open Casual stroll

[Sekel 696]

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Okay, since my sister has decided to stay behind," Twilight paused while they waited for the train at the station outside Sanctuary. The forest spread out behind them and the path into the forest ended up being dark and ominous the further it wound its way through the trees. She was still getting used to the idea of having an actual older sister but believed writing letters to each other would have to suffice. "Drone, I would like to meet with your Queen, hopefully to establish relations between the Manetids and Ponies," she told the buzzing insect creature. She knew Last wouldn't take kindly to the option but believed it to be good for the moment.

@Blitz Boom

DAZZLE GLEAM & DAWN STREAK

Most of the house was clear of dust by now and the group has found various scales and pieces of fur amongst the sand particles. With each piece they recovered, Dazzle grew more and more fearful her parents may have actually been forced out of their home rather than simply deciding to leave. "Why would they leave the furniture and not leave a note for me in case I somehow returned?" Dazzle asked out loud, her face a picture of fear, panic, and cluelessness all rolled into one.

"Maybe they were taken. There's a lot of discarded scales around here," Dawn commented, poking at the jar full of blue dragon scales from Dazzle's father. She had no idea what was even going on beyond knowing she had to help Dazzle find her parents. "Is there a way for us to view the past with magic?"

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I had no idea there were kinder ways to feed," Aurora commented, now sitting on her haunches in front of Queen Cheshire. They had retired to the Queen's chambers and were all seated quite comfortable within. Aurora was wrapping her head around the fact that there was more than one way to feed off of emotions and it was blowing her mind. So much that she forgot she was in new company and wasn't nervous about it at all. "I thought it was just forcefully taking love but ... I guess Chry ... Chrys ... her. That one. She wanted to do her own thing?"

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"The fish could be rotten, the fireworks explode blowing limbs off," Karmic muttered, seemingly stuck in her vision loop. Her eyes were a stark white and Atzy winced.

"I'm sorry about this, Karmic," Atzy winced and solidly punched Karmic's face with her gem-studded hoof. Karmic gave a jolt and the light left her eyes before she gasped and shook her head.

"Wh-wha ... what happened?" Karmic muttered, wincing and holding a hoof to the lump forming on her jaw.

[Blitz Boom 4,665]

 @Catpone Cerberus

"I concur on the difference between magic and science wholeheartedly. I still attempted at the time, due to wanting to know more of my situation as well, but the notion of it working is somewhat ridiculous. Elementals are not as the layman might think, magical creatures. Elemental Spirits are, but the two are so notably different, that they have little in common, beyond being beings of nature.

Elementals as for instance a fire elemental, are wholly bound by physical laws. When they cast fireballs and causes smokescreens, among other things, it is not casting magic, but natural, biological processes, in the same vein as a dragon's fire. Some elementals can cast magic, and certainly there are a degree of magic in them passively, as there are in most creatures, but for the most part, their interactions are physical, and not as fantastical as the world of comic books would make one believe.

In truth, I am not even sure if I can cast magic anymore. I have tried some, but thus far, I have failed in my endeavors. Either my transformation are so complete that I lost my natural unicorn connection to the arcane, or it is locked down, and I am yet unable to unlock it. Or it can be that it have changed to being magic of an elemental nature instead, which would involve me having to first learn how they use it in the first place. A lot of uncertainty, but that is simply one more reason for me to research myself, and uncover further my abilities, as well as limitations.

In regards to research and limitations though, I think that if you can get access to the data from Center Zero, or if we go there and I can find the correct paperwork for you, you should look into the work of one of the Boom family members, Molotov Boom. That family have had a fascination with the concept of artificial wings for decades, and while his mother made and attached a pair on herself, they were still controlled via magic, and only really useful in floating.

Molotov however, managed to make a functional pair. Sun powered and attached via surgery, it were peculiar to see a unicorn with wings, flying about like it wasn't a bother, but he were ever a prodigy, in his own right. Wings were one thing, but he also managed to create life, after about a decade of work. Artificial intelligence, despite being told it were a ridiculous waste of time to tinker with.

I cannot deny his genius, nor will I attest to understanding much of his work. He showed me the finer working and calculations for his wings at one point and trying to grasp how it functioned were giving me a headache. You'd likely have a better chance of understanding his work, which I will say is a shame will not be brought further, considering what happened to the town. The stallion in question himself I didn't much care for though. For one so smart, it is incredible how much he shoved his own hoof down his throat. Especially around mares. Never knew there to be more than four days of passage at most, without someone pushing him into a barrel, or something else, because he said something dumb.

*sigh* But I shouldn't speak ill of the dead. That whole family were very... Unique, but they were brilliant, and did do a lot of groundbreaking work. I hope that what they left behind, will come to good use."

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@Catpone Cerberus

Didn't seem like he much cared for seafood, but that were okay. Different folks had different tastes, and she really couldn't blame him about the clam. She usually didn't eat that, unless it were done properly at a restaurant, and even then, it were mostly down to what else were there, to make it taste better. It were better to have something with a bit of chew to it, and just with taste in general. Fish tasted good, but it were a bit mild, and clams were just salty boogers, more or less. That sorta meal needed some spices and steamed veggies, as an example.

Her dreams about seafood dining aside though, she did still like to see that he didn't waste food, and that he had still done a fair enough hunt. Sure it could have been better, but she wasn't gonna be a stickler that only praised him if he did above and beyond. The poor boy needed some encouragement, after all the treatment he'd been through before. It'd help with his confidence, and make him big and proud, just like a proper dragon should be.

Leviathan hadn't much else to do, and she had to conserve her magic, so she'd spent the rest of the time waiting doing some stretches, and looking around the tiny island they were on. Probably nothing to really do, but she couldn't just sit still for nearly an hour. She'd go crazed with boredom.

On 2025-01-26 at 12:30 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

If Leviathan didn't say or do anything more, as the hour passed, Ruby would announce that it was time to go, and would get ready to lead the trio to the mainland, though not before telling Leviathan "You may be older, but here, stay close, and do as I say; And I will apologize in advance, as I may get physical if your safety depends on it, and ask that you trust me when I say, If I grab you, kick you or otherwise slam you to move you, it is to protect you, not to harm you, sometimes there isn't time for words." she was even more serious than she usually were, the homelands were dangerous place, even for her, so there was no room for her usual indifference. 

Leviathan would listen to every word she were told by Ruby. Were the place and timing different, she may have marked how sweet it were that the larger dragoness were starting to feel so protective of her, that she felt she needed to give these warnings, but this were not the time or place. Frankly it didn't even cross her mind, as the dread over where they were going, were more imminent, and hard to ignore.

"I trust you, Ruby. If you slap me around, I know you'd have done so for a reason. Just as I know that you're telling me to do what you say, because it's genuinely dangerous for me to not listen.

I'll do what you say in there. Just... Try and be careful, okay? I'd like to get out of this place, but not without the both of you. And remember that I can still fight. I'm not just gonna sit it out, if something happens. Might be I'm small, but I ain't useless."

