open Casual stroll

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Widdershins
Cerberus took the muffin and as he had said, hissed at it when he heard the jingle, he didn't let go of it or anything, he just hissed.

For the tilting boulder, he looked at it thoughtfully for a moment before addressing his companion "Get ready for a ride". He would then go closer to the edge that was tilting downwards and wait for the boulder to fall off, and if nothing took him away from there, he would ride down on the boulder with same physics breaking capabilities as described earlier regarding a timeline that never took place. If he did end up riding it, he would do so until it stopped or he fell through it.

@Blitz Boom
"I'm not planning to teach him hatred either, but like said, it may be natural to us." Ruby concluded, not having anything else to add regarding the topic, as she didn't see it to be necessary to share her opinion relating to the point about kindness and fairness, since she mostly agreed.

Ruby translated Leviathan's words to Charir, who seemed to understand, and turned thoughtful after Ruby was done with him, he didn't really feel tired currently, so he started to pay attention to himself to see if anything felt different.

"I'll also show him few ways to intimidate those who get too cocky, though it is possible he already is familiar with them considering our mother, she had surprisingly creative ways to threaten others..or well, me." "But I guess that's what happens when you hate something but don't want to kill it." "Although, in the end he'll have to figure out what works best to him, that will bring the best results." 

------------------------------
Nada smiled at the sharkpony until it curled up at the bottom, she would have waved and said something along the lines of 'see you later', but she wasn't sure if the friendly but odd creature would understand. She would hang around for a moment longer but would start heading towards the house after it seemed that the sharkpony had fallen asleep. She couldn't help but doubt herself, based on her experience these waters really were quite safe yes, but she felt that she was wrong for some reason, she tried to push the thought away as she made her way.

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Scarecrow would go in each room just in case there was any weirdness going on with them, but other than that he didn't really pay attention to them, so until the box stuck out, he probably didn't notice it at all, not that he cared about it even if he did, since if it stuck out it implied it was Anomaly's doing, and after the armor he didn't trust it to be anything more than a potential trick.

He wouldn't think much of the office either, especially since his history memory was bit hazy, but he did momentary wonder why so many what he assumed used to be perfectly usable pieces of furniture had been left behind, not to mention the wine in the cellar

When Rose got rid of the stones, Scarecrow would actually thank her, though his tone told that it was more obligation-thanks rather than genuine thankfulness. The rat he ignored, because he wasn't worried about it, even if it potentially could tolerate his awful taste, after all, he would barely feel anything if the whole castle collapsed on top of him, so what could a one rat do?

He looked at the three doors, the choice was pretty obvious, which was exactly the problem, it was so obvious, that it was clear that he was expected to choose that, but then again, it could be that the whole point was to make him think about it like that. He would have sighed if he would have had lungs as he walked to the flower-door, opening it if it wasn't stuck, he knew that regardless what he did, there was the risk he played straight into Anomaly's hand.

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@EQ_Theta

On 11/1/2020 at 11:56 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Weeping Mary? This is… well, it’s quite a display you’ve got here. Very spooky. I hope you don’t mind me asking but, um… what’s the most popular thing visitors buy from you?”

"Thank you, I do my best."

Mary were used to hearing that her display were spooky, creepy, out of place, and a load of other terms for it. Not all of them kind, yet this were her second year, and fifth festival selling her creations, and it tended to leave her with a good number of sales, that just kept increasing. Sure she were a little young to be in business like this, which had also been mentioned, but there were purpose to these things, and it were somewhat like a foal selling lemonade, to earn some extra bits for something they were saving up for. Her display were just more impressive than that, and were especially at high demand on the towns Nightmare Night celebration. You may find many places in Equestria celebrating this event, but no one revered it as much as bat ponies, who had long had it as a traditional remembrance of their princess, whom they solemnly wished would one day return, and bring them into the light with her. 

After the princess had returned, and endeared herself to her subjects, it had just increased their fervor to that holiday, and when that time came, they could all use something spooky.

As for what she were preparing bits for... Well, Mary had a vision in her head for the future, and it would require her to put in the effort, get word of mouth out about her wares, and save up from an early age. Plus, she liked to be able to buy something fun for herself, every now and again. The sort her mother were never gonna agree with buying for her, but she had said that if she saved up her own bits, Mary were allowed to buy it then. She had not expected the filly to take that as a challenge, but fair were fair, and she were fairly proud of Mary. Even if she did think it were a little early to think on things like this.

"I have many things to like. Most likes the dolls."

Her horn would glow, and one of the voodoo dolls were pulled in. Yet before she got it far from the shelf, she would return it, and pick another one instead. Another sack doll, yet this one had purple buttons for eyes, and a tail the length of itself, ending in a bottle opener. How said opener worked, as it appeared to be made entirely of thick, rough string, wrangled tightly together into the right form, were a good guess though. Maybe it had a metal one beneath it, to give it  the proper shape?

"I think you would like this one the most. I feel you would connect well.

There are many things though. Some like an engraved stone, to keep as a decoration. Those with many keys, like new key chains. If you have small plants, the scarecrows suits them, and keeps your birds away from them.

Jewelry can be popular with some too. Unless you don't like to wear small bones. Don't worry though, it is only from animals. We don't use use pony bones for that."

She'd float a necklace over, which had several shiny gems, intertwined with boness on the string, and also stitched together in front, dangling down with thread intertwining in the middle. It made it seem pretty close to a spider web, hung between bones in a way that carried some semblance to a dream catcher as well.

On 11/1/2020 at 11:56 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Uh… third time’s the charm? It hit the board this time but that’s not quite where I was aiming. Does that normally happen or is the goal to throw the knife as straight as possible?”

"You're improving, but you need to adjust your aim. How we throw varied from individual to individual, due to grip, experience, preferred style, muscles, and so forth. What you first need to do, is to throw it so that it impacts, which you have now done. Next step comes in adjusting your aim accordingly. Remember: The greater the distance, the more the air resistance, gravity, and loss of momentum will impact the throw.  Aim higher, or throw harder to compensate. Though I'd suggest you start with throwing a little higher, and add a little more power. Don't try to push yourself too far in either direction, or it might end up hitting above the board instead.

It's going well though, Sen. You've hit the board correctly in your second attempt, so there is potential. You just need practice, and further adaption. Think of how you shot before, adapt, and then try again."

It might seem like little to Sen, but to Rosa, getting a hit on the board in the second attempt, were fairly impressive. He knew several - including himself - who needed time before that part stuck, no pun intended. And as could be seen, Rosa had vastly improved since then, just as Sen could. He simply needed encouragement, practice, and maybe some heavier knives, judging by his previous comments. Though thus far, Rosa would not say that the weight had been an issue. It weren't as if he threw too hard, and potentially overshot. Thus far, it seemed to be more of a matter of not putting in enough force. He were sure Sen would improve on his third throw.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I'm hoping snark. There's something pleasing about verbally demolishing someone who got too high and mighty, that a fist to the face just doesn't get across as satisfyingly. Though of course, a well placed strike have its own charms. I guess we'll see what comes naturally to him, when he eventually stops being afraid, and peers out of his shell.

I imagine we'll have a lot to work with for a long time. Teaching him language, magic, attempt to teach him when and how to decimate your enemies... There's much to go through, but I feel sure that if we do our best, we'll make a proper dragon out of Charir."

Leviathan would smile, and clap at Charir as he stopped, in a way to show that she approved of his efforts before, without physically touching him. She didn't want to spook him, and especially not in the middle of what she assumed were him trying to trace his own magical fatigue. Who knew? Perhaps he didn't have any, because he hadn't accessed much of his magic yet. But it were very hard for her to say right now. Especially as she needed Ruby as a translator between them, and he were not always the most confident, nor focused on other tasks as much as he could be, around her. Which could be a problem when asked to for example, feel out energy, lack thereof, of attempt meditation to find his magical center.

But all in due time. They had seen progress, and made him interested in magic. That were a win, and a fine beginning. The rest would come round as they worked for it, over the years.

"It's been productive, but maybe we need to go outside. We should be able to avoid traps, if we keep our eyes open, and it would be good for you to stretch your legs, Ruby.

Besides, I'm not too keen on sitting here and waiting for whoever it is to return, and prepared to fight us on the turf they've seen. if they want a fight, we might as well bring it to them. If they're smart, they will have run far away by now, and not stopped yet, but I don't find creatures willing to hunt dragons to be all that smart. If they were, they never would have started "

It might be dangerous, but so were it to stay and wait to see what'd happen. They might as well be brazen and move forward into the playing field. Long as they remained aware, they should have a chance, and Ruby's senses seemed intensely effective, when it came to these things.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

For now, the shark pony were safe, and could rest with little more than a few curious, smaller water life going near and gazing upon her once in a while. Nada wouldn't have to worry about her drowning down there either. She had fully functional lungs and gills, so be it under or over water, she could breathe well. Biggest issue she'd have being top side would be dry scales, which any water aligned dragon would attest to being an itchy affair. Under water though, the worst she'd had to deal with, were surprise swimmers more than likely. It were a bit deep for the timberwolves or bears to care to try, and several of the larger predators were further into the forest usually.

Then again, the matriarch had proven that if need be, they'd move around more, so there were no guarantee. But the lake had several ways one could swim out of the area, so she could likely escape anything coming for her. She were almost certainly fine.

As Nada made it back to the house, she'd find that the house were rather sleepy and mostly quiet.

Ziggy laid about a meter from the lake, curled up like a cat on the floor, and getting herself a small nap. You could barely hear her breathe, as she laid quietly and slept away. Though the same could not be said for Fah'lina, who were laying on Ziggy's stomach, with one of her wings covering the mimic, as if it were a blanket. It wasn't a massive sound that came from her, but a minor, chittering sort of snore did escape her furry cheeks.

The last member of the sleeping group, were Agni. He seemed to have found a shelf with a bowl in, that he had flown a few things out of, that could be seen on the table. Seemed mostly to be a few cheap looking figurines. Likely from some sort of trip, and laying safely on the table, as he didn't want to yelled at again. So he had taken those away in a safe manner, before using the bowl as a sort of nest. Wasn't the most comfy he had ever slept in, but he had been tired after a time, and wanted to have a minor rest, so it would do. He'd have to bring some twigs or something in here eventually though, and have a proper nest.

it seemed all were resting peacefully, but Nada could wake them up if she liked. They could just nap later if it were, even if Ziggy likely needed a rest after her hospital work from earlier.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Awh, see? I knew you'd start to warm up to me."

Sure his tone could have been better, but it were still improving a little by little. Soon enough he'd be fawning over her, and begging for her to stay around, and show him the wonderous world of destruction!

Uhm... Fun, right, she meant fun. *whistles innocently*

But that were for another time. For now, she were enjoying some lunch, while Scarecrow and Crow were moving on.

While the former were wary of going for what seemed like the obvious choice, Crow would poke at the two other doors with his beak, to see if something would happen from doing that. He found nothing though, and would have just finished over at the dun marked door, when Scarecrow would open the door right in the middle, and step into quite the sight.

Despite the darkened castle, there would be light and vibrant with life beyond the door, as from top to bottom, there seemed to be flourishing nature going forth in a short tunnel. If he wandered over the stones to pass through it, he'd find that a layer of fresh dirt covered them too, and that the light came from small, flourescent, flying creatures. It were impossible to make out any features due to their current levels of illumination, but they seemed to have a sort of serpentine shape to them, with four wings each. They did not seem to care at all about his presence, and just went on their way seemingly pollinating varied plants. Some of them seemed natural, while others were clearly not local, or perhaps even naturally present. It all seemed rather calm and friendly though.

Further in, he'd find the room that had once housed who knew what, opened up into a large room, a good deal bigger than it looked outside, which just made it clearer that this were Anomaly's work. Otherwise, there were no way, that towering trees, and a seemingly hundred meter or longer, fauna covered room would show itself in front of them. Nor that there were seemingly sun light bathing down upon them, and the walls were either not there anymore, or just too covered in fauna to tell anymore.

If he moved further in, he'd find Anomaly, sitting at a large, round table, with several wooden cups on the table. She'd tip her head, and pour an orange liquid from her head into one of the said cups, which sat in front of Lyriel. The dryad did not seem to be trapped, nor distressed, and were more curiously glancing around herself. There were also some green crackers on the table, carried around on the back of a large, sleepy ladybug, with a bowl seemingly being part of its exoskeleton.

"Oh, Oh! The guest of honor is heeeere! Come on, have a sit.

You like this place? Pretty cool right? There was this big, barren room when I got here, so I just changed things a teensie bit, with the space being way bigger then it looks from the outside, and added a fun forest. Kinda thinking this is gonna be like, my summer home or something, when I want a break from my isle.

Don't tell anypony though, but I totally cheated with the light. It's just the nest of the pretty light creatures that lit your way in here.

And I know, I know, you're thinking the game dragged on. I knoooow. But Princess got into Ponyville, despite what I said, and tried to make her spawn eat everypony. But like I were just about to tell her, I fixed it. I made them a natural predator, and she gets not to eat ponies. She made a real mess of the frog monsters though, Hehe. It were hilarious. A shame Princess had to end up like she did, but she were a naughty thing. Couldn't have her meddling things up here. Murdering ponies isn't funny."

She'd pop the top of her pumpkin off again, and pour a few more cups up, whilst waving to get everyone over to the table. Crow however, would stick near Scarecrow. it did not feel like trusting the draconequui.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

Seeing the little necklace and doll float over for her to examine, Lin seemingly had this glint on her eyes as she had a look a the two items. Though the dolls still seemed to creep her out more than anything, the necklace was a lot closer to what she’s looking for in a souvenir. It reminded her of the simpler, if crude, ornaments that the longma made back home. Without the bones, the gems and the general construction was a gentle reminder of the necklace she constructed for Omen back then. That was a good memory; everything about it spoke to her of their growing friendship when they were still newly acquainted.

That necklace was what enticed the longma, even picking it up to see how it would look. The spider web design was pretty cool, and it definitely would pair well with the star sapphire necklace she was wearing at the moment. Having that strand of Omen’s hair made it look like there’s a spider on her neck. 

