open Casual stroll

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-03-17 at 3:58 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I have looked at creatures in Equestria, and other places, many times, searching for my master. I can tell what I have seen, as best as I understand it. Mother will tell me what I should not."

“I think it’s best if we visited Mother sometime soon so we could get her thoughts on the matter. This is a big moment, and anything that can give us a better chance of success is something we should seriously consider.”

“That, and it’ll be good to let her know about how we’re doing. Giving her peace of mind is just as important.”

The siblings nodded both at Omen’s response to Ghilan and at each other’s suggestions. Hesitancy and doubts aside, there was always something about speaking with confidants that gave the longma siblings strength. Whether it be with Rosa or Mother, whom the siblings enjoyed company with, they always had wisdom or knowledge to impart that had a not insignificant effect on them. It wasn’t quite like making conversation over tea or dinner but a moment when they can bare themselves and speak about difficult matters without judgment, which was the kind of thing they felt they needed.

On 2023-03-17 at 3:58 AM, Blitz Boom said:

It does not matter if you have had time, if you have not spend it learning things."

One could argue that Omen were older than this, but she did not count how long she had been in Mother's realm. None of them did, including her. They all considered the time when they were made whole, to be their actual birth, and thus, an indicator of how old they were. Except perhaps Lin, who were whole before them. She were the one exception, that would make sense to not start there, as she had been born before that.

"If you are the one who learned the most, of those who are left, then maybe you are best to lead them? That makes sense to me at least.

“Heh, heh… Well, thank you for your confidence in me, Omen, but be honest. Would you trust an elder whose only success so far is getting things back to normal with nothing new after it? Very little’s changed in the village, and while some villagers don’t mind you being here, it’ll be different elsewhere. Still, your words are true; those who spend time learning new things may be in a better position to lead.”

“Wouldn’t you say you are learning? About Equestria or other creatures beyond ourselves? And wouldn’t that make you a good option for elder if you had a chance?”

Ghilan didn’t expect to find himself on the receiving end of the questioning now, but Omen, Sen, and Lin had a point about learning and experience. Their travels and experiences already gave them an edge on this matter, and all they need now is an opportunity to share what they know. He’d overlook the part where having something to show for their knowledge and demonstrate that knowledge’s applicability is just as important, but they might already have something that could do that. There was a hint of wisdom in their words that gave the young elder confidence, and he had to steel his resolve just like his friends before him. Perhaps there was a chance for them to succeed. However, not all questions had easy answers. He had some idea of what he could say, but that sense of certainty wasn’t on his side.

On 2023-03-17 at 3:58 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Where did the others go, that could have helped. Did they run away? Were they exiled? Do they just not want to be in charge?"

“Some thought that their roles couldn’t be abandoned or have the skills to lead like village healer Arenaria. Others didn’t believe that anything would change and left, willingly exiling themselves in the hopes of finding a better life. Then, there are those who thought a better understanding of ourselves was where we should start. Are you all aware of the longma’s history? About why we chose isolation and the events that led to that choice? Some of us believe that the story doesn’t add up, and they left to find the truth. Wouldn’t you say there is some merit to their reasons? If you were in their place, Omen, would you agree with them?”

Those reasons resonated with the siblings, at least to varying degrees. Arenaria’s role as a healer was too important to give up, especially if it meant abandoning those who needed her skills. The second was true for Uddo and his partner, who found a better life in Canterlot and was unwilling to go back. However, the last one was something that piqued Lin’s interest. Some longma aren’t entirely convinced of the historical accounts that led to their isolationism, and they’re off looking for answers. Maybe there was something worth pursuing at home after all. 

At the same time, Ghilan wanted to see how Omen could articulate her responses. If they were all poised to speak before the elders, he’d like to see how they’d fare in a controlled setting. After all, there was a chance they’d all be going into a debate to argue each other’s ideas. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@EQ_Theta

12 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I think it’s best if we visited Mother sometime soon so we could get her thoughts on the matter. This is a big moment, and anything that can give us a better chance of success is something we should seriously consider.”

“That, and it’ll be good to let her know about how we’re doing. Giving her peace of mind is just as important.”

Omen simply nodded at this, rather than add her own words to it. She had nothing to add anyway, as they were right. Speaking with Mother, would help them, and ease her mind. She seemed to have grown quite fond of Sen and Lin, speaking with them as often as she did. Even briefly, as they passed through. Maybe hearing how things were, she would not think so much about them? Though Omen wasn't sure why she did. There were many children, who all adored her attention. Were it because Lin were a mixture, and thus she were... Concerned? Worried? Omen wasn't sure what emotion would fit, but it could go back to Lin being a new kind of their kin, that were making her act as she did.

12 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Heh, heh… Well, thank you for your confidence in me, Omen, but be honest. Would you trust an elder whose only success so far is getting things back to normal with nothing new after it? Very little’s changed in the village, and while some villagers don’t mind you being here, it’ll be different elsewhere. Still, your words are true; those who spend time learning new things may be in a better position to lead.”

“Wouldn’t you say you are learning? About Equestria or other creatures beyond ourselves? And wouldn’t that make you a good option for elder if you had a chance?”

"No. There are leaders, and there are followers. I am not a master. I am a servant."

This were if anything, the one thing that Omen were certain of. She might take some decisions herself at times, but in the end, she were not one to lead. She did not have that spark in her, that would make her a good master. She did some minor things, attempted to learn, but in the end, she were meant to take orders, and listen. That she picked some orders to follow, and not all, were mostly down to ingrained believes, and guidelines, given to her by both Mother, and Discord.

"And I would trust you, because I se others do the same. Those that I believe in. If they have faith in you, that is all I need, to trust you."

Omen were naive, and did put her trust in several, whom she should not. Among them, being Filigree. Her believing the mare, and following her guidelines, were the reason she had gotten stuck in crystal to begin with. That among other things, were prime examples that she put her trust, in too many creatures. That said however, some she did put more trust in, than others. Ghilan were one of those, whom she'd trust more than most, because she saw Sen, Lin, and Rosa, appeared to trust him a fair bit. She thought Rosa did at least. He used so many, many big words, when speaking to Ghilan sometimes.

12 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Some thought that their roles couldn’t be abandoned or have the skills to lead like village healer Arenaria. Others didn’t believe that anything would change and left, willingly exiling themselves in the hopes of finding a better life. Then, there are those who thought a better understanding of ourselves was where we should start. Are you all aware of the longma’s history? About why we chose isolation and the events that led to that choice? Some of us believe that the story doesn’t add up, and they left to find the truth. Wouldn’t you say there is some merit to their reasons? If you were in their place, Omen, would you agree with them?”

"...One were important, others lost hope. Some others, did not think your story was right... I am not sure about the second ones, but I can understand the others. Some are too important to change, and normal creatures often need healers, or nurses, from what I have seen.

And it sounds good to me, that others have gone to find answers. It is important to know things. Mother would approve of them, wanting to learn things, and question what does not sound right. She tells us to do the same, when what our masters tells us, sounds wrong. When we have learned enough, to question things. My master never taught me enough to do that, but many of our siblings have.

So with them gone, to do things that were right for them, there were just you? Then I do not see the problem. If things have not gotten worse, is that not a good start? I have been told, that most creatures, prefer things being normal. That things can not get better, if there is not stability first.

I still do not understand it, or the other many things I were told entirely, but the strange one with the golden eyes, said that to me once. The little I think I understand, means that you keeping things normal, is a start, but then you want things to change, and that is better. But you are trying to make things change, yes? Is that not what you and Rosa have been talking about?"

Her words might sound a bit tangled up in this, but she were trying to process through things a bit by bit here. She had been relatively sure that she had some semblance of an idea, about what were happening here, but now she were not so sure anymore. But if she were right, then it sounded like Ghilan were doing the right thing.

Being a leader must be confusing. A lot of decisions to take, and questioning yourself all the time. She did not understand how good some were at that sometimes.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

"I have heard of many gods, but not one who is a writer, or looks like a bald monkey."

"Maybe he's talking about muses? Elder Cha says he heard about them, when he were travelling in his youth. Something about strange, two legged creatures, inspiring stories and art."

"Oh right. The thing he keeps talking about, when he gets summer sake."

"I still prefer his story about the festival of pyres."

"I like the one about Emperor Straw Razer."

The two would nod in unison. The elder were a stoic one, but when he got to drinking some, eventually he'd get in a story mode, though how much of it were true were debatable. Some of them seemed so fantastic, that it hardly seemed possible, but the other elders never corrected him. They just said that his stories inspired many a soul. As such, everyone just had to guess, and the younger generations, tended to believe a lot of them. Elder Cha were an impressive figure, and thus, he were given leeway by the younger kits, and as they grew older, some would begin to draw meaning from the stories, which helped shape their paths in life, as they flourished into adults. Likely why the elders would not speak to the authenticity. That his stories brought joy, and later meaning, were the important part. Not if they were real or not.

One of the reasons why the elder always had a scribe near him, dotting down every word when he talked. Elder Cha were not a young kitsune anymore, and eventually, his voice would fall silent. So it were important to get as many as his stories on paper, as were possible, whilst still not giving him enough alcohol to endanger his health.

"Anyway, is it muses you're talking about? Otherwise, I don't know what gods you've seen. Where were they from? Were they from the north? We haven't heard a lot about the gods in the far north."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

9 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

@EQ_Theta

Omen simply nodded at this, rather than add her own words to it. She had nothing to add anyway, as they were right. Speaking with Mother, would help them, and ease her mind. She seemed to have grown quite fond of Sen and Lin, speaking with them as often as she did. Even briefly, as they passed through. Maybe hearing how things were, she would not think so much about them? Though Omen wasn't sure why she did. There were many children, who all adored her attention. Were it because Lin were a mixture, and thus she were... Concerned? Worried? Omen wasn't sure what emotion would fit, but it could go back to Lin being a new kind of their kin, that were making her act as she did.

"No. There are leaders, and there are followers. I am not a master. I am a servant."

This were if anything, the one thing that Omen were certain of. She might take some decisions herself at times, but in the end, she were not one to lead. She did not have that spark in her, that would make her a good master. She did some minor things, attempted to learn, but in the end, she were meant to take orders, and listen. That she picked some orders to follow, and not all, were mostly down to ingrained believes, and guidelines, given to her by both Mother, and Discord.

"And I would trust you, because I se others do the same. Those that I believe in. If they have faith in you, that is all I need, to trust you."

Omen were naive, and did put her trust in several, whom she should not. Among them, being Filigree. Her believing the mare, and following her guidelines, were the reason she had gotten stuck in crystal to begin with. That among other things, were prime examples that she put her trust, in too many creatures. That said however, some she did put more trust in, than others. Ghilan were one of those, whom she'd trust more than most, because she saw Sen, Lin, and Rosa, appeared to trust him a fair bit. She thought Rosa did at least. He used so many, many big words, when speaking to Ghilan sometimes.

"...One were important, others lost hope. Some others, did not think your story was right... I am not sure about the second ones, but I can understand the others. Some are too important to change, and normal creatures often need healers, or nurses, from what I have seen.

And it sounds good to me, that others have gone to find answers. It is important to know things. Mother would approve of them, wanting to learn things, and question what does not sound right. She tells us to do the same, when what our masters tells us, sounds wrong. When we have learned enough, to question things. My master never taught me enough to do that, but many of our siblings have.

So with them gone, to do things that were right for them, there were just you? Then I do not see the problem. If things have not gotten worse, is that not a good start? I have been told, that most creatures, prefer things being normal. That things can not get better, if there is not stability first.

I still do not understand it, or the other many things I were told entirely, but the strange one with the golden eyes, said that to me once. The little I think I understand, means that you keeping things normal, is a start, but then you want things to change, and that is better. But you are trying to make things change, yes? Is that not what you and Rosa have been talking about?"

Her words might sound a bit tangled up in this, but she were trying to process through things a bit by bit here. She had been relatively sure that she had some semblance of an idea, about what were happening here, but now she were not so sure anymore. But if she were right, then it sounded like Ghilan were doing the right thing.

Being a leader must be confusing. A lot of decisions to take, and questioning yourself all the time. She did not understand how good some were at that sometimes.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

"I have heard of many gods, but not one who is a writer, or looks like a bald monkey."

"Maybe he's talking about muses? Elder Cha says he heard about them, when he were travelling in his youth. Something about strange, two legged creatures, inspiring stories and art."

"Oh right. The thing he keeps talking about, when he gets summer sake."

"I still prefer his story about the festival of pyres."

"I like the one about Emperor Straw Razer."

The two would nod in unison. The elder were a stoic one, but when he got to drinking some, eventually he'd get in a story mode, though how much of it were true were debatable. Some of them seemed so fantastic, that it hardly seemed possible, but the other elders never corrected him. They just said that his stories inspired many a soul. As such, everyone just had to guess, and the younger generations, tended to believe a lot of them. Elder Cha were an impressive figure, and thus, he were given leeway by the younger kits, and as they grew older, some would begin to draw meaning from the stories, which helped shape their paths in life, as they flourished into adults. Likely why the elders would not speak to the authenticity. That his stories brought joy, and later meaning, were the important part. Not if they were real or not.

One of the reasons why the elder always had a scribe near him, dotting down every word when he talked. Elder Cha were not a young kitsune anymore, and eventually, his voice would fall silent. So it were important to get as many as his stories on paper, as were possible, whilst still not giving him enough alcohol to endanger his health.

"Anyway, is it muses you're talking about? Otherwise, I don't know what gods you've seen. Where were they from? Were they from the north? We haven't heard a lot about the gods in the far north."

@Blitz Boom

@Catpone Cerberus

" Hahahaha. I'm not talking about those gods that share this kind of plane of existence with us.... Im talking about the ones who made everything. They wrote our world into existence. Hence they are writers: the weaver of faith." He explained.

" Pretty much the Gods of gods."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,594]

@Blitz Boom@Kujamih

Sheska responded to Light in very neutral tone "Because being understood correctly is more important than a joke I personally don't find funny." "Relationships and loyalty are lot more serious to us than you surface dwellers understand, betrayal is not a joking matter." misunderstandings could also be deadly, sure, in this contexts not, misunderstanding her point wouldn't have killed anyone, but being who she was, she rather ruined a joke by explaining than hurt someone by not doing so. 

For the conversation about gods, or in this case 'writers', she didn't have much to say, her only participation being "Doesn't matter to me what you call them, or what realm they are from, they abandoned us when they were needed the most, so they don't deserve attention." this was all she said, and any further discussion on the matter would at most get the same point repeated in slightly different words.

She didn't say it, but saying that she didn't believe in higher power wasn't necessarily correct, depended really on the definition of believe, she did believe that gods existed, hay, their oppressors were ruled by what could be considered to be gods, but did she believe in them to do the right thing? no, whatever existed out there was either too weak or too unwilling to help them, so to her, and most kobolds in her world in general, gods may just as well not exist.

In her response to the kitsune, she was less emotional than before, since this topic didn't bring up rage like traitors did, and she sounded lot more like the educated adult she was "In what we know as Equestria, who you know as the Alicorn princesses, are closer to gods themselves, beings that can't be described as ponies, even if that is the from they take, The ruler of night, embodiment of darkness, fear and nightmares, and the ruler of the day, the embodiment of fire, destruction and loss." "If there is other gods, the worship is not visible." she knew some individuals doing their rituals to all kinds of beings, but she had no knowledge on how real they were, because like stated, gods and such were not worthy of her attention.

"We don't much think about spirits, without going in long detail, we use our fallen for good of the family and rest of the community, burning what we can't use, and since ghosts are a rare sight, it is safe to assume it is the correct thing to do. The exact details change family to family, but that is the general norm." the choice of words was intentional, because ghost weren't unseen thing, just very rare, and when they were seen, the problem was usually a outside thing that could be fixed. 

"And no need to be sorry for our lack of faith, or to be sensitive about it, you don't miss something you never had, I have no wish to rely on higher power, as we started to build our own success generations ago, to give a slightly grim allegory, if we fall in a hole and starve, we don't beg the universe for food, rather, we take our fallen brothers and sisters, and build a ladder from their bones." not the most child friendly allegory, but she didn't remember to worry about that, because back home there was no need for such consideration, most young creatures had seen horrors with their own eyes, so talking about this type of things really wasn't a big deal. 

Sheska was not bothered by the situation, while body snatchers weren't a common thread specifically, she was very much used to everyone being a potential threat, and thus it was very natural to her to be on high alert constantly without wearing herself down, her readiness would also be visible outside as the crossbow she was carrying was loaded and ready when outside. While she was of course prepared for an attack, she didn't actually thing it would happen now, because while they were out in the open, it was bit too open, she maybe didn't like guards herself, but she knew that their presence most likely did something, since it was pretty much proven that the attacker didn't like having numbers against it.

Sheska managed to stay dry regardless of the 'attack', as she had learned from the last time and protected herself before touching the door, just in case there was another dagger trap, so like with the pinkie's 'attack' earlier, things thrown at her landed on top of the magic instead of her scales, though she could have used a shower as the dry air of a sunny day was still uncomfortable to her. 

For her reaction otherwise, it was as to be expected, at first she almost attacked the drunk pony, but as quickly as she was ready to strike, she also got the picture of the situation and relaxed, at most pushing the drunk away if necessary, though if not necessary, she'd just ignore him.

She also scanned the place for any potential threats, her eyes locking for a moment to a hooded robe-wearing creature on one of the tables, before she continued her way upstairs. She was merely checking the figure to see if it was Sheez, but while it was a bipedal creature, it was way too big to be her, being notably taller than a kobold, thus most likely a dragon, and while ominous with the whole body covering clothing, there was so many empty glasses and such on the table, that the creature had clearly had way too much alcohol to be a threat, even by dragon standards, not that there was any indication of a threat anyway. 

