open Casual stroll

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-01-31 at 7:22 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"As my father were so keen on saying: Think not of it as a goodbye. But rather, *Til next we meet*. I assure you, that I am perfectly capable of handling myself. Even with this less than charming individual present."

He'd gesture towards Shade, who grumbled a bit under his breath.

"Take care friends, and may we meet again sooner, rather than later."

The siblings bowed to their friend, and they held their tongue this time to stop themselves from dragging things too long. They said their farewells, and they would leave things here for now. It didn’t seem to mind them that, even with the possibility of others spectating them, it was just their group for now and a reminder that they will meet again. Parting with the assurance that Rosa could handle himself was somewhat comforting, but it wouldn’t be enough to completely dissuade the siblings from trying find a way to check in on him.

For now, moving into the desolate plateau was their move, and they’d be able to discuss things in private. With no one else around, at least seemingly, they could plan ahead and determine how to proceed on their own.

On 2023-01-31 at 7:22 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Your gates are different. You go directly to places. So it is stable for you, yes? Seems good. But maybe you can not track scents? Have you tried before?"

Lin could try, but wouldn't find a scent deeper than that of the surface level. Which in Omen's case, smelled of ash and caramel, for some reason. She might have better gates, and perhaps something more, but she wouldn't have the tracking of life energy, like Omen did. Though she could seemingly still just transport, based of of memory, which were highly practical, and might mean she did not need it per se anyway.

"And I do not understand. How would I know he were in trouble? I can tell if he gets moved, or his scent starts to go away, but what is trouble for him? For you? I mostly know trouble, as things trying to hit others."

“I doubt my nose is powerful enough to pick up someone’s scent. Food and other strong smells like fire are given, but something that is unique to someone… I can’t pick up on them. Places can be reached because I have a memory of them, so I just think of a place I want to go to, and it will be there on the other side of the gate.”

“As for your question, I guess we should put our trust in Rosa. He is much more capable than us in matters inside and outside of battle, but there may be things that could overwhelm him. I remember that time we crossed that swamp back then, a place that showed us our deepest fears. We could have crossed it faster, but I slowed us down, and we were affected by its power. A place like that… something that could mess with our heads… it could be trouble for Rosa, but I doubt there are many more like them. Either way, this is all just to make sure he’s doing well.”

Lin remembered that dreadful place. The trees seemed normal in one moment, then there’d be things all over them the next. A macabre sight, but it was only fortunate that in her fear, she found their way out. The same may not be true if they aren’t lucky the next time. With regards to Omen’s question, they could only guess, but there might be a workaround, at least for now.

Omen likely would need to have someone else with her to judge a situation and see if intervention was necessary. Likewise, they might have to get in some practice on opening gates stealthily, at least to let them see events play out without having to step in or near anyone. Lin didn’t say anything more on the matter, and it was fortunate that Sen interjected. For now, the trip home could wait a little bit longer if it meant they could all come to a better understanding of each other's abilities.

On 2023-01-31 at 7:22 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Some places I remember, and can find. I found the log one place like that. The place where the kitsune now is too.

I track beings. I know their scents, and can sense where they go, if I focus on them. But things are not that easy back home. Small distance in there, can be very, very far apart other places, and they change around a lot. It is why I look around, to find the right entrance.

I will have to know a lot of the town, to find places where I can go and look sometimes. Or I can go to those, I have the scent of, and look from there."

“Maybe we could spare some time to do a bit of testing. You say you can track beings by going to places that have someone’s scent. That might be a good place to start. Would you know if a scent could stick on something no matter how long ago it first had it? Like the guest room at Rosa’s home; if I only used it once and never went back, would that room still have my scent after several days or weeks?”

[Rising Dusk 27,510]

@Blitz Boom

Star Echo was overjoyed to hear the words come from the prince's lips.  It would be vastly too rude to just expect things for free as the sire of their savior.  Far more gratifying to partake in the art of the trade.  Plus it gives far better benefit to the young diamond dog who made the hat.  Dawn withheld the Bit from her father for a moment while she gave her twin a quick glance.  Rising took a moment to cast his senses at the hat their father had taken for a target.  The tapestries of minor protection enchantments danced around the top hat.  Snug and a perfect fit for the hat, the art of a true craft.  Rising nodded his approval to his sister.  Dawn let go of the Bit, where Star's own magic glow took over and carried the coin away.  "Ho ho ho!" he exclaimed and trotted back over to the stall to give the young diamond dog the coin in exchange for the hat.  The first Bit exchanged in Harrowmark in who knows how long.

The diamond dog looked so excited.  It was genuine and wholesome, bringing a smile to the family's faces.  Star quickly put the newly purchased hat upon his head, "Perfect, just delightful!"  Grace fluttered over to Star and fixed the position of the hat on his head to better fit and be proper.  "It is a lovely hat, dear," the pegasus admired.  "You did a wonderful job," she complimented the diamond dog as well with a warm smile.

Rising's attention was drawn to the rest of the market.  Necrotic was right.  Everything he'd gotten from Harrowmark had been forced upon him, to varying levels of pleasantry.  He had enough souvenirs to fill his apartment already, and more was likely to come.  But what did he want?  So much from the market jumped for his attention.  Simple objects to that naked eye, but everything was enchanted to some degree.  Each tapestry told a story.  Like open books for the detective from Equestria to read.  They told of the artist, the crafters.  His eye for the object itself wasn't the most practiced, but magic was his specialty.  He could see their moods, their hearts in the weaving of their craft, their intentions.  The most interesting that stood out to Rising, was the music box.  He traced the ley lines, a self learning box that could tune into the music he likes and cast misty ponies to dance.  With a few adjustments he should be able to control the selected music and keep memories of Harrowmark dance.  The acorn itself was a powerful souvenir as well, however.

Rising walked up to the stall of music box.  "Tell me about this, please."   

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih
"Technology, but otherwise yes." Sheska corrected, though that was as far as she explained for now for previously stated reasons, if they wanted more detail, they would certainly ask later. 

 She didn't comment on the brace conversation, but she did observe it. mainly to see what happened with the teeth situation, as while casually falling teeth was usually a bad sign for the health of a creature, she didn't know much about shark anatomy due to sentient sharks not being something she had considered ever meeting, so she waited to see how the shark herself reacted, and it seemed that this was somewhat natural occurrence that didn't need medical intervention.

She also had nothing to say about the changeling shard, she had an idea what it probably was, after all, anti-magic measures were everyday thing in their world, but since she couldn't be sure without Light confirming it, she just waited for him to explain it, if he was going to, she wouldn't lose sleep over not knowing. 

"Hospitals are boring" Sheska responded in matter of fact way "While some color wouldn't hurt, ultimately hospitals are for healing, not entertainment or even really for enjoying your stay." "Meeting hall also isn't a bad comparison, as the area we are in, the lobby, is where visitors of all kind meet the staff and are guided further to the various waiting areas and rooms." she explained "I can understand where you are coming from, because as stated, I'm also a healer, and we kobolds don't really do hospitals like this either."

"For what next, I don't know what you bunch were doing before all this, but I'll go update my brother on the situation, though before that, I have hospital business of my own to deal with." she'd then head to the nearest non-busy looking staff member and ask if they knew about, or could point her towards someone who did know, about the progress on the more permanent cast/cover for her tail, she wasn't trying to hurry anyone, but since the hospital didn't really have any means to contact her, she figured it was good to check now that she was here again.

 

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

"Firstly, shut in is inaccurate way to describe her." Mystic stated, to which Ruby continued "Indeed, Ember is the most social of us three, in fact, socially speaking, she is exactly like any average pony." "She's just busy with the visitor right now." "No pony knows what the bird situation is about, even she herself has no clue, it's just something that has always been the case." "But as I mentioned before, we three have a sort of a wordless agreement that we don't stuff our noses to each other's business." "But what can be said, is that she has enemies, she leaves the house armed and armored now and then, and her house is one of the most magically fortified buildings around." 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

13 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

The diamond dog looked so excited.  It was genuine and wholesome, bringing a smile to the family's faces.  Star quickly put the newly purchased hat upon his head, "Perfect, just delightful!"  Grace fluttered over to Star and fixed the position of the hat on his head to better fit and be proper.  "It is a lovely hat, dear," the pegasus admired.  "You did a wonderful job," she complimented the diamond dog as well with a warm smile.

"T-Thank you ma'am. I hope it will serve your husband well."

Her tail were now wagging so much, that she caused a set of needles behind her to fall down, which made her reach back with a paw to try and keep her excitement - ergo her tail - down a bit, whilst going down to the floor, to pick up the needles. No need to wander into those, nor waste them. She would first though, make sure that the pit she had gotten, were placed in her shirt pocket. This might hold monetary value, but she were never gonna give this up, for any reason. It were a special token, that she would keep with her.

Granted, she needed to give a portion of her sales to Agnostica, as she did work for him, but he where a reasonable pony. He would understand what this meant, and just take his regular cut in common Harrowish Kroner. One of several reasons, why she had chosen to come here for work. She knew that she would be treated well, and would have a place to do her work, as well as what were asked of her, without too strict management. He were generally only hard on troublemakers, and the lazy, and she were neither. She were sure he'd be possible to talk to.

13 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

Rising's attention was drawn to the rest of the market.  Necrotic was right.  Everything he'd gotten from Harrowmark had been forced upon him, to varying levels of pleasantry.  He had enough souvenirs to fill his apartment already, and more was likely to come.  But what did he want?  So much from the market jumped for his attention.  Simple objects to that naked eye, but everything was enchanted to some degree.  Each tapestry told a story.  Like open books for the detective from Equestria to read.  They told of the artist, the crafters.  His eye for the object itself wasn't the most practiced, but magic was his specialty.  He could see their moods, their hearts in the weaving of their craft, their intentions.  The most interesting that stood out to Rising, was the music box.  He traced the ley lines, a self learning box that could tune into the music he likes and cast misty ponies to dance.  With a few adjustments he should be able to control the selected music and keep memories of Harrowmark dance.  The acorn itself was a powerful souvenir as well, however.

Rising walked up to the stall of music box.  "Tell me about this, please." 

The one he had called out for, were a young mare, who looked surprised, and a little bit star struck. She also felt her pulse increase, as she gazed at him. The very savior of Harrowmark, interested in something from her stall? She were honored, and yet... It were not a question for her to answer.

She'd ask him to please wait, and would wander to the backroom, where a few minutes later, she would return with an elderly mare.

This one were the oldest one they would have seen yet in Harrowmark. Her mane were thin and pearly white, with her fur, turned silver in her old years. Wrinkles adorned her face greatly, and she seemed frail, as she wandered slowly, cane floating in front of her, and the young mare standing close by to support her.

She wore a thick, faded brown dress, a large scarf, and had two, large needles, jabbed sideways through her mane. Her hooves were covered with warm shoes, and around her neck, hung a thin, iron necklace, with a myriad of rings - thirty at the least - with varying designs, hanging on it. None of them being magic, which indicated they carried sentimental value, of some sort.

As she got to the front, and looked up at the detective, he'd see in her grey eyes, a warm, kindly gaze, of one who had lived a long life, seen much, and told more stories, than he likely had days in his life. Had he ever seen Granny Smith, this one made her look like a spry filly in comparison.

"This is the one, great, great, great grandmother. The hero of Harrowmark."

"Hero or pauper, it is always nice to meet a spry young fellow, willing to listen to an old mare's tales."

Her voice were a little croaking, and low, but had a certain joy in it, over seeing who she were facing.

"So, you want to hear of the music box? A little thing I learned, from my third husband, and made a few adjustments on.

My dear Lime here, crafts the box from hallowed iron. The small parts inside, comes next, and then I adjust, and infuse them, before putting them in the box. Then it's jut applying the right runes, and a little magic, and it spins to life. The geist energy in the metal, reacts to the sound, and rises to make a little dance with it. There is a few songs it is attuned to, that runs at random. Just some old favorites of mine. But like all hallowed metal, it attune to the user. Use it enough, and it will start to play music that you like too. Don't worry how it works, and just think of it attuning to what it hear you like.

It will change other ways. The shapes will start to look familiar for one, but the fun is not to spoil it all, and it sometimes change in strange ways. Hallowed iron are versatile stuff.

What is life, if not new experiences, and getting surprised and bemused? Long as there are wonders left, there is meaning to life. Wonders like yourself. The hero from across the world, who lit up the darkness. To think they called me crazy, for claiming I'd live to see the day. I guess I laughed last, didn't I?"

There would be a lively smile going over her face, as she let out a low, drawn out chuckle, and leaned on her cane. The body might not hold on as well as it should, but at least she seemed to be spry and full of joy in spirit.

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

 

@Stellar Heights

"Oh I dunno if there are any temples, since I've never been here before, but probably, yeah? It's a biiiiiig place. There's outta be all sorts of things happening around here.

Hey, I know! Why don't we all go looking? We'll find a temple for you, and an unaware dragon for me to swop in and tacklehug. It'll be fun!"

She jumped a little in place, so giddy that it almost seemed like rainbows should be flowing out of her ears.

"Come on, wadda ya say? Just look at it. Look!"

In the blink of an eye, she'd stand behind Glory, and point towards the town in the distance. Towering buildings, dragons and pegasi flying in the distance- The big city life, just aching for them to go there and explore.

"Doesn't it look enticing? The largest Equestrian city, that accommodates both dragons and ponies, living pretty much in harmony. What's not to get amazed by there? Come oooon. Don't be worried about nothing either. I'll make sure to keep a good eye on you both, and waft away nasty pigeons, if they come swooping down after you, Pixel."

She'd grin down at Pixel as she said that. Ziggy were joking, but the pigeons could sometimes get large in there, so one might get curious enough, to go down and see what the deal were, with the small equine. She shouldn't be in danger though. Not unless some seagulls found their way here. They'd snatch whatever they could get their talons on, or beak around.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-02-01 at 3:36 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I doubt my nose is powerful enough to pick up someone’s scent. Food and other strong smells like fire are given, but something that is unique to someone… I can’t pick up on them. Places can be reached because I have a memory of them, so I just think of a place I want to go to, and it will be there on the other side of the gate.”