She did genuinely worry if they were all three going to be okay, and she didn't much like to take orders and be bashed around by youngsters without them having good reason, or some sort of rank she actually respected. But this were a dangerous place, and Ruby knew best. If she said that she might have to throw her away for her own good, Leviathan would trust that. But she wasn't gonna be a helpless lizard in all this. If she could, she'd help in her own way. And if it seemed Ruby or Charir would get hurt, or worse, she were going to bring the wrath of a storm down upon whoever dared to try. Might be Ruby claimed they were tough and resistant to a point, but let's see how resistant they were to a localized thunderstorm to the back, or getting their limbs encased in ice. Resistant or not, that sorta thing would at the least slow you down.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"An Oni, so far from the mainland? Troubling news, if they have started to spread out from Neighpon. Though I do welcome hearing there are kitsune at the school. I haven't seen their elders for years. It would be good to hear how they're faring these days."

"You have friends among their seniors, doctor?"

"Yes. In this case though, I am speaking of their leaders. The ones from the main village at least. I spent a couple of fascinating, enlightening years there, some time past. They're quite knowledgeable about many things, and if you treat them with respect, they will do so in kind too.

Which also means that I am afraid I cannot answer questions about the Oni. Even among kitsune, their origins are meant only for the elders, and they say nothing about them to anyone, except for their chosen replacement. I know some general warnings, and that they are trouble for the elders to deal with, but beyond that it is merely stories and rumors, that won't help much. Though this is the first I have heard of one outside Neighpon, which I can imagine must be a topic of concern for their elders.

But for now, this is a concern of theirs, while we have our own, more locals trouble. Including the couple you saved. It's remarkable they survived, considering the amount of wounds they had, but from what I am told, none of them seemed to be meant to be fatal. The blood loss could have done it, certainly, but nothing vital were hit. It makes it hard to discern a motive.

Still, it is over for now, and perhaps times have changed to where I can get more of a proper answer now. If not, then at least I have some to visit at the school now. I'm sure they would appreciate someone who knows their customs better too."

"Be that as it may, what happens now?"

"When you are ready, you can leave, and I won't be sharing stories. I know the princess and her ideals towards the reformed changelings, and while I will not lie and say I trust you, I do look forward to seeing the limits to this "reformed" status. Perhaps I can be proven wrong, and it can really change even the darkest of minds to the better. If not... Well, let's try not to cross that bridge, and hope for a brighter outcome, hm?"

Onache narrowed her eyes and scowled at the doctor some, though she didn't change her attitude, and the queen couldn't get a read on her. She were weak, and this mare seemed to know how to steel her mind well. She got nothing from trying to read her, and it annoyed her. But there were little she could do about that currently.

"Believe what you will, but I have no intention of repeating history. I will leave soon."

"Well then. unless I am needed otherwise, have a good day. And if you are looking for the guard you brought in, she is in the room right across from this."

If there were nothing else to Doctor Toxina, she would bow her head at each of them, and then be on her way. Plenty of things to do in a hospital, even at times when there weren't a lot of patients. Though if there were questions, she would stay and answer.

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@EQ_Theta

On 2025-01-27 at 12:21 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“The council of the longma elders has summoned us to speak before them about possibly opening up the longma to the outside world. We’ve been preparing for this, and we’ll be set to leave for this tomorrow, but… I don’t know. Even with our preparations, I can’t help but feel worried. I really want this to succeed, but some part of me can’t help thinking back to the night our parents were taken away… like it might happen again.”

“It’s not just that, Mother…” Lin chimed in, questioning herself if she had to mention more recent events but relenting at the need to come clean. “We’ve also discovered something back home. Old ruins mostly, but while we were there, something, or someone, took over me. It spoke about coming for the longma like it wants to bring us back under its control. Sen and Omen brought me to the kitsune for their help, but it may be a matter of time before it comes back.”

“I suppose we just couldn’t keep this all to ourselves because we thought you should know, and we didn't want to worry you, but it isn’t all bad news. We’ve met some friendly faces back home, and our grandfather helped us out with preparations. It's good knowing that he's still around and doing well. I think he’s getting familiar with Omen and the gates she and I can create. Maybe in time, this could be just another normal thing that happens in the village. Even some young longma in the village have seen Shrimp and have taken a liking to our little friend.”

Mother did not discourage any of them from hugging as much of her large form as they could. Something which Omen joined in on too, when she noticed all the others did too. Shrimp however, would take the chance to get up further than he ever had, by slithering up on Mother, and aiming to get on top of her head. Even when laying down as she did now, she were still huge, and it would be a very tall vantage point for the little longma. She smirked slightly at this, amused, and deciding not to interfere. Let the little one enjoy himself for now, as they spoke of other things.

And quite a lot of things there were to be spoken off. Things that made her smile falter some, as she were worried of several things she were told about. It seemed that things were as ever, very eventful for them, with little sign that things would slow down, or stop. A troubling tendency, and one she hoped would calm down eventually, but it seemed as if life simply were not like that for them now. Omen truly had found herself some very eventful beings to feel attached to, though much as she worried, she were happy that Omen were with them. Through thick and thin, she knew Omen would be with them, and when that much happened, she trusted that she would learn something too, and come closer to being what she had wanted for so long: Normal. Considering her master, a rather peculiar want, but Mother always assumed it were due to her thinking that being normal, meant she could understand others, and not be so far behind everyone. She had a simple mind, though it were clear that it were expanding, due to the good influence of Sen and Lin. Potentially others too, but these were the only ones she had met thus far, from their circle of friends.

"I blame you not for your many worried, my children. Much responsibility is about to be set upon your shoulders, among threats or ancient enemies, set upon conquest. Not to mention fears of history repeating itself, in the most cruel of ways... I envy you not, these troubling tides.

Still, it is good that there are light you can focus upon. The reunion of friends and family, and familiarity to Omen and others, could spell well for your effort, to open the horizon for your kin. I hope that your efforts will bear fruit, though I regret that I cannot offer you more support, than that of comfort, and love. Were they here, I am certain your parents would offer the same, and be proud of the visionaries they had raised."

She'd reach a claw closer to Omen, and poke at her head, to which Omen stood still for. This would not work on Lin, as she were only half of them, but Mother could well read Omen's mind, and get a look of how things had happened. Quite a lot it seemed, and nothing spoke against what the others were saying either. Not that she suspected it. She saw no reason to doubt her children were anything but honest to her, lest they had reason to otherwise.

"I see you also have contact to one of Omen's newly formed siblings. It warms my heart, to see family still stick together, beyond worlds."

"One of?"

"There is another, who reached here. An accident of science he said. A bold tongue, but his heart were kind, and he mastered one of yours. Her master is an inventor of sorts, it sounded like. I know not if perhaps that could be of use to you, in some way? Matters of the soul I can handle with ease, but the mind, and politics, are not topics I have as much understanding with.

Also, this Rosa, that I see in Omen's memories... He seems a troubled child, with much on his own shoulders, yet loyal and kind to you. Remember to visit him soon too, yes? I am always happy to see you, my dear children but your friends matters much too. Relations can be so fleeting in life. One should cherish those they have."

Shrimp had now reached the top of Mother's head, and were standing right above her forehead now, giving a tiny, almost unnoticeable roar, that made Mother chuckle.

"The innocence, and simple pleasures of a growing mind. Many millennia have it been, and yet I cherish such sights all the same."

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@EQ_Theta

"While I can hardly talk with certainty, when it comes to Nightmare Moon, I can fortunately speak well about the reason for the princesses being in charge of Equestria, rather than representatives of the tribes.