Assuming nothing happened besides the drunk, Sheska would lead the group on the door of the room, and knocked on it, shouting something in different language, to which Trox's voice responded "yeah", after this Sheska opened the door. Trox was probably the first thing everyone would notice, part because his cybernetic arm and leg,  and partly because he walked to them...or well, to Sheska, and put his non-metal hand on her face to move it to face his, speaking in worried tone "I recognize that look, did you get attacked? where's the guard?" Sheska gently yet firmly pushed him away "She's in the hospital, I'm fine, we are dealing with a magical spirit, it possessed the guard and attacked, these younglings  call it 'Oni'." she pointed at the kitsune with the last part "It got offended by me doing my job, the reason why Onache and the guard were targeted is because it thinks they were my security, it wants me specifically."  "These are Zhing, Hachi, Light and...Shark? never actually heard if she has another name." she pointed at each as she said their names, she then turned to the group "This is Trox, my brother, and they are Chega and Sear." she again pointed at who's name she said.

Sear and Chega rose their hands to greet the newcomers, but didn't say anything at the moment, they were sitting on one of the two beds in the room, with Chega leaning on Sear and holding her guitar like she had been playing it moments before. There was also the bag from earlier now in the room with bunch of the metal scrap on the table, having been made into what would be best described as balls of junk metal.   

 

 

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

Leviathan didn't need to worry about the inner anatomy, in her pony form, Ruby was identical to a pony, including the insides' location, with the biggest difference being things like the digestion and reproduction systems still being that of a carnivorous reptile, not that in her real form things were wildly different either, with the biggest thing being the relative size of everything. The poke seemed to tense Ruby up, most likely a reflex, since she relaxed right away, but a reminder of the life she had lived, like with Charir, physical contact was seen as a threat before anything, and while she had seemingly ignored the previous times Leviathan had put her hand on her, those time she had been in her real form, while now she was in objectively weaker state, and also felt the poke lot more strongly than she would have through her scales.

"The reason a hug does that to you is because you have learned to connect it to emotional closeness, and because it provides the feeling of safety." "I do not have those connections, it will take more than physical embrace to warm the icy stone you call heart." Ruby too could use metaphors, and she was well aware of the use of heart when talking about these things, it also sounded like she was at least somewhat self-aware about her coldness being a layer rather than true nature. 

 

She didn't have much to comment on the latter statements, kinda just shrugging at the hat comment, not having any real opinion on the matter besides what she already stated, and for the interaction with the weather worker, she didn't pay that much attention, but it did make her think about something, which she brought up after they were alone again. "I have come to realize there is something we have in common yet is very different." "We both enjoy causing mental distress." "You like to be a bother, and even I know what losing a personal item may cause in creatures like ponies." "While you have no doubt noticed my tendency to...prolong my prey's end, and I admit I take some enjoyment out of seeing creatures squirm when they see something that goes against their comforts" 

 

 

 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-03-19 at 5:43 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"And I would trust you, because I se others do the same. Those that I believe in. If they have faith in you, that is all I need, to trust you."

Ghilan shook his head, though not in disbelief. To some degree, he expected an answer like this, but the implications behind it were something that could prove dangerous for Omen. Knowing Sen and Lin, they were always looking out for her, but there are times when Omen would be on her own, and making sound decisions based on self-assessments and knowledge was something to be nurtured in everyone. Looks like the siblings would need to consider this when helping their Ki’Nathar friend.

“You may want to reconsider what you said about placing your trust in anyone, myself included. Not everyone will follow others for the right reasons whether it’s because they lack information or they didn’t think it through. If I secretly meant to harm you or take advantage of you by playing up an image of someone good and kind-hearted, you would be another victim. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t trust anyone, but if you place your trust in someone, make sure you are informed and you do it for the right reasons.”

“The same goes for you, Sen and Lin, and it is likewise true for blind distrust. Know what or who you follow and know when to abandon that trust.” The siblings nodded in agreement, finding his advice sound. Sen, especially, felt poignant about it, remembering the harsh first interactions he had with the elder a long time ago.

Having been on the receiving end of trust and distrust has left the elder in a spot that left him knowledgeable but pressured. Even now, he felt like had to earn the trust of his fellow longma, and if the future permits it, those beyond the forest. Omen trusting him too easily wasn’t reassuring, but he’d take on the matter as gently as he could to help her develop a sense of discernment, becoming conscious of matters that require serious thought.

On 2023-03-19 at 5:43 AM, Blitz Boom said:

So with them gone, to do things that were right for them, there were just you? Then I do not see the problem. If things have not gotten worse, is that not a good start? I have been told, that most creatures, prefer things being normal. That things can not get better, if there is not stability first.

I still do not understand it, or the other many things I were told entirely, but the strange one with the golden eyes, said that to me once. The little I think I understand, means that you keeping things normal, is a start, but then you want things to change, and that is better. But you are trying to make things change, yes? Is that not what you and Rosa have been talking about?"

“You’re right about me wanting to make things stable first before moving on to change, but the rest isn’t simple. As much as I want things to change, what form that would take and how I would do it are unknown, and that will leave many doubtful of my goals. Let me tell you this now: what I want is for the longma to understand that our ways aren’t perfect and be open to the perspectives of other creatures so we can improve and change ourselves. That’s why I came to you and Rosa. So I can learn and do for the other longma what you did for me. Rosa briefly taught me about Equestria, its creatures, and some of the more horrible aspects of the world outside this forest, but knowing those will be of great help when they come up.”

It sort of felt like Ghilan may need to delve into the more unsightly practices of other creatures in Equestria, especially those that would take advantage of the longma’s naïveté. If other creatures knew of them, they’d be easy pickings, but just as there were bad elements, there were good things to remember. Building alliances and positive ties with other creatures could help them better defend themselves, learn from them, and even advance without losing sight of their uniqueness. Still, despite what he's learned from his friends, especially Omen, there was positivity in her words that reassured him of what he was doing. The “strange one with the golden eyes“ caught his interest, but it may not be important for now, and so he avoided bringing it up.

He’d continue further, but it seemed their discussion would have to wait for another time, as a village hunter peered through the front entrance to the hut and signaled him. The elder knew what that meant, and his other duties couldn’t be delayed further.

“It seems I am needed elsewhere. Thank you for taking this time to discuss about what is to come with me, but if you need anything more, just let me know. Oh, and don’t forget what I said about trust, and seriously consider it. Take care, everyone, and I will see you soon.” 

[Rising Dusk 27,682]

@Blitz Boom

At least they could part ways in a more pleasant manner than this all started.  A respectable exchange of names was always a good start.  Well, for the family maybe.  The tension between the rot farmer and the guards was on a whole other level, more so than Dawn just stepping over her line to confront the diamond dog.  There was more history behind not just this rot farmer, but Rising could pick up the name itself was far beyond just a simple one.  More and more history to learn.  Things that will reach Equestria's bookstores in short time Rising didn't doubt.

The spark of pleasantries didn't last long, sadly.  Lothar went right back to calling Rising executioner.  He was pretty sure at this point it wasn't going to change anytime soon now.  Less pleasant, was the warning of the Helhests.  Not the first time these creatures had come up, and not the first time their sheer danger was emphasized to the extreme.  A nasty affair to be sure.  It also wasn't the first time he's been told they appear to be acting strangely.  Out in mass numbers as if guided, or hunting.  Hopefully the city was safe for now of them.  Hopefully they'd have enough warning if needed for Dawn to take them to safety.  Or in the worst case, hopefully enough magics in the area he could hobble together into a makeshift teleportation spell in an emergency.

"What were you thinking, darling?" the mother exclaimed at her daughter, confident that her dear was safe and unaffected by anything other than the bonk delivered by her brother.  Dawn had just stopped rubbing said area of the bonk, "Oh, you know how much I dislike party crashers, mother dearest," the mare responded with a weak smile having been scolded.  "Not your party," the brother remarked.  "I... just reacted," she rolled her hoof, trying to find the right words.  Dawn wasn't queen, queen of the underground, here in Harrowmark.  It wasn't like at home where she could clop her hoofs to move business empires, shape the economy for stimulation or know everypony's secrets.  In the end though, Dawn was who she was and it was as likely to stop her as it was to stop the wind from blowing.  Rising said nothing more.  She was safe and no crisis was caused, that's all that mattered.

It was evident the Prince didn't handle the situation all too well and it was clear he was most ashamed of it.  Everypony always had room for growth, but the Prince having been sheltered by his mother out of fear didn't give him the chances to grow in this area.  Necrotic knew fear, that was good, now he just had to learn to confront it.  Any comforting words Rising could offer would likely be salt in a wound.  Instead, Rising smile at the Prince, "I'm sure many new surprises are on the horizon.  Change can be scary, but the experiences are enlightening.  Let us continue, Necrotic," he motioned as the two high priests of the primordial gods had departed and the party could continue.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-03-20 at 2:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You may want to reconsider what you said about placing your trust in anyone, myself included. Not everyone will follow others for the right reasons whether it’s because they lack information or they didn’t think it through. If I secretly meant to harm you or take advantage of you by playing up an image of someone good and kind-hearted, you would be another victim. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t trust anyone, but if you place your trust in someone, make sure you are informed and you do it for the right reasons.”

“The same goes for you, Sen and Lin, and it is likewise true for blind distrust. Know what or who you follow and know when to abandon that trust.”

"I trust, until I am shown I should not. Or I see them hurt someone. I do not understand how to pick otherwise, as I am not like you. You have ways of understanding when to try and trust, and when not to, because you have and understand things like danger, emotions, and what to look out for. I do not. Not much at least."

It were hard to distrust a lot, if they didn't present themselves as being issues in openly obvious ways, when you didn't grasp the things that made for distrust. Fear of getting hurt. Worry whom you might be facing. Understanding that some of the ways they acted, should seem suspicious, as well the concept of being suspicious of others in the first place.

Omen did not have this, which yes, made her rather gullible, and easy to trick. It were a weakness of hers, and she understood that it were. Just not how to correct it, beyond keep trying to learn, and then think that maybe someday, she would come to understand such fundamentals of life, that many took for granted.

On 2023-03-20 at 2:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You’re right about me wanting to make things stable first before moving on to change, but the rest isn’t simple. As much as I want things to change, what form that would take and how I would do it are unknown, and that will leave many doubtful of my goals. Let me tell you this now: what I want is for the longma to understand that our ways aren’t perfect and be open to the perspectives of other creatures so we can improve and change ourselves. That’s why I came to you and Rosa. So I can learn and do for the other longma what you did for me. Rosa briefly taught me about Equestria, its creatures, and some of the more horrible aspects of the world outside this forest, but knowing those will be of great help when they come up.”

"Maybe not easy, but it sounds like it is a good thing to try, yes? Rosa can help you. He seems smart. If he had magic, he would make for a good master, for one of my siblings."

This were considered a compliment from Omen, though it would likely sound odd to Ghilan, depending on how much he had absorbed, of the knowledge that had been currently shared about Omen, and her kin.

"I heard many around, say that if something were worth doing, it were worth putting effort into. That is what you are doing too, but others might not understand? Your elders need to be taught then. I do not know how to do that, but if I can help, I will try. Just say what it is that you would want me to do. Or not do. I am told I sometimes do things, that is not helping."

Rosa had been one of the more prominent ones, to use that sentence around her, among other things. It were okay though. She believed she understood. He were smart, and smart beings liked logical, normal things, that they could understand, and she were not that. It seemed like he were understanding her better though, so maybe it were possible to understand her, if she hung around them enough? Not literally though. She had tried hanging from things around others before. It usually caused them to yell, or scream.

On 2023-03-20 at 2:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

He’d continue further, but it seemed their discussion would have to wait for another time, as a village hunter peered through the front entrance to the hut and signaled him. The elder knew what that meant, and his other duties couldn’t be delayed further.

“It seems I am needed elsewhere. Thank you for taking this time to discuss about what is to come with me, but if you need anything more, just let me know. Oh, and don’t forget what I said about trust, and seriously consider it. Take care, everyone, and I will see you soon.” 

Omen would raise a hoof, and slowly move it from side to side, trying to wave. Shrimp would try and imitate this, but with his small arms, it were not all that easy for him to try and raise it high, so it were less impressive. He were trying at least though. He himself, thought that was good enough.

It would be a few seconds after he left, with Omen looking at the door, and slowly tilting her head to the side in silence, before she would utter something. Regardless if the others had spoken, she wouldn't react before that, as a thought were batting around her head.

"...Does he not want us to trust him? He talked a lot about trust. More when I said I would trust him. Does that mean that I should not? Is he planning something bad? It sounded like it were good things that were brought up."

This were making her thoughts get tangled. She had thought she understood, but then this thought had come into her head, which just bred more questions, without any kind of simple answer to them. She did not like questions like that. They were confusing, without obvious answers.

 

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

On 2023-03-18 at 10:57 PM, Kujamih said:

" Hahahaha. I'm not talking about those gods that share this kind of plane of existence with us.... Im talking about the ones who made everything. They wrote our world into existence. Hence they are writers: the weaver of faith." He explained.

" Pretty much the Gods of gods."

"Oh, so all the way back to creation. We don't really believe there's an entity that set all of that in motion."

"For us Kitsune, we believe that the worlds were made naturally, and as life bloomed. Creatures evolved. They tapped into magic, and once that began, gods eventually rose, just like us mortals did."

"Creatures died, so the spirit realm and afterlives rose to handle the souls. We sought understanding, and so gods rose to fill the spot.

It can get complicated for outsiders, but things evolve naturally. From the smallest life, to the mightiest of gods, all rose one way or another, without some grander force, making everything in the first place.

That's our beliefs anyway. If yours dictate something else, then we won't argue against it. Just sharing what it is like from our point of view."

They might be tricksters and menaces to many, but Kitsune did have some values, as they were highly spiritual. That included that they would show tolerance to other beliefs, unless they proved directly harmful to others. SO sacrificial cults, were not to be respected for instance, but instead abhorred. Light believing there were something called writers, who *wrote* the universe into place? It didn't hurt anyone, so they had no reason to try and argue that he were wrong.

On 2023-03-19 at 2:29 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

In her response to the kitsune, she was less emotional than before, since this topic didn't bring up rage like traitors did, and she sounded lot more like the educated adult she was "In what we know as Equestria, who you know as the Alicorn princesses, are closer to gods themselves, beings that can't be described as ponies, even if that is the from they take, The ruler of night, embodiment of darkness, fear and nightmares, and the ruler of the day, the embodiment of fire, destruction and loss." "If there is other gods, the worship is not visible." she knew some individuals doing their rituals to all kinds of beings, but she had no knowledge on how real they were, because like stated, gods and such were not worthy of her attention.

"We don't much think about spirits, without going in long detail, we use our fallen for good of the family and rest of the community, burning what we can't use, and since ghosts are a rare sight, it is safe to assume it is the correct thing to do. The exact details change family to family, but that is the general norm." the choice of words was intentional, because ghost weren't unseen thing, just very rare, and when they were seen, the problem was usually a outside thing that could be fixed. 

"And no need to be sorry for our lack of faith, or to be sensitive about it, you don't miss something you never had, I have no wish to rely on higher power, as we started to build our own success generations ago, to give a slightly grim allegory, if we fall in a hole and starve, we don't beg the universe for food, rather, we take our fallen brothers and sisters, and build a ladder from their bones." not the most child friendly allegory, but she didn't remember to worry about that, because back home there was no need for such consideration, most young creatures had seen horrors with their own eyes, so talking about this type of things really wasn't a big deal. 

The kits would listen. They were after all, here to learn, and while still sceptic about her world to some extend, the more that Sheska explained, the more likely it seemed to them both, that she were telling the truth. The more details, the more believable. And thus, they'd listen, like good students, as she gave them a lesson in her world.

"Your princesses sounds like creatures of malice and hatred. No wonder there is no faith in gods of any kind, when those you can see, are such vile examples. Seeing it like that, I can't claim I would've had much faith either."

"I like to hear you respect your dead though. Sure we don't make use of our dead like that. It'd go against our beliefs, but I at least think it's a good thing, that you make sure they'll keep helping. Maybe that's why you don't see that many spirits either? They feel like they've contributed all they can, and they go get rest? That's a pretty nice thought at least.

Also, Zhing is just saying sorry to be polite. Mother told us to be nice and behave when we got here, since the elders were counting on us to make a good impression of kitsune, on the princess, and the ponies in this town.

...And your analogy at the end there, is pretty cool."

He'd get slapped with his sisters fluffy tail at that point, as she wandered in front of him, and whacked him with it.

"What he meant to say, is that while grim, it's a good saying for survivors, in harsh circumstances. It's a little dark, but it makes sense with context."

Were they at home, they wouldn't be so formal half the time, and more playful and curious, but a lot of responsibility had been put on their shoulders, and they had to do theirs, to live up to it. The veil slipped sometimes, but for the most part, they felt like they were doing okay. They just hoped the elders, and especially their mother, would agree with them on that.

On 2023-03-19 at 2:29 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"She's in the hospital, I'm fine, we are dealing with a magical spirit, it possessed the guard and attacked, these younglings  call it 'Oni'." she pointed at the kitsune with the last part "It got offended by me doing my job, the reason why Onache and the guard were targeted is because it thinks they were my security, it wants me specifically."  "These are Zhing, Hachi, Light and...Shark? never actually heard if she has another name." she pointed at each as she said their names, she then turned to the group "This is Trox, my brother, and they are Chega and Sear." she again pointed at who's name she said.

Sear and Chega rose their hands to greet the newcomers, but didn't say anything at the moment, they were sitting on one of the two beds in the room, with Chega leaning on Sear and holding her guitar like she had been playing it moments before. There was also the bag from earlier now in the room with bunch of the metal scrap on the table, having been made into what would be best described as balls of junk metal.   

The trip tot he inn were a little nerve-wracking, but not all that eventful. It seemed the oni were not yet ready to make its move,. Which were good, yet at the same time, did make them worry about what it might be planning. Didn't seem like a rash one, and thus, they would have to assume this were a cunning one, which made it all the more dangerous. As if a body snatcher weren't already scary to begin with.