“As for your question, I guess we should put our trust in Rosa. He is much more capable than us in matters inside and outside of battle, but there may be things that could overwhelm him. I remember that time we crossed that swamp back then, a place that showed us our deepest fears. We could have crossed it faster, but I slowed us down, and we were affected by its power. A place like that… something that could mess with our heads… it could be trouble for Rosa, but I doubt there are many more like them. Either way, this is all just to make sure he’s doing well.”

"Sounds like a strange swamp."

Unbeknownst to Omen, she had actually been there before. Several times in fact, but the creatures had a hard time really doing anything, as she didn't react to fear. They hadn't found anything with her, and whatever had come at her, she had just looked at curiously, then tried to find when it were gone. And since they couldn't catch her either, they had eventually just given up, and more or less ignored her now, every time she got near that place. Which still weren't often. Had been several years since the last time.

Regardless, it did not sound like Lin wanted to go back there again, so it must be bad. Best to avoid that then, yes?

en, and "And you remember places, and that is how you go there? Do you know how many places, you can remember?"

Omen's tracking were one she couldn't explain, beyond just saying that she knew the scent of someone, and could tune in on it. How many she could remember, and how she could recall all that she had smelled, whom were still alive though, she didn't know. She just did it, but Lin were not exactly like her, in many ways. Maybe her having to remember places, meant she had a limit? Or could she also just call up the memory when she needed it, and remember every place she had been? That seemed practical.

On 2023-02-01 at 3:36 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Maybe we could spare some time to do a bit of testing. You say you can track beings by going to places that have someone’s scent. That might be a good place to start. Would you know if a scent could stick on something no matter how long ago it first had it? Like the guest room at Rosa’s home; if I only used it once and never went back, would that room still have my scent after several days or weeks?”

"Yes. The scent hangs on, for some time. It's a lesser scent, so I know when it is the real one. Except for brother, and his master. They are hiding. Their lesser scent is too. I do not understand how.

And sometimes, scent last for a long time. Sometimes not. I have seen the sun rise 6 times once, when I could still find a lesser scent."

While she did not know how to count time, Omen had managed to grasp the concept of days, by how often she saw the sun rise. The ponies kept using that as a way to say that the day had begun, and ended, so she started to understand, that every time she saw the sun rise, one day had gone by. It wasn't accurate, and in case the princesses ever messed up, it would be utterly worthless information, but it were what she had. Maybe someday, she'd understand it more, though she had tried to look at a watch to try and understand it better. It had taken some weeks, before it had been pointed out to her, that said watch were broken, and thus did not turn.

"I can still sense you in his home, Lin. It is very clear."

To prove it, she would open a pathway, to the room wherein Lin had slept. Right in front of where she had slept, as a matter of fact.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

On 2023-01-31 at 1:18 AM, Kujamih said:

Relaxed and comforted by Shark, Light would lightly hug Shark and wait for what's next to come.

" Shark, what is it? Is there something on me?" He asked, as it seems something cought Sharks interest in his mane.

Shark would halt her exploration of his mane, and flutter over in front of him. In her mouth, were nothing, and she did not seem to gnaw on anything, so apparently, she hadn't been finding anything.

"Huh? No, mate mane is clean. Shark just curious. Wanted smell, and smell good.

This place is... Good place? Smell strange."

Shark wasn't sure what a hospital, or healing house were, but her mate were smart. He'd tell her. All she could tell, were that it seemed like there were a lot of easy prey here. Or sick creatures, as they probably called it? Lotta ones that moved slow, and didn't seem like they could defend themselves. Just like prey in the ocean. Though of course, she wasn't going to hunt anyone in here. But it would be easy, if something did want to. Good luck if they tried though! She'd chew them to bits, and protect friends. Then everyone would be happy to see her.

11 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Hospitals are boring" Sheska responded in matter of fact way "While some color wouldn't hurt, ultimately hospitals are for healing, not entertainment or even really for enjoying your stay." "Meeting hall also isn't a bad comparison, as the area we are in, the lobby, is where visitors of all kind meet the staff and are guided further to the various waiting areas and rooms." she explained "I can understand where you are coming from, because as stated, I'm also a healer, and we kobolds don't really do hospitals like this either."

"For what next, I don't know what you bunch were doing before all this, but I'll go update my brother on the situation, though before that, I have hospital business of my own to deal with." she'd then head to the nearest non-busy looking staff member and ask if they knew about, or could point her towards someone who did know, about the progress on the more permanent cast/cover for her tail, she wasn't trying to hurry anyone, but since the hospital didn't really have any means to contact her, she figured it was good to check now that she was here again.

"In our school, the healers have their own room, but it is a lot like the bigger healing hall, in the middle of town. A lot of vegetation, pictures, statues- It's very ornate, and natural. Brimming with life everywhere, to remind us of health and good fortune. But this is just so devoid of any life, or personality. It just showcases illness, and disease, rather than the better times ahead. It feels empty, in a bad way."

"It feels depressing. Like everyone who goes here, should get nervous, and dread what's to come."

Kitsune culture didn't want to focus on the dreadful aspects of things like this, but they also healed differently than ponies did. Their healing arts, did not need to take into account various things, such as keeping things sterile, and as such, they had the option to be flourishing and lively about things, to make their patience feel at home, and comfortable. Maybe this would all make more sense to them, once they had come to understand ponies a little more. But there were hardly time for that now. There were other things to keep in mind, such as the potential Oni, that were messing around who knew where in town. The kits certainly didn't. They didn't know how to spot an Oni, until it wanted to be revealed, like the one from before had. They just knew they had to keep extra good eyes on one another now. It were safer that way, considering what they had been told about Oni, and hunting kitsune.

"We were just looking at classes for tomorrow in school. We're exchange students."

"I still wonder who they're gonna send home to Neighpon."

"Hopefully someone with an open mind, that can take a joke. The small kits are gonna be all over them."

They meant that literally. The very youngest kits, were very direct, and had a habit of piling up on things and beings, that they found fascinating. If that class met a pony, in their town, they'd pile up on them, poking and sniffing, fascinated by them. Quite frankly, there would likely be at least one teacher, who'd encourage it too. Give them a nice, closeup look of a pony, in the safest area they could be in.

"Seeing how the Oni is chasing us, and you have some issues with it too, it's probably safest if we stay around you. You looked like you were good at fighting too."

Both kits nodded in unison at this, then looked around, to try and help the kobold, look for whom she were. Though they didn't know who it were, but... Maybe something would pop up, right?

And something did. The exact nurse, who had spoken to her earlier, who had spotted a few patients of hers. Several in fact, as this were also the new school doctor, at the school of friendship.

"Hah, all the fun ones gather up, huh? The kitsune from the school, the odd couple over there, and you too now. Sheshka, right? You here to ask about the tail, I bet? Still ain't done I'm afraid, but I know J. L. is doing his best. He just let me check, when I were handling a few things, and he has a good idea for the base. He's just waiting for the last materials. Didn't seem we had them here.

The temp one still working? Not causing any sorta pain or anything, right?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Maybe someone's trying to capture her, because of the birds? Sounds a bit odd they've always been there, but eh, I've longed a fair bit, and I've seen some odd stuff. probably some kinda curse, or one of her ancestors, really got under the skin of a god, and the whole family line were afflicted. Could also be a blessing, that just seems wrong. Gods are weird, y'know? I try and stay away from them, and their crazy followers, as much as I can. Except for Acronia, up in northern Caneighda. That one's pretty nice, and the harvest festivals held in her honor? man, I never miss them, if I have the option. They're utterly amazing.

Where were I? ...Right, weird curse things. Seems odd she's now with one who have a similar affliction going, but hey, might be they can go help one another then. Or it's family, and this really is a family affliction... Guess I'll just have to ask her one day, when I see her. Outta be fairly easy to spot a pony that's armored up, that doesn't have one of the official guard uniforms."

She'd look away brieflyt, at the house where the mysterious third  one were, scratching her neck, and chuckling slightly.

"Heh, that'd be fun, but really bad...

Anyway, it's nice learning something new here. Guessing I outta try and stay somewhat in your whole arrangement then, and not start snooping around. So you have my word, I won't go start snooping around your property. Scouts honor."

She'd conjure an image of the local scout band, in rainy clouds, and thunder for details, but dissipate it a few seconds after. She weren't a scout member, nor had really been around here before, but they had chapters in Canterlot too, and well... She might have bought a box or two of their cookies over the years. Maybe a few dozen... A big crateful possibly.

Their apple crunch were just so tempting.

"But I could ask something unrelated then, yeah? So, be honest, why does anyone wanna live in this town? It's a monster magnet, and you got like, zero guard presence here. I'm amazed the graveyard of this town, isn't six times as large as the town itself, if even half the stuff I hear about going here, is true. This town have a strange reputation."

[Nightmare Saturn 815]

@Blitz Boom Glory wanted to be able to protect Pixel, too. So she stood as tall as she could to look brave. Pixel laughed, Glory looked silly like that. 

"We should get a move on!" Glory said, but before Pixel could respond, a familiar friend appeared! "Oh hello y'all! Terribly sorry to bump into you girls!" it was Sienna Cinnamon! 

"Sienna? what are you doing in Manehattan?" Pixel said. "I heard that they have good pastries.. and if they have better pastries, then, who am I?!" Sienna said and began to cry. 

"Oh dear..." Glory said. "How can we make her feel better?" Pixel said.  

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-02-03 at 7:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

en, and "And you remember places, and that is how you go there? Do you know how many places, you can remember?"

Omen's tracking were one she couldn't explain, beyond just saying that she knew the scent of someone, and could tune in on it. How many she could remember, and how she could recall all that she had smelled, whom were still alive though, she didn't know. She just did it, but Lin were not exactly like her, in many ways. Maybe her having to remember places, meant she had a limit? Or could she also just call up the memory when she needed it, and remember every place she had been? That seemed practical.

“I guess the number of places I can go to are tied to my memory? As long as I can remember a location, it might be possible to go to it. There may be some limitations, like if a place still exists the way it did back when I first saw it, but I haven’t tried opening a gate to a place that doesn’t exist. Might be something for me to try. The same goes for my memory; I don’t know its limits, so it could be a few things or maybe a very large number.” 

Lin knew about her powers from practice, but once the act of opening gates became normal, she hasn’t found herself wanting to learn more about her abilities. There are likely limitations to what she could do, and it may be prudent for her to try everything that comes to mind before she stumbles upon a situation that will likely render her powers obsolete or unusable at the wrong time. One thing was for sure, the Wellspring she visited long ago was not one of those places she could reach anymore. Despite having some memories of her time there, the place itself was one she could never reach again. 

That was about the extent of what she knew, and everything else related to Omen’s question was more theoretical to the longma. Until she had a definite answer, all she can provide are guesses. It might not be what Omen hoped to hear, but that was all Lin had to give for now.

On 2023-02-03 at 7:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Yes. The scent hangs on, for some time. It's a lesser scent, so I know when it is the real one. Except for brother, and his master. They are hiding. Their lesser scent is too. I do not understand how.

And sometimes, scent last for a long time. Sometimes not. I have seen the sun rise 6 times once, when I could still find a lesser scent."

While she did not know how to count time, Omen had managed to grasp the concept of days, by how often she saw the sun rise. The ponies kept using that as a way to say that the day had begun, and ended, so she started to understand, that every time she saw the sun rise, one day had gone by. It wasn't accurate, and in case the princesses ever messed up, it would be utterly worthless information, but it were what she had. Maybe someday, she'd understand it more, though she had tried to look at a watch to try and understand it better. It had taken some weeks, before it had been pointed out to her, that said watch were broken, and thus did not turn.

"I can still sense you in his home, Lin. It is very clear."

“Hmm…. It looks like as long as a place has a scent, it could be reached even if the one being tracked isn’t around.” 

Sen slowly stepped through Omen’s gate and looked around, hopefully using what they could learn right now to identify what kind of test they could do to hopefully find a way to keep tabs on Rosa. This might be a good start, and the longma was getting some ideas on what they could do for a follow-up test. If scents can linger, then maybe Omen could trail someone’s movements without being right next to whoever she’s tracking. 

This wasn’t exactly a good time for a quick rest, but Sen was willing to wait in case the others wanted to take a breather. However, lingering in a place that wasn’t theirs is not a good habit, especially as they are now uninvited and didn’t have express permission to use the room. When they were ready to resume, the longma had another test in mind. 

“How about we try opening to a place like uncle’s workshop, but try picking up his scent outside the place instead of wherever he is right now?”

“Sen, what is this about?”

“If I am right, and this works, it means Omen’s gates don’t have to open right next to whoever she wants to reach. As long as she can pick up someone’s scent, she could follow them. I want to test this out with a safe place so we won’t get into to too much trouble. How about it, Omen? Does that make sense to you?”

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@EQ_Theta

20 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I guess the number of places I can go to are tied to my memory? As long as I can remember a location, it might be possible to go to it. There may be some limitations, like if a place still exists the way it did back when I first saw it, but I haven’t tried opening a gate to a place that doesn’t exist. Might be something for me to try. The same goes for my memory; I don’t know its limits, so it could be a few things or maybe a very large number.” 

"Mother tells us, that the less we think of how, the easier it is to do. I do not know if you work the same way, but you could try? Do not think too hard on a place, all the time. Wait until you want to go somewhere, then just leave."

Mother's advice were a lot down to the fact that she did not want to tell them all, how it were that their ability worked, and why it were that it connected them to her realm, in the way that it did. She knew it would confuse them, as well as stain her somewhat, in their eyes, if they came to understand the implications fully. Thus she just told them to not think of it, and just do it. It were instinctual for them in a sense, and they were small of mind, when newly formed. They were better of just letting their instinct take over this, and in time, have that be an integral part of them. Sure they'd begin to think more of it, when they wanted to find specific places, or beings, but it would still mostly rely on instinct, rather than try and figure out how they could memorize as much as they did, how they could keep remembering those things, what scents they followed, etc.