Before Equestria, this land were ruled by a Draconequui, named Discord. Their race are very old, so perhaps you know of them? Creatures of chaos, that shows themselves as amalgamations of other beings. They are quite unique, in each their own way. Equestria homes a few now, such as Fright, Avarice, Gluttony, and Discord himself. All reformed, in some fashion, with Fright being the reason for Avarice and Gluttony's change to assets to society, rather than menaces.

Ah, but I digress. Discord is often seen as one of, if not the strongest of the draconequui, and thus this land were under his chaotic rule without much resistance. Chaos and weirdness is ideal for their kind, but it is hard for others to live in well, especially ponies. Discord put everything in disarray, as he declared himself ruler, and there were nothing any could do against him. It were Princess Luna and Celestia, that gathered the famed Elements of Harmony, and together managed to turn him to stone, and restore order to the land. The three tribes were brought together by this act, and they swore their allegiance to their saviors. To them, the princesses had done the impossible, and saved the entire country, from a crazed tyrant. As alicorns too are the embodiment of all three tribes, it likely made the choice all the easier.

Not that the change were overnight, and everypony got along right away. No, there's many tomes of history talking about the early years, and the trouble that there were, in bringing them all together, but the princesses managed it in time. Some did remain apart though. Especially some of the more high ranking unicorns, who refused to mingle with others, but over time, all but the most resilient left their towering cities, and those who remained, faded into obscurity, and old history.

There are still those who oppose the unity of Equestria, but they are few and far between, and few give them much attention.

Ah, and I am sure you will ask... Discord. Why he is now seen as an ally, when he were once a tyrant.

Story is long too, but in essence, he broke free from his stone prison a few years back, and began taking over again. The new wearers of the Elements of Harmony - Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie - managed to encase him in stone again, and some time later, seeing the various threats that have hit Equestria in the time since, Princess Celestia tasked them with reforming him,, under threat of him being imprisoned again, if he failed.

It have been a... Rough process, but he were reformed, and keeps his tricks and chaos to doing minor things for amusement, rather than covering the land in it, and are overall helpful. For a draconequui, that is really all one can hope for at times. Though Fright are different. I met her once, when I were younger. A very calm, wise lady that one. Much different from she once were, as she tells it."

It were many thousands of years ago, but Fright had been around the world here and there, where she had caused fear in others, either locally or wide spread, so perhaps they had encountered her in some way. A shadow, taking many forms, to cause as much fear as she could, to feast upon it. Never one to hurt another, but she were certainly not a welcome presence. Time had certainly changed her quite a bit though.

Could be too that they had never seen a draconequui, or if so, not one that were in Equestria now. Rusty were curious in honest, but he would wait and hear what they might say on the matter.

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@Sekel

"Kkrrkthllk. You wish to see her... Now?"

Drone would look towards Twilight, as well as Last. Her features made it harder to tell her general mood by facial expression, but the voice did sound surprised at the least.

"I'd argue against it, but I doubt that would come far. But I must ask that if we do this, your highness, you must be ready for a hasty retreat. Drone speaks well of their new matriarch, but things could go wrong. If something happened, would you be able to teleport away with little warning? Or are you not at full strength? I will die for your safety if it comes to it, but I still wish to know that you would escape safely."

"Rkkrhthkk. Our princess would not attack an envoy, if they come to parlay. She is not as her mother, who would all but welcome fresh meat, willingly wandering to our hive. If I signal you are there to speak, you will get your chance, lest you try hostilities. That especially goes for the Shrine Maiden. She will not be trusted to wander unguarded."

"If I wasn't guarded, I'd think less of you too."

Last were not pleased with this, as she thought this a crazed risk, but she had learned from her new majesty, that she were one who wanted to meet with a friendly hoof, rather than a sharp sword. And if she wished to speak with Drone's new monarch, then so it would be. Last would get nothing from warning her of it, and instead it were best she spent her energy, preparing to defend her. Though if the eternal queen had still lived, this would be out of the question. That old monster would have personally eaten her alive, legs first.

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@Sekel

"Certainly there are such magics, but that requires specialists, and preparation.

A proposal, if I may? I have a friend who knows the right type of magic. If I ask him, and help him here, then I'm sure he and his friends could prepare the house for the correct viewing, Though I would need to ask for time. They still have work to do, and preparing takes time. I would say... Thirty or so hours? I know you must yearn for answers now, but sadly, some things simply takes time. Perhaps you all three can try to find something enjoyable to do, and clear your minds some of your concerns here? I'm sure there is something you could find enjoyable to do together.

As for the scales, I ask that you leave them here. It will help the viewing, as I understand it, to have something from the right time you wish to see."

Scarcity would need to pay for the specialists in this case, as they were some she knew, and worked with, rather than some who owed her favors, but she wouldn't mind the minor investment. Frankly at this point, her curiosity were well piqued too, and thus she craved answers too. This were not how she imagined it would go, but it would certainly speed up things somewhat, if they could glimpse what may have happened here. Hopefully nothing too grizzly.

"I think we should do this. It takes time, but it's better than guessing, right? Though I don't know what you'd want to do. Are you maybe hungry? My co- I mean-"

"Oh calm yourself sister. I know you and Chop Chop are an item now. Congratulations, by the way. You make an unlikely, yet adorable couple."

She had tried to wander around this subject, but of course, Scarcity already knew. Honestly Stare knew that too, but in the moment, she would admit to have forgotten that. It were odd enough to have Scarcity so openly call her sister, that it ere throwing her off somewhat. And then all of this too, of course.

"Y-Yes, well, thank you, Scarcity. And Chop is a good cook, so he could make something you'd enjoy. He even work with meat, if you prefer that."

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@Sekel

"You were caught in a maelstrom of visions, of all the ways that things could proceeded poorly."

"Yep, and didn't sound like things were looking all that bright. You one of them Oracles? I hear those folks have random visions sometimes. Frankly sound like it'd suck."

"Are you okay now? Or do you need a big hug?"

Blitz stood ready to try and jump down to hug her. She could probably make it from where she stood. If not, Molotov would catch her. He told her he usually did, when she tried to make her early win designs back at their old home too, as she weren't too keen on safety. Still wasn't, but Molotov did what he could for her. She were his sister after all, and he loved her. Plus their mom would roll in her non-existent grave, if she knew he didn't look out for her. Blitz always had been a troublemaker, and needed some oversight. That she had managed several months on her own, were frankly astonishing.

Enzo held her still firmly between his claws, waiting to see if she had truly come back from all of this, but he would move to set her upon the ground for now, that she might find stable hoofing, as she freshened up. It seemed that whatever many troubles she saw, it had not been nice things. Perhaps with so many things that could go wrong, they would eb best off not taking this trip today.

[EQ_Theta 466]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-02-10 at 7:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

 Mother did not discourage any of them from hugging as much of her large form as they could. Something which Omen joined in on too, when she noticed all the others did too. Shrimp however, would take the chance to get up further than he ever had, by slithering up on Mother, and aiming to get on top of her head. Even when laying down as she did now, she were still huge, and it would be a very tall vantage point for the little longma. She smirked slightly at this, amused, and deciding not to interfere. Let the little one enjoy himself for now, as they spoke of other things.

