I'm already Jellys princess anyway!"

"Yessire. She's the princess, I'm I'm her guard in shining armor."

Jelly grinned up, happy for the more joyful talk than whatever it were that their large-winged friend were on about. Quite honestly, she weren't entirely sure about what he were talking anymore. It sounded like rules in a book or something, but with paranoia? It were really, really confusing, but it were the best bet she had.

Pastel's talking were much easier to follow, because well... It were one of the reasons they had gone into the forest to begin with. The second were to pick up some flowers, but then they had gotten on a side quest that kinda derailed them. They had to pick up on that one later, once they were done with what they were doing now. Which were an escort quest then? They were escorting somepony, so... Yeah, that sounded about right.

"I wonder how much exp we're gonna get from this escort mission? It weren't the main quest, but it did have three mini bosses, and we looted a battle pet. 300 exp easily.

You know, you speak a lot of funny words, mister. It kinda sounds like rules or something? Are they important? Also, I'm only half a pegasus. I mostly look like a bat pony. Just like daddy."

It weren't normal for others to confuse her for a pegasus. Most just figured her a weird colored bat pony, and went on with things from there. But hey, a first for everything, right? Though the rules were still something strange she wanted to know about actually, the more she thought about i-

On 5/18/2020 at 5:23 PM, Pastel Heart said:

"You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches on ahead~"

That thought did not last long, as Pastel began to wing along with the tone of Cloud hooting with every bounce she took. Something which gave her some degree of control over the melody. Something which she took well care off, and then added in a really nice singing voice. Like... Wauh, it were really good. Surely she could become a great singer if she wanted to go that way, right? Jelly would totally stand in line to hear her on a big stage some day, that were for sure.

Jelly on the other hoof, had a singing voice that made her music teacher say that she had a talent he had never seen before. No other student before her had made him weep out of pure sorrow for the music being butchered in front of him. Stargazer had not been very happy to hear that description, but the teacher had apologized and said it more kindly later. He claimed he were just so surprise that it just blurted out of him.

Long story short: Jelly weren't allowed to take music class anymore, unless she agreed to only play instruments, and not sing. It had gone a good deal better once she started to gnaw on a flavor ball and play guitar, but no instruments here. Only a good singing voice that she sure shouldn't try to compare to.

"Ooooh, you have a real good singing voice. I bet you're gonna be the bestest singing princess in all of the land one day. Hehe, gonna have to keep you safe from fans rushing the stage and everything, like a real celebrity."

As for Slimpsy, they wouldn't really get anywhere before somepony would take note of them from above, and swooped down to intercept the lot of them. One whom were greeted the only way as were appropriate, when his meaty hooves hit the dirt.

"Daddy!"

Jelly rushed over to hug her father, who knelt down to get a better grip on her, though his eyes primarily stayed on Slimpsy. A curious glance got turned to the sleeping owl too, but at this point, his weirdness meter were filled up for the next month or so, so this were something he didn't think much off.

"Happy too see you too, Jelly. Did you find this stallion? I have some ponies who're looking for him, that'd be really happy to have him back again."

"*gasp* Really?"

"I think so. Slimpsy, yes? I have been asked by several members of your family, lead by one called Blither, to find you and bring you back to them at the station. With you found, I only need to find one more, and then everypony's accounted for. Could I please ask you to go there willingly while I look for him? From the description I got, he is apparently a lanky troublemaker, so I have the feeling I will need to locate him quickly, before he starts something."

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

@FanOfManyShows

She wouldn't have to go too far to find the general, back still turned. About ten meters in fact, which he had crossed oddly quickly, considering how calmly he seemed tobe walking away from everything.

Once she had picked up though, he'd finally halt, and start shaking his head. Still with his back turned to her.

"You had such potential... Yet in the end, you only ended up disappointing us all. And to think I had considered you one of the more useful tools on my path to becoming the general.

But I suppose, it wasn't all wasted. I still got what I wanted in the end."

"He never cared about you. Didn't think you worthy of respect. To him, you were just a stepping stone he could use, and drag along ad a faithful little dog. But now he sees you found your own power instead of relying on him. He can't control you anymore. Nor lie to your face, and make you think you mattered, and he hates it. Just look how ashamed he is that his little errand mare made her own choices. Would he ever look at you like this, if you meant anything to him?"

Whilst the voice talked, the illusion had indeed turned, and looked at Opal like she were a dog who relieved itself on the carpet. Disappointment and a sense of being tired of dealing with someone he considered beneath him were plastered upon his face, not helped by how his voice before had been specifically tailored to make him seem as demeaning as were realistic. A trick to show a hidden, dark side to him that only saw Opal as a tool.

"Ah well, I can't have you spouting this off to the guards now that you know though, can I? So rejoice: You're gonna be useful one last time after all."

With that, he'd attack Opal in the way that she'd expect him to. Any damage would be psycological only. Her mind thinking she were wounded, whilst she were perfectly fine. Yet another trick by the entity to isolate her, make her use her powers more, and turn her against others. After all, the more she'd fight, the more influence it would gain. Making Opal think that no one cared about her, and had only ever lied to make her think they did, would only make everything easier for it.

And so far, Opal appeared to be falling for it.

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

@FanOfManyShows

Chow would charge right in, soon as he saw Chariot, and tackle him to the ground unless the stallion did something about it.

Illusions could do a lot of things, and the element if lies were strong, but perhaps the pure hatred in Chow's eyes and the feeling of ths sharp blade in his muzzle, pressing down on the base of his neck, would convince Chariot that things might be a little too real here.

"Come on then you little worm. Try using my momma against me one more time. I dare you."

Chow barely registered that Astral were talking to him in his current, fairly aggravated state. Certain boundaries were supposed to be kept, and they had not in this situation, so yes, he were a little miffed, to put it mildly. Made him less prone to listening in to reason.

"Now throw off this shell and let's see the real you, Opal."

Since all the adults were acting crazy, Misty were gonna need to to do something soon, as she were the only one who seemed able to glance through the illusions. Might be her youth, or the fact that as a zebra, she were genetically more likely to see the truth laid bare, but either way, things were gonna get ugly if she didn't get things sorted soon.

To think that the only voice of reason right now were a small filly. Witches, right?