Lin were something new though. She were not born of magic and her realm, but rather were a fully formed mind, around a pure soul, that had her shape filled in by the essence of the Ki'nathar. Mother did not know what to expect from her, what her boundaries were, life span, or anything really. For all intents and purposes, Lin were truly unique, as evidenced by her not needing to travel through the shadowy realm, but being able to go where she wanted to directly. Among other things. As such, much of what Lin would find out of what she were able to do, Mother and her children, could only offer guidelines, but not guaranteed facts.

21 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Hmm…. It looks like as long as a place has a scent, it could be reached even if the one being tracked isn’t around.” 

For the brief moment Sen were in the shadowy realm, a few dozen eyes would set on him, less curious, and more with recognition, as whispers would begin to go between the various ones. It seemed that they were starting to remember him. Likely in extension of his relations to their sister, and half-sister, but still, they were seemingly intrigued by his presence, and a few would go near the gate to look at what he were doing too. Omen had often gone to strange places, and brought back shiny things, so where her friend - and thus by extension her - would wander, some would get curious. And if it were interesting enough, more would likely come over to look.

This were one reason why the gates tended to be opened and closed quickly. It caused less onlookers, as an open gate, were like a window into strange, colorful worlds, that fascinated all of the shapeless.

22 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“How about we try opening to a place like uncle’s workshop, but try picking up his scent outside the place instead of wherever he is right now?”

“Sen, what is this about?”

“If I am right, and this works, it means Omen’s gates don’t have to open right next to whoever she wants to reach. As long as she can pick up someone’s scent, she could follow them. I want to test this out with a safe place so we won’t get into to too much trouble. How about it, Omen? Does that make sense to you?”

Omen would wander into the gate, rather than answer at first, and begin to look around. A few whispers in the unknown language of her kind would escape, as she said hello to some of her siblings, that had gotten nearby to look, but it appeared that otherwise, her focus were on trying to find something.

"...Maybe."

It took her a few minutes, where she'd open several small gates, barely enough to get a needle through, but close them rather than expand. Eventually though, she settled on one, and would open it up, to reveal the presence of a tool, item, or piece of wood, near the workshop, that Uddo had spend extensive time with.

"There.

Scent takes time. Just walking, the scent does not linger. The more someone is there, the more scent."

In essence, to track someone, she needed either their primary scent, or their lesser scent, if she already had the primary one *in storage*, so to speak. Though the lesser scent needed time to stick, so a few seconds or minutes with contact with something, would give her very little. Prolonged exposure - such as laying on a surface, or an object you had used for quite some time - would carry scent however. This were sort of an issue with Rosa, as he did not tend to stand still in a particular spot, or hold the same items, that he wasn't using consistently. As such, she had his primary scent, and unless something changed, only the lesser scent, that came from his home. Though she could at least tell if they were moving him somewhere else, by tracking his primary scent. She would have his position after all, if she focused on it.

In the shadowy realm, one shapeless, with a single eye, the size of Omen's head, would float near the gates that she had opened, and look out curiously. Omen would reach through the second one, and take a small bit of debris on the ground, or a bottlecap- Something small and insignificant, that others would consider trash, and drag it back, to give to the unformed one. The shadow coiling around it, as joyous whispers would come through their heads, and the unformed one would take the thing back to the others to play with.

"I should bring them something new soon. They like Equestria. A lot of light, and things with bright colors."

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

 

@Stellar Heights

On 2023-02-03 at 3:34 PM, Stellar Heights said:

Glory wanted to be able to protect Pixel, too. So she stood as tall as she could to look brave. Pixel laughed, Glory looked silly like that.

It likely also didn't help, that since she were standing near Ziggy at that point, the height difference made it so that Glory seemed a bit like a foal, trying to look big and tough. Ziggy did not think of it that way though, and rather, just grinned widely. Seemed like these two were fired up, and ready to- Wait! What was that sound?

On 2023-02-03 at 3:34 PM, Stellar Heights said:

"We should get a move on!" Glory said, but before Pixel could respond, a familiar friend appeared! "Oh hello y'all! Terribly sorry to bump into you girls!" it was Sienna Cinnamon! 

"Sienna? what are you doing in Manehattan?" Pixel said. "I heard that they have good pastries.. and if they have better pastries, then, who am I?!" Sienna said and began to cry. 

"Oh dear..." Glory said. "How can we make her feel better?" Pixel said.  

The zegasus looked at the new mare quietly, though her facial expression and eyes, spoke of joy that were not decreasing in strength. Rather, it appeared to be increasing a bit by bit, as she stood almost frozen. The silence before the storm as it were, since as soon as Sienna started to cry, she'd zoom over to the mare. The time it took from her being with the other two, and being there, would be less than a second, with her movement seeming like a blur of white and pink. Fah'lina were left hanging in the air as she did so, as it had been too quick for her to catch on, but she'd get airborne before she hit the ground, and fly up, that she could look down on Ziggy.

The doctor in turn, would grab hold of Sienna as she had gotten over there, and hugged her tightly, whilst flying upwards, in a little slow spin, with her wings extending as she did so.

"Don't be sad, baker mare! You can learn lots of stuff, and make even yummier tre-eETH!!"

About a half meter above ground, Ziggy would let go, and yelp, due to Fah'lina. The little squirrel like creature, had dove down, then opened her mouth up. Not just a little, but to ludicrous levels, revealing three rows of small, razor-sharp teeth, angling backwards. The sort of maw you'd see on a predator, that did not want the prey to escape. And wouldn't you know it, the maw when fully opened, could cover most of the top of Ziggy's head. She'd let go of the zegasus a few seconds after though, when Ziggy fell down on her rump, and flutter over to a nearby bush, whilst her mouth closed down again, to only looking critter sized again

They might now understand, why Ziggy had referred to this one as a mimic. Not your typical tree rodent this one.

"Hey, no fair! She needed a hug. No need to bite."

Fah'lina would pull her tongue at Ziggy in response. Seemed like this one were a handful, though not really harmful to regular ponies. The teeth might be sharp, but they were too small, and the jaws not suitable for tough meat like that. Didn't even leave a mark on Ziggy. Now if she had been a fish, a small bird, or say, a miniature pony though? Now that might be something else.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom@Kujamih
Sheska made a mental note about the shark's words towards Light, 'mate', she wasn't one to judge, none of her business frankly, but it was an unique pairing to say the least, even if she still didn't know what exactly the shark was. She however said nothing to them, as it was clearly addressed to light and not her, and as social as she was, she didn't want to push herself in every conversation.

"We kobolds are kinda in-between, healers usually take care of patients in homes, be it our home or the patient's home, with other kobolds around, community is very important to us, so we don't like to separate the sick until we really have to, but if there's a surge in patients, the community builds a temporary place where all the patients can be gathered and all the healers can work together, and those places are always depressing, making hospitals like this look like happy places, because the fact alone that it needs to be build means that lot of us will die." "Though our view on death is also very different, we don't fear it, and while we of course try to save everyone, if one has to die to help two others, so be it." "One for all, all for one." she casually explained, it was in a way a contradictory system, the whole above one, yet the whole should also protect the one, but that's where their unique psychology came to play, while their whole community would have happily sacrificed itself to protect Sheska and Trox against the ponies, their natural need to protect their community made the siblings willingly separate from them to assure that won't happen.

"You can hang around." she agreed, though she wouldn't be their protector, if she had to at any point choose between their, and her and Trox's safety, she'd choose the latter.

 

To the nurse, she responded with her usual, generally friendly tone "You are half-right, I did indeed want to know about the tail, but that's not why I am here, I brought yet another patient in." "I just figured that I should also ask about that since you don't really have a way to contact me." as was the usual with these topics, she sounded like it wasn't a big deal that equines kept going down around her "This one is doing just fine, getting bit dirty is all." she said as she brought her tail in the front, her eyes locked on the scars for a moment and her expression lowered a bit, though all that lasted for only a second before she looked at the nurse again, she didn't see her scars often since she didn't really look at herself that much, so seeing them brought memories that to her were still very fresh. "Is there any estimated time for when about the new one is ready? Two days? a week? not trying to hurry it, but as my visits here hopefully won't become a norm, it would be good to know when about I should come ask again." 

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

At the mention of gods, Mystic looked slightly more annoyed for fraction of a second, it wasn't directed annoyance, and more the kind one feels when someone mentions a name of someone they don't like, though she didn't address it in her response "More likely a blessing than a curse if it's either, the crows seem to be quite helpful towards her, one of them loves sleeping in her mane."  "She doesn't wear the armor when out in the town, though she's still easy to spot, not many pony shaped dragons with army of crows going around." 

"That is a very good question." Mystic responded in surprisingly genuine tone "While I know individual answers to that, I have no idea why a common pony would move here." "There are those like Ember who move here because of the weirdness, ponies here are lot more accepting than elsewhere, and for some, the weird stuff is in some way useful. I'm here simply because I've always been here, I grew up here, so I'm used to all of it, and there is personal reasons why I want to stay here."  "But I guess there is a balance, because while problems seem to be attracted here, the protectors of Equestria also live here, and the princesses live in an eyesight's distance from here." 

 

[Nightmare Saturn 815]

@Blitz BoomSienna looked over at the mimic, intrigued but spooked at the same time, she'd never seen something like her before, she shook her head though, and thought nothing of it. She needed to speak to the new friend she made, "Oh, well thanks for your kind words, but i'm actually a barista, but I LOVE to make cinnamon buns, if they had someplace for me to bake, I could make you one!" Sienna said, in her friendly, western accent. She excitedly showed her cutie mark to Ziggy. 

"My bakery and cafe seems to have not had the same publicity as it did with Pixel here," Sienna said. "Yes, it's true, I LOVE sweets, the coffee has whipped cream too!" says Pixel.

"what about Sugar Blossom?" Glory uttered, "Aw, now honeybun, she's doing just fine there I hope," Sienna said. 

Edited February 5, 2023 by Stellar Heights

[Sekel 692]

@Props ValRoa & @Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Sorry about the misunderstanding. This feels like a place where a lot of ghosts would gather and so ... don't worry," Twilight shook her head quickly. It came as a shock that Magnolia and Alluria were both actually living but it was a comfort to learn about. "Usually when a name is stricken from the family tree, it means they're dead or something ghastly has happened to them and don't want to be associated with the family anymore," she told Alluria and Magnolia. Upon hearing Madame Macabre's voice, she looked to the source and flicked her ears a bit. Just the pony they had intended to find in the first place. However her words gave Twilight pause and some nervousness about her current situation. "Madame Macabre? What's going to happen to Cherish when ... when the 'ties are cut'?"

@Blitz Boom

DAWN STREAK & DAZZLE GLEAM

"Yeah, we're both ready," Dazzle nodded at this while Dawn stayed silent, glancing behind them at the candy shop. "Although I think Dawn in particular is worried about something," she chuckled.

"Huh? No I'm not," Dawn said quickly and shook her head, returning her gaze to Stare. "So, ahem, what are we doing here?"

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

Aurora's mind was reeling with what the gemling spoke of and was only brought back by Happy's questioning. "Bwah? Uh? What?" she questioned and shook her head a few times. "Flavour? As in favourite ice cream? That uh ... I don't see how that's relevant right now."

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"I don't think this will go well if we continue talking about this," Karmic sighed, taking her hoof away from Atzy's mouth. The gemling licked her lips and glared lightly at Karmic.

"They're trustworthy and seem like the crazy sort of scientists ponies often shrug off as nothing worth mentioning. I feel like we can tell them about this and I need to talk about it with sompony other than you and Enzo," Atzy said quickly and then trotted to the workshop entrance.

"... fine, that's what I get for being a sister, I guess. We'd like a tour," Karmic eventually sighed and turned her gaze to the stallion scientist. She didn't think much of him or Blitz but if it meant trying to protect Atzy from herself she'd have to go along with it. "Your spiders are ... interesting ..."

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-02-05 at 6:14 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"...Maybe."

It took her a few minutes, where she'd open several small gates, barely enough to get a needle through, but close them rather than expand. Eventually though, she settled on one, and would open it up, to reveal the presence of a tool, item, or piece of wood, near the workshop, that Uddo had spend extensive time with.

"There.

Scent takes time. Just walking, the scent does not linger. The more someone is there, the more scent."

In essence, to track someone, she needed either their primary scent, or their lesser scent, if she already had the primary one *in storage*, so to speak. Though the lesser scent needed time to stick, so a few seconds or minutes with contact with something, would give her very little. Prolonged exposure - such as laying on a surface, or an object you had used for quite some time - would carry scent however. This were sort of an issue with Rosa, as he did not tend to stand still in a particular spot, or hold the same items, that he wasn't using consistently. As such, she had his primary scent, and unless something changed, only the lesser scent, that came from his home. Though she could at least tell if they were moving him somewhere else, by tracking his primary scent. She would have his position after all, if she focused on it.

Sen stood around for a moment, not quite as fazed by the odd realm he found himself in, as his sister stepped in to join the group. This was about what he expected with using Omen’s gates as opposed to Lin’s, but hearing the whispers and the dotted eyes peering in from the shadows was calming, in a way. For now, they’d be resuming their experiments, though the result of Omen’s latest trial didn’t quite give the results he hoped to see. 

There was the sight of the workshop, but not where he hoped the gate’s exit point would be. Tools and planks of wood meant they’d be crossing over and straight into the workshop. Only when he heard the rest of Omen’s explanation would the rest of his ideas fall apart and send him back to square one.

“I think I understand. It takes time for a scent to linger, and objects often close to someone is what makes the scent stay longer. We’ll need to rethink how we’ll go about this, and if we can’t think of anything, we may need to just stop by Rosa’s home to check up on him. As said, we have to trust that he can take care of himself, so we will go to the place we will likely find him.” 