The siblings embraced Mother and held this moment close, perhaps a little longer than they thought. Something about moments like this made them want to cherish it, finding what comfort they could before returning to the world outside. It was… invigorating, reminding them to pause and find the strength to face whatever it was that awaited them once this moment of respite had passed. 

As they bared their worries, a weight was lifted, though not entirely. They listened and didn’t want Mother to overexert herself. The answers to their problems reasonably didn’t come from just one place, and with the complicated situation they were in, it might be too much to hope there was a solution that would conveniently fall on their laps. Even so, Mother’s words were reassuring, but something in them also got the siblings thinking.

On 2025-02-10 at 7:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I blame you not for your many worried, my children. Much responsibility is about to be set upon your shoulders, among threats or ancient enemies, set upon conquest. Not to mention fears of history repeating itself, in the most cruel of ways... I envy you not, these troubling tides.

Still, it is good that there are light you can focus upon. The reunion of friends and family, and familiarity to Omen and others, could spell well for your effort, to open the horizon for your kin. I hope that your efforts will bear fruit, though I regret that I cannot offer you more support, than that of comfort, and love. Were they here, I am certain your parents would offer the same, and be proud of the visionaries they had raised."

“Visionaries?” Lin paused and pondered, deep in thought, but her emotions betrayed her. What was meant to lift her spirits didn’t do so, and her face exhibited sadness. It would be something true for Sen, but seeing this on her was unexpected. Even she had to avert her sight from Mother, troubled with thoughts forming in her mind.

“Lin?” Sen looked on, eyebrow cocked.

“I… I don’t know if that word is right to describe me. This whole thing, talking things out with the longma elders? It’s Sen’s… dream, I guess? It’s important to him, so I go along and help however I can, but it’s not something I could call my own. And to be honest, I’m not even sure I have a dream or goal I want to work toward.”

“Sister, are you all right? What brought this on?”

“You know that I haven't had the most positive things to say about the longma. Remember how I felt so angry at their betrayal and inaction that after my exile, I sought to use dark magic to leave the longma villages ruined? In some ways, I still harbor those feelings, or a least believe that all this might be a lost cause. Yet I still go along with what Sen wants, probably because I want to be proven wrong. And honestly? I feel like I am just distracting myself from facing the truth, that once all this is over, I’m not sure what I want to do with myself. I guess… I was hoping I could ask you for advice, Mother. Have you felt… lost, not knowing what to do, or felt like you are lacking purpose? Maybe our pasts are far too different to be relatable, but perhaps you can help me find perspective?”

The longma wasn’t sure if she could Mother had found herself in a situation like hers at the moment, but she felt she needed to ask this question. As for Sen, he was beside himself, unsure how he could help and unaware that Lin felt the way she did. Maybe there was something to this line of questioning, and Lin was looking to a distant yet plausible future. And perhaps Sen ought to do so too. Mother had lots to say and more for the two to think about, but something about this issue ate at Lin, more than she would want to admit. Keeping it all in, bottled up, didn't feel right. But then, she was among those she wholly trusted, and that was enough for her to feel safe about bringing up this issue.

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On 2025-02-10 at 7:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Before Equestria, this land were ruled by a Draconequui, named Discord. Their race are very old, so perhaps you know of them? Creatures of chaos, that shows themselves as amalgamations of other beings. They are quite unique, in each their own way. Equestria homes a few now, such as Fright, Avarice, Gluttony, and Discord himself. All reformed, in some fashion, with Fright being the reason for Avarice and Gluttony's change to assets to society, rather than menaces.

Ah, but I digress. Discord is often seen as one of, if not the strongest of the draconequui, and thus this land were under his chaotic rule without much resistance. Chaos and weirdness is ideal for their kind, but it is hard for others to live in well, especially ponies. Discord put everything in disarray, as he declared himself ruler, and there were nothing any could do against him. It were Princess Luna and Celestia, that gathered the famed Elements of Harmony, and together managed to turn him to stone, and restore order to the land. The three tribes were brought together by this act, and they swore their allegiance to their saviors. To them, the princesses had done the impossible, and saved the entire country, from a crazed tyrant. As alicorns too are the embodiment of all three tribes, it likely made the choice all the easier.

“An old race? That’s odd… We’ve never come across the draconequi in our time. What little we know of them comes from tales of Discord, and he gets brought up in conversation when it comes to the recent history of Equestria. To think there are more of them out there… Maybe he wasn't spotted around our areas long ago, and that makes it all the more strange. Having a civilization that spanned multiple large landmasses and coastal settlements would have given the hyracotherians a fairly expansive area of influence. Perhaps the draconequi didn't head our way, or they might not have been interested.”

“All the same, I think it may be best for us to avoid looking for them. A little chaos isn’t such a bad thing, but to spend every waking moment in chaos itself. I couldn’t imagine it.”

Even the other golems remained oddly quiet at the thought. They didn’t need to imagine it, not when they managed to quietly peer into the minds of Sen and Lin, recalling how their village was once affected by Discord’s chaos. It wasn’t something they openly discussed, but it was a memory collectively shared by their village. It may have been unknown collateral on Discord’s part, but the reach of chaos was far, much farther than anyone could have imagined.

On 2025-02-10 at 7:40 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Ah, and I am sure you will ask... Discord. Why he is now seen as an ally, when he were once a tyrant.

Story is long too, but in essence, he broke free from his stone prison a few years back, and began taking over again. The new wearers of the Elements of Harmony - Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie - managed to encase him in stone again, and some time later, seeing the various threats that have hit Equestria in the time since, Princess Celestia tasked them with reforming him,, under threat of him being imprisoned again, if he failed.

It have been a... Rough process, but he were reformed, and keeps his tricks and chaos to doing minor things for amusement, rather than covering the land in it, and are overall helpful. For a draconequui, that is really all one can hope for at times. Though Fright are different. I met her once, when I were younger. A very calm, wise lady that one. Much different from she once were, as she tells it."

Discord now being an ally to Equestria... that wasn’t something anyone thought could happen and yet it did. It could be taken as a lesson on how anyone could change given the right approach or catalyst. And to know Rusty met a draconequus in the flesh, now that is something even the golems could give him props for, knowing that they never had the pleasure of ever seeing a draconequus.

“Huh, personally meeting a draconequus. That must have been quite the experience, Rusty. I don’t think any of us golems could imagine being in your position at the time. You’ve got us feeling envious.”

“Though I suppose it is safe to say the ponies of Equestria didn’t have problems with other draconequi? Or rather, if there were problems with them, it wasn’t on a scale comparable to Discord? I admit to being curious about them just as much as I am intrigued by Equestria’s founding tribes, even if I would prefer to keep the draconequi at a fair distance.” 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,701]

@Blitz Boom
"The nature of elementals is something I don't have much to speak on, mainly because I lack information on them. They, like many other creatures and beings present here, are lacking in my world, or at least in Equestria there, not much was known about rest of the world." "There were mentions implying their existence at some point, but like many others, they seemingly disappeared some time after the sisters' corruption." "How much of it is intentional acts from the sisters, over such creatures fleeing the land, can only be speculated." "However, I believe that comparing yourself directly to them is not good approach, as you are likely something entirely unique." "I think this based on the little information I have on various hybrids and biologically modified ponies; pony attributes don't tend to be replaced or removed, as much as they are evolved." "It may be that your magic is something entirely new." "I unfortunately don't have any guidance to offer in such matters, partly because as a pegasus, I've never been as involved with magic , but I would suggest seeking out someone familiar in the less studied magics, for they tend to have interesting insight." 