Thankfully, they made it to the destination simply enough, with the only break being when Shark briefly fluttered up, and chased a hummingbird around. not for food, she just flew after it, giggling playfully for a bit, then fluttered down to them again. The kits made sure to keep an eye on her the whole time, so they knew that she had not been possessed. Better safe than sorry, right?

Anyway, when they did get to the inn, they'd quickly be met with what were undoubtedly the brother of Sheska. And one with some special replacement, for regular limbs. Certainly not something they had seen anywhere before.

They'd bow respectfully to him in greeting, as well as to Sear and Chega when they were introduced. Yet before they could respond in words, Shark would speak up, as she had been addressed, with something she were quite proud of: Her name. The one she had picked for her very self.

"Shark Jäger. Mean great hunter, like me."

She'd give them a big, happy grin, and flutter a bit in place.

"Oooh, but you... Special. Dr-aaaaa-gon. Dragon. You are dragon?"

She'd go closer, and look with childlike wonder at Sear, intrigued by what she thought this creature were, judging fromt he words in her head.

"Dragon is... Not-food, yes?"

She'd wag her bulbous shark tail, as she looked at the dragon, words having come sounding like bad news, but her whole expression, and tone of voice, sounding more like a small foal, curious about something that intrigued her.

Meanwhile, the kits would address the brother. In unison this time.

"It is very nice to meet you sir."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"So what you're saying, is that you want me to put in some effort, to thaw that ol' icicle center of yours, eh? I hear you, loud and clear."

There were a playfulness, yet also sincerity to her words. She wanted to make Ruby open more, and feel warm and accepted, like any dragon should have the chance to. Heck, maybe she'd even end up finding the concept of love, and feel her being melt from the inside out. Or she'd confuse it for hunger, and make her ideal dragon into a tooth pick. No one were perfect, and she wouldn't hold that against Ruby. She did however, want to thaw her out, and so far, it seemed they had made good progress, as her having poked her in the past, would likely have made Ruby try and make Leviathan into her pre-dinner snack. Or at least threatened her. And she were opening up to family and showing a better, kinder side to herself. Some way to go, but hey, they had literal millennia. No rush for their kind, compared to the short lived races, such as ponies.

As the talk turned though, Ruby did bring up something that Leviathan hadn't really thought of prior to this. A rather amusing little peculiarity actually.

"What can I say? I like personal items, as I think that they're actual treasure. It's something that's been liked and cherished, more than just mere hard coins and gems.

I consider myself a fair dragon though. A few things I don't touch, and if the previous owner shows up, and can argue for the release of it, or pay more than I think it's worth, I'm willing to fork it over.

Wedding bands are a big nono, unless  I nick it from a cheater. I know, I'm a sentimental little one, but I can't make myself go and mess with genuine love. Doesn't feel right to me. Also not taking stuff from kids, or poor folks. Barring a few exceptions.

But yeah, I do admit to having a certain amount of joy, seeing someone either having to give over a personal item, or them realizing that it's gone. Sometimes I nick things just to then later sneak it back on them, just to have some fun. It can be hilarious to see someone frantically look around, in a bit of a panic sometimes. Kinda like toying with prey, like you put it.

Heh. Never thought of it much like that before honestly. I do realize full on how much I mess with others though. Known it for centuries, and I own up to being a bother. You'd be surprised the sort you can sometimes end up meeting, and befriending, just by irking them at first. And then sometimes they try to swing at you. Life's a gamble, and I find it fun to see how many ways I can make the dice roll."

She were admittedly, kind of a troll in some regards. Not always she cared though, as normally, it were not done with malicious intent, and she couldn't see harm in toying around, just for the heck of it. Long as no one got hurt, what were folks getting so uptight about? Ruby's toying around did hurt others. It were also a lot more honest and direct though. Something to be respected about that degree of straight forward action.

"I didn't think much about your toying though. I recall you saying you like prey to fear, and figured you just did it to spike it up, before going for the last blow. Sorta like putting spices on your meal."

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

 

@Rising Dusk

After her family had scolded her some, Gerthrude would turn towards Dawn, and kneel down, to be closer in height to the pony. She wished to look in her eyes, as she spoke. A gesture of respect, as well as a want for her to listen to what she had to say.

"Ma'am. His highness entrusted your lives with us, and we do not take that lightly. I ask that you trust that we know what we are doing, and don't cause your family worry."

She may look tall, gruff, and like she'd be more likely to bite and growl at those that went against her. But Gerthrude were civilized, and level-headed enough to know when to intimidate, and when to talk. Her calculating mind, were the real reason she got to the position she were in the army, rather than just her size. She would show that now too, by approaching Dawn, the way that she should be: With a respectful request, to let them do their jobs, and not make her family worry further. She could quite literally smell that they were affected. Except for Rising, but he seemed like he hid many things well, that he did not want others to see, so she were not surprised there. She would assume that inside, he had felt his heart metaphorically skip a beat, when his sister had carelessly wandered out from protection, to try and intimidate Lothar.

The captain would get up again, and sheathe her weapon on her back again, whilst looking around, nostrils flaring, as she scanned for other threats. She did not see anything, and yet...

Her nostrils flared widely, as she looked towards the west, eye narrowing slightly.

"...Hayze. Irontail. Keep your senses perked, when we turn around. Can't say if something snuck in with the rot farmer."

The two knights, who made for the backline, nodded quietly, and focused more on their surroundings. Might be it were nothing, but they were not in a position, to take risks. Not with important guests like this.

While she handled this, Necrotic would get a small, yet briefly tired smile on his face. Amidst his own failings, it were reassuring to know that there were those, who'd forgive him for such improper behavior, and act as if it were nothing to worry about, or even give much attention. And he would admit, that seeing the captain as steadfast as she were, gave him a bit of resolve too. One of the reasons why she were one of the best knights in the castle, as far as he were concerned. She never failed to inspire him in some fashion.

"I agree. I believe I know of a good place to go from here. Captain? Would you kindly lead us towards Hencegrow Street?"

Gerthrude nodded, and soon after, she'd lead them down another street, than the one they had come from. A narrower one, who would soon enough open up into a more open, wider road. One that were surprisingly calm right now. Some were walking here, but it were mostly calm buildings, in what seemed like a residential area. All but two of the chimneys were cold, as the owners of the homes were out to celebrate. An eerie silence, were it not for the sound of celebration in the distance, providing some background music.

Over to the left, a mother and her two foals, would exit one of the buildings, and move towards the celebration. The filly briefly stopping to wave enthusiastically at Gerthrude, unaware of the important guests that followed her. A gesture which Gerthrude would respond to, by pounding her chest with a clench fist twice, and grin widely at the little one. It seemed to make her quite happy, though the mother insisted they moved on, and thus she would follow. Had she not, the filly might have been tempted to go over and say hi. If only she knew who else were there, yeah?

Like with all others in Harrowmark, they'd be able to see that these ponies too wore old timey, brown clothes. Patched up here and there, but still as intact as one could hope. One could only imagine what would happen, when a country of primarily cloth wearing beings, got access to better materials, and far more colors. It would probably light up the whole town.

Regardless, their path would lead them on from this soon enough, lest any from the family wanted to make themselves seen by the small family. This path, would lead them to a park, in the midst of this place. There were a playing ground on the left, recently used by the looks of things, but the attention of the prince, were on the tree there. Large and gnarly, it towered above the rest of the foliage in the park, yet should not keep the sun from them, as the branches seemed barren. Upon the surface, several small hearts of indeterminate age, were painted on, as well as a few other symbols, showing that kids while not cutting it, did leave marks, as one were prone to do at that age.

"I believed that a moment of respite, might well be in order. This park is generations old, with this tree, standing here for longer than I know. It might seem barren, but it grows, and lives well, here in this community of families.

Sometimes when I were younger, and my brother were yet with us, Mother sometimes let us go here to this park, long as we were escorted. I am sure you can venture a guess, of which fresh face in the guard, were often volunteering for taking part in such things."

He'd send a small smile towards the captain, who'd grin slightly, as she got some memories back.

"I seem to recall being asked for often, because I would swing you two higher than the others."

"Aah, good times indeed. Good, simple times...

It have been some time since last I could sneak over here, but on a day like today, some nice memories, and calm surroundings, help to center the mind. We will return to the tour shortly, I just need a moment, if that is acceptable?"

There were some benches that they could sit on if they wished to, though there were also other things one could do, like wandering the path around the tree, though under escort, checking to see what toys had been accidentally left by the foals this time, the state of the park, which were surprisingly good honestly, considering how so many things were in Harrowmark.

Rising might go further, seeing strands of simple arcane magic, from foals telekinetically booping balls around, swinging others, and playing with their toys. The usual stuff, one tended to find where uniicorns were present, just with another undertone, of dark magic too. Nothing harmful though. It were used much the same as arcane, with more a focus on the raw magic, than twisting it into something nefarious.

The tree were brimming with magic too. The natural darkness of Harrowmark, soaring lively and calmly through it, as it had generations upon generations of time to soak in the lingering magic, that seeped through the ground. Though it were a little odd. It appeared to have an old spell cast upon, that didn't seem to make a lot of sense for a tree. Maybe it were just an old accident? If not, why then would someone put a sleeping spell, on a tree?

Edited March 22, 2023 by Blitz Boom

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Oh, so all the way back to creation. We don't really believe there's an entity that set all of that in motion."

"For us Kitsune, we believe that the worlds were made naturally, and as life bloomed. Creatures evolved. They tapped into magic, and once that began, gods eventually rose, just like us mortals did."

"Creatures died, so the spirit realm and afterlives rose to handle the souls. We sought understanding, and so gods rose to fill the spot.

It can get complicated for outsiders, but things evolve naturally. From the smallest life, to the mightiest of gods, all rose one way or another, without some grander force, making everything in the first place.

That's our beliefs anyway. If yours dictate something else, then we won't argue against it. Just sharing what it is like from our point of view

" Kits, you must not have heard me quite well... I tried killing one.... So weather you believe it or not.... The truth exist. Your evolution? It exist because it lets it exist. If they stop we stop if they want they get if they don't they dispose. If they want to be amused they will. Our knowledge and comprehension to their will and actions are but a grain of sand. It is best you never meet them."

On 2023-03-19 at 9:29 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

nothing happened besides the drunk, Sheska would lead the group on the door of the room, and knocked on it, shouting something in different language, to which Trox's voice responded "yeah", after this Sheska opened the door. Trox was probably the first thing everyone would notice, part because his cybernetic arm and leg,  and partly because he walked to them...or well, to Sheska, and put his non-metal hand on her face to move it to face his, speaking in worried tone "I recognize that look, did you get attacked? where's the guard?" Sheska gently yet firmly pushed him away "She's in the hospital, I'm fine, we are dealing with a magical spirit, it possessed the guard and attacked, these younglings  call it 'Oni'." she pointed at the kitsune with the last part "It got offended by me doing my job, the reason why Onache and the guard were targeted is because it thinks they were my security, it wants me specifically."  "These are Zhing, Hachi, Light and...Shark? never actually heard if she has another name." she pointed at each as she said their names, she then turned to the group "This is Trox, my brother, and they are Chega and Sear." she again pointed at who's name she said

Light would just nod as his greeting, worry of the new strangers. 

[Sekel 693]

@Blitz Boom & @Empress Magloria

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

When the scythe cut through the connection Twilight shared with Cherish, time seemed to freeze for a moment and the force of a dozen Tirek blasts hit her all at once. She screamed in total agony for the half dozen seconds the pain lasted and when it was over, she found herself lying on the floor and panting hard. Twilight found it hard to speak so she chose to stay silent and let the pain subside even if it took a while. She did manage to move her head and tried to find Cherish upon hearing her speak.

"Is ... Cherish ... okay?" Twilight wheezed through the pain she felt deep in her core.

@Blitz Boom

DAZZLE GLEAM & DAWN STREAK

Dawn gave a nod to the guard and stood to the side, choosing to remain silent as she checked on their surroundings while Dazzle herself walked up to Scarcity with a soft pleading expression. All she wanted to know was about Scarcity's trip to the desert on the other side of the Everfree. She hoped the mare had brought good news rather than bad.

"I don't know if you have the answer to this, Scarcity, but I know Stare asked you to find my parents on the other side of the Everfree. So my question to you is, please, do you have any information about them? Are they alive? Still living there?" Dazzle asked Scarcity in what she hoped was a calm voice but desperation did leak through it.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I've been a Griffin all this time and haven't needed to? I ate what the gfriffins ate and that kept me going?" Aurora said in complete confusion, staring back at Onache. She'd have to take Happy up on his offer to go to Las Pegasus later if it meant actual trying to be a changeling for real instead of being what she has been for most of her life. For now though, asking all these questions that she knew were meant for babies made her feel like she was lost in an ocean of untasted emotions. Maybe they thought differently of her now that she's trying to get more knowledge about her original species?

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"As long as ... no, it seems like your brother is fine keeping Atzy occupied so I guess I could come with you to figure out bombs," Karmic told Blitz hesitantly before shaking her head with a smile. "Sure. Why not. It's fun to learn something new. I just hope my cutie mark doesn't activate while we do this."

"Exploding hexagon containment cube!? Metallic watchamacallit!? Let's go see them!" Atzy said excitedly before hopping up and down in place. She couldn't believe what she was hearing about the many different inventions these two ponies have made and it was all so exciting to learn about them. She hoped they weren't too scared by her excitedness mainly because she hasn't been this is excited since ... well, since as long as she could remember. "Oh this is so much fun!"

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-03-22 at 6:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I trust, until I am shown I should not. Or I see them hurt someone. I do not understand how to pick otherwise, as I am not like you. You have ways of understanding when to try and trust, and when not to, because you have and understand things like danger, emotions, and what to look out for. I do not. Not much at least."

This was likely what got to Elder Ghilan, the most straightforward idea that Omen presented that it got the elder to reconsider how he was thinking about the matter. Frankly, it was a good way of putting things into perspective for him, and the siblings certainly had a much better understanding of their friend. Lin definitely found herself impressed as she smiled and nodded at the Ki’Nathar’s assertion. However, what the elder said is just as important when dealing with others, especially when someone’s capable of hiding ill intentions behind a good facade. 

Still, it seems Omen is now the one dishing out some uplifting words to the elder. The siblings found themselves someone pretty special to them, and he deemed it an honor that he was being showered with what could be a positive outlook. He greatly appreciated the offer of help extended to him, and so he’d try to live up to the trust placed on him by the Ki’nathar. 

“Then we will help each other out, Omen. There’s no arguing that you have placed your trust in me, and so I should show you that your trust isn’t misplaced.”

He bowed to everyone in the hut before taking his leave, turning to the hunter to discuss the new developments that have cropped up during his private discussion. Now, it was the siblings’ turn to attend to their own matters, delivering the tools and settling some old grievances. 

On 2023-03-22 at 6:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"...Does he not want us to trust him? He talked a lot about trust. More when I said I would trust him. Does that mean that I should not? Is he planning something bad? It sounded like it were good things that were brought up."

“I’m sure he wants you to trust him, but I think he wants to earn your trust. After all, Ghilan told us why he agrees with listening to outside perspectives to help improve the longma and wanting to go to you and Rosa for ideas. Think of it like this: remember when we first met him? I recall hating him on sight just because he was an elder no different from Solasan, an uncaring opportunist. Not trusting him at first was understandable, but I let my distrust blind me to how he understands and wants to help. That changed when he helped us take down the previous elder, and it showed me that he wasn’t bad.”

“Being openly trusting can make us easy to fool, just as being openly distrusting can make us see the worst in others, both without knowing enough. I’m sure he wants us to find balance in that and have a healthy amount of doubt.”

Lin picked up the tools she intended to bring along to the artisans in the village and prepared to head out, while Sen was willing to join her to begin sorting out his own matters. There was plenty to do for now, and it would be good to start soon while the afternoon sun still shone through the trees. They were both certain that there was more to discuss, mostly their plans for the upcoming days or to just clear things up.

“What we mentioned might still confuse you, Omen, so how about we take a walk? Maybe give some thought to what Elder Ghilan said and we’ll do what we can to help you make sense of it. By the way, what you mentioned earlier about trusting until shown otherwise... Did someone teach you that, or was that something you picked up on your own during your time in Equestria? We were occupied with telling you about our thought process but didn't consider if that was also how you thought things through.”

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Sekel @Empress Magloria

Through the screaming - both ethereal from Cherish, and physical from Twilight - Macabre stood completely unfazed. This were not her first *de-coupling* as it were, nor the first time she heard agonizing screams. It took a bit more than that, to faze her. In fact, she had mostly been keeping her eye on Twilight, in case the princess did something, out of instinct. Pain like this, were not something that everypony just shrugged off.

It were different with Alluria. She had rushed over to Twilight, and kneeled besides her, with concern written on her face.

"You took that better than I anticipated, princess. And the specter is fine. It will just take her some time to rematerialize. These sorts of procedures, are harder upon those without a body."

"I-I'm fine Princess Sparkle. I just...  C-Can't gather myself."

"Give it a few minutes, and it should subside. You have been untethered - violently I might add - and that can be rather disruptive."

"It were this, or having them sit here for the next three weeks, doing meditation, soul searching, and meddling with strange potions. I assumed a princess would have better things to do than that.

Though be at peace. It were a success. Your tether is broken, and Cherish is now a free soul, who can roam as she pleases. I would judge that a success."

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

 

@Sekel

"The answer turns out to be less black and white than you might assume.

My resourceful friend, who roamed in that direction, have managed to find the place where you say they lived. However, it turns out that it have been abandoned for quite some time.

Now before you give in to despair or worry, I would like to point out that by the way he said it looked, it appeared merely as if they had taken their belongings, and moved some time ago. There are a limited amount of towns in the vicinity of the forest, and they make for an unusual couple, so I am assured that some would remember them, even if they only travelled through briefly.

