open Casual stroll

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

There were some doubts brewing behind Sen’s head, the kind that made him question Scarcity’s sincerity about not letting power get to her. No proof meant he couldn’t act on suspicions and doubt, but the way she responded to Rosa’s retort from earlier… it got him wondering if he made a mess of things. It takes skill to make a few words sound terrifying; few can pull it off, and the long’s spine shivered upon hearing her reply. 

The siblings followed Scarcity into the house, though knowing what just happened, they’d find themselves moving slower. They may not feel like they’re in danger, but there was hesitation in each step. Their movements were slowed, as if they were treading on thin ice and one wrong move could spell disaster for them. Earlier interactions with Scarcity were amicable, and even with the shady aspects known to them back then, those times didn’t feel this tense. Now? Every move could stir the hornet’s nest and lead them into a heap of trouble. 

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I can imagine they may need some preparation time to uphold their end of the bargain, but I will go over the details with them when the merger have finished. A process which you are free to watch as much of, as the Stone Matron allows. The whole thing is rather steeped in precise rituals, so she may not be keen on onlookers, as it reaches the critical stages. I have my doubts she will let any of us see everything, yet what is open for viewing, I'm sure we could arrange for you to witness."

"And you're not worried that after all of this, they may try to deceive you, and not pay their share?"

"Sadly always a risk one takes when doing business, though I have a contingency plan ready, in case they decide that they are above paying their dues. This have been quite a heavy investment, and I do not think it unreasonable to expect the product I paid for, to then be denied me, no?"

"What kind of contingency?"

“So long as our friends remain safe in the end, I’ll be satisfied with not seeing as much of the process. I’m just concerned about them, that’s all. Maybe even curious about what will they look like in their golem shells.”

“They had thoughts about having something close to their old bodies before. It’ll be interesting to see what that’ll look like when the process is done and how others will think about their appearances.” 

Once inside, the siblings would look at their surroundings. Houses still felt strange to be in despite already staying at Rosa’s place, but this one had a more lived-in feel to it. Suppose it would just be one of those thing that need time before getting comfortable in an environment like this. A cave or hut felt right because one would know where everything is, and whatever was needed was within the immediate vicinity. Homes like this were more comfortable and nicer-looking, but the size and layout gave a different feel. Touching anything in here was probably something they shouldn’t do, and that made things feel more restrictive. Once they were further in, they’d meet another new face with a peculiar accent.

“H…hello. Nice to meet you. Just a correction to Ms. Scarcity’s introductions… I’m Sen’s sister.” 

The longma’s uneasiness didn’t dissipate, though they still remembered their manners and bowed to Angie

“So, uh… this is a… nice house. It’s looks… cozy here.”

Awkward as far as small talk goes, but Sen didn’t quite get the idea of small talk in social situations like this. Making compliments seemed like something ponies would do to get a conversation going, even if he wasn’t sure which items he should be complimenting. All those years spent around ponies didn’t prepare him for this type of interaction.

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@EQ_Theta

12 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“So long as our friends remain safe in the end, I’ll be satisfied with not seeing as much of the process. I’m just concerned about them, that’s all. Maybe even curious about what will they look like in their golem shells.”

“They had thoughts about having something close to their old bodies before. It’ll be interesting to see what that’ll look like when the process is done and how others will think about their appearances.” 

"There's no need to fret, darlings. The Stone Matron is the outmost professional, when it comes to matters such as this. If she signs off on a golem, it will be perfect, and to spec. This includes how it were that they wished to look.

As for my own involvement, I am a businessmare, first and foremost. I honor my deals, so as long as they do as well, my precautionary measures will be nullified, and any hold I have will have no effect. Think of me what you will, but I have never, and will never, cheapen my reputation, by cheating on a deal I make. Once the terms are set, I will fulfill my end to the letter, and only deviate, if my counterpart attempts to cheat their way out of paying the price we agreed upon.

Reputation is everything, darlings. The damage mine would take, if I began underhoofing things in such manners, would be disastrous. Distrust me if you will, but my word have substantial worth. And I intend to keep it that way."

Scarcity could take most things said to, and about her, with hardly anything resembling ire. Others would always talk after all, and she saw little reason to lose her cool over trivial things like that. However, the one thing that she did feel some ire about being questioned - regardless of her showing it or not - were her reputation as a businessmare. She had worked years to gain the one that she had, and she frankly felt a little insulted when her integrity were questioned like that. A deal made with her, would be fulfilled, with no additional strings attached, and that were it, lest the other party involved attempted to cheat their way out of their part, in which case, it the deal were null and void.

This too would be the case with the spirits, that were to gain golem forms. Scarcity had a trick up her sleeve, in case they attempted to deny her what they had bargained for, but if they did their part, she would render that trick obsolete, and that were it. She did not always do this, as most things were a simple matter of her then retracting payment, or deny handing over wares, yet this was a special matter. She had to give up a large sum of currency, materials that were not cheap either, and hand over two feathers, that would have been a substantial bargaining chip for other situations, back to the Stone Matron, to get this set in motion. Were the spirit's side of their deal upheld, it would prove a worthwhile investment of course, but if not, she stood with a monstrous loss, and no way to regain much from it. So yes, she felt a need to take extra precautions in this matter.

This were not just a simple deal after all. It were her future they were speaking about.

13 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“H…hello. Nice to meet you. Just a correction to Ms. Scarcity’s introductions… I’m Sen’s sister.” 

The longma’s uneasiness didn’t dissipate, though they still remembered their manners and bowed to Angie

“So, uh… this is a… nice house. It’s looks… cozy here.”

Scarcity let out a dainty little laughter, at Lin's correction.

"My apologies for that minor mistake, Lin. My mind appeared to have been elsewhere."

Meanwhile, Angie wouldn't bow like the longma, but instead raise a hoof, and bash it against her chest three times, before bowing her neck briefly.

"Is good to meeht you, comrahdes."

She'd then wave them towards the table, while she went and got hold of the tray of tea and biscuits again. The smell wafting from the box of tea leaves, as they got closer, would indicate that this were a selection of more fruity variants, such as raspberry, and some with mint.

"It's been a few months by now dear. How have you been?"

"Vehry good. De behries are grohwing nicely, and de flowers ahr smelling dihvine."

"So good to hear. It is always good to see you doing well."

Scarcity would pour herself a steaming hot, cup of tea, and pick some mint leaves for her own tea. A delightfully refreshing taste, in her opinion.

"Before Brick Wall, Angie were my bodyguard. I have nothing but good things to say of her, of course, yet when one feel the call to pursue other venues, those near you, should support that decision. She wished a calmer life, away from prying eyes, and this seemed a good place. Far off the radar, though the details of where exactly it is, is of less importance."

"Judging by the flora, and my assumption that these are all local plants, that have been used in the tea, I will assume the outskirts of Neighpon? Somewhere around the edge of the Charfall Valley, perhaps? The ponies of Neighpon tends not to live in natural areas like this, and the Kirin does not allow ponies to live in their vicinity either, due to fire hazards. The remaining forested areas tend to be lived in by the Kitsune, and no one is foolish enough to try that. Which leaves really, only the natural preserve of Charfall Valley. Neutral ground, in which no one is allowed to reside in, but only visit. However, the outskirts of it, have an area before it goes over into Neighponian city territory, where some housing are allowed. I see your dress and hat have floral patterns of crimson lotus's, which are local only yo Neighpon, so this would be my guess. Specifically... The west side, as it is further from the town, and allow for more privacy?"

Angie looked briefly stunned, then let out a bellowing laughter, and hit Rosa hard on the back. Yet in a friendly manner.

"Vehry good. But is ohn de East side. Like cahlm. Like pohnies too, though. Still imphressed."

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

 

@Starforce

On 2021-11-04 at 1:42 AM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia rose an eyebrow and smiled. "Well would you look at that? It looks really interesting...its like a chunk of the night sky is right in front of us." she spoke and cautiously would touch the rock. Nothing happened. Then she held it in her hooves and turned it over a bit, looking at it rather intently before handing it to Zeehva.

"That's an interesting side effect. We'll need to test that on a larger scale, to see how it affects things. As well as likely test this rock, to find out if it just swells, like dough, or actually gained more mass. Does it weigh the same, far as you can tell?"

The color were utterly stunning, and the spread effect seemed to work the same, as this got a thick, spread layer covering it multiple times, but the size increase were unexpected. They had to try and sort out how long term this effect were, how the increase in size affected things, and on what sort of things that would work on. It were a stunning effect, no doubt about that, and it could be beneficial, in say, increasing the size of tiles too. But what if it also did that to ponies? Then they may suddenly have issues.

Hence, she'd try taking forth something else to test it on. That being a freshly snapped branch of a nearby bush, complete with a lot of foliage. Uncorking the flask, and getting another spoonful out, she'd await the application of the special ingredient, by Magnolia, before applying it. The bush would likely get full covered, like the large stone had earlier with the regular liquid, but they'd see if the increase would happen too, and if it would change the weight.

Been a long time since she had a reason to experiment with potions. This were getting her all pumped!

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

 

@Kujamih @Starforce @Thunder Light

On 2021-11-04 at 1:54 AM, Kujamih said:

"Molotov... want to give it a try?" Light asked.

" oh shades from another portal, I offer you my magic through him, for traces of my magic course through his vanes."

"Throwing me under the bus, are we? Aight, I'm not against the idea anyway. Sounds like an interesting proposition... So aight, what am I gonna have to do?"

"Pick one of my children, and form them with your magic. Envision them, as it flows through them."

The voice came out of nowhere, whispering on a cold breeze, from within the portal. A feminine voice, specifically, though with no indication of where it came from beyond in there.

"So like... Forming clay? Aight, think I can do that. Who's that speaking though?"

The shadows answered that, as they all began chanting the same word, four times, before they started to swirl around, to let him see many, many varied kinds and amounts of eyes. As for the word? It were *Mother*.

It wouldn't take long though, before Molotov saw the one he wanted. A shade getting somewhat near for a brief moment, yet being one he' wander through, and snatch up in the air right away. One of those with twelve eyes, which were just what he wanted, since he had just the thing in mind for making one of these into.

"Oh, you're gonna be perfect, lil one."

He started to use his magic, before suddenly, a pale aura came from nowhere, and engulfed his horn. The voice from earlier then, came back.

"One of my children, for one master. Form with your own magic."

The aura would help filter away Light's influence, as having mixed magic like that, would confuse the child. There needed to be one master, and that were it. Light would have to make his own deal, if he were able. As for whatever creature were blocking his magic, she still didn't show, but doing this must mean she were powerful. Likely not one he'd want to try and anger.

The voice would focus entirely on Molotov now, and guide him, as his magic poured from his horn, and into the shade, slowly giving it form. First pudgy and weak, then slowly getting firmer, sprouting legs, then more legs, then- You get the picture.

In the end, he'd lower down to the ground, a creature that's slowly, and cautiously walk out of the gate, and move over to Hammond. The two meeting face to face, and the squirrel moving a paw over the fuzzy exterior of the creature.

Molotov had made a glistening dark, pale-eyed, foal-sized spider. His fascination with the creatures really should've made this a given.

(imagine this, but with more eyes)

"Well ain't you a gorgeous specimen, of the Northern Ice-Oak Spider? Y'know, I think I'm gonna call you Powder Puff. How's that sounding?"

"Power... Puff."

The voice whispered from the spider's mind, and into theirs. Feminine, and chittery, which in fairness, might be a lil bit creepy for some. If the spider larger than Blitz didn't already get you nervous.

As for the aura on Molotov's horn, it were gone now, and Puff began to actually look confused. Something felt off about Molotov. Like a part of someone else were there within him. Someone like... That pony, that she'd then turn to look at with curious eyes.

"...Two... Masters?"

On 2021-11-04 at 1:54 AM, Kujamih said:

"I wonder what your siblings are up to?"

"Molotov is doing helpy things. I just know it, hehe."

Blitz bounced in place as she said this, with a big grin on her face.

As for the hospital, they had jumped out an open window, and there were a few scorch marks in this room. Tussled were a better word than ruined. And then, only in this room.

On 2021-11-04 at 1:54 AM, Kujamih said:

" I'll be patched up in a minute or so. then we can catch up to them. I don't like the idea of leaving them alone with Light.... especially when I got some of the memories Light gave me...." 

"You think big bro's gonna get in trouble? *gasp* We gonna find him then! Get better fast, okays Cali?"

Blitz applied her own remedy booster, by hugging Cali as tightly as she could, whilst attempting to push happy thoughts on her. Probably didn't do a thing, but she were trying.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

39 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

As for the aura on Molotov's horn, it were gone now, and Puff began to actually look confused. Something felt off about Molotov. Like a part of someone else were there within him. Someone like... That pony, that she'd then turn to look at with curious eyes.

"...Two... Masters?"

@Blitz Boom @Thunder Light @Starforce

the spider would look at empty space when she said her lines. but that empty space would reply to the spider.

" if you respect me do not look at me directly when I specifically don't want to be seen..." Light's Voice calmly said, but his tone has weight and authority in it. one who has weak will might fear his tone.

47 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

Blitz applied her own remedy booster, by hugging Cali as tightly as she could, whilst attempting to push happy thoughts on her. Probably didn't do a thing, but she was trying.

" oh sweetie... this makes me want to stay sick forever now hihihi..."

Cali hugged back at Blitz.

" okay that made me feel better! Let's go!"

Cali would then put Blitz on her back to ride along and tag Blue to join with them.

[GingerLightning 258]

@Blitz Boom

It had been a week since Ginger had started staying with the theater changelings and her brother was coming to visit.

Howl had to double check that he was in the right place "this can't be the right place... it looks so...rundown..." he muttered. 

he walked over to the door and knocked with a polite little knock, he wasn't even sure anyone would answer.  

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

On 2021-11-06 at 5:43 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"There's no need to fret, darlings. The Stone Matron is the outmost professional, when it comes to matters such as this. If she signs off on a golem, it will be perfect, and to spec. This includes how it were that they wished to look.

As for my own involvement, I am a businessmare, first and foremost. I honor my deals, so as long as they do as well, my precautionary measures will be nullified, and any hold I have will have no effect. Think of me what you will, but I have never, and will never, cheapen my reputation, by cheating on a deal I make. Once the terms are set, I will fulfill my end to the letter, and only deviate, if my counterpart attempts to cheat their way out of paying the price we agreed upon.

Reputation is everything, darlings. The damage mine would take, if I began underhoofing things in such manners, would be disastrous. Distrust me if you will, but my word have substantial worth. And I intend to keep it that way."