“This necklace would definitely look great! I’d also like to take a look at some engraved stones. Do the engravings have any special meaning or are they for decorative purposes?”

Though Lin wouldn’t say it immediately, she was thinking about getting a little something for Sen and probably for Rosa as well. She’d start with the engraved stone for a bit of home decorating, and then she’ll try to look for a nice trinket for the thestral. Though he probably wouldn’t be allowed to hold on to it for long, the longma wanted him to think back on this evening through a little memento. She wondered if Omen might have found something she'd like, if not at Weeping Mary's booth, then probably somewhere else. 

Back at the knife-throwing game booth, Sen would try again, tossing the knife a little higher each time. In three attempts, the first one bounced off the board, the second landed closer to the top, and the last veered off to the lower right. That last one confounded the longma as he wasn’t sure if his claw was at an angle. 

He’d try once more. This time, the knife landed somewhere in the midway point between the center and the top of the board. That one attempt gave him a bit of a confidence boost given how he smiled at somewhat getting how the game works.

“Ha! That one turned out a lot better. I think I’m starting to get a hang of this! Are there other things to know or is now a good time to go a few rounds?”

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

Skall was no fool, he ran over and got the belt first, conjuring an illusion to make it look like it's still there, before retreating.

"Might as well try using it..."
Just for kicks, Skall put the belt around his own waist and fastened it tightly

He was not sure if he were to feel an instant sense of infinite power, or control over the universe, but he still wore it as he teleported away

Assuming nothing went wrong last minute, he would arrive back at the cave where he left the portal to Grogar, and would return into the portal.
"Given how easy that was I'm not sure how no loyal subjects of yours returned with it. but either way, I am here now"
================

Astral would sit there, grumbling at Emerald, unconvinced that she didn't ruin everything, however that stylized teleportation didn't help convince her any further

Rose halted at the wall of bones, starting to laugh at Emerald, twisting her head around, her claws deforming as her shape changed.
Rose then extended her claw, red magic emanating from her, as blood drew up from the ground, her form shifting further.
"The only way I would do that is if I knew where the element was, then I wouldn't even need her"
Shards of blood formed in the air, aiming at Emerald, seeming to surround her.

"Perhaps one of the ponies who put them away would happen to know where they are?"
Her neck bent down to Emerald unnaturally, as she tilted her head with a deathly smile, knowing that was exactly what Emerald happened to help with.
"How does that sound?"

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby didn't show what she thought about Leviathan words about Charir's future, she seemed to still be slipping in and out of thought now and then, so it may have been the case that she didn't know even herself what her opinion about it was. Charir didn't really react to the clapping, but it was hard to tell if he was ignoring it for reason or another, or if he just didn't realize it was happening since he was focused on himself, though the truth was that he just didn't know what was being communicated with it since he had never learned positive gestures, and thus wasn't sure if it was even directed to him or if it was just something that Leviathan did for her own reasons.

"With or without Charir?" was Ruby's first question "Because while I trust him to be able to defend himself, we should make sure one of us can sense if something is going on here if we leave him." she didn't disagree with Leviathan, it would be good for her to walk around a bit, and she also wasn't a fan of waiting for someone else to come to her, she was a predator after all, but she was also aware that it may be exactly what the potential hunters were after, they may have wanted to get her out of there so then can try their luck with Charir."I still don't trust the whole thing, I have yet to meet a creature stupid enough to think that you can catch a dragon with mere rope, it might have been enchanted in some way, but it still burned." "There is something I'm not noticing."

-------------------------------------------------
Nada didn't see a reason to wake anyone up, and luckily, even with her size, she was very quiet when she moved, she did mainly swim and float after all, so she just came out of the water enough to see the situation, and then just lowered herself back in, taking more comfortable position where she was still visible from above so that the others would know she was there when someone woke up. She had noticed Ziggy's arguably weird position, but because of what she had just experienced, she didn't really register it as weird, a pony sleeping like cat wasn't really that remarkable after meeting a shark-pony hybrid who liked to hunt down monsters after all. If nothing happened she would just rest there quietly, she wouldn't fall in deep sleep, but depending on how long she ended up being there, she would eventually fall into a light sleep from where she would be very easily woken up from.

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Since whatever was flying around ignored Scarecrow, he returned the favor, he didn't really like what he was seeing, mostly because he was concerned what Anomaly had done to Lyriel since this was clearly related to her. His concern only grew when he reached Lyriel and Anomaly, since his first thoughts were that some kind of mind control or other kind of trickery was involved in her calm state, though again if one went deep enough, they would find that this worry too was motivated by selfish thoughts to certain extend, specifically, he was worried this wasn't going to be over any time soon, a bit odd worry for a timeless creature maybe, but wasted time was wasted time.

Anomaly wouldn't get a response from Scarecrow right away, but Crow would most likely be able to tell that it was close that he didn't just charge the draconequui, luckily he kept his calm, not that it was visible from outside in any way that he almost lost it. Luckily he was unable to get a headache. "What more do you want?" He would finally say as he made his way onto his seat, his tone similar to how he talked to Rose, he wasn't even trying to sound nice at this point. He didn't trust Anomaly, that probably wasn't unclear to anyone at this point. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Windy accepted Sorrow's suggestion, considering her medication needs to go first, then take a casual stroll in the city.

“I think I can agree with your recommendation, but I think I can add 'one more' into our final hours”

“How about after taking my medications, we'll have a nice trip and have an early dinner, does that sound good?” she asked.

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@FanOfManyShows

The belt would do nothing for him at all, except making him a little more stylish looking. It had been specifically tuned for the old goat, and functioned more as a key to unlock the seal there were on his powers, and which kept him in his prison. As long as he wore it at least. If he took it off, it would weaken him substantially.

It once held power that could be used by others, but there had been other evils draining it. It would leave Grogar without all of his immense power, yet he would still be strong enough to be of some use, and would be able to let him out. It were just that for Skall, it were essentially worthless. Unless he liked the looks of it, though it weren't really his style. Not enough animal skin over it, to fit a dragon.

On 11/5/2020 at 7:50 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

"Given how easy that was I'm not sure how no loyal subjects of yours returned with it. but either way, I am here now"

"My minions have not heard from me for generations. They would not know, though with my freedom, I can call upon them. It is in their blood, to heed my call."

Grogar would look relatively impressed at the dragon. It seemed he were more useful than it at first seemed. He surely had his own plans, and could not be trusted of course, but he were useful at least. He'd give the creature that much.

"So tell me then, dragon. What might your plan be? And what need have you of me in them? You have earned my ear."

He'd sit down, head held high and regal, while he waited to see what would happen. As he said earlier, he were willing to listen, if his belt were brought back. They'd see if a bargain could be struck, but considering the belt were still in Skall's possession, it were likely they could. They just needed to find out what exactly he wanted the old goat to do. Perhaps go and rile up the queen of the manticores, and direct her kind to rally to attack? Once more make the Manticores submit, and roar into battle, as he saw them fit? Bend the will of the sirens perhaps, and force them to rise from the ocean deep, to hunt those who chased them down to begin with? Many monsters were in this world, and he had a way of making them listen. One way or another, they would once again bend to his rule.

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@FanOfManyShows

On 11/5/2020 at 7:50 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

"Perhaps one of the ponies who put them away would happen to know where they are?"
Her neck bent down to Emerald unnaturally, as she tilted her head with a deathly smile, knowing that was exactly what Emerald happened to help with.
"How does that sound?"

"You try to use blood against me? You are aware that I am a master of blood, are you not?"

She'd raise a hand, and make the blood shards vibrate in the air. They were still under Rose's control, but she could still interfere, and crash them elsewhere if need be. It were unwise to use sacrificial magic, against a master of that very thing. Rose would frankly do better, if she tried to just clobber Emerald with a brick.

She were not overly impressed with the display of Rose twisting either. She had seen worse than this, and frankly caused worse too, in her experiment with for example, rats. This were not something which scared her, and frankly, if that were the intent, Rose had to start working harder for it. Emerald were not some run of the mill, farmers filly. She had seen enough ugly in this world to be hardened, and somewhat jaded by it.

"But to return to your deal: You are suggesting that I use my powers to overtake, and scour the minds of those who hid the elements, once upon a time? Hmph. Those who are still alive that is. Not all have survived as it have been generations, since the true Element of Betrayal have been seen. And neither Sapphire or I are among those.

So here is my offer: Return her to her irritating ilk, sign a pact with me, and we will go chase down this little toy you're seeking. We'll see if it will accept you when we find it, when so few have even been allowed to gaze upon it."

Emerald would chant, and suddenly, blood would start to spill from her right front leg. The droplets would not hit the floor though, but would swirl into the air, where it formed into letters in the air. A tightly knit bundle of bones followed, clashing with the blood, as the words inscribed themselves upon the grisly tables. A pact written, which bound them to this task. If both signed, Emerald would be sworn to help Rose fulfill her task, whilst Rose would be bound to assure the survival of her family members, Chow and Misty, as well as returning Sapphire.

A blood pact were not something you could simply break. Like with a sphinx deal, it had consequences, and those were dire for both parts. So unless Rose would enjoy an agonizing existence, she best be careful before signing this, just like Emerald now did. And of course, said signing had to be done in their own blood. It simply weren't properly binding without it.

"So, you can either sign this, and we will get on our way. Or you can try and attack me, in which case I will prove that whilst your kind might not be able to die, you are more than capable of suffering."

Meanwhile, while she said this, Emerald would unlock a little mental lock she had set, once she took over Chow, allowing him to listen in. Something told her that it were going to be important, that he knew what were going on here.

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@EQ_Theta

On 11/4/2020 at 3:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“This necklace would definitely look great! I’d also like to take a look at some engraved stones. Do the engravings have any special meaning or are they for decorative purposes?”

"They can mean anything you like. A memory of someone you knew. A message to another you like. A date engraved in stone, to remember something special. A weird joke maybe? I carve the words in, but you make the meaning, and chose what to do with them."

It were really rare that someone bought these, to use as an actual tomb stone, but there were the few times when somepony wanted to properly bury a pet of theirs, and this tombstone size did match well for say, a small bird like a parakeet, or a cat. Though most usually wanted a joke message engraved, with the one she heard the most, being some variation of the date of the event they bought the stone, and *A date to die for* carved into the stone. She honestly would be lying, if she said that it didn't make her giggle when hearing that. It felt like a nice pun to her.

As for the necklace, Mary would push it a little to the side, where Lin were, while the longma kept looking at things. If there were more she wanted, she'd put it over with the necklace, though she were also leaving room for Omen, who were not looking over things anymore. Instead, her gaze were locked solely on the doll on the table, which were why Mary would turn to talk to her briefly, once she had answered Lin.

"I don't think it is for you. But... Yes, maybe this one is."

She'd float another doll down from the rack, and set down next to the other one. This did not have the bottle opener tail, but instead had a thick, braided line on the middle of its back, going up a half meter, and ending in a braided, dull hook. It seemed to be build a little like a spring, so the actual length were more towards a few meters, if stretched out, which would mean it were somewhat maleable if you wanted to hang it from somewhere. Plus, if you had it in a necklace or choker, it'd bounce slightly when you wandered with it, and properly showing off the green and yellow button eyes, big smile, and huggable arms. Well, huggable if you were a little morbid, but that were besides the point.

"I think your little friend would like it."

She were referring to the snoozing Shrimp, who still hadn't woken up, despite the ruckus around them.

Omen would stand and think on this, as her eyes locked with this new doll, while the other one slumped down, in the direction away from her, and ended up gazing upwards.

While Omen had her think on this, Mary would float some gravestones closer, and the same with a thin chisel. Couldn't use a big one, since it might crack the stone, so one of her uncles had been nice enough to make her this smaller one for her work. She'd also float a stick of coal over. It were best to draw up what things should look like first, so the customer didn't regret what they had paid for, and could change their mind. Because once it were chiseled, it was over.

On 11/4/2020 at 3:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Ha! That one turned out a lot better. I think I’m starting to get a hang of this! Are there other things to know or is now a good time to go a few rounds?”

Rosa picked up a knife, and threw it at the board, where it stuck an inch left of the one he had thrown there earlier.

"We have four minutes left. I say you admit defeat, and practice in that time. We can hold proper tests in the other ones. Or should I throw a few more here first?"

If he were asked to, Rosa would throw them, and end up with a nice cluster in the middle. This were what he were best at, and as Sen were still not hitting the board properly, this were not a fair competition. It were better he trained his aim, and then some other time, they could try this again. It'd be more fair in the next sport after this, which would be where they were led to the archery booth, and Rosa first shot would hit the second to last circle, near the bottom. Bows and arrows could work for ponies, but he in particular, were not good at this one. Adequate at best, as his archery teacher once told him, before shaking his head, and telling Rosa to just focus on the knives.

Though first, they'd see how well Sen would manage to do with the knives. Rosa were expecting somewhere closer than he had already gotten, but would be mighty proud if Sen managed to score a bullseye, even if it would be a fluke. He'd instruct further as needed during this time, with tips on how to hold the dagger, angle, and a firm tone, encouraging him to throw again.

Sen would undoubtedly get his revenge sooner or later, in one of these games. Maybe at dart, after he adjusted to the weight?

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Much as I loathe putting him in danger, we should all three go. A single one going out there is more exposed, and if we both left, he'd be an easy mark. We're safer if we stick together, and cover each other.

You are an incredible tracker, Ruby. I have no doubt that you would be able to sense someone lurking around, and preparing for things. Yet with what you're saying about the rope, I'm not thinking whoever it is fights fairly. And if they aren't, you shouldn't be alone, or they might cheat a kill out on you. That's not a way for a dragon to die.

But you're right. Enchanted rope seems weird. If they wanted to use rope to trap us, why not enchant the sort that cannot burn? Either as you say, there's something we're not seeing, or whoever this is, did not come out planning to catch dragons, and are thinking we're an easy opportunity."

She weren't sure which one she believed in, personally. The second one seemed reckless and stupid, but the first just made her question even more, what the big picture were. What sort of point were there in hunting dragons, and then using tools that were easily destroyed by them? And yet, what were the meaning og going after dragons on a whim, even if they didn't seem that big? Ruby's last act of chasing one of them, should be clue enough that they were not that easy to deal with, but they had no indication that the lot of them had left. Just that the one Ruby has chased, had either taken off, or eventually gone back, once it were sure it weren't chased anymore.