He is ever so tireless and vigilant the dear stallion. While his errand had technically ended, he felt invigorated by the thought of how distraught this must make you, and have vowed to find out more. He is an excellent tracker, so I have little doubt, that he will return with information. However, this does mean that the matter will take longer than anticipated. Fret not though, there will be answers eventually.

If you do not believe me however, I could simply show you to your old home, and you can inspect it yourself? Perhaps there is a message for you specifically, which are meant to elude others?"

"But isn't that pretty far from here?"

"Have faith Stare. I assure you that the trip would be far, far less time consuming, than you might think. But the choice is of course, with the young lady in question."

Scarcity would look towards Dazzle, seeking an answer to her question, with a knowing, calm little smile, planted upon her face, and her front hooves gathered in front of her. Meanwhile, Hammond would be jumping around near the new quests, in a manner pretty similar to a normal squirrel, being curious about something.

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

 

@Sekel

"Sounds like passive feeding to me. It ain't that effective normally, since y'know, competition and all that, but if you were the only one, or one of a few, and your preferred snack were something normal for gryphons... Yeah, you could've just soaked the excess in, and not even noticed. Wonder what emotion it is then. Gryphons are some prideful, aggressive sorts, but you're about as threatening as a carton of room temperature milk."

The gemling would snicker a bit at that reference, causing Happy to get a bit of a wider grin on his own face.

"Hmm... Y'know, you'd know best yourself, what's the emotions you'd bring up, when you thought of gryphons? You outta know better than us. We're mostly dealing with ponies."

While he did that, Onache were communicating with the gemling telepathically. It seemed simpler, when it came to arranging a more suitable time. And since Aurora were so vastly inexperienced, she also took the decision for her. Quite frankly, she did not consider this queen to be in a position currently, to make many of her own decisions. Thus, if Aurora had nothing to add, the gemling would bow, and dig back into the ground, then take off. Places to be, and others to speak with, though more carefully than they all had at first. They did not wish to end up like those who had been trying to contact less than kind hives.

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

 

@Sekel

"Hah, that's the spirit! And it ain't exploding, it's imploding. If you wants explosions, that's my lil' sisters specialty. Lemme show you what I mean."

Molotov did not seem annoyed by the enthusiasm. In fact, he seemed to be thriving with it. Not often he got enthusiastic guests, that wanted to see his meddle like this, and it frankly showed. And speaking of showing, he'd go over and open up a drawer, showing a bundle of hoof-sized, hexagon constructions, that seemed to have an exterior in some kind of metal frame, with smokey glass panels, hiding the inner workings.

He'd take one, and give it a nice, solid twist with his hooves, and it would start to vibrate, and open up. He'd toss it after a few seconds into the air, where it would blast apart suddenly. About a half meter in total, with the metal appearing to be made of some sort of stretchy material instead, and the glass panels stuck seemingly in the air, acting for a kind of limiting *outer wall* of the display, that seemed to be illuminating from the panels.

What they were illuminating? Int he midst of this oddly-hovering-in-head-height thing, where a display of the starry night sky, switching slowly over into the morning sun, that would then begin it's travel across the see-through sky. The whole thing would end when the sun would reach the point where it were about halfway across the frame, and then the whole construction would wobble and vibrate, before violently imploding in upon itself, and returning to the small, hexagon form.

"Honest talk? I have no idea why I made these, or what I'm gonna do with 'em. Just a side project while I was low on creative juice, on a bigger project. Working on something small and fun, helps me to think.

Got a crate of 'em laying about somewhere. You want one? They take a few hours to recharge, and they don't really have a purpose beyond being pretty, but hey. A souvenir is a souvenir, yeah?"

Meanwhile, Blitz would merrily jump over to her own workbench, and grin widely, as her horn flared up, in fiery orange.

Several tools would float down, and drawers would open, making several jars and other containers of various powders float forth. A lot of them seemed to be jars that had been cleaned and repurposed. Waste not, yeah?

In a myriad of movements, several things would open up, powder gathered, metal and casings float around- About a dozen different things, floating about by her aura, as Blitz worked quickly to put something fun together. And it were quick. A few minutes, and she'd have gathered up everything, into a nice tube, around the length of her, looking somewhat wooden in the exterior.

"Okay, okay, okay! So this here's a fun explosive. A fireworks! Or!"

She'd pull out a crate under the desk, made of reinforced steel, with a number panel, put in her code, and then open up what seemed to be a heavy, thick door, to reveal various things in locked containers. She'd rummage around, and find one, that were about the size of a coin purse, and grin up towards Karmic.

"Or we can use this, and go pulverize a boulder, with the sheer power of kaboomies!"

Sure she made other stuff, that tended to last, but Blitz were not exactly like her brother. He liked to make things that lasted, while she, liked to make things that exploded. Not always in a bad way, hence the fireworks.

Atzy had the choice between seeing what either did.. Or try and convince the filly, to show something less potentially dangerous.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-03-23 at 1:55 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Then we will help each other out, Omen. There’s no arguing that you have placed your trust in me, and so I should show you that your trust isn’t misplaced.”

Omen slowly gave a bow back to the longma. It seemed to be how they did things, compared to how much ponies hugged, and shook hooves. Strange how many varied ways there were for creatures, to greet or say farewell. There were much to adjust to here, and learn about the longma it seemed. Even small, mundane stuff like this, were important things for Omen to learn. Especially later on with the elders, when a bow, might well be a good start to meeting them, rather than her simply standing there, starring unblinkingly at them. That did not always rub folks the right way.

She would follow him some with her eyes, as he went and talked, preparing to leave soon after. It seemed he had much to do, and so did they. At least she thought so. A few days were likely not long, and they needed to prepare many things, as it were important. One more reason she kept a constant *watch* on Rosa right now. They'd need him eventually, so it were good to keep track of when he would leave.

On 2023-03-23 at 1:55 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m sure he wants you to trust him, but I think he wants to earn your trust. After all, Ghilan told us why he agrees with listening to outside perspectives to help improve the longma and wanting to go to you and Rosa for ideas. Think of it like this: remember when we first met him? I recall hating him on sight just because he was an elder no different from Solasan, an uncaring opportunist. Not trusting him at first was understandable, but I let my distrust blind me to how he understands and wants to help. That changed when he helped us take down the previous elder, and it showed me that he wasn’t bad.”

“Being openly trusting can make us easy to fool, just as being openly distrusting can make us see the worst in others, both without knowing enough. I’m sure he wants us to find balance in that and have a healthy amount of doubt.”

"...That is very confusing. I will have to think about that some other time."

Trust, distrust, knowing when to do what... Omen had gotten further than she had thought she would, since meeting Sen and Lin, but things such as this, were still odd and hard for her to grasp fully. Perhaps later, when she had time to just shut off her consciousness, and focus on this, she could find the proper meaning in it. For now though, it were just stored, along with the other things she needed to mull over eventually. Perhaps it would make more sense then, though she felt like she'd understand it better, if she could remember Salosan properly. But those were lost memories. Nothing to be done about that.

On 2023-03-23 at 1:55 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“What we mentioned might still confuse you, Omen, so how about we take a walk? Maybe give some thought to what Elder Ghilan said and we’ll do what we can to help you make sense of it. By the way, what you mentioned earlier about trusting until shown otherwise... Did someone teach you that, or was that something you picked up on your own during your time in Equestria? We were occupied with telling you about our thought process but didn't consider if that was also how you thought things through.”

She would wander towards the door, as they said it were time to walk. Sharply followed by Shrimp, who'd slide up her leg, and wrap himself around the top of the tower that Omen still walked around with on her back. He were ready to go along with them, soon as they'd depart.

She halted, as she were posed the question, though her gaze remained towards the door, as she answered.

"Master taught me in a way. He did not want to teach me what trust were, and then told me to just assume they were telling the truth, like I were. I think he did not want to say more, because he did not want to spend the time, explaining everything down to the detail. It were a simple time."

Omen had been following him blindly once. And while she did not go and do that now, the teaching that he did impart on her, had still shaped how she approached things, for a lot of cases. And it were not easy to unlearn those things. Especially when she did not know how to handle, dealing with going down alternative routes, such as in this case, when that would entail her having to understand trust in much finer details, than many would care to think important.

Perhaps she would one day get there. It would not be anytime soon however, and there would be many other things to see and learn before that.

"Some things I had to try and understand alone, after master went away. It did not always go well. You helping me to understand things, is making it a lot easier sometimes.

Thank you. That was the right time to say that, yes?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

(sorry, missed this one)

On 2023-03-22 at 4:42 AM, Kujamih said:

" Kits, you must not have heard me quite well... I tried killing one.... So weather you believe it or not.... The truth exist. Your evolution? It exist because it lets it exist. If they stop we stop if they want they get if they don't they dispose. If they want to be amused they will. Our knowledge and comprehension to their will and actions are but a grain of sand. It is best you never meet them."

"We heard you well, and if that is your belief, we respect that."

"Your writers sounds like horrible creatures though, no offense. Like... Grand scale puppeteers or something."

He wouldn't get a tail slap for that one, as Zhing did actually agree with that, and he had been respectful enough in his retort. Not as much as her, but still, it were not that rude, in her mind.

And really, had he the right to speak more openly, he would likely have said more. Those *Writers* that Light spoke of, sounded like utterly dreadful creatures, devoid of emotions and care for lives. Just toying with them, as if they were naught but letters on a page, or a puppet, that they'd soon grow bored with, and toss aside. A kind of demented gods among gods, that made any deity they had ever heard of before, sound like utter saints. Bad times, if those creatures were real, though if they were... Well, she'd rather not spare it much thought. It were the sort of thing that could make a sane mind break.

Edited March 25, 2023 by Blitz Boom

[Catpone Cerberus 23,594]

@Blitz Boom@Kujamih
As stated before, Sheska took no more part in the discussion of what gods may or may not exist, she would have liked to say that she means no disrespect for disregarding the gods of others, but that would have been a lie, she meant full disrespect for any and all gods out there, if one appeared in front of her, she'd spit in their face if they had one, because while the topic was far from being personal at this point, she was greatly annoyed by sanctimonious beings who claimed to care while doing nothing substantial. Spirits got a pass in this, since those rarely claimed to be beings of great power, and rather they usually focused on helping a specific group or species in small things, and rarely asked for worship from outsiders. 

 There was also the fact that to her at least, it was meaningless if some kind of creator existed or not, because she had equally as much control over it regardless of which was the case, that amount being none, if being existed that could just wipe her out of existence, so be it, not much you can do if you don't exist. But if they did exist, and had control over everything, did that mean whatever was above her wanted to be punched? since she for sure wanted to punch it. 

She concluded the whole god/spirit conversation by responding to the kits, returning slightly to the previous topic "You may now also partly understand why having one of us join the side of evil is a crime to be condemned throughout generations, we do not exile our own lightly." if one had to name one thing they were universally religious about, that would be it, it was a step away from having a hivemind.  

 

Trox was slightly amused at how polite the two kitsune were, not being used to such, Shark's enthusiasm was also unexpected "Nice to meet you too" while he said it towards the kits, it was said to everyone, his way of speaking was generally more calm than his sister's, and while he shared the seriousness of his sister due to the situation, he sounded slightly more relaxed, be it bit distracted due to being worried about Sheska, he could read her through the tough exterior lot better than anyone else in the room. "Unfortunate that our first meeting is in circumstances like this." 

Sear and Chega were bit taken aback by Shark's reaction, but it was mainly visible in their expressions rather than any actions, as they had no reason to think Shark to be a threat, since Sheska clearly trusted it. Being a bard, Chega was quicker at coming up with responses to unexpected situations than the more stoic Sear, so she was the one to respond to Shark "Yes, this beautiful big lizard here is a dragon, my dragon, and no, dragons are not food, they are hunters." she said, tapping Sear with her hand, her tone was also very positive, in fact, it was a tone one would use talking to a very intrigued foal, without the hint of patronization that usually creeped in when adults talked to kids, in fact, it at least sounded like Chega shared the wonder. "Smart and strong...at least she is, haven't talked to all dragons." Sear looked slightly embarrassed, she could take the worst insults and strongest hits, but Chega's flattery went straight through her defenses, it was so genuine that it went directly into the heart.

Meanwhile back with the others, Trox walked to the table and picked up one of the scrap balls, tossing it to Sheska who caught it and looked at it "What's this." "Gifts for family reunion, blast it with magic to turn it into deadly shrapnel, lets the snake know just how welcome she is." she tossed it back to him after looking at it a bit "Made us straps from the bag so that we can carry them." he tossed a strap made of bag-cloth to Sheska who put it on over the shoulder, it was a crude piece of equipment, but it did its job. "Not bad, but let's hope we can deal with the ghost first, these guys know someone who apparently may be able to help." she gestured towards the others when saying the last part. 

 

 

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

Ruby let out a thoughtful hum "It is about feeling of power is it not?" "A simple action like stealing an object can change someone's mental state drastically, that is quite the level of control." "At least, that is what I have come to realize for myself, what is fear but the ultimate acknowledgement of the power of the other?" "I bring this up, because I have realized something about myself, and I am curious if we share that aspect with each other, so I ask you, do you remember where and when this tendency of yours started?" Ruby had thought about lot of things surprisingly deeply, but it wasn't necessary on purpose, it was more a side effect of how she did things, she had always been curious about how others thing, both to manipulate them but also to be able to predict them for her own survival, but as a side effect to learning how the minds of others worked, she had been forced to take a very close look at herself too, which in the long term had also been a good thing, since knowing yourself was the best way to combat your own weaknesses. 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

On 2023-03-25 at 7:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Master taught me in a way. He did not want to teach me what trust were, and then told me to just assume they were telling the truth, like I were. I think he did not want to say more, because he did not want to spend the time, explaining everything down to the detail. It were a simple time."

Omen had been following him blindly once. And while she did not go and do that now, the teaching that he did impart on her, had still shaped how she approached things, for a lot of cases. And it were not easy to unlearn those things. Especially when she did not know how to handle, dealing with going down alternative routes, such as in this case, when that would entail her having to understand trust in much finer details, than many would care to think important.

Perhaps she would one day get there. It would not be anytime soon however, and there would be many other things to see and learn before that.

"Some things I had to try and understand alone, after master went away. It did not always go well. You helping me to understand things, is making it a lot easier sometimes.

Thank you. That was the right time to say that, yes?"

Sen and Lin smiled and nodded, feeling fuzzy inside after what Omen said. Knowing that they were doing something right while acting as their friend’s guide was rewarding. They may not find themselves in the role of teachers officially, but it was always good knowing they are doing what they can to help. This was especially true for Lin, who was previously given suggestions on the possibility of her becoming a teacher. It wasn’t the kind of future she had in mind for herself, the affirmation others had for this kind of role may be something she should seriously consider. 

“That’s right. You’re learning your way around, and I’d say it seems like you’re getting a hang of things faster as well. What we can teach you may be limited, but we’ll do our best to help. We’re also learning from you, which means we are learning together in some ways. Oh, and about Ghilan wanting to earn your trust, he wants to show it through his actions; words aren’t enough for him, and so he wants to prove it to you.”

“Come, let’s head out and settle what we must do. We’ll start with giving the tools to the artisans because I am fairly certain they’re wondering why I’m taking too long.”

There are three sets of tools, all corresponding to three different artisans and woodworkers. Fortunately, they tended to peddle their services and goods wherever they lived, only allocating a part of their abodes for workplaces. This was all small-scale relative to the kinds of stores found in Equestria, but workshops tended to be run by one or two longma at most, but anything involving guard training or resource-gathering was relegated to specific venues. It would take about less than five minutes of travel from the siblings’ family home, and it seemed all of the recipients are present, as the woodworkers tended to live fairly close to one another for the other villagers’ convenience.

The first to be visited was a rather young longma, short in stature and cautious about his work. 

“Hello? Horu? It’s Lin; we brought you something as part of that exchange we talked about before.”

“Oh, yes, though I am still questioning if what you brought will help me in any way. And… O-oh! I see you’ve also brought the um… the outsider. If you don’t mind, please don’t touch anything around here because I prefer to have this mess. S-So, I h-hope those ornate wood carvings were to your liking?”

“They were great, and I got a set of woodworking tools that could help you. While we’re at it, could you at least refer to ‘the outsider’ by her name? It’s Omen, and she isn’t going to hurt you.”

“Y… yes, of course… Well met, uh… Omen. I take it that you are getting familiar with our village?”

The longma inspected the tools presented to him, but he wasn’t too sure about how to actually use them. It was a fairly good idea utility-wise, but getting acquainted with tools he has no idea of would likely deter him from actually putting those to good use. Still, there were at least some good intentions behind the gift, but their usefulness has yet to be seen. As for meeting with Omen and seeing her this close, it was rather unsettling. The shadowy appearance, wispy hair, and piercing eyes didn’t exactly look reassuring. He had to contain himself to avoid causing a disturbance despite how disturbed he was already. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

11 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Meanwhile back with the others, Trox walked to the table and picked up one of the scrap balls, tossing it to Sheska who caught it and looked at it "What's this." "Gifts for family reunion, blast it with magic to turn it into deadly shrapnel, lets the snake know just how welcome she is." she tossed it back to him after looking at it a bit "Made us straps from the bag so that we can carry them." he tossed a strap made of bag-cloth to Sheska who put it on over the shoulder, it was a crude piece of equipment, but it did its job. "Not bad, but let's hope we can deal with the ghost first, these guys know someone who apparently may be

Light would continue to observe, but would stick close as possible to Shark.

@Catpone Cerberus @Blitz Boom

Edited March 26, 2023 by Kujamih

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@EQ_Theta

Omen had wandered calmly and silently, as they went down the street, towards the various ones, whom they needed to visit. She could not recall the last time she had been here, and seen so much, so she took in all the details that she could. It seemed calm and simple. Reminded her of the early days, after Discord had been turned to stone. The ponies were trying to make a life then, they said, and were far, far behind what they did now, with kitchens, and electricity and stuff.