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

@Windy Breeze ☁️ ☁️ ☁️

Legion's eyes flared briefly when the tragedy of somepony falling down from the sky were brought up. An end that sadly, they had members who had suffered under, both currently and previously, so they knew the tragedy in that situation. Mostly from an angle that hopefully, Breeze would never be made to love through.

"They're saying that they're sorry to hear that. Fatal crashes are horrible, emotional rollercoasters according to them. Can't imagine it being wrong either. The thought alone..."

A sad shiver went down her spine as she thought on hos it must be, to have your wings unresponsive, and suddenly find the ground getting closer and closer, at a faster and faster pace. The immense fear alone were the stuff poltergeists could rise from.

Hopefully the neighbor found peace instead of something like that. Becoming a poltergeist were a constantly painful experince, from what Sorrow had gathered over the years.

The next part were maybe less sad, and more curious though. Quill lived on the edge of town because somepony were crying next door?

It took a few seconds before the pieces fell together for her, and her expression went from curious, to cringing pain at the thought of what were actually going on.

"I think... I think her neighbour might've returned home then. Oh that poor thing, trapped in the only place she knew, bemoaning her fate without being able to move on.

Can we go there? Please? I can't stand thinking about that poor mare trapped like that. It's not right.

Also, she might become a poltergeist if it festers for too long, who're gonna end up hurting others. Nopony want that, themselves included. It just kinda... Happens sometimes, if they linger for too long in bad conditions."

Not the plan for going here to begin with, but sure were now. No way she were just gonna let that poor mare suffer like that. You know, if she were right that were. Could also be a relative of the pegasus, crying over their loved one.

Edited May 19, 2020 by Blitz Boom

FanOfManyShows · May 18, 2020

@Blitz Boom
There would be a the sounds of clashing in the distance, attracting their attention, as they could see two faint figures battling.
Chariot looked up to Chow, with concern, starting to see what the reality was
"Don't let this anger fuel you Chow."

"Stop this!"
Misty ran in front of Chow
"Opal doesn't deserve this!"

"What could I do to prove myself here-"

"Chariot or not! You don't need to do this Chow"

Chow would see the trees open up behind Misty as a pony shattered through them, the visage of Iron Wing flying towards him and Chariot, giving him time to possibly move out of the way and leave Chariot to get hit by the general, behind the broken trees is Opal, with a horn glowing a bright red, almost seeming to be on fire, as the Element of Lies flowed around inside it's container, almost seeming to be alive.

Tears streamed down Opal's face as Iron got up from the ground, her horn sparking with dark magic.
"Why did you come all this way, just to hurt me?"
Only her sadness could be heard in her voice, her eyes trained on Iron, unable to see the others.

"Oh hay, this is just getting confusing!"

Windy Breeze · May 18, 2020

@Blitz Boom

“Yeah... I guess we can help her” Windy had heard from her friends that poltergeist are the scariest and the most dangerous paranormal entity you should never encounter, but Sorrow is a pony who could talk to a ghost so their is no problem visiting... Quill's former neighbor.

Opening her saddlebag, she pulled out a picture of a house. She glanced at one of the houses before pointing at a yellow second storey house with brown roof “That's Quill's house!” she said. Windy and Sorrow landed infront of the house. Moving to the front door, Windy knocked.

They could hear a faint “I'm coming, i'm coming!” front the house. The door is then encased in yellow aura, and the door opens, revealing a peach unicorn mare, with yellow eyes, yellow mane, and tail. She has a paper and quill cutie mark.

“You are Windy?” Quill asked.

“Yes, your brother did gave you my picture via mail right?” Windy said

“Uh, yes” Quill then noticed Sorrow “Who is that mare with a creepy skull?”

“Oh, that is Sorrow. Sorrow this is Quill” Windy said.

EQ_Theta · May 19, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Sen and Lin would stay where they are, leaving the talking to the Scarcity. Knowing she had more knowledge about what is going on, they’d rather be quiet instead of saying or doing something that would mess things up. Of course, being in a new situation and knowing nothing about it left them too intimidated to do anything, even failing to notice Omen being in their midst as of the moment. Even so, it would take a while for them to ease up after seeing the inanimate minotaur react to Scarcity’s words before they returned to reality.

“Apologies,” the scholars responded, recognizing they were being brought into a conversation. “We were contemplating on what comes next following our separation. There is a lot for us to consider, plenty to see and experience but little in the way of a plan. Still, seeing the inanimate creation and the work put into them… they are remarkable.”

“Have you thought about what kind of shape you’d like for your golem forms?”

“As much as we’d like larger, more physically imposing forms, we long for our old bodies. If only we could restore them… Golem forms that resemble our old selves are the next best thing.”

The siblings recalled a conversation with them about their past, specifically about the Hyracotherian race as a whole. Pony-like in general, right down to the features, but with a notable difference in height. They were smaller, about half as big as a full-grown pony, when they’re fully developed adults. A strange choice knowing they could go with whatever they fancied but perhaps being the last remnants of a now-extinct race was starting to wear on them. Maybe they longed for something more…

“Lest we forget, we’d like to take this opportunity to give you our thanks, Scarcity. It’s not often we still get to see the wonders of golem-craft, let alone be the recipients of such a process. You’ve made yourself an impressive network if it includes talented golem-crafters. Have you availed of their process before?”

Edited May 20, 2020 by EQ_Theta
Only noticed an incomplete description. Sorry about that.

Blitz Boom · May 20, 2020

@EQ_Theta

"I have procured the services of golem makers in the past, yes. These ones however, I know primarily by observing the product they make, and from association with one of them on an unrelated matter, which ended up with me learning quite a bit about the group as a whole. However, one does not simply ask Marble, or any other of them to work on something. Every request to this flock, must be made through their spiritual leader. It is her who we are waiting upon to arrive."

Scarcity looked up at the golems, soaking in every detail on these lifelike creations.

"Remarkable, is it not? Even these guards, who are little more than automatons with simple orders, are made in such details that you'd hardly think they were statues, were they not as grey as stone. These truly are their best at their craft, and I would offer nothing less, considering our bargain. Hardly seemed fair to have you associate with a second rank golem maker, over these professionals, no?

Ah, but perhaps a time will come when you'd wish to make more deals. After all, you seem to be somewhat unaware of how far certain magic can go."