"And what comes to the research, I am interested to see what this world is already capable, and if someone capable could use such research to boost this worlds advancement. But if it was up to me, I would encourage them to try to find a less invasive way to use such technology; I can say from experience, even if I won't deny the usefulness of this technology, I would be lying if I said I don't sometimes wish I could go back, even if it meant losing my flight." 

"As for artificial intelligence, I believe the Empire looked into that field too, but the research lost investment for similar reasons to the biological research; a result that would be good enough to justify the time and effort, would inherently cause trouble in control." "Why spend countless years and immense resources to create something with several potential risks, when you can just take already loyal soldier and put them into a machine?"  Solar interrupted his words only to the extend that was necessary to get the business done in the train station, and then board the train. Naturally, since this was a work related trip, Solar took care of Magma's tickets too.

For the comment about Boom's luck with mares. Solar didn't have much to say, after all, he would have been one to speak, if he would comment on such things, such a charmer he was, with his deadpan delivery and dead eyes. Though in his defence, he had never really particularly tried either, partly because of what kind of ponies used to be around him, nopony could probably blame him for not finding bloodthirsty psychopaths and entitled snobs too interesting to have a life together with.  

In the train, it was relatively quiet, few other ponies sitting here and there, though there was one other traveler that got similar attention as Solar and Magma on bases of their appearance, a kobold (Left one). It was a purple, presumably male kobold, that was wearing a chestplate over a robe, an odd outfit to some, maybe, but that most likely wasn't what pulled ones attention to him, not even the weird symbol on said chestplate, rather, the one thing that seemed to pull the attention of at least the other ponies in the train, was that the kobold was wearing a skull on his head, another kobold's skull it specifically; it had been modified, to allow its wearing like a helmet, but it was no doubt a real skull. This kobold seemed to have taken some interest on the two ponies sticking out from the rest, he didn't address them or anything, but he wasn't trying to hide his interest either, as his green eyes studied the two through the open sockets of the skull. 

-----

Ruby stretched as she got ready to fly "The best case scenario, those we see have some sense in them to stay away, in the worst, you will see why I was on the top." she wasn't as worried about herself, because until things had changed since she left, there was no real reason for them to stumble upon someone big enough to threaten her life, but she was bit worried that someone was stupid enough to insist fighting her regardless, because she didn't want Leviathan and Charir to see her at her worst; sure she had been very open about it, and Charir knew what the life was like in the homelands, but there was a difference between knowing and actually seeing something, could either of them look at her the same way if she was forced to kill a young dragon for their safety?

She took flight and led the two smaller dragons towards the mainland. It didn't take long for it to be visible fully in the distance, the tall, seemingly impenetrable mountain range surrounding the land, molten stone spewing out here and there, the water surrounding the land discolored by ash and toxins, it was uninviting, and they weren't yet even there. About hour of flight later, as Ruby had estimated, the would land on a small, flatter part of the mountains, it was rather high compared to the sea level, but still low enough to travel without worry about thinner air, from there they would head through a small pass between the mountains, it was big enough for the smaller dragons to fly without issue, but Ruby had to walk, as she couldn't fly there without flying too high; Not that it was an issue to her, the terrain was quite rugged, but Ruby went through quickly and skillfully, she had traveled terrain like this for most of her life after all. 

The first thing Leviathan was likely to notice was the air, as when they got deeper into the mountain pass, the air brought with it the smell of ash, sulfur and other volcanic smells, and they got even deeper, the air got thicker and heavier to breath; It wasn't to actively dangerous levels, but it was clear that if non-native species like Leviathan would for some reason decide to live here, her lifespan would probably get millennia or couple shorter from just breathing the air.  Then, as they reached the end of the mountain pass, and the wider land on the other side came to view, the true nature of the place became very apparent. 

The distance to which they could see, was limited by the ash in the air in an almost mist like effect, but what they saw already told a lot. The landscape near their arrival point was barren volcanic rock, rugged, hard to travel land with caves and such of various sizes; molten rock decorated the land, mountains constantly spewing more, covering the sky in black smoke. Some distance away, a forest covered the land, big, sickly looking trees growing tall into the sky, the ground covered equally sick looking smaller plantlife, with surprisingly wide array of plants and mushrooms fighting for their existence in the toxic ground. 

Near the edge of the forest, there was remains of a creature that looked something alike to a deer or a moose, but it was big, its antlers thicker and sharper than usual, and sharp spines not unlike those of dragons' growing out of its body; one the corpse there was feasting a group of large birds, they resembled something like crows or ravens, but along being bigger, their beaks and claws looked lot nastier than their Equestrian relatives, seemingly capable of ripping a small dragon apart with ease. 

In the far distance, they could see a dragon flying weakly on the sky, only for another dragon to charge from below and send both dragons plummeting towards the ground, the sounds of violence echoed in the air, as countless unseen battles took place all around. And then there was the one thing Ruby had warned Leviathan more than once, the remains, bones, tried up scales, everything from bones so old they had petrified into permanent part of the environment, to bodies too fresh to even have started rotting, they were everywhere; to call it a cemetery would have been an understatement, generations of death, countless ended bloodlines, the only direction where you could avoid seeing them, was the direction the came from. 

They were of all sizes, but, as Ruby had warned, in this area, the overrepresentation of smaller skeletons was notable, smallest of which were barely the size of Charir. If Leviathan was able to look at it with any attention, a curious note about the various remains was that there was none with black horns and/or claws like Ruby and Charir, there were different shades and colors yes, not all of them were white, but not fully black ones. 

 Ruby stopped on the edge of the mountain, as the pass they came through was above the ground of the rest of the land, gesturing towards the view with her leg "Welcome to The homelands, where joy and compassion comes to die." "Can't say I missed the stench." Like Ruby had said few times now, it truly was a miracle that place had life at all.

Charir wasn't too happy about being there again either, and his body language showed it, a combination of pain and disgust, he despised the place, but he did his best to keep his nerve, he had Ruby to protect him after all, he was so happy she was on his side, because something about her, maybe it was a certain thing in her eye, maybe her body language, he couldn't quite put a claw on it, but she terrified him.

----

The kobolds had already expressed to someone else their thoughts about the stabbing quality of the Oni, and didn't feel like it fit here to bring it up, but they agreed that it was quite a miracle that there was anything to save, they doubted that death was not the intention, since the Oni was so angry about Sheska saving them, but it did show to them just how incompetent the Oni was, since it was so bad it went full around to being kinda impressive. 

"I actually do have a question for you, considering your expertise." Sheska said as Toxina was starting to get ready to leave, she then addressed Trox quickly by stating "I think I'll also go see if the guard is awake, just to update her on the situation." It was the least they could do, because while they disagreed with her choice of career, and she had in the grand scheme been not much help, she did get hurt trying to protect Sheska, so she owed her a thanks if nothing else. "Specifically, as a healer concerned about my kin, I'd like to know how familiar you are with toxins relating to kobolds, and if you know how to potentially use them to get rid of worse problems?" she had a specific example in mind, but she wanted to know the big picture first. 

