open Casual stroll

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

 Light would ponder on the suggestions of Bubbles, and would agree not to die.

" Then I guess I'll take you up on that offer sir bubbles."

The room presented to him was quite ordinary.

" I like it..." He said.

".... Not sure why though..." He adds.

He'd then be quite worried about Shark.

" Anyway I hope you'd have a good time with your room then Shark."

If it was time for sleep, Light would embrace his Slumber so the next day would come and greet him.

At first his worries would keep him up... But fatigue has its ways... 

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-13 at 5:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Mother say, hoby honest with sibling. With Mother. Mother is  raight right. Yes. Should talk at to brother."

He were raised simple: Be honest with family, and respect them. Be kind to them. And never, ever hurt them. It were one reason why if ever a situation came, where two masters ordered them to fight one another, they would just lock eyes, and go visit Mother instead. Which had happened before, and the masters were not happy with it back then, the story went.

"Other Mother not found? Shed Should look?"

“I suppose you are right, and I will talk to Sen about it. It has been a long time since it happened, but maybe we both have different ways of coping. I don’t know of Sen isn’t acting on his grief with anger or if he’s already made peace with what happened…. I’ll find out soon enough. As for my mother, there’s no need for you to do that, though I appreciate your offer. Too many years have passed since that day, and I doubt there’s more to find than dusty old bones. If she is still alive, then I don’t think she’d want to go back to the place where the things she loved were taken from her. I’d only seriously consider looking if there is a definite trail, but there are none.” 

Lin wasn’t convinced that her mother may still be alive even after all this time apart and gone from the village. She disappeared into the forest, and since no one has come across her, it’s likely she’s either truly gone or didn’t want to be found. The latter was understandable, and Lin could imagine exactly why that is the case. Either way, she wouldn’t want Hammond doing this if it turns out to be a wild goose chase.   

Still, the longma liked that Hammond was learning well from Ms. Scarcity and keeping Mother’s teachings. It was impressive how he was smart with working with an alternative method of communication, allowing himself and Lin to talk like this. 

“Hey, I just want to say thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I didn’t expect this to happen, but I think I needed this. Ms. Scarcity and Mother taught you well, and you learn pretty fast. Maybe you could teach me your kind of sign language some time? I think writing on the floor and wiping it away looks a little tiresome.”

On 2022-08-13 at 5:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"How do I breathe? And what is relaxed? Is it the same as calm? I think I understand that one."

Sen only seemed to realize now that Omen wasn’t quite like other creatures, and breathing may not be something Omen could do. He spent so much time treating her as a normal creature that he ascribed normal things like breathing air would be the same for the Ki’Nathar. The longma paused for a moment to collect his thoughts and figure out something based on the response he got, though having similar processes already known from the get-go was a pretty decent point to start, and it was something already familiar to Omen that a simple tweak to his description could suffice. 

“Hmm… Maybe we could ignore the breathing part. Discord made it so that you don’t need to breathe, but you are right about the part about being calm. That could help you see things clearly. Now, once you are calm, think about the things that you’d like to find answers to or the things that bother you.”

“There’s something I’d like to ask. When you sit still and think about things, what goes through your mind when you think about what the things you learn? You seem to become like a statue when you do that.”

Admittedly, this was something Sen was curious about because of how similar it looked to when Omen goes through a kind of information overload. He knows not to use big words, but there may be more to this kind of occurrence than that. If he could figure out what goes on in Omen’s mind when she processes information, maybe it could give him and Lin better insight into communicating with her. After all, it could happen if they’re teaching or talking about really challenging topics. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@AuroraGlimmer

On 2022-08-13 at 2:22 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

As they walked out of the area, she would smile and shake her head "They were quite happy with everything" she would say, and then nod at his remarks about the flowers "I can possibly see why some wouldn't want flowers like those, but I am sure there are some ponies who, like me, could appreciate them" she would then listen to what they feed on and shudder a little "Yes, I do not think I could do what you do for them, but it certainly shows a level of determination and care" she smiles "I do know of the flower show, and that at least one judge is a batpony" she walks with him back into the house and waits for him.

"Every flower needs taken care of in its own way. This one is a beautiful, hidden jewel of Tranquilaria, with a miniscule cost to it. A dozen of them, takes ah, very little from me, to keep fresh. A thimbleful, every s often, is not much. I lost more the last time I ah, hit my head on the cabinet.

It doesn't even need to be equine. In their homeland, they're ah, fed rats. Several of them in fact, let out on the secluded fields they're grown on. They don't mind sharing. It's a... Haunting sight. I don't have as many, so I don't need to go to such lengths. Still, there's those who can be a little ah, judgmental, I suppose. It is one of many reasons, why I have grown them in secret."

He knew there'd be those who'd scoff, but at a contest, where they judged by beauty, and rarity often too, he knew there would be kindred souls, who'd be enthralled by these, rather than acting vile. Especially bat ponies. This were the national flower, of one of the oldest, and largest, bat pony areas in the known world. Maybe not the most fanciful, nor richest places, but it were storied. Legends even held, that it were there, that the first vampire bat pony had once been born. Long ago, when none knew of the rare disease that could inflict certain bat ponies, and they thought everypony who got bit, would become one themselves. Which were ludicrous, of course. They'd just get eaten.

On 2022-08-13 at 2:22 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

As he returns with the box, she'd smile and put it gently away "Thank you, I am sure that my friend will love these, lets go back to mine so I can put this somewhere safe and then I'll take you to my meditation spot" she'd say.

"Oh, uhm... Y-Yes, of course. Lead the way, please."

He didn't mean to be flustered here, but it were ah, not normal for him, to be invited to a mare's home. I-It was obviously not meant as anything, of course! It were just still something that had taken him by quite the amount of surprise. And being taken by surprise, tended to be what flustered him.

On the way there, if she tried to hold the box sideways, he would quickly move over and have it standing upright, whilst explaining that the flowers inside, were alive, and in a pot. As such, they should not be put down on the side, as that might damage them.

On 2022-08-13 at 2:22 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

After a short walk, they would arrive at her modest two story cottage "Well this is my house, promise you won't stalk me" she says with a laugh, letting him know she was joking, as the truth is that she'd love his company. She opens the door and walks in, "I won't be too long" she says, going up the stairs to her bedroom and putting the box on her bedside table before coming back downstairs.

She smiles "Alright, it ought to be safe there, we can go to the meditation spot now if you'd like, or we could even do it here, it is a little more comfortable" she would say, leaving the option to him.

"I-I assure you, that I'd be terrible at it. Long Stare would be ah, far more potent at that."

One of the mares living for herself, further in town. Worked at that coffee shop, Sloppy Joe's, but most in town knew her, by how often she spooked others. Not on purpose, but she were just so incredibly quiet. Even on days where nothing happened, and leaves blew through the town, she could suddenly be right behind you, and you wouldn't know, until she started to speak. He hadn't a clue how she did it, but it were like her every movement, were light as a feather. A timid mare, yet one with an unfortunate talent, which yes, if she wanted to stalk somepony, would make her incredible at it. Whereas he, would end up stumbling over a rock somehow, worried that he'd be seen so much, that he wouldn't watch the road.

"D-Doing the ah, meditation here? I ah... I s-suppose, that is really up to you. I hate to ah, impose upon your hospitality.

And ah, might I mention that you have a lovely home. I didn't mean to ah, be rude and not mention that, I were just a little ah, absentminded, for a moment before."

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

 

@Kujamih

"It's probably because you're tired. It's not night time yet, but it might be good for you to take a nap. Don't worry, I'll show Shark the quickest way around here, so she can come in and out of the lake, and into the building, fairly easily. You just try and get some rest, Light. I'll probably see you again some other day."

Sooner or later, everypony came to the spa, where he worked. Sure he were just the receptionist, but that didn't mean that he didn't have a role in keeping things going. It were important to see a friendly face, able to direct you where you needed to be, as one of the first they met. Sure he failed a few times, but the Lotus sisters had done well, in instructing him how to do better, and it had been some time since the last mistake of his. Which in any case, were harmless. Making a mistake like he thought of, would at worst, cause one of the spa ponies to redirect them, and him getting slightly embarrassed. No harm, no fowl.

So he'd leave Light to get some rest. As would Shark, but not before she had gone over, and nuzzled him a bit, then gave him a small lick on the tongue. Her tongue afterwards popped slightly out of her mouth, in a rather *mlem* fashion, as she pulled back, and walked out of here. She wanted to go into the lake and a have a nap too. Sounded like a nice time to sleep.

When he woke up, nighttime would have fallen, and the moon hung high in the sky. Though that might not be the first thing he noticed, as a certain somepony, had figured out how to use the window to gain entry, and would currently be shaking a fishie around, like it was a dog toy.

...In fact it Were a dog toy. She had found it, and thought it were food, but it had turned out to not be the case. It were still rather enjoyable to chew on though, so she had kept it, and were now using it to get a bit of energy more out of her system. And to let her hunting instincts get a bit more of an outlet. The way her tail wagged, showed clearly how much she were enjoying herself too. Such a fun thing to find, down in the mud.

"Grrrr. Fishie fear Shark. Great hunter."

She'd giggle, and let go of the worn toy, bashing it back and forth with her front hooves. Such a funny, funny thing this were. Friends seemed to be able to make all kinds of weird things.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-14 at 8:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I suppose you are right, and I will talk to Sen about it. It has been a long time since it happened, but maybe we both have different ways of coping. I don’t know of Sen isn’t acting on his grief with anger or if he’s already made peace with what happened…. I’ll find out soon enough. As for my mother, there’s no need for you to do that, though I appreciate your offer. Too many years have passed since that day, and I doubt there’s more to find than dusty old bones. If she is still alive, then I don’t think she’d want to go back to the place where the things she loved were taken from her. I’d only seriously consider looking if there is a definite trail, but there are none.” 

What he heard, were that there were no definitive leads on Other Mother. Yet at the same time, there were also no signs, that she were gone forever, yes? That meant she could still be somewhere. Maybe she did not want to be found, like Lin said, but if she wanted to find her, then that did not matter. Maybe he should bring this up with his master? It were not one of those things she had said were a secret... Hmm, maybe he should just follow her some times instead, and when they got near the place were she came from, he could look around. He might find something. Their kind were good at finding things. Some more than others, but it couldn't hurt to try. Other Mother were clearly important to Lin, and he wanted to help her.

He would remember this, and when the time came, potentially act upon it.

"Other Mother, clues out there. Just have to find, yes?"

On 2022-08-14 at 8:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hey, I just want to say thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I didn’t expect this to happen, but I think I needed this. Ms. Scarcity and Mother taught you well, and you learn pretty fast. Maybe you could teach me your kind of sign language some time? I think writing on the floor and wiping it away looks a little tiresome.”

"Yes, can try."

He were learning not from teachers per se, but from the filly, whom Lin had briefly seen before. He kept her company, and in turn, she taught him how to do sign language. He were also starting to do some writing along with her, when she were doing her school work. After she had taught him not to eat her math homework. Well, technically Scarcity had said he had to stop, as she did not want to encourage the *My pet ate my homework* stereotype, but he hadn't been encouraged either. He had just wondered what the strange sheets of paper had been for, when they were presented to him, and acted accordingly.

Anyway, he might be able to share his lessons, though she'd need to be patient with him. It were one thing being taught. Another entirely, to be the teacher. Though he were certainly happy for the skill, as he were not a talker, and writing everything could get tiring, as he were still not too good at it. Someday though, he wanted to write like his master did. With fine letters all standing in line.

If Lin moved on by now, he'd follow her, curious as to what she were aiming to do now. Though if she asked him to leave, he would do so. Out to seek other adventures, before returning to his master. Perhaps  go see what the other animals of this town were like? He found it interesting to try and interact with them.

On 2022-08-14 at 8:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hmm… Maybe we could ignore the breathing part. Discord made it so that you don’t need to breathe, but you are right about the part about being calm. That could help you see things clearly. Now, once you are calm, think about the things that you’d like to find answers to or the things that bother you.”

“There’s something I’d like to ask. When you sit still and think about things, what goes through your mind when you think about what the things you learn? You seem to become like a statue when you do that.”

One might think he would've recalled several instances, where she used the fact she did not breathe. Such as when she just walked into the ocean, near the temple, and when she wandered out with the beast heart, into the volcanic area full of toxic gas. But in fairness, a lot had happened, so it could be hard to keep track of it all. She for instance, still had a lot backed up, she hadn't processed.

"I am calm then. Master Discord said, I would always be calm, because I did not understand anger, or fear. He said that helped him."

One of the reasons (beyond him being lazy) that accounted for why she had not been taught well, in the emotional department. Her being quite neutral, and hard to affect, had a calming effect on him, at times. Other times it annoyed him, but Discord were ever as fickle as the wind.

"I use many of my thoughts, to focus on the things I do not understand. Then I try to remember those things I do know, and hold them up to that. See if I can understand it, if I remember other things. Sometimes it does not take long. Other times, I see the sun many times, before I understand.

Sometimes, there is too much, and I do not know what happens then. Some things I understand then. Other things, seem gone. Then I can see and hear things again, and things have changed."

Essentially, when she were overloaded, she lost consciousness. Whatever happened when that occurred, were an automated process, where some things were worked out, and some were just forgotten. Then when the mental load became less strenuous, she'd get her bearings again. Oftentimes, she just kept thinking after that. A lot recently though, she just had to keep moving. Not a lot of time to try and learn, she found.

"What do you think about, when you meditate? Do you have many thoughts too?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

As light doze of his nightmares return, while time slips by unknown.

He'd wake up shocked as a shadowy figure lurks at his window. Light's heart would skip a bit, and reflexes would jump his body. But for a split second his vision and senses would come out from his daze and focus on what he sees. 

It was none other than his mate, Shark.

Light would give a big sigh of relief and say, "phew... Shark you scared me... Although I guess it's best you go through the window than the front door of the male dormitory." He blushed as he noticed that Shark is in his room.

Light would invite Shark inside the room so he could close the window and have a good chat with her.

As they sit at the bed idle chatter with both of them occurs.

" I see you got a new toy...oh just don't swallow that okay sweetie? It's... it's not healthy..."

"  So I'm guessing you're nocturnal? You don't sleep when the moon is up?... Do sharks even sleep?" Light ponders.

" Anyway, what do you wanna do tonight? Explore the night life of Ponyville and this school? If so we better exit the window as well.. but if not we could just have each other's company in this room." He blushingly suggested. 

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

She would listen and nod "I can see why others might not like the idea of these flowers, especially in the wild" she would say "But they are still beautiful to me, though the needing blood just reminds me of Audrey in that classic movie, Little Shop of Horrors" she'd say with a giggle "and the classic banging your head on a cabinet, yeah, I've been there many times, so you're not alone there" she would smile at him.

"Long Stare? Oh yes, I know her, I've met her a couple times, she's quite quiet though,even more so than Fluttershy" she says and then as she returns from putting the box in her room "well, we could do it here, you won't get dirt or leaves in your fur, but one benefit of the spot I chose, is the wild animals that come to join me" she would say, before thinking on it for a moment and smiling "alright, lets go to the spot, you can go there any time you like, as well. I'll be sure to tell my critter friends there that you're friendly" she smiles to him.