The smirk on her face as she said this, were to ininuate that she knew of ways to go beyond this. Not just harnessing the soul in a golem, but actual rebirth. Now if it were true or not, were anypony's guess. She might simply be teasing, or had heard rumors, and wanted to share her intrigue. Likely she did not have anything with a quick or realistic way to attain rebirth for long dead creatures like this though. If she had, there'd be little reason for her to offer golems above that, considering the high expense she were going to pay to the group.

And speaking of which, a half dozen robed individuals were wandering towards them, slowly and methodically. Seemed like four unicorns, a changeling, and then someone in front who remained completely robed. Due to the size and matter of walking though, it appeared to be a biped with a tail, which really wasn't decreasing options too much.

The statues would part as the frontal figure with the hood dangling heavily above and in front of the ir face - Making his or her face clad in shadows - whilst those around this being, would stay silent, and just observe their sudden guests.

"You have my ear, trouble solver."

The voice were feminine, yet gruff, and hoarse. Like the one speaking had not had something to drink all day.

"A delight to meet you, Stone Matron. I come bearing a request for the creation of five, custom made golems, for five souls to inhabit. No strings attached."

"...What have you to offer for this unprecedented undertaking?"

Scarcity would wave Brick over, who'd loosen the chains keeping the wriggling box in place. Scarcity would then grab it with her magic, and put it down to the ground, before floating an old iron key over, to put in front of it.

"Something which I hear you have sought for a time now, Stone Matron."

The being would wander forth, and reach a claw forth, which would identify this as a griffon, with some rather sharp looking talons. Holding the key up, she'd then unlock the box, which would surprisingly, not reveal something within. Rather, it would start a sequence, beginning with the key being swallowed by the lock, and the entire thing would start to crack and bulge, as if it were about to explode.

Soon enough, a large crack would show on half, and the box would split apart, whilst the two parts cracked further, and began to crumble. Within twenty seconds, on each side on the ground where there had been a half of this box, were now just crumbled up rock, bits of metal, and two, lime-green stone feathers, that seemed to waft towards the Stone Matron on unseen winds, before she grabbed hold of them, and rose them to her face.

"This... Is your offering?"

The voice spoke in disbelief, as those around her looked on, unsure of what to say, whilst their leader pulled the hood on her cloak back to reveal a middle-aged griffon face. In the sockets of the white-gray face, were two aquamarine eyes, who almost seemed like marbles. Which if they looked closely, they were in a sense.

As realistic as the griffon looked, she too were a golem. Lifelike to the point where the only tell, were some cracks going over her otherwise gruff, yet pristine appearance, which revealed that she truly were of stone.

"Your flight feathers. The very thing you've desired returned to you, and if I am to understand correctly, the missing pieces, which you'll need before you can rekindle your form after what happened long past. I were informed once by Mr. Wonder that your doctrines are very specific about this, and as such, I assume that these may have the value needed for you to consider my request?"

The Stone Matron looked silently upon the feathers, before withdrawing them into her robes.

"The bargain is struck, though this will only buy you my blessing."

"It is all I need to proceed, Stone Matron. My resources can cover what he would ask of me."

"I have heard of you before. I do not doubt it.

Are you five, those who seeks new shells?"

The matron would point towards Sen, Lin, Rosa, Shrimp and Hammond. The pets were odd choices, but Scarcity and Brick seemed like they were just leading the clients here, which made it appear as if it were these five.

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

@Windy Breeze ☁️ ☁️ ☁️

Sorrow wouldn't be at the door at first. Instead she would've flown up a bit, to get a better view of a dozen dragons flying around in formation, making a small, improvised air show for a bunch of pegasi fillies who had been flying on low altitudes and gotten fixated on them. She hadn't been here since she were a tiny one too, and though she sorta remembered her time here, the good dragon-pony relationship this town were build upon were still mighty fascinating to her. Also not something they had focused much on back then, though her grandmother did tell her and her cousins some things.

Usually she only saw the two races kinda tolerate one another, or be a bit hostile. Things were changing these days of course, but it took time. Especially with dragons, because of all of that pride and stuff.

But she'd get down in time, after watching the show for a bit, just about in time for her to be introduced to Quill. What great timing!

She'd raise a hoof to wave at the smaller mare with the summery colors, with a big smile plastered on her ever cheerful face.

"Heya. I'm Sorrow, and this is Legion."

The wisps in the skull flared up, and *looked* at the mare they had come to see.

"They're saying hi."

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

@FanOfManyShows

On 5/19/2020 at 12:55 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

"Don't let this anger fuel you Chow."

"Stop this!"
Misty ran in front of Chow
"Opal doesn't deserve this!"

"What could I do to prove myself here-"

"Chariot or not! You don't need to do this Chow"

Chow looked into Chariot's little eyes, and felt the urge to just not bother figuring out if this were her or not.

Opal. Chariot. They both deserved this, right? They hurt others. They mocked the attempt at fighting them back. They deserved to be cut down...

Chow let out a growl, that turned into a large *Aaaargh!* as he rose his head, and threw his blade aside, straight into a tree, where it got stuck blade first.

The tension were still there on him as he let out his frustrations in this expression. All the while staying put above Chariot, and holding his head, trying to get his mind back into the right path, rather than this dark, horrendous line of thought that had entered it.

Something which he hadn't felt, since back when Emerald roamed freely around his being, controlling his actions in the attack on his home town...

The others speaking to him had managed to rustle his memories of that day, along with Chariot looking up at on, on the wrong side of a blade. Chow knew that he had his reasons to act like this, but this were too much. He were starting to act like Her, and do something which he couldn't just walk away from again afterwards.

So he had thrown his weapon aside, and let out his frustrations the only non-violent way he knew how, currently. Perhaps not the most subtle or elegant of solutions, but it were far better than the alternative, even if he were looking like he could use something between a fight and a good cry right about now.

On 5/19/2020 at 12:55 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

Chow would see the trees open up behind Misty as a pony shattered through them, the visage of Iron Wing flying towards him and Chariot, giving him time to possibly move out of the way and leave Chariot to get hit by the general, behind the broken trees is Opal, with a horn glowing a bright red, almost seeming to be on fire, as the Element of Lies flowed around inside it's container, almost seeming to be alive.