"In any case, let's go out, keep our senses high, and get ready to fight if need be. Maybe we'll find more clues that will lead us to figuring out what sort of enemy we're dealing with. I swear, if this is a band of diamond dogs trying to impress their packs..."

A small growl escaped Leviathan as she said this, and glared outside. Pack-less mongrels should know better, than to try their meddle against someone better than them. Their kind knew dragons. Usually, they knew their place compared to them too. But there were always those thick headed ones who were sure they could hunt even them, who needed to be shown that they couldn't.

"It'd be dumb of them to steal the tools to use, and dumber to use it on dragons. But the last idiot have sadly not been born."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

It'd be several hours before any sort of life came over things, and that life, would come when there came a knock on the door.

Ziggy would raise up rather groggy as she heard that, and stretched herself out. Small pops were heard as her wings got stretched, along with a tiny bump, as Fah'lina slid down to the floor, though she still weren't waking up. She were sleepy, and not yet willing to rise up from a nap, in what she considered her safe haven.

As Ziggy got to the door, she'd creak it open, and look out and down, where she met gaze with a familiar pony. It were hard to forget her after all, though it were far better to see her like this, carrying coffee and baked goods, rather than her rummaging through a trash can, mumbling about evidence.

"*yawn* Oh hello there... Berry, right?"

"Yeah. You're... Living here?"

The two of them locked eyes for a time, before they nodded, and Ziggy let her get past. They understood that both knew the truth of those who truly resided here, though Ziggy were still sleepy, and had taken a few seconds more. She were an energetic mare, but even she needed a little bit to rouse up after sleeping.

"Seems quiet and all... Did I come at a bad time? I can come back later if it is."

"It'll depend on Nada. But don't be too loud. The animals are sleeping."

Berry opened her maw, prepared to make a comment, but closed again. It was too easy of a comment to make, and would likely get her dragged down into the lake for a small payback dip. Depended on if Nada were awake or not, though if she were a light sleeper, she'd likely get woken up by the knocks alone. if not that, the talking, or smell of coffee, mixed with caramel and what were likely pumpkin, might stir her a bit too.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

While he might not want to charge, Scarecrow could likely feel an urge from Crow to do so all by itself. Empowered with Scarecrow's want, and his own, lesser restraints, Crow more or less flew right into Anomaly's face, soon as Scarecrow had stopped talking.

"Aaargh! Face melting! Face me-hehehehehe. It tickles with pain!"

Crow were pecking at her pumpkin, but also opening his stomach to attack her, with what were supposed to be only used for feeding himself. From the sound of it, it hurt a lot, and the sizzling, bubbly sounds and smell of warm pumpkin wafting through the air, seemed to indicate that some damage were done too. And yet, she were also laughing like there were no tomorrow, as she were being assaulted like there were no tomorrow.

Lyriel meanwhile, looked it over, with a nervous glance suddenly going over her face.

"I... Am torn. I condemn violence, yet I understand Crows reasoning. Though I feel guilty that I even find some degree of joy in this display."

She rose the cup with the orange liquid in that Anomaly had poured, and with a shaking hoof, took a gulp from it, as she watched things unfold. Now that the fight were really going on, and plant matter were being spread around, some of the local wildlife started to poke out and watch it. Not just the mostly indifferent light creatures, but also varied lizards, slithering through the grass, and rising their heads together.

Wait, no. That were a three headed snake, with a sharp fingered hand at the end of its tail, looking on in confusion at what were going on. However, as a few of the light creatures got too close, it would instead reach up with the side heads, and snatch two, before they fluttered off again. From the sounds of things, they were seemingly rather crunchy, and lit all the way down into the snake's belly. The light were even still active and pulsating, once they were settled in its stomach, and it seemed to invigorate it. It's colors got more vibrant, and the heads grew small feathers down the back, to where their necks met. Their natural predator it seemed like, that had gotten an easy meal during this performance, and looked around to see if there were more that got too close.

"Hehehehe, Ohkay, that's enough fun."

Anomaly would snap her tail, and suddenly, Crow were ont he table, chained to it with a little string, that were a good deal tougher than it looked.

Meanwhile, Anomaly rose up from the ground, and shook what remained of her head around. How her voice came out clearly with all those holes, and more or less the entire left side of her pumpkin having a deep cleft from some kind of melting damage were a surprise. Yet you knew what they said: If one head didn't work, make a new one. Which she did. She'd throw the old one away, which splattered completely as it hit a tree. While the pieces from that began to mutate into some sort of orange spiders, she'd hammer her neck into the dirt, and soon after retract her head again, with a fresh pumpkin on her shoulders. Looked even shinier than the old one.

"That really hurt."

"You don't seem bothered by it."

"Oh, what's a little pain? Just another experience. Silly thing can't kill me. Only draconequui and Karma can kill us, and you're not even an agent of his. I'm totally safe.

And there's no more, funny corpse man. The game's over. I would've let it end earlier, buuuuut, a certain somepony thought it was fun to dare me to cause more trouble. So I made a tiny little extra work. But see? Done in ten minutes, no monsters, and you got a tour of a famous place. Cool, right? And while you did that, I were talking to her about what she wanted for her victory. You got your pieces? Because then the funny bird... Spider... Spird, is all yours, and I'll activate the link properly. And I guess take the gum out of your wings. It looked funny when you tried using them earlier."

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

 

@Windy Breeze

"Ooooh yes, that sounds nice right about now. We just gotta make sure not to overstrain. Uncle Drowny's not gonna like it if we ended up getting dragged to his door step.

But we have a plan now. So let's get down there and get your meds, soon as you're ready, and we'll go find someplace to eat. And try to leave talks about where we're going away for a bit of time. I think after all this death, it'll be good to focus on life for a little while."

She hoped that Windy would agree on this. It'd be a nice break from all they had been through, and give them a bit of time to appreciate life. That sort of balance were needed after the day they had, and maybe let them have some time to think about what to do tomorrow. Not at first though. First off, they should go and find something to eat. Or okay, that were third off. First they should wait for Windy to be ready. After that, they had to get her meds. Then maybe food. Had to keep their priorities straight.

Soon as she were ready, they could begin to exit the hospital. They'd find that the couple they had met in town earlier, were in a room not far from them, with the mare being more heavily taken care of by the doctors, due to her wounds. They seemed to be in good hooves though, as were Quill, whose room they'd pass soon after. If Windy decided not to stop up and talk to any of them, they could make their way to the medicine station soon after, and ring a bell to get contact to the pony behind the thick screen, putting bottles of pills, and varied other things, up on the shelves behind him.

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

KARMIC

"I don't exactly know where I am so help would be appreciated, thank you," Karmic told the general with a nod. "Although, I'm surprised the ambassador can move around at all base on what I've seen."

Atzy

"Never heard of King Thorax," Atzy shrugged. She didn't move much from her place on Enzo's shoulder but regarded the changeling curiously. "I thought there were only two variants myself. Gemlings and Changelings. I'll have to tell Queen Dia'Thiz if we meet up again about this council thing. She wants to let all the changelings know we come in peace mainly because we mostly eat gemstones like dragons do. As for what we do ... find gems and eat them? I've never really thought about it beyond the daily ins and outs of it." She has never talked this much before, not even with Karmic. What was it about Mind Reaper that made her speak so much? Probably the inquisitive and innocent mind Atzy saw behind the changeling's eyes.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I wish to gain some of Marepunzel's hair so I can perform a ritual that will get Cherish unbound from her stick and to the castle I reside in," Twilight told Madame Macabre without hesitation although she probably should have done so, considering this is a creepy pony within a creepy location. "We're just missing this and one other ingredient and then Cherish can switch where she is bound to. Hopefully."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Hide in a bush and wait for it to be over," Aurora told Happy, looking over her shoulder at him before facing the front and let out a shaky breath. She shook her head and regarded both Lulu and Flaaxy. "A-Anyway, where are we even going to find the thing that threw the glitterbomb at us?"

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

"That's all well and good but when you say match, you mean, match as in 'friendship' match or match as in 'something more' match?" Dawn smirked, her tail swishing from side to side. She intended it as a joke but it could very well go either way. She's not used to how Kaltrops thinks yet and was honestly liking the thought of him staying by her side. "You put it out there, so it's either one or the other. How am I meant to take it?"

[Rising Dusk 27,537]

@Blitz Boom

Bash produced a cork stopper and worked to wedge it into place to plug up the beaker.  Rewarding himself with the favorite sound of any alchemist as the cork squeaked against the glass.  Upon further examination, a pony would see a winter wonderland upon the cool blue cube that Bash created.  The smallest of snow flurries dancing around the surface and one might even be able to believe they could make snow angels in the surface as if it were snow.  At least it was mint flavored.  This gum would likely be a little dangerous to a normal pony. lowering their core temperature to unhealthy levels, but for one with a unique situation like Magma, it just might be what she needs.  "Not a terrible idea," Starbright expressed.  "The basement will be the safest," Flare Blitz offered and moved past the desk to push open the swinging double doors.  "This way please," the officer asked Magma to follow while she moved into the offices beyond the doors.  Bash brought up the rear, might as well see the experiment through even if he was confident in his work.  In the back Wind Gale appeared to have gotten over her panic attack from earlier and was more than happy to file tickets than sit at the front desk.  The trio moved to the back of the offices and down the stairs into the secure basement.

In the safety of the large underground basement of the O.M.I., protected by layers of wards that help with such things, Flare summoned his magic to use a piece of chalk.  Drawing out a magic circle on the floor as Starbright pushed away a couple of the study tables to make enough room.  Two large rings set inside the other, the void filled with arcane runes for Heat and Barriers. With their tasks complete Flare and Starbright stood on either side of the magic circle and ignited their horns.  The outer ring glowed the red to match Flare's magic color and the inner ring a pale indigo for Starbright.  The Barrier runes rotated in different directions and at different speeds like clocks that didn't know what to do.  "While we run the cooling experiment, we'll also size you up for the adaptive barrier.  Just step on in," Starbright explained.

 

While he waited for the two officers and Omen to enter his apartment, Rising wandered over to his kitchen sink to wash up the bowel he'd been eating out of.  The detective's apartment was simple, far from the live style his sister adopted.  A couch, a fireplace, a recliner, a full kitchen, a desk by the window looking over the neighborhood's park and a closet full of hoodies.  His bathroom and bedroom being the only separate rooms.  He liked to think he made up for that in the decorations on his walls.  Paintings and posters that marked the pony who adopted the life in Manehatten gracefully.  The Manehatten Buck Ball team poster present in most stallion rooms, maybe a bit younger but he wasn't going to let such things matter.  An older Wonder Bolts poster from Rising's first time seeing their show performed in Manehatten. Several posters of various theater advertisements, including the farewell show poster of one Soaring Grace before her retirement.  The rest were paintings, nothing special, but what he'd pick up from painters in the park with random subject matters.  Landscapes, portraits and even fantasy paintings the artist thought up there on the spot.  That settled his living room at least.

Returning with a tray of tea floating behind him, Rising settled into his recliner and laid the tray on the coffee table between his couch and fireplace.  Gold Mane and Cork sat on his couch, leaving enough room for Omen if she wished to join them.  Each picking up a cup of tea, Cork adding two sugars and Gold Mane none.  They were ready for story time.  Taking his own up to leave the last for the mare from Harrowmark he started to answer the questions.  "In my battle with Twisted, I drew him to desperation and he needed to call on extra power from Suusha.  He summoned an avatar of the dark god, a truly dark being.  In the end though, Suusha became disappointed in Twisted and cut him off.  The avatar dragging him into the dark world below to be punished.  The avatar said it had more interest in me than Twisted anymore.  Before passing out from the effort of the battle I managed to destroy all the bindings Twisted had on Viz'nay, letting her return Light to Harrowmark.  Throughout my venture I was in the company of a High Priestess Thistle and did receive a blessing from Viz'nay after my work was done.  She did aid me when I first arrived in Harrowmark though and Suusha tried to take me right away.  Until I freed more of her power, it was all she could do for the time," Rising idly sipped on his tea.  "I cannot say for certain if Twisted is dead, my intent was to arrest him to begin with, but Suusha was not all too happy with him as a result of our battle.  I have no intention of just sending you home, not really what our agency deals with, but I would recommend at least filling out the correct paperwork," he said and Cork snorted, an officer to a fault.

Rising perked his eyebrow as Omen described a party of travelers that matched the one they were tracking through Harrowmark, Lily's mother.  "Are they here in Equestria?" Rising was a little confused, did the group cross over here already or did Omen more simply piggy back on to their tracking spell?

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

“Fine, we could spend a few more minutes tossing knives at the board. I’m not gonna admit defeat, though. Not when there’s no contest. I’d still like to see another demonstration.”

Rosa was right to make the call to just abandon the knife throwing contest. As much as Sen was slowly getting the hang of the game, there wasn’t enough time and there wouldn’t be a contest at all. The longma still wasn’t getting any closer to putting up a challenge for the thestral, which was evident in how Sen’s next few throws were pretty much going everywhere but the center of the board. To be fair, Sen’s aim was improving… kind of; the knives were consistently landing on the board, and one attempt ended up being fairly close to the center.

If he were asked, Sen wouldn’t really deny that a friendly game right now would be horrendously one-sided. The longma wouldn’t dare throw in the metaphorical towel if he had a chance but seeing what Rosa could do really dampened his odds. It was tough to concede but it was no contest; Sen just didn’t stand a chance.

“Yeah, this is going to take a lot of practice before I could put up something that could be considered a challenge. Maybe we’d have more interesting matches in the next games.”

Meanwhile, Lin would listen to Mary and think about what would go on the carved stone. To her, this was an easy answer, but it would carry great meaning behind what would be carved. This night, among any she’d ever had in her life, was special. Many memories were built in just a short time, and she would like to be reminded of this night considering the many things that are to come. 