She'd lead him out of her house, locking up, not that Ponyville had any sort of crime really, but she just liked to be sure. She would then lead him to a spot in the Whitetail Woods, it was a small clearing with a variety of wild flowers. "This is the spot, it's nice, isn't it?" she'd ask.

After a little bit, she would settle, sitting on her flank with her hind legs crossed, she would then pat the spot next to her, and as Honey Dew would sit next to her, she would explain the fundamentals of meditation. "First you need to close your eyes, block out any noise and vision, and then just, clear your mind" she would say, and then after a moment, "Now imagine yourself somewhere with sounds you find relaxing, for some it's the ocean and the sound of the waves, others its the forest with the sounds of birds and some just imagine themselves inside listening to rain outside"

[Rising Dusk 27,536]

@Blitz Boom

Ambient magic was one thing, but the weaving of it was far more distinct.  Rising could sense spells being woven together and brought forth at rapid pace.  Caramel was calm and appeared to know it was coming on pure instinct.  Lily's was wild and scribbled together, a telling sign of a hastily cast spell outlined in emotion.  Her target, straighter more define threads weaved together, easily the stronger of the spells.  More specifically designed as a counter to the witch of the wilds in defense.  The detective ignited his horn in reflex, ready to catch any wayward ricochet of magics, or more importantly, a round two.  He let the spells collide, resulting in a harmless encounter.

Grace had fluttered closer to her husband and both had taken a collective step back.  Dawn had stepped forward, but Rising had put out a hoof to halt her advance.  He could feel the anger roil on the surface of her emotions.  How barbaric, and in front of honored guests, she seethed.  Any one of those spells could have harmed their parents.  Equally, Dawn could feel the calm radiant off her brother.  His horn was ignited, if there was any real danger he'd have stopped it.  She could have faith in that.  Their ways were not her ways.  The mare gritted her teeth and remained silent, if scowling.  At least their duel had deflated to words.  Even gaining a bit of inferring that Caramel had a way to transfer bodies, an alarming discovery to say the least.  Especially of such a thing could be done with the other creature alive.

Will-O's fate was an outcome they had predicted before even coming here.  She was not safe in Harrowmark, no matter how innocent she was.  Vengeance was a poison that festered most harshly.  The detective was prepared for this.  The Captain having mentioned as such in her meeting the Princess'.  Equestria was taking in a lot of refugees as of late.  The Sisters of Troy and now Will-O with the possible addition of Lily and Caramel.  "She'll be safe in Equestria," Rising agreed.  "Starting over won't be easy, but the experience will be well worth it."  Getting her settled would take time, a town or city to live in and a job.  Rising didn't know the full details Minty had discussed with the Princess', but it was going to go miles in this new diplomatic relations project the two lands had just started to form.

When Thistle took over Rising finally let his horn glow end and lower his hoof back to the ground.  The delightful friend Caramel was referring to could only be Minty by his guess, him and her being the only two Equestrian's to visit of late anyways.  Twists and turns alright, what was a little celebration without a mountain of stress.

 

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-16 at 3:30 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I use many of my thoughts, to focus on the things I do not understand. Then I try to remember those things I do know, and hold them up to that. See if I can understand it, if I remember other things. Sometimes it does not take long. Other times, I see the sun many times, before I understand.

Sometimes, there is too much, and I do not know what happens then. Some things I understand then. Other things, seem gone. Then I can see and hear things again, and things have changed."

Essentially, when she were overloaded, she lost consciousness. Whatever happened when that occurred, were an automated process, where some things were worked out, and some were just forgotten. Then when the mental load became less strenuous, she'd get her bearings again. Oftentimes, she just kept thinking after that. A lot recently though, she just had to keep moving. Not a lot of time to try and learn, she found.

"What do you think about, when you meditate? Do you have many thoughts too?"

“Yeah, you could say that. Just like now, I’m wondering why Lin was angry with me and why I didn’t take her side earlier when Rosa and Uddo were talking about exile. She had the right to be angry, but I didn’t agree that just being angry was going going to be enough. We’ll sort that out when we speak with each other tomorrow, but I know she needs time alone to think about this, just like me. On some days, when there’s a lot of time to think, it can get… difficult. Too much time to think about what could have been and not enough time to understand what’s happening now.” 

There were days when Sen would meditate on his time spent away from the forest, internalizing what he learned and how he could use it to survive. Those were sometimes productive, but having too much time to think every now and again didn’t help when his mind would wander. Those thoughts would always come back to imagining how things would turn out if things had gone differently in his past and how different his life could have been if he just went against his gut. No point in reliving some kind of imagined fantasy now, but the temptation was always there. Things were just busier now that he didn’t indulge in it anymore, and traveling with good friends means he could try healthier alternatives to cope. Even now, Sen was just happy to be talking despite having some difficult thoughts in his mind.

“Sounds like what you go through when you lose track of time is information overload. You do know you don’t have to go through that now, right? You only need to ask if you need help understanding things. Lin, Mother, Rosa, myself… we’ll do what we can to help so won’t have to let time slip by.”

On 2022-08-16 at 3:30 AM, Blitz Boom said:

What he heard, were that there were no definitive leads on Other Mother. Yet at the same time, there were also no signs, that she were gone forever, yes? That meant she could still be somewhere. Maybe she did not want to be found, like Lin said, but if she wanted to find her, then that did not matter. Maybe he should bring this up with his master? It were not one of those things she had said were a secret... Hmm, maybe he should just follow her some times instead, and when they got near the place were she came from, he could look around. He might find something. Their kind were good at finding things. Some more than others, but it couldn't hurt to try. Other Mother were clearly important to Lin, and he wanted to help her.

He would remember this, and when the time came, potentially act upon it.

"Other Mother, clues out there. Just have to find, yes?"

Perhaps she wasn’t feeling too optimistic or inclined to cling to false hope, but Hammond mentioning looking for clues to find Sen’s and Lin’s mother was something the longma was willing to entertain. After all, he did raise a valid point about the clues that could hint at a happier alternative could still be out there. It only seemed like a pipe dream, but if anything could still be around, it’ll have to be something resilient. Still, the longma would stick to wanting the hard evidence to convince her first before acting on that information. For now, she’d only keep that thought in mind, and if there was a chance that Hammond was right, she’ll know who to approach.

For now, Lin was content with sitting for a bit longer to think about how she’d talk to her brother. Her emotions could rile her up if it was handled poorly, but something tells her that conveying exactly how she felt was the right way to go. Maybe she’d try to meditate on this, just like what her brother would do if she were in his position, though meditating in public wasn’t likely going to fly if she got caught by local law enforcement. There was still the cave outside Canterlot; a nice and quiet place to immerse herself in her thoughts, though she was content to hang out and talk some more if he was fine with it. Perhaps when Hammond felt ready to teach sign language, they could set some time aside for that in the future.

“I won’t keep you if you’ve still got places to be, Hammond. I’m just going to think about what I plan to say and do when I speak with Sen. You know, there’s this cat we ran into earlier today at the bakery and after we went to the market. She goes by the name of Munchkin. Seems like she’s interested in Omen and Shrimp, even doing some little tests of her own. Have you met her before?”

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

On 2022-08-16 at 4:46 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Grace had fluttered closer to her husband and both had taken a collective step back.  Dawn had stepped forward, but Rising had put out a hoof to halt her advance.  He could feel the anger roil on the surface of her emotions.  How barbaric, and in front of honored guests, she seethed.  Any one of those spells could have harmed their parents.  Equally, Dawn could feel the calm radiant off her brother.  His horn was ignited, if there was any real danger he'd have stopped it.  She could have faith in that.  Their ways were not her ways.  The mare gritted her teeth and remained silent, if scowling.  At least their duel had deflated to words.  Even gaining a bit of inferring that Caramel had a way to transfer bodies, an alarming discovery to say the least.  Especially of such a thing could be done with the other creature alive.

"Oh? Seems like our guests are a little worried. Worry not my friends. Inept as her little show were, she still have a measure of control, and focus. If not, as you could see, I were quite capable of handling myself."

She knew well how much her words irritated Lily, and she internally reveled in it. Perhaps she shouldn't, but there were something alluring and intriguing about irking those like her. At times at least. She much preferred to get along with others, were she to be truthful. But she knew that wouldn't happen as it were, seeing the attachment that Lily had with Caramel. The original one, that were. Yet that were a matter which she assumed would be brought up by their dear savior, curious little one as he were.

On 2022-08-16 at 4:46 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Will-O's fate was an outcome they had predicted before even coming here.  She was not safe in Harrowmark, no matter how innocent she was.  Vengeance was a poison that festered most harshly.  The detective was prepared for this.  The Captain having mentioned as such in her meeting the Princess'.  Equestria was taking in a lot of refugees as of late.  The Sisters of Troy and now Will-O with the possible addition of Lily and Caramel.  "She'll be safe in Equestria," Rising agreed.  "Starting over won't be easy, but the experience will be well worth it."  Getting her settled would take time, a town or city to live in and a job.  Rising didn't know the full details Minty had discussed with the Princess', but it was going to go miles in this new diplomatic relations project the two lands had just started to form.

When Thistle took over Rising finally let his horn glow end and lower his hoof back to the ground.  The delightful friend Caramel was referring to could only be Minty by his guess, him and her being the only two Equestrian's to visit of late anyways.  Twists and turns alright, what was a little celebration without a mountain of stress.

Much to her dismay however, that did not seem to be the case. He were rather matter of fact about things in fact. Mayhap mostly concerned for his family's wellbeing? A fine idea, and one she could understand. They clearly meant much to him, and she could respect that. One should put blood above all. Even Twisted had understood that, in his own malignant way.

"There is much to see and learn, in your lands, our dear savior. I am confident that a spirit as light as hers, will find purpose and friendship within your borders.

Might I perhaps ask something though? I found you an inquisitive pony, last we met. I had assumed you burdened with questions. Have perhaps our shared acquaintance been telling you tall tales?"

Rising might remember something he were told in fact. Le Pourri. A creature that had been briefly mentioned by Lily, as a Harrowmark problem solver of sorts, trading favors for various things, including vessels. Combine this, with how she had at first, called Caramel in full, Caramel Glaze, and he might start to understand why it were, that the with had become pale.

"If not, or for the benefit of your delightful family, let us put the cards plainly upon the table then, shall we not? Especially as I get the feeling we shall mingle quite a lot more in the future, than you may have expected.

I am Le Pourri. Caramel as my name first, after I took her body as my vessel."

"Stealing bodies, like a real monster."

"I have never stolen a body, and I frankly find it insulting to insinuate as much. I am a tradesmare at heart. I bargain for them, and I fulfill my end of the contract in full.

For poor Caramel, there was nothing to do for her. She had been assaulted by a Wither Geist, and were dying. As any in Harrowmark knows, death by them, leaves only one fate: To wander as a geist yourself, bound to harm others, in perpetual agony. A dreadful fate. So I offered her a bargain. I would spare her soul, and send it to the goddess she so cared about, and in turn, I would get her vessel. She agreed, yet asked that I would treasure the foals, and sweeten their lives, as she had strived to do. And so I did. Once she were freed, and I had repaired this body, I took possession of it, and continued to live the life she could not. With some minor alterations, to be more useful. Which in turn, lead me to eventually be counted amongst the towns guardians. An unforeseen thing really, but I am ever the Harvest Mage. Protecting my village, when need be.

And please don't insult me, by assuming me a zombie, or risen. I assure you, this body is perfectly alive. As is all I have made use of. Well, most of them, but times have sometimes been tough. I also have no interest in Equestrian bodies. I do not mean to offend darlings, but you're simply not tempered enough for my taste. Gorgeous as you all are, in your own rights. Nor do I need to. It should be at least another five or six decades, before old age becomes a concern.

I also trade for other, more mundane things too. Favors, items, a few coins here and there- The vessels really are more just to extend my life, than anything of a nefarious nature. There's simply too much to learn in this world, for a single lifetime to suffice, and I do so enjoy enlightenment. From dear Caramel, I learned the most endearing cooking skills, for example, as well as the joy in lifting up the spirit of those, who have little to smile about most days.

But I assume I have spoken for long enough now, to allow my dear Will-O the time, to say her own piece on things. Pray excuse me for the distraction, but she appeared to have needed a little time, to find words."

Which were true. Will-O Wisp had required a few minutes after her sentence had been repeated, before she could muster to say something about it, rather than bawling her eyes out once again. Getting banished, and being told she were Twisted's granddaughter in quick succession had been rough. It still were, but she had those around her, whom she trusted, which helped to lift her a little. Which yes, included Caramel. The mare had long looked out for her too. More so, after she had been taken over, and never caused trouble, or been nefarious towards her. Thus, she actually did feel safer having her with her. Just as she did, seeing that Rising were there.

"I... I'm not sure what will happen, but... P-Please don't be angry, they're banishing me to your home? It's a-already hard enough, with e-everything I've been told, and then h-having this... I p-promise I won't cause trouble for you."

Between the lines, and in her eyes, were also the sentiment that she hoped they wouldn't reject things either, as she didn't know what to do with herself. She already had little idea, but knowing it were in the same land, that Rising had come from, had made her feel a little bit better bout things. If she were then having to go to a whole other place... She'd have no support network, and no idea how things would work. Even with Caramel there, she'd be lost, and scared. She just wasn't sure how to tell them that right now. Especially not on a day, that were not supposed to be about her at all. It should be about him, and his noble deeds.

"You two got along so well earlier, so I don't expect that to be an issue, will it, our dear savior? And do try and have her mingle with that glorious mare, whom you visited with the last time. Her fashion sense were impeccable. The things she could do to bring out the radiance in Will-O would be a sight to behold.

How are she, by the way? And your alchemist friend? Did he enjoy my gift?"

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

 

@AuroraGlimmer

On 2022-08-16 at 1:21 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

She would listen and nod "I can see why others might not like the idea of these flowers, especially in the wild" she would say "But they are still beautiful to me, though the needing blood just reminds me of Audrey in that classic movie, Little Shop of Horrors" she'd say with a giggle "and the classic banging your head on a cabinet, yeah, I've been there many times, so you're not alone there" she would smile at him.

"That movie were in fact ah, partially inspired by these flowers, I am told. It were what sparked my interest in them in the first place, years before I ever had the chance to see them. A wildly exaggerated story of course, but an ah, very enjoyable movie. Been some time since I last saw it actually. Perhaps at some time, you would ah, like to watch it with me? It could make a fun time, I'm sure."

Inviting friends over to watch movies, or playing games. As he understood it, that were a normal things which friends did, and thus, it felt right to then offer this. He would have to find this movie, and some way of watching it, of course, but ah, he were certain he could find something in Canterlot, when he were there for the faire. Perhaps a movie theater showed it? That could work too. Those places had quite some charm, from what he remembered. It were worth an attempt at the least, yes?

On 2022-08-16 at 1:21 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

She'd lead him out of her house, locking up, not that Ponyville had any sort of crime really, but she just liked to be sure. She would then lead him to a spot in the Whitetail Woods, it was a small clearing with a variety of wild flowers. "This is the spot, it's nice, isn't it?" she'd ask.