If Toxina answered without leaving the room, Sheska would wait until the eventual end of the conversation before leaving the room to see the guard, but she was also ready to leave the room with Toxina as she spoke, leaving Trox alone with Onache and Happy. 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,665]

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-02-14 at 11:34 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Visionaries?” Lin paused and pondered, deep in thought, but her emotions betrayed her. What was meant to lift her spirits didn’t do so, and her face exhibited sadness. It would be something true for Sen, but seeing this on her was unexpected. Even she had to avert her sight from Mother, troubled with thoughts forming in her mind.

“Lin?” Sen looked on, eyebrow cocked.

“I… I don’t know if that word is right to describe me. This whole thing, talking things out with the longma elders? It’s Sen’s… dream, I guess? It’s important to him, so I go along and help however I can, but it’s not something I could call my own. And to be honest, I’m not even sure I have a dream or goal I want to work toward.”

“Sister, are you all right? What brought this on?”

“You know that I haven't had the most positive things to say about the longma. Remember how I felt so angry at their betrayal and inaction that after my exile, I sought to use dark magic to leave the longma villages ruined? In some ways, I still harbor those feelings, or a least believe that all this might be a lost cause. Yet I still go along with what Sen wants, probably because I want to be proven wrong. And honestly? I feel like I am just distracting myself from facing the truth, that once all this is over, I’m not sure what I want to do with myself. I guess… I was hoping I could ask you for advice, Mother. Have you felt… lost, not knowing what to do, or felt like you are lacking purpose? Maybe our pasts are far too different to be relatable, but perhaps you can help me find perspective?”

Mother listened, a sad smile laying upon her face, as she heard the worries of her child. The burdens she already had, despite her young age, and such conflicting emotions about what she were doing... She knew not if she could raise Lin's spirit, but she hoped it possible. Yet Lin's question at the end, gave her a small amount of melancholy, as memories she had forgotten for a long time, that recently resurfaced, came to mind. This were something that should be answered

"I know of that feeling, all to well, my child.

Before this, I were just one among many. A myriad of weaker beings of my kin, seeking what purpose we could i life, before we would fade away into nothing, few remembering us after, as we were but small fish, among leviathans. Our presence at best a nuisance, we were little more than frolicking children to them.

Mortimer were amongst the greatest. A serious presence amongst clowns, and one day he came forth to us lesser ones, and said that he had a plan. A great purpose, which he wanted to pursue, and he would use as many of us as were willing.

I were one of hundreds that answered his call. Many did so, because he were powerful, and remembered. We were but fleeting creatures, yet he a force of the very fabric of reality. I were among those who instead listened, because we felt lacking of much purpose, beyond simply being. He instead wanted us to join his. A grand plan, spanning world upon world. Something so much greater than we could ever imagine.

He called us Nez'herath. A word without meaning in your tongue, but many of you have your own word for us. From what Omen have told, most in your world calls us Reapers. Most of us changed shapes, following our purpose. I am not even sure if this is how I once were anymore, but I find it matters little.

As time passed, I found myself questioning if this were what I were meant to do. I were immortal now, and I served a great purpose, but somehow I felt... Unfulfilled, and lost. Then one day, I began to see flaws in the process. The souls left behind, or stuck between planes, not good enough for salvation, yet not evil enough for the pit. I pitied them, and would find myself wandering towards them, trying to soothe them, or help them pass along, yet Mortimer's will is final. If a soul is not ready, then it will wait, and no force can change that fact.

I had forgotten most of this, in being here so long, but Mortimer told me when he last were here, yet I remember well how it changed. The day I abandoned my duties, and rushed from realm to realm, gathering thousands of the lost under my wings, and ran with them through the emptiness between spaces. And there, as I sat with them huddled to my form, floating in the unfathomable nothingness, I knew what to do. So I tore the very essence from my being, and in nothing, made something. A sanctuary, for those who had nowhere else.

I still remember every soul that came with me. I hold on to their names, and their memories, when I wash them clean, and meld them with the shadows of our sanctuary. And though it drains me, I feel nothing but joy, as I cleanse a heavy soul of burdens, and gift them the start of new life. This were my purpose, born of a want to care for, and protect.

Mortimer did not approve of it. I had strayed from his path, and used the sliver of his power I held, along with what I had, to make something were naught were meant to be. Yet he listened as I pleaded my case, and though he disapproved, he told me to maintain this, and what it would entail. That I were never able to leave, and that over time, I were dutybound to not only hold these souls, but to give them freely to new homes, that they might live again, and return to the cycle.

He named this Purgatory, and then took his leave. He now only returns every once in a while, carrying new souls judged for this. Last time, were the first in a whole, when he deigned to stay and talk for a time. It were... Revealing, but it were good to remember again."

"Were I someone else then?"

"sigh* You were, Omen, yet that is all you will ever know of it. Please understand, that this story is not I tell with ease, my children. Many when they learn it, are angry, that I will not tell them who they were, or what they had done, but names are more than just words. They hold the power of the self, and if I give them their names, they will regain their old memories. Their old transgressions... They will never return to the cycle, and I agree with Mortimer's demand, that I will not judge them to such a fate. This is also why I give none names here, my children. I cannot risk such a thing. It is best if their new lives, begins with a name given, from someone that will raise them past what I were able.

Yet my point of this tale, Lin, is for you to understand that while on another scale, I understand you. I too followed a purpose not my own, yet mine were different in the end. Follow this path, my child. Help your family, and enlighten your kin. You may well find your own purpose as you progress. And if not, lest then you know to have done something good, and can leave it behind with a heart freed of worries of your home.

And if ever you need to speak of things, never forget that I am here for you, my dear child. Here you will always be able to find shelter, understanding, and love."

It had been so many thousands of years, that she doubted even Mortimer could remember how long exactly, but through everything she had done, Purgatory were her greatest achievement. A loving home, for weary souls, that needed another chance. It may take eons before it came, but eventually, they would be given a chance for a master, and these were good times. In a short time, five of her children had found new homes. Two in Equestria, and the other three spread to other worlds. It filled her heart with joy, to know that her children were out there, living such wonderful, fulfilling lives, and that when their time came, they would pass away as they were meant to, rather than linger and suffer, as they once had.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-02-14 at 11:34 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“An old race? That’s odd… We’ve never come across the draconequi in our time. What little we know of them comes from tales of Discord, and he gets brought up in conversation when it comes to the recent history of Equestria. To think there are more of them out there… Maybe he wasn't spotted around our areas long ago, and that makes it all the more strange. Having a civilization that spanned multiple large landmasses and coastal settlements would have given the hyracotherians a fairly expansive area of influence. Perhaps the draconequi didn't head our way, or they might not have been interested.”

“All the same, I think it may be best for us to avoid looking for them. A little chaos isn’t such a bad thing, but to spend every waking moment in chaos itself. I couldn’t imagine it.”

Even the other golems remained oddly quiet at the thought. They didn’t need to imagine it, not when they managed to quietly peer into the minds of Sen and Lin, recalling how their village was once affected by Discord’s chaos. It wasn’t something they openly discussed, but it was a memory collectively shared by their village. It may have been unknown collateral on Discord’s part, but the reach of chaos was far, much farther than anyone could have imagined.