She had left after a few years, where no one would talk to her, and often times, tried to chase her away. Considered her an omen, like she were called, and a sour reminder of Discord, even if she had never hurt anyone. Didn't matter to them it seemed, and with no one talking to her, and master gone, she had no other choice but to return home. She hadn't been able to learn anything like that.

When she returned generations later, most still wouldn't talk with her either, and the theme kept going. She would go back every now and again - sometimes with centuries between every visit - looking for Discord, and trying to connect. The few who did speak with her somewhat alright, were foals, or those taking advantage of her, but it never lasted long, and she learned preciously little. until about twenty years ago, when Mother had said that it were enough, and she had to go out, seeking around more focused, for a path of her own, instead of simply giving up after trying a few times. It had taken some time after that, but now finally, things were better. More than she had anticipated to be, for a long time.

Unbeknownst to her though, she did have an impact over the ages. Mostly in folklore. The early days especially, one such as her, acting like she did, would on occasion lead to times, when she'd do something, that got folks spooked enough, to make a myth, that then eventually got into lore, albeit twisted. Such as the graveyard that were said to be watched over by a sullen spirit, showing only themselves to those who aimed to desecrate the graves.

The reality in that case, were just that she had been standing still, watching a grave for so long, that moss had grown on her, and it freaked the pony out she had decided to speak with, when she finally moved. And that were just one of many situations. A few overlapping, as there were three different myths made over the years, due to her walking out of a swamp, adorning various kinds of vegetation, after wandering through.

The past aside, this place looked like it fit in the past. Not the past she had longed for, but still, it were familiar at least, to an extend. Including in how she appeared to be getting some looks, but wasn't spoken with.

The familiarities just got stronger, as they approached the young longma, and he were given his tools. The way he spoke about her, were like then in some cases, from the less bold ponies. And like them, this one aso seemed to think that she wanted to hurt him. Strange how some thought that of her.

A difference here though, were him addressing her eventually, even though it seemed like he were halfway made to, by Sen and Lin.

"Hello, Horu."

She would slowly raise a hoof, and wave calmly at the pony, as she looked at him unblinkingly. Her voice going through his head in whispers, as it did others. There were a reason why some found her to be rather creepy, despite her eyes carrying not a single trace of malice in them, though she still wasn't sure what either of those words meant. Something bad, she assumed.

"If you do not want me to touch your things, I will not."

Maybe this were part of why he seemed to act so odd around her? He were worried or afraid, that she would mess with his things? She could, but if he did not want that, then she wouldn't. What would be the point, unless she had to?

She tilted her head to the left, and lowered her hoof, as slowly and calmly as she had risen it.

"Your village reminds me of the old times, when I were made. Pony villages looked a lot like this.

I think this is better. You shout less than they did, and there is more nature. I am told that is important.

You made those wooden things, yes? I saw them. They are good."

She didn't know if they were pretty, impressive, or whatever else, but she knew the others had seemed to like them. Rosa especially. So she would assume they were good, and well made. So she would give a compliment. Normal creatures liked those, yes?

On her back, Shrimp had looked on for a time, but then needed to sleep again, and were currently nuzzled on top of his little tower, snoring ever so quietly. He'd behave. For now at least.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Kujamih

On 2023-03-26 at 12:19 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

She concluded the whole god/spirit conversation by responding to the kits, returning slightly to the previous topic "You may now also partly understand why having one of us join the side of evil is a crime to be condemned throughout generations, we do not exile our own lightly." if one had to name one thing they were universally religious about, that would be it, it was a step away from having a hivemind. 

"We understand it a little better, yes. And it is a good thing, that you don't y'know, exile all that much. It should be a punishment for the most grave offenders. Not just given for small slights."

Hachi nodded along with her, as she said this. Exile were a harsh punishment for kitsune too, with only limited ways of trying to mend that. For kobolds, it seemed there were no way back. A harsh fate, for social creatures, but if one had done horrific enough things, to deserve the exile for them in the first place, there were likely unforgivable things that had happened. Things which neither of the kits, really wanted to know in details.

On 2023-03-26 at 12:19 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Trox was slightly amused at how polite the two kitsune were, not being used to such, Shark's enthusiasm was also unexpected "Nice to meet you too" while he said it towards the kits, it was said to everyone, his way of speaking was generally more calm than his sister's, and while he shared the seriousness of his sister due to the situation, he sounded slightly more relaxed, be it bit distracted due to being worried about Sheska, he could read her through the tough exterior lot better than anyone else in the room. "Unfortunate that our first meeting is in circumstances like this." 

"Hopefully when this is all over, we can try again then. It's cool meeting new creatures like this. It's just a little terrifying when we don't know who might be possessed.

None of you left to be alone for a while, did they?"

Hachi were a little nervous, as he led the word in the response. His sister were the more formal of them, but he had to try too, and speak as much as her. It wouldn't do well, if others thought that only she were allowed to say something, as their mother wanted him to interact too. Not sit in the background, listening to things, but not saying a lot.

Sure he sometimes said something dumb, but it were a learning experience. One step at a time, as one might say, and in calmer situations, it wasn't that bad. Him and his siter, tended to speak in unison a lot. But times like this... It got them out of sync, so to speak.

"The Oni is going to be looking for a new body to take, or have already found one. We're uhm, s-sorry if we sound suspicious. We're just worried."

On 2023-03-26 at 12:19 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Sear and Chega were bit taken aback by Shark's reaction, but it was mainly visible in their expressions rather than any actions, as they had no reason to think Shark to be a threat, since Sheska clearly trusted it. Being a bard, Chega was quicker at coming up with responses to unexpected situations than the more stoic Sear, so she was the one to respond to Shark "Yes, this beautiful big lizard here is a dragon, my dragon, and no, dragons are not food, they are hunters." she said, tapping Sear with her hand, her tone was also very positive, in fact, it was a tone one would use talking to a very intrigued foal, without the hint of patronization that usually creeped in when adults talked to kids, in fact, it at least sounded like Chega shared the wonder. "Smart and strong...at least she is, haven't talked to all dragons." Sear looked slightly embarrassed, she could take the worst insults and strongest hits, but Chega's flattery went straight through her defenses, it was so genuine that it went directly into the heart.

"Ooooh. Shark is hunter too! Maybe we hunt some day? Catch yummy things."

Her tail visibly shook more, like an excited puppy, as she looked up at Sear with big eyes, filled with wonder. Another hunter! This were so fun. The ponies did not hunt, so she had no hunting friend. Maybe this one could be her hunting friend then, later on? That would be fun! They could go chase bears, or fishies. Maybe more delicious monsters?

"And your dragon is... Aaah, is mate! Dragon is mate, yes? I have mate too! This one."

She'd bounce to the side, and rub her head against the side of Light's face.

"Light is Shark mate. When egg season, Shark and Light make strong pups."

She grinned up, beaming greatly, at the thought of having a school of small pups swimming around with her, with Light's and hers, strong genes. They would be great hunters too! Though she were not sure when pony egg season were... She should ask later, when there were time. If it were soon, she had to make sure she made a good nesting quickly, so her eggs would have the best chance of surviving.

Someday, somepony were gonna have to explain to her, that ponies didn't lay eggs, and it would blow her mind.

"Dragon is big. Look very strong. Can dragons talk? Special one who make me, say if they talk, they are not-food. Dragon not food, but... Can talk? Or like fuzzy things in reef, friends say I can not hunt? Many rules here. Hard to understand."

To her, this village were home. Ergo, it were a reef. A connection like with ponies, being friends, though that had come from what Anomaly had told her, as she had used one of them to show her what not-food were. And Shark were a quick learner! She had not bit that one. Though she had demolished the frog things. Yummy things.

On 2023-03-26 at 12:19 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Meanwhile back with the others, Trox walked to the table and picked up one of the scrap balls, tossing it to Sheska who caught it and looked at it "What's this." "Gifts for family reunion, blast it with magic to turn it into deadly shrapnel, lets the snake know just how welcome she is." she tossed it back to him after looking at it a bit "Made us straps from the bag so that we can carry them." he tossed a strap made of bag-cloth to Sheska who put it on over the shoulder, it was a crude piece of equipment, but it did its job. "Not bad, but let's hope we can deal with the ghost first, these guys know someone who apparently may be able to help." she gestured towards the others when saying the last part. 

Shark were briefly distracted, as she saw one of the balls being tossed. She were following it with her eyes, clearly debating whatever or not to strike at it. It sounded like that would be a bad thing though. Some kind of snake hunting thing.

Meanwhile, the kits would stand closer, as they were now addressed, and probably had to give some sort of explanation. Something Zhing would stand for, as she felt her brother getting pretty nervous now.

"in our culture, those creatures are called Oni. We don't know exactly what they are, but we're told that if one is found, that they are very bad news, and that the elders need to be told about it. We don't know how to do anything against them, but if we can get to the school of friendship, we can talk to the principal. She knows how to contact our mother, who can take this to the elders. We don't know what will happen after that. The stories are silent about that, so I guess it is a secret how they deal with it.

Though do you have anything that was touched by the Oni? It might help the elders believe it more, if we had some sort of proof."

There were the metal flap and stuff, but if it were more easy to deal with things, maybe there were still part of the gas bomb from earlier. Or at least the bag it had been in, somewhere around here.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Leviathan actually had to think about this for a while. It had been so long that she had done this, that she hadn't really though much on when it had actually started, in a while now. But after digging about for a while, she found the memory again, and a small, happy smile, spread on her face. A pleasant memory this were, on many levels.

"I remember.

I were ten at the time, and my mother decided that I had been trained enough, and that it were time to take me along for one of her thieving runs.

Keep in mind here, that as I have said before, my mother were the diamond dog who stole my egg, prior to my actual mother, smashing the rest, and eating my father, after he went mingling with other ladies. Dimma Toof raised me along her pack, and I were with her when she eventually died. I even make sure to visit her grave every year, and keep a good relation going with the generations of her pack that came later.

I digress though, the story... Oh right, and she were called Dimma Toof, cause she had a diamond tooth, after she lost a primary one to a brawl, after getting caught. The other says her face were so swollen, she said *Dimma Toof* to explain it, and then they just nicknamed her that. She liked it better than her old name anyway.

*sigh* I remember being a tiny whelp, trying to climb her, so I could try and eat that tooth... Good times.

Right, I keep going off track. SO there we were, on this run. She had me helping mostly with putting down some fog, and carrying stuff. Pretty low key, but she wanted me to learn, bit by bit. And it went real well too. She got the guards knocked out, the vault cranked open, and were putting a fair few things down in the bag.

I remember looking at all that shiny gold. The gems, the jewelry... The glitter were so beautiful to me. But I saw her leave a lot of it too, and being selective about it. I reached out, trying to grab for a common pile of gold, but she grabbed my hand, and made me look her in the eyes, before I reached it.

*Do you want gold and gems? Or do you want treasure?*

She directed my hand to the side, to a hatch, wherein were an engraved, silver statue. On it said: *To my dearest Haymaker*.

I can't believe I actually haven't thought about this for so long, but thinking about it now, I remember she let go of my hand then, and grinned, when I eventually took the statue. Like she told me after that, *The rich have more gold and gems than you can steal. Their real treasure, is what they can't replace.*

She still told me to take some gold too. She wanted to teach me what were worth stealing, not leaving me poor. Though she only took from the fancy vaults. She never had much of a desire to steal from regular or poor folks. A sliver of moral code I keep with me. Though it were also that rich folks protected their stuff better, and she always loved the thrill of the break-in, even more than the loot. Even to her last days, when I had to carry her in my arms, on a final heist, to steal a family heirloom. I... I buried her with that, as well as the statue I got on our first heist. It felt..."

Leviathan's voice would crack a bit, as a tear fell from her eye. She tried to think fondly of the old times, but of all those she had known and lost, her adoptive mother were still the one that hit her the hardest. Even if she knew that it had been the old dogs time to go, as she couldn't even walk around at the end anymore. Heck, Leviathan had to do most of the work during their last heist, as her arms were weak, and her eyes gone foggy too at that point, but she did it gladly, and would do so again a thousand times over, had she only the chance.

Ancestors be willing, perhaps one day, when her time had come, she would meet with her in the afterlife, and they'd go on the wildest heists they could ever dream of.

Her mother were no saint, and neither were she. But Leviathan still loved her, and respected her, even now, long after her bones had turned to dust.

"I'm... I'm fine. Just a bit of nostalgia hitting me right in the heart. If the old dog saw me now, she would've tossed a shoe at my head, and rolled her eyes. Heh. Mangy old furball...

*sigh* But yeah, I felt enticed by gold, but her words stuck to me. Gold and gems can always be replaced easily, for those who have more than enough. It's barely worth anything at that point. The thing they really treasure, is what I got to understand were more valuable. At least to me.

Managed to steal plenty of things from those who had little else though, over the years. Ended up causing my policy, where I'd return things, if someone could argue for it well, and other times I just go around, and give it back. I like to think I have a bit more morals, than for instance, steal the favored teddy bear, of a filly whose family have little to offer her in general, but tries their best. That sorta stuff hits right in the heart. And that time were an accident. I got drunk, and went to the wrong house. I owned up to it, and left them a little something extra, as an apology.

Despite my mothers best effort, I'm sometimes too soft on the inside I guess.

But, you asked me, so here's it going back: How was your first glimmer of greed?"

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

 

@Sekel @Empress Magloria

18 hours ago, Magnolia said:

Magnolia would look to Alluria. "For a time, I was so alone and hateful at my condition. I did many bad things to other ponies, but I am 30 year young and I turned my life around in such a short time...I know that there is hope now. I haven't felt that for a very long time until just recently." Magnolia said, looking into Alluria's eyes with a very sincere and thankful look. 

"In time, you will likely have to answer for that, my descendant. But you know better now, and can make moves to atone for your mistakes. That is an important first step on the path, that is hard to take. Even if there might be far to go, know that I am proud of you for begging on that journey."

Alluria were impressed by Magnolia in all honesty. To turn on so many things she had held on to, in such a short time, were remarkable, and showed really that while she might have done poor things, at her core, she were a good, moral pony. One who had sadly been dealt a horrible hoof, and gotten covered in layers upon layers of pain and resentment. That sort of thing, were bound to make one lash out.

It took a big pony though, to look at that, and understand it were wrong, and wanting to change. And that were truly something that made her ectoplasm swell with pride. Both her and Twilight, made for great mares in their own right, that any creature should be thrilled, to have as descendants.

17 hours ago, Magnolia said:

She'd follow to where they would have been lead, and give their surroundings a passing glance. She'd observe the following events, and looked somewhat confused? She didn't understand what was going on other than that Cherish, a soul that was somehow attached to Twilight was set free thanks to that magic the scythe that had been used on them. She'd stand there and listen to the screams that took place afterward, and then would just go silent until it was said that they'd be fine.

"I am sure you two are glad that's over...It seems we both came, and found what we wanted?" Magnolia would ask Twilight, and Cherish. 

"H-Hopefully, though I still n-need to wait a bit it seems. It's hard to feel how free I am, when I'm still r-reeling. That were a horrible experience."

"At least it is over now, and lest you linger in the same place for too long again in the future, you should not have to have this repeated, though I sincerely hope you have moved on, well before that. Being stuck here with no end in sight, is no afterlife worth experiencing."

She'd look to where the filly were, as she - along with the Macabre family mares, and Soul - were able to still see her, even if the others weren't.

"Krhghthx. This process were interesting though. My princess would be interested in hearing the many things I see here."

"Long as she does not try something unbecoming."

"Krrghkll. I doubt she will forget what you did, to the Eternal Queen, pony. Nor your warning. She do not want to see the hive barren and eggless."

"Long as she is able to be reasonable, then that is good. An easier time I would imagine, when the valley is all yours now."

"Krrktrkkx. The Eternal Queen is gone, and we lost out opponents. The next generations will grow weaker."

"That just means you don't have a need for that strength anymore."

The manetid did not answer that, nor did Last say anything to this situation. She were watching the princess closely, yet at a distance, to have a better view. And to be able to swing closer at Macabre, if she had to. This whole situation with the princess screaming in pain, had rattled her. Made her pulse go up, and make her instinctually want to do something. Weren't right that an alicorn were in pain like this. It went against her orders ideals.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Catpone Cerberus @Blitz Boom

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Ooooh. Shark is hunter too! Maybe we hunt some day? Catch yummy things."

Her tail visibly shook more, like an excited puppy, as she looked up at Sear with big eyes, filled with wonder. Another hunter! This were so fun. The ponies did not hunt, so she had no hunting friend. Maybe this one could be her hunting friend then, later on? That would be fun! They could go chase bears, or fishies. Maybe more delicious monsters?

"And your dragon is... Aaah, is mate! Dragon is mate, yes? I have mate too! This one."

She'd bounce to the side, and rub her head against the side of Light's face.

"Light is Shark mate. When egg season, Shark and Light make strong pups."

She grinned up, beaming greatly, at the thought of having a school of small pups swimming around with her, with Light's and hers, strong genes. They would be great hunters too! Though she were not sure when pony egg season were... She should ask later, when there were time. If it were soon, she had to make sure she made a good nesting quickly, so her eggs would have the best chance of surviving.

Someday, somepony were gonna have to explain to her, that ponies didn't lay eggs, and it would blow her mind.

"Dragon is big. Look very strong. Can dragons talk? Special one who make me, say if they talk, they are not-food. Dragon not food, but... Can talk? Or like fuzzy things in reef, friends say I can not hunt? Many rules here. Hard to understand."

To her, this village were home. Ergo, it were a reef. A connection like with ponies, being friends, though that had come from what Anomaly had told her, as she had used one of them to show her what not-food were. And Shark were a quick learner! She had not bit that one. Though she had demolished the frog things. Yummy things.

At first, Light would listen up before Shark spoke up. This flustered Light a bit and forgot what to add on the conversation.