After a little bit, she would settle, sitting on her flank with her hind legs crossed, she would then pat the spot next to her, and as Honey Dew would sit next to her, she would explain the fundamentals of meditation. "First you need to close your eyes, block out any noise and vision, and then just, clear your mind" she would say, and then after a moment, "Now imagine yourself somewhere with sounds you find relaxing, for some it's the ocean and the sound of the waves, others its the forest with the sounds of birds and some just imagine themselves inside listening to rain outside"

It turned out in the end, that they'd go to the spot that Skittles had brought up initially, for the meditation. A nice looking place he might add. Seemed very calming, and steeped in nature, without the danger of the Everfree Forest. And here he thought the park were the better place for such a thing... Well, he weren't sad about being wrong.

"It is very ah, calming here. I can see why you would pick it, for your meditation."

Honey Dew would do as instructed, though he needed to try a few times, before he had his legs crossed properly, without falling backwards. Not his most proud moment, he must admit, but practice made perfect, yes? Just a simple manner of trying, until it worked. Which it would, not long after. So a small victory in that, he supposed, yes?

Afterwards, it were about closing his eyes, and trying to think of somewhere calm, with sound he enjoyed... Yes, he could think of one.

"The sound of foals laughing, always calmed me the most... Yes, I think I have a good thing in mind."

He recalled one day, some few months ago. They had been taken a trip to a large forest playground, and on the day, they had been having a thrilling day. Just the foals giggling and having fun, playing with others of the same age, having fun. No judging, or thoughts about how things were. Not even any parent, that were judging them, as some tended to do. You could always recognize those, as they wrinkled their nose at the sight of orphans, or withdrew their own foals, to avoid them coming in contact with *that kind*. Disgraceful in his opinion, but at least on that day, he had not needed to worry about that. It had just been pure, utter bliss. Not many other moments so bereft of issues, that he could counter up in his memories.

It was oddly calming already actually... Yet he'd listen, in case there were more for him to do. If not, he'd just sit like this, until eventually, he'd get a cramp in his legs.

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

 

@Kujamih

Shark had already been fully inside, so it was just a matter of closing the window, and making her follow to the bed. Which she would. Still a weird thing to lay upon in her mind, but she'd try, as best she could, whilst bringing her toy with her.

"Not food. Good chew thing. Found it in lake, so mine now.

....Nooooc-tuuuurn-aaaaal... Nocturnal? Nocturnal... Night thing? Lots of dark, down in sea. Not important if light. Just swim to find food, then swim til hungry. Sleep sometime, when need."

Shark basically slept when she were tired, and woke up when she weren't. She never had the need of a day and night schedule, like ponies had, so that was not ingrained in her at all. Something they'd have to work on, if they wanted her to have one, but realistically, did she really need it? It wasn't  like she had a job. Long as she didn't sleep in class, it were probably fine, right?

On 2022-08-15 at 11:23 PM, Kujamih said:

" Anyway, what do you wanna do tonight? Explore the night life of Ponyville and this school? If so we better exit the window as well.. but if not we could just have each other's company in this room." He blushingly suggested. 

Shark would sit and think about this. She did not understand what he were insinuating at all, so staying in this room seemed odd. It wasn't mating season after all, right? It didn't feel like egg time at least, so maybe he meant pony things, like reading, or sleeping. Sleeping in this thing would be weird. Lake was much better. So nice and calm. Not dry like this.

"What do friends do when dark? IN sea, many special fishies come out then. Special ponies too? Fun prey?"

She certainly felt like looking, so she'd bounce over to the window, and would open it. The first thing being seen, being another mare, this one a regular, young pegasus, fluttering outside one of the other windows. She'd be nuzzling the muzzle of some earth pony stallion, and as they'd get a look of her, she'd wave. This one had likely been the reason why Shark knew how to open the window. She'd in turn, wave enthusiastically too, and stumble out of the window, tumbling into the lake. Seemed to be fun to her, as she'd laugh so much, her fishie floated out of her mouth.

"Water nice. Come into water, mate. Then we go see night friends. Friend place have pretty lights. *gasp* Look! Look!"

She'd point upwards, where a pair of bat ponies would be flying overhead. A filly, as well as a burly stallion, with a long beard. The uniform showed him as being part of the Night Guard, and the relation... Well, the locals knew this as a father and daughter, recently relocating here. Shark just saw ponies with very special wings, and one who was shiny. That was very exciting to her. How nice it must be, to watch the world with the curiosity and wonder of a filly, rather than simply looking upon it as the same, mundane thing, that most merely got used to.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-17 at 6:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Yeah, you could say that. Just like now, I’m wondering why Lin was angry with me and why I didn’t take her side earlier when Rosa and Uddo were talking about exile. She had the right to be angry, but I didn’t agree that just being angry was going going to be enough. We’ll sort that out when we speak with each other tomorrow, but I know she needs time alone to think about this, just like me. On some days, when there’s a lot of time to think, it can get… difficult. Too much time to think about what could have been and not enough time to understand what’s happening now.” 

"I do not understand sister, or you, in this. Anger is weird. I hear others say, it clouds their heads. Makes things make less sense. I am not sure I want to understand that feeling. Then I hear you and Lin having issues, and anger is part of it. I want to help. But I can not."

Why must so much come down to emotions? They were dangerous, and hard to understand. Best if they were not part of things, and it were just logic, yes? That she thought sometimes, but then, she heard things like this, and she could not understand it, because she could not understand the emotions they had about it. It did not help either, that she couldn't remember the elder that hurt them.

"I understand someone hurt you, and your family, yes? Exile happened, to punish you... SO that is bad then, yes? Rosa said many big words about it. Did not try and understand those. Too much there, but exile is bad. Right? Not something good? Can that be why sister do not like it? And why do you fight then? Do you not think it is bad? Did it not hurt you too?"

Things were so much simpler when everything were chaos... Things just happened, and you went on to the next thing, that made little sense. There were not need to think about all that many things.

On 2022-08-17 at 6:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Sounds like what you go through when you lose track of time is information overload. You do know you don’t have to go through that now, right? You only need to ask if you need help understanding things. Lin, Mother, Rosa, myself… we’ll do what we can to help so won’t have to let time slip by.”

"That is why I ask many questions. Some, I do not know how to ask, or I do not get answers. So I need to think about them. Many things happen these days too. Little time to ask, or think. A lot of things to think about.

Rosa still did not tell me what a toilet is for. That is one thing. He became weird when asking. I saw there were water in it. Is it for drinking, when not used as a chair? It tasted like normal water."

Omen had at some point, drank toilet water. She saw a dog do it, and figured that might be the thing it were for. A large, weird cup. Then other ponies sat on them, and she got confused again. Ponies had so many weird things.

"Do not understand either, what happened at the place, with many ponies. Rosa is not in chains, but why? He said he were going into a small place, then he go here, and walk around. It does not make sense. Things like that, I try to think about. They are hard."

On 2022-08-17 at 6:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I won’t keep you if you’ve still got places to be, Hammond. I’m just going to think about what I plan to say and do when I speak with Sen. You know, there’s this cat we ran into earlier today at the bakery and after we went to the market. She goes by the name of Munchkin. Seems like she’s interested in Omen and Shrimp, even doing some little tests of her own. Have you met her before?”

He'd need to be shown the forest first, but if he could be, Hammond would have no issue wandering around, and having a look for strange things. He did not sleep, as their kind had as a curse one might say, so he had plenty enough time to go and explore. When he were not called upon by his master, of course. He should listen to her call.

"What is cat?"

This he wrote, as the response to her questions. A cat were something he might have seen, but lacked context for. An animal he'd think. The name sounded small... He'd put his hand up over his head, and try to imitate mouse ears, wondering if that were it. He'd then poke with his foot, towards the word cat. If not that, he'd try something else, with laying his head flat, raise his tail, and do the motion of a hiss, but not the sound. If that were correct, he'd sit and mull a little. Though eventually, he would write more to that.

"Cat name. Not know. Ask master?"

Naming a random cat called Munchkin, might be a tall sale for Scarcity, though she might get a healthy laugh over the question. It were but an animal after all. And one without much of an impression. Unless she had personally interacted with Munchkin some times, it were doubtful she knew much, if anything, about the cat.

"You go? Need help? Master work. Master sleep."

He literally had nothing better to do, as those he'd wander with, were either working, or sleeping, this time of day. This were his exploring time, and he did not mind spending that, with his older, and smarter sister. Though if she were busy, he could go and look for... He wondered actually, if she had felt that?

"Felt other, last sun time. Sibling. New. You feel too?"

There were a certain odd ripple, that the Ki'nathar could feel, when a new sibling made their first gate, to their new home. Omen had been distracted, and not noticed it, whereas Hammond had. He did not know though, if Lin could feel it. Even then, he knew not who it were, or where they were. He could ask unformed ones though. They might know. Did not hurt to ask sister though, no? That way, he could learn if she could feel that too, since she was not exactly like them. He felt her essence being stranger, though how? Why? He did not know that.

 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

It seems Shark preferred to head outside, and Light was a bit embarrassed as he finds out that what he said can have a double meaning.

" You know what night life outside it is hehehe.

Shark would then wave at someone outside which light wondered and took a look. Soon after Shark would take a tumble in the lake

At first Light was a bit worried, but then realize that Shark... Is half shark.

" Oh right hehe..."

As shark invites him into the water. Light would shrug it off and join her.

" ... Why not?"

He leaps to the air and did a triple summersault!

As he land on the water, he would use his very unique cutie mark and make himself very light. This way he didn't end up sinking in the water, but standing on top of it making a cool pose. But then,

"... Okay it's actually harder to control my cutie mark at night, whoaa!"

He then sinks to the lake.

" Blurghh ooff.... Hahahaha.... Ouch... Actually I think I hurt myself from using to much of my cutie mark magic.... I forgot I don't have the shards no more... "

Light would then just float around and see what Shark sees... But his focus is more on Shark as his happiness fills as he sees his love's joy from the mundane.

He would float slowly to Shark and give her a hug.

" Where too Shark?"

He asked. 

 

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

She would smile "A movie night starting with Little Shop of Horrors sounds great" she would say before they had gotten to the spot and begun the meditation.

"Now, just breathe in, breathe out" she would say softly, doing so herself. She did this for about ten minutes, and breathed out the last time with a slight relieved sigh, opening her eyes "and, open your eyes" she would say to him,

After that, she would stretch and smile "How do you feel?" she'd ask, as she would pet and cuddle a wild pup that must've come to her while they meditated.

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-19 at 5:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not understand sister, or you, in this. Anger is weird. I hear others say, it clouds their heads. Makes things make less sense. I am not sure I want to understand that feeling. Then I hear you and Lin having issues, and anger is part of it. I want to help. But I can not."

Why must so much come down to emotions? They were dangerous, and hard to understand. Best if they were not part of things, and it were just logic, yes? That she thought sometimes, but then, she heard things like this, and she could not understand it, because she could not understand the emotions they had about it. It did not help either, that she couldn't remember the elder that hurt them.

"I understand someone hurt you, and your family, yes? Exile happened, to punish you... SO that is bad then, yes? Rosa said many big words about it. Did not try and understand those. Too much there, but exile is bad. Right? Not something good? Can that be why sister do not like it? And why do you fight then? Do you not think it is bad? Did it not hurt you too?"

“Anger… makes us do things we might regret later. It’s not a nice thing to feel, but sometimes, we the best we could do is to control it. Too much of any emotion could stop us from thinking clearly, but I guess it’s all about balance. Without clear thoughts, we do stupid things on a whim, but without emotions, we might do things that could hurt others because we don’t feel. I wouldn’t know who or what I’d be if I couldn’t feel things like happiness or love.”

“Our exile wasn’t because Lin and I did something bad, but the longma back home know that it is a kind of punishment for those who have no hope of changing. What we experienced was someone wanting us out of the way to do what they pleased, and I am angry and hurt that it happened, just like sister. I just can’t stay angry because that doesn’t solve anything. Outside of some folks back home, Lin hasn’t forgiven the longma; she only tolerates them because we wouldn’t have anywhere else to live.”

“If there is any chance that no one could ever use exile as an excuse to do something horrible, I’d like to find a way. To do that, I need to see things clearly, but I won’t forget what I felt because that will always remind me of why I do this.”

The longma may be conflicted about his sister feeling this way, having a lot of pent-up anger with no constructive outlet. However, this talk with Omen may have given him some possible insight into what he could do. It’s not quite an epiphany or a eureka moment, but between talking with Omen and Rosa, there may be some hints at how he could approach his sister when the time comes to talk it out amongst themselves. If he could just reach out and explain himself while understanding Lin’s perspective, they could come to a compromise.

Maybe he’d still need some time to meditate, but there night wasn’t going to end anytime soon, and he’d use this moment to try and answer some of Omen’s lingering questions. He wouldn’t have the exact answers she was hoping for, given the longma’s lack of understanding in certain topics, but he did say he was willing to help however he could. It was about time he lived up to his words. 

On 2022-08-19 at 5:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Rosa still did not tell me what a toilet is for. That is one thing. He became weird when asking. I saw there were water in it. Is it for drinking, when not used as a chair? It tasted like normal water."

Omen had at some point, drank toilet water. She saw a dog do it, and figured that might be the thing it were for. A large, weird cup. Then other ponies sat on them, and she got confused again. Ponies had so many weird things.

"Do not understand either, what happened at the place, with many ponies. Rosa is not in chains, but why? He said he were going into a small place, then he go here, and walk around. It does not make sense. Things like that, I try to think about. They are hard."

“I could try answering your question about the toilet, but I'm just basing this of something I heard years ago. Think about it as a place where ponies clean themselves in private. I don’t know how exactly this works, but I’ll tell you what I could. See, when ponies eat or drink, they make waste that needs to be removed from their bodies. They could do that in the open, but that wouldn’t look good for them, not to mention the mess they’d make. So, they do it in a toilet instead.”

“As for your other question, about Rosa walking around instead of being in chains? What Rosa did would be considered unforgivable in Equestria’s laws, but someone, possibly Ms. Scarcity, made it so that his skills wouldn’t go to waste in a way that could still be useful to others. I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it, but that is how I understand what happened.”

Admittedly, Sen still didn’t get what Scarcity could get out of this arrangement, only that Rosa was now indebted to her. A kind of limited freedom feels like having a double-edged sword hanging above one’s head; not a good place to be in, but they didn’t seem to have any say in the matter. Only thing to do now is live with it and learn what they could along the way.

On 2022-08-19 at 5:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You go? Need help? Master work. Master sleep."

He literally had nothing better to do, as those he'd wander with, were either working, or sleeping, this time of day. This were his exploring time, and he did not mind spending that, with his older, and smarter sister. Though if she were busy, he could go and look for... He wondered actually, if she had felt that?

"Felt other, last sun time. Sibling. New. You feel too?"

There were a certain odd ripple, that the Ki'nathar could feel, when a new sibling made their first gate, to their new home. Omen had been distracted, and not noticed it, whereas Hammond had. He did not know though, if Lin could feel it. Even then, he knew not who it were, or where they were. He could ask unformed ones though. They might know. Did not hurt to ask sister though, no? That way, he could learn if she could feel that too, since she was not exactly like them. He felt her essence being stranger, though how? Why? He did not know that.

 

“I can stick around for a little while, as I don’t really have much to do now, but I’m not sure what you meant by feeling another sibling. I guess I’m not in tune with the Ki’Nathar since I wasn’t one originally. As for cats… I guess it might be better to see one to get an idea of what they are. Saying they’ve got four legs, a tail, and like to lounge around or do their own thing isn’t really saying a lot.”