“The spirits gave their word, and given how they were the ones to convince us to accept, they know the risks and they’ll stick to the agreement. I can only assume they’ve had similar dealings before, but they’d know that better than us.”

Sen recalled the conversation he had with the orb’s spirits, having mentioned their history and that of the ordeal that lead to them being in the state they are currently in. Everything leading up to the moment their kind going extinct was a race to find a solution, at least one that meant their survival. If there was a time they became desperate enough to turn to less-than-legal means, that moment would’ve been it. The longma wouldn’t pretend to know or understand the events around it, but it was clear relying on something like encasing their spirits in an information repository was their only solution. It worked, but their success didn’t come without cost. 

Perhaps their newly gained freedom would have them strive for a new purpose, but if Lin remembered anything from their last conversation, the truth was much more complicated. Some wanted to relish in their separation, while others only wished to rest. That was a choice she couldn’t make, and there was no telling if their plans would change. If anything, they’d at least get to retain aspects of themselves, possibly including their magic. The deal with Scarcity included that part. 

On 2021-11-06 at 5:43 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Scarcity let out a dainty little laughter, at Lin's correction.

"My apologies for that minor mistake, Lin. My mind appeared to have been elsewhere."

“That’s alright, Ms. Scarcity. No harm done.”

“I am curious about something. If it’s alright, maybe you could answer this, Angie. What’s it like being a bodyguard for Ms. Scaricty? No need to get into specifics. Just what you are able to tell us.”

Seemed like there is an example of an employee for Scarcity here, and she’s enjoying a quiet life if what the siblings were seeing here indicated anything. It may be something the mare intended to use to convince them that working for her would have benefits, but showing only just enough to paint a positive picture. Or perhaps Scarcity had some good qualities in her once they could look past her profession and word choice that got the group thinking otherwise. Maybe it would be best to see the outcomes in the future, immediate and distant. 

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"Thanks, I guess, for calling me shiny," Atzy said nervously as she beheld the filly. She could talk to Karmic and Enzo comfortably enough without worry but talking to this filly? For whatever reason, she couldn't contain her nervousness. "Fireworks? Fireworks. Fireworks is a funny word, isn't it?" she asked Blitz with a small chuckle.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"This should simply remove Cherish from her magic stick and let her inhabit my castle. Are you saying there's something I'm overlooking, Miss Manetid? Like a footnote or a warning or something?" Twilight questioned as she began looking the spell over properly in the spell book, leaning in close to make sure she didn't miss a word on the page.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Maybe we should've just taken the path away from this castle," Aurora grumbled, having seen too much chaos today to really react to the Draconequus shifting forms out of will.

@Blitz Boom

DAZZLE GLEAM

Dazzle was unsure of what came over her but when the shiny bit was put away, she shook her head a bit violently with some electricity arcing through the scales under her hair. "I have .... that was a very new feeling," Dazzle told Long Stare and quickly followed her out of the home. "I have never experienced that .. what did you say it was? Hoarding? I've never exactly experienced that before. But as for my parents, they're in that desert on the other side of the Everfree from here. I don't know if that's another country or what but it's where I remember them being. Hopefully Scarcity has some answers for me about them."

@Widdershins& @Blitz Boom

DAWN STREAK

"Y-Y-You think we, uh, th-th-that is ... there's just ... we crashed into each other and I took him home for a bit! That d-d-d-doesn't mean we're t-t-together, does it!?" Dawn questioned, unable to stop from being flustered despite actually nuzzling into Kaltrops. While it was nice to do that to the dragon, his outburst made her quietly think things through and had been thinking them while Pop and Benny talked with her dragon. "If um ... dragon and ... a pony ... it works well for you two ... that is. I d-d-don't think ... uh .... m-m-maybe it could work for us?"

[Catpone Cerberus 23,604]

@Blitz Boom
Surprisingly enough, Ruby would be the less mean one this time, though less mean didn't mean nice "I hope you realize Marley that usually at this point if you'd still be alive, the only thing coming out of me would be straight insults if even that, I don't usually pester or listen lesser beings like yourself." "Even considering the opportunity of business, it's not you I would suck up to if I felt need to do so." "Take it as you will, but you are one of the few insects I respect enough to listen your thoughts." It turns out that when Ruby was being genuine, she was in some ways even more demeaning, she felt she needed to make this clear because as blind as she may have seemed for others' feelings, she did know the more emotional beings had their limits too, and considering what Marley knew, it was for now better to keep him away from that limit, it would be inconvenient to have to kill him. 

Charir meanwhile just sat on the top of the wagon like he had done when they had been heading towards Ruby's house, he didn't understand what was being said, but he got the general feeling of the conversation, though he didn't do anything, since it was exactly what he'd expect, besides the fact that it ever got this far that is, since he still found it odd that Ruby was so friendly with the two others.

Ruby changed the topic "You mentioning Fluttershy brought up a question I have been wondering a little, what was it like here before the elements?, How did Equestria defend itself between the disappearance of the previous protectors and gathering of the current ones, you are old enough to have been here." this came less from curiosity about ponies and more from point of view of 'could have I destroyed everything if I had been bit earlier?' , it was obviously addressed for Leviathan. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I can try to lead you there at some point, but can't promise anything, the exact location has fused with all the other memories of weird happenings around the forest." it wasn't a location specific memory, as the location itself had no effect on the event, thus it had never really stuck to his memory. 

"You are probably right, though I never even considered the fact that the bat ponies would probably need their entirely own system for nightly business." it made sense, it just had never crossed his mind "But then again, I only know one of their kind, and he is a loner, and doesn't talk much, in fact, he's mute I think." and 'knowing' him also was a slight overstatement, as Scarecrow had merely observed the pony. "Or was, as you can probably guess at this point, I don't know when it was when I last saw him, could have been a week ago, or hundred years ago." there had been times when someone he had seen had actually died a while ago when they came up in conversation with someone

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

"It can be only guessed where that land may have ended up, but if it did end up here somewhere, it raises a fascinating complication, as it would mean there's potentially a pair of exact copies of a whole species in this world." Solar stated, though he didn't necessarily believe it to be case, mostly because one would think that if a whole mountainous continent suddenly appeared somewhere, there would be some kind of historical documentation about it, there was also the question of, if it did come here, why isn't this world as unstable? He found it more likely that it went somewhere else. (for the record, it did not come in this Equestria)

"And for how long for the day that our world eventually meets its end? My uneducated calculation is that it can't be much more than five centuries from the year I last was in the world, assuming nothing speeds it up or slows it down." "But that doesn't mean it can't happen during our time here, as there's no sure way to know how long ago it is when we got taken away from that world, sure, I know how long I have been here, but there's no way to be sure if my travel here was an instant or if it took several millennia."  "What happened to this world's old protectors proves there's somewhere where time doesn't pass, most likely outside the worlds as we understand them, and when you consider that one of my weapons appeared here a week later than I did, it could be we were in that timeless space for unknown length of time."  Trox got curious "What did happen to the protectors here?" "They disappeared for thousand years and came back without aging a day." "ah"

Sheska was the one to respond Onache's question "Only reason I don't rip his head off is because I can't." Trox continued from that "You can consider this a hesitant truce, we may not trust him, but the guards are...were not liars, they didn't need to lie, so while doubtful of his motivations, if he says he won't blast our heads off the moment we turn away, he probably won't." "If I wanted to kill you, I'd have done so in the hospital."  the horrifyingly cold way he said it made it sound genuine, and it also reminded everyone that while he was doing his best to better himself, he could still be that heartless killer he was trained to be. "Besides, even if I still served Daybreaker, you'd be a terrorist in enemy's land, enemies of my enemy, I would most likely give you weapons and send you do your thing." the kobolds gave each other the 'a good point'-look "And as much as I hate to admit it, he could be some use with all that knowledge in his head." Solar offered a hoof for a shake of peace, but as response he got a deadly look from Sheska and she said in surprisingly intimidating voice "Don't touch me.", it was so unexpected coming from the small kobold that Solar actually took a step back, the tension jumped high for a moment, but the air relaxed again as Trox gently pulled Sheska behind himself, seemingly also bit surprised by her reaction, and he looked more concerned than angry.

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Sekel

"It's even funnier when used!"

Blitz would use her horn, and pull out something from her tail. A small, multicolored, spiked ball, with a fuse in. And without even explaining what it did, she'd light an ember at the tip of her horn, and light up the fuse. When it was about halfway, she'd then send it flying towards the sky, with a happy *yeeeeey* sound. It'd explode into a glittering shower of colors, covering an area of the sky about the size of Enzo.

"See? Fireworks make happy. *giggle* I'm Blitz Boom. Who're you? And why are you so shiny? *gasp* Is this how changelings do fashion?"

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

 

@Sekel

"Krrkxhxx. It's Drone. And I don't know what you can do, princess. I just know few can harness death, without it hurting themselves. Maybe your tomes help you, but that is your choice to make."

"I'm not letting a necromancer anywhere near her majesty, so forget it, if you're talking about bringing one in. Your majesty? You're clearly wise, with all these books. If you trust in your own skills for this, then I will too."

"I g-guess that makes sense. So uhm... Well, if the books show how it's done right, and you're sure you can follow it, then I'll trust in you too, Twilight."

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

 

@Sekel

"Nah, you would've ended up in Ponyville. Where's the fun in that?"

Anomaly would snap her tail, and the table would spin around rapidly. When it stopped, there's be a bunch of various food stuff on it. All looking pretty good, though oddly colored. As the liquid hadn't killed any of them, Happy for once, just shrugged and went over to try some bee-striped hay cookies.

"Pretty good. Some sorta honey?"

"Yep. From my very own type of bee too, straight from my island. No worries, there's none of them here, so they can't feed you to their young."

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

 

@Sekel

"Hoarding is a dragon thing. Again, I don't understand it, but it involves an urge to just own a lot of shiny things. I'm guessing from your reaction, that you're feeling it? Maybe you should speak with Spike one of these days then. He's been there. He'll understand it better, and maybe is able to help with the urge."

Stare would Get herself ready, and then lead them outside. The path tot he inn wasn't long, yet still, she wondered if something could happen. Such as what were going on, which were the sight of a sphinx in the middle of the town square, holding a filly, and seemingly laughing. The volume were lower now, but he appeared to still be pleased, and that... W-Were his armaments made of bone?! O-Oh dear.

"*meep* I-I uhm... D-Don't know what to do here. I've never... W-What's a sphinx doing here?"

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

 

@Sekel @Widdershins

"That alone won't make you a couple, no. But the way you act around another, makes it hard to miss that you do feel an attraction for one another. You wouldn't be so flustered otherwise, and he wouldn't get so protective. It's cute."

"And it toally works. But you're gonna have to just come to terms with a few things. One being that you won't be able to breed, far as we know anyway. And then there's the uh... Time thing. You have to try and just live in the here and now, instead of focusing on that. It's a thing that you can't really get away from, but you don't have to make that control your lives, or deter you.

Is there any sort of questions you have right now, that we can answer? We've tried the ups and downs, so we'll probably be able to answer most of them."

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

 

@GingerLightning

"Hello."

The voice would come from above him, and if he looked, he'd see a changeling pop her head out from the place above the door, where she had stood. She had a paint brush in her hooves, and were apparently, about to give the exterior a layer of a wine-red color. Or start on it, anyway. The whole building still needed a lot of paint.

"My name's Bling. Anything I can help you with?

Oooh. You wouldn't happen to be Howl, would you? Ginger's been telling stories about somepony that looked like you."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

1 hour ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Surprisingly enough, Ruby would be the less mean one this time, though less mean didn't mean nice "I hope you realize Marley that usually at this point if you'd still be alive, the only thing coming out of me would be straight insults if even that, I don't usually pester or listen lesser beings like yourself." "Even considering the opportunity of business, it's not you I would suck up to if I felt need to do so." "Take it as you will, but you are one of the few insects I respect enough to listen your thoughts."

"I would be worried if you did attempt to suck up to me, as you put it, Ruby. It isn't befitting someone as yourself, to grovel before anyone."

A compliment were not something that Marley had expected. And while it were still insulting too, considering how Ruby were, it did manage to still comer across as a net positive comment. Something he honestly had not expected from her, but he appreciated the kindness. As such, he'd then in turn, give her a compliment back. Though it were not simply words. She were a clearly capable being, so it wouldn't be right for her to lower herself to the standard, of begging for something, from anyone.

"Your words are appreciated though. You have my gratitude."

"She's not wrong either. And I don't really have anything against you myself. It's just entertaining to tease you."

"I am led to believe that to be part of being a wind dragon. I hope your focus will soon be set upon another."

Alright, they were going on a pretty good level here. Sure they weren't like, best friends forever now, and were about to embark on a long friendship trip, where they really talked out about their emotions. But they were on a more understanding level now. It were probably as good as they'd come, barring something miraculously happening.

2 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Ruby changed the topic "You mentioning Fluttershy brought up a question I have been wondering a little, what was it like here before the elements?, How did Equestria defend itself between the disappearance of the previous protectors and gathering of the current ones, you are old enough to have been here." this came less from curiosity about ponies and more from point of view of 'could have I destroyed everything if I had been bit earlier?' , it was obviously addressed for Leviathan. 

"Honestly? Most of the really bad sorts, didn't come back before the elements returned. What sort did pop up, could usually be dealt with by the ponies themselves, sending some guards. Or their Princess Celestia, blasting it away. Most of the nasty things didn't pop in before the elements came back. Sometimes I wonder if they attract the really bad individuals, or if the elements doesn't activate until it's starting to become a dire time in Equestria? Hard to say.

That being said, some nasties did come around now and again, above the normal paygrade. The ponies sometimes got help with them, as they started to affect other territories, like the Dragon Isles. Other times, individuals would pop up, proclaiming themselves heroes, and deal with it. Most of the time, the treats tended to cause carnage, and them mysteriously vanish though. No witnesses to anything happening. They don't like to talk about it, but I've heard murmurs now and again, about the, thinking Celestia had th things dragged away, and made sure there weren't anyone around to prove it. Or that it were something she had unleashed, maybe unwittingly, and didn't want to face scrutiny over it.

Dunno what the truth is. I've rarely been in the area where something started up. Were there once a few centuries back, when a flock of bugbears invaded in the west of Equestria though. I decimated them, and as a thanks, the town gave me a symbolic, golden key. I took the mayors hat instead. I could see it mattered a lot more to him, and he wasn't in a position to deny it to me.

You ever had issues with large, special monsters where you're from, Ruby?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"We have met the one, called Starcaller, remember? We delivered the griffon, whom had been turned to stone, to him. Yet I have seen them on occasion, during the night, fluttering about. Always too far for me to reach, and I did not want to disturb them, so I've yet to approach them properly. They seemed to enjoy the night though.