On 2023-02-05 at 6:14 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Mother tells us, that the less we think of how, the easier it is to do. I do not know if you work the same way, but you could try? Do not think too hard on a place, all the time. Wait until you want to go somewhere, then just leave."

Mother's advice were a lot down to the fact that she did not want to tell them all, how it were that their ability worked, and why it were that it connected them to her realm, in the way that it did. She knew it would confuse them, as well as stain her somewhat, in their eyes, if they came to understand the implications fully. Thus she just told them to not think of it, and just do it. It were instinctual for them in a sense, and they were small of mind, when newly formed. They were better of just letting their instinct take over this, and in time, have that be an integral part of them. Sure they'd begin to think more of it, when they wanted to find specific places, or beings, but it would still mostly rely on instinct, rather than try and figure out how they could memorize as much as they did, how they could keep remembering those things, what scents they followed, etc.

Lin paused for a moment to internalize Omen’s reply, though some of it was a little bit contradictory according to how the longma understood her powers. Thinking less to make the task easier? Maybe it was true if it meant one’s abilities sounding like it was second nature to them. That was reasonably true for someone like Omen if she remembers Mother’s suggestion, but it might not work that way for herself, as someone who came to her powers differently.

Still, it was worth a try if it meant gaining a better understanding of her powers. The longma took a deep breath and tried to empty her mind of other distractions, then thoughts of her going to a specific location. Home wasn’t quite the best place to use as a benchmark, as she could subconsciously think of it, but that may have been what Omen said. Waiting until she wanted to go somewhere and then leaving didn’t sound like it would work, but then…

“What the? Did… Did I just do that?!” The longma stepped back, feeling a gate open before her. “I didn’t think it would work, but I just followed your instructions and now there’s this!” 

“If you opened a gate like this, does that mean it goes straight home?”

“I hope so, but we need to step through it to be sure. If this is what I think it means, then I know there’s a lot more to learn about my abilities. Looks like you’ll have to teach me more of this, Omen.”

[Rising Dusk 27,510]

@Blitz Boom

Rising bowed his head respectfully when the stall vendor brought out her grandmare as he had made a request about the music box.  Ponies in Harrowmark sure did live long lives.  If the stall mare's references to this elderly mare being her great, great, great grandmare was in fact true.  Not that Rising had any reason to doubt her, of course.  Things like this were becoming par for the coarse in this land.  "I love a good tale," the detective smile.  Listening was one of his favorite things to do.  And listen, he did.

The grandmare's tale was more than just her words.  It was also painted in the magic tapestry that filled his magic sense now here next to the box itself.  As she explained the box, Rising could pick out each piece that wove into the spell work.  Attuned songs chimed soundlessly along silvered threads.  Spinning off a matrix that was ready to collect more and more songs to learn.  Attached skillfully to the hallowed metal that cast its own unique threads that held the strongest of Harrowmark's roots.  The dancing creatures that could appear over time to Rising could be rather fascinating.  The care that was taken in weaving this magic was evident as well to the detective.  Old history was here, threads spun from pleasant memories and a practiced age.

"Thank you, ma'am.  There is a lot I can see in this music box that others can't and I think this will make a wonderful souvenir of my time here.  It's pleasant, every changing and a piece of the very land I've visited," Rising blabbered on.  He couldn't forget Harrowmark anyways, but often times, it really came to just the principle of the matter.   His horn ignited and in orange aura, grabbing three Bits from Dawn's stack a fair distance away.  "Please, accept these in payment for the music box and your tale," the stallion remarked with a smile, laying the Bits out on the counter.  For now, he'd like to hold on to the acorn, as its own souvenir.  That and based on the hat vendor's reaction, the idea of getting Equestria's first Bits in centuries seemed highly desirable.  "I suppose you did," Rising chuckled in kind with the older mare.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

Light was a bit distracted and was stomped on what to do next. If he was in his old self he would just try and delete this world... Luckily it was all in the past... hopefully not to hunt him or find him.

"I suggest we talk to the headmare about this. All of this is trouble..." He looked at the kits.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

On 2023-02-05 at 3:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"We kobolds are kinda in-between, healers usually take care of patients in homes, be it our home or the patient's home, with other kobolds around, community is very important to us, so we don't like to separate the sick until we really have to, but if there's a surge in patients, the community builds a temporary place where all the patients can be gathered and all the healers can work together, and those places are always depressing, making hospitals like this look like happy places, because the fact alone that it needs to be build means that lot of us will die." "Though our view on death is also very different, we don't fear it, and while we of course try to save everyone, if one has to die to help two others, so be it." "One for all, all for one."

"Kitsune doesn't mourn death. It is all part of the cycle. As one is born, so too must they eventually die."

"We prepare their spirits, for the time they can rest in Kisugawa. Giving them urns, or small objects to reside in, if their spirits are not strong enough to wander on their own, until then."

"One night per year, when the veil between the afterlife and here, are the thinnest, our ancestors walk among us, and we celebrate with small gifts and food. They're mostly in different shapes, the afterlife giving them new forms, befitting who they were, and now are. And then when they go home, they take the recently dead with them."

"I hope we don't miss it this year. I always look forward to seeing father."

"I'm sure the elders wouldn't deny us that.

But uhm... Anyway, we don't fear dying per se, but more what can happen. Dying away from the village, and where everyone knows what to do, could mean your spirit getting stuck, wandering aimlessly, and never finding home again. Or worse, ending up like an oni. Malevolent and dangerous."

"Mother would still be sad if we ended up dying though."

"We can still be saddened at losing others, without mourning and despairing. But uhm, let's hope it doesn't get to that."

The yearly day of celebration, that were known to the kitsune, as Inu-Gihahru, were a significant day for them. One that outsiders only exceedingly rarely, were allowed to witness, as they didn't want to offend the ancestors, by having one who wouldn't be respectful, during this day.

It were the only day each years, where exiles even, got a chance to return, albeit under some restrictions. That being they were bound with anti-magical garbs, and sworn to silence. If they spoke, they were removed from the celebrations. Generally speaking, they were more or less ignored, except by the few who still remembered them fondly. It were also one of the only times, when it were possible for them, to have their exile reconsidered. It were not a light thing to do, just as it wasn't a rash thing for the kitsune to exile one of their own in the first place. But there were those, who had regretted what they had done, and whom the ancestors judged were genuinely mourning, and worthy of a chance more.

Still, even then, their tasks for redemption, would be set by the ancestors. Their own, to be specific, or in case their actions had caused the death of others, the one(s) they had wronged. Usually this would take a while, and not all would succeed, but there were yet hope.

That said, not every exile, would want to return to the celebration, even if they were allowed. That being because some of them, had been exiled for defiling the spirits of those who were meant to be prepared, or had done heresy towards the ancestors. Though they could be merciful, the ancestors could also be vengeful, and some knew that their actions - much as they might regret them - could not be forgiven, in their eyes. Though after death, their spirits would be given the same care as others, regardless of their crimes. It were believed that in Kisugawa, would come fair judgement, and thus, it were not up to the living, to judge the dead.

In any case, they'd follow her, as she wandered on, and met the doctor.

On 2023-02-08 at 9:25 AM, Kujamih said:

Light was a bit distracted and was stomped on what to do next. If he was in his old self he would just try and delete this world... Luckily it was all in the past... hopefully not to hunt him or find him.

"I suggest we talk to the headmare about this. All of this is trouble..." He looked at the kits.

Hachi looked back at him, but didn't say anything, and would rejoin with his sister, in following Sheshka. It were a dangerous time right now, so made sense to follow the one who seemed to fight the best, yes?

"...Ooooh. We go speak with friend, and they go hunt bad thing? Okay. We find them later, yes? Can smell them out. Fluffy ones smell special."

Shark would wave enthusiastically at the kitsune, and Sheshka, then turn around, ready to go. Might be she were wrong, but she felt pretty sure that she had understood how this were going to go. If not, Light could always just correct her. Seemed wise though, to have them spread briefly, still in pairs, to spread some warnings about what they were dealing with, or asking advise from academics as it were, who might have some idea. Or as Light might have thought of, get in contact with the principal, who knew how to get in contact with the kits mother, who'd know how to get in contact with their elders, and thus, maybe get some help or information, about the Oni.

On 2023-02-05 at 3:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

To the nurse, she responded with her usual, generally friendly tone "You are half-right, I did indeed want to know about the tail, but that's not why I am here, I brought yet another patient in." "I just figured that I should also ask about that since you don't really have a way to contact me." as was the usual with these topics, she sounded like it wasn't a big deal that equines kept going down around her "This one is doing just fine, getting bit dirty is all." she said as she brought her tail in the front, her eyes locked on the scars for a moment and her expression lowered a bit, though all that lasted for only a second before she looked at the nurse again, she didn't see her scars often since she didn't really look at herself that much, so seeing them brought memories that to her were still very fresh. "Is there any estimated time for when about the new one is ready? Two days? a week? not trying to hurry it, but as my visits here hopefully won't become a norm, it would be good to know when about I should come ask again." 

"Two, maybe three days? We have most of the stuff we need here it turned out, but we still need a few things from out of town, and the guards have put the town on lockdown. Nopony's supposed to leave town, until a rogue individual have been found, and detained. We're not entirely sure what that means, but the rumors are swarming. Most of them, thinking it's some kind of changeling attack. Just can't be a calm time in Ponyville for that long, huh?

Anyway, I can clean and readjust your current one quickly if you want? Best to keep it nice and clean, as much as possible."

She could just take them to one of the smaller exam rooms to the left, and when there, clean it up nice and proper. Wouldn't take more than a few minutes. Mostly just some rubbing alcohol, and readjusting the position a bit afterwards.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2023-02-05 at 3:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"More likely a blessing than a curse if it's either, the crows seem to be quite helpful towards her, one of them loves sleeping in her mane."  "She doesn't wear the armor when out in the town, though she's still easy to spot, not many pony shaped dragons with army of crows going around." 

"Blessings for one, is a curse for another. Gods doesn't always seem to grasp what's a boon, and what's a detriment sometimes. Must be that whole *Higher level of existence* thing. Like I said, I try and stay clear of most of them, to not risk it. Though seriously, northern Caneighda, in about a month and a half? Trust me, best party and feast you'll ever find. Just remember to bring something home-grown, or homecooked as an offering. I usually bring pumpkin pie."

Sometimes it varied, with like, a crate of caramelized apples, pear cookies, etc. Long as it were either grown by yourself, or made by yourself, it were golden. And she might not be a farmer, but Leviathan had been known to swing around a kitchen every now and again, with some degree of prowess. Long life, lead to being able to learn plenty of skills, and she liked baking. Ponies might be dullards sometimes, but they got it right, when they mentioned that sometimes, a tray of muffins were just what you needed.

On 2023-02-05 at 3:32 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"That is a very good question." Mystic responded in surprisingly genuine tone "While I know individual answers to that, I have no idea why a common pony would move here." "There are those like Ember who move here because of the weirdness, ponies here are lot more accepting than elsewhere, and for some, the weird stuff is in some way useful. I'm here simply because I've always been here, I grew up here, so I'm used to all of it, and there is personal reasons why I want to stay here."  "But I guess there is a balance, because while problems seem to be attracted here, the protectors of Equestria also live here, and the princesses live in an eyesight's distance from here." 

"From what I hear, the ones who attack this town, are pretty dumb too. Migth help things a bit more.

Seriously, it'd be so much easier, to just sneak up on the protectors, before they even knew you were there to cause problems, and snap their necks. Take out a few, and the rest would be too grief struck to function proper. And the whole harmony thing needs all of them, right? Snap a few necks, and that's taken out of the equation. Works too to just cause a distraction in one place, using some civilians. heroes are suckers for rushing to help the innocent. Leaves them vulnerable.

I'm not saying I would do any of this. I'm not power-hungry, or evil. All I'm saying, is that if those that comes here, who claims they are villains, would actually you know, fight dirty, and kill a few, they'd have a way easier time dealing with things. I'm about a millennia old. I've seen so many ways that things could've been a lot easier, if folks just stopped being stupid about things.

Like this time a mutated monster came to a town of doe I had been staying at, when I weren't feeling good. Lovely folks, yeah? They had a few that got ready to fend off the monster, while the others escaped, and they hoped to chase it back into the woods. I just electrocuted it, and fried it to ash, problem solved.

Sometimes us dragons really got the best idea. Keep it simple, keep it direct. But equines do their thing, yeah? I'm sure there's some sorta internal moral thing for you folks.

...Oh right, went off a tangent there. I guess this place have its charms for folks, for various reasons. Not all bad to me either. The spa looks pretty good for instance."

She had to remember to go there sometimes. It'd be great, just having a nice, pampering treatment. Someday, she had to try and get Ruby to one of the places, that specialized on doing that for dragons. It'd probably take a lot of convincing, but it would be totally worth it.

As for Mystic? Seemed normal, for a pony. She figured they'd talk til Mystic or Ruby got bored of it, and they disengaged, but it weren't bad to socialize.

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

 

@Stellar Heights

On 2023-02-05 at 3:32 PM, Stellar Heights said:

Sienna looked over at the mimic, intrigued but spooked at the same time, she'd never seen something like her before, she shook her head though, and thought nothing of it. She needed to speak to the new friend she made, "Oh, well thanks for your kind words, but i'm actually a barista, but I LOVE to make cinnamon buns, if they had someplace for me to bake, I could make you one!" Sienna said, in her friendly, western accent. She excitedly showed her cutie mark to Ziggy. 

Took a few before Ziggy could answer, as the top half hof her head were in some large maws, but she'd get there, after Fah'lina had let go of her. Ziggy had to shake her head a bit after that, and once more, be happy that she did not need glasses. She just wore the frames. They would've probably gotten all scratched after one of these times, if they had actual glass in them.

"Y'know, the bite isn't the worst. It's the smell of fish. I tried getting her to brush her teeth, but a certain somepony, isn't being reasonable."

The mimic chittered a response, likely crude, or in some way, dismissive, and would go on to fluffing her tail a bit.