Lin was going to try spending a little bit of time looking for Munchkin at this time of night, though she realized she would have trouble with that since she could be anywhere in the town at this point. If the bakery wasn’t open, then chances are Stiff Peaks would’ve gone home without the cat. However, she wouldn’t have to try, especially with a familiar sound just about interrupting the longma’s and mimic’s conversation.

Meow!

“Huh… would you look at that? Seems like the cat came to us instead of the other way around. Hammond, that is Munchkin, the cat I was just telling you about.”

Though a fair distance away, the little cat slowly approached Lin, being somewhat familiar with her, though the mysterious creature with big ears and a third eye was new to her. First instinct would suggest that he was similar to Shrimp, though she’d try to get closer, perhaps prod the creature to see what kind of reaction she could get. The refraction was cautious and a little hostile, but Hammond could be different. She’d sit next to Lin and rub herself on the longma first; if the new creature was like Shrimp, he’d likely do something to make his displeasure known.

Edited August 20, 2022 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,589]

@Blitz Boom
Charir was bit thoughtful about Leviathan when she smiled at him, he knew at this point that it was a positive thing, but since he didn't understand the words and he hadn't done anything special, he wasn't sure why she was smiling at him, he did recognize his name being said of course, but that didn't really tell much, especially since the two older dragons did have a habit of talking about him like he wasn't right next to them, not that he complained, at least he had some warning that they may want something from him soon instead of just suddenly telling him to do something out of nowhere; he also understood that Leviathan couldn't understand him and vice versa, so it made sense the two dragonesses would discuss some things about him without him.

There was also the fact that he didn't feel reason to complain, for his whole life he had been the lesser due to his smaller size, younger age, and because he was a male, so he had internalized the idea that female dragons, especially those lot older than himself, were simply so much more superior to him, that he was happy that they even acknowledged his existence, not to mention were actually nice to him. 

Ruby addressed Charir, most likely informing him that they were leaving, as evidenced by him nodding and quickly finishing the little he had left from the snacks he had taken, he may have not been a huge fan, but he still wasn't one to waste food.  Ruby led the way as asked to, her target being a train station, maybe this time they wouldn't get attacked by a magical fox. "I agree with you on Charir, I did expect him to stay calm, because if nothing else, he's still too fearful of me to do anything stupid, but he did surpass my expectations." "Though I probably shouldn't be too surprised, after all ,he made his way from the Homelands to here, alone, and survived, that is unexpected for someone of his size and age." 

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

"While solid logic, and I don't disagree with your theory, not caring goes to both ways, while I have no emotional drive to harm you, I also don't have one to not harm you."  "If I was to lose my conscious will to do good, who is to say what I would be like?" Scarecrow mentioned, he didn't necessarily expect a response, but he just shared his thoughts, after all ,he had had time to think about it. 

He thought about what was said about the library, it certainly looked like that if there was nothing in here, the needed information wouldn't exist, but if being positive, even in that case, at least he could be some use, after all, he had, as far as he knew, infinite time, so he could as well use that to help making sense of this place. 

In any other situation, Scarecrow would have tilted his head and wondered what he just saw as the elderly mare made her appearance, but after everything he had seen up to this point, this wasn't really that shocking anymore, in fact, it slightly reminded him of that ghost mare in the forest that had also formed from fog.

"I'm Scarecrow." He stated, he also gave a small bow for greeting, but it was clear it was more a learned gesture rather than genuine respect, his voice also was friendly but lacked emotions as to be expected "Soul trapped into a rotten body and an empty existence." he had nodded when it was asked if he was the one she had been called for.

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

"In a different place and time you would have been correct in your assumption, as stated, these two have perfectly justified reasons to despise me, and if you ever see another one like myself, it is in everyone's best interest to assume that they are an enemy." Solar mentioned, not that the local guard had any real chance against his former colleagues, but at least there was a chance they would be able to flee. "At least I didn't get something thrown at me this time." he added with...not quite humor, but a less serious tone, though the kobolds weren't amused, and Trox was visibly ready to blast him with magic if he tried anything. 

He went to Trox, as it was better to just leave Sheska alone, after all, he really only needed one of them, he then declared "Now, don't get spooked, I'll just give us some privacy." he then lit his horn and a magical bubble like barrier surrounded the group, he had wanted to leave Sear and Chega out since they were just civilians, but their positioning didn't really allow that, he also hadn't planned to have other guards involved, but with what had just happened, the coastal guard also got to be inside the bubble. The bubble itself seemed just like a regular magical barrier from inside, but from outside it blocked all sound and light, so it was a quite literal, privacy bubble. 

If nobody reacted in crazy ways to that, he would proceed with why he was here, he gave Trox a piece of paper, who looked at it and then back at him "Where is this from? you said we are the only ones here who speak common koboldian..." he couldn't even finish before Solar spoke "A message I got, someone used the commander's back door to sent it to me, the content of the message is not your concern, but it was finished off with that." Harpoon probably had no idea what 'commander's back door' meant in this context, at least Chega and Sear didn't, but Sheska and Trox both seemed to know what Solar meant, as it seemed to rise some amount of new worry in them, Trox read the paper few more times "I don't fully understand every word as the eastern koboldian is slightly different to ours, but if I were to guess them in context, this is something along the lines of 'When the blood of our unison fills the streets, the oppressors shall drown in our sacrifice. In the name of our ancestors, our brothers, our sisters, our daughters and our sons, our hard work shall bear fruit. One for all, all for one, but never shall our will to fall'." "And no, never heard that before." 

Solar seemed surprised, and so did everyone else, but nobody really had time to comment before Solar went straight to the next thing, he wasn't lying when he said he didn't want to drag things out, besides, they could discuss it after "The other thing..." an almost necklace looking part of his neck started to glow and it projected few images in front of Trox, they looked like a point of view of a pony, all looking at a individual but from different angles and with different levels of lighting and such, some being from normal looking positions in well lit, gray hallway, but some being from perspectives that were sideways and from the floor, surrounded by rubble, darkness and dust, seeing the individual from small hole among the rubble. "...In a move that will certainly make your queen friend like me even more..." the sarcasm was obvious "...I elected to go get the bodies from her place without her, before they started to smell, and investigated any and all systems I could get access to, and I found something you may be interested in, I don't know if she made it out before you ended up here, but what I do know is that there's no evidence on any orders for her to be there." 

The individual, was orange, red eyed lizard, either a small dragon, or a kobold, it was hard to tell which, as the only thing visible was the face and metallic looking horns with horizontal light blue stripe on each one, rest of them was covered by a blue, hooded robe with the hood being decorated with a cobra inspired piece. Seeing this, Trox closed his fists hard enough for his metal hand let out a small bang, and Sheska, even though she barely saw the pictures from where she was, let out an audible hiss "Sheez" both of the siblings looked at the pictures with such hatred that one could be mistaken that they forgot that Solar even existed, Chega actually stopped comforting Sheska for a moment due to her sudden hatred being so strong.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Catpone Cerberus

"That's a lot down to you too though. If you hadn't heard him, and dived in after him, the poor thing might well have drowned. It were some strong, motherly instincts on display there, Ruby. Whoever hatched from your eggs, would be lucky to have you brooding over them."

Might be that their ideals of parenthood weren't the same, but one thing were similar, from what she had heard Ruby say. That being the desire to protect your young. It would sadly end, in the case of Ruby's culture, but still, she had shown the instincts, of someone who wouldn't just let their hatchlings wander off, and get eaten by the first creature with bigger teeth, that they ran into. Whatever else she might think of her methods, Leviathan could sincerely respect that part.

Hopefully someday, she'd be able to put her own skills to the test too... No, now were not the time to think of this. It would only make her saddened, and today was a happy day. And if something were gonna try and change that, she'd punch them in the face.

Making their way to the station, they were seemingly not being stopped, though they'd as always, catch a few eyes. Mostly from tourists. The locals saw weirder than them, on a daily basis, and some of them had gotten rather jaded by that.

Getting tickets, and boarding the train too, wouldn't seem to cause issue. Nor would it, as they were puffing along, quietly and somewhat silently. Only thing that did seem a  potential issue, were a large thundercloud headed towards the tracks, but Leviathan would handle that. It wouldn't have been able to do a lot, if anything really, but she just wanted to make sure, that no one were hiding in it. Seemed not, but y'know, they had encountered some odd ones recently. Wouldn't be surprising.

"Seems like we're in the clear so far. That's a nice change, eh? Feels like a while ago, since something didn't just blow up out of nowhere. What you think's gonna happen next? Something's gonna be set on fire, and we'll be blamed for it, or some monster tries to eat us? My bet's on the fire."

She'd be leaning back, grinning. It were in jest, of course, though she wouldn't be totally surprised. A fair bit of time, when something were on fire, a dragon would be blamed.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Devoid of emotion too, it sounds as. Hmm..."

She'd float closer, and make a small round around him, examining the peculiar creature, standing before her.

"Such strange strings that binds you. Seems like somepony made himself the wrong enemies in life, hm?"

"You know what have befallen him?"

"Don't go and make assumptions, child. I see he is bound. By what manner, I couldn't say for certain. It reminds me as said, of the druid wars. Grizzly mess that whole thing. Enlightening though. Quite the few tomes written by the flock then.

Yet this is not the same. Druid spells are similar, but far from this dark. This one seems unknown. But then, that is why you bring him to this old mare now, isn't it? Things this dark, you think it in the forbidden section?"

"It wouldn't be something, that should be left for any stray to find. I thought you might agree."

"Hmhm. I do, dear child. I do. Very well. Will you join me, in the vault, Scarecrow? Don't be alarmed, dryad. He will be gone for some time, but perhaps when he emerges, he will have found answer. If not, there will be plenty more times to try. I do have other things to do, than sit down there for centuries on end you know. And even if not down there, it could be hidden in some dusty tome up here. The things that sometimes sneaks into those. Why, just some eight hundred years past, a passage made it in, describing how to cleanly turn another, inside out, while they were still alive. Reckless children sometimes, explaining too vividly, to the point where others can make out, how to do the same. That wouldn't have passed in my time. No. Back then, we vetted our books better."

She would grumble slightly, but keep the rest for herself. For now at least. Seemed like she'd have some company to bemoan things to, for some time to come now. Mayhap not the best option, but beggars as they say, couldn't be choosers. They'd learn to live with one another. Heh.

"...If it provides answers, I wish nothing more, than luck for you, my friend. But it depends, if you would be ready? You needn't worry for Crow, if it were. I cannot imagine it would want to leave, though I can make sure to tell the locals of him, that they may not be afraid, or try to cause it harm."

She'd have to find it first, but that were a minor detail, compared to the fact that she were going to give it her all, to ensure it would be okay here, whilst it waited for Scarecrow. That is, if her friend wished to be transported, to the locked vault of the library. If he agreed, it would be upwards of three months, before he would see the light of day again, as they'd be scouring slowly through tomes. Slowly, specifically, as these things were dangerous, and Sickle needed to supervise. And if he handled the books incorrectly, or tried to cause harm to them, she would eject him from the vault instantly, and he'd have to try again later.

Then again, could also be he found an answer, or just wanted to leave for a time, for whatever reason. There'd be options for it all, yet it would still mean a farewell, for now. If he went, he'd be transported on the spot, engulfed in red mist, and find himself soon, before the large door, leading to the inner vault.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

10 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"In a different place and time you would have been correct in your assumption, as stated, these two have perfectly justified reasons to despise me, and if you ever see another one like myself, it is in everyone's best interest to assume that they are an enemy." Solar mentioned, not that the local guard had any real chance against his former colleagues, but at least there was a chance they would be able to flee. "At least I didn't get something thrown at me this time." he added with...not quite humor, but a less serious tone, though the kobolds weren't amused, and Trox was visibly ready to blast him with magic if he tried anything. 

"Duly noted."

Now why would that be? Were he from a particular group of ponies, that were prone to violence? It wouldn't be the first, so it might well be, tough it begged the question, of why this one were then trusted in the military.

As for what exactly he meant by *Another one like him*, she assumed it had something to do with his peculiarities. Seemed he wasn't as regular as a normal pony, from what she could see. Things to keep in mind in fact, it sounded like, and specifically signs to look out for. She'd ask more into this, but she wouldn't want this one to be an undue burden on the civilians she had been asked to watch over, for more than he needed to be. That, and she already found him a little irritating. She got the feeling though, that he had that effect on more than just her. Would certainly explain why folks would throw things at him.

10 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

The individual, was orange, red eyed lizard, either a small dragon, or a kobold, it was hard to tell which, as the only thing visible was the face and metallic looking horns with horizontal light blue stripe on each one, rest of them was covered by a blue, hooded robe with the hood being decorated with a cobra inspired piece. Seeing this, Trox closed his fists hard enough for his metal hand let out a small bang, and Sheska, even though she barely saw the pictures from where she was, let out an audible hiss "Sheez" both of the siblings looked at the pictures with such hatred that one could be mistaken that they forgot that Solar even existed, Chega actually stopped comforting Sheska for a moment due to her sudden hatred being so strong.

A lot suddenly happened, after the initial words from Solar. Starting with them getting trapped in a bubble, seemingly for privacy. A move which just made Harpoon reach her trident higher, ready for attack, if need be, though she were still not touching him. It were still a fair, half meter from touching him, though a quick jab could change that. She wasn't stabbing him though. Not yet, in any case. Could well change, if he gave her reason to change her mind on this matter.

She watch, as an exchange of information occurred, though she grasped little of the context. Something about other kobolds, and a message that sounded rather ominous. Blood of someone's family, were hardly ever mentioned in good ways, and this sounded like some sort of summoning, or curse, being tossed as one. Or a call to arms, for a revolution. She knew so very little of kobolds, so it were rather hard to even grasp where this might come from, though it seemed to affect some of her wards to an extend.

Not as much as the next part though. No, not the part about collecting bodies, though were a question she'd have to ask about later too, as that sounded alarming, It were more about the one they were shown a projection of. Looked like another kobold, or dragon. Not enough to be sure there, but whomever this were, it seemed they caused quite the stir in two of the kobolds. She might not be a changeling, but that degree of hatred, were still very notable.

"Who is this *Sheez*? It sounds as if there is reason for alarm here?"

She'd need to spread the word to the Coastal Guard, if that were the case. They did not take order per se, from the Royal Guard, but would listen to alarm, if validated by their own, or given to them by the general. This one didn't look all that dangerous, but something told her, that there were layers to this, that she didn't fully grasp. And some of those layers, were soaked in blood.

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

 

@Kujamih

Shark would witness him stand on the lake's surface, and subsequently sink down, with an amused gaze in her eyes. He were so impressive. Maybe he couldn't stand long on the water, but he had still done it! That were really something. She had only seen tiny bugs do that before, not anyone big like him. Such a talented mate she had. He would make good pups, when egg season came around. Even though she didn't know when that were, but she'd feel it when it were, surely. That's how egg season worked, yes? That's what she had seen in others, though she hadn't hit her first egg season yet, even though she had seen others around her, were starting to get there, before she had been taken away, so it couldn't be long, no? This would be an exciting one, when it were!