"Yes, I doubt you would much enjoy living in a world, where randomly you might be turned to a duck, or the color would vanish from everything, or other such oddities. I for one wouldn't.

And truth be told, we have no idea how old their race are, or how expansive. Nor why they were never in certain areas. Discord is seemingly among the oldest, but he apparently claims not to know, and whilst Fright have given some insight, at best I can tell they may well be older than the draconic race, and spread rather randomly around the world. Seemingly, they didn't need one another to reproduce, with draconequui spawning when certain things happen, that can't be predicted, in areas where their chaos is affecting things, so several never goes near another of their kind. There are some half-breeds around however, from what I've heard. Never met one though.

Their whole species are enigmas, but it likely is due to their heavily chaotic background. You can't apply regular logic and expectations to them, and assume it will simply make sense."

On 2025-02-14 at 11:34 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Huh, personally meeting a draconequus. That must have been quite the experience, Rusty. I don’t think any of us golems could imagine being in your position at the time. You’ve got us feeling envious.”

“Though I suppose it is safe to say the ponies of Equestria didn’t have problems with other draconequi? Or rather, if there were problems with them, it wasn’t on a scale comparable to Discord? I admit to being curious about them just as much as I am intrigued by Equestria’s founding tribes, even if I would prefer to keep the draconequi at a fair distance.”

"Most of them are simply tricksters who have their fun, and doesn't try to take over the country. I always assumed it were because they frankly didn't care for the responsibility, of having to manage a whole country, combined with them knowing that if Discord could be defeated, then so could any of them.

The ones that have been around Equestria have generally been lower rung ones, that didn't do much, so most of the time, the wise ones just steer clear of the area they settle into, and try to ignore the weird sights and sounds. Over time most didn't even remember what a draconequui were, due to the long time it were from Discord's defeat, until more entered the country. Beyond Fright, we have only had their kind reemerge sparingly the last century or so, and most just considers them weirdly mutated dragons of some sort.

Fright have been here for centuries now, but she spends most of her time in her own pocket dimension, where she has a large temple for meditation. Her and Princess Celestia seemingly have an agreement of sorts with her, that meant she were free to remain, long as she didn't try and stir up something, and so far I've never heard a credibly story of her doing so. In fact, several seek out the waypoints that she has set up here and there, so they can enter her realm, and join her other disciples. It's apparently a very good place to find your calm, and be at ease.

She would be your best option for a draconequui to speak with, if you want more direct story from one. Discord might not tell the truth, and the other two... Fright have rehabilitated them over the years, but Avarice would likely want something in return for everything he told you, and Gluttony would mess with you a little. She's apparently somewhat civil, but very direct, and enjoys joking around.

I ah... Yes, you might want to understand how the things I say, matches with their names. Fright is a *reformed* draconequui of sorts, and have acted to do the same for the other two I have mentioned so they were useful, rather than menaces, without denying their nature. I know that Avarice went from just hoarding everything, to learn how to be a loaner, and now runs a successful loaning business, as well as a range of shops. Gluttony meanwhile, went from being one who roamed and consumed everything she pleased, to now having her home in the largest landfill in Equestria. She eats the trash that the country accumulates, making it much easier to keep it clean. I've heard it's a bit of a tourist attraction for others to come see her chomping through the heaps, and showing off.

Fright... Well, she helps others with their fears, and were the first of them to be rehabilitated, though i don't know the story there. You'd have to ask her yourself. I know there's a waypoint somewhere near Canterlot, but you'd need to ask around for details.

If you want the history of the draconequui, and get a good idea of them, without being roped into one of their games, Fright would be your best option. I admit that even including Discord, our lore of draconequui here in the museum, is woefully lacking."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"As for artificial intelligence, I believe the Empire looked into that field too, but the research lost investment for similar reasons to the biological research; a result that would be good enough to justify the time and effort, would inherently cause trouble in control." "Why spend countless years and immense resources to create something with several potential risks, when you can just take already loyal soldier and put them into a machine?"  Solar interrupted his words only to the extend that was necessary to get the business done in the train station, and then board the train. Naturally, since this was a work related trip, Solar took care of Magma's tickets too.

"I can certainly see why artificial intelligence were not a priority for your homestead, considering their... Alternative methods, but it does present an interesting breakthrough in our world. Usually if a life is artificially made, it is a golem, or some sort of elemental companion. The concept of one made from technology were long theorized, but never proven possible. There are certainly a number of cautionary options one have to take in mind, which is why I assume he made his first creation a small spider, that wouldn't be harmful, just in case.

As for my own situation, you make an interesting observation. I have tried to look at things purely from a scientific standpoint, going over regular tomes, and what I knew myself, but perhaps you are right that when conventional science cannot answer, I should thread less travelled roads. Mystics, fringe science... Perhaps such a route will bear at least some fruit, and can help to prove your hypothesis about any lingering magic I may have.

Could be beneficial to seek out the zebra of Zebrica actually. What happen ed to me where alchemical in nature, and they know more of that study than any other, as well as having spiritual tides. I wouldn't usually defer to their perspective on a scientific manner, but this does seem to be more upon their field of expertise."

This certainly gave her something to ponder, as they boarded the train, post ticket purchase. She had been prepared to handle it herself, but he did so. Probably because this were work related, and it were thus covered by the operational budget. That would make a certain degree of sense, as they didn't have personal transportation, and the agency would need to attend things in several places. Best to keep the tickets then, as they could act as receipts.

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

In the train, it was relatively quiet, few other ponies sitting here and there, though there was one other traveler that got similar attention as Solar and Magma on bases of their appearance, a kobold (Left one). It was a purple, presumably male kobold, that was wearing a chestplate over a robe, an odd outfit to some, maybe, but that most likely wasn't what pulled ones attention to him, not even the weird symbol on said chestplate, rather, the one thing that seemed to pull the attention of at least the other ponies in the train, was that the kobold was wearing a skull on his head, another kobold's skull it specifically; it had been modified, to allow its wearing like a helmet, but it was no doubt a real skull. This kobold seemed to have taken some interest on the two ponies sticking out from the rest, he didn't address them or anything, but he wasn't trying to hide his interest either, as his green eyes studied the two through the open sockets of the skull. 

The kobold wasn't the only one taking an interest, as Magma would be curious of this kobold, once she bit notice in... Him? She weren't sure, as she didn't interact with kobolds before, and they didn't have the usual equine signs of male of female, so she couldn't say for certain. All she knew were that he were observing them, and that seemingly, he wore a skull of one like himself. The shape would at least indicate so. A hunter of sorts? Hmm... Or a necromancer? It were taboo magic, but she didn't know enough of kobold culture to know if that were something they were for, or against.

Hmm... Well, she supposed there were only one way to get answers now, weren't there? The scientific method would indicate that there were currently no signs of aggression, and it were unlikely to happen here, on a crowded train, lest someone went and did something foolish. If the kobold were aggressive, or an issue of sorts, she were well able to defend herself, and it would allow them to catch a troublemaker before something started. As such, the data would indicate that she should simply do as she were now doing: Get up, and approach the kobold.

When she were close enough, shed bow her head, and give a respectful, small bow towards the kobold.