As for the feline counterpart to Ceron, it did not hurt to ask, if the location were ne you remembered. If it is blended together too much, you needn't think of it further. I'll ask the animals, and hear if they know of something large, feline, and with two heads. The last part I believe, will lower the amount of options there may be. Usually the only ones they speak of with two heads, are the chimera. Though even then, most claim they have three, as the tail appears to have one too.

*sigh* Such a strange situation. Though I feel as if I say this nearly daily, after reaching these shores. Equestria is a wondrous, yet complicated land."

She'd wander on, down this street, until she noticed another which branched from this, that appeared to have more life to it. A place of clothes and accessoires, maybe? Most she saw wander there, wore something, as they exited one of various shops. One of the more prominent, looking rather glamorous.

"I find it odd how some ponies wear clothes, yet not all do so. Were it colder I would understand, but much of that hardly seems like it would provide heat.

I wonder if it is like birds, who preens themselves, and try appearing the most gleaming of them all, to find a mate? Do you think this is the intent, Scarecrow? If so, it seems a lot are lonely. And that this is a thing for both males and females. Maybe the colors corresponds with whom their desired mate are, or what traits they seek?"

The obvious answer were of course, that some just liked it, or were fashionable. But this wasn't a thing in the same way, where Lyriel came from, so she were trying to understand this, as if the ponies were animals as well. And of course, she were discussing it, with one whom likely didn't know either, so her answers might well be scarce.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It can be only guessed where that land may have ended up, but if it did end up here somewhere, it raises a fascinating complication, as it would mean there's potentially a pair of exact copies of a whole species in this world."

"It would likely have been noted, but it is a fascinating train of thoughts nonetheless. We never know, how things like this may end up. As said, I have no interest in going to seek this, but if I do hear something, least I may have some context for it now."

It were one of those things, where you just waited to see if something would happen, rather than go find out if it were. It seemed a waste of time to go and waste her life on a simple theory, with no real connection to her own life. If she heard something, she'd recall this, but otherwise, this were as flimsy as a fairy tale. Hardly something worth chasing, in any capacity.

5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"And for how long for the day that our world eventually meets its end? My uneducated calculation is that it can't be much more than five centuries from the year I last was in the world, assuming nothing speeds it up or slows it down." "But that doesn't mean it can't happen during our time here, as there's no sure way to know how long ago it is when we got taken away from that world, sure, I know how long I have been here, but there's no way to be sure if my travel here was an instant or if it took several millennia."  "What happened to this world's old protectors proves there's somewhere where time doesn't pass, most likely outside the worlds as we understand them, and when you consider that one of my weapons appeared here a week later than I did, it could be we were in that timeless space for unknown length of time."  Trox got curious "What did happen to the protectors here?" "They disappeared for thousand years and came back without aging a day." "ah"

"I've heard of those. Not where they went, but their return. I assumed they had merely been taken from their own time, and dragged to this one. So in their own time, they simply vanished, and it appeared as if they were gone for hundreds, if not thousands of years. I know time manipulating magic is a thing, even if this is more severe, than anything I have personally heard, or seen. I suppose, they may have been in a sub dimension, or such thing, for a while though.

I do not envy those who studies these things. Merely speculating, is making me dreary of the subject. But I suppose, you may have a point, that it is best to think of preparations, in case something does happen to cross over, which seems a far bigger danger, than what have thus far. I am assuming your claim then is, that you are helping the guards in this time, do so? You must have given them something, to wander among them with such relative ease."

Possibly weapons, or some degree of treasure too. Surely he didn't just go tot he castle, explained thing, and then the princesses merely went *Sounds okay. But since you're still technically a guard, get to work.*. That would be ludicrous. Surely even Equestrians wouldn't be this careless.

...If they were, it just made Chrysalis's constant failure to defeat them, even more embarassing.

5 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Sheska was the one to respond Onache's question "Only reason I don't rip his head off is because I can't." Trox continued from that "You can consider this a hesitant truce, we may not trust him, but the guards are...were not liars, they didn't need to lie, so while doubtful of his motivations, if he says he won't blast our heads off the moment we turn away, he probably won't." "If I wanted to kill you, I'd have done so in the hospital."  the horrifyingly cold way he said it made it sound genuine, and it also reminded everyone that while he was doing his best to better himself, he could still be that heartless killer he was trained to be. "Besides, even if I still served Daybreaker, you'd be a terrorist in enemy's land, enemies of my enemy, I would most likely give you weapons and send you do your thing." the kobolds gave each other the 'a good point'-look "And as much as I hate to admit it, he could be some use with all that knowledge in his head." Solar offered a hoof for a shake of peace, but as response he got a deadly look from Sheska and she said in surprisingly intimidating voice "Don't touch me.", it was so unexpected coming from the small kobold that Solar actually took a step back, the tension jumped high for a moment, but the air relaxed again as Trox gently pulled Sheska behind himself, seemingly also bit surprised by her reaction, and he looked more concerned than angry.

The angry outburst actually drew them some attention, as a changeling drone would come around the corner, sniffing the air, whilst heading in their direction. His tongue were in the last motion of licking around his lips, as he smelled a heaping helpful of dinner here.

A single glare from Onache however, halted his step, and he'd scuttle backwards, with his head held low. He might not know who this were, but the aura of a queen were unmistakable. Much as he could taste the delicious anger flowing through the air here, with more than enough to spare for him to get filled, without harming the pony, he would not cross the queen in their midst. He were hiveless, not suicidal.

A small smirk did briefly show on Onache's face, as he went out of sight, and flew off again. It had been some time since she had seen other behave like this, under her gaze. She had missed that somewhat, but she supposed, this were going to be a rare treat, and she simply had to accept that. Accursed reformation sometimes...

"As close to a truce as one can get, considering the circumstances. Though I disagree on being unable to tear his head off. You simply need to know where to start, and then apply enough force. Or crush him beneath something, such as a boulder. Or a building. There were plenty of things one could throw at another, or tear off, via telepathy.

Unpleasantries and threats aside, I think we now have a basic understanding, among our group. However, it is also time for you to leave. You're upsetting her, and she would do best in having some time to cool off. You already know how to find us, so there is little to no need, for you to remain here constantly. Be on your way, and fulfill what tasks the princesses considers valuable, for their guards."

She considered simply cooling off Shaska herself, but she were so far, thinking it best not to interfere with her mind, as things were still on shaky grounds. If she escalated further, she might well have to invade her mind, and defuse this, but it would be a last resort. It seemed like it might cause some friction, even if she could justify doing so, towards the kobold.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“That’s alright, Ms. Scarcity. No harm done.”

“I am curious about something. If it’s alright, maybe you could answer this, Angie. What’s it like being a bodyguard for Ms. Scaricty? No need to get into specifics. Just what you are able to tell us.”

"Was vehry nice. Stand around, look toff. Easy job. Few is dumb enough, to try and heet her. Those who doo, geht hoof in face.

But I gets bored, yes? Is good at job, yet gehting tired of being just brooht."

"You were always more than that to me, Angie. Your retirement haven't changed that."

"You wehl alwayhs be my freend too, comrahde. But I wahnted some peece. Find nice stahlion, move to country side, yes? Scarcity, she help me. Find me a naice plahce, wehr I can grow plants, and have cahlm life."

"And talking about stallions. I heard a little bird talking about a certain spa pony that's taken a favorite client."

"Even this fahr, you heer much, my frehnd. He is nice stahlion. Wehl see how it gohs, yes?

But now I ask, comrahdes. who are yu? Vat work yu do? She say, you make portals. Dat true?"

"Yes."

Omen would come over, and prove her point, by opening three around her. Three sets, of which eyes looked out, and gazed upon them. Though there also seemed to be another one open in the distance... Maybe it were Hammond? Or to some other world, potentially. There were plenty of options, and all that were really seen, were an opening of light, in the otherwise dark realm, were a lot of the formless siblings seemed to be waving around.

This did not seem to worry Angie, who simply took a cup of tea - dried berries and a mint leaf - and took a dainty sip, you wouldn't expect from a mare like her. Not if you judged purely by first impressions, at least.

"Fascinating, isn't it? Such ample transportation options. And the only caveat, are a minor trip through a non-violent dimension. As long as Mother is not made to feel angry towards you. I told you of her. Their creator, whom I have yet to see in person.  One day perhaps, that will change though. She does sound like she'd be a fascinating being to meet."

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

 

@Kujamih @Thunder Light @Starforce

On 2021-11-05 at 11:35 PM, Kujamih said:

" if you respect me do not look at me directly when I specifically don't want to be seen..." Light's Voice calmly said, but his tone has weight and authority in it. one who has weak will might fear his tone.

"Yes... Master."

Puff's voice were still tasting the words, getting used to having them. Even if she did not speak with a mouth, there were so many things now to think of, and words to put in context. She had gotten an array of them, during the process that gave her form, and they were still settling in. As were she with her body, as she began to move around with cautious steps.

She made sure though, first and foremost, not to look at her second master. He had given her an order, and she were determined to follow it. It appeared that though his magic had not been part of the process, it's presence in Molotov, made her believe they were both her masters.

On 2021-11-05 at 11:35 PM, Kujamih said:

" okay that made me feel better! Let's go!"

Cali would then put Blitz on her back to ride along and tag Blue to join with them.

"Yey! Justice Riders, to the rescue!"

She'd float a smoke bomb out of her tail, and hold it in her teeth, with a big grin on her head. Her horn would even start to light up a small ember at the tip, in preparation for moving along, now that she were riding Cali. Time for the hero and her mighty steed, to save the world once more! Or at least her big bro.

And she'd definitely throw the smoke bomb down, lit and all, the second she saw them. Regardless of how it looked.

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

 

@Zoom Jetstream

Woah... Was that a sphinx?

Jelly were looking up at the sphinx with big eyes. She were still a few blocks away, but a sphinx landing in the middle of the street, and then laughing? That was really hard to miss. Especially since he were taller than most of their houses.

She simply Had to go and see what this one was like!

As her wings were feeling a little sore right now, after gym class earlier, where she had gotten a ball hitting her on a bad angle, she'd run. Taking across the street as quick as her little hooves would take her, whilst her toolbelt jingled ever so slightly. A gift from her parents, so that she'd be ready for many situations. Had a flashlight, some bandages, a small roll of gauze, etc. Whatever she might need, wherever she went. Even were a compartment for small square sandwiches, or biscuits. The latter of which she had there now, for snacks.

She'd rush down the streets she were still getting used to, keeping an eye on the sphinx as she did so, and hoping he'd stay there for a while, since she really wanted to go and look at this one closer. When ever would she get this chance again, right?

[Rising Dusk 27,841]

@Blitz Boom

"Tack så mycket. Min syster och jag arbetade mycket hårt på detta spa. Vi är så glada över att få dessa tjänster till Equestria," the spa pony smiled.  Her ear perked up as a familiar accented voice called out from another part of the spa.  Work was never done, even when a large unicorn is in need of scolding.  Too happy to find a fellow pony from the northern countries, her anger toward Minty had disappeared.  It was time for the spa pony, and the party in general, to finally part ways.  "Tack för att du kom. Njut av resten av din dag. Kom gärna igen!," the spa pony bid farewell and departed to get back to the pony she was working with before Minty's apperance.

With the spa pony's departure, the group could focus in on the bauble Lily produced to check in on a counterpart group in Harrowmark.  Heralds to the changes to come as everything was based on the pace of the ponies in the bauble.  A pace that had quickened greatly from the last when Rising saw them and not through this bauble, but a mirror not too long ago.  For those in attendance, this was Dawn and Grace's first time even getting a glimpse of the country they'd been speaking so much off today.  Not that it was much more than a traveling party in a hurry to arrive somewhere.

"That shuffles my time table around a little," Dawn concluded.  She now needed to get Rising his appropriate wardrobe for the ceremony, have him meet the Princesses and prepare for the opening of a long distance portal with just a couple of hours tops.  The twin could feel he was craving a nap right now, but there was no time for that.  Getting Rising a coffee along the way would have to work for now.  As if on que the shiny stallion in question let free a small yawn.  Sometimes being too relaxed just wants one to nap.

Dawn became momentarily distracted when Lily climbed out of the mud bath and cleaned herself to reveal the silky coat caused by the special mud.  "You look absolutely ravishing, Lily," Dawn admired.  "Trust the mud," Grace agreed with a slight chuckle.   Stretching as she climbed off the massage table and taking to the air in a hover off the floor, "I'll head home to prepare for the trip, along with collect your father.  I'll see you all soon," Grace bid farewell.  Dawn ignited her horn and in a rainbow flash, Grace had been teleported away.  "I'll meet you in Canterlot," Minty bowed her own farewell.  Minding the spa's request of course and walking herself outside.  The crack of lightning was still audible from the distance to mark Minty's departure.

"And now our turn," Dawn ignited her horn.  "Joy," the detective dreuled.  Forgoing a trip through That Place, the unicorn opted again for the basic teleportation.  Zipping herself, Rising and Lily back across Equestria to Manehattan. 

[Windy Breeze]

@Blitz Boom

Sorrow doesn't have to worry much as Cimex has a clear and stable pulse, her chest moving in and out. She's alive!

However, it doesn't mean she got out without injuries. While her head came off fine, the ropes were bound too tight they dig into her hooves, green blood oozing out slowly.

...

Razor became curious as they went to an area near the hospital he and his living companions previously visited. The diamond dog probably lives here, but he still has to make sure to track her down till she met her destination.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

---

Despite knowing she's not in immediate danger, Luna kept her distance from them. A Discordian? A creature created by Discord of disharmony? She didn't like the sound of that, she did not stop Molotov and Light from making a pact with the creatures though, it did increase her interest. A master? So that foal-sized spider is under their influence now?

She approached Molotov and Light, looking at the spider-like creature “So, what are you guys going to do with them?” she tried to be respectful as to avoid receiving the creature's from being called an 'it'

...

A fully recovered Blue would join the the two mares of mischief. Oh, well, time to get some action! She won't let Light take advantage of  hurt her friend

[Catpone Cerberus 23,604]

@Blitz Boom
While she didn't say anything, Ruby part agreed with Marley's compliment, it was true that Ruby the dragon was above such things, but Ruby Shine the pony wasn't, or maybe that was just an excuse she gave herself to try to hold on the little self-respect she still had left, an excuse like believing that her low actions weren't actually as low as it was if others did them since she did them to manipulate others, that was a form of power right? 