She couldn't help herself though, as he started to go below the surface, and would circle him, as if she were on a hunt. She did not have her backfin anymore, so it might lose some intimidation factor, but Celestia help the world, once she found out that you could buy replica shark fins. Granted, they were mostly for foals, but she'd find some in her size. Usually those sorts, were used for party folks, who wanted to have fun on others behalf. They wouldn't be made for her sort, but she'd be happy to make use of them, all the same. Hopefully Light wouldn't make it worse, by teaching her the *dun dun dun dun* tune, that some associated sharks with. She'd already make beach goers confused as it were.

On 2022-08-19 at 12:01 AM, Kujamih said:

He would float slowly to Shark and give her a hug.

" Where too Shark?"

He asked. 

"To big reef, with shinies!"

She'd dive under him, and push up, leaving her to push his body up to the surface with her own, and keep his head over water, with her own. Her mane were wet, but still, rather smooth and soft, so it should be a soft ride, as she swamp quickly to the edge of the lake. She might not be able to fly with him, when he wasn't using magic currently, but she could swim him along with no issue. He weighed less here, and her tail had considerable force to work with, so they'd be at the edge in no time. Or they would, if she hadn't taken a round first. She quite enjoyed this, and were giggling along as they went. Surface world were fun, but water were a good place, and always would be. Times like this, one could combine them both, and have a great time.

Eventually though, after a few minutes, she'd get them to shore, and once up, she'd shake the excess water off of her mane and tail, akin to a dog. She'd still remain shiny from water, but that was good. She didn't want to drip everywhere, but she also didn't want to be completely dry. That seemed wrong.

Once there, she'd look around, eyes filled with wonder, as a few ponies came around, looked at her, and then just kept moving. Seemed like they were somewhat inebriated, and were thinking they were seeing things. One even put his bottle down, thinking he had too much. Light should probably get that away, before Shark got curious, and took a swig. Friends drank it after all, so that meant it were good, yes? And this smelled somewhat like fruit.

It were an apple cider, so worst case scenario, it wasn't bad, but it might be a bad start to things. It weren't good to remove the inhibitions, of one with teeth like hers.

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

 

@AuroraGlimmer

He would be a few seconds before he answered, when they were done, as he were *awakening* from his meditation, so to speak.

"I feel rather calmed, actually. I thought this were gonna be a lot harder than it were."

He'd look over as he slowly rose up, and notice the pup. (you didn't write which kind, so assuming regular wolf), though he weren't as surprised, or concerned, as he figured he'd be. A little of course, but still, overall rather mellow. How peculiar.

"I didn't see we got company. Friend of yours?"

Didn't come to him right away, but eventually came a thought through, that did make him a little nervous. The old saying, that "Were there be baby, there be mother." He could see the child. Where then, were the mother? And how might she act, when seeing this? Well, probably nicely, towards Skittles. But he were new. Then again, long as he did not appear threatening, it should probably be okay.

If this were a timberwolf pup, all bets were off the table. He didn't understand those at all, and the most he had to do with them, were that weird mare in town, who had recently gotten one as a pet. She said he were an outcast from the forest, but it were still peculiar to see.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Anger… makes us do things we might regret later. It’s not a nice thing to feel, but sometimes, we the best we could do is to control it. Too much of any emotion could stop us from thinking clearly, but I guess it’s all about balance. Without clear thoughts, we do stupid things on a whim, but without emotions, we might do things that could hurt others because we don’t feel. I wouldn’t know who or what I’d be if I couldn’t feel things like happiness or love.”

“Our exile wasn’t because Lin and I did something bad, but the longma back home know that it is a kind of punishment for those who have no hope of changing. What we experienced was someone wanting us out of the way to do what they pleased, and I am angry and hurt that it happened, just like sister. I just can’t stay angry because that doesn’t solve anything. Outside of some folks back home, Lin hasn’t forgiven the longma; she only tolerates them because we wouldn’t have anywhere else to live.”

“If there is any chance that no one could ever use exile as an excuse to do something horrible, I’d like to find a way. To do that, I need to see things clearly, but I won’t forget what I felt because that will always remind me of why I do this.”

"Lin feels differently, because she can not let go? I do not understand.

I have tried, but emotions are hard. You all know them. I see it. Pain. Joy. Sorrow. I hear many names. I do not understand what they are like. So I can not understand them.

Master Discord said they were not important. They could wait. He was wrong. Mother says that too, but she can not teach me.

....I only understand, that you and Lin, see things differently. You look forward, she looks backwards, yes? Is that why she is angry? Does she want you to see, what she sees? Is it because she wants you to be angry too?

Life is confusing. Your life is very confusing. Different from ponies, in many ways, that seems wrong. They hurt you, in a bad way, but sometimes, the way they hurt, is good? Why? If it gets used wrong, is it not always bad to do?"

The wheels were turning in her head, but not grinding out much in the way of answers. This would sadly be her eternal flaw, and a sign of Discord's greatest failure. In his attempt to make her as sturdy, and adaptable as possible, he had made it so that most things that would cause considerable pain, like fire, being stabbed, or freezing, barely affected her, if at all. As such, pain and discomfort, were things that more than anything, she had a very hard time to grasp, beyond the few examples she had learned, from Sen and Lin.

Many others, he had failed to give her context for, when she were young, and impressionable. As Hammond were a great indicator of, the early weeks and months were crucial, when it came to teaching basic things, as they were basically absorbing all kinds of impressions at those stages. Yet Discord's had spend his, in a world without reason, where nothing were explainable. And when that were gone, she had already reached past her formative stage, and her then staying in Mother's realm for nearly 980 years, were not helping either, as their home, were not one that offered many teachable moments, beyond the basics that Mother provided.

She could still be taught, but they needed professionals to deal with it. Actual psychologists, and those willing to go to extreme lengths, to teach her of things like pain. Had she context, she could learn, yet it would still be an uphill battle. Though to some extends, were it not a kindness, for her to not feel certain things? What if she understood sorrow, and loss, when her friends would end up dying from old age? Anger when they got hurt, considering her powers? Jealousy, rage, terror... There were a lot of things that one might be able to say, she'd be better without, even though she'd also be deprived from great joy, love, and so on, and so forth.

It might be something to do, to find one specialized in emotions, and leave Omen in their care. At least for a time, if they wished for her to learn. If not, then it may yet be millennia, before she understood fully, what certain things that had passed through her, were. Cause she had felt fear, and anger. It were however, but tiny sparks, that flickered and died, because she did not grasp their context.

A project for another time, perhaps. Yet it would be likely be good, to let her clear her head, before she began to overload, prior to such a thing.

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I could try answering your question about the toilet, but I'm just basing this of something I heard years ago. Think about it as a place where ponies clean themselves in private. I don’t know how exactly this works, but I’ll tell you what I could. See, when ponies eat or drink, they make waste that needs to be removed from their bodies. They could do that in the open, but that wouldn’t look good for them, not to mention the mess they’d make. So, they do it in a toilet instead.”

“As for your other question, about Rosa walking around instead of being in chains? What Rosa did would be considered unforgivable in Equestria’s laws, but someone, possibly Ms. Scarcity, made it so that his skills wouldn’t go to waste in a way that could still be useful to others. I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it, but that is how I understand what happened.”

This helped, as she were now getting context for some of her questions, which eased her mind to a certain extend.

"It is where pony food and drink goes, when it leaves? Master Discord did tell me, that I could absorb things, normal ponies could not... I think I understand."

Were it not for the positions, that others used these things, she'd think it were where they vomited up things, but no, she think she grasped it now. Though why would it have to be such a private thing? Seemed odd, but she supposed, ponies were odd sometimes. Maybe this were just something they had learned, were not to be shared? Hmm... Made sense, she supposed. She had witnessed other things, that she had come to understand, were not meant to be looked at, by others. This belonged on that list, it seemed.

"And Rosa is free, because something Scarcity did? And you are confused too? Brother must have a very smart master. He will grow up clever."

Speaking of whom...

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I can stick around for a little while, as I don’t really have much to do now, but I’m not sure what you meant by feeling another sibling. I guess I’m not in tune with the Ki’Nathar since I wasn’t one originally. As for cats… I guess it might be better to see one to get an idea of what they are. Saying they’ve got four legs, a tail, and like to lounge around or do their own thing isn’t really saying a lot.”

So sister could not feel them then? Hmm, must not have that trait. He would remember that, if others like her were suddenly made, some day. A very strange situation, but something to learn from. As everything were. Maybe though, he could introduce her to their sibling, once he found them? That should be possible. Would be important too. They were family after all, yes? Important to know others of your family.

As for her description of a cat... That covered many, many creatures he had seen. Including ponies. So yes, he were not entirely sure what a cat were. Perhaps a nice visual aid?

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Meow!

“Huh… would you look at that? Seems like the cat came to us instead of the other way around. Hammond, that is Munchkin, the cat I was just telling you about.”

Though a fair distance away, the little cat slowly approached Lin, being somewhat familiar with her, though the mysterious creature with big ears and a third eye was new to her. First instinct would suggest that he was similar to Shrimp, though she’d try to get closer, perhaps prod the creature to see what kind of reaction she could get. The refraction was cautious and a little hostile, but Hammond could be different. She’d sit next to Lin and rub herself on the longma first; if the new creature was like Shrimp, he’d likely do something to make his displeasure known.

He'd turn, and follow the approaching cat with his eyes. So this were a cat then... He had seen many of those, but were not sure if they were the ones, called cats. This were good then. He learned something new. Cats were the ones who looked like this, and said meow. Important knowledge.

He would raise a paw in greeting, once the cat were introduced, and he'd make some hoof signs, to mark his own name. Sister might not understand this, but the cat might. He didn't know.

Seeing the cat, go over and rub itself on Lin, got no reaction from Hammond at all. Though he did file it under something to ask others about, if he were supposed to do too. Maybe it were just a cat thing? And if so, why did they do this? Many questions, to find answers to.

As Munchkin came over and prodded at him though, he'd just take it. Then he'd slowly try and take a paw forth, and gently pat at the cat, much like she had done to him. If he were allowed, he'd then make a notion more in his mind: Cats were soft. Felt rather nice in fact. He had to try and befriend more cats.

If Munchkin would hiss at him, he'd blink once, then slowly, hiss back, though without the sound, imitating her, as best he could.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

Skittles would smile and nod as Honey Dew would say that he felt relaxed "A lot of ponies think that meditation is hard, and I suppose it can be for a beginner, but once you get the hang of what you need to do, it's easy peasy" she would say to him, nodding as she would pet the wolf pup "Oh yes, one of the critters that comes to me when I'm here" she would say, then smile a bit more "And don't worry about the mother, she is also friendly." she'd say, still cuddling the pup, before getting up and stretching.

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Twilight was fascinated by the stitch faced being. How did it work. How could sounds come out of its mouth when nothing was actually moving. She had a quizzical expression rather than a fearful one and was planning to ask it lots of question. That is, before what it said had registered with her.

"Calm down, it seems friendly enough," Twilight told Last Stand and Drone to try and reassure them. She kinda knew what she was doing and cleared her throat. "Oh, yes, I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle... wait, did you say two descendants? Two descendants of whom?"

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

DAWN STREAK & DAZZLE GLEAM

Dazzle managed to smile at Long Stare and did her best to not look worried. "I don't even know if my parents are still there or alive or have forgotten so some closure would be nice," she told Stare. She had thoughts racing around her head about her parents' fate but ultimately, she knew she couldn't do anything about it for the moment.

"NO! I AM NOT TAKING THAT BET!" Dawn yelled at Benny, hoping it would mean he'd back off. Especially since she got an angry blush going around her face.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I uh ... I know absolutely nothing about being a queen. I don't even know what hives do or what any changeling does other than feed off love. I've lived up in the griffin nests for most of my life so all of this is extremely new to me," Aurora told Onache. She winced a bit at the magical intrusion into her mind and it battered her mental defenses to dust. "W-why ... ah ... why are you trying to enter ... gah ... enter my mind?"

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"Oh no," Karmic sighed and quickly ran down Enzo's back and hopped off to get to the ground. "Let me explain why Enzo is freaking out and about to go into a panic attack. Blitzy here called you Greta, right? I'm one of this Sphinx's friends and he's got a very strong fear of dragons. They imprisoned him for a really long time, alone, in some mine on a deserted island off the coast of Equestria." Atzy though, kept a hold on Enzo and drew Blitz towards her with a hoof. She held the filly close so they both wouldn't be jostled and tossed off with Enzo's constant attempts at trying to flee.

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-22 at 6:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Lin feels differently, because she can not let go? I do not understand.

I have tried, but emotions are hard. You all know them. I see it. Pain. Joy. Sorrow. I hear many names. I do not understand what they are like. So I can not understand them.

Master Discord said they were not important. They could wait. He was wrong. Mother says that too, but she can not teach me.

....I only understand, that you and Lin, see things differently. You look forward, she looks backwards, yes? Is that why she is angry? Does she want you to see, what she sees? Is it because she wants you to be angry too?

Life is confusing. Your life is very confusing. Different from ponies, in many ways, that seems wrong. They hurt you, in a bad way, but sometimes, the way they hurt, is good? Why? If it gets used wrong, is it not always bad to do?"

“Lin’s thoughts on the matter are her own, but she can’t let go. Even after all this time, that anger is still there, and even when she can set it aside, it’s only temporary. What we went through, it stayed with us, impossible to forget. You’re right about us though. Lin looks back to that day as sees just how bad it was. She’s right about it being bad, but staying angry at it won’t solve anything, so instead of looking back, we have to look forward. I get where she’s coming from, but I think she believes I’ve forgotten because an experience that bad doesn’t just fade away from memory.”

“I don’t fault you for seeing just how confusing this is because even I still don’t get it on some days. It’s true the longma hurt us, and that’s a bad thing. Some folks see being hurt as a way to learn, like when I used to train when I was young. A little pain isn’t going to put me down, and it helps learn to be strong against it, but the pain from being hit is different from the kind I felt when I was exiled. To be honest, I am scared of what Lin has learned from that experience.”

Omen may feel confused, but Sen can see that she is getting some things right, and knows she can follow along with the explanations. What’s telling is that she has a solid moral compass, which was a good thing to note. Unfortunately, strong emotions aren’t something easy to grasp, and even the longma siblings couldn’t really explain them well. Being able to experience something is one thing, but explaining something that has always been natural is much more difficult. It would be like explaining breathing to a creature that did neither, which was exactly what it is like for Sen. The last part may have been something that the longma came up while overthinking, but he knew there was precedent for it. One only needed to look at Lin to see why the longma was scared... for himself, for her, and possibly for everyone else.

On 2022-08-22 at 6:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"And Rosa is free, because something Scarcity did? And you are confused too? Brother must have a very smart master. He will grow up clever."

“I wouldn’t know if Hammond knows about the details behind Ms. Scarcity’s choice to give Rosa a kind of limited freedom, but he would definitely learn a thing or two about how the way she thinks. I just hope he uses what he’s learned for good reasons.”

“As for all of these confusing things we’ve talked about, how about we meditate and process them? Maybe we could see things a little clearer if we set aside some time to think. I’ll be here, though I might fall asleep after some time.”

Sen wouldn’t mind staying up later, though going by the possibility that he and Omen were talking in the living room, it might be wiser to relocate to the guest room and continue their talk privately. That, and Sen might take up on Rosa’s offer to sleep on something that isn’t the floor. Though if there’s anything he’d like to try and avoid, it was overloading Omen with information and confusion. 