“I’ve got it! I’m thinking of going with: ‘Moonlit Thicket: A Night to Remember.’ This is a special night for myself, my family, and my friends, and I don’t think I’ll ever experience anything like it again. I’d like to look at this carved stone and remember the fond memories I’ve had tonight. Maybe it’ll look good with a carving of a rune word as well!”

“What about you, Omen? Found something you like or are you interested in getting that doll for Shrimp?”

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

“I agree” Windy nod her head in approval “I should go get ready then” she picked up and wore her Wonderbolt uniform “Let's go”

They went out of the room, and began walking on the hallway of the hospital, passing several nurses, doctors, and hospital visitors along the way. Windy would wave at some of them or nod their head at them and smile at them, showing her respect for helping the other victims, and as they pass by serveal doors, she remember Quill, Wine, and Sandy; the three ponies she and Sorrow have interacted during their misadventure. She feel worried for them and began to look at the doors around her. She turn to the nearest pony, an earth pony mare.

“Excuses me, is there a pony named Quill Rhyme in the hospital?" She hoped she'll get an answer out from the nurse.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby would say something to Charir which broke him out of his thoughts, and after hesitating a bit he joined the two females, positioning himself in a way that Leviathan was between him and Ruby, it seemed he had made the decision on who he trusted more. "They could be trying to lure us somewhere." Ruby suggested "Traps capable of catching someone of my size aren't easy to make, so maybe they have made one somewhere and are trying to get me to chase them there." when they started moving ,she would not only pay attention to smells and sounds but also her extra sense, whoever was out there couldn't know that she could sense things like metal, so they would most likely bring a weapon made of such since anything less wouldn't do much to a dragon, least of all to her. This would also help her to notice traps if the potential hunters had decided to move forward from ropes.

-------------------------------------
The knock itself didn't break Nada out of her light sleep since she was underwater, but Ziggy getting up did as her hoofsteps echoed well into the water. It took her a second to get her surroundings before she slowly rose from the water, popping up at the same time as Berry was getting in "Hi Berry." she said quietly, not wanting to wake up the small creatures "Nice to see you again, I see you brought...coffee was it called?" she gave a friendly smile "I hope you have been doing good." she wasn't exactly sure how long it had been since they met last time, not long probably, but it had been chaotic for her so she assumed it had been long enough to speak about how one has been doing, she also didn't know how long it had to be for it to not seem weird.

-------------------------------------
Scarecrow was slightly surprised that Crow decided to go for the attack, though what didn't surprise him was that Anomaly didn't really care, but he found it curious that she could feel pain in the first place, he had kinda assumed that her kind just couldn't be harmed at all. Regarding Lyriel's comment, he responded "I for one can fully admit that this does put a smile on my face, figuratively of course, as I cannot smile and don't have a face." 

He didn't really pay attention to the creatures who came to watch the show, they were freaks of nature as he expected something created by Anomaly to be, and since they just watched, there wasn't much reason for him to act on them.

Scarecrow didn't buy the whole thing about the extra being his fault, sure his comment may have changed thing a bit, but he still believed there were tricks waiting for them originally too. For the pieces, he opened his wings on top of the table one by one and the stuff kinda just, dropped on the table. 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@Rising Dusk

It were good to see that they agreed that it were best to test this potential solution, rather than just put it all down to faith. She were a scientist, and Bash too were obviously a profession in his own right. For those like them, faith should not be as valuable as facts. Though she were uncertain if it were a good idea, to have this whole thing still take place within the building. She'd comply and follow, yet it seemed... Relatively reckless. Though what did she know? This were her first encounter with the O.M.I. For all she knew, there were a suitable location in their basement, warded and ready for varied situations. It were best if she gave them a chance, rather than insist that they exited the town for this.

Truth be told, she were mighty interested in this happening sooner, rather than later as well. The more she inspected the cube, the more eager she were to begin a chain reaction, and then chow down, to see what would come of this. Just imagine the possibilities if it did work? How one might be able to use large scale version, in a more liquid state, to actually fight magma elementals that had gone on a rampage? Those things were incredibly troubling to deal with, even for professionals, but if they could stabilize them via something like this? A well placed shot would do the trick then.

Oooh, she felt as giddy as a school filly already! 

23 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"While we run the cooling experiment, we'll also size you up for the adaptive barrier.  Just step on in,"

Getting to the spacious basement, it seemed her suspicions had been correct: They had several wards around the place. The exact details of which, she were unable to discern, as it were not her specialty, but considering everything, she'd assume it were general protection wards, with them then adding more specific ones as needed. Such as they did now, as they prepared a field for her to stand in, which she assumed would be focused primarily on containing the excessive heat.

Once it were all done, she'd nod her head, and correct her glasses, before stepping up on the ward. Quite honestly, she didn't really feel anything currently, but it were likely that she would, once she were no longer in a dormant state.

"As soon as you are ready then, please let me know, and I will begun an eruption sequence."

Once she were given the green light, Magma would take a deep breath, close her eyes, and slowly let out a long, drawn out sigh. And then... She'd begin.

She had found out how to control her abilities to a certain degree thus far, and that included things such as spewing flames, and lob a ball of magma, though she had of course done neither against another creature. What she had also found out, were certain ways to start an eruption sequence, which would make her rather dangerous to be around, and in theory, would also empower her abilities. She had just thus far not experimented much with that idea, as it seemed reckless to start there, before she had the baseline in further control.

The others would quickly find the sequence happening, as her body started to crack all over, and beneath it, molten hot magma began to bubble to the surface, along with plumes of fire, and scorching hot air. It would begin to drip from her being in varied locations, when she opened her eyes, reached down, and grabbed the gum, before starting to chew through it.

The results were almost immediate. Every chew would cool her down, from head to tail, in almost a wave motion. Cracks would harden over again, fire and magma cool down and grow dormant again, and even her mane and tail seemed to slow their increased speed, and rising coloration as well. Te experiment seemed to be a success. Though not without consequences.

After the fifth or so chew, she'd be cooled down to a more manable temperature, but her head would also hang, and she'd start to sway from side to side. A sixth chew, and it seemed like it were a struggle to even keep her eyes open. The seventh then came, and she'd finally fall to the floor, eyes half open, and seemingly go mentally dormant as well. She were still breathing, and while she did not have a pulse to check, she were obviously still alive. It just seemed like the rapid decrease in temperature, had been somewhat draining. Like the opposite of an adrenaline rush.

If they just gave her a solid minute or two, she'd start to blink again, and look around groggy. As for the gum, it had dissolved in her muzzle while she chewed, and it were unclear to her if there had even been a piece left, when she had chewed that last time, or if it were just a simple motion.

"*yawn* What happened? Were the experiment a success?"

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

 

@Rising Dusk

Grave had to stand and process what she were being told for a while. It were... It were a lot to take in.

"So Twisted got desperate, and called in Him, of all things? And he then took Twisted away, when he proved a failure? I.. I still don't understand how you resisted his assult, even with Viz'nay's blessing, but he would take Twisted if this happened. He is out only demigod. Ruler of the Screaming Chasm, wherein only the darkest of things are sent. Or those dumb enough to call upon him. If anyone deserved to be dragged down to where none ever returns, it is Twisted.

So the fight happened, Twisted were taken, and you did something to help the goddess? Something that made her grow stronger, and able to spread her influence once more?"

She needed a minute on this, chewing through what this meant, before a tear started to run down her face.

"Please please please don't be lying about this. If she can take in power again, Suusha can one day be lessened again. There'd be balance, and he would be free again. M-Mighty Suusha, there may finally be hope."

Grave wanted to believe this, as much as she had issues understanding how it had all happened. Even with the backing of a goddess, and her high priestess, Viz'nay were severely weakened, and every use of power, would weaken the cage she had willingly set Suusha in. It were a large risk, so there had to be some reason that she had believed this pony to be the one to put her faith in. A large stretch, but as a faithful, her being ached for this to be true, so that things could one day return to the glory it had apparently once been. Not in her lifetime, more than likely, but maybe in that of her grandfoals, or great grandfoals?

The blossoming hope made her feel like lounging forth, and take the stallion into a great big hug, unless she were blocked in some way. It were a highly personal, intimate thing in her mind, but there were few other ways she could express her sheer joy at this seedling of hope, that Rising had planted in her. Though he best not start to talk about kidding. It would be a cruelty to do so now, when she were tentatively believing his words.

As much as she were feeling like it though, she just couldn't move out of the spot right now. She just looked at him, while drying the tear from her eye, and looking at him with a sort of impressed caution.

"Finally an end to the madness. Great Suusha bless you. Though what power did you present, that the goddess were willing to put her lot in you? Did you free her priestess, and gained her approval through that? Are your magic of a kind that will shatter the heavens?

*clears throat* But uhm... A-Anyway, I don't know if they are here, but I doubt it. They had a wagon, and looked like they were going somewhere. I just took advantage of the link they made, to go to a place that looked a lot more happy than I'm used to. I've been spending years in a ghost town. Anything is pretty lively compared to that, but this? This *Equestria* as you call it? It almost oozes of life and joy. It's like nothing I've ever seen before.

...Though when you talk about paperwork, do you mean a contract to sig my soul over? Is that the price for happiness around here?"

For most, you'd think they were joking. However, Rising had been in Harrowmark, and would likely get that there were no joking in this, as that were a genuine, understandable concern there. Sure, Grave didn't smell or feel any semblance of soul magic, from anyone but Rising, where it wafted faintly around, but that didn't mean it weren't used to some degree. Like they had a big room in the midst of their capitol, where the trapped souls of their inhabitants were stored. Potentially for their nobility to feast upon, to keep them empowered. Had to be some sort of caveat to this whole thing, and now that she had that thought in her head, it were making Grave a little nervous.

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

 

@Sekel

"Pure stubbornness. An admirable trait, but something which will end up getting him killed in his current condition."

The general would wander down, take a left, and they would be right into the garden. It were actually a surprisingly fast path, once you knew the shortcuts. And Dew had been here for over thirty years. He knew well the inns and outs of this building. Including most of the hidden pathways, of which they had passed past one. Not something he often used when there were civilians though. Couldn't have that sort of exposure going after all.

"Seems like they are still here, and talking to one of the reformed ones. Truly a gathering of many variants of changelings today."

On 11/6/2020 at 11:15 PM, Sekel said:

"Never heard of King Thorax," Atzy shrugged. She didn't move much from her place on Enzo's shoulder but regarded the changeling curiously. "I thought there were only two variants myself. Gemlings and Changelings. I'll have to tell Queen Dia'Thiz if we meet up again about this council thing. She wants to let all the changelings know we come in peace mainly because we mostly eat gemstones like dragons do. As for what we do ... find gems and eat them? I've never really thought about it beyond the daily ins and outs of it."

"Thorax was the one who helped us evolve. Instead of taking love, we started to share it, and now we don't need to hunt ponies anymore! And then he and Princess Twilight had some talks, and we're allowed to be around and enjoy Equestria now, all peaceful and calm. We can even eat normal food now. Not everyone of us could do that before. I don't think we could eat gems though. That seems like it's a tough sell, but I think the ponies will like that's what you eat. There's loads of them, and they tend to like what's not chasing them."

Mind Reaper went into an even bigger grin, as she recounted a few things, and told how things were for their kind. A whole lot better than before, and it were so much more pleasant to be nice, like she were now, rather than live out her name again. Sure she had been good at it, but that didn't mean that she liked to do that. That'd be crazy.

"It sounds though, as if there is a divide, with those who have not, as you say, evolved.

Ah, and I can see that Karmic have returned, along with their general."

His ears weren't just for show. He heard it when the general talked before, and had glanced over to make sure that he had heard right, and weren't simply imagining it. After the prolonged loneliness he had gone through, it weren't as if this would be the first time, he had imagined the sound of something which were not there.

"Oooh, a friend of yours? And yep, there's a clash with the old ones, but it'll get solved in time, I'm sure of it. King Thorax got a brainy thestral to help him now, and he says that if they get their politic thing done right, the others might start to understand the benefit there is to not being a predator out in the big world. I dunno the details though. That's for the king and Rosa. I just heard a few snippets of what he's been saying, and filtered through what I understood of it. Best to leave the directions to the ones in charge, just like with your queen, right? You might learn stuff, but she's your queen. She'll make the decision. Or have you branched out to start a hive yourself already?"

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

 

@Sekel

"You're doing the incantation wrong, if that is your goal then. Marepunzel's mane is fabled to help unbind a ghost entirely, not relocate it. Were you to go through with this, she would not be bound to your castle, but free to roam. The binding is another matter, and would require dust from her own bones, or time. The energies are known to seep through a place as time goes by."

While she were talking, there were finally an end in sight, as the door showed up. Something which Cherish did not focus much on, compared to the words of the odd, elderly mare who had just clarified things some more. Or lied, though what purpose would there be in lying about this?

"So I could be free to w-walk through anywhere I wanted?"

"That is what the stories tells us. There are other ways to do that too, but none of them are pleasant. I don't know for certain if this would be either, but I imagine we will find out soon."

She'd let the princess pass into the room first if it were, though otherwise, Madamme Macabre would soon enough open the door, and reveal what were inside. Whatever that may be? They'd find out soon enough. Either a dead end, or they'd be face to face with a mare of legends. They'd see how that might end up, though there were a chance this would end up as a rescue mission of sorts. What a strange day this were.

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

 

@Sekel

"Rather simply, we investigate the area, and see what we can find. It may be we find nothing, and it were a stray spell of sorts. Might be we find a gang of cultists. You'd think in a land with no known gods, that such creatures wouldn't have much to go on, yet still they appear. I doubt this is that though. At worst, I am assuming a unicorn having some degree of a breakdown, or hermit inventor."

"There's this filly here in the forest, making bombs. That sorta thing worth checking out?"

Lul would turn and look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I would assume one would contact the parents and see what she might be up to then, as a possible clue."

"Nah nah, she lives out here on her own. And don't gimme that look. I didn't believe it either, but I've gone and seen her. And her weird brother. I think they were talking about leaving the area, but might be they fired off something that then smacked me in the noggin by accident? I ain't sure, but the hut is... That way, I think."

He'd point roughyl to the east, which were the direction Flaxxy would then begin to wander. A clue was a clue after all.