 

So it wasn't just an odd gap in the history books, there truly was thousand year long time where relatively little happened, how unlucky could a dragon be to hit just the time when everything starts happening again. She wasn't too surprised to hear about the mysterious vanishings and the murmurs, she had figured Celestia was hiding something, she had to be, because there was no way that the thousand year peace as some called it, could have happened if Celestia didn't do something shady, she was the only ruler and she didn't have the friendship nonsense on her side.

She thought for a second regarding Leviathan's question "No as far as I'm aware, there isn't really anything there to attract anyone or anything, besides maybe those who seek adventure or challenge, but they don't last long enough to be even a real annoyance." "The land itself is so awful place to be that only those born there can tolerate it, so even conquest isn't a reason to go there." "There are some legends of especially dangerous dragons, weirdest one probably being about an undead dragon, but even they aren't told as stories of issue, and rather are told by mothers to inspire their young to become violent and dangerous." "I guess large, special monsters aren't an issue when everyone is a large and special monster." "Though there are some ancient skeletons of creatures that are not dragons, most likely from the time before we wiped out all competition, who knows, maybe some of their descendant still exist somewhere and will appear some day." The homelands were a hard to get to place in middle of a sea, only monsters that could realistically travel there were sea monsters, and they probably wouldn't last long outside the sea, there was the eastern part where their more magical and peaceful counterparts lived, but none of them knew what kind of creatures there were, and nothing had come from there ever as far as Ruby knew, though then again, she was very young relatively speaking, there was only so much she knew.  

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

Scarecrow though for a moment "Oh yeah, though in my defense, do I really know him?" he had the name and occupation, that was about it, sure that was more than for most, but for those he observed, he knew bunch about their lives without ever meeting them, bit creepy he admitted, but what else were you to do when everypony runs away when you show your face.

Clothing was one of those things that Scarecrow actually did understand a bit, both through observation and from distant memories, or more precisely, the language he remembered, things like 'party dress' or 'holiday uniform' floated in his distant mind for example. "There are many reasons to wear clothing, some do wear it to impress others, but some also wear them for the exact opposite reason, that blue unicorn we met for example, he always covers himself when he heads to town to avoid other ponies." "They are also used for protection, and some just like to wear them." "My knowledge of pony culture isn't good enough to go to further reasoning, but I'd say the short way to say it is that, everyone has their own reasons for it."

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

Quote

I am assuming your claim then is, that you are helping the guards in this time, do so?

"Yes, as I have stated before, I now spend my time doing my best to help this land to defend against whatever my past home may throw at it." "Thus I'm here too, I'm currently the only one capable of taking care of business relating to our world, be it violent or diplomatic." 

 

 

The drone got bit of curiosity from all three, but none of them said or did anything special, not that there would have been much time, since Onache chased it away, they all also noticed Onache's reaction, but didn't really mind it, who didn't enjoy a small power trip? 

All of them also disagreed with Onache's view on the easiness of dealing with Solar, granted, he wasn't a god, he could be killed, in fact, the kobolds knew two ways to do that, but the reality was that neither of them was an option that could be done with two unarmed kobolds and a changeling, even forcing the town to help wouldn't do much, he was build to take on small armies, and that was with the armies having proper weaponry.  They didn't express this disagreement though, as it would had been pointless, and ultimately they all wished it didn't need to go to that.

Solar didn't actually argue when Onache told him to leave, in fact, he had realized that he had overstayed his welcome, and was actually sorry that he had seemingly distressed Sheska, though it couldn't really be seen from outside, since his expressions weren't obvious and his mind was protected. "Yes, you are not wrong, as it seems there's no further questions, I have suspicions activity to investigate." he faced the kobolds, specifically Trox "You may not believe me, but I'm sorry for what you have been through, I wish your sister a quick recovery." he then took off in the air and left.

Trox was comforting his sister, worry visible in his eyes, meanwhile Sheska was just kinda staring at nothing, one didn't need to read thoughts to see there was strong inner turmoil going on, this was clearly beyond just disliking guards.

[GingerLightning 258]

@Blitz Boom

"Yes, I am Howl. I've come to visit my little sister. Could you let her know I'm here?" Howl said with a small polite smile. He didn't seem that antagonistic.

"Knowing her, she'll probably tackle me as soon as she sees me. " He said already bracing for impact.

[Plum Blossom]

@Blitz Boom

Plum Blossom looked up to see a sphinx in the streets of Ponyville. "Looks like it's another one of those days again," she mumbled to herself, "I wonder what it could be." Plum Blossom couldn't get a good look at the creature that was just landed in Ponyville since some of the homes nearby blocked her line of sight. However, she could hear it, and it sounded like it was laughing? Whatever it may be about, it was bound to be interesting, so Plum Blossom galloped over, trying to see what was going on. She stopped about a decameter away from the sphinx.

"Hey there! What's so funny?" Plum Blossom asked/shouted the sphinx. She nearly didn't notice another pony running into her, and she barely slid out of the way in time. "Woah! Watch it, will you?" she snapped at whoever nearly ran her over.

Edited November 10, 2021 by Zoom Jetstream

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

The discussion took an unexpected turn and made mentions of Mother and how Scarcity didn’t meet yet. That one’s unexpected considering how Hammond came to be. It might’ve been necessary for Mother to be present if she were to gauge potential masters, a precaution she may have considered after she met Discord long ago. Then again, they weren’t there, and the siblings could only guess how that meeting with Scarcity went. But that said, the siblings, especially Lin, didn’t find herself too keen on talking about Mother. Having confidantes in both Omen and Mother were things that meant a lot to her, and as she wasn’t too certain of Scarcity’s motives, the longma didn’t think twice about keeping quiet on the matter. 

On 2021-11-08 at 6:17 AM, Blitz Boom said:

But now I ask, comrahdes. who are yu? Vat work yu do? She say, you make portals. Dat true?"

"Yes."

Omen would come over, and prove her point, by opening three around her. Three sets, of which eyes looked out, and gazed upon them. Though there also seemed to be another one open in the distance... Maybe it were Hammond? Or to some other world, potentially. There were plenty of options, and all that were really seen, were an opening of light, in the otherwise dark realm, were a lot of the formless siblings seemed to be waving around.

This did not seem to worry Angie, who simply took a cup of tea - dried berries and a mint leaf - and took a dainty sip, you wouldn't expect from a mare like her. Not if you judged purely by first impressions, at least.

“Back to your question, Angie. I’m not certain we could answer it, unless you mean your question was could do? We… don’t have jobs, so we are moving around, place to place. I don’t think we could hold any jobs in Equestria because we… what do ponies call it? Have no legal status? I guess it’s different when you’re employed by Scarcity because your work comes from her.”

“Back home, we don’t have jobs the way ponies understand the term. The work we do is out of necessity, and we get by through trading or protecting our homes. There’s also foraging for food and medicinal plants, but the first one’s more commonly done by almost everyone capable of doing it. If you meant it the other way, Lin could open gates like Omen, but they work a little differently.”

Seemed like there is a bit of downtime for the siblings while they waited for the golem creation process to conclude. Being in a house like Rosa’s earlier got them feeling unsure about relaxing. It wasn’t like being in the Amethyst’s back room where Lin could feel at ease sharing stories over tea with a good friend. The idea that this was someone else’s home sort of felt like they were intruding despite being welcomed in it. Standing around by a corner was something that felt more acceptable to them. It was like being in a self-imposed time-out, but there was no punishment. It's more of just being uncomfortable in another's home. Pony convention may say it's fine, but to the siblings, it's not their place. Being relaxed meant having some familiarity already ingrained in themselves relative to their location. Perhaps the siblings might grow out of this, but that will take some time. 

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Zoom Jetstream @Sekel (Sekel marked since it happens technically with our thread, but can be somewhat ignored)

There were quite a crowd here, so it were almost impressive, that the one that had managed to get hit, were among the smallest of the gathered ponies. By another of the smaller ones here, no less.

"Oooh, sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to. Very sorry... Nnnng. Where's my glasses?"

Jelly would apologize of course, but having to try and avoid the other foal at the last moment, Jelly had to step aside, and had trapped over a rock. So she had slid a little across the ground, and her glasses had bumped off. They hadn't slid more then a few meters, but it were the middle of the day. The midday sun were pretty strong, and it were hurting her eyes to keep them open. In fact, she couldn't right now, and had to feel around, with closed eyes.

From within her mane though, jumped a large spider, that quickly skittered over, and grabbed the glasses with his teeth. Then dragged it back to the filly. If someone tried to step on him, he's quickly move out of the way, then go back and drag along again. Though too many were focused on the sphinx to notice him. Unless another came around to lend a hoof, he'd get the glasses over to Jelly, who'd happily accept and put them on again. Wasn't easy being a nocturnal, living in daytime sometimes.

9 hours ago, Plum Blossom said:

"Hey there! What's so funny?"

The sphinx looked down upon this audible filly, with a still bemused look on his feline face.

"The audacity and innocence of youth, little foal."

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

 

@GingerLightning

"So it Is you! Ooooh, this is gonna be great. I'll go get her right away."

Bling would swoop down from where she stood, and opened the unlocked front door to the theater. When stepping into the dimly lit theater, she'd wave for Howl to follow her, since really, there were no reason for him to stand outside like this. He were welcome here.

"Hey everypony! Howl's here!"

A half dozen eyes lit up near the rafters, as the changelings working on fixing the lighting up, would turn to look down upon him. An audible mix of excited outburst wafted through the room, before the changelings would all fly down, and go towards various parts of the theater.

"They'll find her really soon. Come in, come in. You're among friends here, brethren."

Wherever Ginger were at this moment, one of the changelings would find her, and let her know who were here. Likely wouldn't take long.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

9 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Back to your question, Angie. I’m not certain we could answer it, unless you mean your question was could do? We… don’t have jobs, so we are moving around, place to place. I don’t think we could hold any jobs in Equestria because we… what do ponies call it? Have no legal status? I guess it’s different when you’re employed by Scarcity because your work comes from her.”

“Back home, we don’t have jobs the way ponies understand the term. The work we do is out of necessity, and we get by through trading or protecting our homes. There’s also foraging for food and medicinal plants, but the first one’s more commonly done by almost everyone capable of doing it. If you meant it the other way, Lin could open gates like Omen, but they work a little differently.”

"Sorry to interrupt, but if I may? You can legally hold jobs in Equestria, without having legal status.

Equestria is rather loose with certain rules, to present the kingdom as being more inclusive, and drawing in workers. One is the option for everyone to be given the chance to hold a legal job, with the same benefits and conditions as Equestrian workers. There's just a few steps one have to go through, while submitting a request at the proper legal offices in Canterlot, and you'd be registered within 12-26 hours, depending on how busy they are, and if there are followup questions.

There are of course, some limitations though. For a start, you cannot hold high elected office, such as a police chief, and you cannot seek work in the Royal Guards, nor Coastal Guard. This is to minimize the risk of infiltrators, that might get too close to the princesses. You will also have to be part of a race, or country, that is not currently on bad terms with Equestria. Longma are widely unknown, but if Uddo and his family have their residence and shop, that means they also pay taxes, and have likely a few loans here and there. All which requires various kinds of governmental interaction, so the longma are highly likely registered as a neutral entity. No strong connections, nor any hostile connections. You can avoid some hoops then, as unknown races have to go through more thorough talks."

"Exactly. There were a time when they were more stringent, but they realized they would gain more from embracing others from outside, than to shun them. And most whom work long term in Equestria, do eventually seek legal status. It wastes less time of the police, and guards, than having to send them around to examine if various creatures have legal papers. It is fascinating going over the small offset of income this resulted in, fromt he few who would flee, before they needed to pay their taxes, compared to the influx it gave of those who were more than happy to do so. And then of course, further be offset by the large amount of revenue and manpower, not wasted on such things.

It also circumvented the issue of certain business owners, who took advantage of undocumented workers, to pay them less, and treat them unfairly. Aah, the articles of that time, speaking of the backlash that came, once workers found out they could safely approach the authorities with this matter. Karma is a wondrous thing sometimes."

"And you don't worry about that yourself?"

"Certainly not. I treat others fairly, and I do not get involved in things that would cause an outrageous amount of karmic debt to be put upon me. Le Perrine is the one who have to worry, from what she says herself. One more reason she does not directly interfere with others. Messy business, were she to meet one of the avatars."

"Dem and their beeg talk, yes? Your home, sound seemple. Vehry small, ohld kind of village. Is sounding vehry nice. You like it? De seemple life? Not always easy haveeng seemple life, with Scarcity. Much to do, mahny places to do dem, yes? But portals, make things bettah, yes? Longma thing to make dem? I ask her, but she say it best to ask you, and not spoil everything.

Now come freends. Drink. Eat. Tell Angie of seemple longma life."

She'd point towards the tea and biscuits, encouraging them to taste. Seemed a waste if they wouldn't after all.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"That's fair. You're not like the butterfly chasers here. If something large and threatening tried to muscle in on your lands, you'd probably just be eating well that night. The large skeletons you talk about, are likely proof of that.

Curious to hear you have stories about undead dragons. I've seen undeath here and there in my time, but never a dragon. I always just assumed we couldn't be affected by that kind of magic. Sounds like we're not that fortunate though."

Marley did not make any input, but that had a lot to do with him examining the area too. He didn't feel certain that the draconequus weren't playing tricks, but there were more to it than just that. He had the feeling they were being watched. He could explain where from though. But he had this nagging feeling of eyes boring into his neck, cast from somewhere within the shadows. And if the others were not remarking anything, he had to assume that either whoever it were, were there for him specifically, or they knew that the others might sense it.

Or he were being paranoid, after what happened the last time they crossed the borders between the forest, and Ponyville.

"Pardon me for interrupting, but might I suggest we perhaps took the train, instead of going through the forest right now? There are the option to stable this wagon until a later time, at the station, and it would avoid us having to potentially run into the draconequus again."

It were not so much that which drove his question though, and more him not wanting to find out if they were being stalked. Which if it were the case, likely meant that whomever would make their move, once they were away from prying eyes. Less witnesses, were always a preference, for creatures like that.

"I wouldn't mind, but you're forgetting about Charir. He's doing well here in town honestly, but I'm not sure he'd do well on a train, and asking him to fly, and keep up with that all the way to Las Pegasus, is a little harsh. I'm sure we can deal with the forest annoyance again. Right Ruby?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

19 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Oh yeah, though in my defense, do I really know him?"

"I like to think that every time we speak with another, we get to know them a little more. You may not know him a lot, yet there is time to change that still, with every encounter you may have."