"Anyway, that's a nice cutie mark.

I met barista before. Lots of difference between the coffee you can make, and that of like, a regular corner shop. And it sounds like you can bake too! That's cool. It's like that one I met in Ponyville, but without the conspiracy theories. I think? Either way, baking is fun! I prefer making brownies, but anything in a kitchen is fun to make. Maybe there's someplace we could make something, or you can meet me in Ponyville someday, and we can do a bake off by then. *gasp* Glory, Pixel, and Fah'lina can be taste judges!"

Her wings fluttered in excitement at the thought. This were the best kind of competition. The ones that involved food! That way, even if you lost, there'd be delicious treats, so it were still like everypony won!

On 2023-02-05 at 3:32 PM, Stellar Heights said:

"My bakery and cafe seems to have not had the same publicity as it did with Pixel here," Sienna said. "Yes, it's true, I LOVE sweets, the coffee has whipped cream too!" says Pixel.

"what about Sugar Blossom?" Glory uttered, "Aw, now honeybun, she's doing just fine there I hope," Sienna said. 

"Oooh, you have your own shop? Definitely gonna need to visit that sometimes. What town is it in? And are you saying Pixel's part of the shop too? And she loves swee- *gasp* Is Pixel a SUGAR FAIRY?!"

Ziggy seemed to freeze as her voice raised, and gleefully said that last part, whilst being leaned in close, and looking down on Sienna. Though if she moved, she'd find that Ziggy did not move with her. It appeared she had gotten herself into a sort of hype/glee-fueled state, that shut her awareness off for a bit here, whilst her imagination were running wild. It'd be fine. She'd snap out of it in a few seconds, and shake her head.

Doctor or not, Ziggy was a bit of an odd one, and she honestly reveled in that. Normal beings were boring.

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

 

@Sekel @Props ValRoa

On 2023-02-06 at 11:04 PM, Sekel said:

"Madame Macabre? What's going to happen to Cherish when ... when the 'ties are cut'?"

"That will be for her to decide. We do not force spirits along against their will, lest they have gone mad, and thus, given us no other option. But this one is strong, and stable. She will be free to roam, wherever she pleases.

At the same time, if there comes a day, when she wishes to move on, she can come to us, and we will help her along, if possible. A few unfortunate souls, such as your ancestor here, cannot move on, neither by choice, or by force. The majority however, we can help, if they feel ready for what comes next.

This is our mission, and have been, since the founding of our family. And as the current matriarch, it is my duty to see it done, and help all souls in need, whom I come across."

Madamme Macabre would move down the stairs as she talked, and would soon enough be down there, looking them eye to eye. Drone were stil twitchy and uncomfortable being around her, but stood her ground calmly on the outside, and keeping her bladed arms down. This pony had defeated the immortal queen. She wanted nothing less, than a confrontation with the mare.

Cherish on the other hoof, hid a bit behind Drone, but peeked out, her eyes landing on the various skulls the mare wore, as part of her attire, as a weak glow went over their eyes.

"There's... So many."

"None of whom will harm you. Nor will I, or the others. You have come to sever this tethering bond you have gotten into, and I will provide. Further than that, I also need to speak with the princess after."

"What interest have you, in my descendant, Macabre?"

"Simple. As a princess of Equestria, I need her to understand the reason, and necessity of our town, and to agree to leave us be. Our little collection of villages, are perfectly fine, taking care of ourselves, whilst still being under Equestrian law. That will not change. But as with Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, long ago, we still need to have an understanding. We have been here for a long, long time now, and do not wish to go back to the days, of us being chased away, due to some equine in power, thinking that we were freaks, or monsters.

Princess Cadence have been invited, but have declined to show, and just mentioned that she heard enough to understand, but did not need to see it herself. An understandable position I suppose, and I would have merely asked you here formally some day too, Princess Sparkle. But since you are here already, we may as well just go over things, if you have questions. After we have solved your issue, and given you a little time to recuperate, of course."

"I suppose that is reasonable. Yet I will keep an eye on things personally."

Macabre did not seem to have an issue with this, and would be ready to leave, soon as Twilight were ready.

"I suppose, there is naught to do now, but to wait til you two are ready then, my descendant...

And for the record, I have done nothing heinous, to justify striking me from your family's tree. I died from a poisonous plant, and lived mostly uneventfully, with a few ups and downs, like any does."

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

 

@Sekel

"She's probably just worried about her mate.

And we're going to see my sister, at the Bubblehearth Inn. It's right over there."

She'd point at the nice, homey inn, at the end of the street. It looked rather typical, but Bubble Tea, who owned the inn, hadn't wanted to cause a fuzz either. She wanted a nice, typical inn, and by Celestia, she had made it so obviously one, that it were hard to consider it as anything else. Helped the tourists a lot, to be fair. They didn't even need to read the sign, and it were a nice place. Stare certainly understood why her sister had placed herself there, for the time being.

Though before entering, she would just quickly swoop in at the bakery, and buy a cake. It seemed appropriate, when they were gonna meet up like this, though the cake she got, were in a closed box, so they could not see which one it were.

Going to the inn, some of the others might notice a black and grey, squirrel like creature, with pale eyes, stare down at them, from a window up on the first floor of the inn. It were brief though, so maybe they missed it, like Stare did.

Going through, it seemed a busy, typical day for the locals, and tourists, as most seemed to be in the eating and drinking section to their left. They seemed to have a merry time, though Stare signalled them to please just be quiet, and follow her. She didn't want them to start getting loads of attention, and get things distracted, by somepony looking a bit closer at Dazzle, and start asking questions. Or the tourists to start taking pictures.

Going to the first floor, she'd turn to them, before they went into, or near, any of the rooms up there.

"My sister can be a little direct at times, so... Please just tell her if she goes over some kind of line, and she will rescind.

Any questions, before we go see if she's there?"

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

 

@Sekel

Happy blinked as he heard the reply, then started to laugh at Aurora. The gemling - albeit still a bit sorrowful, from thinking of his sister being seemingly killed, by another hive - would smile a little more at this. Even Onache had a faint curling up of the lips, at what she were hearing.

"I swear, this is hilarious. You're a queen, but you know less about changelings, than a three day old nymph.

Every changeling queen have a primary emotion they feed off of, and tends to get influenced by. That is inherited through their eggs, to the hive itself.

For instance: Chrysalis were love, Hive Ghaster is terror, and Hive Onache, is devotion. We can eat others too, but the primary emotion, is what we get the most out of, and tastes better.

The *flavor* is the emotion, Aurora. In time, you'll figure out which yours is, and bu8ild around that. Depending on what it is, that'll help you sort out, what kind of area to put your hive in, for the best yield.

Hives overlap, since some queens have the same primary flavor, so don't go worrying you ain't unique when it is. And hope it's an easy emotion to get to work with. Hive Cloudy, is the hive of depression. They had to start opening up therapist clinics to harvest things the best. Being inventive is grand stuff.

You'll get it when you get there. Don't try rushing it. Just sample around, and see what catches your fancy. Trust me, you'll be able to taste the difference."

Honestly, Happy had a fun time, trying to essentially teach a queen, things that their youngest would know, soon after hatching. It were utterly hilarious to him, but he'd help, sure. He hadn't gone this far, to just put his hoof down on somethin', when she needed a helping hoof.

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

 

@Sekel

"My girls are state of the art in Equestria. Someday, I'm thinking that AI's can help Equestria, usher in a bright, new age. But for now, I just like having my girls around, and see them evolve over time. Makes a stallions heart grow soft, yeah?"

He'd lead them onwards, into the workshop. Starting with pushing a button on the wall, and thus, lighting up the entire place, rather than just the parts he had been using recently.

The place were well used. A door lead to the back rooms, which were likely where they rested and ate, but in here were the major things. They were talking half-finished works, of all kinds of robots, and unthinkable contraptions, some opened up, and showing a myriad of wires, glowing rocks, engraved discs, computer chips, etc. All made by him, as were seen, as the big work bench, had a half-made chip sitting in a glass case, with some various parts and tools around it.

And speaking of tools, the selection were immense. Hanging on the wall, covering at least two walls, hung tools of all shapes and sizes. If they knew little of tools, they would know what less than a tenth of them were. If they were the building sorts, maybe twenty percent or so. A lot of these were specially made, for the sort of things they needed them for, and thus were unknown to most.

The finished work were interesting too. Most of them in boxes, some were around, visible, and hanging/laying/stacked in various places, waiting to be used. A mechanical seal in one end, with no light active in the eyes. A birdcage, with a large array of various levers and buttons at the base. A six-sided, glossy box, with no apparent function, but contained in a metal box, with thick, plastic-looking glass, indicating it wasn't safe.

A large, mechanical tower, almost reaching the ceiling, with various handles on the sides, levers, diodes, and so forth, stood near the center. A door in it were open, revealing a myriad of technology, that were hard to explain, and harder still to understand. Beyond simple understanding too, were the apparent multitude of vials, gathered in small clusters, likely around where the handles on the outside were. Each cluster, seemed to be either filled with vials of a slightly glowing, golden liquid, or a silvery liquid, giving off a fair bit of light.

It appeared that whatever this were, he were actively working on it.

In the corner, were a smaller, more near the ground table, with a set of tools hanging too, as well as several crates, and a more scattered set of things, jars with powders, and what looked like a stick of dynamite on the table. This were Blitz's workstation. Highly flammable, judging by there being a fire extinguisher, pointed directly at it, connected to some sort of contraption. Probably an alarm system.

"Aaah. Home sweet home. Don't mind the smell of soot. We had the forge running a bit ago. The ventilation will get rid of that soon."

He'd point to the forge, looking a bit odd, since there were ventilation with it, and it appeared that there were less of the general area filled with coal, and rather some pipes running up, surrounding an anvil. The pipes appeared to be possible to adjust the position off, and should not be touched, as they were still cooling down.

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

 

On 2023-02-07 at 1:14 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I think I understand. It takes time for a scent to linger, and objects often close to someone is what makes the scent stay longer. We’ll need to rethink how we’ll go about this, and if we can’t think of anything, we may need to just stop by Rosa’s home to check up on him. As said, we have to trust that he can take care of himself, so we will go to the place we will likely find him.”

"I can keep track of his scent. If he moves, or it gets weaker, I can say. Yes?"

Considering what Omen smelled, were the life force of someone, the scent growing weaker, were generally speaking, a very bad sign. One she might be able to help with, but it always depended on the damages. Least she knew where to go, in case it got really bad though, yes? Right to the kitsune nurses. They seemed to fix him up good last time. It should be a simple matter, to make them do so again, if it got bad once more. They might want something for it though, but that were okay. omen had several things hidden around. Some of them, had probably been discovered by adventurers, thinking they got an easy payout, but there were likely other things, here and there. Might be something she should check up on though. She had a room now. A place to gather her things. Might be a good thing then.

As for the matter of keeping track of Rosa, Omen could do so effortlessly, without spending much of her focus on it. He could be on the other side of the planet, and she'd still know exactly where he were, if she spent the effort in checking in on him. Only way that would change, would be if he got hold, of one of those gems that Scarcity had found, that made it impossible for her to track a being. She should remember to ask her about that some day. Mother would likely like to know, of such a thing.

On 2023-02-07 at 1:14 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“What the? Did… Did I just do that?!” The longma stepped back, feeling a gate open before her. “I didn’t think it would work, but I just followed your instructions and now there’s this!” 

“If you opened a gate like this, does that mean it goes straight home?”

“I hope so, but we need to step through it to be sure. If this is what I think it means, then I know there’s a lot more to learn about my abilities. Looks like you’ll have to teach me more of this, Omen.”

"I can tell you, what Mother tells us. Maybe that will learn you things."

Peculiar that she were now the one, teaching something to Lin. Very odd to her, as it tended to seem like Lin had so many more answers than her. Also peculiar to see that the instructions worked, though where it lead to, were important too. She had only just tried, doing this simply. Where would that have taken her? If it were home, what home were it then? The longma village? The cave they had for themselves? Some box she had once stayed in? Mother's realm? Only one way to find out, yes?

So Omen would wander through, as the first. She were resilient, and could open a gate in defense, in a heartbeat. She were safe to have as the front liner, to test new places. Especially as she did not breathe, or fear falling, so if it were in the middle of nowhere, there were nothing to worry about for her.

Meanwhile, through the gates Omen had up, into the drak realm, they would hear a familiar voice, calmly flowing on unseen winds towards them.

"It pleases me to see you well, my children. Be strong in your travels, and bring back tales someday. The other children adores your world, and would be thrilled to hear more of it."

Omen could translate if it were. Mother only wished to encourage that one day, they would come and speak to them. The unformed were always so curious, of the worlds beyond, but most could be here for eons, before they ever got picked. Hearing of the various worlds out there, filled them with joy, and gave them something to talk about, as the millennia would pass along.

The world Equestria were in, were one that fascinated them immensely these days. It were bright, had one of their oldest, formed siblings in it, and in recent times, two more siblings had been made in that world. Hammond, and one whom Omen had felt getting formed somewhere in Equestria. To them, it seemed a land of promising masters, when so many of them, had already been let in there.

Mother were not sure of that, but as it were a fascinating world, she would still hope that they would at least, tell the unformed ones, of the world. Give them a little insight, into things. Even stuff might might seem mundane and boring, like a coffee cup, could be wondrous treasure for them.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

The mare would look at the offered bits, then back at the detective, and smile kindly.

"A nice offering, young man, but I'm afraid it isn't enough."

Her descendant would look puzzled, then open her mouth to speak. Though she would be quiet, as the elderly mare signalled that she were not done speaking.

"Now now, I'm not going to ask for the moon on a platter, my dear. I will just ask for a small thing more:

May an old mare, receive a hug as well?"

It were more significant to do in Harrowmark, outside of those whom you knew closely, but the mare were past the point of formalities, and simply wished to feel the embrace, of a nice, spry young fellow, of quite the importance. There were long between heroes in Harrowmark, and though she were resilient in heading towards the grave, she knew she would not live long enough, to experience the next hero. Why not take a chance when it were there, yes?