"Hey Aurora? Mind putting me down? I'm thinking my heads a little better, so it's probably fine now. That way, I can stay close, and keep your safe too. Wouldn't want you to get hurt, or run into a bush like you said, and find out that there's a poisonous plant there. Some of that stuff can get mighty itchy."

There were also Poison Joke, but... Probably best not to make her paranoid about that. Aurora already seemed frazzled enough, without having to worry about a plant that made her teeth fall out, or some other weird thing. Plus, he weren't sure how it looked anyway. He just heard it were a plant to watch out for, so he wouldn't be much help with that.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 11/7/2020 at 1:14 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Yeah, this is going to take a lot of practice before I could put up something that could be considered a challenge. Maybe we’d have more interesting matches in the next games.”

Regardless of the outcome, Rosa would still briefly clap at Sen for his effort, with a smile on his face.

"You did well for a first timer Sen. There is no shame in not getting a bullseye on your first session, nor losing against me. Remember, that I spent well over a decade in school, practicing things such as this. It would not be feasible for you to defeat me in this with your current skill level.

Practice though, and I think there might be some true competition in you. I see potential when you throw. Yet there is a difference between a natural, and having potential. One requires time and effort."

The one in control of the stands, would be able to get them on to the next competition fairly easy, as the room had gotten free recently few minutes prior. There were two bows, two quivers with roughly ten arrows in each, and a board, much like the last room.

After the safety guidelines, the two of them were free to try this, and Rosa would again begin. He'd sit on his rear, put an arrow carefully on his hoof, stretch the string, and... Middle downward. Not the worst, but certainly not as impressive as before.

"I admit to not being the most proficient when it comes to bow and arrows. Not much practice on that, compared to weapons that could be hidden on your being, where I'm from. You try, Sen. Just remember to do as the owner said: Steady yourself, take a breath, and remain calm. You will not aim well if you are stressing out about everything. Well, most I know don't, but I assume there's instinct to go by, that might be... Nevermind, I'm rambling. Please, let's see how you do at this Sen. I think we might have a more even competition with this."

On 11/7/2020 at 1:14 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’ve got it! I’m thinking of going with: ‘Moonlit Thicket: A Night to Remember.’ This is a special night for myself, my family, and my friends, and I don’t think I’ll ever experience anything like it again. I’d like to look at this carved stone and remember the fond memories I’ve had tonight. Maybe it’ll look good with a carving of a rune word as well!”

“What about you, Omen? Found something you like or are you interested in getting that doll for Shrimp?”

"I think I know a good one."

Mary would smile behind her veil, and float the stone to the side, over a basket, so that she could chisel and not make a mess. It weren't fun cleaning up this stuff, so it were best if she could have it all in the basket, and just dump that in a trash can later. Of course she were just writing things up right now, but she had a habit of doing this, so it just kinda became something she did automatically.

While she wrote away with the coal stick. Omen would not answer at first, but just keep looking at the odd voodoo doll, that laid on the table.

"...Yes. I think I like this?"

She were feeling something at least, that she weren't when she looked at the other doll. There, it had felt like something were pushing her away from it. Weak, invisible hooves, pressing against her with the force of a mild breeze. Barely noticeable, but she had still felt it somehow.

This feeling were not here. It were more like it were just waiting for her to pick it up. This must mean that she liked this, and didn't like the other one, right? Her emotions were dulled down, so she had to go by what she guessed might be the case. And this sort of rejection of one, and embracing of another, seemed to be fitting what she assumed were the feeling of preferring one thing over another.

She'd poke at this, and watch it fall harmlessly back, all limp and creepy as always, then bounce back a little, due to it's tail. She'd do this some more times, curiously batting to the doll carefully, while Mary finished her job with the gravestone, and presented it to Lin. The text on it were as she asked, written in flowing letters, with the date of the day they had now, on top. If it were meant as a memory, then it seemed fitting that the exact date too, were present, yes? It had sounded like it to her at least, soo hopefully she were right.

As for the rune word, it would be in about eight *letters*, shared across two lines near the bottom, and look like something you'd find on an old textbook.

"It says *Memory* and *Friends*. But if you don't like it,  I could change it. Not gonna chisel until you're at peace."

"Can I buy a stone too?"

"Yes. Just let me finish with her first."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

It were kind of endearing really, to have Charir stay closer to her, than to his older sister. Sure it likely had something to do with her being far less intimidating than Ruby, but still, she appreciated it nonetheless. Plus, it left them in a rather fun little position, where they were marching in size order. Nothing important in that, yet it slightly amused her, if nothing else.

They would not have to keep waiting for long, before they ran into the first trap, though this were not a rope. It were a pit fall, covered rather well, and looking indistinguishable from the dirt. Though there had been a slight glitter, that made Leviathan ask them to halt, before throwing a rock at it.

Looking into the bottom, the same glitter were present there, in the bottom of the roughly three meter deep hole. It had enough size to trap perhaps Leviathan or Charir, but definitely not Ruby. It would at most have annoyed her, or made her leg act up, from stumbling into it.

"This is just getting weirder and weirder... I wonder if these are just distractions?"

Speaking of distractions, Charir might find that there were something out of the corner of his eye, trying to get his attention. A semi-large bunny, who would start making faces to him, and follow it with rude gestures, soon as his eyes were on it. Taunting him in every which way it could, to try and catch it.

As for Ruby, she might instead find that there were a feint waft of something from another side, and a quick rustling of a bush. There were even a quick tip of a tail seen, before it were retracted, by the thing that seemed to move away in the brush now. Not much though, but it were red, with fur, so it definitely wasn't a dragon. Perhaps it were the ones who had been after them before?

Leviathan wasn't taking notice of anything, as her attention were to some degree on the trap. It also didn't help, that Charir and Ruby wouldn't be able to sense what were after the other one, and Leviathan wouldn't be able to tell there were anything going for either. It would seem that something were messing with them, and targeting them individually. Likely to attempt to separate them.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Yeah, today's been a weird one. Monsters, weird folks, break in at the bakery from a stallion eating sugar like we drink water, and draconequui. A typical day in the sanity tester that is Ponyville."

"There was a break-in at the bakery?"

"Yeah, it was... Weird. Even for this town. I saw him eat a cup too, along with a frog monster. It were wriggling all the way down, as he went on it like an anaconda.

...Urgh, you can have my doughnut. I just lost my apatite."

The bag with those in were put on the table, as she shook her head. It were meant to Ziggy, whom she had not brought things for, as she were not aware that the doctor lived here. Or were visiting? It were hard to say. Though at least she now knew where the mare resided. She had sorta just figured the mare rummaged through the skies constantly, and slept on stray ones. Some pegasi did that after all.

"That sounds real weird alright. But you say frog monster? Did you also see the mare with a shark tail, looking for frogs?"

"As I said, draconequui. Typical of them to try and solve one blunder, by adding another on top, and hope it sorts itself out. She seemed pretty ravenous, but I haven't seen her for hours. Not heard a good deal talk about her either. I just sorta figured she went hunting for them in the forest or something.

Anyway, been a long day at work, so how about we talk about what you lot have been up to? Had a nap it looked like? Gonna mess up your day rhythm y'know, seeing how it's evening already."

She'd point towards the table, and put out three cups of coffee - Pumpkin cappuccinos. They had a surplus they needed to use before they went stale - and a bag of assorted baked goods that had been left over tonight. As they couldn't sell that the day after, any of them were free to take it with them after hours. Better than to waste it, by throwing them out after all.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Anomaly would clap as the things were presented to her, and would then put it all in her cup, before smashing it with her dragon hand. Once it were nice and liquified, she'd gulp it down in one, big slurp.

"Mmmm, you can really feel it melt away at your soul. Yummy stuff. You won, gongratulations! Here's your spird, and freedom. Oh right, and yours too, heh, forgot that."

She'd snap her tail, and suddenly Lyriel would seem a whole lot more lively, as she rose up and started to look around. Scarecrow could likely tell this were because her connection were returned, since his wings would have the gum fall out, and dissolve on the ground. The game were won, and that meant the handicaps could be removed.

"Earth Mother be praised, I can feel again. May I never again be without her blessed touch."

"Jeez, you take it really serious. Was it that bad?"

Lyriel didn't answer, but just went over and ran her hoof through some of the vegetation, while the three headed snake slithered closer, and soon enough were wrapped calmly around itself, up on her back.

"Huh, guess it might've been... Oh well, it's over now, but I think she needs a minute of happy time, before I get to tell her that I can't get her friends here. I mean, I tried, and it would've worked too, if it weren't for that darn Earth Mother, and her vile little tricks."

Anomaly would pull her tongue at the ground, out of sheer principle, and then eat her cup.

"You'd think she''d be all for it. But noooope. Have to be all *bla. bla. choice* and *bla. bla. earning redemption". Bleargh, total buzzkill.

Anyway, have you two tried to connect yet, Scarecrow? The illusion's pretty good. Nothing funny or anything sadly. Just a regular looking Evergrown."

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

 

@Windy Breeze

The nurse didn't even look up from her papers, but just nodded to the right.

"Second door on the left, room 12."

That were all she said before hurrying along, and heading in the opposite direction. Seemed like she were real busy, but with all the folks coming in now, it were kind of a given that they were. It was just good really. The more active they were, the sooner the poor folks could get help, and some of them likely needed it a whole bunch.

The way to the room mentioned were rather uneventful, unless watching a pair of ponies, each with a broken back leg, racing one another down the hallway on crutches, were your thing. It seemed pretty harmless, so Sorrow at least would give it a glance, and get a bit of a chuckle out of it. The nurses were probably not gonna be happy about this, but let the poor lads have a bit of fun. Long as they were careful not to fall, or get in the way of others, what could it hurt, right?

As they got to room 12, they'd find that a nurse were dealing with Quill in the room, in whatever state she might be in. Said nurse were pretty hard to miss, as her mane were risen up in a punk style, with each spike being its own color, and her also multicolored tail had several spiked collars down it, from flank to tip. She also seemed to have a tattoo on her back, of a guitar on fire, with the flames forming a heart, which seemed to be molded after her cutie mark. Unusual sight, but she might have been pulled in on an emergency shift or something, and hadn't the time to change.

"Just you see, we'll get you sorted up nice and good Miss Rhyme. No worries about that."

Whatever state Quill were in, this were still what the nurse would say, with a cheery voice. Unless Quill were unconscious in a bed. Then there'd just be humming.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

When she looked at Quill's condition, Windy felt pity, guilt, and regret, the mare's expression is stuck in half-doze and half-smile, resulting a tired-crazed look on her face, she muttered unintelligible but she could still make out a few words for the others to understand.

“...I want my brother....scones and chocolate stones...so much fun...let's do gardening...”

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

"I have only one request, we are to retrieve Tirek from Tartarus and you get to do whatever you want, as long as you don't interfere with me."

He took the belt off and tossed it to the ground. "Really I just want utter CHAOS." He clenched his claws for emphasis.
"The lands desire a ruler, and order, so by causing chaos we can claim to be putting it back into order. Obviously we won't actually be doing that, but that's what this is for." He held up the element of deception, it glowed brightly, and caused the realm around them to shift greatly, they appeared to teleport and ended up in Canterlot, torn to the ground and on fire at every corner, and statues of Grogar standing atop the corpses of the princesses.
"They will believe whatever we show or say, as long as I wield this."

He lowered it as the illusion vanished, seeming to withdraw into the element like tendrils.
"and you of course get your respective element whatever it was, I didn't bother to remember."

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

Rose grinned as she revoked control of the blood spikes in the air, Sapphire falling to the ground.
She extended her claw, her palm bleeding out from an unseen cut, smiling in a weirdly endearing way.
"So then it is in both our interests to not cause any suffering."
the blood formed on the end of a claw as she signed the pact, withdrawing her claw.
"Now- let's begin."

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

Lin isn’t easily impressed in some situations, but she isn’t exactly going to criticize work she’s not familiar with. Going with what Weeping Mary drafted, it was something that the longma is going to be happy with for a very long time. One look at the carved rune words and she is already liking it, and that is probably something Sen would like as well. Lin would smile at the draft then toward Mary, clearly more than happy with how it will turn out.

“That’s perfect! Memories made with good friends, and this will remind me of this night for a long time. I love it! Whenever you’re ready, Mary. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product!”

It wasn’t the only thing on her mind, going by what Omen mentioned. She’s also interested in a stone, but instead of asking outright, the longma was curious about what will go on Omen’s stone. Though there are a few ideas flitting in and out of her mind, it is perhaps better to wait and see. A surprise usually came from something unexpected, after all. That and there was also the doll Omen poked. A little creepy but the way it bounced back up, it looked like fun, likely something Shrimp would like to pass the time. That one amused Lin despite its simplicity.

Meanwhile, Sen’s last run with the knives wasn’t all that great despite managing to hit the board a few times. He’d sheepishly smile as Rosa congratulated him before moving on to the next game. This one, archery, already looked more complicated than the knives, and going by how he took a while to get used to the last game, this one probably will end the same way. 

There was a fair bit of dexterity involved with the bow, but having claws meant that gripping the bow and loosing an arrow may be something a little more interesting. 

“When you mentioned seeing my throws, I think that may be more applicable to throwing spears. The knives are whole new thing. Now, let me see if I got this right… Hold up the bow, line up the arrow, draw the bowstring, and loose.”

The first two steps seemed simple enough but drawing the bowstring was not easy. Pulling back generated tension, and the further Sen pulled back, the more the string wanted to go back the other way. Fair enough that it was likely what allowed the arrow to fly but the pullback was the challenging bit to get right. As expected, Sen’s inexperience resulted in a wobbly grip, causing the arrow to fly off to the side, landing way off center. The arrow found itself lodged to the right, about 3/4ths of the way to the outer edge. 

“I was not expecting that out of the bow. Maybe I should try that breathing technique the hunt master told me when throwing a spear. Take a deep breath in, then let a bit of air out. That’s when I release, and I follow that up by exhaling the rest of the air.”

Once more, Sen lined up his aim, pulled back on the string, then followed the breathing exercise. This time, the loosed arrow flew straighter, landing a fair bit above the center of the target, but he’s actually getting a hang of archery faster than knife throwing.