Lyriel at least, felt somewhat certain that she wasn't done with encountering Stargazer. Other poacher may come to her forest, and as the law, she would bring them to him, that he may take care of them. This were the land of ponies after all, and in the end, their laws should be respected. Unless it threatened her home. In which case, she had to oppose it, but thus far, it seemed they lived in a healthy agreement with nature, so she saw little reason to fear much from them. Not from that perspective at least.

19 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Clothing was one of those things that Scarecrow actually did understand a bit, both through observation and from distant memories, or more precisely, the language he remembered, things like 'party dress' or 'holiday uniform' floated in his distant mind for example. "There are many reasons to wear clothing, some do wear it to impress others, but some also wear them for the exact opposite reason, that blue unicorn we met for example, he always covers himself when he heads to town to avoid other ponies." "They are also used for protection, and some just like to wear them." "My knowledge of pony culture isn't good enough to go to further reasoning, but I'd say the short way to say it is that, everyone has their own reasons for it."

"Fascinating. Every time I think I understand equines, I am made to change those perceptions. I feel blessed to have the chance to be amazed by them. Though the way you speak of it, it reminds me slightly of how it were in my tribe. At times, we would change shape, to better fit how our companions could be with us. The songbird I once had, felt most joyful when my attire left room for a bowl of water, and a branch for her to sit upon. *sigh* How I miss you, Lullaby. May your roots be forever nurtured."

A small bit of longing and pain were seen in Lyriel's eye, as she looked to the side, gazing towards a place far, far from here, in which life had ended up becoming warped beyond intention. How she missed them all, and the life they had. Yet it were gone. The land had changed, and her siblings fallen to madness. Even if they could be saved, their old home were gone. Their village... How she missed those simpler times.

"...Maybe we could wander and see it closer? I have no need for clothes, as I wear what the Earth Mother have blessed me with, but I'd be curious to gaze upon what the ponies wrap themselves in, and hear what they may speak of when choosing some."

SHe were specially interested in the rather elegant looking one, were a mare just now, wandered out with a large hat. Something to give the eyes shade it seemed, though also stylish, and meant to match her silver ankle-band.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

20 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Yes, as I have stated before, I now spend my time doing my best to help this land to defend against whatever my past home may throw at it." "Thus I'm here too, I'm currently the only one capable of taking care of business relating to our world, be it violent or diplomatic."

"A fair claim, all things considered. Let us hope that that knowledge will not become needed, however. I see nothing good come from a hostile entity from your world, coming here with the intention of continuing that life here."

Others could think of her what they wanted, but Onache were not a fan of wide scale end to life, and oppression. Sure she had done her fair share, but she kept it small. Only what they needed, with a little extra, just in case. Doing it on a country-side scale, were far above her aspirations, and frankly felt vile. What point where there, in attempting to take over so much, and then keeping others miserable? Take what you needed, by force if you had to, but know your limits.

She were not a moral creature, and it'd take time to change her perceptions about many a thing. Yet she had a sort of sensibility to her actions at least. They still weren't good, but at least they were small scale.

20 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Trox was comforting his sister, worry visible in his eyes, meanwhile Sheska was just kinda staring at nothing, one didn't need to read thoughts to see there was strong inner turmoil going on, this was clearly beyond just disliking guards.

Onache said not a word more to Solar, as she watched him fly off, and kept her eyes on the irritating guard, until he were fully out of sight. Much as she had half threatened him, it weren't as if she could tear parts of him off in reality. Or rather, she refused to try, as the thought were revolting. She could still throw things at him, but the way he were build, it likely wouldn't have done much. She had to control the right kinds of creatures to deal with him. Such as a large dragon, or manipulate the Element Wearers. But pointing that out made things seem somewhat duller, when it came to a retort from her. Frankly, she just didn't like dealing with someone who felt so far above others, and made it seem like they should be grateful, that he wasn't disintegrating them. At least that is how she felt.

And speaking of feelings... She supposed there were the issue of Sheska right now, and as he were gone, she could direct her focus to the clearly irate kobold.

"Do you need assistance to get out of this mood, Sheska? I can take some of those excess emotions from you, or change your mind from it. Without seeing what memories obviously stirs within you right now. I am not an amateur at my craft.

You can deny if you want. I'm only offering assistance. What you chose to do with the option is your decision to make."

Her look were neutral as ever, though if you looked closely, there would be a small glimmer of concern, as well as curiosity, in her eyes. She were not utterly unaffected by seeing the kobold in this state. She just refused to acknowledge it.

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

 

@Kujamih @Thunder Light

On 2021-11-08 at 12:06 PM, Thunder Light said:

Despite knowing she's not in immediate danger, Luna kept her distance from them. A Discordian? A creature created by Discord of disharmony? She didn't like the sound of that, she did not stop Molotov and Light from making a pact with the creatures though, it did increase her interest. A master? So that foal-sized spider is under their influence now?

She approached Molotov and Light, looking at the spider-like creature “So, what are you guys going to do with them?” she tried to be respectful as to avoid receiving the creature's from being called an 'it'

"I was thinking I'd take Puff here back home, and teacher about the world. That voice riding on the wind in there, Mother, said that was the deal. These shadows are half a being. They get full when they're formed by magic, and then bound to both their master, and the world that master came from. That's why these other ones can't leave, I'm guessing, and why they're willing to offer their service to anyone with magic. Wanna go out and be a full creature, y'know?

Don't be worried. I'll make sure Puff is treated right, and taught all the important things in life. Then someday, I'll bring her up north, so she can meet others of her kind. Y'know, the sort I formed her after. Much like this other little fellah, they're a low population species, and they could use every member more they can get. Especially females, so they can get some eggs going, and save their species.

And don't get your small hairs in a big twist, aight? Mother said fighting was forbidden, and even then, these sorts ain't meat eaters. They live off of tree sap. Used to be all over the place, until some folks thought that having a large spider sometimes accidentally drop on them, when they were out chopping wood, were nasty, and they had to be handled. Poor things had to isolate up north to have a chance, and they ain't gonna have a shot at spreading out again, until there's more of 'em. Plus, just look at her. Ain't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?

I dunno about this other one. Hammond here seems like he have another master, but is out exploring stuff. No way you'd just learn hoofsigns like that on your own."

On 2021-11-08 at 12:06 PM, Thunder Light said:

A fully recovered Blue would join the the two mares of mischief. Oh, well, time to get some action! She won't let Light take advantage of  hurt her friend

"Yey, everypony's ready to save them now! Smoke bombs and post adventure kaboomies for everypony!"

She probably didn't have enough for everypony, but Blitz were inventive. Give her an hour or so, and she could have a full mix of weird stuff for them to use.

It was like they said in Ponyville: If it couldn't explode, Blitz would somehow make it.

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

 

@Thunder Light

On 2021-11-08 at 11:48 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Sorrow doesn't have to worry much as Cimex has a clear and stable pulse, her chest moving in and out. She's alive!

However, it doesn't mean she got out without injuries. While her head came off fine, the ropes were bound too tight they dig into her hooves, green blood oozing out slowly.

Good thing? Cimex were clearly alive, so that was a positive for sure, once Sorrow had dug her out enough to get a good look at the innkeeper.

Bad news however, were that the ropes had seemingly cracked her exoskeleton some, around her hooves, and she were bleeding. Which wasn't insanely much yet, but that could suddenly change. Especially if the ropes also helped to put pressure, which if they were let up, might make the blood flow faster.

Which were a though that lead her on, as she in a panic, dug Cimex out fully, and then pulled her out of the container. IN case there still were the bag on her head, Sorrow would tear it open, to allow the changeling to breathe properly, and then look at her straight on, to see how bad she were looking. In case she were unconscious, Sorrow would then start yelling, loud as she could (which she still would do, if Cimex were not looking to be faring too well).

"Somepony help! My friend needs a doctor!"

Changeling were not the same as ponies, but this should be possible fore them to sort out regardless, as they were still somewhat close. In case she needed a blood transfusion though, she'd likely need bloood from another changeling, and then she had to hope she could find one. Or the hospital had one on staff. Or one cam e by now, and knew first aid. She didn't care if she had to lift Cimex to the hospital herself, through a crowd that'd definitely give her some stares (and likely a guard or more confronting her) if she wandered like this. The changeling needed help, and she wasn't about to let Cimex die for the help she had given them.

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

 

@Thunder Light

On 2021-11-08 at 11:48 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Razor became curious as they went to an area near the hospital he and his living companions previously visited. The diamond dog probably lives here, but he still has to make sure to track her down till she met her destination.

Pop Rock would get to her destination rather safely, unaware of her follower, as frankly, how would you even notice you were being stalked by a ghost? Unless you had the sight for them, there were probably little to no way, lest you had wards for it. And that, she did not have, nor did Needle, whose house she would be approaching.

She did not wander in from the front door though. Instead, she would go round the back, and withdraw a small key that she used to unlock that, then walked into the house. One that Razor couldn't have helped to notice were marked as being owned by Dr. Needle, as the mailbox were not exactly hidden.

Once inside, she'd wander into the first room on the right, which were small, yet decorated nicely with small bits and bobs that the diamond dog had kept for herself over the year, as well as a bed, side table, and other things, that marked this as being a room. Her room, to be exact, that Needle had given her. Mistress had always been so kind to her. This were but one of her many kindnesses, and Pop Rock would crawl under her blankets, mumbling a little to herself as she covered up.

"Mistress Needle... What will Pop tell you?"

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

 

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-11-08 at 6:09 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Tack så mycket. Min syster och jag arbetade mycket hårt på detta spa. Vi är så glada över att få dessa tjänster till Equestria," the spa pony smiled.  Her ear perked up as a familiar accented voice called out from another part of the spa.  Work was never done, even when a large unicorn is in need of scolding.  Too happy to find a fellow pony from the northern countries, her anger toward Minty had disappeared.  It was time for the spa pony, and the party in general, to finally part ways.  "Tack för att du kom. Njut av resten av din dag. Kom gärna igen!," the spa pony bid farewell and departed to get back to the pony she was working with before Minty's apperance.

Lily would do a bow before the spa mare, as best she could, depending on her position as the mare announced her departure from the room.

"Må guderne lyse din vej, Norde-søster."

She were definitely not averse to the idea of returning here at some point in the future. At first, that were because the treatment here made her feel like a noble. Yet now, there were also the factor of her some-what countrymare. It were technically of a neighboring one, but it were still far closer than Equestria were, and their countries had history. In case it were Hayden, not always a good one, as they had some wars and raids upon eachothers lands under their respective belts, but all in the far, far flung past. There were little reason for them to begin such nonsense again, anytime soon.

On 2021-11-08 at 6:09 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"That shuffles my time table around a little," Dawn concluded.  She now needed to get Rising his appropriate wardrobe for the ceremony, have him meet the Princesses and prepare for the opening of a long distance portal with just a couple of hours tops.  The twin could feel he was craving a nap right now, but there was no time for that.  Getting Rising a coffee along the way would have to work for now.  As if on que the shiny stallion in question let free a small yawn.  Sometimes being too relaxed just wants one to nap.

The view wasn't barren of everything, but what were seen of Harrowmark there, beyond the towering, medieval town of Copperhagen, were not overly pretty. It were tall, gnarled trees, creaking in the wind, and various eyes of unseen entities within, starring out towards the ones passing by. A few were seen, as the tall torches, magically burning along the path lit them up at times, but it were not nice things. It were tar dripping entities of unknown origins, and a little after them, a pony. Seemingly just a normal, pale one, but as the light cast the glare, they'd be able to see the half of the once pristine mare's face had rotten off, and she had the blade of a rusty scythe, sticking through her chest, and upper spine. The look in her milky eyes were brief, yet not filled with malice. More curious, and weary of what were seen. The undead knew what the light of Viz'nay could mean, and while some would embrace that, it were not the path all wanted.

It were likely not helping with the crows cawing around, gathering in the tree tops, and following the wagon with interest. Their presence foreboding, as all were like Chirpy, when it came to size. Towering, and making the Equestrian crows look like newly hatched chicks in comparison.

Combine it with the grey clouds hanging above, and this really looked more like the introduction to a horror movie.

In my defense, I did not expect Thistle to get this energized on the road there. She must have absorbed a good deal of fleeting souls. Even then, didn't expected her to move things along this rapidly. Thistle must be more determined and stubborn, than Twisted claimed.

On a positive note, think of this as getting it over with sooner. You seem to dread it, so why not simply embrace it, and not worry of it for days on end? Not that they will give you the option to wait that long, once they have connected, but that is a fact I made you aware of already."

Perhaps it was a little bluntly said, but really, why not simply see it as getting it over with? He might manage to get a late night snack back here in Equestria that way, rather than be stuck to far beyond reasonable hours.

On 2021-11-08 at 6:09 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Dawn became momentarily distracted when Lily climbed out of the mud bath and cleaned herself to reveal the silky coat caused by the special mud.  "You look absolutely ravishing, Lily," Dawn admired.  "Trust the mud," Grace agreed with a slight chuckle.   Stretching as she climbed off the massage table and taking to the air in a hover off the floor, "I'll head home to prepare for the trip, along with collect your father.  I'll see you all soon," Grace bid farewell.  Dawn ignited her horn and in a rainbow flash, Grace had been teleported away.  "I'll meet you in Canterlot," Minty bowed her own farewell.  Minding the spa's request of course and walking herself outside.  The crack of lightning was still audible from the distance to mark Minty's departure.

"And now our turn," Dawn ignited her horn.  "Joy," the detective dreuled.  Forgoing a trip through That Place, the unicorn opted again for the basic teleportation.  Zipping herself, Rising and Lily back across Equestria to Manehattan. 

"Thank you all for the compliments. I do feel like a shining star right now, if I'm honest. Dreadful idea for swamp walking, but in the safety here, it both looks, and feels, magnificent.

I look forward to seeing you again, Grace. Give your husband my best."

Lily would lower her knees, and make a bow towards Grace, as if she were currently wearing her dress. Which she were not, and frankly, she were starting to miss it. She felt a little exposed now, that she had the time to think further on it.

Eyeing her dress, she'd grab hold of it, and not a moment too soon either, as she heard the crack of Minty leaving outside - or a small, localized thunderstorm - and then the lot of them would leave the room as the last. Thankfully not using the odd variation again, as it were rather peculiar. And even aware of it, Lily wouldn't be able to get used to it already. Though she'd feel too relaxed to care as much, right now.

In any case, soon enough, they'd be back where they began, with Lily unaware of the fact that they had even left Manehattan to begin with. She figured they had just ported around the same city all along. At most, she assumed just various parts of town, were the reason it looked different here and there. Could be a really big town after all.

"Back where many things started. Do tell though, do you Equestrians deal much with the concept of subtlety? Many of you that I have met, seem to be wholly ignorant of that being an option."