As seemed about tradition right at this point, Chow had gotten hit by the general instead, but he weren't budging far from where he stood. only about a half meter away, laying on the ground, looking into the dirt, and fighting with his own emotional roller coaster before he ended up hurting someone.

On 5/19/2020 at 12:55 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

Tears streamed down Opal's face as Iron got up from the ground, her horn sparking with dark magic.
"Why did you come all this way, just to hurt me?"
Only her sadness could be heard in her voice, her eyes trained on Iron, unable to see the others.

"Oh hay, this is just getting confusing!"

The *General* rose up, and wiped the blood away from his muzzle. Quite an impact she had made, but he were but an illusion. Something the others should've been able to tell, as his form flickered when he had impacted Chow.

"It's like I said: Hurting you is the most useful thing you can do. It's not like you could do anything to me. You're barely tapping into your element, and this little free hit I gave you, is just to sell my story better once I drag your corpse back with me."

"He is no different from any other who tried to make you believe they cared about you. He just got what he wanted, then threw you aside until he wanted to use you more. He's nothing. Just a lier, like all the rest of them."

The voice were an illusion the others couldn't yet see or hear, but the entity were growing rapidly stronger, with how much the element were being used. If it kept on like this, it might soon become more, and then things would start to get really ugly. For them and Opal alike, as these disharmony entities were not kind to their *hosts*.

They might be able to do something if they could prove that *Iron* - who were about to stand up and attack with his feathery blades - were not real. Dispell the illusion, or hit him to reveal the nothingness beneath the shell. Though even then, who could say if it were enough, or if Opal were in a downward spiral that she couldn't return from now? They would see soon enough.

Windy Breeze · May 20, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Quill took a step back “Oh, uh, hi there, Sorrow. And Legion” she said with some hesitation “My name is Quill Rhyme. It's nice to meet you” it is obvious she's very uncomfortable when she saw saw the rodent skull flared. To ease her discomfort, she turn to Windy “Come in. You are you're friend are welcome”

Windy smiled “Thanks” she turn to Sorrow “Let's go Sorrow”

Once Quill turn around, they would notice a piece of an ectoplasm sticking out of Quill's mane.

Edited May 20, 2020 by Windy Breeze ☁️ ☁️ ☁️

FanOfManyShows · May 20, 2020

@Blitz Boom
It took a second to click for Chariot that this was an illusion of Iron Wing, but when it did, his metal legs channeled magic down into the ground, as a burst of energy sent them all flying back from him, as suddenly they felt void of magic, Opal on the forest floor as all the warping of the surroundings vanished and revealed the burning hot forest fire around them, being robbed of it's magic, the entity within the element would feel death for the first time, at least until the magic returned

"Don't you see Opal? It's all illusions!"

Opal looked at him, fury in her eyes. "Iron never cared. Neither did you."
Her horn glowed as she attempted to teleport, but it fizzled into harmless sparks, after which she hit the ground and stood up.
"Seems we're fighting the old fashioned way."

"Unfortunate for you."
Chariot ran forward and kicked her with his front hooves, knocking her into one of the burning trees, lighting her mane aflame

Astral looked to Chow, a panicked expression he hadn't seen on her before, Misty hopping on her back as she runs off.
"Best we leave before we also get lit on fire."
===============================
Meanwhile, the real Iron Wing looked out over his balcony, his leg bandaged up, seeing the now extensive forest fire that Opal was previously obscuring, narrowing his brow as he sighed to himself
"Of course I have to be heroic! But this is my job, so screw that the secretive injuries!"
He quickly puts on his armor from his room, and returns to the balcony extending out his metal wings, diving off the balcony and sailing away, leaving the nurse assigned to him to see him suddenly fly off.

At the same time, anyone in Ponyville could now see a forest fire rapidly approaching the town.

Catpone Cerberus · May 21, 2020

@Widdershins
The increase in visual activity made Cerberus to test the area even more, but as stated before, he would eventually make his way where he was supposed to.
When he heard something, he started sniffing the ground, and regardless of if he could smell something or not, this would take minute or two before he finally decided to dig a little bit, and conveniently there was a small shovel next to him that wasn't there earlier. For some reason every time the voice repeated the line, Cerberus had the feeling of wanting to hit something with a flyswatter.

@Blitz Boom
Ruby wasn't in the cave when the boar came, but she was nearby, and would catch it before it ever reached what it thought as safety. Her movements were as skilled as ever, showing that this probably wasn't her first time hunting while injured, but it lacked the moment of joy that Ruby had had previously with the moose as she broke the boar's neck. She wordlessly proceeded to eat, but she didn't eat everything, leaving about a quarter of the meat, and wrapped the rest with the skin, but before she did anything with it, she would look towards Leviathan, or wait for her if she wasn't around at that point and ask "Will you eat the rest or will I bury this?" it may have seemed like specially friendly act from Ruby, but in truth it was just logical thing to do since she wasn't going to touch it anymore regardless.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nada to her usual manner listened quietly, letting everything to sink in now that she had bit more context thanks to the history book and what she had been told by others. "About that actually, do you know what that's all about?" "I met one changeling at the border of the desert but I don't at least remember getting an actual explanation why we are supposed to hate each other." She noticed the bag moving and in inconspicuous manner she moved to a place that would break Agni's line of sight from the bag, hoping that it would do the job of avoiding a fiery fight.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I didn't mean it as in it should be done or anything." Scarecrow informed "My meaning was if anyone has yet tried it in the past, since as we both know, there are beings that would not hesitate from doing it." "I was mostly just curious, and apologize for making you uncomfortable, it was not my intention, I didn't remember how sensitive topic death of one's friends could be for you living." his tone was apologetic

Sekel · May 21, 2020

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"A special notice to let me wander around Equestria? Freely?" Atzy asked with a glimmer of hope to her voice. She almost couldn't believe it. She was so close to tasting absolute freedom in fitting in with everyone else rather than being stuck inside an urn as a pile of goop hidden in some dusty corner of the castle. Karmic though, she was having conflicting thoughts. It was written plain on her face and she actually had no desire to return to that place. But if it meant she'd get paid ... and potentially protected ... then maybe it wasn't so bad.