"Y-yes i love her...." He quickly burst red.

It seems his words came out first before his brain could function.

Now he is as stiff as a rock, while Shark caress him.

[Rising Dusk 27,682]

@Blitz Boom

Dawn wasn't going to escape a scolding from any direction it would seem.  The kneeling diamond dog was still large and it made it all the more evident when Gertrude had to do so to put herself on even ground with the smaller unicorn.  She listened and was attentive.  At the time, Dawn didn't feel she did anything wrong.  The guards had taken a defensive posture and nopony seemed all that interested in looking to defuse the tension with talk.  She can admit, however, that she had stepped out of her lane as a visitor, as an honored guest.  These were not her lands, she did not know their ways or their creatures.  In the few moments since the incident, it was evident the rot farmer was at least in an somewhat equal position of the High Priests, in his own way.  This wasn't Equestria.  That wasn't some common thug being rude on the street or a business pony getting out of line.  The guards and prince reacted the way they did because they knew more than Dawn did.  She wasn't making their jobs easy by stepping out of line herself.  Dawn looked in the guard captain's eye, nodded and sincerely, respectfully replied, "I understand, Captain."  At some point her mother had stopped petting her mane.  Likely more therapeutic for the pegasus than her daughter who wasn't in need of calming.  Gertrude had good instincts though.  Rising hid the skip in his heart beat when Dawn stepped between the group to speak for them, without permission.  An instant lag when the mind was both surprised and not surprised it happened at the same time.

It was time to move on from the incident after Dawn had put herself firmly on the list of short leashes needed along with her father from now on.  Especially from her twin brother who actually stood a chance keeping her in the escort circle.  Properly scolded however should work for now.  Moving now into residential areas now, away from the main hustle and bustle of the festival.  All the way to an out of the way park, it would seem.  It were well maintained, like the many parks in Manehatten.  Forgotten toys that had turned into new community use for the next group of children that visited.  More importantly, this park had personal value to the prince and the captain.

"Ho ho ho.  A place to retreat from the toil and confinement of stone castle walls," the father mused, stroking his mustache as his imagination filled in images of a younger prince and Gertrude playing privy to the park.  This was a place the prince needed to visit it would seem, to calm and recollect himself from the encounter earlier.  They all had places like that.  A library, a balcony, a spa, a park of their own.

Rising was notably distracted from the walk down memory lane though.  His whole attention on the ancient tree in the park.  Its roots ran deep and drank heavily from the dark magics of Harrowmark.  Not all that uncommon for trees.  Even those in Equestria drank on the magic of the land.  These were traces his extra sense could detect like the subtle smells that filled the background of a city.  No, his interest as on the spell cast on the tree.  It was done so with purpose, intent, not the random act of nature.  The detective searched the tapestry for clues.  Was the tree the target or was it designed for a creature?  The threads of the weave told many things.  Where they woven in haste?  Slow with direct purpose?  Were they harsh strokes of hate, or fluid threads of sadness or solid weaves of joy, or splotchy lines of fear?  "Does this tree have a story, or legend?" Rising asked out of nowhere.  Grace and Star had looked between their son and the tree.  Dawn could feel the extra interest from her brother however, "Is there something wrong with the tree?" she inquired.  "It has a sleeping spell cast upon it." 

 

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

There was a certain kind of fun in seeing how others reacted to Omen’s voice being perceived in one’s mind instead of normal communication. Lin and Sen had already gotten used to it, but others like Horu were taken aback by it, the kind of response expected from those unfamiliar with her unique way of talking. It felt like a kind of odd scratching behind one’s mind at first, seeing someone speak without moving their mouth, their voice emanating and vocalizing within one’s head instead of coming through their ears, yet the latter seemed to be just as true, if only because they were accustomed to it. 

The longma craftworker, already scared out of his wits, had to stay put and calm himself to avoid yelling. As much as he wanted to do so, Omen’s words had a kind of sincerity or naïveté in them, the kind that could be attributed to the young despite already mentioning how she was much older than she appeared. That, and the compliments she gave on the village were rather unexpected but welcome. He gave himself a moment to stop and take some deep breaths, slowing down his breathing while dropping his tools on the workbench next to him, but a minute had gone by without anyone saying anything until the conversation resumed.

On 2023-03-28 at 6:50 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Your village reminds me of the old times, when I were made. Pony villages looked a lot like this.

I think this is better. You shout less than they did, and there is more nature. I am told that is important.

You made those wooden things, yes? I saw them. They are good."

“You… you think so? Th… thank you. I… did want to yell, but you don’t look like you want to take me away to some d…dark place to uh… eat me or something.”

“That doesn’t sound like Omen at all. Is your imagination getting out of control?”

“No, no. It’s just that there were stories going around the village when you first came. Do you know how the exiles are believed to never find life again once they leave the forest? Some of the other villagers say that of you and your sister; you were brought back to life and charmed by the outsider… I mean, Omen… to return to the village so she could devour us or take us away. There is also another story that says you and your brother are not really yourselves, that someone or something is wearing your bodies like skin. I don’t really believe that but seeing you now, Lin, that one may be some truth to-“

“Enough! Whatever you have heard or are told, I’m still me and Omen won’t harm you.”

There was no denying what was present before the craftworker despite the stories, but that wouldn’t stop rumors and tall tales from spreading. If word about the events concerning Solasan and Legion’s attempted takeover spread far beyond this village, then there’d be even weirder tales to come once they head off to answer to the other elders. However, Lin, though somewhat incensed at the notion of being called unnatural indirectly, still found it rather amusing to a degree. As for Horu, there was much to be said about what Omen mentioned, namely her being made during the old times and pony villages. That was a curious prospect that got the craftworker thinking about matters beyond the village.

“Omen, if you don’t mind me asking about what you said, what is a pony? Is that what you are?” 

Edited March 30, 2023 by EQ_Theta

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Rising Dusk

On 2023-03-29 at 6:20 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Dawn looked in the guard captain's eye, nodded and sincerely, respectfully replied, "I understand, Captain."

"Thank you."

The captain knelt her head to the mare, and got back to a standing position. It were good that it seemed that their combined concern for her safety, had gotten through to Dawn. A good thing, as whilst the captain, or any of her knights, would defend them with their lives, they'd all prefer that it did not come to that. With Dawn more cautious, and with her family, that should be easier to avoid. Though she were sure that Sir Dusk could handle things with her, if it came to that. He were an expert in dealing with magics, and she were the most adept of dealing with physical threats.

With that sorted, they could begin to wander on, towards other engagements, which would include a little walk through memory lane too, not long after.

On 2023-03-29 at 6:20 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Ho ho ho.  A place to retreat from the toil and confinement of stone castle walls," the father mused, stroking his mustache as his imagination filled in images of a younger prince and Gertrude playing privy to the park.  This was a place the prince needed to visit it would seem, to calm and recollect himself from the encounter earlier.  They all had places like that.  A library, a balcony, a spa, a park of their own.

"A reminder of better days. Even though sadness follows, when I remember sitting here with my brother... I still miss him dearly, and wish there had been something I could have done for him. Some way to give him a chance. A flicker of hope... *sigh* Yet mother did the right thing. She freed him from his suffering, and now he can at least rest soundly. I find a small degree of comfort in that thought."

His brother had been a pompous little annoyance in many others eyes. He knew that, and to some extend, that were true. Yet he knew his brother, and understood that he had often only acted out, because he were the youngest. He feared being overlooked and forgotten, as he wasn't the crown prince, so he acted out, to try and gain attention. Necrotic had no shadow of a doubt, that if he had lived to see his teens pass, ad he himself had, his brother would have grown out of that, and become a lord that the nation would have admired, and looked up to.

Cursed be Twisted, and his boundless cruelty... Though much as he wished that tyrant would be forgotten, and his name rot from their memories, they had to remember him. They needed a reminder, of the cruelty that could be, or they were bound to repeat it again. And perhaps the next one, would not be so brazen, as to lash out elsewhere, and face their natural predator, as it were.

The prince were running a hoof down one of the swings, when he heard that the detective spoke. Some questions, and a very unusual statement. One that visibly baffled him slightly.

On 2023-03-29 at 6:20 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Does this tree have a story, or legend?" Rising asked out of nowhere.  Grace and Star had looked between their son and the tree.  Dawn could feel the extra interest from her brother however, "Is there something wrong with the tree?" she inquired.  "It has a sleeping spell cast upon it." 

"A sleeping spell? That is quite unusual.

I'm afraid I don't know many stories about this tree though. Yet what I can tell, is that it have stood tall, for longer than you might think.

Long ago, the original Copperhagen were sacked by invaders from Hayden. A long, terrible battle were fought here, and when the dust settled, and the invaders had fallen or been chased out, all that still stood intact among the ruins, were this tree. The new Copperhagen were build, yet the tree were allowed to stand. According to the history books, the ones remaking the city, gazed upon it, and saw on it a symbol they wished to remain. A reminder, that even if all seemed lost, Harrowmark would not fall.

There were a time when it were shown much reverence, though these days, it is but an old tree, to many citizens, and the young. It is still taken well care of though. I am afraid I do not know more than that though."

"I heard something once."

One of the knights who had yet remained silent - Hayze it appeared - would say something, as it appeared no others would. A fair few eyes landing on him.

"Long forgotten, a name unspoken. Spirit chained, what's below? Life and death, growing roots.

I translated it roughly to ponish. I don't know what it means, but my great great grandmother told me this, not long before she chose to pass on for the last time. She said it were part of old tradition, that were nearly forgotten, and poorly maintained. I asked her what she were talking about, but she just pointed towards the town, and said that they erred.

My family were once part of the old, pre-equine traditionalists. Not a lot still around there. Time changed the priorities of the people, and old traditions gave way for new.

That said, I am not sure if this were from those times. She used a lot of the same old phrases and words, to describe more new things. I recall her called a weave a *Bloodied string, woven with care, ever present, staining us.* My grandmother had poked herself on it, as she were weaving, and made a scarf anyway. SO it could just be dramatic."

"Perhaps, yet I do feel concerned. There are many families with young ones in this district. I would be concerned, if something were to happen, out of nowhere...

Rising? i know it is much to ask, but would you have the option of searching through what you see? Maybe lift it, albeit temporarily? I know it might seem dangerous, but it appears that the vast majority have gone to the festivities. If ever there were a time to get to the bottom of this, it would be now, rather than something happening whilst far more is here, that might cause panic to arise.

Besides, if there were ever a pony I would trust, to return such a thing with haste, and bolster it, it would be you. Perhaps it is nothing though. Just an old tree, yes?"

If Rising agreed, and looked into it, he would find that there were something beneath the sleeping spell. A feeling, vaguely stirring lazily, like a ripple from a leaf, in a still lake. A sort of longing.

It would appear there were something there. And if he checked, he would see that albeit the spell were old and holding, it were as mentioned, also old. Magic were not normally meant to last indefinitely, without something to bolster it. And this were starting to show wear and tear.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-03-29 at 5:01 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You… you think so? Th… thank you. I… did want to yell, but you don’t look like you want to take me away to some d…dark place to uh… eat me or something.”

“That doesn’t sound like Omen at all. Is your imagination getting out of control?”

“No, no. It’s just that there were stories going around the village when you first came. Do you know how the exiles are believed to never find life again once they leave the forest? Some of the other villagers say that of you and your sister; you were brought back to life and charmed by the outsider… I mean, Omen… to return to the village so she could devour us or take us away. There is also another story that says you and your brother are not really yourselves, that someone or something is wearing your bodies like skin. I don’t really believe that but seeing you now, Lin, that one may be some truth to-“

“Enough! Whatever you have heard or are told, I’m still me and Omen won’t harm you.”

"I do not eat things that are alive, or have been. Mother will not have it, or that we hurt anyone. Good children, listen to their mother.

My siblings can not eat or hurt anyone either. They can not even tough you. They do not have forms. Before we are given forms, we are shadows and eyes, waiting for masters to give us form, and teach us of life. Though they would like to meet you, or other longma. They find you very interesting, after meeting Sen and Lin, even if you do not have magic. I think it is the horns.

I can eat many things though. Fire tastes the best, I think. Rocks have many different tastes."

Omen did not raise her voice, as Lin had. Not that she could, but even if that were an option, she saw no point. It were not insulting to her, nor ridiculous, that they thought she would take others away to somewhere bad. She had heard others say that before, and come to understand from Mother, that some were just not able to handle the unknown that well.

"Sen and Lin are themselves. Sen and I met, when we were both lost. We helped each other, and found Lin. They have been helping me to understand many things. They are smart."

Omen were momentarily distracted, as she saw some movement above them, and followed that for a bit, curious as to how things worked here, and ever yearning to learn.

On 2023-03-29 at 5:01 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Omen, if you don’t mind me asking about what you said, what is a pony? Is that what you are?” 

She would refocus on Horu again, once she were addressed. It appeared that someone thought she were a pony. That did not happen a lot, before Sen and Lin, as far as she could remember. It was probably because of the gates, yes? It made others think she were something wrong. Maybe she was?

"No, I am a Ki'Nathar. When Master made me, he formed me into the shape of a pony, but I am not much like them. I am not normal like they are.

Do you want to see a pony? I can open a gate, and show you. You do not need to go through, or go away from here. And they will not come here. Nor will Mother, or my siblings. They can not go away from our home, before a master use their magic, to shape them. That is okay then, yes? I am still trying to understand, what is okay to show others. It is not easy to understand, what you normal beings like and do not like.

...I used to just open and show, but Sen and Lin says it is best to ask first. I try to listen to them, and others, so I can understand others more. Maybe someday, become normal too.

Can I ask something else too? You make pictures in wood, yes? Is it hard to do?"

She had come to a conclusion that trying to show interest in what others did, sometimes made them talk more to her, and sometimes even seem more okay with her there. So she would try now, and see if that would make things better. It were worth a try, yes?

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

 

@Kujamih @Catpone Cerberus

"L-oooooove. Love... Oooh, special one left word in head, I know what means! I love Light too!"

She'd turn her head, and lick him across the cheek, seemingly still not caring about the hair she got in her mouth because of this.

"Special one took me from large wet place, and made me like friends. Told me to hunt frog. Frog gone, but Shark still here, so trying to learn, become like friends, and see much of strange, dry place. Then I meet Light, and he strong and smart. Will make good, strong pups. Then we go to smart place, and meet fluffy ones. They are very soft."

She pointed at the kitsune as she said this, causing Hachi to smirk a little. He had been worried when they first met, that Shark were dangerous in some way, but so far, she seemed to be more or less harmless. At least to those that she liked, which seemed to be mostly everyone, except probably the ones who tried to hurt her mate. She'd probably be an overprotective mother too, but who knew if they'd get to see that? They didn't know when ponies, or sharks, generally speaking tended to have offspring. They figured they'd learn things like that at the school, among many other equine things. Which would be an interesting break from the usual way that they had learned of ponies before this: By being in a cluster with other small kits, as they were younger, and then watch as a teacher kept them hidden, and messed around with a pony a bit, to show them some things, under safe conditions.

Nothing that hurt them though. The teachers were clear on it being important, that they did not try to cause undue harm.

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not eat things that are alive, or have been. Mother will not have it, or that we hurt anyone. Good children, listen to their mother.

My siblings can not eat or hurt anyone either. They can not even tough you. They do not have forms. Before we are given forms, we are shadows and eyes, waiting for masters to give us form, and teach us of life. Though they would like to meet you, or other longma. They find you very interesting, after meeting Sen and Lin, even if you do not have magic. I think it is the horns.

I can eat many things though. Fire tastes the best, I think. Rocks have many different tastes."

“Oh, thank goodness! Ah- I… mean… that’s good to know. The stories the others are coming up with can be rather scary, but maybe I can sleep a little easier now that you are telling me otherwise. They sound like they’re making you more terrifying than you really are, but right now, you are much nicer. I don’t know if I, or the other longma, are ready to see your kind, but your Mother sounds like she’s taught you well.”

He’d try not to mention the eating fire and rocks part, if only because Omen’s rather calm demeanor right now might end up changing into something more explosive if he brought up her weirder aspects. Even then, Sen and Lin didn’t butt in, as Horu and Omen were carrying a conversation rather well. Maybe if this kept up, there might be hope that they could rally support from the villagers, or it could be a sign that the meeting with the elders could turn out better than expected. 

Still, something about what the woodworker mentioned got Sen thinking. If these are just the start of the tall tales, just what else have the longma been saying about them? There were stories about outsiders told around the fire, especially those told to the young ones, about why outsiders were resented. Some say they are opportunistic and ruthless liars who saw the longma as lesser beings, while others mention them being more on the cannibalistic side; one could only wonder what new tales are being spun now that an outsider is walking among them and what that says about the siblings.

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"No, I am a Ki'Nathar. When Master made me, he formed me into the shape of a pony, but I am not much like them. I am not normal like they are.

Do you want to see a pony? I can open a gate, and show you. You do not need to go through, or go away from here. And they will not come here. Nor will Mother, or my siblings. They can not go away from our home, before a master use their magic, to shape them. That is okay then, yes? I am still trying to understand, what is okay to show others. It is not easy to understand, what you normal beings like and do not like.

...I used to just open and show, but Sen and Lin says it is best to ask first. I try to listen to them, and others, so I can understand others more. Maybe someday, become normal too.

Can I ask something else too? You make pictures in wood, yes? Is it hard to do?"

“I do that, among other things, as part of my tasks as a woodworker. I sometimes help build homes, but making wood carvings is what I do first. It’s tough, especially if you want to make very exact designs. Being slow and precise with stone tools is what we are trained to do, but it doesn’t always come out looking perfect. So, yes. It is hard, but that’s putting it lightly. Hm… maybe those tools are what you brought, Lin?”

“That’s right. Those are tools specifically made for carving.”

“Maybe I could try them out if they are like the ones I am still using. But let’s get back to that other thing you mentioned, about seeing what a pony looks like. I’d like to have a quick look, but not right here. There’s a spot further back inside the workshop where you won’t attract attention.”