She were jesting, as she said this, and began to put on her dress again, so that she were presentable, once they went outside. Lest she were stopped by Dawn, who likely didn't enjoy seeing this brown embarrassment to fashion. And really, what could Lily do to stop her, if that was the case? She were an ant, in the midst of giants right now. And she needed to accept her position, in case they wanted to do something she did not feel overly keen about, if they did not much care for her opinion on the matter.

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

 

@Starforce

"I think this is both very interesting, and potentially very dangerous. The way the branch grew, and the weight increase, makes me think it actually grew it. And could do so on organic things, without much problems. This could be interesting for agriculture perhaps, but I worry about long term effects, and beyond that, how it might affect a living creature. We need to test that. Because if this could cause a full coverage, and increase sizes of living creatures, just imagine what it might do if say, a pony dropped a bottle on themselves. It could end catastrophically."

She'd take another portion out, though this time, only a fourth as much, and then would add a few specks of magic lingering in the air, from Magnolia, so the ratio were the same. As for her next test subject though, she'd hover an insect up towards the liquid. A Hercules Beetle, wriggling in the air.

"Sorry little one, but hopefully, it doesn't work on you like this either. And if it does... Well, I guess you're gonna be the biggest bug around. Be ready Magnolia,. in case something dangerous is going to happen, okay?"

It were an experiment that needed to happen, so with a gulp, Zeehva would connect the liquid, and the beetle, and hold her breath in anticipation. Please dear ancestors, let it not work on living creatures. If it did, they had to go about this in an entirely different way, if they were ever going to have to sell this mixture. Probably sell it not to any private ponies, but only like, construction firms, that could handle the proper precautions, and then sell the affected stones and whatnot, once the coating had settled. Which they also had to test after this, in case it might affect anyone touching it, even after the regular Midas Tears would have settled, and become non-transferable.

[Plum Blossom]

@Blitz Boom

"I don't get it..." Plum Blossom said, giving the sphinx a confused look. She decided to look over to the pony that nearly ran her over. She appeared to be searching for something on the ground, but the way she did it reminded Plum Blossom of her grandparents when they lost their glasses. She watched as a spider dragged some sun glasses back to the filly. "Uh, hello?" Plum Blossom said when the other filly put her sunglasses back on.

Edited November 10, 2021 by Zoom Jetstream

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Blitz Boom @Thunder Light

"......." Light quietly pondered from the side while the other interacts with them, to distract them from the other light escaping.

I need to cover more grounds and connect the plot of this world... the escaping Light would place more shards to important locations if left unchecked.

~event~

 

"so this squirrel has a master?... I bet it's someone strong.... DEMON SQUIRREL! I demand an audience to your master."

 

 

 

Cali's side.

 

the mare team is up in action and ready to save Equestria!

after they have successfully billed out at the hospital

 it seems they've decided to walk to their destination instead of hastily going there....

".... I'm sorry you guys.... I can't seem to transform properly... sorry for slowing us down..." Cali said regrettingly.

 

 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

18 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Sorry to interrupt, but if I may? You can legally hold jobs in Equestria, without having legal status.

Equestria is rather loose with certain rules, to present the kingdom as being more inclusive, and drawing in workers. One is the option for everyone to be given the chance to hold a legal job, with the same benefits and conditions as Equestrian workers. There's just a few steps one have to go through, while submitting a request at the proper legal offices in Canterlot, and you'd be registered within 12-26 hours, depending on how busy they are, and if there are followup questions.

"That sounds good, though it’s understandable why ponies ought to be suspicious of other creatures, especially toward those who are still new to them. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’d be issues securing jobs if it were me. Uddo is fortunate he is doing well, and his family is forging new connections here.” 

“It’ll probably be different for us, but Sen and I wouldn’t be worrying about that for now. I guess we’re still unsure about what the future will hold for us. Here’s hoping things will turn out well.”

This conversation reminded the siblings of the one they had with Rosa and Omen earlier that day. Shopkeeper, teacher… there weren’t a lot of options for the longma, but there was still something for them if things don’t work out back home. If Uddo and his family can make it here, then there is a chance the siblings could. Omen’s definitely got an edge with being a mailmare. Knowing Equestria’s got all of those regulations for allowing non-pony creatures work likely means there is a possibility employers would have something more stringent. After all, it was ultimately them who’d have to provide training. And then there’s the deal with taxes… From what Sen and Lin heard from their travels, those can get pretty rough.

Angie would ease some of the worries the siblings were starting to have from this conversation. Speaking about home wasn’t very difficult, but bad history tended to cloud memories. They’d do their best to provide what they know. Perhaps this could turn out to be like Lin’s conversations with Amethyst: a simple and relaxing one over tea and biscuits, one that she and Sen can have without a care in the world.

“Simple really describes life back home. The longma don’t have magic, and among the folks back home, only I can make gates for quick travel. A typical day is spent securing our daily needs or looking after village matters like food and shelter. Some teach the younger generation about our history, while others train apprentices to take over important roles.”

“Days are busy making sure everything is taken are of, and if it isn’t for matters within the village, there’s trade between villages. That’s where some longma take it upon themselves to make sure the paths are safe and clear. Simple life isn’t always easy, but it’s not something we missed when we saw Equestria for ourselves. It has a certain charm to it, the kind that sometimes makes you forget there’s a bigger world out there. Living with nature means embracing it for what it is and appreciating what it can give.”

Maybe that is part of the rustic charm that some could attribute to living away from the more advanced towns and cities. Living with nature’s gifts also meant being responsible for keeping things that way. Without the larger commitments to a much bigger world, it is easy to look inward and take care of the things that matter. The family hut Sen and Lin lived in for so long was in tatters, but there were still some friendly faces who ensured they would have a home to return to after being away for so long. Compared to larger houses like the one they’re in right now and Rosa’s home, it was smaller. A living room like Rosa’s was about as big as the siblings’ home, and the bedrooms were more like side rooms with bedrolls and a table. They can make the space work, but luxury isn’t exactly something the longma considered when building homes.

Speaking of which, the siblings would sit at the table at Angie’s request, taking a look at the food and drink. Sen isn’t quite hungry at the moment, but he’d take a bite out of the biscuit. Lin, on the other hoof, sipped a bit of tea. She was more fond of this type of drink, and exchanges with Amethyst made here more receptive to the beverage. She’d swirl the liquid in her mouth, getting familiar with the taste, though she wasn’t sure what to make of it. 

“Angie, I’m not familiar with this tea’s taste. What kinds of herbs did you use?”

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Starforce

Zeehva raised a surprised eyebrow at what Magnolia were saying. She had not assumed that this were where her curiosity ended, nor her want to test these potions of hers, despite there being a need to go through this, before they could sell it. But she wouldn't press on, and try to do the test regardless.

"...You're right. I was too hasty there. We need to have a counteragent ready first, before testing it on living tissue. And some extended testing to see when it isn't contagious to other surfaces anymore either. We'll run some simpler test then, in a safe place. And no living subjects, even small ones, until there's a counteragent. I promise.

That being said, we can't try and sell this, before we run some tests on something living, sooner or later. The way it makes things grow, we have to know if it works that way on live ones too. Imagine if we didn't know in advance, and then someone spilled it over themselves, and they started to grow, if not worse. I know it seems grim, but sadly, when unexpected results like this happens in a potion, there have to be some testing done, to see how to use it safely.

But you're still right, Magnolia. I was too caught in the moment, and didn't think about a counteragent before we moved on to an insect. I'm sorry. I'll do my best to keep myself more in check another time."

She couldn't just up and leave here, so it would take some time before she were ready, since she had to pack everything up again, but she'd do so as quickly, and safely, as she could. Shouldn't be more than ten minutes. Whatever else they had to make, of already approved potions, they could just make in town when it were. On the market if need be. The really smelly stuff was done with. If they excluded the first thing that Magnolia had made, but that would still have to be somewhat potent. Also diluted though, so for now, it was kept in a small vial.

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

 

@Zoom Jetstream @Sekel

On 2021-11-10 at 3:44 AM, Plum Blossom said:

"I don't get it..."

"Good. You should not know of malady and despair, little foal. Maintain that spark of innocence, long as you can. And if you are fortunate, you will never come to understand why this innocent wonder I were presented with, caused my spirit to be lifted."

The sphinx did not trample anyone, or the like. He seemed content to just stand there. And while the villagers were surely in awe at seeing not just a sphinx here, but one that seemed friendly, the ones who had places to be, and things to do, began to just wander around him, and on their way again. He might be large, but he wasn't cutting off traffic per se. Just caused a few places of road blocks, with his legs, that could be wandered around. If he had been laying down, it'd be another story.

On 2021-11-10 at 3:44 AM, Plum Blossom said:

"Uh, hello?" Plum Blossom said when the other filly put her sunglasses back on.

Jelly would let out a sigh of relief as she got her tinted glasses back on, and would be able to open her eyes fully again. And first order of business there, were then to put a hoof down, and run it gently over the fuzzy spiders back.

"Thank you, Gary. You're the best."

He'd let out a pleased, skittering sound, before he'd jump up on her outstretched leg, and crawl back up on her head again.

She'd really never get, why so many foals were afraid of spiders. Sure there were some venomous ones, that she could understand not wanting to be near, as a few were also pretty aggressive, but a non-toxic one like Gary? He were as gentle as a lamb, and as fuzzy as any kitten could dream of being. Even the ones without fur had their charms too, and were just really, fascinating creatures.

This foal speaking to her might be as well. The one she had almost hit before, and now that she had her glasses back on, she could have a better look, and could send the filly a smile. A smile which chowed off her bat pony fangs well, though it were still clearly a happy smile. Not something where she tried to be intimidating. Which really, she'd fail at, as she didn't look that scary, unless you were afraid of bat ponies.

"Hey. Sorry about before, I just got really distracted. I'm Jelly Drop, and this here's Gary. Who're you?"

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

 

@Kujamih @Thunder Light

On 2021-11-10 at 5:55 AM, Kujamih said:

"......." Light quietly pondered from the side while the other interacts with them, to distract them from the other light escaping.

I need to cover more grounds and connect the plot of this world... the escaping Light would place more shards to important locations if left unchecked.

If the other variation of Light tried to travel through the shadow realm, he'd suddenly find himself getting flung through a random portal, opening into Equestria. The only things he'd hear before that, being curious whispers in the unknown language, that the occupants apparently had as their native tongue, and the voice of Mother.

"You do not belong among my children."

Which in fairness, was true. He wasn't a formless shadow, waiting for a master. Mother wasn't formless either, but this was her domain, and she'd be seen, only if she wanted to be seen. And she did not want to meet with Light, as things stood now.

On 2021-11-10 at 5:55 AM, Kujamih said:

"so this squirrel has a master?... I bet it's someone strong.... DEMON SQUIRREL! I demand an audience to your master."

Hammond would look at Light as he told him, that he wanted t speak with his master. Then without a word, he'd open a small portal once again, and jump through it, before closing it behind him. About a minute later, a portal would swirl into existence again, and he'd jump out of it, before it too closed up.

He'd begin to make some gestures then, unlike the ones he'd done before. Hoof language once again though, with these ones meaning *Master is busy, and does not want to speak now.* Maybe another time, he'd get his chance to speak with Hammond's master, but it certainly wouldn't be now. Perhaps asking nicely would also be helpful, rather than demanding it.

On 2021-11-10 at 5:55 AM, Kujamih said:

the mare team is up in action and ready to save Equestria!

after they have successfully billed out at the hospital

 it seems they've decided to walk to their destination instead of hastily going there....

".... I'm sorry you guys.... I can't seem to transform properly... sorry for slowing us down..." Cali said regrettingly.

No one tried to stop them from leaving. By all means, with the fuzz they had caused, the staff were more than happy to see them leave right now. Cali would probably end up facing special restrictions if she returned at a later date, like the Boom siblings did, but they wouldn't call the guards on them, so that was something.

As for the speed, Blitz didn't care. She were so trapped in the moment, that she acted like they were rushing away, at the speed of light. Tooting and giggling, with not a care in the world.  So at least there were somepony there, who didn't feel down, or worried. Or if she were, Blitz certainly didn't show it. Likely came from her feeling like her big brother was going to be safe, since he had always been okay before. The thought that he might be charcoal right now, didn't even briefly pass through her head. He wasn't either, but some others might have been afraid that could be the case, considering how Light had gone about dealing with things before.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-11-10 at 4:33 PM, EQ_Theta said:

"That sounds good, though it’s understandable why ponies ought to be suspicious of other creatures, especially toward those who are still new to them. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’d be issues securing jobs if it were me. Uddo is fortunate he is doing well, and his family is forging new connections here.” 

“It’ll probably be different for us, but Sen and I wouldn’t be worrying about that for now. I guess we’re still unsure about what the future will hold for us. Here’s hoping things will turn out well.”

"Hope is all well and good, but one must also not wait by idly. If there is something you strive for, you must do your part to get it. Few things simply fall into your lap, as you idly wait around, darlings."

@Kujamih (just for a mention, as this is where Hammond goes)

Suddenly, Hammond would pop in, out of a small gate, and land on the table. To the apparent delight of both Angie and Scarcity, though Brick narrowed his eyes. He still didn't trust this little creature, despite how harmless Scarcity claimed he were.

"Aaah, de leetle vone. Here, take cookie, frehnd."

Angie would offer Hammond a cookie, which he'd accept. Then with the cookie in his little paws, he'd give a slow bow towards Angie. He were still trying to learn this, but bit by bit, he were grasping some semblance of how to show gratitude, considering he didn't speak.

"What brings you here, my dear? I thought you wanted to go and explore the forests?"

He'd begin to do his signs, which seemed to give a minor increase in Scarcity's smile, and made Rosa looks rather confused. He felt rather sure that there were no way he could have read that right, since that'd be pretty weird. Even by his standards, after meeting these beings.

"He demands to see me, you say? *Ahahaha. Isn't he an impatient sort? As you can see though, I have company. Please tell him I'm busy, and don't wish to speak right now."

Hammond would nod, then munch his cookie down, before leaving like he came.- Though a quickly vanishing portal.

"The audacity of some beings, yes? To demand speaking with me, after calling my darling Hammond a demon? Tsk tsk. Somepony needs to learn some manners.

To return to the subject at hoof however, you should have little issue securing yourself some work, if need be. Your unique ability makes you quite valuable, for many, varied professions, Lin. There are many ways transportation can be useful, when it can be done with such ease. The cost reduction alone on overseas transport would be quite noticeable."

Scarcity would take a sip of tea, as Rosa would pick up the conversation.