"I'm definitely going to need time to think on this, Ambassador," Karmic sighed softly, staring at the tea she was halfway through drinking. "It's a lot to think about. Especially since I just got Atzy back from that place."

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I ... I don't ..." Twilight trailed off. She was unable to think clearly and her face had gone as white as a sheet. It was unthinkable to think so much destruction could be held in one area and even feeling the aftereffects after all this time. "Something ... h-happened here. I ... maybe ... m-m-maybe Last is ... damaged but she is the b-b-best shot we have," Twilight told Cherish, knowing full well how her voice sounded. She was completely unused to seeing destruction on this scale. Yes, there was Tirek, but he was more localized and contained to one section. The battlefield that spread before her and Cherish was on a completely different level.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"An island near the dragon lands," Aurora breathed, managing to tear her eyes away from Happy. She looked at Dia'Thiz and gave a curt nod. She did want to do something with her life and touring Equestria is something she didn't want to simply do anymore. She wants to see what she can get out of life and Aurora was leaning more towards ruling every second she stayed in Dia'Thiz's presence. "I'll seek you out if I want to ... rule," Aurora sighed. "If I want to try and rule the griffins. This is going to be one heck of a rule if a pacifist somehow got control of the entire griffin population."

@Blitz Boom, @Widdershins

DAZZLE GLEAM

"Oh, I've already seen his temper flare up," Dazzle smiled at Scarcity and her sister, ruffling her wings as she got more comfortable in the presence of the entire group in the police station. "I think I'll be able to hand Shorty if he comes at me again. Thank you for letting me stay with you two while I get my bearings. I never thought this would happen to me. Although, why are there a lot of ponies in this one tiny space? It doesn't seem right."

EQ_Theta · May 22, 2020

@Blitz Boom

“We have not thought about that, about the boundaries of magic and how far it can be pushed. It is a topic we’ve encountered once but never had a chance to think about.”

The voices in the orb sound unnerved, rather disturbed by whatever it was the Scarcity was hinting at. Then again, they might not even be on the same page and the scholars assumed she was thinking of something else entirely. Whatever it was, they wouldn’t be able to guess. The sound of a feminine voice echoed in their midst and the scholars stayed silent.

Whatever the siblings thought was in the box turned out to be one of the last things they expected. Not some kind of creature or a rune emanating with wild magic, but some stone feathers. How Scarcity came into possession of those is about as much of a mystery as the actual feathers themselves. They belonged to this Stone Matron and that was all they were able to get out of the exchange.

Eventually, she turned her attention to the group with a talon pointed at them. Seemed like a coincidence that they were the supposed recipients of the golem shells but alas, those were for someone else.

“Uhm… no, Stone Matron.” Sen stuttered, stepping forward and raising the orb. “The golem shells are for the occupants of this orb. There are five of them in here.”

Blitz Boom · May 22, 2020

@Sekel

On 5/21/2020 at 1:44 PM, Sekel said:

"A special notice to let me wander around Equestria? Freely?"

"It's mostly a formality really, until we've managed to get the proper paperwork done to make that unnecessary. It hopefully won't take more than a few weeks, but until then, I would not like to think that you'd get into trouble for simply wandering around and running into some of the more... Spirited law enforcers of our nation. This notice will allow you to confirm your status and avoid problems before they arise, up until we have made it a basic part of our law.

Back in the day we hardly used these, but in recent years, we've seen a certain degree of need to keep these at the ready, just in case. Princess Twilight's efforts to make further connections have made us quite busy, in a rather pleasant way."

On 5/21/2020 at 1:44 PM, Sekel said:

"I'm definitely going to need time to think on this, Ambassador," Karmic sighed softly, staring at the tea she was halfway through drinking. "It's a lot to think about. Especially since I just got Atzy back from that place."

"I do not expect an answer now, Karmic. It is simply a suggestion that I wish for you to consider, though you needn't worry. We can handle things regardless. It were merely for easing things, as some species are less fond of meeting new faces straight away."

Golden would take a sip of his tea, trying to make as few extra movements as need be, to not flare up the pain from his wounds. He might be over the worst of things, but even with the proper medication, things would take time. Times like this he were truly thankful to be a unicorn, so that he could make such movements without actually using his body parts. Though in fairness, were he an earth pony, he would likely have been too sturdy to have gotten the injuries he gained.

A flash of light would go over at the nearby delivery table, and a selection of cake and pie slices, along with some biscuits would arrive on some smaller plates. They would float over to them soon after, guided by the ambassadors magic, and land among the lot. A minor snack, if they so cared to try, though there were no pressure to do so.

"Princess Celestia insists that cake be present at these kinds of meetings, though do not feel pressured about trying them if you would so not prefer. Although I must regrettably say that we do not currently have a serving in your size, Enzo, nor any idea what a sphinx may be able to eat of such sweets."

"I have my fish, I'm fine."

Granted, he did want to try some at a later point, but he had no idea how these things would even taste. Perhaps after giving it a little time, he might try to sample one of the slices in a casual manner, to not seem as eager as he truly were to try to eat things that were not bug related. For the time being though, he took another fish, and waited to see what would happen.

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

@Sekel

Twilight would find that something were tugging in her. More specifically, it were Cherish, who were trying to use her telekinesis to wrap up the princess, and float her back down towards the ground, since this sight were clearly affecting her more than Cherish. In a bad way, considering both the way she were speaking, and the paleness that seemed to have befallen her.

"It's been over a long time though, o-okay Twilight? We should... Uhm, we need to go down again, okay? I don't think this is doing either of us any good."

The princesses magic were stronger than that of Cherish, but if she didn't resist, this should go fairly easy and smoothly. The feeling of her magic wouldn't be much different from pony telekinesis either. A bit colder, but that were about it, and they could soon again be down on the ground, leaving them with ample way to enter through the open gate.

If they so did, they'd find barren stone walls, and piles of ash, showing again that things had been burned, rather than taken with the retreating Shrine Maidens, if it were not deemed important enough, or too heavy.

The place would branch out several places, but they would find that Last were standing at the first junction, where you could either move along, go right, or head left. She'd be easy enough to see, seeing as the filtered light that shone through a few cracks here and there didn't have much else to land on but her, and the stone walls.