Physically, she were unable to be a threat to him, in any sort of way. And magically, she seemed to mostly use telekinesis, in a way that helped her to move with her cane. An object with no magical links, beyond the general, low rung stuff, that tended to cling to things. She had no magic objects on her, beyond some protective wards, and if he judged by the power of her telekinesis, it were clear that age had made her weaker, in more ways than just physically. Of all, this were probably the safest individual he could run into.

She were not unreasonable, but she were stubborn, and would stand there, looking at him, and waiting for him to near. When he did, she would float the cane to the side, and rise her front hooves, to join in the embrace. Her descendant, standing next to her, worried, and helping her to support the elderly mare. It were clear that she were worried, and rather protective, of the elderly mare. Not a big surprise, seeing how she were the oldest mare they had, that were not extended in some kind of magical way, or were undead. In Harrowmark, you didn't live to be old, if you weren't cautious, sneaky, or powerful, but the ones who did, were some hardy sorts. It were not unusual, for the natural life span of the surviving elders in Harrowmark, to surpass a hundred. Though again, very few lived that long, without some kind of aid, due to unnatural ways of dying. As well as regular health issues.

As for the mare, her grasp were weak, yet she gave it her best, as the smell of some kind of bitter herb would escape her. A flower he had encountered in Oaksbrook too, if Rising recalled. Part of the table decorations for the feast in his honor.

Nothing would happen, as she patted his back. Nothing magical, no knives, nothing. He'd be safe.

The younger mare, would be closer as they stopped the embrace, supporting her several times great grandmother, and floating her cane over to the mare, who'd have a seat.

"A bit tiring for these old bones, but I thank you, young man. Please just pass those slivers of gold to my dear Lime here, and take the box with my blessing."

She'd smile greatly at him, as she did so. As would the prince behind Rising, as he had noticed a little something. A small, slip of paper, had *mysteriously* been placed on Rising's back. Words upon it, saying *Spark mig*. Harrowish for *Kick me*.

Necrotic were not going to say anything, but did smirk a bit more, and look at the elderly mare. It appeared that she had found the mare, that Mother had spoken of, when she said that she once gave a gift to the mare, as she turned her hundredth, as were tradition, and had found her having done a small, harmless prank to her. It seemed this mare hadn't lost that spark of mischief, and hid one of these sticky papers, up her sleeve.

It would be curious to see if he noticed, considering how subtle the mare had been in placing that. Though even if he did, something told Necrotic, that this mare would still have a great laugh about this.

Jokes aside, he'd still get the box, so that were a good thing, yes? And he were not getting it, without a hug. This mare weren't gonna budge on that. Not initially, anyway. Not with what she had planned, mundane as it were.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Catpone Cerberus @Blitz Boom

" no splitting the team. Especially you young ones." Light looked at the kits.

" Besides... I don't want to be rude but. Trouble always follows your kind... And is more of a compliment than a rude remark for you."

He'd then look at Sheska.

" I can see that trouble follows you too... All of us do. Except Shark though... Shes blessed... But you have it worse than us. And i do not wish to trouble the Headmistress from a disaster to happen to these kits."

Knowing the kits curiosity would triumph over being careful. The only plausible and safe bet he has is for Sheska to join them to the Headmistress.

" I have a proposal kobold..."

" Please join us to the headmistress. Im sure she can enlighten us with her vast knowledge and protection. This way you wont be stuck baby sitting the kits and further endangering each other. Plus youd might find something of value there... Information perhaps..."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom@Kujamih

"We aren't that spiritual with it, we make use of the bodies and burn the rest." Sheska concluded, it wasn't that kobolds as a whole didn't believe things like afterlife, rather, there wasn't one truth among them, the exact believes were up to the individual, and believes between different communities were different to each other, the only thing that to her experience seemed to be always the same, was the focus on community, as in, whatever was done to the bodies, and whatever the afterlife was believed to be, it always came to back to it helping rest of the community in some way, be it in more literal sense like their community, where the bodies were used practically, or more spiritual, like believing in protective spirits or reincarnation. Though the latter had became a rarity with time in their world, because what kind of spirits, or gods, would allow such horrible fates to happen? Either they didn't exist, or they were so weak or unwilling that they were not worthy of respect. 

Sheska nodded in understanding to the nurse, and agreed to get the cast cleaned, not necessary necessarily, but may as well, it was unlikely at this point, but infection was always a possibility. While she did, she would also ask for piece of paper and something to write with, as she remembered that the guards should probably also be updated on what she had found out, yet she didn't really care to seek one out to tell it verbally, and thus figured she could just give a written update to the nurse so that she can give it to the next guard she sees. 

She glanced at Light, and while not being rude per say, she was very direct with her words, signaling that she wasn't as worried about potentially being rude "I'm going to be frank with you, I don't care enough about you to consider it baby sitting, it's an 'enemy of my enemy' situation, nothing more, nothing less, you want to be around me? go ahead, but I'm not your protector, nor do I wish for protection." "I of course appreciate help, but I want you to understand that it's nothing more than a temporary alliance, and while the usefulness of allies is obvious, I have faced worse with less help." it may have been weird coming from someone who had just said that her species was heavily community focused, but there was a reason why she specified kobolds when talking about such things, she knew surface creatures lacked whatever made kobolds so tight-knit, and thus she trusted them less, not to mention the suffering they had caused to kobolds in her world, she may have been leagues away from someone like Sheez, but that didn't mean she didn't have any dislike towards ponies and other surface creatures as a whole.

"What comes to your proposal, I have nothing against it, any information that helps with getting rid of that thing is useful, but, I won't go anywhere before updating my brother, so if you want me to come with you, you'll have to come with me first." 

 

 

 

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

"You just don't understand what they seek." Mystic argued "While you are not wrong that killing would help them, that doesn't help their goals." "Be it feeding on emotions, absorbing magic, wanting to rule, in all of those, killing would mean taking away from themselves, you cannot drain or rule someone if they are dead." "Sure few ponies wouldn't matter that much in the grand scale, but we are talking about greedy creatures here, they want everything." "And then there's those like Discord, who did the whole takeover thing for fun rather than any real goal." "And for the various wild creatures, yeah, it's mostly morals, though seeing what our history is like, we can be quite extreme to the opposite end too, so it tends to be that either we spare everyone, or no one." 

Ruby rose an eyebrow "I didn't know you were so into that stuff." "I'm not, I just used to date somepony evil." "Details are none of your business." "I can recommend the spa though, the service is good and the staff doesn't gossip." 

Charir kept being tense around Mystic, actually moving closer to Ruby as the conversation went on, he had no idea what it was about her, she looked like any other pony if ignoring the outfit, there was no signs of hostility besides what was clearly caused by lack of rest, in every way she seemed like just a squishy pony like any other, yet there was a feeling of danger Charir got from her, a feeling that Ruby had also confirmed to him through their earlier silent communication. 

 

[Nightmare Saturn 815]

@Blitz Boom Pixel rejoiced in the very thought of a bake off, as she was Sienna's official taste tester, and she was pretty hungry, she looked over at Glory, she seemed hungry too. "Well, maybe we could stop for a tiny bit of food, I'm sure we're all very hungry!" Pixel said, Glory nodded, her mane  bouncing wildly, Pixel softly chuckled at this. "Ooh that sounds lovely, girls!" Sienna said, hopping about, "and it gives me the perfect excuse for y'all to try my new double fudge marshmallow brownie recipe!" she added. 

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-02-10 at 6:10 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I can keep track of his scent. If he moves, or it gets weaker, I can say. Yes?"

Considering what Omen smelled, were the life force of someone, the scent growing weaker, were generally speaking, a very bad sign. One she might be able to help with, but it always depended on the damages. Least she knew where to go, in case it got really bad though, yes? Right to the kitsune nurses. They seemed to fix him up good last time. It should be a simple matter, to make them do so again, if it got bad once more. They might want something for it though, but that were okay. omen had several things hidden around. Some of them, had probably been discovered by adventurers, thinking they got an easy payout, but there were likely other things, here and there. Might be something she should check up on though. She had a room now. A place to gather her things. Might be a good thing then.

“That sounds good, though even if you can pick up on his scent, we would only need to follow him just enough to know he’s safe. No need to further complicate things with him because who knows what others will do to stop us from finding him just as easily.”

“Sounds like that little gem Hammond had, the one that could hide his scent. All the more reason we should be even more careful.”

Lin saw how such a tool worked, and that insight should give them some pause. Even if only Scarcity had one of those and gave it to Hammond for testing, that was enough for her to surmise that others may be able to either learn how it works or create more of them. The latter would probably be more likely, and if she were to guess at one thing that could describe Rosa’s new employers, they might just be the resourceful type. There’d be countermeasures in place if the group did this often enough to warrant action.

If they were to go after the group for interfering, they’d better be ready to answer. For now, any spies following them may not have a reason to do so, but too much interference could be cause for a response. 

On 2023-02-10 at 6:10 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I can tell you, what Mother tells us. Maybe that will learn you things."

On 2023-02-10 at 6:10 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"It pleases me to see you well, my children. Be strong in your travels, and bring back tales someday. The other children adores your world, and would be thrilled to hear more of it."

“Thanks. Maybe one of these days, I can set some time aside to really study the limits of this power to open gates.”

For now, the siblings opted to stay where they were, but hearing Mother’s voice gave them a sense of comfort and familiarity. This place may be a dark realm, but there was a kind of gentleness within it that was always so reassuring. It got Sen thinking for a bit, and it felt like it was high time for them to say hello to Mother after not seeing her for some time. However, it may be worth holding it off for a bit, as Lin still had to see what was on the other side of the gate she opened.

“Hey, before we do anything, why don’t we also set aside some time to see Mother? After bringing up changing the longma with uncle and Rosa, I’ve got some things I want to get off my chest and ease some worries.”

“Of course, but let me finish this quick test before we do anything else. After all, I’m sure we can tell the others of what we went through, and there’s also that book Kiba gave for Omen. I’m kind of curious about the what it has and if it’ll be interesting to the other children.”

Lin opted to go first into her gate, though the other side wasn’t exactly the kind of result she expected. There was no vocal response, but when Sen stepped in and came out the other side, they were back at the cave outside Canterlot. After all, this was their home, but the result calls into question what Lin thought about when she opened this path, or if Omen’s suggestion operated on a subconscious level, opening a path to what she deemed as “home.”

“Well… it’s home…” Lin started as she scratched her head. “I guess this means it worked, right Omen? I mean, I didn’t think too hard about this one unless I misunderstood what you meant by thinking less about how gates worked.”

Edited February 11, 2023 by EQ_Theta

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus

On 2023-02-10 at 7:49 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

What comes to your proposal, I have nothing against it, any information that helps with getting rid of that thing is useful, but, I won't go anywhere before updating my brother, so if you want me to come with you, you'll have to come with me first." 

"Sound's fair enough.... I agree" Light. Answered.

[Rising Dusk 27,510]

@Blitz Boom

His Bits were rejected?  Not the response he was expecting, considering the response his father got from the diamond dog not but a few moments ago for his hat.  Was he really going to have to give up his acorn?  The younger mare appeared equally as confused about the matter as well.  Speaking to terms that this was out of the ordinary.  Not that they needed to wait all that long for the remedy to their confusion.

Rising wasn't expecting the request to come from the old mare.  Really though, it made a lot of sense in a way.  Long gone are the overly powerful material needs this long away in life.  She posed no threat to the detective.  Although, appearances were vastly deceiving in the land of Harrowmark.  Physically she looked no threat to him, but Rising could pull fresh memories of the Stone Matron to know mistakes could be made in those assumptions.  Magically, at least in the sense of what enchantments were readily present on her, again posed no threat.  What she magic might be able to summon forth at a moments notice was another matter entirely.  Age and magical prowess usually came hoof in hoof.  A matter for this, seemed again less lightly a threat.

A hug.  It seemed so harmless and a genuine request from the mare that though she'd never see the day after several life times the fall of darkness and the return of the light.  A request the detective well couldn't deny.  The stallion liked himself a good hug.  "Of course," Rising nodded in agreement.  Stepping up to give the older mare her requested hug in payment for the music box.  Giving a soft hug in relation to her age, but not too soft as to rob her of the request either.  "You're most welcome.  And I thank you for the music box.  I will cherish it," Rising released the hug with a smile.  Sliding the three Bits over toward the younger mare Lime to complete the transaction.  "Thank you," he nodded to Lime.  Summoning up his magic to levitate the music box into his open hoof.  

With his souvenir in hoof, it was time to return to the family.  A please smile beaming upon his snoot.  All the oblivious to the paper stuck to his back. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

On 2/10/2023 at 9:02 AM, Kujamih said:

" no splitting the team. Especially you young ones." Light looked at the kits.

" Besides... I don't want to be rude but. Trouble always follows your kind... And is more of a compliment than a rude remark for you."

"Hey, that's mostly in Neighpon, if there's some out to try and hunt for kitsune pelts."

"Yeah. Outside, it's just jokes and pranks most of the time, and we wouldn't do that now. It's too dangerous."

Kitsune were troublemakers at their core, as they were mischievous tricksters, who tended to have fun meddling with others. Especially ponies, as it were so easy, and they were so emotional about things, that it were more entertaining that way. But this here were a dangerous situation, they wouldn't do this.

If they knew him better, they might also say that trouble tended to follow Light around as well, and thus, he should hardly be judging, but they barely knew him, as it were. They mostly just knew he claimed odd things, and were the colt friend of Shark. And honestly, Shark made for the more calming presence, as time went on. Light seemed like he could be hiding so many sides to himself, but Shark? She were just... Herself. Simple and direct, as well as clearly curious and playful. Despite her large teeth, she were surprisingly easy to get used to, and accept in their eyes, as she didn't seem the sort with many a hidden layer.

She probably shouldn't be let anywhere near their village though. The elders would stare her down severely, the first time she tried to call them fluffy ones, or worse yet, try and touch them without permission.