"It seems you have plenty of ideas of how they could be used at least. Are your eyes on them too?"

Scarcity would calmly put her cup back on the table, and float a biscuit towards her, before she answered Rosa. He seemed so tense for the moment, as he wondered if he'd even get a direct answer on this. However, she simply took it with ease, and finished the little bite of the biscuit before she answered.

"I certainly wouldn't mind, and would pay well above regular rates for their services. be it in bits, or asserting influence for something they may desire. But they have options, and my main employee have already been claimed.

Don't think I only speak with others to draw them into my web, dear. I open my world for them, to show that there are enticing options, that does not necessarily have to be illegal in nature. But I'm not forcing them to head this way. Though I do still encourage you to consider it, everypony. I can assure you, you won't have to worry about taxes either. I'll take care of such minute things, and make sure it is all done correctly, and you have the option to decide if you would prefer not to transport things that are technically of an illegal nature. With negotiable terms later down the line too, of course."

"I notice you did not give me much of a choice in the matter."

I have dealt with enough of your consortium, to know it best to have you employed, yet with the clear premise that you know I have something to use against you. It discourages double crossing. You having a *kill on sight* bounty after your betrayal, does mean it is far less likely you will attempt to return, but one can never be too careful with spies."

He couldn't argue against that, so Rosa just shrugged, and took a biscuit. might as well, and it had a nice, honeyed taste to it. Wasn't bad on occasion.

On 2021-11-10 at 4:33 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Angie, I’m not familiar with this tea’s taste. What kinds of herbs did you use?”

Angie listened in, until she were given a question herself, as she were genuinely interested in the life of the longma. Scarcity did too, but she had always her ears up, and ready to hear things. Never knew when some of it might be interesting, or worth something, after all.

"De best kind, my frehnd: Homegrown. Dried raspbehries, touch of honey, and leetle leaf of sugar lotus. Neighpoon spehcial plant.

Now longma life. It sound good. Ehveryvone having imortant job. Fight for de town, gather food, talk weeth other, leetle towns too. Help one another. It sounds vehry nice to me. Remind me leetle of life, back home, in small towns. Not much help elsewhere, so have to rehly on ourselves. We farm, we hunt. Make traps, dig wehlls, Many good things. Was farmer back den. Aaah,. but vanted to see de beeg world. So I come to Equestria.

You too come here to see a beeger world, frehnds? It sound like you miss old home. Less complicated thing, yes? I can understand. Is a complex, world sometimes, yes?"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Blitz Boom

@Thunder Light

* unchecked*

the plot forced light to head into the portal of the shadow realm and ended up on another location instead. he knew it was foolish to just go in there, but a flow of plot was presented, and he couldn't just ignore it.

"... hmm I guess they really aren't hostile, I don't mind.... one of my shards is already in there."

the other Light would continue to explore the new area he is in.

 

....................................................................

~Light Molotov Luna cocktail mix, with a demon squirrel on top....~

 

Light would pout at the demon squirrel, but would not blame the squirrel for he had glimpsed on what happened.

"..... hmmmm, then how about this.... " Light would pull out some shards out of his body. 5 pieces to be precise.

" you want my trust demon squirrel? give these crystals to someone important to you, tell them to break it if they're in danger. if not put it on display. keep one if you want.... you don't need to do it right now, just taking them from my hooves is good enough of a yes from me."

 

[EQ_Theta 460]

@Blitz Boom

On 2021-11-12 at 2:59 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Hope is all well and good, but one must also not wait by idly. If there is something you strive for, you must do your part to get it. Few things simply fall into your lap, as you idly wait around, darlings."

“I wish it was that easy, Ms. Scarcity, but having an old life incompatible with what Equestria has to offer leaves a lot of uncertainty. Uddo had transferable skills, which gave him an advantage. I don’t. Maybe once things settle down, I’ll be able to start thinking about what I should be doing with myself. I guess you can tell I don’t have a long-term goal, or if I do, it’s not one that I’m certain I should take.”

Lin took another sip of Angie’s tea and noted its sweetness, but it was something new for her taste buds. Sweet isn’t new to her, but the combination of plants and fruit was unexpected. It was different from the homegrown herbs, the combination of bitter plants and mild roots meant getting used to stronger resulting flavors. Jade orchids were some of the rarer ingredients, but those had to be picked from specific places, and the longma haven’t figured out how to cultivate them yet. 

Still, growing up around these practices left the longma more appreciative of the processes and efforts of those who discovered them. A good drink could get one to forget their troubles, if only for a moment. Sen still had Scarcity’s words in mind, and along that, his future. The uncertainty was the worst part of it, having no answers and creating more questions. Rosa’s been helpful in narrowing down options, and it might just be the voices of trusted friends who could provide a nudge in a certain direction, not to say that Scarcity is wrong. Her words are still true, and finding some small comforts like seeing Hammond again, even for just a moment.

On 2021-11-12 at 2:59 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Now longma life. It sound good. Ehveryvone having imortant job. Fight for de town, gather food, talk weeth other, leetle towns too. Help one another. It sounds vehry nice to me. Remind me leetle of life, back home, in small towns. Not much help elsewhere, so have to rehly on ourselves. We farm, we hunt. Make traps, dig wehlls, Many good things. Was farmer back den. Aaah,. but vanted to see de beeg world. So I come to Equestria.

You too come here to see a beeger world, frehnds? It sound like you miss old home. Less complicated thing, yes? I can understand. Is a complex, world sometimes, yes?"

“Don’t get me wrong, Angie, Sen and I are able to go home to where things are simple, but things can get just as complicated there. Something soured our memories of home, and we can’t look at it the same way after what happened. It’s more like we were forced to make a life outside of old home. Sorry… I didn’t mean to make this conversation dour.”

“Your story sounds a lot more positive. In a place like this, I guess you found a bigger world and still found room for the things that matter to you, yes?”

"The good thing is, we get to see the world beyond our home. Now that we could go home again, maybe we could bring back some things we learned out here and share them. If you don't mind me asking, do you... miss your old home?"

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

DAZZLE GLEAM

"A Sphinx?" Dazzled echoed with a breathy tone. She looked where Long Stare was staring and blinked a couple of times. She was unable to believe her eyes and her ears twitched at it laughing. "I don't think we should go anywhere near him. Maybe we could go in a different direction?" she asked as she turned away from the odd sight to look immediately around them. Looking at the different shops for some kind of distraction, her head tilted to the side like a curious dog when she spotted a sweet shop populated by a couple of dragons and ponies. However, Dazzle didn't recognise any of them. "Oh hey, why don't we get some sweets for Scarcity?" she asked Long Stare, pointing to the sweets shop, and moved to it before she gave the mare a chance to answer.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Ending up in Ponyville would have been great! We were going there anyway to get to Happy's hive with Queen Onache!" Aurora said in an irritated tone. She didn't exactly like being in this weird dimension the Draconequus had made. While it was very fun at first, it quickly became an annoyance and now it was downright frustration. "We were also going back to Ponyville to get Happy's stupid alcomoholic cart for him to cart around and make merriment with all the other little ponies!"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Alright, I'm sure I can follow it," Twilight said, mostly to herself, and then nodded as she read the ritual over and over. "It's just a death ritual designed to transfer a spirit from one vessel to another. How hard could it be?" As she did, her magic went to work. Twilight whispered the spell under her breath, and as the ritual instructed, she poured the Tatzlwurm flower juice over the deathflower in its pot of gravedirt. The wispy golden hairs from Marepunzel floated into the mixture of dirt and Tatzlwurm juice and her horn flared brighter, concentrating on the spell. The light cast harsh shadows throughout the room and as they did, the stick Cherish was attached to was raised into the air. Upon reaching it's zenith, the stick broke in half and the runes were dispelled upon the ritual ending. The death flower wilted and the mixture of grave dirt, Tatzlwurm juice, and the hairs from Marepunzel vanished into the ether. Twilight's horn pulsed once, twice, thrice, and then lavender magic swept through the map room and out into the castle proper. When all was said and done, Twilight felt herself panting from exertion despite not having run anywhere. "That ... That should have been correct," she told Last and Drone with a wheezy chuckle. "Cherish should be out from her stick and free to roam this castle. Lucky I drew the runes on some parchment before the spell dispelled them."

@Blitz Boom & @Zoom Jetstream

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"Yes indeed, little Boom. I am certainly happy from seeing the fireworks show," Atzy giggled along with the foal. She was pleased by the little one's antics and wanted to see what else they could do. Karmic was calmly watching Atzy play along with the foal and having a grand old. She was happy Atzy had found something to be please with at last instead of fighting with her about the littlest things as they had been the past bit on their journey with Enzo. "So little foal, what else can you do besides fireworks? Can you make other things go boom? Like the little detective ones my friend here is chatting with?"

[Plum Blossom]

@Blitz Boom @Sekel

"Hello Jelly, I'm Plum. Nice to meet you." Plum Blossom chirped. She wasn't really afraid of spiders, so she didn't mind Gary. "I don't think I have seen you here before. Are you new here in Ponyville? What brings you here?" She asked. She also noticed some other fillies talking nearby about fireworks. "You like fireworks!? Oh my gosh! I like fireworks too!" Plum Blossom exclaimed.

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Sekel @Widdershins

"I uhm... G-Guess it's best not to go there, even if it doesn't look like he's attacki- W-Wait, don't just take off like that."

Stare had been in the progress of going through things as she thought them, in regards to the sphinx. He seemed fine enough, but sphinx had a pretty bad reputation. Even if this one laughed, he might still try to subjugate the town at any minute. Or start an attack, and it might be best to just get out of the way for now. Even though she did see the Night Guard had flown up to him, very briefly, and didn't seem to cause a fuss. Could it really be that one of their kind, just came here to visit? Maybe speak with Princess Twilight? She had so many other connections, from what she heard... It could be.

But she didn't get much chance to go through things, before Dazzle would spot a certain sweet shop, and take off in that direction, before Stare could stop her. It were curious if she even could honestly, but uhm, anyway, she would just follow along for now. Scarcity would probably have some time later for them to meet up with her, and she did like specialty candy, so this might not be a bad side avenue to go by. Plus as she could see in the distance, it appeared that both Pop and Benny were there, and she had wanted to introduce them to Dazzle, so... Might as well just get it over with, and hope for the best, yes? *gulp* Though she didn't know who the two others were. Not the dragon, anyway. Maybe one of Benny's brothers? She had heard from Pop that he had several.

As they got closer, Benny would be the first to notice them. Well, he noticed Dazzle, as she actually made some noise, and then saw Stare by association. Rose a hand with the gauze still tightly wrapped around his palm, and a big grin on his face.

"Heeeey, if it isn't Long Stare. Thanks for not scaring the scales off me this time. Who's your friend? And what's up with her costume? It looks pretty good."

"Hi Benny. And uhm... Well, Dazzle? This is Pop and Benny. They're the dragon and pony couple I mentioned yesterday.

Benny, this is Dazzle Gleam. My sister's helping her find her parents. And she uhm... Well, they're a dragon and a pony."

If Benny had water in his mouth then, he wouldn't done a spit take, as his eyes fixated totally on Dazzle. As did those of Pop, who lost much focus in anything else, as she heard this.

"Wait... Waaaait wait wait Wait. Are you saying... Naaah, that can't be. The doctors say that ain't possible. You're just pulling our legs here, r-right?"

"If she does, I'm tying her to a flagpole. This isn't the sort of thing that should be joked about. Dazzle? Is what Stare said true?"

You could see on them both that they were in disbelief, but excited, and hopeful. If Dazzle really was a hybrid, that meant that there was a way. Might involve some magic or something, but didn't matter. if there were a way, they wanted to hear things.

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

 

@Sekel

2 hours ago, Sekel said:

"Ending up in Ponyville would have been great! We were going there anyway to get to Happy's hive with Queen Onache!" Aurora said in an irritated tone. She didn't exactly like being in this weird dimension the Draconequus had made. While it was very fun at first, it quickly became an annoyance and now it was downright frustration. "We were also going back to Ponyville to get Happy's stupid alcomoholic cart for him to cart around and make merriment with all the other little ponies!"

Anomaly scratched her noggin, not sure what to make of what she just heard.

"Okay, I got the part about him looking for his big cheese-leg, but what's the other thing mean? Does it bite?"

"It's a cart. It doesn't bite."

"...Do you wa-"

"No."

"Well aren't you a spoilsport.

So you just wanna go to Ponyville, and find his queen? That sounds a little boring, when you could have a fun adventure with me, hehe. Now let's see, what'd be fun..."

While she thought on that, Rose would suddenly come flying in the air, backwards, and land on the table. She'd slide along it on her rear end, and not stopping until she were almost tipping over the other side of it.

Getting up, she'd pretend to roll up her sleeves, and got a little dark spark around her eyes. Literally, a speck a black lightning were seen, before the little pixie would raise her voice.

"Oh no you don't. I'm the big sister, and you're gonna come here if you like it or not, sleepy head!"

She'd get up, and fly of rapidly in the other direction. Not three seconds after she was out of sight, a large explosion could be heard, and a mixture of lightning and lava flew up into the air in the distance. Which would start a minor forest fire, and make Anomaly roll her eyes, and let out a sigh.

"Kids, right? Always gotta go fighting. I'll be right back.

Rose! Don't try and disintegrate your brother, or you're grounded! Your father talked to you about this!"

She'd take off in the general direction, as she seemingly had to both stop a fight, and put out a forest fire. All in all, not the worst thing that'd happened to them.

"Might I suggest that if you want to take off, now would be the time? We'll keep her distracted. I'm curious about this place."

"Many fun smells. Flaxxy want to see what she mean too, with adventure."

Lulu Leila and Flaxxy could cover for them, if they wanted to take off. Frankly, Happy wasn't too fussed being here a bit more, so he'd look towards Aurora. It'd be up to her if she thought it best that they took off instead. If she did, he'd haul flank outta here, the same way they got in. With a few treats along for the run, of course. No need to let it all go to waste.

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

 

@Sekel

2 hours ago, Sekel said:

Twilight felt herself panting from exertion despite not having run anywhere. "That ... That should have been correct," she told Last and Drone with a wheezy chuckle. "Cherish should be out from her stick and free to roam this castle. Lucky I drew the runes on some parchment before the spell dispelled them."

Cherish wouldn't say a word. During the process, as the aura had broken out, she had felt something. A force, pushing her away, and she couldn't stop it.

The ghost were flung through the air, and right through one of the walls. Last were curious what had happened, but her focus were primarily on her princess right now, as she rushed over to Twilight, and shouldered her. She'd try getting Twilight to a place where she might sit too, whilst Drone simply watched them. She could help, but attempting, when the princess was this weakened, would make the maiden attack her. It didn't seem worth it.