“This is gonna be close, Rosa! Want to fire a few more arrows before we start our little competition?”

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@FanOfManyShows

Grogar went over and picked up his belt, as it were carelessly thrown to the ground.

"Tirek does not sow chaos. He sows fear, and harvest magic. If you are not careful, that precious element of yours may find itself just another source of power for him.

Yet, that is a fight you two can have amongst yourselves. Your plans for Equestria hold little value to me. I seek my own throne, and my own lands. You can raze this meager kingdom yourselves, to your hearts content. Though I will remain for a time, and watch your plans unfold. It might prove amusing to watch their society crumble."

Grogar's throne laid in a darkened city, forgotten long ago, under tides even the sirens did not sink to anymore. In time, when his power were gathered once more, he would ascend the forgotten throne, and rise to the surface once more, followed by all the monsters of this world, who would obey his words. And if they refused to, as some of the early variants of the sirens once had, their bodies would be displayed to show the price for disobedience. He were the king of monsters, and they would be made to respect that rule.

In time, Equestria would as well. Let Tirek and Skall fight over dominance all they wanted. Eventually, they would be weakened by their fight, and ripe to be brought to their knees. Or if not that, then one of the citizens would come crawling to him, begging for him to stop the chaos engulfing their land. Ponies were predictable like that. They would abhor a tyrant, but they feared chaos, and a lack of government even more. If the choice came between bowing their neck to him, or be enslaved by creatures feeding them only lies, or feasting on their magic, they would chose him. After all, he were nothing but a fair ruler, once you knew your place.

"And your elements hold no value to me. I have no use for a forgotten spirit."

He'd put on the belt, and the area he stood in, had a ripple course through it, as the magical chains keeping him here shattered. Yet he were still dismayed, as he found the magic that were supposed to lay inside these, had been greatly diminished since last he had worn it. It would hamper his plans some, and mean he had to go with a far less direct route to his throne. An irritating situation, but one he could still work with. A minor bump in the road like this, would not stop him.

"Freedom is mine once more. Let us leave, and go to see Cerberus. He will let us fetch your prize."

Grogar jumped out of this realm, and took a deep breath, with his regal chest filling with the scent of freedom. A more earthy smell than he had anticipated, but what did it matter? It were still better than the staleness of his prison. Yet he could feel other needs to, now that he were not in this cage. Hunger and thirst, which had been kept down by the magics trapping him. He would have to find something to feast on in due time, though he would manage. It were but a low feeling of emptiness for now. It would not bring him low.

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

Soon as the contract were written, they'd both feel a surge, as if briefly, their blood would boil, and the contract would fold up. When it were done fully, it would vanish from sight. Their deal were now brokered, and the path ahead set in stone, which were annoying to Emerald, as she had wanted to avoid sliding back into the role of villainy again, but such were the choice. It were either that, or Sapphire getting killed, and she didn't want to ressurect her again. It were an annoying process before, and if her body was obliterated, it would just get more tedious and drawn out, to the point where it might simply be easier to get her a golem shell.

"You owe me for this, Sapphire. And mark my words: I Will collect."

Emerald narrowed her eyes at her unconscious sister, before teleporting Sapphire away, back to the swamp where she had been taken before, while she remained here. She had other work to do now.. With a draconequui, of all things. This were undoubtedly going to be annoying.

"So then, where do we start? I imagine you have a target in mind already? One of the dragons perhaps? I know they took part in hiding the elements away, and they are likely to have survivors from the olden days. I of course do not know names, but I get the feeling that you do."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 11/9/2020 at 3:54 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“That’s perfect! Memories made with good friends, and this will remind me of this night for a long time. I love it! Whenever you’re ready, Mary. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product!”

Though it weren't easy to see, Mary would have a smile on her face, as Lin said what she had been shown were as it should be. It were always nice to hear good things about your work, and considering how hard she worked on making the best she could here, it warmed her little heart to be complimented for that work, and she'd begin on the chiseling right away.

While she were working, she'd hum a small tune. A foal's song that were often used on the eastern side of Equestria, with a melody and song, a good deal more happy than you'd think Mary would like, considering her attire, name, and general business sense. She enjoyed it though, as her mother tended to sing it to her, and she found it helped her focus on the work. Why, she didn't even react, as a lumbering shadow suddenly loomed over Lin and Omen.

"Ah, our peculiar guests that I've heard Queen Cheshire speak so highly of. I assume you are Lin and Omen?"

The tall, muscular frame of mayor Soda Stream had halted near them, as he had moved past, and noticed them here at Mary's booth. At that point, he had decided that he could take a little time away from his duty of looking around the place for troublemakers, to come and see them more for himself. The Macabre family did the protection detail well, and didn't need his presence really anyway, but he liked being active, and feeling useful. Sitting on his rear in an office, were not being useful. He had an assistant for that sort of thing.

"I am Omen. You are big."

Omen would quickly respond, to the surprisingly silent, lumbering giant of a thestral she were now looking at. Something which made him raise an eyebrow as the voice rung through his head, and gave some rather neutral sounding words, from this strange pony, with the curious, pale eyes. Cheshire had told her a few things already, but it were different to actually experience it. She were harmless though, that much had been made clear, so he would not hold things against her. Quite honestly, after dealing with Cheshire for several years, and the Macabre clan for even longer, it were hard to really judge others too harshly, on something which did not hurt others.

"That I am. I see you're looking for souvenirs? Finding anything of interest? A doll, a necklace, and a stone it seems? Good choices. Mary is but a young filly, but the quality of her work are admirable. I'm sure you will be quite happy with anything you buy from her.

I were told a thestral and another of your kind were here too, Lin? Where might they be?"

The mayor were a big guy, and not someone to trifle with, but you could see in his eyes, that he were a kind soul. Even his deep voice carried a jovial, warm tone to it, that should help in making him appear less threatening. At least as much as a large thestral with a chest scar, military cut, and large barrel on his back could be. It were hard not to exclude some degree of power the way he looked, but he did what he could, to be looking more like a protector, than an aggressor. It fit his personality and job more.

On 11/9/2020 at 3:54 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I was not expecting that out of the bow. Maybe I should try that breathing technique the hunt master told me when throwing a spear. Take a deep breath in, then let a bit of air out. That’s when I release, and I follow that up by exhaling the rest of the air.”

Once more, Sen lined up his aim, pulled back on the string, then followed the breathing exercise. This time, the loosed arrow flew straighter, landing a fair bit above the center of the target, but he’s actually getting a hang of archery faster than knife throwing.

“This is gonna be close, Rosa! Want to fire a few more arrows before we start our little competition?”

Rosa looked on, as Sen went through his breathing exercises, and went from shooting a good deal off, to being rather close to his own shot. This seemed like it might make for an actual challenge between them, rather than the rather one sided deal from before. Delightful really, as he appreciated it weren't just easy for him the whole way. Where were the fun in that?

"You should listen to your hunt master more often then, Sen. Staying calm, helps tremendously when it comes to using any sort of long range weapon, as it is rare for one to get more accurate, if they are frantic or frustrated. Plus, if you hunt animals, they can smell it if you're nervous, so keeping a cool head is important.

I remember one of the methods my old teacher used, to see if we could keep calm in the midst of battle actually. He'd fire pellets at us. Weren't dangerous per se, but it hurt, and if we missed because of it, we had to start over. I think it took me five months to complete his class because of that, but it did teach me a valuable lesson about calm, and not getting distracted.

I don't have pellets on me, so I will instead just encourage you to listen to his words, then also mine, as I tell you to try and filter out distractions, and focusing on your target. You're not in any danger here, so you need not to keep your senses on alert for your surroundings.

That being said, I say we take two more arrows each, and then we start the competition. Have to make good use of the time we have after all. Now then, let's see if perhaps I can get it this time..."

Rose would lift the bow again, arrow resting on his hoof. He'd pull back the string and feel the bow bending, readying for him to release his hold on the string, and letting the arrow fly. Yet, he were more careful this time, aiming for longer, as he wanted to improve upon his former shot.

Taking into consideration the amount of force used before, and the angle he had shot at, he'd adjust his position slightly, and then hold his breath, as he honed in on the right angle to... Shoot.

*twang*

The arrow would soar through the air, and impact the board with precision. About two centimeters below where the last one had been, making it a worse shot than his first one.

"...I get the feeling I should not have skipped archery classes as much as I did."

The second of his arrows would hit better, but still not be near the middle. Small improvements though. He were sure that he could do this once upon a time, but it had been so long since he had to do this, that he had gotten rusty. Plus he were never the best student in that class to begin with, and it were an elective, so long as he spent hours elsewhere, no one really cared. It weren't something they needed for spy work generally after all, so it were more meant for the sort of jobs where you had to get some bait, but most preferred to go for trap building in that case, so it weren't the most populated class. Enough seemed to like it to keep it going though. If for nothing else, then a nice break fromt he more tough classes.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

It'd be a bit before the nurse noticed the ones who had come to the room, and looked up at the fairly odd pair. Mostly Sorrow really. Carrying skulls were not something ponies really did do, and this one hung out with a Wonderbolt? Man, this day were crazy.

"Oh hey there. Are you here to see the patient? She's a bit out there on pain meds right now, but you can try to get through to her if you like. I'm sure she'll get out of it soon anyway, so you could also just wait around and see.

If you want some good news, I can tell that she's mostly healthy. A little battered up, and the doctor said she were a little erratic at first, but she's not the only one. I'm assuming that it's just something that happened in the closed off part of town.

Oh, by the way? The skull? It's awesome. Is it real, or did you get it from a shop?"

"Huh? Oh, right. Legion's real. My grandmother gave them to me."

"Dang, your grandmother is metal. She into the metal scene? Punk maybe? Goth perhaps?"

"I think she listens to harp music mostly. She says it soothes the dead."

"Your family is way cooler than mine already. Couldn't get them to even see a femur bone without getting horrified. I mean, it's not like I'd go out and boil some poor animal for something like that. That'd be crazy. I'm just wearing some accessories for the scene. Or I would, but still trying to find out a place to get some real authentic stuff, and not that phoney plastic hookie."

"You should try going to one of the carnivals they host in the Moonlit Thicket. My cousin Weeping Mary, makes all sorts of souvenir things I think you'd like. Small gravestones, authentic voodoo dolls, necklaces and stuff with real animal bones- That sort of thing. Just let her help you pick a doll. She tells me they don't act nicely with owners they don't vibe with. Sorta like pixies."

"Awh hay yeah! I'm so gonna go there the next time they have something."

The nurse made a hoof bump, while doing a head bop, as if she were listening to some of the music from one of the concerts she attended. At least for a second, before she cleared her throat, and with a little blush on her cheeks would return to her patient.

"I mean... Thank you for the tip. I'll have a look one day, if we're not busy here. Sorry about getting a little too enthusiastic there."

"It's fine. I think Mary would like you actually. She likes those who can appreciate the sort of care she puts into her work.

Anyway, I guess we went on a bit of a tangent... Sorry about that, WIndy. Would you like to try and get through to Quill? maybe wait a bit and see if she gets better? We can always just come back and check up on her another time if you'd like."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Windy she saw Sorrow and the nurse she assumed to be in charge of taking care of Quill interact, even letting out a chuckle when they hoofbump.

When the nurse asked Windy, she went into deep thinking of what should her decisions she should choose. Quill would possibly react to their presence by either throwing things at them or yell for them to leave, but she wanted to see her if she is okay and talk to her for minutes if she is stable enough to do so.

“I want to meet her” she was not sure whether her choice is a good idea, or one she would deeply regret.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

Lin eagerly awaited to see what the final product would look like, but she was patient. She knew the kind of effort it would take to make something good, especially after understanding the work her grandfather put into the jeweled trinket she was wearing. This was a calm way to pass the time, that is until a figure approached her and Omen based on the shadow being cast over them. 

Fortunately, it was Mayor Soda Stream sounding jovial despite his rugged appearance. Him knowing their names was strange but the longma hearing Cheshire’s name leave his lips got her to calm down. By then, Lin smiled and bowed to the mayor before replying to his question. 

“Good evening to you, mayor. It seems like Queen Cheshire told you about us. I am looking to get some souvenirs and Weeping Mary’s booth was recommended by Banshee. My brother, Sen, and Rosa are at uh… having a little bit of competition at a booth. They said they were interested in darts but I think they’re still throwing knives.”

“You probably heard this a few times from others but this is a very pretty town. It definitely feels welcoming and I feel like I’m at home with the trees here. Do you like to wander around the fair?”

Speak of competition, Sen would watch Rosa and try to one-up him. He took aim, breathed in, and loosed another arrow. This one was off by a lot, landing way below the center. A second arrow would land closer to the center, but it was between his previous shot and the middle of the target. It was better but not by much. Sen didn't try the breathing technique despite seeing how much his shot improved because it jogged an old memory of his, though he'd remember to do it in the actual contest. 

“The hunt master was stern. He knew how to get things done and how to do things right, but you wouldn’t know where you stood with him at all. One moment, he’d give good advice like a patient teacher, then he’d start criticizing everything you did. Nothing was perfect and if you made a mistake, you’d get an earful about how you’d never make a good hunter.”

The longma paused for a bit before readying himself for a little bit of competition. He didn’t want to move the conversation along to matters that didn’t need to be brought up, and he would want this game to distract him. Still, that thought of going back to training with the hunters is probably never going to happen knowing the hunt master is still running it and didn’t look kindly on exiles. Fortunately, Sen wasn’t interested in going back despite still believing in the ideals of the hunters. He’s slowly finding a new purpose after learning what Rosa taught him.

“So, shall we begin? Even if I’m still trying to get this right, I’m not gonna let up easily!”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
Neither Ruby or Charir were lured away, though the reasons for it were bit different, Ruby simply wasn't fooled, she believed luring them apart was the plan of whoever they were dealing with, so it would have been pretty stupid to fall for that trick, especially mere moments after she had shared her belief out loud, while Charir, who still was inexperienced enough to fall for something like this, was too afraid of Ruby's wrath to leave the two females, he had been told to stay close, so he would stay close. Though if the thing got too close to him, it would get a taste of Charir's flames which reached surprisingly far.