As they were speaking, the nurse would lead them to a room, a few meters away, where she could go and get some alcohol, to treat the wound. It weren't large, but it weren't meant to be either. This were a room for quick stuff, like injections, cleaning wounds- Minor things like that, in case the other rooms were busy. There were also a pen and a block of paper, stabled to the wall, for notes. Sheshka could go and make use of that, if she wanted to.

On 2/10/2023 at 9:02 AM, Kujamih said:

" I have a proposal kobold..."

" Please join us to the headmistress. Im sure she can enlighten us with her vast knowledge and protection. This way you wont be stuck baby sitting the kits and further endangering each other. Plus youd might find something of value there... Information perhaps..."

On 2/10/2023 at 12:49 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

She glanced at Light, and while not being rude per say, she was very direct with her words, signaling that she wasn't as worried about potentially being rude "I'm going to be frank with you, I don't care enough about you to consider it baby sitting, it's an 'enemy of my enemy' situation, nothing more, nothing less, you want to be around me? go ahead, but I'm not your protector, nor do I wish for protection." "I of course appreciate help, but I want you to understand that it's nothing more than a temporary alliance, and while the usefulness of allies is obvious, I have faced worse with less help." it may have been weird coming from someone who had just said that her species was heavily community focused, but there was a reason why she specified kobolds when talking about such things, she knew surface creatures lacked whatever made kobolds so tight-knit, and thus she trusted them less, not to mention the suffering they had caused to kobolds in her world, she may have been leagues away from someone like Sheez, but that didn't mean she didn't have any dislike towards ponies and other surface creatures as a whole.

"What comes to your proposal, I have nothing against it, any information that helps with getting rid of that thing is useful, but, I won't go anywhere before updating my brother, so if you want me to come with you, you'll have to come with me first." 

"Is okay. Bad thing try hurt you, I bite it."

Shark would nuzzle Light. Protective and possessive, she weren't gonna go tear off faces just out of nowhere, but she could make pretty much anyone that could fit even partially in her mouth, into her personal dog toy. Except she treated her actual dog toy with more care. It were a great chew chew.

"Well, I dunno what you're talking about, but it never hurts having more help, right?"

A light seemed to suddenly go up, over Hachi's head, and he started to look overly excited and hopeful about something, as his sisters looked at him, like he had lost his marbles.

"Getting to the head mistress would be a great idea. We'll go too."

"What? But we don't even know if she can fight."

"Maybe, but she knows how to get in contact with mom. And we can get to talk with her-"

"- she can let the elders know what's happening!"

Zhing suddenly seemed excited too, the both of them letting off a low level, chittering purr. A shameful display, that they did theirs to halt as quickly as they heard it. Darn instincts sometimes, made for embarrassing episodes, but this were good. It were some hope, that they could get word to some who'd know what to do here.

"Sounds interesting, but before any of you run off, let me just sort this out."

She'd go over and lift the temporary cover, on Sheshka's tail, and would clean it with the rubbing alcohol. It probably didn't feel good, but it were important to have open wounds like this, as clean as possible. Same reason why when she were done, she'd also clean the cover, then reattach it again, with double the amount of rubber bands, for extra security. It had seemed a little bit loose to her.

"There we go. That wasn't so bad, right?

Sounds like you're going to your brother, and then the school? Make sure to stay grouped, okay? I dunno what's going on out there, but folks are spooked."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Yeah, you're probably right. Just saying, I've known my fair share of evil folks. Not dated any of them, but I've hung out with a fair few. Some of them make for pretty decent drinking buddies. And it always seemed to me, like a few, well places kills, would make their jobs so much easier. But hey, I'm looking at it from the side of *Break a few eggs, to make an omelet*, where what you're saying, is more like they want their cake, and eating it too. Silly that they'd toss it all away by being greedy, but in the long run, probably for the best really. I prefer things as they are, and not under the rule of some crazed despot.

I honestly get the vibe from most of my technically evil buddies, that they wouldn't even know what to do with themselves, if they ended up succeeding. Seems like the thrill of the hunt, in some ways, are what keeps them going. That and spite. Sometimes family pressure. One I hung out with a month ago roughly, wanted to be a florist, but his mom just wasn't having it. Had to go and join the family line of things. Total tool, but nice enough fellah."

She scratched her ear, and looked semi-confused at her companions. Especially Charir. He seemed to be... Tense? Something like that. Might be he were uncomfortable. Odd how that were happening now though. Maybe he got bad vibes from this pony? Seemed fairly normal to her, but Ruby had shown they were more sensitive before... Yet she hadn't lounged at her, and ripped out her larynx, so it were probably not something dangerous.

Man, her life had gotten weird since she tried stealing Ruby's necklace, huh?

"Anyway, we'd end up babbling here, til the sun sets. Might be time we head out, and get to work. I'll keep in mind about the spa. I could use a good scale cleaning one of these days.

Maybe I'll see you around there too then, yeah? For a pony, you ain't so bad."

Leviathan would send a cheeky grin to the mare, and hold a clutched fist forth. Ponies couldn't shake hands as it were, but the whole hoofshaking, were pretty much just fist-bumping as it were, and she could dig that sort of interaction. better than the hugs at least. That felt a little too personal, to just do with random beings like that.

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

 

@Stellar Heights

Ziggy clapped her hooves together excitedly, at the prospect of a bakeoff at some point. Great fun. Even Fah'lina were perking up at the thought, and licking her lips. She loved treats, and kept snatching baked goods after Ziggy baked, when she had the chance. Among other things. At least she didn't nick stuff from vendors and such, or outright steal from others that she did not know. Ziggy had figured the stealing of food, rather than scavenge stuff that were lost, dropped, or being adorable, in exchange for food, were a kind of sign of endearment. Like, she trusted Ziggy enough, to take a few treats here and there, rather than risking trouble, by doing so with strangers.

"Okay, awesome! Though that's waaaaaay back in Ponyville. If you're hungry now, we should go into Manehattan first, and try to find something. Oh! Though I do have something on me."

Ziggy would go and rummage through her pockets, then pull out some mint toffees. Small and regular snacks for most. Potentially a big meal for Pixel though, considering her size.

"This should work until we find some real food, yeah? I always keep some candy on me for Fah'lina, or if I get peckish. Or if I see a sad foal. A hug and some candy, can sometimes make all the difference."

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

 

@Sekel @Props ValRoa

"What you make of your family history, is up to you. But try and see, what they will say of this. If they will admit, and regret. I have known the pain of casting family aside, in a fit of emotional turmoil, and being too stubborn to admit my faults. They may have lived long with regret.

I am not excusing them for what you claim they have done. But there might be a side to this, that you will need to hear from them."

Macabre looked weary for a moment, as she recollected her own regrets, in throwing Soul out of Sanctuary. She hadn't the right to do it, looking back on it, but she had been afraid for his health, and that of his cousins. Distraught over what might happen, angry over him disobeying orders, and then their fight... She had been in turmoil, yet even as she regretted, she were stubborn, and refused to back down from her point of view, even when she knew it were wrong. That he were able to forgive her, were a proof of his heart being better, than how he presented himself.

Though she did not blame him, for being as he were. Mostly, she blamed herself. He had become estranged from his family, the safe frame where he could practice things proper, and had a heavy burden to bear, in the necromantic arts he had taken on himself. A pariah with no safe base, and none to turn to, except for the general. She had to remember to thank her for that, when she had the chance. It had likely done much to him, that she had been there, to give him shelter, and purpose.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2/11/2023 at 1:46 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“That sounds good, though even if you can pick up on his scent, we would only need to follow him just enough to know he’s safe. No need to further complicate things with him because who knows what others will do to stop us from finding him just as easily.”

“Sounds like that little gem Hammond had, the one that could hide his scent. All the more reason we should be even more careful.”

"Hammond have a very smart master. He will be taken well care of."

As she talked, Omen attuned herself to the cent of Rosa, who seemed to be pretty much where they had left him. He appeared to move slightly, but it were nearly nothing. Maybe he were pacing around? It were hard to say. She couldn't see him right now, after all. Just sense where he were.

"Maybe when his master makes him work for her, she will give him a gem too, to keep him hidden? I do not know. Scarcity is hard to predict. Mother should know about the gem though. It might be important."

Omen had been around for a long, long time. Few were those times, when she heard of things, that could hide some of their own from them, or hide their masters. Yet Scarcity had made both happen, within a matter of days. It were very impressive, and at least to Omen, were a good thing. Even if she didn't understand Scarcity well, this, and how quickly her brother seemed to be adapting, and learning, told her, that she were a wise master, and any of their kind, would be fortunate to have one of those.

On 2/11/2023 at 1:46 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Well… it’s home…” Lin started as she scratched her head. “I guess this means it worked, right Omen? I mean, I didn’t think too hard about this one unless I misunderstood what you meant by thinking less about how gates worked.”

Omen nodded along, to the notion that they were to go and see Mother soon. She agreed with that, as Mother would likely be pleased about that, as well as her hearing how Hammond and his master, seemed to be faring. He were likely too busy these days, to go home and try to communicate with her right now. There were so much to see, that it would be hard for him to find the time, she would imagine. Most of them were like that. He made friends quick too though, so that also took time.

That aside, she'd step to the side, and let Lin walk in first after all, leading them to the little place, outside of Canterlot, that she had seen them shelter in before. This were home to them, to some extend then? How odd. She had thought it'd lead to the longma village, as she knew they had a house there. She had been under the assumption, that home meant where your house were... Very strange.

"Maybe you did it wrong?

You should focus on where to go, but not think on how it works. Just make the gate, and go there.

It is good you can make one without thinking much though, I think. Mother says we should not fight, but we can use gates to make bad ones go away. A way to protect our masters.

You are different, Lin. You might fight. But you can also send away it looks like. That is good, yes? Something you can do by instinct.

Why is this home though? Why not your house? I thought those were what most called their homes."

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

 

@Rising Dusk

The mare looked at him with the same smile on her face as she had for most of their meeting, as Rising gave his farewells.

"Thank you too, for giving some hope to an old mare, and brightening her day."

The prince internally chuckled at this last point. Devious little one this mare, and subtle in her own ways. In fact, seemed like even at her advanced age, she had been rather sneaky, in planting that note on Rising. He appeared utterly oblivious to it at least.

He for one, found it heartwarming. A lot had only shown Rising the side of fawning adoration, or in some cases, subtle attempts at harming him. It were good in his eyes, to see that there were one who showed him a more jovial, humorous side. A little harmless prank, that spoke to him less in a matter of legendary hero, but rather someone you saw eye to eye with, and felt comfortable joking around with. When eventually Rising noticed the note, he were somewhat confident that the detective would regard it with something along that line too. He had seemed overall able to accept and embrace things, with undeath in some ways, being the exception. Though even there, he did not show too much disdain. More made it clear, that it were not something in his usual comfort zone. At least, that is how Necrotic chose to view things.

They'd be able to leave the store without much fanfare, beyond some scattered farewells, from those who had hooves or paws unfilled, and weren't busy. Work went on after all, and they wanted to finish theirs in time for the big celebration feast.

Going outside, they'd find that there were only about half the folks lining the streets as there were before. A fair few were seen moving towards the town center, in the opposite direction. The place of the main celebration. There were gonna be a lot of hungover beings tomorrow, but in fairness, they hadn't had much to celebrate for generations. Long as the guards remained alert and sober, they earned a little partying.

As they wandered down the street, many would still bow and greet the detective. A few more gifts would be presented, though so far, nothing nefarious in nature. It appeared the ones who tried to b subtle before, had either given up, or were preparing to try something else. Regardless, things would be a bit more breathable, and he'd be able to get a good, close look at the stonework and general look of Copperhagen.

It were reminiscent of the Old Town district in Canterlot. Stone houses, forges, old timey stalls and simple homes, for the majority. Some had more extravagant looks to them, with one of those they passed, currently being emptied of precious metals, artwork, and the like. A paintjob on the window, with a quick brush, had written *Traitor!* in red. Likely the former home, of one of Twisted's main supporters.

Lily would likely have had a few words to share on this, but she had decided to stay at the castle. best to not sour this tour, by having her presence potentially stain the reputation of Rising, or cause ire, that would spoil the merryment. She were well guarded though, so he needn't worry, and she had plenty of things she could do in the meantime.

"Former royal *advisor*, Shell Shifter's home. A plant from Twisted, to keep tabs on the royal house. I long to see him pay one day, for all the atrocities he committed, to please his master. Sadly he slipped away quickly, before we got hold of him. Perhaps if we are lucky, he will have been assimilated by a Bog Hunter."

Having met one, Rising would probably know that this were not something you wished upon someone else lightly. The shadowy, oily monster in the barn, were a troubling thing to encounter. And being part of it, or eaten? Grizzly prospect.

"Ah, but I don't wish for us to focus on the depravities of the past, but rather look towards the bright future ahead. Which for us currently, are leading us to the main plaza."

Gerthrude would halt in front of them, before they got to see much though, her nostrils flaring, and eyes narrowing. Her ears perked, as the heard the faint sounds of gasps, and beings moving in this direction, rather than towards where they had been heading, and she were not pleased. It sounded like trouble.

"Captain? What is the matter?"

"Nothing yet, but be alert. I sense a commotion ahead."

Her knights tensed up, as they closed rank closer around the family. They were not going to let harm come to them, nor would Gerthrude, who seemed ready to draw her mace at a moments notice, as they went onward.

There were indeed some commotion. Most of it, were locals gathering up, and preparing the festivities, bringing food, ornaments, helping with handling the hundreds of tables, and countless plates and such, that were needed on them. Then there were those handling food, moving like a myriad of ants, between so many ovens, large cauldrons, tables where things needed to be cut and prepared, etc. Enough were being prepared here, to feed this entire capitol for a month, and it were more at once, than any of them had tried to deal with before. Yet they'd get the job done, and do theirs to keep up with the pace, so they could go through this swimmingly, once the feast actually started.