Horu gestured Omen and the siblings to follow him around the back. Normally, he wouldn’t let anyone there, as there wasn’t much to see aside from spare equipment and unused wood panels, but there was just enough space for them to do what they needed to do. Seeing the space looking like the small room Sen uses at the family’s hut was familiar, though, without any windows, the only source of light they have is a small lit tinderbox. The inside was much more cramped with little room to move, which looked even smaller within the dimly lit space.

Omen being open to doing this and explaining things to him made the longma feel a little more comfortable with the oddities that are unfolding before him. The distinction between a Ki’Nathar and a pony was still lost on him, but that may just be a result of seeing the former shaped like the latter. That and having a master’s involvement didn’t make sense.

“I am ready, Omen. Please show me a pony.”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,594]

@Blitz Boom@Kujamih
Sheska was the one to address the kits' worry "You are talking to twins who have been relying on each other since hatching, we will notice if someone is trying to impersonate one of us." Trox added to that "Chega and Sear are also so close that I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they can read each others' minds." he was obviously joking with the mind reading part, but the point was true "Though that brings up a question, why didn't it just posses me? It wants me dead, and the possession seemed to do some serious damage, so why bother with the guard? is it limited to quadruped creatures or something?" why bother with any of this actually? if it could just take over one of them? more specifically her, the target, she knew that kitsune were said to be pranksters, but making things complicated was only hindering the Oni itself. 

Trox listened to the explanation about the Oni and the plan, he had no arguments against the plan itself, sure getting a school involved in a topic like this would have been slightly questionable for some, but for him and Sheska, it wasn't really that far fetched, since in their homeworld, schools, and the kobold equivalent for schools were very actively involved due to needing to protect the younglings in case of attacks. He did find the name 'school of friendship' bit odd, but well, ponies were weird in every world. 

"Guess that's as good as any plan can be, I at least have no reasons for why not to try it, though now I wonder even more about the motives of the thing, what reason does a dangerous magical kitsune spirit have to stab a random couple of elderly ponies." 

The bag was still there, or well, most of it was, since as stated, Trox had made some equipment out of it, and whatever remained of the bomb was still inside of it, since taking it out would have been foolish. "I don't know how much it has been touching it, but there was a gas bomb in that bag when it was brought here, presumably put there by the Oni." he pointed at the said bag "So that is a one thing it touched, there was also the knifes..." Sheska cut in "...But I gave them to the hospital for analysis since the guard was stabbed with them." 

 

Meanwhile in the other end of the room...

Sear didn't know how to feel about Shark, she had seen lot of things during her travels, but this was different. Luckily she didn't need to think about that much, since Chega took care of the responding part for now "Yes, a mate, we are together." Chega was bit less enthusiastic in the start of the response, not much, it was barely noticeable, but still a bit, because they didn't really use 'mate' to describe each other, and not just because reproduction was a biological impossibility between them beyond some weird magical means maybe, but also because it just didn't sound right to them, as in their eyes it simplified things a bit too much, to them, they were lot more than just 'mates', especially for Chega, since the kobold view on relationships was so different from other creatures, there wasn't really any one word to describe it in this language.

Speaking of biological impossibilities, none of the four reptiles would be the ones to tell Shark that her dream of pony eggs was unlikely, not because they didn't know how ponies worked, of course they did, but because none of them knew how Shark worked, or even what she really was, as far as they knew, she was fully capable of creating pony eggs, as odd as the concept was. And frankly, like the relationship in general, it really wasn't any of their business, especially Chega and Sear knew what it was like when others tried to get involved in relationships that didn't affect them, so they wouldn't pry or question anything, not that they necessarily cared for too many details either, the biological factors of relationships wasn't exactly on the top of their minds.  

"Yes, I can talk, I'm just not as quick-tongued as Chega" Sear stated in humorous manner, she found it curious that Shark mentioned being 'made', and it gave her few ideas on what she could be, but she didn't ask about it, as she believed in letting others to tell what they themselves believe to be important, she also didn't want risk bringing up any negative memories. "She may not be as strong as I am, but her wit certainly makes up for it." it was actually a bit terrifying, she had never seen Chega genuinely angry, as the kobold had great patience due to her line of work, but having seen her annoyed, she was pretty sure that unlike the saying about stick and stones said, Chega's words could actually hurt. Chega of course took the compliment with a smile.

Chega chuckled at both Light's reaction and the following lick from Shark "Love is great isn't it" she said, touching lightly Sear's cheek, which caused the dragon to momentarily tense up. Their relationship was balanced, because while Sear was obviously the physically stronger from the two, Chega made up for it by knowing all the buttons to press and strings to pull when it came to Sear, and she didn't hesitate to use that knowledge to make Sear the happiest dragon around. 

Chega chuckled a bit more "I guess we two have more common than I thought, I too am here to learn about this 'strange, dry place' though I'm not from the sea which is what I assume you mean by 'large wet place', rather where I come from would be better described as 'humid small place'. Then I also met someone strong and smart." she pointed at Sear, she then looked at the kitsune "Fluffy ones, I like that, I think I'll start using that." she chuckled again.

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

Ruby listened quietly, Charir too tried to listen, but it didn't lead anywhere since he didn't understand anything.

As Leviathan probably knew to expect at this point, Ruby didn't show much reaction during listening to the story, even when the tear came out, she just nodded to acknowledge her words, it wasn't that she didn't care, it was more that...she couldn't, while some things like the capability to feel love was under question when it came to their species, one thing that wasn't ambiguous was empathy and sympathy, or more specifically, the lack of said things, while they were able to acknowledge that someone was hurting, there was no emotional reaction to it, they couldn't share the pain. This meant that while Ruby understood why Leviathan reacted as she did, she felt nothing for it, which was actually a positive coming from her, since if it would have been anyone else than Leviathan, she would have seen it as pathetic  and would have probably actively insulted her for it.

This same thing would be also apparent in Charir, as his reaction was mostly curiosity, crying was not something their species could do, so he frankly had no idea what it was Leviathan was feeling, it also didn't exactly help that neither of them had ever loved anyone in any way, and thus had no concept of losing someone they cared about. 

Before answering the question, Ruby half- muttered "So that is not something we share....I see." after which she spoke normally "To be honest, I never had that moment, I've been drawn to treasure since the moment I broke out of my egg, I don't really even enjoy hoarding treasure, it's just this hunger like craving I need satisfied, no doubt made worse by my unique extra sense." "But I can tell when I realized my preferences for what I gather, that being the moment I gained my first treasure, and my first kill." 

"I do not remember how old I was, but it was right after mother threw me out, I had nothing, so the first course of action was to find a territory to take over." "It was another female hatchling like myself, bit older than I, she was black as the night, and had decorated herself with gems and metals, it was only small details, but when she walked into the sunlight from her cave's darkness, it was quite the view, I had always liked to look at gems shining, thus my name, but something about her with all those little shiny pieces on her scales burned into my mind, and since then I've always preferred the shinier stuff regardless of the actual worth." 

"The fight was tough, mother taught me well, one of the only things I can give her commendation for, but no amount of teaching tops real life experience, and it was a close fight, yet I was victorious, I was actually going to spare her, as I had not yet learned what a mistake that could be, but she kept getting up, it was the first time I saw what it truly meant to live out there, mother was so capable at keeping others away, that I hadn't seen it before, the pure determination in her gaze as she kept pushing against the pain, it may be hard to believe with what you know of me, but my first kill was a mercy kill, I could almost feel the agony emitting from her, I saw it in her eyes, yet she stayed quiet, and just got back up." 

"I had seen mother take pieces of other dragons as trophies, I never fully understood her logic on who to take it from, and back then I hadn't planned to follow that habit, but after that fight, I took everything that wouldn't rot in few days, though as I moved caves, eventually all but the skull was left behind out of convenience, which then was lost when mother took everything from me again." "During taking her apart I learned why she didn't say a single word to me, she had no tongue, and there was something wrong with her jaws, they had seemingly healed wrong, which is very rare in our kind, which made, and still makes me thing it was done to her purposely." 

"This brings me to why I asked that question in the first place, you see, lot of things changed in very short time, and I wanted to know if you had such turn in your past, to which the answer seems to be no."

"I haven't always been...what's the word?... Sadist, for most of my life actually. I'm not saying I was what you'd call morally good, no, not even close, but hunting, fighting, killing, those were just facts of life, I needed a bigger cave or more treasure? I'd kill someone and get it over with, thus my style of breaking or severing the neck, it is the quickest way to deal with any foe, this is also why I rose so high so quickly in the homelands, my focus on efficiency was different, and many didn't expect it, as the fights themselves were part of the joy for many. "

"My habit of gathering trophies also wasn't about boasting originally, it was to respect the opponent, to show that they put up a good fight. There was even some kills I would have rather not done." "I won't say I didn't enjoy being strong and powerful, I did, but it was enjoyment of my own success rather than the failure of others." "This changed not so long time ago, in that ravine, after what happened in there." "The red dragon that fell into that hole didn't survive the fall, instead out climbed a monster, a bitter, unhappy, sadistic monster with no care for life, not others or its own, creature addicted to causing pain." "I have known this since that day, it is not a new realization for me, but today I realized something else, having watched you and Charir for a while now, things could change, it may take years, centuries or even millennia, but one should try right? What is the worst that can happen when you have nothing left to lose?" while it was clear the words came from somewhere bit deeper, Ruby's tone of voice was still as cold as ever, though there was tiniest of breaks, things like the last statement/question sounding somehow more genuine than usual, or the descriptions of the dark dragoness having the tiniest most minuscule hint of admiration.

 

 

 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Catpone Cerberus

@Blitz Boom

8 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

, a mate, we are together." Chega was bit less enthusiastic in the start of the response

Light sees this and ponders quite a bit.

" Ahmm you know shark IS technically half shark half pony.... So maybe cross breeding is possible... If you know the right draconicous that is ahmm..ahmm.."

Light hinted.

[I got nothing to push this story forward sorry...]

Edited April 2, 2023 by Kujamih

[Rising Dusk 27,682]

@Blitz Boom

Just an old tree.  An interesting ring now filed away in the permanent recesses of the detective's mind.  Just an old tree.  Nothing can really be taken at such a simple value in Harrowmark, Rising has experienced such misinformation from his own thoughts.  All the more surprising to hear coming from the Prince of the land itself.  Granted, his life for the most part appeared sheltered.  Even in Equestria, something such as a tree couldn't be underestimated.  In their land of light, the closest thing they had to a primordial being was in fact just an old tree, The Tree of Harmony.  Powerful enough to pass on the gifts needed for the Bearers to suppress even the God of Chaos himself.  Though he doubted a sleeping spell would be enough to do the same for a tree as equal in power.

An old fairy tale told by another member of their escort.  A name unspoken, spirit chained.  Not the most pleasant of thoughts off hoof, but it were a start at least.  There was something in there alright.  Rising could feel it, lazily pressing against the matrix of the sleep spell like the light breeze that causes a curtain to subtly move.  An old, worn curtain.  The spell was old, the aether looking to reclaim the magic taken to weave it together in the first place.  It would fail, in time, but it was hard to say when.  The Prince's concern was valid.  Who knows how many ponies could be here in the park, playing just for the spell to fail.  It was best to discern a treat now.

The Prince was well informed it appears.  Rising wasn't aware Necrotic knew the full extent of his abilities over magic.  Duly noted.  They would need to be careful, but no reason to deny the Prince a request.  "Very well," Rising agreed.  Squaring himself up against the tree and the invisible fading tapestry, igniting his horn with the orange glow and the black wisps.  "Dawn~" he began.  "Oh, woe as me.  Is my magic only a tool for you?" the twin laid the back of her hoof over her forehead in dramatic fashion.  "Please," he added.  "Mm, I suppose that's better," she dropped her hoof with a sigh.  Dawn collected herself and smiled, igniting her own horn with it's rainbow aura.  

Black wisps appeared and danced around Dawn's horn like moths around a lantern.  Not a moment later, thin threads of separated colors were pulled out of the rainbow aura by black wisps.  The separated colors darted to the tree and disappeared as soon as they were incorporated into the sleep spell.  The wisps dragged threads over and over to the tree, moving up and down along the unseen spell, they appeared to swipe at the empty air.  Rising needed to rebuild the spell before anything else could be done.  Better to fortify and bolster before even thinking about lifting it.  The gathered group could watch the threads be pulled out of Dawn's magic, but Rising focused on what couldn't be seen.  Like tracing over a pattern, he pulled the tattered tapestry back together.  There were areas for improvements, adding an extra section here, a matrix there and tie it off with a nice bow, metaphorically.  Dawn's rainbow threads now nicely mixed in with the original spell for, well, a rather nice looking spell if Rising said so himself.  The new additions to the spell turned the sleep spell into a guillotine.  Using one of his black wisps, he could pull on a thread to lift the affects of the sleep.  The spell would enter a feedback loop as long as he held onto the thread.  As soon as he let go, the blade would fall and the spell snap shut.  The energy built up from the feedback would cause the sleep affect of the spell to happen more quickly and potently, removing the need for the target to get drowsy and fall a sleep slowly.  Of course, he'd be on standby and alter the spell as needed should this all go sideways.

"Here we go," Rising told the group after a hoof full of minutes had passed.  A black wisp moved about half way up the tree, gripped the thread and gave it a tug to end the sleep spell.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Rising Dusk

While Necrotic were not fully aware of what Rising could do, or the ways it worked, the royal family had been briefed in details by Thistle, as she had approached them, for the first time in untold generations. She could tell them what Rising had told her, as well as what she had observed herself, and work from that, to get a basic idea of his powers. As such, so did the royal family, which is how the prince were able to guess to the potential power of their savior. He still had to guess some though, but it appeared that the capabilities of Rising, were as he had hoped, in this situation.

As the process between Rising and Dawn went on, the onlookers were mighty curious as to what they might see. The wisps were something which drew the eyes certainly, but Dawn's magic being made part of this in some way, were the most enticing. In the dark land they were in, were colors were not that abundant, and rather dark in nature too, most of the time, the rainbow-colored magic were a beautiful sight. Even Gerthrude had to admit that she found herself feeling a little uplifted a the sight, even though she tried to remain focused, and ready for action. There were no telling what would happen here after all. Maybe nothing. Maybe a lot.

As the sleep spell were lifted, the answer seemed to be nothing. Seconds ticked by, with nothing of note happening. The presence that had been pushing drowsily against the spell, even seemed to go away.

"...Perhaps we were worried for nau-"

Without warning, the tree would start to creak. From thinnest branch, to the very trunk, the tree seemed to twist ever so slightly, in a few directions. Then the branches began splitting open, still swaying and creaking. Foliage long gone, would sprout beneath, as dead bark cracked and fell off, giving way to more living-looking wood and leaves beneath, easily pushing off the outer layers.

Exposed to air, the fresh wood would slowly harden it's dark-brown, outer layer, into new bark. Onyx and glistening like rich oil, the rugged bark would look smoother than it were, yet if they were to touch it, they'd find it healthy and rugged, like bark of any tree, whilst the remnants of the former layer laid scattered around them.

The leaves grew and encompassed the new branches, with peculiarly pale, silvery leaves, in the growing crown, that soon stood lush and lively, on a tree that had looked devoid of much life, mere minutes ago. And as the last of the old bark fell, and the last leaves had grown, the tree finally stood silent, in all of it's newfound glory. Though the branches still were gnarled and somewhat twisted, as the trees in Harrowmark tended to be.

Had he tried to stop it, Rising would be urged by the prince to please let it continue, as he assumed that whatever it were doing, could hurt the tree if it were made to stop too soon. It also appeared harmless, and just as if the tree were shedding its skin, as it were.

He or the other Harrowish creatures here, dared not to speak, even as it stood still, wondering what would now happen. Something Rising could likely tell before the next would happen, as the presence returned. Lazily, yet pushing forth a little now, rather than lay slumbering.

From the crowns, an acorn fell from the tree, with an oily shell, and thorns of dark green, with pale-white tips. The presence seemed to follow this in some way, and if it were caught, another acorn would simply be dropped, then another, and so forth, until one managed to hit the dirt, where it would then dig itself down into the soil. And from it, would rapidly rise a vine. Thorny and gnarled, it twisted as it grew higher and thicker, before halting at about a meter in height. At which point it would keep over, and hit the ground. The top of it tore, from bottom to top, and from it, would rise out something.

It would look somewhat similar to a timberwolf pup, though more detailed towards a leaner wolf form, than the crude creatures of Equestria. While it were small and slightly darker green tree sap still fell from it, it would stand on shaky legs, taking a few tries to properly rise up. It would give them a bit of time to see how it looked better.

Physically, that were a lean, wooden pup of a wolfish nature. It were a base of dark green and luscious, with fur made of long, backwards turning, somewhat thin thorns. The paws searching for strength to stand, had moss for stepping pads, and vines ran up the legs, slowly adding more strength to its form. It looked rather adorable really, at least from the mind of a Harrowish onlooker, who would compare this to the wicker creatures they had, in place of things like timber wolves. This seemed to have some comparisons with those creatures, but more elegant, and not currently at least, violent, or poisonous looking.

From Rising's vantage point, he'd be able to tell that while this form were small and weak, it were carrying magic. Old nature magic, tainted by the darkness of Harrowmark, as well as some of the light that were also to find, if one searched well into the dirt. It were not on the level of a god, or even a proper unicorn though. Albeit old, it were still seemingly growing, though for a newly *born* creature, this were still more magic than one should be possessing.

If he looked at the tree, he'd find that a vastly more powerful source of the magic were to be found there, but it were not directed, and seemed to be simply spread throughout the apparently magical tree. including down into the deep, deep roots it had, that spread further than one might expect. Further than Copperhagen itself. Likely what kept it alive, and now thriving. Something powerful had been happening with that tree, but with how long it had been there? It had maybe been dormant for too long, and impossible to harness once more. Or tainted in some fashion.