Ruby then turned towards Charir, because while she couldn't sense what Charir was sensing, she could sense that he was reacting to something, and seeing...or not-seeing in this case, what was going on, she started putting things together in her mind "It is a distraction." she said before saying something to Charir, who then got bit closer to Leviathan, she then continued "I think there's illusion magic involved." "I couldn't sense what Charir was sensing, and from your lack of reaction I take you didn't notice anything." "This makes me believe that Charir and I are hallucinating." this type of thing was rather basic, and whoever was messing with them would need to get more creative to fool someone like her, she hadn't survived almost 200 years by running after everything that moved. "Which would mean that someone is messing with our heads." she couldn't trust her senses, so she now mainly focused on her extra sense, it would be hard for someone to fool a sense they didn't know existed, so if they had anything even remotely shiny with them, she would find them sooner or later. Also if there would be something with visible shinies that she couldn't sense, it was a strong sign that it wasn't real.

-----------------------------------
"I met that shark-pony mare during my hunt, she seemed friendly, if bit odd." Nada informed "Didn't seem like the hugging type, but liked to boop her snout on me, I guess that's her take on hugs." that was mostly meant for Ziggy, since she had expressed her want to hug the shark-mare "I also had a clash with a overgrown timberwolf at one point, I didn't get hurt, but few friends did." "I think that's all, I hope I'm not forgetting anything important, it seems all of us have had a fair share of chaos today." it was both amusing and worrying that both ponies were so casual about all of this weirdness, sure Equestria always had had it's fair share weird things happening, but still. She didn't have much to comment on it though, since all she could really say was 'that's weird', and that she could communicate by nodding  "Actually, one thing more, did you happen to hear anything about a mermaid being around these parts? a foal saw me and thought I am one, I'd just like to know if he kept it secret like he promised."  if nothing stopped her, she would then take one of the cappuccinos and smell it before tasting it.

----------------------------------
Scarecrow didn't really like the implication that Lyriel went through all this for nothing, but at the same time, it really wasn't his problem, it wasn't like he could do anything about it, and he had had enough of games with slightly annoying inconveniences.

While Anomaly spoke, Scarecrow decided to 'drink' the drink served to him, he put the cup inside his skull, around where the throat started, and just crushed it with his jaws, causing the liquid mostly go down his throat, some of it came out from his mouth since there was nothing to keep it in there, but most went down, not that it changed anything since it soon poured on the floor from the various holes in his body anyway. 

After that he gestured Crow to land on him to try out the illusion, his thoughts also matched this in case the gesture was unclear. After it was done, assuming nothing went weird, the first thing he would test would be taking something and sticking it where he knew there was a hole, this was to test if the illusion was only visual or if it made him physically what he looked like.

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@Windy Breeze

"Alright, just hang out a few minutes more, and she should hopefully start to get out of it. While we wait though, mind if I ask a few more things of you, miss?"

"Sure. And just call me Sorrow, please."

Frankly, the nurse - Blaze Tunes, as she identified herself as - seemed to hit off well, in the sense that Blaze were really interested in knowing more about where she came from. The more she heard, the more enthralled she just seemed to be, and that didn't lessen when the talk started to go on how Sorrow's clan were full of mediums, to varied degrees, and the area around the Moonlit Thicket were often drawing in spirits because of it.

Windy may learn a few things too with this. For example that yes, all of the members of her clan, had some degree of a morose name. A few had name changed to something less grim, during their history, but overall, it remained a stable. A sort of tradition, where the only ones these days who did not tend to have that sort of names, being the ones married to members of the family. Weren't anything about them having to change for their sake, as that would just be crazy talk.

She'd also learn that Sorrow's father were named Grim Dawn, and her mother were called Glitter Bug, and were an entomologist, while her father were a house caretaker for a wealthy adventurer in Canterlot. There would also be the notion that her family were indeed rather large, as she talked about the number of cousins she had by referring to there being dozens, last she had heard about it, though she had no exact numbers.

They'd start talking about the sort of things Weeping Mary apparently made, right after Quill had gotten her last bandages on, when said mare would begin to seemingly get out of her trance.

"Oh, I think the patient is coming to. Miss Rhyme? Can you hear me? You're at the Fillydelphia City Hospital. How are you feeling?"

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

 

@EQ_Theta

18 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Good evening to you, mayor. It seems like Queen Cheshire told you about us. I am looking to get some souvenirs and Weeping Mary’s booth was recommended by Banshee. My brother, Sen, and Rosa are at uh… having a little bit of competition at a booth. They said they were interested in darts but I think they’re still throwing knives.”

“You probably heard this a few times from others but this is a very pretty town. It definitely feels welcoming and I feel like I’m at home with the trees here. Do you like to wander around the fair?”

"Yes, I like to mingle, and see how everypony is enjoying our great faire. As well as keeping an eye out for troublemakers.

Do not get me wrong. I have the outmost trust in the Macabre clans ability to maintain order, but this is my town. The place were I grew up, and will one day be laid to rest. I cannot simply sit idly by if trouble might arise. So while I do not openly seek any out, I do interfere if I cross something on my patrol.

It is in part why I am the mayor. It is chosen by popularity, and shows whom the townsfolks trusts the most, to maintain order, and provide leadership. They know I would not willingly fail our town, and as such, pushed me to go from maintaining our town's jail, to this role. Though I am still the jailor of the town too, but you needn't worry about that. It is rare that the real cellars are used for others, as we have a friendly, reasonable town."

The mayor let out a short, deep laugh, and smiled down on Lin and Omen. Such a strange pair this were, and as Cheshire had told him, not their usual clientele. He'd have to agree too. Longma had he never seen before, and while Omen looked like the pony the things he had been told, made him certain that she were not, but merely had the shape of one. Somewhat akin to the Evergrown, but with a far less natural look to her.

"But I'm sure you don't want to hear about that. You say you were here to try Weeping Mary's souvenirs, yes? Might I ask, if she picked a doll for one of you?"

"She picked one for Shrimp."

"Shrimp?"

Omen's long tongue would come out, and be used to point at the napping refraction, laying about in her squirming mane. The mayor were rather surprised by this actually. No, not the tongue, he had heard things about that from Cheshire already. Rather, the animal she were carrying around with her.

"An infant dragon of sorts? Hm, not something you see every day. Best remember to take well care of it.

A doll would likely do it well too, really. Gives it something to chew on, when the teeth starts to grow.

In any case, you say the last two members of your group is in to compete at the weapon's range, Lin?  I hope they're proficient in handling dangerous objects like that, and not just looking for a cheap thrill? It can be dangerous if they're not careful."

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“The hunt master was stern. He knew how to get things done and how to do things right, but you wouldn’t know where you stood with him at all. One moment, he’d give good advice like a patient teacher, then he’d start criticizing everything you did. Nothing was perfect and if you made a mistake, you’d get an earful about how you’d never make a good hunter.”

"There is a plethora of ways to teach someone, Sen. One of the approaches, is to attempt to break the students, and then build them up. Usually goes along with attempting to test boundaries, and seeing how they do under pressure.

My guess is that he gave you some clear advice that he considered important, but then turn and present himself as one who expected perfection. I doubt he truly thought you were useless as a hunter, but rather expected you to make mistakes, and wanted to make you better. Certain methods of teaching, does believe in instilling a sort of spite as a driving force, when teaching their students. He says you will not succeed, and then you will push yourself to prove him wrong, or to get to a point where you can earn his respect, through proving yourself.

Unless he physically harmed you, I think he were merely attempting something such as this. He believed you could do better, and wanted to push you to do so, even though this method can instead at times, leave the students demoralized instead.

Where I am from, it were considered a good way to weed out those too weak for the job. My own opinion as such, are biased towards thinking your teacher were trying what he considered his best, to make you shine.

Though I may be wrong. He may well have merely been somewhat of a sadist, and enjoying watching the hope in your eyes get crushed. Or he potentially had a mental issue. It's not exactly common, but some of them does include you seemingly acting as two different individuals, or go into an erratic anger spike, where it takes little to get you riled up."

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“So, shall we begin? Even if I’m still trying to get this right, I’m not gonna let up easily!”

"Yes, I think it best if we make the best of the time we have. Now then, I believe I started our last area myself, so it is only fair you begin here. Show me what you can do, when you remain focused, Sen. Show me the archer I know you could be."

Rosa would give him a pat on the shoulder, and a friendly smile. Then he'd go and clear the arrows from the board that were already there, put them down near the quivers, and walked to the side, to give the longma more space. This one were going to be interesting, and quite frankly, he got the feeling that if he committed himself to it, Sen would decimate him in this discipline. But they'd see. Maybe he got too nervous, and Rosa's half-decent attempts would end being enough? Time would tell, but for now, Sen had to fire the first real shot.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Illusions? But I'm not seeing..."

Leviathan's eyes narrowed, and a low, aggressive hiss escaped her mouth.

"I get it now. Magical traps, with materials clearly not meant for us, and laughable pits like this? Targeted illusions? We're not dealing with dragon hunters. It's Kitsune."

Several low, yipping laughs broke out around them. Might mean there were a whole flock. Or it could just be one that were messing with them even further, and making the sound come from all around, to confuse them even more. Either could end up being true, when it came to these sorts of creatures.

And sadly, there wouldn't be a shiny involved, that Ruby could track here. It were not overly common for Kitsune to wear things like that, when they were out having their fun, as it might cause some issues with deflecting the light off them at a bad time, so it were generally seen as best to leave such things at home, unless you were just out to travel or something. Nothing wrong with that after all, whereas getting your fun time interrupted, were a whole nother matter entirely.

"Briefly said, Kitsune are foxes. Only they're about one and a half times the size of ponies, and with incredibly strong magic abilities. Especially in illusions, and they love to wander around and mess with others. Usually it doesn't get dangerous, but they're very annoying to deal with.

Though I don't know what one of them is doing here. They rarely leave Neighpon, unless they've gotten themselves exiled. Grrr, I bet that annoying princess have given them an open invite to come here. Short-sighted equine should know where to limit herself.

Don't trust anything you smell, see or hear. Try and rely on common sense, and stay close. We have to try and find our way out of their little playground, or it won't end anytime soon. Last tie I ran into one at least, they set an area, and the *goal* were to get out of it."

"Those are the rules. Find your way out and be free."

The teasing voice came from of all things, the hole. There were still nothing other than glitter within it, and Leviathan angrily killed some foliage into it after hearing the teasing, nearly-laughing voice come out of there.

"Gaaah! I Hate Kitsune!"

Thunder sparked around her as she talked, and she had to press her hands on her head, and with gnashing teeth, take some deep breaths to try and calm herself, while a laughter went on, which seemingly moved further away.

She'd need a few seconds to gather herself, and while she did, there would seemingly be no more illusions. At least not targeted ones. It seemed their adversary wanted to wait until they could all *enjoy it* before beginning. Or had focused more on traps than anything else. It were hard to say, when it came to their sort.

"Walk in a single direction, and do not try and stray for anything. If he gets us separated, we're going to be in here for weeks."

If Ruby felt out things like she did earlier, about where something seemed to be missing, she might find that there were a few irregularities here. For one, the forest to their right had a lack of wind blowing through them, at the same strength as other directions, which seemed to suggest that something was amiss. So could it be that the sky seemed a little off, and if she'd try to fly, she'd find out why: About three meters up, she'd suddenly find herself flying towards the ground instead. A classic misdirection spell, yet not one that could be maintained for long. It had to be freshly cast, in a small area, so they had to be watched somewhat closely.

Beyond that, there were so far not anything happening, as they were now trapped in  little game, which Ruby were likely very thrilled about. What with her fun loving nature and all that.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 11/11/2020 at 5:01 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I met that shark-pony mare during my hunt, she seemed friendly, if bit odd." Nada informed "Didn't seem like the hugging type, but liked to boop her snout on me, I guess that's her take on hugs."

"That might explain why she were knocking on the door before, by walking into it with her head. I mean, if she used to be a shark, she's not used to having hooves to work with."

"She were. I saw the draconequui just snap her in out of nowhere, and hammer her forth thousands of years in evolution in seconds. I swear, draconequui are weird."

"Well, hard to argue against that, but I sorta think that is a racial trait of theirs. I'm sure that to them, we're the weird ones.

And the poor thing is probably confused. Being taken out of the water, than twisted and turned that much, and set lose to hunt frog monsters? Got to be a massive shift in her life. It's good that you ran into her Nada, and made sure she knows a friendly face in the area."

Berry didn't have much of a response to that, as she went towards the table, and the mares let Nada finish what she had to say. Seemed like she had quite an eventful day too, and made herself a brand new friend. A real special one at that, but maybe it were a good thing, right? They were both water predators, out of their element. Much as Berry, Ziggy, Agni, or any of the others who had befriended her, tried to relate, they couldn't when it came to being a predator, as they were generally vegetarian. Agni might eat small bugs, but that hardly counted, and Fah'lina were currently the closest of those still here, that she might be able to connect to. Even then though, she were a small mind, that couldn't talk like Nada might wish for.

Of course, Serenade were the best match, but for the time being, she were still at a prolonged family visit. Who knew when she'd return, and Nada could use a watery predator friend that stayed in the area. The shark mare seemed like she'd fit the bill, and by all accounts, it sounded as if they had a friendly interaction.

On 11/11/2020 at 5:01 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Actually, one thing more, did you happen to hear anything about a mermaid being around these parts? a foal saw me and thought I am one, I'd just like to know if he kept it secret like he promised."

The others had gotten at the table as she finished, and they both sat and pondered over that one a bit. Had they heard about mermaids...

"...No, can't say I have. But I'm sure if the foal were gonna talk, it'd be to his friends. Not a whole lot of foals drink coffee, and there haven't been a rumor going at work."

"Nothing at the hospital either, including around the foals. He's probably keeping it to himself, until they start to question why he's looking around for stuff all the time. I don't think it's anything to worry about though. Even if he does start telling his friends, the adults are probably just gonna think it's a made up thing. We're pretty far from the ocean, and mermaids are harmless, so even if one were here, they'd just be curious. And if he figures out it's a siren, there's history books at the library. They'll just think he got it from there."