If Twilight wasn't able to be moved however, or unwilling to go along herself, Cherish would stay up with her, unnerved and unsure about what were going to happen. Hopefully nothing bad.

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

@Sekel

"Despite what most of our brethren might think, you do not need to subjugate, to rule. Unity and acceptance of others can work far better, even with the races who are lesser than yours."

They were not saying that there were no value in the other races such as ponies, dragons, or in this case, griffons. It were just that objectively, they were of a lower rung status on the evolutionary food chain, and currently Dia'Thiz were not aware that it were considered rather rude to talk about the lower rung like this. It had not been seen as much of an issue in their days. Or at least not among their kinds of creature, but time and some correction would help on this as time went by, surely.

"Regardless, we have found this meeting to be enlightening, and we will consider a truce called between our kinds, King Thorax. When you wish to speak further on it, bring yourself, your advisor, and any guard size that would make you feel more secure, and come to our lair. Or send a messenger if you will, about a meeting place. We will have patience until that day comes, and spend it on reaching out towards others, as well as establishing our hive more. Our children should soon be fully awakened, and they will need their queen when that time comes.

We wish the both of you the best, until next we meet. As for you, peculiar human-turned-equine... We will not bring you harm, though we ask that you refrain from coming to our domain for the time being. There are still doubts we would want to see addressed before we are completely certain of your loyalties. A talk with your queen in due time, will be important in reaching that goal."

"I ain't ever 'round those parts anyway, so no need to worry there. And I'll send word back to my queen. She'll hopefully be ready for you, when it is."

Whilst talking, the entity would move gracefully towards the crystal they had arrived in, and stepped inside of it- The sounds of their hooves clacking against the hard floor would be hard to miss, as near no other things were causing a noise in the surrounding area, unless some of them were to talk.

"It seems as if all is said then. Farewell."

With that, they would turn around, nod towards them all in turn - starting with Aurora, then Thorax, then Happy last - before the entrance she had used to said crystal would glaze over with a thinner lair of diamond, and retract into the ground, like it were being pulled in from below. The path it would leave would collapse as the crystal went along, so it wouldn't be possible to follow them.

"And that right there's, the most freaky thing I've experienced post-transformation."

With them out of ears length, Happy said the first words, followed by a drawn out sigh by a slightly slumping forward Thorax.

"It certainly wasn't something I'd expect, but at least it seemed to have gone well. Still, I am nervous about this situation as a whole. Changelings already get perceived as just indoctrinating others, and this... Unity, that they were on about, is not going to help this perception. It will just make them fear that they too might end up encased in crystal like that.

*sigh* I fear there's going to be some rough times ahead of us all. I'm just hoping we can weather it."

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

@Sekel @Widdershins

"They're family members who got separated. So Stargazer is trying to gather them in one location."

That's the short of it anyway. Might be something more to it, like him perhaps fearing that they'd cause trouble, but this were the best way to look at it she'd say. Although it might soon end badly if she kept egging Shortstack on, considering he just oozed far away of being a real powder keg. Combined with how many they were stashed in this place as it were, and it might end badly. Like, bar brawl sort of badly, which she'd really like not to be anywhere near. Fighting wasn't something Stare considered a passion of hers, to put it mildly.

"Anyway, I do have the space back home, we just need to clear it and put some boxes in the basement, then drag the spare bed in there. I guess it's good I never got around to throwing it out.

I dunno though, do you need any sort of special bedding? I've heard dragons sometimes sleep on warm coals and other solid, warm things. DO we need to look for that for you?"

As a hybrid, it were hard to say what the deal were with Dazzle, but hopefully they could get it sorted soon enough, and wouldn't have to include a hospital bed, due to her egging on Shortstack ending with her breaking a leg. They probably could do it, but that really didn't seem like a good start on their maybe prolonged living arrangements. It sort of depended on how long Scarcity would need to find the parents, which were an inevitability. It just wasn't certain how much time it'd take.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

That was a surprise. An invitation to share a meal? Sure it could well be that Ruby simply didn't want leftovers, but still. Even then she had previously seemed the sort who'd rather burn the meat she didn't care for eating herself, right in front of someone starving, just to make a point, rather than offer to share. This were a surprising, yet welcome change in things, and Leviathan for one weren't going to decline that, despite her having some rations in her bag.

"No need to let it go to waste."

Unless there were some degree of trickery to this, and Ruby would indeed just torch it in front of her, Leviathan would start the meal off by first seeing if the head were there, and if it were, would yank it off, and quickly bury it. Afterwards, she'd start to gnaw off the leftovers directly from the bone. She might know how to be a fine butcher, but that didn't mean that she wasn't just gonna get into things and get messy, as if she were eating a rack of ribs at a fair. A delicious tradition of hers that she looked forward to, when it came to the next fair she were gonna attend later in the year. A good BBQ sauce were kind of a weakness for her.

"So it seems your movements is a little better, so the healing must be coming along well. That's positive. Perhaps that damage to your femur will get healed up within the next day or two then, lest you end up aggravating it.

How are you feeling right now though, Ruby? I know you're still not well, but do you feel less pain than before?"

Ruby lacked some joy in her actions, but it were hard to say if this were from that, or the fact that she hadn't fully done the hunt herself, but rather been ambushing. Might be that took some of the fun out of it for Ruby, but there weren't much to do about it. She shouldn't be hunting in her current state, or at least not as active as she had seen earlier. Otherwise, the bone might re-fracture, and then this would just take longer.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Agni wouldn't notice the bag, nor complain about Nada moving around. He just stayed were he were and observed the goings on between the two creatures, now feeling better, as Ziggy had let go of Nada. He did not like sharing his siren that much for prolonged periods of time.

"Well, I dunno the exact story, but I kinda think it's a *predator and prey* thing. Changelings mostly feed off love, and sirens gets empowered by negativity, right? Well, they want as much as they can of either, so that means they're kind of in a fight over prey. Not the nicest thing to call us equines, but that's sorta the angle we're looked at, I guess.

So yeah, I just sorta figure the whole fighting is because you don't like sharing."