Whatever the case, it seemed they had a new life of sorts in front of them, with the prince being the first to talk, of the Harrowish citizens.

"What... Is this? A new wicker beast?"

"I don't know, but stay back. There's no telling what might happen here."

If he decided to put the spell on this creature, it would fall down, curl up, and begin to rest, no different from any regular pup. Were he not to do so though, it would eventually stand somewhat firmly, and would open its eyes. The left being pitch black, and the left silvery white. The iris on them both though, were the same dark-green color, as the canine eyes gazed around at them, seemingly more confused and dazed than anything else.

A shaky voice would escape it eventually, weak and feeble, though deep and vaguely feminine in nature. Though what were said? Not a language that the Ponish speaking ones at least, could understand. It seemed to be directed mostly to the diamond dogs though.

"That were... No, I can't identify what that were properly. Maybe we need a translator, but... Sir Dusk? Is this one safe? She seems harmless, but it is hard to tell, with everything that just happened."

If he tried approaching, the pup would try and walk back, but would fall on its rear.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2023-04-01 at 2:14 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Oh, thank goodness! Ah- I… mean… that’s good to know. The stories the others are coming up with can be rather scary, but maybe I can sleep a little easier now that you are telling me otherwise. They sound like they’re making you more terrifying than you really are, but right now, you are much nicer. I don’t know if I, or the other longma, are ready to see your kind, but your Mother sounds like she’s taught you well.”

"Many creatures have said I am strange. That does not mean I am dangerous."

Her voice were as neutral as ever, showing nothing even remotely resembling annoyance, or any other emotion, over her statement. It were simply factual, and more or less emotionless.

She were not completely unaware, that she made others nervous. She understood that she were different from others, and that her being the way she were, were not normal. And as she understood it, not being normal, were not something that everyone were okay with.

That said, she could not understand why there were so strong reactions to it. It were unusual, yes, but she were not a danger to anyone. She were not rude, she listened if they said she did something they did not like, and she did not take any of their things. So why things were blown up so much, she did not grasp, as it just seemed senseless, to cause the sort of actions that she saw. Like this, where she had apparently made others make up stories, where she would do all sorts of things, that she did not. Why had they thought that?

Sometimes, she were wondering if she would ever truly understand normal creatures. They were so confusing sometimes.

On 2023-04-01 at 2:14 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I do that, among other things, as part of my tasks as a woodworker. I sometimes help build homes, but making wood carvings is what I do first. It’s tough, especially if you want to make very exact designs. Being slow and precise with stone tools is what we are trained to do, but it doesn’t always come out looking perfect. So, yes. It is hard, but that’s putting it lightly. Hm… maybe those tools are what you brought, Lin?”

“That’s right. Those are tools specifically made for carving.”

“Maybe I could try them out if they are like the ones I am still using. But let’s get back to that other thing you mentioned, about seeing what a pony looks like. I’d like to have a quick look, but not right here. There’s a spot further back inside the workshop where you won’t attract attention.”

"It sounds like you need to be patient, to make things look like you want them too. A lot of planning too? Sounds like something that takes much skill then. It must not have been easy to learn.

In Equestria, they carve things too, but with metal. Sometimes with crystal. I have seen crystal tools be eaten by dragons though. I wonder why there are so many materials, that tools are made from... Maybe for different wood?"

She were thinking out loud near the end more or less, as she got a thing in mind, which made her ponder, about why she did see so many various tools, made of so many strange things. She just mentioned the three front and center here, but she had seen many colors, and different looking materials used before, and hadn't recalled actually asking why the different materials were used before. A question to pursue eventually, maybe? She would store it for now, and follow Horu, as he directed them to the back of the workshop. An uneventful journey, though she did look around as they walked, curious as to what she'd see in here, for the brief time this walk would be, before Horu would halt again.

On 2023-04-01 at 2:14 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I am ready, Omen. Please show me a pony.”

Omen would nod, then turn to the nearest wall. On it, a pinprick of darkness would show up, which would quickly swirl and expand, into a gate, leading to the dark and grey realm, which made up her home. They were not approached by any others currently though. They were likely playing elsewhere. Judging by the horizon, it seemed the dark, ever-moving non-shapes of the Ki'nathar, were in fact at least five meters away, attempting to mimic a sea, with some blubbery creatures surfacing every now and again, before fall back into the *sea*.

She would not focus on that, but rather the area near the gate. After a few seconds, she would finally open another. This one about the size of her head, and at a good viewing angle, if Horu looked to the left. The imagery unfolding, being from the vantage point of a tree it appeared, judging by the bark and leaves around them. It appeared they had not been noticed, as they gazed out on a playground. Foals were running around, laughing and playing ball, toying around on the various swings, bouncy pads, climbing tools, etc.  A typical schoolyard playground, with teachers of to the side, talking among one another.

A few adults were around the foals though, helping one who had falling to get up, and another using his large wings to brush the face of a unicorn, who had went a bit far when jumping off the swing, and ended up in a large pile of sand, face first. A bit of grain going over them, but all in all, the giggling foal seemed to indicate that nothing were wrong.

"This is a school, where foals learn things. I tried going there once, to learn too, but they asked me to go away. Sometimes I still sit and watch though, trying to understand them more. I remember being here, when he were as small as they are."

She'd point towards the stallion who were brushing the foal. It were likely a solid 17-18 years ago that he were the size of the foals, but he seemed to have grown up well, and gotten himself to do something important. That were a good thing.

Meanwhile, in their own realm, Omen would suddenly perk her ears, and then look to the right. Were the others to do the same, they'd see that they had some company, albeit far away.

Mother had come from her room, and now stood tall among the Ki'nathar, flocking to and around her. She knelt, and her large, clawed hand ran across the shadows, as a big smile spread on her bat-like face. Her other hand would join in, to caress her children, and soon after, a continued wind would blow around, sending with it a sound. In particular, the sound of Mother humming a song, soothing and joyful, as she tended to her children. She did not appear aware of them.

"Mother."

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

 

@Kujamih @Catpone Cerberus

On 2023-04-02 at 2:52 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Sheska was the one to address the kits' worry "You are talking to twins who have been relying on each other since hatching, we will notice if someone is trying to impersonate one of us." Trox added to that "Chega and Sear are also so close that I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they can read each others' minds." he was obviously joking with the mind reading part, but the point was true "Though that brings up a question, why didn't it just posses me? It wants me dead, and the possession seemed to do some serious damage, so why bother with the guard? is it limited to quadruped creatures or something?"

The kits perked up as Sheshka began talking, though they yet waited until there were a halt, to say anything of their own.

"You're twins too?"

"For kitsune, twins are seen as good luck. Is it the same for kobolds?"

The two were briefly excited, and their childish nature showed through. Yet they'd get hold of themselves again - Zhing first - and would get a little embarrassed and flustered, that they had let themselves be caught off guard like that.

"S-Sorry, that was uhm... Just a little slip."

"Sadly we don't know what the Oni might want. Maybe it wants to see you suffer, and that isn't happening if it just possessed you? Maybe you're resistant? Could be it's because you haven't ventured off alone- We get a lot of warnings about Oni, but we're not told a lot of facts I'm afraid."

It were really anyone's guess why she had not been taken over. The kitsune twins at least, figured it were related mostly to Sheshka not going around alone. Could be that the possessing process took some time, or it left it vulnerable as it did it. The elders would know better.

On 2023-04-02 at 2:52 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Guess that's as good as any plan can be, I at least have no reasons for why not to try it, though now I wonder even more about the motives of the thing, what reason does a dangerous magical kitsune spirit have to stab a random couple of elderly ponies." 

The bag was still there, or well, most of it was, since as stated, Trox had made some equipment out of it, and whatever remained of the bomb was still inside of it, since taking it out would have been foolish. "I don't know how much it has been touching it, but there was a gas bomb in that bag when it was brought here, presumably put there by the Oni." he pointed at the said bag "So that is a one thing it touched, there was also the knifes..." Sheska cut in "...But I gave them to the hospital for analysis since the guard was stabbed with them." 

The twins would take in the remnants of the bomb, and the bag, and wrinkle their nose. They knew what were in this, and didn't like even the faint remnant of the smell. In fact, Zhing would use some magic, and wrap it up in some parchment that came in from seemingly nowhere, whilst Hachi would twirl a paw, and make string show up from thin air too, to wrap around the gathered evidence.

"Nasty stuff. Thank you though. It will hopefully help. And don't worry about the knives. We'd prefer not handling poisonous knives either."

"I second that. But I guess, soon as everyone's ready, we can be on our way. The sooner we get to the elders, the better."

Soon as the others would be ready, the kitsune would follow. They were anxious, but a little excited too. After all that had gone on, it would be good for them to see their mother again. It might help calm them down, and get their heads back on straight.

On 2023-04-02 at 2:52 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Yes, I can talk, I'm just not as quick-tongued as Chega" Sear stated in humorous manner, she found it curious that Shark mentioned being 'made', and it gave her few ideas on what she could be, but she didn't ask about it, as she believed in letting others to tell what they themselves believe to be important, she also didn't want risk bringing up any negative memories. "She may not be as strong as I am, but her wit certainly makes up for it." it was actually a bit terrifying, she had never seen Chega genuinely angry, as the kobold had great patience due to her line of work, but having seen her annoyed, she was pretty sure that unlike the saying about stick and stones said, Chega's words could actually hurt. Chega of course took the compliment with a smile.

"You look very big. Very strong. Like... Wh-aaaale. Whale. Like whale, yes."

Shark beamed up, happy as could be, as she gave her compliment to Sear. At least it were a compliment, the way she thought of them as. Being big and strong, like a mighty whale, were a good thing to say to someone. If she wanted to insult anyone, she'd compare them to a dolphin. Big meanies the lot of them, and too fast to snack on most of the time. A shame really, as they looked like they'd be tasty, and it would make them shut up.

"So you strong, she smart? Sounds good. Help each other, yes? Be better together."

Oooh, what nice friends this were. One were smart, the other big and strong. That probably helped them deal with all sorts of things, and really help them when they were facing strange situations out there, in the great unknown. They'd probably make for the most interesting friends ever!

On 2023-04-02 at 2:52 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Chega chuckled at both Light's reaction and the following lick from Shark "Love is great isn't it" she said, touching lightly Sear's cheek, which caused the dragon to momentarily tense up. Their relationship was balanced, because while Sear was obviously the physically stronger from the two, Chega made up for it by knowing all the buttons to press and strings to pull when it came to Sear, and she didn't hesitate to use that knowledge to make Sear the happiest dragon around. 

Chega chuckled a bit more "I guess we two have more common than I thought, I too am here to learn about this 'strange, dry place' though I'm not from the sea which is what I assume you mean by 'large wet place', rather where I come from would be better described as 'humid small place'. Then I also met someone strong and smart." she pointed at Sear, she then looked at the kitsune "Fluffy ones, I like that, I think I'll start using that." she chuckled again.

"Love is nice. Very different here, from sea. Shark meet, have pups, then leave. Not many stay near. Here, so many together. Walk with their pups. Shark want that too.

When special one got Shark here, very confused. Had been hunting yummy fish, then suddenly gone. Up in air, feeling weird. Change much. Then special one stop, put me down. Tell that ponies are friends. That frog are food, and to hunt frog. Special one let me stay, so I can be like friends now. With strange thing on back, and leg. Leg is weird, but fun."

She'd shake one of her legs, then put it down whilst giggling. If the other sharks could see her with these things, they'd think she were someone else entirely. No shark had legs out there. And as far out at sea as she had been, there were no ponies either. Only when they flew above the waves, or were in large ships, but they avoided large ships. Nothing good came from those things.

On 2023-04-02 at 11:38 PM, Kujamih said:

Light sees this and ponders quite a bit.

" Ahmm you know shark IS technically half shark half pony.... So maybe cross breeding is possible... If you know the right draconicous that is ahmm..ahmm.."

Light hinted.

"Draaa-co... Draaagy... Long word. Special one is long word. She put word in Shark's head. That is what special one is!"

Shark didn't focus on the cross-breeding part at all, and would completely put focus on the part where Light had said what the one who made her were. Hopefully, her new friends here, would understand what she meant, cause she couldn't say the name. She had to try lots more, another time. It sounded like a difficult word though. She'd need plenty of time.

"Maybe you tell sometime, of small... Huuuu-miiiid Humid. Of small humid place, yes? Shark want to kn- Huh? Oh! Fluffy ones and others, say time to go. Out to hunt bad one! We go."

She'd go over, and bite into the hairs of Light's tail, then merrily drag him of towards the kitsune and the others. He would probably have followed freely, but she were too giddy to think about that right now. She'd let go if he asked her to though.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Leviathan knew that her emotional outburst weren't something that'd be as touching to them, as it were her. But really, she didn't think of them in this. She wasn't trying to garner sympathy, or start a support group. She embraced that she were an emotional sort, and as she had to dig around for a memory, that even nearly a thousand years later were still clear, yet not often thought on, it had dragged a few memories up that had hit her in the heart. The tear shed, had been because of that, and what she said after? Heck, half of it were answering the question, while the other half of it, really came down to her talking because it helped her get through it. Might be the others couldn't relate, but it were therapeutic in a way, for her to talk through it. Same when she got nervous really. It helped for her to yap off, for better or for worse.

And speaking of being talkative, this were probably the most Ruby had just let out there, since... Ever, really. Some important stuff to listen to here, and so, Leviathan would listen.

She'd have her own things to think about this. Going to the point of for instance, still not being thrilled about dragons killing one another like that, or talking of that like a mercy kill, when it sounded more like stubborn idiocy, causing their own demise. A meaningless death, and the end of a young dragoness... *sigh* But perhaps there were some merit to the claims of a mercy kill, if you extrapolated, that the young one had kept attacking, because she wanted to di. Unable to speak, alone, and seemingly being put through that, likely by the parent... It were a grim, dark existence. How Leviathan wished that she could have met that one instead. She could have helped her. There were ways of talking without words. Ways to heal, by seeking others who didn't just fight, but specialized in correcting horrible wounds like that...

How many more were there, like that? Scarred and lonely, caught in an endless fighting loop, where only those already high up, were allowed to keep going in the end?

Perhaps it were foolish, and there were no help to give, cause no help were wanted. But were Ruby not proof if one were needed, that there were at least some there, who had the capacity to be better, and find some level of joy in life, outside of fighting? Sure she were still a sadistic murderer, but y'know... They shouldn't focus too much on the minor details here.

And hearing the endling of Ruby's words, warmed the older dragons heart. There'd be some way to go, just like she said herself, yet what were there to lose, but time? And if there were one thing that dragons had plenty of, it were time.

"Anything that's worth doing, is worth doing right. No matter how long it might take, I think it will be well worth every second of it, if things managed to change. And I'll be around for every step of the way."

She almost said *Unless you eat me*, but this were not the time for jokes. That one were staying in her head.

"Though, we do share a common idea, even if we go at it differently. Your trophy keeping? Doing that as a sign od respect, is the same reason I bury the heads of my kills. Old tradition I were taught, which I follow. If you ever see me just letting a head rot in the sun, or eat from it, it is basically me openly showing disrespect on someone.

You're more tribal about it, but the idea's the same. Funny how that goes, huh..."

She'd chuckle, and get a warm, joyous smile on her face, as they wandered deeper into the forest, speaking openly as they now did. Away from the eyes and ears of ponies, and the simple-minded, who wouldn't understand.

"But your story... I ain't gonna make light of it. You were in a tough situation, and you did what you believed were right. Maybe the only thing there were to do even. I weren't there after all, so I couldn't tell. Yet I still mourn the loss of a fellow dragoness's life, and the fact that you had to do it.

Like you said, death is a natural part of life for us dragons. We have to eat, and pure crystal based diets, are unsatisfying. So we hunt, we kill. That's how it's meant to be. Even here that's much the same, despite us not being as battle-hardened as you. Some life though, is still worth mourning about. Hers, as well as yours. The one you once were, before you fell down there? I mourn her loss to.

Still, where there's death, there's life. And howev-"

Out of the thick brush, a couple of bugbears suddenly bashed the trees aside, and roared at the apparent small dragons, and singular pony, interrupting Leviathan in what she were trying to say.

They had in mind to sting the lot of them too, but they had barely done half a roar, before the trees would blast aside around them, from the sheer pressure of wind. The winds engulfing the two, smashing them together, as Leviathan glared at them, hatred flaring in her eyes, and poison dripping from her tongue.

"We're trying. To have. A freaking. Moment here!"

Her hand were already clutching thin air in the direction of the two bugs, as she had used her magic to brutally knock them together. She'd then clench her hand, the two beasts roaring in pain from the pressure. Then she'd open it fully, and a barrage of wind that would bash them backwards over twenty meters, crashing through several trees, would hammer against them. It'd leave them unconscious, or dead, where they landed. She did not care one bit, and would just return to looking at Ruby, annoyance and anger still present in her eyes. Might be she presented herself as jolly and nice, but she were more precisely, a highly emotional creature. That included being furious, at being interrupted, as she felt like they were having a moment.

"Where was I... Bloody hay, it's just not the same now. Freaking pests, ruining everything."

In case she cared to try them out, they'd have a few more showing up soon after. Seeing how absolutely no one ever liked these things, Ruby could annihilate them, with no repercussions, or damage done to the ecosystem. The world did not need these overgrown, annoying pests. Only thing positive about them, were that they had an interesting zing to their sweet tasting meat. That being poison, but if some concentrated paralyzing toxins didn't affect you, they'd taste interestingly.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

go over, and bite into the hairs of Light's tail, then merrily drag him of towards the kitsune and the others. He would probably have followed freely, but she were too giddy to think about that right now. She'd let go if he asked her to though

@Catpone Cerberus @Blitz Boom

" Oh.. uh i guess this is good bye then." He said to the ones who were left behind.