On 2022-08-22 at 6:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

He would raise a paw in greeting, once the cat were introduced, and he'd make some hoof signs, to mark his own name. Sister might not understand this, but the cat might. He didn't know.

Seeing the cat, go over and rub itself on Lin, got no reaction from Hammond at all. Though he did file it under something to ask others about, if he were supposed to do too. Maybe it were just a cat thing? And if so, why did they do this? Many questions, to find answers to.

As Munchkin came over and prodded at him though, he'd just take it. Then he'd slowly try and take a paw forth, and gently pat at the cat, much like she had done to him. If he were allowed, he'd then make a notion more in his mind: Cats were soft. Felt rather nice in fact. He had to try and befriend more cats.

Munchkin didn’t seem to mind Hammond not reacting to her rubbing herself on Lin, though she didn’t understand what the little creature was doing with his sign language. The lack of reactions notwithstanding, she did like him patting her. In return, she gently headbutted the mimic and rubbed herself on him just like she did with Lin, marking him with her scent. Upon listening closely, both Lin and Hammond might hear some light purring. It was a calming and gentle sound, one that seemed to put her at ease. The cat was simply happy to stay with the group, though she wouldn’t mind more pets from Hammond. 

“Looks like you’re making fast friends with Munchkin, huh? She may not speak, but she’s been doing some interesting things. The town’s baker says she sometimes leads visitors to the bakery, and she stays there regularly. You might not believe this, but she used to take food from that same bakery.”

“Hammond? If you want to explore around town, she might know of some interesting places. Aside from leading visitors to the bakery, she was actually following us earlier. I guess she does that for creatures she likes, and judging by what she’s doing with you, I think she likes you.”

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz BoomBoo

As They head out Light got curious at their location.

" Ooo is this a night out party? I haven't been into one for a long time since applying for military school... I hope we ain't crashing in anyone's party..."

As soon as Light sees Shark taking a go at that drink  he tried to rush in and say to her.

" Sweetie you should just have a taste of that first before you chug it all down."

It's really not up to Light to stop Shark from drinking, heck it might be fun and interesting to see Shark drunk, is what's in his mind. A drink really let's you know a person they say. And it's up to Shark to judge this kind of drink. They were here to experience pony culture after all and this is part of it

Then Light would probably join in the drink, depending on how Shark reacts to it. 

[Plum Blossom]

@Blitz Boom 

"You see, the thing is that we ponies have a tradition of growing the fruits that are our family names. So if you want pears, you are going to have to talk to the pear family. And no, there aren't that many ponies working on our farm. It's usually just three to four, depending if I can help out," Plum Blossom and Apple Bloom said simultaneously.

"Anyways, I'm bored, can we at least do something while we talk about farms?" Plum Blossom complained, trying really hard not to make it sound like she was whining.

Apple Bloom handed her a mug of apple juice, which quieted down Plum Blossom. "Well there isn't really much going on on the farm right now, but if you are doing anything interesting, I don't mind tagging along," she said.

Edited August 24, 2022 by Skylight Scintillate

[Rising Dusk 27,536]

@Blitz Boom

Rising had been hearing quite the number of tales, legends and truths over the last hoof full of days.  New discoveries, new lands, cultures, beliefs, magics, it was a complete wonder his head just didn't explode.  The name Le Pourri hadn't escaped him upon introductions.  That was more in the realm of his sister, however.  Dawn had been promised a contact in the land of Harrowmark then had a similar skill set as her own.  Now she didn't have to go hunting for that creature after all.  Creature was a rather apt term to use.  Was Caramel, or Le Pourri in this case, even a pony at the core.  What other creatures might she had taken for vessels over who knows how long.  "I heard tale you and my sister will benefit greatly in the realm of trade," the detective affirmed.  Body trading likely wouldn't be on the table when dealing with Dawn, but such details could be worked out between them.

Dawn wore a mask, difficult to discern upon the connecting of her own dots to the reveal of Harrowmark's own 'FIxer'.  Bemused was the best emotion Rising could gather from their twin sense.  The family didn't have the best grasp to Le Pourri's story about how she came to be in the body she now wore.  Possessions existed in Equestrian folklore and a unicorn of extreme power might have the skill to maybe make another pony a puppet, but not so much the level of complete take over.  Such a scary thought to possibly pass into their borders.

"Ho ho ho.  Experience the world by being there, in the moment rather than through the closed pages of a book," the stallion stroked his mustache.  A similar long thought had passed through the minds of Equestrian scholars who gaze upon their Princesses that have stretched their lives over a thousand years.

"Worry not Will-O, you'll find your place in the light of Equestria," Rising smiled at the disheartened mare.  His words might not mean the most to the mare right now, but in time he hoped it'd be true.  "Minty?" Dawn finally spoke up now it finally made sense the mare Caramel had been talking about was the one to retrieve Rising from the dark lands.  "Minty might be, a little intense of a welcome to Equestrian," Grace could admit of her friend.  "The Captain is very busy, working with our Princesses in regards to Harrowmark.  And Steel Bash is very grateful for the gift.  He loves a new species to study," Rising assured the mage.  "How can you tell?" Dawn inquired with a confused looked.   The stallion of even fewer words than her brother.  "Body language," shrugged.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Sekel @-HeedGreen-

"That will be Her, not It, young lady. You might be a princess, but I'm your senior by... Oh, I dunno, four hundred years or so? Time get blurred after a certain age. You'll get it eventually. Anyway, bit of respect goes both ways here, yeah?

And of course I said two descendants. Of Alluria Sparkle. Haven't you shown up, because you finally responded to one of her letters? I know you're a princess, but come on, she's been at this for years."

The letters had probably been tossed, or filtered out, before it reached Twilight, considering the letters were written by a mare, who had been dead for the better part of six hundred years. One whom Twilight might not even know about, if she hadn't much cared for reading her family history. One who had some notable exceptions, such as one Glitter Sparkle. Records sealed generations ago, and with what were within, for good reason.

"Enough. I care not who you are, you won't insult the princess on my watch."

"Hmhm, a bit direct, eh? Not too surprised. You have that fire over you. But I'm not looking to insult, and it looks to me like there's a ton of confusion. Come along, and I'll lead you to sanctuary. Best you hear it from Alluria herself, as well as her other descendant. And I am So not gonna spoil who that is. Your surprise is gonna be priceless."

She'd grab her cat... Voodoo doll... Creature, and start moving back towards town. Bickering as there might be, they'd have little reason not to follow in the end, seeing as Sanctuary were the town that had been written, that they needed to go to. Though Drone and Last, were a fair bit more alert of their surroundings, as they moved along.

Eventually, they'd get to see the outskirts of Sanctuary. A large estate, in the middle of a smaller town, surrounded by thorny bushes, and wooden walls, with only a few holes in either defense, leading to mostly side ways, and a few places one could sneak in and out of, if need be.

 

Moving along the road, they'd find a gate, guarded by two stoic, silent guards. Guess it were fair they didn't talk, seeing as they were skeletons though. Dressed in armor, and engulfed in ghastly, spectral energy, the light in their eyes would follow the travelers as they approached. Yet they would move over, and open the large, metal gate for them, as they knew who Stitch were, and as such, her verifying for them, and waving them closer, were all the reason they needed to provide entry. They were just there, to deal with troublemakers, and keep the town safe. Most of the undead guards here were.

The area behind the gate, were rather vast. At least two dozen houses, in what looked like a rural, farming community, just without the amount of crops one would associate with it. Ponies of many kinds - though mostly unicorns, and mares in particular - wandering around, each with their own indicator, that they were connected with death. Their cutie marks, attire, chains, etc. would show as much.

Beyond that though, were the main estate. A large house, with two towers. One of regular stone, the other of glowing pale stone, reaching even taller. Along the stone, reaching upwards, were glowing tablets, with runes inscribed upon them, methodically rolling around. It were imposing, yet nothing seemed overly threatening, thus far.

As for the part of town they could see, various areas seemed to show the ponies chatting with one another, partaking in some variations of weaving cloth, making trinkets, or casting spells, all whilst talking with one another, like it were a regular day. It looked a little ghoulish at times, due to the appearance of more skeletal guards - mostly ponies, but with some exceptions - but it were overall, a nice little community. Made Last raise an eyebrow though.

"This here's Sanctuary. Don't get skittish around the guards. They ain't hurting anypony, unless they start causing trouble, and this here's a place that likes peace, and harmony."

"Hmph. And death, it seems."

"Well, someone needs to know about it, duh. What, you think we're a bunch of crazy necromancers? Death magic is like everything else: Neutral. It's how it's wielded, that makes the pony. And we're not allowing for that sort of grim stuff. And don't bring Fitch and Marrow into things. They chose to be guards, after they passed. It's volunteer work. Mostly. A few of them chose to do it, to earn some good guy points before they went on to be judged in the world beyond. Nopony wanna go to Tartarus, y'know?"

It wouldn't be more than a few meter into town, that they'd be able to run into Magnolia, and Zeehva. Both of whom might see them first.

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

 

@Sekel @Widdershins

On 2022-08-23 at 6:38 AM, Sekel said:

"I don't even know if my parents are still there or alive or have forgotten so some closure would be nice,"

"I'm sure they haven't forgotten. They might've just not known where to even look, or figured you went out into the world, seeking your own place in it. We'll find you some answers soon enough, don't worry."

She wasn't one to talk much about parental love and the like, as she only knew it from watching others. She had after all, been raised to just be pretty, and take a husband they deemed suitable, and to make that simpler, they had done theirs to ensure her self confidence were in the dumpster. Thankfully that wasn't the case anymore per se, but fact remained that she could not speak from personal experience about these things. Though judging from what she knew about others, the odds were high that in this case, the parents would miss their wayward child, yet there could be a myriad of reasons why they were not here to find her. For one, they could also be out looking for her, but just having no luck. Equestria were a big country after all.

That Scarcity put efforts and resources in too, would eventually yield results, she were sure of that. Though why her interest were so vested... She honestly didn't know. There had to be something more to it, that she simply weren't seeing.

On 2022-08-23 at 6:38 AM, Sekel said:

"NO! I AM NOT TAKING THAT BET!" Dawn yelled at Benny, hoping it would mean he'd back off. Especially since she got an angry blush going around her face.

Benny had to clamp his hands hard around his mouth, to stop himself from laughing at this outburst. Though his shaking, and the tears coming from his joyful eyes, were not helping him in this situation.

"Yeeeah. You're gonna have to get used to that, at some point. Dragons have a weird sort of humor."

Pop would let out a sigh, and go grab Benny by the tail, before dragging him inside, and give some space to Dawn. She were an earth pony, and Benny were close to pony sized. He weren't too heavy for her to drag him off when he were being an idiot. And right now, he certainly were. Seems like a certain other dragon, were having a minor bad influence on his behavior.

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

 

@Sekel

"Trying to? Hardly. Had I tried to enter your mind, you would not even feel it, lest I wished for it to be so. As is commonplace between queens, I counter your attempt of authority, with my own. Thus do we find a hierarchy, and show our strengths.

Your voice holds authority, but you are but a nymph still. You haven't grown into the role, and thus, you present me no challenge, harsh as it may sound."

The pressure would vanish as quickly as it had come, with Onache still not looking like she had even cast the magic in the first place. Such were the secretive ways of the slaver queen, who bend minds, and subjugated lesser wills. Sure she may be *redeemed* now, but that were in name only, thus far. Like any other, whose life changed dramatically, she'd need time to adjust. Though she'd never let go of these skills, more than likely. Find another use for them mayhap, but her change, had not meant her specialty were any less, than what it had been before. And it seemed a pity to simply let it go to waste. Her rummaging through minds could likely find some sort of new usage. Maybe an anti-spy measure? They'd see.

"In fact, I wonder if even you would be prepared, to settle with your own hive... You know nothing of hive life, that were correct, yes? If so, I assume you are also unaware of how best to make a hive, and prepare the egg chamber for your first batch? Could be anywhere from a dozen eggs, to several hundreds, with little way to know for certain, until your first batch have been laid. Then comes finding the right chamber, and having it guarded proper. I would advise you to take some hiveless, or exiles, and try and convince them to join you, in establishing a new hive, for ease of use. And yes, you will need at least one highly attentive guard. Nymphs are incredibly curious little things, and will escape if not kept under watch, in search of adventure. They however, cannot defend themselves well either, and can end up as easy prey, for a hungry predator.

Before all else though, you'd need a high supply of emotional jelly, to ensure the younglings will not starve. I were raised to use the more direct path, but there are other, more sensible ways, you might find more to your liking. Though you'd need another for that. I would suggest that whimp in Las Pegasus, if so. Baffling little thing, that I have no love, nor respect for, but she is one of the few, who always have an immense surplus of jelly, and harvest without harming others. She may be good for that little at least. Can't imagine her miniscule hive are busy with anything important anyway."

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

 

@Sekel

Greta listened to the little pony, while the even smaller pony, would rush over, and hug what little of her smallest claw, that the filly could get her hooves around. She had to wriggle some to get away, but she were a slippery one when she wanted to be, and would get down pretty safely. Her wings weren't worth anything really, but she could run on to Greta's hand, and from there, move on down to ground level. She'd even use the dragon's arm as a slide of sorts, much to her delight. Though of Karmic kept good, solid hold of her, she'd instead just be wriggling, and giggling, as she tried to get towards the large dragoness.

"Hmm, only deserted islands I know of, are the ones afloat, from the Dragon Isle's mainland. I heard stories some fanatics were meddling around there, a few centuries past. Ominous place, for us who remember far enough back, and I heard they left again, so I thought little of it. It sounds as if they left someone... Troubling times."

Greta would let go of Enzo, who'd rush forth, undignified, compared to how he usually did things, and hid behind some trees, where he could observe things from a better distance, and get his fearful heart more in check. It wasn't heard to her Greta regardless. A creature her size, were hard to overhear.

"I can understand his fear then, though his manners still need some help. Much like this little powderkeg, that I see your brought with you. You haven't gone out and made trouble now, have you little one?"

"Nuhuh. I made new friends. Big kitty, shiny changeling, and pretty mare."

Greta smirked some. Seemed Blitz had made friends with more than one, large creature.

"That sounds like you, little one.

She befriends many, but I trust she is a good judge of character. My name is Greta, yes. An exiled elder dragoness, though worry not. I am not one to fight needlessly. The new dragon lord and I just disagree on some things. I'm not inclined to be a threat, unless I'm forced to be one.

Whom might you two be then? And pray tell, what have happened with you, young lady? Your hide looks familiar."

She'd address Atzy, as she said that last part, and would be sitting down calmly, as they'd speak. Not much for her to fear here, and no need to get the mood more sour than it had already become.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

On 2022-08-24 at 5:35 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"I heard tale you and my sister will benefit greatly in the realm of trade,"

"Oh is that so? I do so love an entrepreneur, and I have some connections that can be made use of. I have traded in far more than mere bodies after all, in times gone by, and do fancy looking for a fresh new, interesting market. For non-body related activities, of course. Some culture is best kept here, hm?"

She'd eye Dawn. So this were a trader, hm? She struck her more as a socialite, or perhaps someone who liked pulling strings. A problem solver, mayhap? One could think of those as a trader. It'd be riveting if that were the case. She met so few of those, and it were always fun to see what cracks in regular rule, that one could exploit, for personal gain. And a more kind, yet resource-rich land like Equestria? Oh, how much fun she'd have, regardless of how her and Dawn might end up connecting.