This were the end of what Ziggy had to say for now, as she grabbed the doughnut in the bag, and started to gnaw it down. Though she broke half off and gave it to Fah'lina, once she crawled up on the table. She didn't mind sharing with her little friend.

As the varied other baked goods were left exposed - a few muffins, a croissant, some honeyed hay balls, etc. - Berry would pick up the conversation, after taking a sip from her coffee.

"Okay, so backing up a little. You ran into the timberwolf matriarch? Loads have been talking about seeing her roaming the forest close to town. Gave some folks a real scare that she'd try to run in here, but apparently she turned around before getting too close. Just good really, that they know not to actually get into town. Less good that your friends got hurt. I'm guessing one of them were the shark mare, and the other... Urgh, so few live in the forest... Either the dragon, or the weird filly. Pretty sure it have to be one of those. Or both I suppose."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

While he were *drinking* the offered liquid, Anomaly looked on in morbid fascination, at how he *drank* it. Such a cool sight, even if the pumpkin juice got wasted by it. Not that it were important. She often filled her head with this, and poured out some cups for others, or drank it herself with a big straw. Crazy to some, but if they were as delicious as she were, she were sure they'd try to do the same.

While she were impressed by that, Crow would heed the call, and come flying over. It were time to see how far this went.

As soon as the spird landed on him, he'd change drastically, and within two seconds from impact. Though there'd be no feeling from the process, to indicate that it hurt or anything. His size would remain the same, but his wings would look as if made by vines, moss, and a membrane of water lilies. The *bones* therein, would be from sticks, and heading down to his moss and grass covered, green body. A texture deeper would reveal bark, though at a glance, he'd look like just a pony with a green goat, like Evergrown tended to be.

His honey-colored, straw-like, long hair, would go down to his neck, and his tail would follow troop, with it having a somewhat odder look, as small flowers seemed to grow in it. Not as big as the blooming rose that were blossoming in his hair though, which were connected rather firmly to his skull.

The change were not just visual. The holes were not there in his body, so if he tried drinking again, it wouldn't just go out again, but stay in a tank of sorts, that'd empty when he reverted.

Crow too changed, into the form of a proper hawk, with glistening white and grey feathers, and a steel look in his beady little eyes, looking around on hismself, as he rose his wings up,a nd examined himself.

"Cool, right? I can go longer, and like, make you Feel alive too, instead of now where it's probably like wearing a full body suit, but I didn't know if you'd like that, and a reward should be something you like.

That's why I'm trying to work out how to make the mean earth lady not get her dirt in a tiwst, over me moving a few tree people. She's just really stubborn, and doesn't budge easy. A real stick in the mud sort.

A-N-Y-Way, do you like your reward? I even came with a little costume for Crow too, isn't it adorable?"

If he talked, Scarecrow would find that the costume physical illusion thing, would also change his voice, to make it sound like a deep, baritone kind of voice. Not the most normal, but definitely more normal than what he sounded like normally.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Sorrow and her interactive the nurse, who introduced herself as Blaze Tune was like studying a lesson in a high school. Throughout their conversation, Windy would learn several things about Sorrow's family: one, the names of almost all of the members of the family are either grim or gloomy that the other members would change their name to make their name's less... Scary, worse is this was tradition, the last thing she would want to happen is meeting a member of the family whose name is associated with electrocution. Second of all, Sorrow's clan is chock full of mediums. Third, one of Sorrow's parents is an entomologist, which is great considering the morose names of most of the family, including Sorrow's father, Grim Dawn, not to mention said a father is working for a wealthy adventurer as their caretaker. Third, Sorrow's family was so large, no one could count how exactly the number are. And fourth, about what a pony, named Weeping Mary did, she guessed it's all about supernatural and stuff related to that since she decided not to listen to that part of the dicussion.

Finally, Quill Rhyme would snap out of her trauma expression and began to look around as if waking up and finding herself in an unknown place. Blaze would speak to her, to see if she is really out of her tantrum. Let's see...

Quill looked at her direction and stared.... She did not say anything, what she only did is to stare at the nurse and her visitors. And she started and stared and did not say a word-

“...Windy? S...Sorrow?” Nevermind, she spoke up. Her mane was a mess, making her look like she just woke up early in the morning and has never comb her mane, she stared at the trio with a tired look on her face. She seemed fine to see Windy, but when she move her gaze at Sorrow, she tightened her grip on her hospital blanket and tried her best not to show the anger she has stored in her heart and the urge to throw a tantrum and blame Sorrow for her current state “You two are a sight for sore eyes...” she moaned as she used her magic to move a strand of her mane out of her eyes.

Edited November 12, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby didn't comment on Leviathan's explanation of Kitsune, as she didn't have anything to add that would have been useful for the situation, and purposeless talk would only make it harder to focus on the right things, so she just nodded.

Surprisingly enough, she stayed rather calm, as while she was very much annoyed, it only showed as flames coming out of her nostrils now and then, which may or may have not lit few things on fire around them as she looked around to see if there was anything of use to notice. While it was true that she was rather short-tempered, she had learned to control her emotions enough to not lash out on everything, that would be pretty counterproductive when you tried to act like a pony after all, and that also made it easier to keep one's mind in the game so to speak, because letting your emotions control you usually lead to stupid decisions. 

While Leviathan calmed down, Ruby took something out of her box, two things to be exact, a ring and a bracelet, neither seemed special, just some common stuff, she then gave the ring to Charir, saying something to him as she did, most likely explaining their situation and telling him to put it on based on Charir's reactions and the fact that he put the ring on one of his horn, where it seemed to fit well enough to not fall off. 

She would then offer the bracelet to Leviathan "Take it, and make sure you don't lose it, don't ask why, just do it." the bracelet wouldn't do anything or feel special in any way if Leviathan listened Ruby's surprisingly imperative/commanding words. Meanwhile Charir had made his way even closer to the two females, and the way he looked at Ruby indicated some kind of mixed feeling.

She didn't try flying, as she felt it would most likely not work considering how obvious it was, the most obvious answer rarely was the correct one, but she did notice that something was weird around them, because while she couldn't sense magic, she had learned to look for even the smallest of inconsistencies due to living a life where everyone and everything was a threat, so in other word, if it realistically could be noticed, she did notice it. "Something in that direction..." she pointed at their right "...and at the sky seems bit off, I can't pinpoint what exactly, but my instincts are picking up something." she used her general sense of direction to at least try to figure out where was what, and while she believed she knew where they were, she didn't know how much these Kitsunes could affect , so she wasn't sure if she could trust herself "I'll leave directions to you as you're more familiar with these creatures, but I'll inform you when I notice something." her annoyance would be apparent from her general tone and demeanor, but she kept herself calm at least for now.

------------------------
Nada nodded as she listened, the shark-pony being a shark turned into a pony did explain few things, and the fact that it apparently happened today, explained the childlike demeanor, but it still was weird. She also only nodded to the answers to her question, she had figured as much, but she wanted to make sure when she had a chance, one could never know, especially when that one was 1000 years behind on everything.

She also took a baked good, whatever was the biggest one left, not because she wanted more to eat, but because it would be easiest to not eat whole. She tasted it while she listened to Berry. "Actually no, the shark-mare wasn't involved, the timberwolf situation took place lot earlier, I just met the shark-pony." "You're right on the dragon though, I won't be saying names as they seemed like they liked to be alone, the other one was the Dryad you also have met at some point, she tried to calm the matriarch down put it didn't work." 

--------------------------------
"I must admit, I'm positively surprised." Scarecrow said, getting bit surprised by his own voice too, though it still wasn't visible since he had no idea how to make expressions anymore, until of course some kind of mind-reading emotion reaction was involved in the disguise. "I'm also glad you didn't do the feeling part, it could have negative effect on my mental stability." mostly the change between not feeling and feeling, but he was also worried that if he was to be reminded what used to be, that may be the thing to make him finally lose his mind in this wretched existence.

"Now I just need to come up with a fake name for myself, Scarecrow doesn't really fit this look." he had started to like the name Scarecrow, so he would be keeping it among those who knew his real form, he also was planning to keep calling Crow Crow, because while Crow was a weird name for a hawk, that could be explained to someone questioning it. "But while I am pleasantly surprised, and maybe even a bit thankful, I still feel like slamming this chair into your head until one of them breaks." the fact that Anomaly had truly kept her promise was obviously a positive thing, and it did make him dislike her less, but he still wasn't fan of her actions towards Lyriel, because while he wasn't as compassionate/caring as it at first may have seemed, he still did dislike powerful beings going after those who didn't deserve it in his eyes.

"One question, is that forced dancing thing still a thing when Crow eats or was it part of the game?" he mostly wanted to know so that he could avoid it causing trouble if it was still a thing

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

“Don’t worry, mayor. Rosa and Sen know what they’re doing. You can trust them to keep safety in mind when using weapons. And as for Shrimp, he may be little but he’s feisty. Sen always told me that animals are a lot smarter than they look. Same applies to Shrimp, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

“This is place is definitely friendly, and I really feel welcomed here. I am curious about what you just mentioned, though. Mayors are chosen by popularity? What if everypony chooses wrong and they put their trust in someone who couldn’t lead? What happens then?”

Admittedly, Lin’s question was something spurred by her own experience and the way elders are chosen through the longma villages. Someone is picked to lead based on their capability to do so, and successors are rigorously trained to take responsibility of a village’s welfare. Most shun that responsibility as they have enough problems of their own having everyone else’s worries on one’s shoulders is not a task that should be taken lightly. The same could probably be said about mayors or princesses. Ghilan has his work cut out for him, and that is without the council breathing down his neck. 

But back at the archery range, Sen smiled and nodded at Rosa’s request to take the first shot. Once more, he began his breathing routine, but this time, doubled the number cycles before loosing an arrow. One breath in, one breath out. As the second cycle started, the longma firmly gripped the bow, steadied his aim, and pulled back on the draw. He’d only let half of the inhaled air out when Sen took his shot, and the arrow flew straighter than the last few attempts, landing above the center of the target; that was the closest he’s ever got to the center.

“Ha! Would you look at that.”

“You know, between you and the hunt master, I’d want you to be my teacher. Okay, maybe that’s just me talking based on my experience with you and your teaching methods. Your turn, Rosa. I know you want to win this game, and now you’ve got a shot at victory.”

Sen stepped to the side, and although this was a kind of contest between him and Rosa, he was still rooting for him anyway. It wouldn’t be right to wish ill on a competitor, and knowing just what kind of skills Rosa had, the thestral could very well give the longma a run for his money. That would be an interesting surprise.

[Rising Dusk 27,537]

@Blitz Boom

Watching an eruption event from an actual volcano was a sight of in itself, but seeing one unfold right before their eyes from a pony was something else.  The officers gave the green light once Magma stepped into their charged and ready magic circle.  Waiting patiently for the mare to go through her routine to cause the event to happen.  Each officer keeping their focus on their task at hoof.  As soon as an increase of heat was detected from the magma bubbling to the surface, the circle flare.  The inner circle sprung to life and began to rotate under the mare.  The outer barrier runes stopped their random spinning and ticked in more mechanical movements as if they were dialing in.  A veil of aether appeared in places around the mare where the magma seeped through the cracks on her body, localizing the protection that would otherwise harm the two officer from the intense heat.  Better yet, keeping the magma from dripping to the floor and burning the basement floor.  Tussle would kill them.

The runes continued to tick and click as they dialed into an adaptive barrier for Magma, even as she went for the special gum.  Which itself didn't appear to take all that long to take effect.  Only a few chews were enough for the heat rune to extinguish from lack of detection.  When Magma started to falter under the effects of the gum, Flare got a little worried, his focus drifting away from the magic circle.  "Calm," the stoic Bash told the smaller stallion.  Already running calculations through his head on how to adjust the formula for better results.  Returning his attention to the magic circle while Magma went dormant.  "Hold the circle," Starbright instructed while she released her own hold on it.  Trotting over to a cabinet to retrieve a rather plain, common quality bracelet that a young filly might collect.  The O.M.I. didn't have the biggest budget to provide fashionable attire to these types of services.  Returning to the circle just as Magma was waking up, "Quite successful," Starbright expressed in a cheery mood.  Her horn flared and the magic circle matched, crackling for a few moments.  The bracelet floated above Magma and the circle dissolved into indigo lightning that etched the results of the positions the barrier and heat runes were dialed into.  The barrier spell now attached to the bracelet just as she had promised.  "And that is Arc Weld," the unicorn smiled, finally showing evidence of the magic she'd spoken of since the start.  Letting the bracelet slowly descend onto Magma's head.

 

Omen should had a lot of questions in such a short amount of time.  She'd get along with the Boom siblings.  In fact, Rising has had to deal with quite the many chatter boxes in the last week.  So many questions.  Ponies need to discover more for themselves these days.  "I'm not lying," the detective chuckled.  Igniting his horn to summon forth the wisp the goddess had tainted, er 'blessed', with her light.  Likely the strongest source of the goddess' magic he could present as evidence of his contact with her.  How to prove his ending task to undo all the dark magics Twisted had used in his swamp to suppress and syphon the goddess' magic to the dark god, that might be a little harder and Omen might just have to wait to sense her growing power for herself.

Cork couldn't help but be caught off guard when the mare from Harrowmark asked about having to sign her soul over, coughing up a bit of her tea back into her cup.  "No Ms. Omen, there is no soul signing.  In Equestria, the soul of a pony here belongs to them alone.  We do not trade with them.  The proper paperwork is merely a record of you wanting to become a citizen of Equestria," Rising explained but Gold and Cork exchanged strange looks that even the topic of a pony's soul was in question.  "It is simply a written and verbal agreement that you'd follow our laws and be a productive member of Equestria," Gold Mane added with a sip of her own tea.

Not needing to dance around the rest of her inquiry of how a pony like Rising could do what no pony in Harrowmark, army or otherwise, could do.  "Shatter the Heavens?  That seems a bit extreme," Rising scratched the back of his at the idea of such a negative thing.  "Twisted relied too much on magic and my special talent is to meddle with magic," to make his point, the light tainted wisp gently poked at the air near Omen, or more precisely, the magic around her.  Cutting a strand of the invisible magic tapestry that was the veil given to her by Cork, turning Omen's coat a neon pink.