Yet there were also other small signs, of something being off. A few scattered ones, were moving in the other direction, looking backwards to the areas ahead, with worried eyes, and whispered tones to whom they walked with. Hurried steps from a few that had nothing to do with the preparations were also noted, and if Rising listened very closely, he might be able to hear a few tones of voices, sounding alarmed. Yet the words would be scattered, and barely useful. Hitting on nothing concrete.

As they moved on, it would become more notable, yet there weren't a lot still. The majority seemed to get on with their lives and preparations, with much vigor and focus. As a matter of fact, it were fewer and fewer here, that seemed to notice the prince, or their savior. Especially at the food prepping area, not a single one had the time to even look towards them. Too much to do, and especially here, as the path were now headed towards the main entry of Harrowmark in the distance. Considering the amount of travelers that would be coming for the celebrations, it were little wonder that they needed to focus extra much around here.

"Anything notable yet?"

"Signs, but no answers. We'll remain alert, and fortify ourselves in one of the nearby homes, if something goes amiss."

That included keeping an extra close look on Rising's father, for Rhodan, and ensuring he did not wander off. It were starting to get crowded again, and thus, it were hardly the time to run off, even if potential danger wasn't looming.

Rising might also find that a lot more eyes were starting to focus on him, yet not from the ponies, or diamond dogs as much. Small eyes near the ground in alleys, and around trash cans, as well as from birds here and there on the roofs, seemed to follow him with interest, as he moved along with the knights, and his family.

Speaking of others looking at him, he might have also noticed another response that had come at times, as they had left the shop, and onwards. That being scattered snickering, and a few creatures pointing towards him at the same time. One of the knights had even chuckled a little to himself, though with no explanation as to why.

It were a good question how long it'd be, before he'd notice, or be made aware. Dawn would probably see it in advance, yet it remained to be seen, if she made him aware. She might see it as nothing, unless she had picked up on a bit of Harrowish being written here and there, since they had entered through the portal.

[Nightmare Saturn 815]

 @Blitz BoomPixel gobbled down her candy, chewing rapidly, the mint flavor tasted like an old favorite of hers, peppermint cake... Sienna used to bake it for her, but now it was no longer on the menu. She indulged in it, and then she was finished. Glory on the other hoof, savored it down to the last gulp. Sienna exclaimed "Well, howdy doo! That was delicious!" but Glory coughed, in an effort to get back on track. 

Pixel looked at her with a sour look, and then suddenly understood "OH! Yes, we came here to explore and find ourselves and a shrine! We should get back to that! It's very important!" she snuffled, with her voice that sounded like she had a cold.  "Indeed! I need to find ME somewhere!" Glory said softly. 

Edited February 20, 2023 by Stellar Heights

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-02-20 at 8:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Maybe when his master makes him work for her, she will give him a gem too, to keep him hidden? I do not know. Scarcity is hard to predict. Mother should know about the gem though. It might be important."

“It wouldn’t hurt to try asking if she knows more about it. Knowing what Scarcity is capable of, having a way to do such a thing makes her dangerous if we cross her. That unpredictability is her advantage, especially more so because we barely know much about her. I guess I’m starting to understand why the fear of the unknown is a thing.”

Sen sat by the fire pit once everyone made their way through Lin’s gate and found himself pondering on this matter. Scarcity is powerful and well-connected, a kind of ally that is worth having on their side simply because it means they wouldn’t be a target. The longma knows how it would feel like to be hunted, and being within Scarcity’s crosshairs poses a kind of danger and paranoia that is on a whole other level. Looking over one’s shoulders would barely describe that feeling. No matter how the situation was framed, it was sure to set his heart racing.

However, it wasn’t just him who had the gears in their head turning, as Lin sat by the cave’s furthest interior wall to figure out what exactly went wrong. She did her usual process, minus the part that involved deep thinking. Focus on a place, then open a gate. Perhaps it was the first part of the process that went wrong, as she wasn’t thinking too much on a destination beyond what she thought “home” was for her.

On 2023-02-20 at 8:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

You should focus on where to go, but not think on how it works. Just make the gate, and go there.

It is good you can make one without thinking much though, I think. Mother says we should not fight, but we can use gates to make bad ones go away. A way to protect our masters.

You are different, Lin. You might fight. But you can also send away it looks like. That is good, yes? Something you can do by instinct.

Why is this home though? Why not your house? I thought those were what most called their homes."

“Not focusing on how it works? I suppose it makes sense that when you do something enough times, you don’t tend to think about it anymore. It’s sort of like breathing? We do it so much that we just don’t think about it, and it just happens. Maybe it works on a different level mentally? Hmm… it sounds like having a variety of uses for this power and mixing them into a fighting style could be interesting.”

“I wouldn’t know where to begin with answering your last question, though. Maybe it’s because it’s the last place we visited that could be considered home? Or it might be because I don’t see the old family hut as my home anymore. That place may have been fixed up, but old and painful memories are still there. Those don’t go away because they are always there to remind you of them…”

She may not have been there physically, but when Sen recounted the events of that fateful night, it made Lin sick to her stomach. Her eyes watered at the thought of Sen being ripped away from mother and father, then being forced to run away to save himself. She wasn’t there physically, but she could imagine herself being there, living through the emotions her brother felt. Even now, she could still see it playing out in reality, with the phantoms enacting every painful moment.

It wasn’t something that could be forgotten, but that memory is driving Sen to go back home. It may spur him to action, but the same memory only seems intent to drive Lin away. 

“Let me try this again, and I’ll follow your instructions… Focus on where to go, but don’t think about how it works…”

The longma opened another gate in a small, focused area, once more with the exit being their home. It was as good a time to try this process again, though she hoped the result would turn out different. The result may just prove a hypothesis of gates acting through one’s subconscious right. Unfortunately, the path through the gate brought Lin back to where she started, and Sen didn't even need to step through the new gate.

“Here again? Either I am not being specific enough on a location or I really see this place as my home. When you open gates, do you focus on a specific place where a gate will open? Let’s say I wanted to go to the guest room in Rosa’s house. Do I need to think about that room specifically to open a gate there or do I just think of Rosa’s house in general? I think opening an exit point requires me to be specific, otherwise this power might working off something like an inner thought.”

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@EQ_Theta

On 2/21/2023 at 4:12 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It wouldn’t hurt to try asking if she knows more about it. Knowing what Scarcity is capable of, having a way to do such a thing makes her dangerous if we cross her. That unpredictability is her advantage, especially more so because we barely know much about her. I guess I’m starting to understand why the fear of the unknown is a thing.”

"Mother does not chose us bad masters. If she let brother go with her, it means she trust Scarcity can be a good master. That is good enough for me."

Omen's view were rather... Short sighted, one might think, but in fairness, her relation to fear were meandering, and from a narrow viewpoint, Scarcity would make for a great influence on Hammond. It were what were beneath the first few layers, that made her an invaluable ally, or disturbing enemy. And unfortunately, she were aware of that, and thus, could play both sides to her own advantage.

In essence, it were not a matter of if she had the upper hoof. It were more about hoping you saw benefit too, and long as you did not try and cross her, she tended to let those working for her, intentionally or not, see benefit for their service. She were more of the opinion, that a well paid workforce, were if not always happy, then at least accepted their lot in life better, and could tolerate things, without getting too many thoughts of rebellion. Sure ruling with fear and intimidation might seem like it would be cheaper, but that cost a lot to keep going too, and she frankly didn't care much for the added expenses, of having to deal with more accusations then, from dismayed beings, thinking they had nothing left to lose, and then having to clean up those messes.

One had to get into the small numbers, but the expenses and profit were not far apart, from her ways, and that of some of her more ruthless colleagues. And when you then factored in the higher degree of loyalty she had, and the fact she did not have to live in the shadows, but could comfortably mingle in society as a whole, the gains were vastly superior to her.

How she made that all work, and the delicate balance it must be, to juggle everything, so many moods and wants, and still turn a profit, likely only she knew. But the fact that she did make it work, tended to cause both respect and concern, among her peers, in the criminal underground. Barely anyone knew where they had her, and she so enjoyed the upper hoof that gave her. Even against far older, more accomplished leaders of the black market, like Le Perinne, who were not easy to impress, she had become someone of notice. Even though the elder dragon, were still ranking higher up the food chain, in many varied ways, and Scarcity were not foolish enough to challenge that. One did not try and challenge a creature openly, who could obliterate you without much effort. You tried to stay out of their way, or better still, prove to be beneficial enough to them, that your presence were tolerated.

Anyway, to get back on how things were here and now, Omen did not think anywhere near as far. She only saw that Mother had allowed Scarcity one of her children, and thus, she believed that there had been something good in Scarcity, that she had bit notice in. She had also seemed to be nice at the bakery, when she saw her earlier, with brother, and the filly.

On 2/21/2023 at 4:12 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I wouldn’t know where to begin with answering your last question, though. Maybe it’s because it’s the last place we visited that could be considered home? Or it might be because I don’t see the old family hut as my home anymore. That place may have been fixed up, but old and painful memories are still there. Those don’t go away because they are always there to remind you of them…”

Omen did not know what to say about that, and thus, remained quiet. The concept of memories bringing pain were foreign to her. She understood longing, but from what she understood, of memories involving dead family members, it were something very bad, and not something that a friend would dig too much into. She had not always been good at that, but now did not seem the time... Yes? She would ask Rosa later. He seemed to know a lot, and if she understood this right, she were not supposed to ask Lin about things right now. They'd see. She had been wrong before, and would likely be so again.

She seemed to have more watery eyes too now... That were a bad sign. She were almost sure of it. Though she had sometimes seen some cry, that had been laughing. It send some mixed signals, but this weren't with a smile. That seemed to show it were not something good.

On 2/21/2023 at 4:12 PM, EQ_Theta said:

The longma opened another gate in a small, focused area, once more with the exit being their home. It was as good a time to try this process again, though she hoped the result would turn out different. The result may just prove a hypothesis of gates acting through one’s subconscious right. Unfortunately, the path through the gate brought Lin back to where she started, and Sen didn't even need to step through the new gate.

“Here again? Either I am not being specific enough on a location or I really see this place as my home. When you open gates, do you focus on a specific place where a gate will open? Let’s say I wanted to go to the guest room in Rosa’s house. Do I need to think about that room specifically to open a gate there or do I just think of Rosa’s house in general? I think opening an exit point requires me to be specific, otherwise this power might working off something like an inner thought.”

"I focus on a scent. Then when I have it, I open a gate near them.

Maybe you are underthinking things? I still have to think of the scent, and focus on it. Maybe the issue is that you keep just thinking home, instead of where it is, that you want to go? Good when you are trying to escape. Not good, if you are trying to go somewhere.

…I remember a sister. She found places, not beings. She said it helped her, to think of something specific about the place. A special stone, or a strangely shaped pile of flesh. Something you remember. Then you can go to the place, even if it have changed. I do that sometimes, though most places have changed. Not a lot of places, stayed the same, after I waited for Master Discord.

The way you say it, then yes. You need to think about something special in his guest room. Maybe the bed? Something you remember about the place. If you just think his house, it could be any room you had been in. Or outside.

It is natural to do these things, for me, and our other siblings, but we are unformed for a long, long time. What little we can, we know how to do easily. You have only been one of us for a very short time. Maybe you need practice?

You want to go to the hut, yes? Try thinking about... My room, maybe? The box I put in there. Maybe that is a point you can use?"

Honestly, Omen were not a tutor, and thus, just said things, which went a bit in circles, and hoped there were some sort of meaning to them. Rosa would do better, she were sure. Even if he weren't one of them, he had many big words, for many things. He could probably explain things better, somehow. She'd say she missed him, if she understood that proper, but she did feel a tinge of longing. Like she had towards Discord, when he had vanished long ago, albeit at a far lesser scale.

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

 

@Stellar Heights

"Then what're we waiting for? Let's Goooooooooooo."

Ziggy zoomed off, before she were even done talking. Going from zero, to a zig-zagged pattern of pink and white, going towards town. One description that tended to stick with her, from others observing, were that she looked like a bolt of lightning, that had gotten drunk. She had never indulged in alcohol, but it sounded like a hilarious description for Ziggy, so she tended to keep that one to heart.

About halfway towards town though, the bolt would stop midair, with her grabbing hold of a thick tree branch, high in the air, upside down. Then suddenly, she'd rush back towards them, and land near them.

"Oh! Right, you're with me. Hehe, silly me. Come on, let's run for the town, and see who goes first!"

She'd be fair here, and run in at regular equine speed. Which were pretty slow for her, but it allowed fair game for the others, and for Fah'lina to land on her back, and just sit along for the ride, as Ziggy ran ahead, giggling like a little filly, on her way to the big city. It weren't too far off, and within it, they'd find... Well, she had no idea, as she had never been there, but sure there could be shrines and stuff, yeah? Enough space, and there were bound to be all sorts of things.

Which would start with most things at the outskirts of even large cities: Smaller houses. A little preview if you would, of what were to come, when they'd eventually get in, and be faced with taller, more impressive buildings. Right now, the small houses that made the outskirts, were more quant. One also however, had a large dragon wrapped around the outside, seemingly having a nap, with an elderly mare, watering her garden around said dragon. She did seem to have to lift said dragon's tail and move it to the side a bit though, as it were pushing on one of her rosebushes, but it were done rather casually. Mighty peculiar, but nothing seemed to be on fire, so that were good.

[Nightmare Saturn 815]

Pixel tried to catch up, but even at the slow pace Ziggy was going at, it was too fast for her, Glory felt bad though and tossed Pixel onto her back and flew up into the air. Sienna on the other hoof was having just a teeny bit of trouble, but was still able to be close behind Ziggy. Back to Glory and Pixel in the air however, "Whoa! Glory, maybe you could, slow down a bit?" Pixel whisper-shouted. they finally entered the city with Ziggy, Pixel plopped off of Glory's back into the lush grass, and panted. Meanwhile Sienna and Glory were amazed by the dragon.