On 2022-08-24 at 5:35 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Ho ho ho.  Experience the world by being there, in the moment rather than through the closed pages of a book," the stallion stroked his mustache.  A similar long thought had passed through the minds of Equestrian scholars who gaze upon their Princesses that have stretched their lives over a thousand years.

"Now there's a pony who can appreciate the want for longevity. Books still hold immense value, of course, yet some things you should simply have been there for. Oh, and how I look forward to experiencing so much more now. A rich world, filled with delightful knowledge. Who knows what fascinating things, are on the horizon?

Death will catch up some day though. I am well aware of that, and it is only natural. Some afterlives, I could even imagine might be joyous. It just seems so dreadfully final."

She'd speak more, but she saw things going towards Will-O now, and would step into the background somewhat, to allow others to word. They had to move things along too regardless, after all. Couldn't just sit here all day.

On 2022-08-24 at 5:35 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Worry not Will-O, you'll find your place in the light of Equestria," Rising smiled at the disheartened mare.  His words might not mean the most to the mare right now, but in time he hoped it'd be true.  "Minty?" Dawn finally spoke up now it finally made sense the mare Caramel had been talking about was the one to retrieve Rising from the dark lands.  "Minty might be, a little intense of a welcome to Equestrian," Grace could admit of her friend.  "The Captain is very busy, working with our Princesses in regards to Harrowmark.  And Steel Bash is very grateful for the gift.  He loves a new species to study," Rising assured the mage.  "How can you tell?" Dawn inquired with a confused looked.   The stallion of even fewer words than her brother.  "Body language," shrugged.

"M-Maybe, it'll just... I've never been further than a few kilometers f-from my village, until we went here to Copperhagen, and now I have to go to a w-whole other country? It's... I d-dunno what to expect."

"A good place, filled with light. It's odd to sense no darkness beneath your hooves, but it will suit you well."

"I hope you're right, L-Lily."

She trusted what Lily said. Even after she had become an apprentice of her... Grandfather - it still sickened her to think this - Sickle had talked well, of how she were pushed, and that they shouldn't judge her outright. And if their savior let her wander with him, and his family, so freely, then she were certain that there were reason to trust her. He wouldn't go with her, if she weren't at least a little trustworthy after all, right?

"Minty? Oh, what a delightful mare for sure, yet it is mostly Bash whom I think of now. I am oh so curious how he will make use of my creation. It can be so hard to find proper alchemists these days, yes?"

"𝔼𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕖. 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕕, 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕖𝕝𝕤𝕖 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕙𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕜𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤?"

Thistle had gone quiet for a time, and let them speak freely, among one another. Yet they did have things to do, and thus, she'd strive to push them along to other things too. Though it were good to see that at least Will-O and her bird, seemed to be accepted in Equestria. Le Pourri... They'd see. Equestria may have standards, that the old mage couldn't live up to.

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

 

@Kujamih

As he hadn't stopped her, Shark had gone over, sniffed the odd drink, and taken it up with her teeth. She'd pull her head back, allowing her to take a swig, and... Well, it were a sight alright.

First, the bottle would be let go off, causing it to fall down, and roll across the ground, with most of the remaining liquid spilling out. She'd then be spitting and gagging, shaking her head with her tongue out, to try and get the taste out. And then, after that, she'd run her tongue across a patch of grass, and even take some up to chew on, before spitting it out, and fluttering down to the lake to clean her mouth proper.

She did not seem to be a fan.

After she had cleaned her mouth proper, she'd come up, and point towards the bottle.

"Bad bad bad bad! Smell good. Taste good, but bad. Something wrong, very, in head. Feel bad."

Instinct had told her to spit it out, once she felt something odd happening. It were like her head had started to spin slightly, and her focus wane a bit. As one who had never drunk, she had been hit hard by the first bit going down her gullet, and as she had no idea what generally happened, when one drank, her instincts had told her that something were wrong, and to get it out of her mouth. Which she had done.

"Why friend drink that? Do bad things to head. Not good. Not good for Shark."

She needed to be told properly, how alcohol affected others, before she'd try something like that again. She had but her instincts to work with here after all, and those told her that things were not normal, and hence, she needed to stop what she were doing. So now, she were looking with big eyes, filled with questions, and a bit of fright, at Light. Her mate would know the answers to what had happened, and if it were dangerous, yes? He were smart. She trusted he'd tell her if things were okay.

As for the party, it were a town party. There were light and such around in various places. It were a minor thing, meant for adults, hence why it were later at night.

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

 

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2022-08-24 at 5:00 AM, Plum Blossom said:

"You see, the thing is that we ponies have a tradition of growing the fruits that are our family names. So if you want pears, you are going to have to talk to the pear family. And no, there aren't that many ponies working on our farm. It's usually just three to four, depending if I can help out," Plum Blossom and Apple Bloom said simultaneously.

"Only three or four? Wauv. You must all be really good farmers. That's so cool."

Her tone, and the look of genuine surprise and awe, that were shining through her eyes, should tell Apple Bloom that she weren't being sarcastic. She frankly thought that what she just heard, were incredibly impressive. She certainly didn't know anypony, who could take care of a huge place like this, as just three or four ponies. And two of them were foals! That sort of thing she'd never imagine were possible. Especially not when Applejack apparently had to be a hero too. This family were really impressive. As were Plum, of course.

A shame there were no pears, but it made sense enough, if they were only 4. Maybe it was just better to focus on a few things, and then when apples were your specialty, it made a lot more sense to stick there. Might be why their apples were seen as the best too. aser focused on one thing, rather than being all spread out... Huh, she never really thought of it like that before, but it made a lot of sense.

On 2022-08-24 at 5:00 AM, Plum Blossom said:

"Anyways, I'm bored, can we at least do something while we talk about farms?" Plum Blossom complained, trying really hard not to make it sound like she was whining.

Apple Bloom handed her a mug of apple juice. "Well there isn't really much going on on the farm right now, but if you are doing anything interesting, I don't mind tagging along," she said.

"Plum was being nice, and showing me around. There's still lots of Ponyville I haven't seen yet, so it's been very nice. Maybe there's someplace in Ponyville you could show us next then? I only know home, here, and the school well. Most other places, I've only looked a bit at when I flew by them. And some of the market. It's funny seeing a market with only ponies, and no meat. In Canterlot, the griffons have a meat market, away from regular things. Mostly fish. Lots and lots of fish.

...And I think there's two ponies too. Not seen one of them. Daddy says it's best I don't either. He says that one's a little weird. The other one is nice. He sells pet food too."

So now she might get to be shown around by two locals? That'd be cool. Maybe that meant she had two friends now too? That'd be nice. making new friends were hard sometimes, when you were different.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-23 at 7:46 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Lin’s thoughts on the matter are her own, but she can’t let go. Even after all this time, that anger is still there, and even when she can set it aside, it’s only temporary. What we went through, it stayed with us, impossible to forget. You’re right about us though. Lin looks back to that day as sees just how bad it was. She’s right about it being bad, but staying angry at it won’t solve anything, so instead of looking back, we have to look forward. I get where she’s coming from, but I think she believes I’ve forgotten because an experience that bad doesn’t just fade away from memory.”

“I don’t fault you for seeing just how confusing this is because even I still don’t get it on some days. It’s true the longma hurt us, and that’s a bad thing. Some folks see being hurt as a way to learn, like when I used to train when I was young. A little pain isn’t going to put me down, and it helps learn to be strong against it, but the pain from being hit is different from the kind I felt when I was exiled. To be honest, I am scared of what Lin has learned from that experience.”

"...Lin is angry, because she want to remember the bad things. You are not, because you look ahead, to the future?"

She were feeling like she had a grasp on not the emotions that lead them to where they were now, but mayhap a small sliver of the reasoning they both had, for acting the way they did. Lin not being able to let go, and wanting to stay angry, for what they had done to her, and Sen, wanting to look ahead instead, to the future, and all it could bring.

"I heard many say, it were important to look to the future, when master Discord vanished. The princesses said it a lot too, and many cheered. I am not sure, and do not know who I agree with, of you two.

I think it is important to remember things that happened, and learn from them. But it also sounds smart to let go off things, and look ahead. There are important things in the future.

Maybe you are both right? Angry for what they did, but see if it changes, so it does not happen to others again?"

She almost felt the metaphorical wheels turn in her nogging. There were a lot of things to think about, with this talk. Not least of all, who were right, with a lot of things working against, and in favor of, them both. maybe feelings could help her with more context, but it were hard.

On 2022-08-23 at 7:46 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I wouldn’t know if Hammond knows about the details behind Ms. Scarcity’s choice to give Rosa a kind of limited freedom, but he would definitely learn a thing or two about how the way she thinks. I just hope he uses what he’s learned for good reasons.”

“As for all of these confusing things we’ve talked about, how about we meditate and process them? Maybe we could see things a little clearer if we set aside some time to think. I’ll be here, though I might fall asleep after some time.”

Sen wouldn’t mind staying up later, though going by the possibility that he and Omen were talking in the living room, it might be wiser to relocate to the guest room and continue their talk privately. That, and Sen might take up on Rosa’s offer to sleep on something that isn’t the floor. Though if there’s anything he’d like to try and avoid, it was overloading Omen with information and confusion. 

"Mother let her take brother. She believes her to be a good pony. I trust she will be, and will teach brother many important things."

Barring the one exception, she were certain that Mother only gave permission for a master to gain one of her children, if she believed them to be good. Were they all that? No, but Scarcity had helped them before, and Hammond were already looking like he had learned a lot of things. She trusted that Mother had chosen wisely, and gotten him a good, attentive master, who still let him have some freedom, to roam and explore. It would serve him well, she were sure of that.

However, that would be for the future. Right now, there were much to think about as were, and Sen were right. It would be good to think about it.

So she would. Turn her head up towards the ceiling, and just stare at it, unblinkingly, and unmoving as ever, with only her hair flowing calmly on unseen wings.

"Time to think. Sleep well, Sen."

She'd follow him if he went to the room, and stay there, until he fell asleep. After that however... She'd still stay there, yet her gaze would go down, and she'd stare at him, as he slept. She knew not why, but it sometimes seemed like it helped her thoughts, when she saw him. She believed ponies called it *calming*, or something like that? Unless she did it. She had heard more screams, and the word *creepy* used then, but he had not seemed to mind, thus far. And she'd stay like this, until he woke up, just watching him, as if she assumed he were a rare flower, that were about to bloom.

On 2022-08-23 at 7:46 AM, EQ_Theta said:

Munchkin didn’t seem to mind Hammond not reacting to her rubbing herself on Lin, though she didn’t understand what the little creature was doing with his sign language. The lack of reactions notwithstanding, she did like him patting her. In return, she gently headbutted the mimic and rubbed herself on him just like she did with Lin, marking him with her scent. Upon listening closely, both Lin and Hammond might hear some light purring. It was a calming and gentle sound, one that seemed to put her at ease. The cat was simply happy to stay with the group, though she wouldn’t mind more pets from Hammond. 

“Looks like you’re making fast friends with Munchkin, huh? She may not speak, but she’s been doing some interesting things. The town’s baker says she sometimes leads visitors to the bakery, and she stays there regularly. You might not believe this, but she used to take food from that same bakery.”

“Hammond? If you want to explore around town, she might know of some interesting places. Aside from leading visitors to the bakery, she was actually following us earlier. I guess she does that for creatures she likes, and judging by what she’s doing with you, I think she likes you.”

The cat seemed to make strange noised, when it rubbed against him. Or was it the petting? Were they good noises, or bad?

...Good, yes? Bad noises, would mean she would go away, like when someone were hurt. Good noise, were when she got closer, and seemed to like the attention. So apparently, cats liked to have him run his paw over their fur? Interesting. Another thing learned, and long as she'd stay near him, he'd keep doing it. Slowly, and always going with the hairs, as that were what he had seen working, and assumed then, that this were how it were supposed to be done. He'd try from a few angles though, like the other side of her head, and going on top of it. He had been told, rubbing tummies were not something he should do on others, unless asked, so he wouldn't do that. It had not been said about ponies specifically, so he assumed that counted for all.

He'd use his other hand to scribble into the ground, an answer to his large sister. Though it looked even more uneven now, so she might not understand all of it. He weren't used to multitasking in this manner.

"Cat learn? Show around? I follow?

Soft."

He'd follow Munchkin if asked. Much as she put her scent on him, so too were he putting his on her. The difference were, that no shower could ever get the scent away from her now, and she'd never take note of it. This were his way of tracking, and it served him well, to find anyone. Except for his master currently, due to the gem. Such an odd thing, to be able to hide from them, but he knew where she were, so that were okay. He just couldn't sense her, specifically.

If he were not to follow the cat, he'd follow Lin some more. Honestly, he didn't mind either. He didn't sleep after all, so he had all night. Literally.

 

 

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

 

@AuroraGlimmer

"That's good to hear. I'd hate to be seen as a potential danger, by a protective mother. Especially with predators. Not that I'm ah, judging or anything. I can understand, it's just a matter or trying to protect the pups. Us ponies would do the same with their foals.

I ah, don't know if that accounts for timberwolves too though. Those are hard to get a read on, in my view.

Actually, can you speak with them too? I ah, sometimes wondered if they were technically animals, or some sort of forest elemental instead, which you might not be able to speak to."

He wouldn't approach, but it were fascinating to see the animal so close, without it either running off, or having a pack jump him. He'd try to lift a hoof, and wave at the little thing. Seemed harmless enough, yes? Long as he made no sudden movement. One would do best in not taking chances, he'd think.

"And ah, have this one a name? I must admit, I am not entirely sure if naming, is something that is only ah, encouraged by owners, rather than something done in the wild as well."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

Skittles would think for a moment and then she would nod "I can speak to Timberwolves, though they are a lot more..headstrong than their all natural cousins here" she would say, gently petting the pup, who had now just gone to inspect and sniff the new pony that was there. He would do so for a good minute before licking Honey Dew's hoof and nudging it, making Skittles smiles and giggle a little "his name is Snowpaw, and it would seem that he likes you and would like you to pet him."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

"hahaha I told you to take it slowly." Light spoke while casually taking the drink.

" Ahmm ... Actually that's quite strong... I guess this isn't the best drink for first timers." Light said with a bit of guilt.

 

" Ponies usually drink this to relieve their stress and make them feel relaxed...

Well let's see... There are ponies who think too much and need to stop thinking, because over thinking makes their head hurt and get stressed.... That's why they drink this so they'd stop thinking too much and make themselves relax. Or sometimes forget stuff so they won't worry." Light said to Shark and explaining it to a level where she could understand.

" And once you get used to it you might end up enjoying the drink and be immune to the side effects.... Which i haven't seen anyone does... So drink only as much as you can handle... Drink carefully."

He then gave the drink another whirl.

" Sometimes this drinks goes best with food."

He then focuses himself at shark if she's fine.

" But no one's forcing anyone to drink this okay sweetie... You don't have to drink it." He said as he goes up to her. 

 

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-26 at 5:00 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"...Lin is angry, because she want to remember the bad things. You are not, because you look ahead, to the future?"