The bag would move again, and Fah'lina's sleepy head would pop out of there. It were briefly though, as she would yawn, sniff the air and look over to find Nada, which apparently didn't interest her as much as she just crawled down into her space again. She had hoped it were Serenade, and that they were still visiting her parents, as the food had been abundant and delicious there. Judging by the smell though, she had gotten some crab home with her, so that might be what she were actually going down to do. Y'know, a little post nap snack.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

A small smile wriggled its way back unto Lyriel's face as Scarecrow apologized for what he had said.

"It is okay, you couldn't have known how I felt about them, and horrible as it seems to think of for me, it is a fair question. One which I fear will have an outcome that goes similar to what you expect, if the dragons have to chose between seeing them escape, or end them on their own terms. They barely allowed me to leave the place as it were, and only after making sure that I did not carry the corruption myself. My brethren as they are now, would never be allowed to escape from that place, unless a miracle were to happen."

It saddened her greatly, yet reality were seldom as idyllic and kind as one could hope for. In this case, it were rather gloomy in fact, even if there were a spec of hope. For that though, she would need to approach Princess Twilight one of the days she had the time, and beg of her assistance. if she were truly on good terms with the Dragon lord, perhaps she could do the impossible, and help her save her ill-fated kind, before they eventually became more trouble than they were worth.

"Would it be okay if we did not dwell more on them, for the time being? Or at least, not in ways which insinuates their demise. I would be happy to speak of anything else, yet this point, as you have seen, are a sensitive subject.

If nothing else crosses your mind, might I ask then if you perhaps have a favorite color, which I could keep in mind when it comes to your cave?"

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

@FanOfManyShows

On 5/21/2020 at 1:43 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

the entity within the element would feel death for the first time, at least until the magic returned

The thing within could never truly die. A curse upon it, as much as it were on the wearer of the element, yet it were fueled by the magic they used via the element itself. With the magic being voided, the creature - still only visible by Opal - would let out a large, pained hiss, as it dissipated, and went slumbering deep within the element again, waiting to return when next a wearer were too greedy with their usage of it. A thing which were bound to happen, as it had done several times before, and would inevitably do so again. Such were the cycle.

One who got his eyes open by this whole charade too, were Chow, who saw the forest starting to be set aflame around them, as well as the lack of magic in play right now. Opal were visible, she seemed to not be doing anything magical - actually even being blocked to do so - and Chariot seemed to take her on in a hooffight. This... This were real, right? He couldn't feel that little spark of magic that he were able to harness himself usually, Opal weren't hiding... That meant that this had to be real. Yes! That meant it were time to k- Capture, her.

He shook his head as he stood, up, and started to move over, yet he didn't make it there in time before Opal had been given the old fairytale treatment of pushing the witch into the fire. Something which seemed to catch her mane on fire, which were possibly going to make this whole thing end pretty easily.

On 5/21/2020 at 1:43 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

Astral looked to Chow, a panicked expression he hadn't seen on her before, Misty hopping on her back as she runs off.
"Best we leave before we also get lit on fire."

"...Get out of here, both of you. I'll get home soon."

The forest was about to get very hot, one witch had already felt the flames, and he were unarmed, as getting the blade weren't really an option when the tree it were in were burning.

However, there were no magic in play, and without it, he were the superior force here. So he'd assert that, starting by jumping towards Opal, and if he got hold of her, would slam her into the ground and bash the back of her head into the dirt quite a few times. Mainly to put out the fire, though her likely going unconscious from it as well, wouldn't hurt. Meant he'd be able to sling her over his back and try to run out of here with her.

regardless if he managed to do that, since Opal or Chariot might try and stop him, or dealt with it themselves beforehoof, his eyes would dart on to Chariot.

"I ain't letting anypony die out here. Not even you. Start running while there's time."

If he could kick, he could run. Simple as that, right? Either way, Chow were seemingly gonna end up being stupid for the sake of heroism.

Although, it seemed as if it were getting pretty dark above 'em. What were going on there?

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

@FanOfManyShows

On 5/21/2020 at 1:43 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

"Of course I have to be heroic! But this is my job, so screw that the secretive injuries!"

Iron would hardly get out of the place, and away from his assigned nurse - who were panicking at seeing the pony up and leave - before a squadron of four bat ponies would swoop down and fly in formation around him, with the front one turning to address him. If he kept tabs on the varied ones, he'd remember this one as Shade Thief. Officially without a high rank, but unofficially, the leader of General Screecher's infiltration team. A pony of which many rumors swirled, as he were a very secretive and private bat pony, whom were only ever seen when he wanted to be so, yet what remained painfully clear to all on the guard who knew of him, were that if he were on a job, you should consider it done already.

Of course, he didn't actually have a guaranteed success rate, but when most of your duties were covered up missions, it were hard to dispute the claim.

As for how he were recognizable, were that despite his armor completely blocking off any body part of his from being visible, with the helmet for example being a segmented, finely crafted thing that sat as close as leather on his face, there were a single eye of his visible. The right one that were, and it were hard to mistake you for another, when said eye were white, with only a thin outline and slit pupil in faded dark to differentiate that there even were an eye in the socket, and not just a snowball.

"You're not in a condition to play hero. Observation only, or we will interfere."

As if they were actual shades, the lot of them would suddenly vanish, as if they were but smoke. A practical usage of magic that left them able to wander away from things, remain invisible nearby, or teleporting away. Nopony were really sure, though Iron should be careful. If they were to intervene, they would, and he would hardly notice before he woke up in his hospital bed again. This little patch he had made on himself were not enough to tend to the many injuries that had kept him in the high risk hospital area for the past few weeks.

Also he'd likely find that it were not needed, as the firefighters had already flown towards the forest. He could likely see them reaching the forest soon, tracking along quite an array of rain clouds that were almost bursting at the seams. If it would be enough to deal with the fire though, remained to be seen. If not, that's when the unicorns would be brought in to aid them.

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

@Windy Breeze ☁️ ☁️ ☁️

"Uhoh, ectoplasm. I wonder what kind it is..."

Ectoplasm was a strange thing. Emitted from spirits going through high levels of emotions, it seeped out into the physical world, and generally would affect whoever touched it with the feeling it had been made from. As poltergeists were usually the ones with the highest emotional states, that meant it tended to be hatred, pain, or soul-gripping sadness, but it could be anything really. She tried some once that were made of pure joy, which were generally the least normal one. Only happened a few times now and again when a soul were released, far as she knew, but the world were a big, strange place. Maybe there just were some really happy ghosts out there.