"Your majesty, sit down. You'll need your strength."

"Krktxxtxh. Impressive show. I wonder if it worked?"

"I think it did."

Cherish would float through a nearby wall, looking like she were about to hurl.

"That was disorienting, but I feel.. Different. I don't feel the castle anymore, but there's something. I..."

She'd stop speaking, and would float through the wall again, and would return about a minute later. She looked a little dismayed, though she did hers to hide it.

"I'm bound to this castle now. I hoped... No, I'm s-sorry Twilight. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. This is much better than out there. Thank you very much for this. I'm very happy to be a place where I have some company now."

She'd float over, and would attempt to hug Twilight. But soon as she touched the princess, she started to not embrace her, by would feel herself sliding into the princesses. Not through, but into her, as if she were attempting to take over her body. Twilight should be able to feel it too, as she'd have half a second where she'd lose control of her shoulder movements, as that were where Cherish had made contact, and were in the process of possessing her, before Cherish forced herself a few meters backwards, and looked scared down on her hooves.

"W-What was that? I just... I d-didn't mean to."

A little lesser know side effect of doing this spell. Twilight had indeed connected Cherish to another vessel. That being this castle. However, in the process, she had also made a connection between Cherish and herself, where if she wanted to, Cherish could now take possession of her body, and force Twilight out of her own body. A risk one ran when dealing with this kind of magic.

It were not irreversible though, but they'd need a professional. Otherwise, they'd end up needing to get used to the fact, that there were now two souls, that could use the same body. Even though Cherish neither wanted to, nor would be able to use Twilight's magic, even if she did. Alicorn magic were something else. Though Twilight could also experience what it were like to be a ghost, without dying, and then just return to her body when she felt like it. So if she wanted to, that were an option.

"Kxttrxt? Seems like there are consequences from dealing with this after all."

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

 

@Sekel @Zoom Jetstream

"Hehe, silly. Everything can explode! Not gonna explode ponies though. Nuhuh. That's a bad thing. Rocks are fun to explode. I have one thing I made, right? It blasts caves into mountains.

The mayor wanted those. I think she wants to make a tunnel somewhere, hehe."

Blitz would giggle after somewhat whispering the last part.

Truth of the matter were more that Mayor Mare had found a way to politely confiscate those explosives, as she had seen the aftermath of one of them, and did not want Blitz to have them. Yet at the same time, she knew if she just took them, the filly would just make more. So she had convinced Blitz that she needed them for a project, and asked her not to make more right now, unless they needed more. While in actuality, sent them off with a group of miners that had come through town, that had asked about where to get explosives. She did not want that stuff in her office.

"Someday, I wanna make an entire mountain explode. That'll be fun. Can you make things explode too, shiny lady? Oooh, or do you wanna have something exploded? That'd be fun."

22 minutes ago, Plum Blossom said:

"Hello Jelly, I'm Plum. Nice to meet you." Plum Blossom chirped. She wasn't really afraid of spiders, so she didn't mind Gary. "I don't think I have seen you here before. Are you new here in Ponyville? What brings you here?" She asked. She also noticed some other fillies talking nearby about fireworks. "You like fireworks!? Oh my gosh! I like fireworks too!" Plum Blossom exclaimed.

"Yup, totally new. I moved in yesterday to be with my daddy. Princess Luna asked him to go here and help Princess Twilight, and I got sad without him in Canterlot, so mom let me move out here to be closer to him. Ponyville is a fun little town. Been living in Canterlot all my life, and never seen something like this. Only in the books. Except this one looks a lot friendlier than the pictures. And bigger."

Upon hearing the chatter about fireworks, Jelly would look up, towards the paw that the sphinx had near his head, over which she could see a peculiar tail dangle. Orange and red, looking like a cluster of explosions, frozen in time. Such a strange tail pattern, though she felt pretty sure she knew who this were. Though she couldn't see who she were talking with. Whoever it were, were on top of the sphinx, seemingly riding him.

"Fireworks and explosions? Oooh, I think I know who that is. They talked about her in school.

Excuse me? Are you Blitz Boom?"

She'd put her hooves to the side of her mouth, and yell up, to make sure the foal heard her. And Blitz did, as she momentarily turned around, and now would have her upper half over the sphinx's paw in their direction. She seemed to be about ten years old or so, and her mane looked like a strip of fire on her head. She also had some odd, grey patches on her otherwise orange fur.

"Uhuh. Talking with shiny lady, can say hi later!"

With that, she'd wave down at them, with a big grin on her face, and then turn around again.

"I heard about her in school, when they talked about safety rules. They said she was there for two days, and had given Mrs. Cherilee a grenade on her first day, given firecrackers out to all the foals, and chased two bullies around with a bomb between her teeth. They said she got kicked out when she blew up a toilet lid. Heard the other foals say she had moved though. Weird to see her here. The teachers say she's pretty dangerous. Featherweight said the toilet thing was an accident though.

I like Featherweight. He's the only one who's been happy to see me in school so far. I guess most aren't used to bat ponies here?"

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

 

@EQ_Theta

14 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I wish it was that easy, Ms. Scarcity, but having an old life incompatible with what Equestria has to offer leaves a lot of uncertainty. Uddo had transferable skills, which gave him an advantage. I don’t. Maybe once things settle down, I’ll be able to start thinking about what I should be doing with myself. I guess you can tell I don’t have a long-term goal, or if I do, it’s not one that I’m certain I should take.”

"Uddo is skilled in what he does, that is correct. Yet so are you, in what you do. But I understand darling. Many things have happened, and you hardly had the time to think of it, without some other worry overtaking your thoughts, hmm? No worries. Take your time, and think over what you have thus far experienced. Perhaps you will find an answer in there somewhere, and realize an avenue you'd like to pursue. Don't think of things too out of your grasp either. I find that nothing is truly out of reach. Simply that some things, requires more effort than others. Certain sacrifices too."

Scarcity would return to take a sip of tea. Despite what the others may think, times like this where she could simply sit idly, and have a nice chat, were not something she did on a daily basis. She made the time to do this now, but then she would have things to catch up on later. Which were a sacrifice of her limited private time she were willing to invest, for a chance at gaining the favor of Lin and Omen. Especially the former whose ability could perhaps end up freeing her up a little more of that precious time, sooner or later.

Sure she had creatures working for her that kept the wheels running, but there were always things that needed to be handled, both legally, and illegally. She had not gotten to where she were by simply being lazy, and sadly, it required a continued amount of time spend, to maintain. These days she had a little more time to work with, as there were not anything major she had to personally deal with, yet there were small things here ad there, that needed to be dealt with regardless. 

She did hers to remain calm, as she did not want to betray what were beyond the facade, but sometimes she did feel rather worn down, and wished to simply take a few weeks off from everything, to deal with something resembling a personal life, outside of what were required to keep up her facade. Some simply being too time consuming for her to have time to deal with, but that is what changelings were for. She had several employed for the sole purpose of acting as her doubleganger, for various social events she did not have the time for, and they all had legal papers to pose in her place, in case they got caught.

With a recent development in her life, her free time had gotten even further limited, but she still felt good about what she had done there. Though currently, that were none of their business now, were it? And neither were it how much she actually did, though Hammond had been a godsend in that regard. His instant travelling really helped her to get to many locations a lot faster, and hence, save precious time.

15 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Don’t get me wrong, Angie, Sen and I are able to go home to where things are simple, but things can get just as complicated there. Something soured our memories of home, and we can’t look at it the same way after what happened. It’s more like we were forced to make a life outside of old home. Sorry… I didn’t mean to make this conversation dour.”

“Your story sounds a lot more positive. In a place like this, I guess you found a bigger world and still found room for the things that matter to you, yes?”

"The good thing is, we get to see the world beyond our home. Now that we could go home again, maybe we could bring back some things we learned out here and share them. If you don't mind me asking, do you... miss your old home?"

"Of course I mees de old country. It weel not be easy, vere I to try and go back home dough. Things, dey happen, yes? You vander, lands are not de same. It changes you. Make it hard to return to seemple life.

Here is seemple too, but not like home. Dere, everything is about surviving. Leetle time for fun, vehn dere is work to do. Here, I work hard too. But time too, to relax. Not look at snow all de time, or low hard ground. Is better, dough I mees family. Go to see dem sometimes, and old friends. Share bottle, talk about life. Is nice sometimes, yes? But can't return. Seen too much now, of big, lively world. Can't return to old life anymore.

You are different, comrade. Your home is not de same, because of bad memories. Is very sad to hear, but maybe that mean you need to find new home too? Is not saying, you cahnot change old home, to be more like outside. But some, dey do not vant change. They like old life, away from thinking about de beeg picture. Is good if they learn of de world dough. Mean they have choices, yes? Stay in seemple life, or explore beeg world. At least for a leetle while. Can be good. Had friends that go outside vit me. Most went home, and felt good having choice. Some return vit smart ideas too, that help home, without changing it too much.

Maybe de beeg world change you too much too dough. They make you go into it, but de world still showed itself to you. You know many things now. Not easy to return to seemple life for some, vhen they know how beeg the world is, and how small de old leetle life is.

Is curious. You say dere be bad memories, and you vere forced to make new life, yes? Can I hear what dey did, or is dat secret? Is okay if it ees. We all have secrets, yes? Is good. No creature is perfect."

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

 

@Starforce

"It's good to know the basics, but I don't think we should go away from this sort of potion idea completely. I think if we could just find a stabilizing agent, that would counteract the growing, we'd have something beautiful. I'll have a think about it, and we can try something another time. For now though, we can just stick to some basics, and the other things I wanted us to make for the market, and keep this in the back of our heads for another time."

She'd wander along with Magnolia once everything was ready, and got right back on track, towards the big city once more. They had to figure out where the market were, that they could set up shop, but one thing at a time here. First they had to find the area, then the stall. The rest would come in a little by little after that.

"There's gonna be a long day ahead of us now, though I have to warn you, we're gonna be facing something horrible: Boredom. Being at the markets like this, can last for hours. Maybe even til the sun sets. So we're gonna have to be a little patient. Sometimes, it takes time for the right customers to show up. If everything gets sold though, it should be enough that I could comfortably take you out to eat someplace nicer tonight. Just not overly fancy restaurants. Not just because of the price. I don't like the attitude of those places.

Anyway, we're gonna need to find the main marketplace, and then see where there's an opening. When we get that far, we can then start to work on potions. We'll have to routinely make stuff, but I find it's a good thing, to not have everything done in advance. It gives others the opportunity to see the work, and trust a little more that I know what I'm doing. Or worse, that I'm just selling off stuff I bought from another alchemist.

Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to have a little shop dealing with these kinds of things, but I dunno. Being in the same place for so long, feels odd to me, when it's not Zebrica. City life just isn't the same."

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

 

@Kujamih @Loud Opinion

On 2021-11-11 at 11:59 PM, Kujamih said:

"... hmm I guess they really aren't hostile, I don't mind.... one of my shards is already in there."

the other Light would continue to explore the new area he is in.

Light would find himself in a forest, near the infamous town of Ponyville. And near him, he'd see a most peculiar sight. A pony running around in zig zag patterns, whilst another one were chasing after her, on spindly little wings, that buzzed like a hummingbirds. The one chasing also appeared to be giggling without a care in the world, and be somewhat resembling a shark. Down to the teeth too which were on full display as she chased after the other mare.

It may look sort of suspicious, but were there something going on here? Hard to say, unless you went into the situation, head first.

(the mare in question)

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

 

@Kujamih @Thunder Light

On 2021-11-11 at 11:59 PM, Kujamih said:

Light would pout at the demon squirrel, but would not blame the squirrel for he had glimpsed on what happened.

"..... hmmmm, then how about this.... " Light would pull out some shards out of his body. 5 pieces to be precise.

" you want my trust demon squirrel? give these crystals to someone important to you, tell them to break it if they're in danger. if not put it on display. keep one if you want.... you don't need to do it right now, just taking them from my hooves is good enough of a yes from me."

Hammond would crawl down from Molotov, and approach the crystals Light had put down. He'd cautiously poke them a few times, then slowly pick them all up, and start to examine them further. Mostly by sniffing, licking, and then testing his teeth on them. Gently though, so nothing would break. They seemed safe, so now he had to find someone whom he could give them to. Someone important.

His master were important, but she were busy, so that would not do. Instead, he had another idea.

@EQ_Theta (tangibly connected, due to the familiar presence. So just mentioning)

He's open a portal again, and jump through it with four of the crystals, as he couldn't carry the last one too right now. It'd close, then another would open up, in a fancy looking house. Inside a kitchen, where a small filly sat on a chair, with some paper, coloring pencils, and a plate of delicious looking sandwiches. Crust cut off, and with only fresh veggies and hay inside it seemed. Looked pretty professionally done, for a sandwich. Likely done by the light purple mare in the business suit and apron, that were currently washing up a few knives and a cutting board.

While the mare looked sharp, and ready for the office, the aquamarine colored filly, with her mane and tail, looking as if clouds had gotten stuck on her head and rear, were playing along joyfully with her drawing. Which seemed to be of a familiar looking, elegant mare, with silver shoes, and a sapphire around her neck. And pretty accurately done too. The filly appeared to have some good, artistic talents.

As Hammond came in, she'd look over, then get a big smile on her face, and give her little friend a hug. One he'd be unable to give back, due to what he were holding.

Once she let go of him, he'd put them down, and begin to make hoof language at her, which she'd return in kind. Despite this, the mare in the kitchen, were still aware enough to note he had come around, but did not seem to interfere. She just looked at the crystals, and after some time, would loudly clear her throat, to get Hammond's attention. Then she'd do her own signs, and this would continue on for several minutes, before the mare would take the crystals, and for the time being, put them in a safe box in one of the cabinets. It had a lock, and were rather sturdy, so it'd do for now.

Hammond and the filly meanwhile, played around a little, until the mare got their attention, and pointed at her watch, then the sandwiches. The filly nodded, and started to eat her lunch, though she would push the picture over towards the mare first. After adding a little word underneath it, along with a big, red heart.

The word she had written, which seemed to make the business mare smile and signal *well done* to the filly?

Mommy.

Hammond would leave not long after that, after signaling *Goodbye* and would return about five minutes after he had started out with Light and the others.

"Hey, there's the little guy again. Say...  Puff? This lil' one ain't saying a lot. Is that normal?"

"We speak... Many words. Brother always.. Been silent. We do not... Understand why."

"Eh, guess even shadow creatures can be mute. Was worth an ask. Thank you for the answer."