She were feeling like she had a grasp on not the emotions that lead them to where they were now, but mayhap a small sliver of the reasoning they both had, for acting the way they did. Lin not being able to let go, and wanting to stay angry, for what they had done to her, and Sen, wanting to look ahead instead, to the future, and all it could bring.

"I heard many say, it were important to look to the future, when master Discord vanished. The princesses said it a lot too, and many cheered. I am not sure, and do not know who I agree with, of you two.

I think it is important to remember things that happened, and learn from them. But it also sounds smart to let go off things, and look ahead. There are important things in the future.

Maybe you are both right? Angry for what they did, but see if it changes, so it does not happen to others again?"

“That’s about right. There’s more to see than just being stuck in the past, but I guess Lin and I need to see and understand this together. I hope she could come around to that way of thinking. If it ever comes to it, don’t feel that you have to pick a side if Lin and I are arguing. I don’t want to put you on the spot no matter how uncomfortable it makes you feel. Besides, it just isn’t right for you to be in that position.”

“You know? You’re catching on pretty well. It’s okay to be confused and not have the answers you hope to have, but it is is worth trying to understand something if it is well within your power to do so.”

Sen felt a little light in the chest, though it may have been a metaphorical weight being lifted. Having found some kind of clarity while chatting up Omen was enlightening, and he certainly felt like he enjoyed having these kinds of talks. Maybe they could do this again some time, though hopefully their topics may be more varied than just personal issues. He wouldn’t turn down his friend if they were going to talk about something delicate, but Sen liked the idea that they could engage in something more than just small talk. 

For now, the longma headed to the guest room with the Ki’Nathar in tow. It was starting to get late, but there was still a moment to think and meditate. Once inside, he resumed his meditations, propping himself up with his back against the bed. Eyes closed and breathing slowed, Sen went back to thinking about what Rosa said earlier, now supplemented with what he learned through his discussion with Omen. 

On 2022-08-26 at 5:00 AM, Blitz Boom said:

However, that would be for the future. Right now, there were much to think about as were, and Sen were right. It would be good to think about it.

So she would. Turn her head up towards the ceiling, and just stare at it, unblinkingly, and unmoving as ever, with only her hair flowing calmly on unseen wings.

"Time to think. Sleep well, Sen."

“Rest well, Omen, and thank you. I just wanted you to know… I’m glad we got a chance to talk just now. What you said could help put things into perspective.

As for Lin, she starting to imagine just how some ponies ended up being cat owners. Treat them right, and they certainly would make fast friends. Seeing just how Munchkin was warming up to Hammond was a cute sight, and even if she considered adopting the cat, she already had Shrimp to consider. They didn’t look like they were getting along earlier, but maybe some more time with them in proximity might change things up. For now, Munchkin felt great. 

The cat sat much closer to Hammond and loved the feeling of having a little paw run through her fur. If one were to look at the cat’s face, her eyes were closed, but she’d keep on rubbing her scent on the mimic. She wouldn’t let him put his paws on her stomach, though, but there wasn’t any hostile reaction. She’d just stay upright and hide her underbelly by having it planted firmly on the ground. 

On 2022-08-26 at 5:00 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Cat learn? Show around? I follow?

Soft."

“If you’d like to explore the town some more with your new friend, don’t let me stop you. I was planning on using this time away from Sen and the others to think about what we spoke about earlier. If it is alright with you, I’d like to be alone for now to think about earlier this evening. It was good seeing you again, Hammond. Maybe I'll see you and Munchkin around some time?”

The longma still had some things on her mind, including a few matters she’d like to check in on back home. Though she would like to show Hammond her home, this may not be such a good moment, what with the lingering problems there and her issues with Sen. Still, her little friend’s got her scent, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he could track her down if he wanted to catch up some more. For now, Lin wanted to head elsewhere and use this time to think.

As for Munchkin, she might have understood a bit about what Lin said, as the moment she was done speaking, the cat was already up and looking ready to head off. She wouldn’t mind having another stroll through the town with her new friend. It would be a nice, if unexpected change of pace from her usual days scrounging for food with the bakery closed for the evening.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@AuroraGlimmer

"I can imagine. The mare in town, with the timberwolf pup, seems to have quite a time, trying to keep it in check."

Were probably a good thing, that the pup were looking like a runt. Easier to control something, that wasn't strong enough to just run off with you, when having it leashed. At least not yet, and she'd have some time to train it before the pup got that far.

And speaking of pups, it seemed the wolf one here, were interested in coming over to talk. Not something that he had expected, but he'd welcome the company, nevertheless. Though as the pup first examined him, he'd remain still. Sudden movements and all that. Might be it got spooked like a cat, and he'd much prefer to avoid that.

Eventually, it seemed the little one however, felt like he had been examined enough, and wished to be pet. Far be it from him to say no, so he'd slowly, and gently, start to run his hoof, down its soft fur.

"Far be it from me to ah, deny him then. I wonder if his interest is ah, slightly fueled by the smell. I tend to have a ah, fragrance, of honey and flowers. Never really scrubs off."

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

 

@Kujamih

"Drink do bad things to head. Friends... Want that? Friends strange. Very strange."

She'd sniff some more in the general direction of the bottle, but not get too close to it, nor her mate, who were currently drinking it. She were observing how it affected him, and his head. It didn't seem like it really did anything to him... Maybe this were just a thing for friends then, and not her? She were like them, but not entirely. She knew and understood that, and thus, some things made sense, to be for them, and not her.

It were still very confusing to hear, how it were sometimes good. Why would someone want to forget? Important to remember stuff. That's how you learned, right? Or did it work differently for friends?

...Meh, this were making her head spin. Maybe best to just not touch these strange drinks, and leave them to her mate. And then if it started to make him act strange, she'd bash the bottle away from him, and drag him back to the school by the tail.

"Don't like, head feeling wrong... Iiin-Stiiiin-ct... Instinct. Instinct say, something bad. Wrong. Must stop. Maybe just for friends, and mate. Not Shark. Will try other things, not bad for head."

There were options, as they went into town. Plenty of taste tests going, for this little celebration. And while a fair few were alcoholic, there were alcohol-free versions, as well as regular fizzy drinks. The latter of whom she'd probably like, as the worst that would do, would be making her burp.

There were a general, merry attitude in town, showing off some of the better... And worse, parts of alcohol. From those having a good time, to those wobbling around, having clearly overindulged, though those were few and far in between, and seemed to mostly be getting help, getting home. It were still a tightly knit community after all, and things such as this, there'd be some, who'd be there to ensure you got home, to sleep it off. Unless violent of course, but it didn't seem to be the case right now.

There were also a pinata hanging, where ponies with sticks lined up, ready to take a bash at it. They didn't seem to have gotten it broken yet, though Shark eyed it, with great interest. Her tail wagging slowly, side to side. She hadn't a clue what were going on, but it were definitely drawing her interest. Though Light could likely direct her to a half dozen things here, that could be of some interest. He were more taught in the world, tan she were, and thus, could teach her quite a few things. Even stuff you'd think were baseline, like how to hold a fork, or the fact that mashed potatoes, weren't supposed to be eaten, by smashing your face into it, and licking the remnants off of your face.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-27 at 5:06 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“That’s about right. There’s more to see than just being stuck in the past, but I guess Lin and I need to see and understand this together. I hope she could come around to that way of thinking. If it ever comes to it, don’t feel that you have to pick a side if Lin and I are arguing. I don’t want to put you on the spot no matter how uncomfortable it makes you feel. Besides, it just isn’t right for you to be in that position.”

“You know? You’re catching on pretty well. It’s okay to be confused and not have the answers you hope to have, but it is is worth trying to understand something if it is well within your power to do so.”

She felt the pressure from all her thoughts, ease up slightly, as Sen explained that she had some tangible grasp on what were going on. She still knew there were nuances that she weren't grasping, but if she had the basics, that were good. It gave her something to work with, and try to contextualize other things with.

"I will try and remember, and I will not pick a side then. When you have found some middle ground, and agreed, please tell me then, okay? It will make it easier. Something tells me, it will be some time. Seen many ponies, say they had differences, with others. I hear many say, it took time to get past it.

Lin, you, and rosa. You say many things. Many big words, confusing things... I do not understand all, but I think I am getting closer, by listening to what you all have to say. I hope Lin will listen to you, and you her. Maybe it help you too."

On 2022-08-27 at 5:06 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Rest well, Omen, and thank you. I just wanted you to know… I’m glad we got a chance to talk just now. What you said could help put things into perspective.

Lest something happened, Omen wouldn't move, as the house fell silent, and everyone went on with their own thing. Though she would wander off, about two hours later for a time, when Shrimp woke up, and said he were thirsty. She'd be back about a half hour after that, when he were sated with water, snacks, and playing, and had gone back to sleep.

On 2022-08-27 at 5:06 AM, EQ_Theta said:

As for Lin, she starting to imagine just how some ponies ended up being cat owners. Treat them right, and they certainly would make fast friends. Seeing just how Munchkin was warming up to Hammond was a cute sight, and even if she considered adopting the cat, she already had Shrimp to consider. They didn’t look like they were getting along earlier, but maybe some more time with them in proximity might change things up. For now, Munchkin felt great. 

The cat sat much closer to Hammond and loved the feeling of having a little paw run through her fur. If one were to look at the cat’s face, her eyes were closed, but she’d keep on rubbing her scent on the mimic. She wouldn’t let him put his paws on her stomach, though, but there wasn’t any hostile reaction. She’d just stay upright and hide her underbelly by having it planted firmly on the ground. 

Hammond had no idea why the cat kept rubbing on him, but sister didn't say anything, and the good sound continued, so he assumed this were something good, and that he should just continue. Cats sure were odd, yet soft creatures. Also seemed like he were right about the stomach, as the cat blocked him from even trying to pet her there. That were one more thing he had learned already, just from interacting with the cat. Tonight seemed like it were going to be a learning experience, that'd teach him much and more.

On 2022-08-27 at 5:06 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“If you’d like to explore the town some more with your new friend, don’t let me stop you. I was planning on using this time away from Sen and the others to think about what we spoke about earlier. If it is alright with you, I’d like to be alone for now to think about earlier this evening. It was good seeing you again, Hammond. Maybe I'll see you and Munchkin around some time?”

The longma still had some things on her mind, including a few matters she’d like to check in on back home. Though she would like to show Hammond her home, this may not be such a good moment, what with the lingering problems there and her issues with Sen. Still, her little friend’s got her scent, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he could track her down if he wanted to catch up some more. For now, Lin wanted to head elsewhere and use this time to think.

As for Munchkin, she might have understood a bit about what Lin said, as the moment she was done speaking, the cat was already up and looking ready to head off. She wouldn’t mind having another stroll through the town with her new friend. It would be a nice, if unexpected change of pace from her usual days scrounging for food with the bakery closed for the evening.

Hammond were not sure for a brief moment, who he should follow, but he would listen to what sister told him. She wanted to be alone, and thus, he'd leave her be. His last action, being to wave at her, before she left.

After that, would come him following Munchkin, jumping after her, like a regular squirrel would rush over a grassy field. Munchkin might eventually end up learning, that there were some benefits, to having Hammond around, due to two things. The first being his portals, which she had not yet seen, but might end up noticing, and could offer her access to some better food, than what she could scrounge up on the streets.

The other one, were his master. As a wealthy mare, who had employees of all kinds of races, she had food prepared in the kitchen, for various sorts of guests. Played right, Munchkin could likely lure Hammond, into letting her inside said kitchen, and give her some of the food. Probably more than once too, and quite frankly, Scarcity would more than likely, not mind, unless he suddenly started to bring a whole flock of cats. A single stray though, that he had made friends with? Not an issue. More than likely, she'd be intrigued, by him having made a friend, all by himself.

Yet for now, he'd be in follow mode, and silently observe,, and if need be, protect his new friend. In case some were... Less than thrilled, about the street cat, or something were accidentally tossed towards her, he'd conjure portals, to keep things from hitting her. Much like he'd do for his master, in case of an attack.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,589]

@Blitz Boom
"Yes, I did need to save him after he had gotten here, but he still made the travel alone and survived that." "Making it out of the homelands is by itself a feat when you're not strong enough to fight well, but it's also a long flight here without any real options for rest." It may have been slightly surprising to hear Ruby seemingly praise someone, but for her it was no praise, and rather a factual acknowledgement, if someone beat her to edge of death, she could acknowledge her loss without praising the opponent, this was kinda a similar thing, she could mention someone's achievement without praising the individual.

"While you joke, there did seem to be someone going around trying to frame dragons, at one point when I was with Marley, we found a burned down house that at first glance seemed like a dragon had burned it down, but anyone who knows more about dragons than your average guard, could easily tell it wasn't, and rather was just made to seem like it." "He did explain something about having an idea what was going on with it, but I don't remember what he said, or more accurately, I didn't listen." "Point being, being blamed for a fire isn't unlikely, especially with Charir around, since someone less intelligent could try to claim him to be...feral, due to him not sharing a language and not following the same social norms." there were still some creatures, mainly ponies, who saw dragons as less than themselves, sure Ruby wasn't one to talk, seeing everyone else as lesser creatures too, but at least she disliked everyone equally, and at least she didn't try to claim some moral high ground on it, she didn't think she was better morally than everyone else, rather, she believed everyone was secretly at least as awful as her, she was just stronger and smarter than everyone else. 

-----------------------------
It was bit odd for Scarecrow to be examined like this, but since he couldn't feel uncomfortable, he let it happen. 

"I have had enough time to ponder things over hundreds of times, there is no question in my readiness, I wish you well Lyriel, and wish the situation with your kind gets solved, I'll try to remember you, but saying I'll miss you would be a lie, as I cannot miss anyone, thank Crow for its companionship for me, it was short but appreciated." "I thank you for your companionship as well, don't worry about me too much, because if we never meet again, it may be because I finally got my wish." he then addressed the mare. "Shall we?" 

 

(I think this could be good point for his ending.) 

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

"Traitorous scum." "A snake" "Backstabber" "Betrayer of her kin" "A disgrace to her family.".... the insults went on, making it very clear that Sheska's and Trox's hatred was very much personal, as they kept listing alternative insults that made two things clear, one, they felt betrayed by her, and second, they wished her as much suffering as possible and beyond, it could also be guessed from their choice of words that this was indeed another kobold. Even Chega started to hate this kobold, even though she had never met her, showing just how important community was to them, even the idea of someone betraying their community made her boil. 

Since there wasn't going to be a clear answer from the kobolds, Solar kinda just talked on top of them after few sets of insults, which eventually made them stop listing insults "A commander of especially brutal unit, known for leaving literal piles of bodies behind, I could show you, but I don't think you'd want to see it." "A kobold who, as you can probably tell, isn't very popular among her kind, she also happens to be related to these two..." "barely!" "...it has been so many generations that biologically the relation is minimal." "In short, they are not in direct danger from her if she is here, as she has never purposely harmed a kobold as far as I know, but she may still seek them out, due to the family relation." "In fact, from us, I am the one in most danger from her, because not only does she openly hate ponies, I'm also her enemy, having been a soldier of an opposing nation." he hoped that if she was around, she would have decided to leave her ways back to home like he had, because the unfortunate fact was that he was not able to deal with her, and he going against her would have been like local guard going against him. "If she is here, and she has not...calmed down, it is indeed a reason for alarm, as those like her are far beyond anything you have even imagined when it comes to death."