"Have you been around a ghost recently, Quill? Breeze said your neighbor had a tragic accident, and might've come back to haunt her old home. is that were it's from? I can help you if it is. Well, not you, but her, I mean. My family specialize in helping the dead move on."

Not everypony believed this of course. Some thought they were con ponies, just out there to scam others out of their hard earned bits. But as grandma had told her, that was just how it were. Everypony had the right to believe in what they wanted to, and worst case scenario, they'd just have to not ask for permission before they took action.

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

@EQ_Theta

The Stone Matron wandered closer to the group, as it were said that these living creatures were not who needed to go into the golems, but rather some spirits who had come with them. As she got around a meter and a half away, she'd stop, and close her eyes. it appeared as if she were focusing, and the spirits might feel something happening. Nothing that would interfere with them, but rather, a sort of tingling sensation nearby, as if an unseen force were feeling out what were in its midst.

"...Yes, I feel them now. Old and powerful spirits... Of an unfamiliar kind."

She opened her eyes, and looked at the strange group of creatures that had been brought towards her. The living ones that were, to whom her eyes narrowed, whilst thoughts went through her head of the various questions this whole exchange brought up.

"I wonder what you all hold of value to her, to make it worth her time to return something which have been me denied for so long..."

It must be a debt of some weight, considering the consequences that would come from her feathers being returned to her, yet she had doubts that she would gain answers as to what it is that they had that were so valuable to Scarcity. What she knew of the mare, made it clear that it must be something important, and that it wouldn't get her far to ask further on the matter.

"Marble, step forth and present yourself."

The minotaur from the group wandered forth, and pulled his hood back. This one were just a minotaur, no stone exterior, though one up his age. The greying brown fur, broken left horn, and furred brow were clear indications of such, yet his eyes were wise and kind. Considering how many of his kind were, this were among the better of the burly bull people you could run into.

"Matron."

"Go with them to your domicile, and make the agreement. I will prepare the wellspring for you."

Wonder bowed deep before the matron, who would wander away along with the rest of her group, back to where they had come from before.

Which left the minotaur and two, silent guards back at their station, with all of their guests. Whom he would now greet properly. To him, that were placing a meaty hand on his chest, and do a lesser bow than what he had done before, which were mostly just bending his neck.

"Well met."

"I do hate to be a stickler dearie, but I have met Marble Wonder before, and with all due respect dear, you are not him."

Scarcity would poke in with a minor comment on the matter, to which she would get a small, deep chuckle from the minotaur.

"We inherit the name of our stands. The one you knew, have passed on last summer, and I have been chosen to take his station. I assure you that I can help you, just as he could."

Windy Breeze · May 23, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Quill gave both Windy, and Sorrow a look of concern “It's at Lemon St in the suburbs, and yes, I'm involved in this... ghost incident” she said “unfortunately, that place was closed due to the ghost you mentioned. I was the first one to go, but one by one, neighbors began to move out from that area. I don't know why, but they probably experience what i experienced”

“Your experience?” Windy parroted.

“Yes, Wonderbolt Windy. 1 month after Autumn Rake's passing, I heard somepony crying. Me and my neighbors visited her and Razor Beak's house... and we found a discovery” she explained.

“the house was in a disarranged. Everything was a mess as if a tornado just pass by. All the furnitures Autumn, and Razor owned are damaged, and some even destroyed. We could still hear the wailing inside, but we found nopony” she paused before continuing “2 days later after that. Cracks began to appear on our windows, the candles go off during nighttime, things getting tossed by the ghost... It was enough for me to move from that cursed place. From the rumors i've heard from my neighbors, ponies living there fared no better, one of houses in Lemon St even burst in flames. It was still under investigation by the city guards”

EQ_Theta · May 23, 2020

@Blitz Boom

“We greet you, Marble, and we would like to acquaint ourselves with you. We are the what remains of the Hyracotherians, an ancient race who may well have preceded the modern-day ponies of Equestrian. Sadly, our own kind have gone extinct, hence us being the last of our kind. And, we are sorry to hear about the previous Marble Wonder.”

“Likewise. This is actually why we came here,” Sen added. “We wanted to give them golem shells of their own so they could be free from this orb. They’ve been sealed in here for who knows how long and, well… it may be time for them to go on their own ways. To take charge of their lives.”

The scholars didn’t say anything though they wholeheartedly agreed with Sen’s summation. Whatever becomes of them will now be up to them, no longer encased in an orb but free to decide how they wish to go about their lives. If it was a lifetime of sorrow or regret, being sealed away with their powers used for malicious purpose or unable to truly interact with the few friends they have left, there wouldn’t be a way to tell what motivates each of the spirits stuck in the orb. The only certainty is that they are unanimous in their choice to be free.

Lin hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to join the rest of the group. In all honestly, she was enamored with the golems, the craftwork that went into their designs. She didn’t want to look the like odd one out just staring at them and admired them from a distance. No way would she be caught staring. When she was done, she walked up to the minotaur to be with the others.

“Um… Marble Wonder? If you don’t mind me asking, is golemcraft a secret? Going by how rare golems are in Equestria, it seems like there aren’t many practitioners or it’s a well-kept secret among those who know about it. Or maybe it’s both. I really wouldn’t know.”

FanOfManyShows · May 23, 2020

@Blitz Boom

Opal would indeed be knocked unconscious, as she was caught off guard. Chariot nodding with a smile
"I was a fool once Chow, letting my fury get to my head and drive myself, good to make a step to overcome your own anger."
He said before running after Astral, feeling his magic return as he threw his hooves out, sending out a burst of wind that put out a large portion of flames around them.

There laid on Chow an empty vessel, as the element's magic started to return, her subconscious starting to shape it's illusions once again

After a while, they would see the edge of the forest approach and the team of firefighters coming to help.
But they would also see Chariot- a pony who previously terrorized the town a few weeks back.
=====================

He knew Shade wasn't one to mess with, so he started to back off from them already.
"I know I'm not, though I have a feeling an old teammate of mine is behind this, so if anything I'd like to find some way to help even from over here."
He slowly landed back on the balcony. "And since you won't let me go over there, you can suggest something first."

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