"Greetings. My apologies if this is somewhat direct, but considering we seem to have mutual interest in the other, it seemed prudent to close the gap, so to speak.

My name is Magma Del Ray. Might I ask yours?"

Direct, cordial, respectful, and not showing a bias. The skull were odd, yes. As were the getup, but for all she knew, this were a revered kobold shaman, and he were looking at them because honestly, her boss were odd looking. Or she had cracked briefly. It happened every now and again, that a small crack would form in her shell, and a bit of steam let itself out, before closing again. She barely registered it anymore, if at all, if she were to be honest.

Could also be that this kobold knew of where Solar came from, at which point things might get somewhat... Complicated and/or awkward.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

She took flight and led the two smaller dragons towards the mainland. It didn't take long for it to be visible fully in the distance, the tall, seemingly impenetrable mountain range surrounding the land, molten stone spewing out here and there, the water surrounding the land discolored by ash and toxins, it was uninviting, and they weren't yet even there. About hour of flight later, as Ruby had estimated, the would land on a small, flatter part of the mountains, it was rather high compared to the sea level, but still low enough to travel without worry about thinner air, from there they would head through a small pass between the mountains, it was big enough for the smaller dragons to fly without issue, but Ruby had to walk, as she couldn't fly there without flying too high; Not that it was an issue to her, the terrain was quite rugged, but Ruby went through quickly and skillfully, she had traveled terrain like this for most of her life after all. 

Leviathan felt that pit of dread in her stomach weigh heavily as they flew. She had known of places that were seen as uninhabitable, or uninviting before, and usually she could still see why some might chose to settle down upon it. This place though... It felt like the entire place had grown up around a warning sign. Like the land itself were an ominous, slumbering predator. Something that you could gaze at from a distance, yet would devour you, were you foolish enough to disturb it. It felt as if any minute now, the jagged rocks would shift into eyes, and the unwelcome land would look upon them, and roar that they had come to the maw of death, and it hungered.

She were probably being very paranoid about that. This land were probably not alive in that sense. Just a very rough place, inhabited by even rougher beings. The warnings of Ruby began to ring ever more clear now, as she had made some assumptions, but it were nothing compared to seeing this place, and having to imagine what kind would live here.

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

The first thing Leviathan was likely to notice was the air, as when they got deeper into the mountain pass, the air brought with it the smell of ash, sulfur and other volcanic smells, and they got even deeper, the air got thicker and heavier to breath; It wasn't to actively dangerous levels, but it was clear that if non-native species like Leviathan would for some reason decide to live here, her lifespan would probably get millennia or couple shorter from just breathing the air.  Then, as they reached the end of the mountain pass, and the wider land on the other side came to view, the true nature of the place became very apparent. 

Urgh, and the air... On the Dragon Isles, the fire dragons lived inland, inhabiting the areas around the volcano. They enjoyed bathing in the lava, and made settlements of their own around the geysers and warm, natural springs there. Up to a certain point, it were a nice, cozy place, but then you got closer to the volcano, and this reminded her of that. The sulfuric, heavy air. The ash that seemed to tickle at her nostrils, and likely would rummage around her lungs for weeks, until she had cleared it out... She were half water dragon, and did not like this sort of environment.  The faster they finished this, the better.

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

The distance to which they could see, was limited by the ash in the air in an almost mist like effect, but what they saw already told a lot. The landscape near their arrival point was barren volcanic rock, rugged, hard to travel land with caves and such of various sizes; molten rock decorated the land, mountains constantly spewing more, covering the sky in black smoke. Some distance away, a forest covered the land, big, sickly looking trees growing tall into the sky, the ground covered equally sick looking smaller plantlife, with surprisingly wide array of plants and mushrooms fighting for their existence in the toxic ground. 

Near the edge of the forest, there was remains of a creature that looked something alike to a deer or a moose, but it was big, its antlers thicker and sharper than usual, and sharp spines not unlike those of dragons' growing out of its body; one the corpse there was feasting a group of large birds, they resembled something like crows or ravens, but along being bigger, their beaks and claws looked lot nastier than their Equestrian relatives, seemingly capable of ripping a small dragon apart with ease. 

Worst. Tourist spot. Ever.

Not only did the sights not get better, or the air clearer, but now she saw what the inhabitants ate too, and how even the plant life struggled to survive here. Between the volcanic rock, the ash, and whatever were lurking in the soil, it were a wonder that it did as well as it did. Except for the mushrooms. Those things were tough, and resilient to most environments. They also tended to take some stuff from the ground though, and as such, she'd avoid even touching them, if it were an option. No way those things wouldn't make her at the very least, scream for death upon the nearest lavatory. Which around here, she would assume were a pit with lava in, to avoid a mess.

The animals were about as friendly as anything else here too The dead one looking like it would be ale to gore just about anything, when it were alive, and those birds looking like some nasty, violent suckers. Nothing compared to the local dragons no, but put it against the sort of animals she normally saw, and these would be apex predators in the food chain.

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

In the far distance, they could see a dragon flying weakly on the sky, only for another dragon to charge from below and send both dragons plummeting towards the ground, the sounds of violence echoed in the air, as countless unseen battles took place all around. And then there was the one thing Ruby had warned Leviathan more than once, the remains, bones, tried up scales, everything from bones so old they had petrified into permanent part of the environment, to bodies too fresh to even have started rotting, they were everywhere; to call it a cemetery would have been an understatement, generations of death, countless ended bloodlines, the only direction where you could avoid seeing them, was the direction the came from. 

They were of all sizes, but, as Ruby had warned, in this area, the overrepresentation of smaller skeletons was notable, smallest of which were barely the size of Charir. If Leviathan was able to look at it with any attention, a curious note about the various remains was that there was none with black horns and/or claws like Ruby and Charir, there were different shades and colors yes, not all of them were white, but not fully black ones. 

This were the worst bit of the trip, by far The air, the sights, the smells- Everything paled in comparison, to seeing this... This slaughterhouse of a gravesite. Scale and bone of so many sizes that it were clear that young and old, had died here over a long period of time. Some... Some even so recently, that their bodies were still there. Lifeless and broken, waiting for nature to take them.

The only reason she did not vomit from this, were that she managed to keep it down, because she did not want to desecrate the dead any further, though tears still began streaming down her face. It were not something she could stop. The pity and sorrow she felt from all these, were making her shake and weep without her being able to stop it. She were highly emotional, and seeing this raw, unfettered brutality, made her almost break down sobbing. A whimpering sound even escaped her, lasting for about three seconds, as she shakingly moved forward, trying her best to stay near them.

It were horrible to gaze upon, and she wish she could simply look away, but there were everywhere, and closing her eyes did not help. She still saw them in her head. An imprint, that she just knew were going to haunt her dreams for a long time. All she could do were to look towards Ruby as they walked, as close to her as she could, somewhat thankful that the tears were blurring her vision a little.

The visual were so grotesque and vile, that she didn't even register much of the dragon int he sky getting hunted down, seeing but a small glimpse before the ground took her attention, and she felt her hope and whimsy drain from her like water.

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Ruby stopped on the edge of the mountain, as the pass they came through was above the ground of the rest of the land, gesturing towards the view with her leg "Welcome to The homelands, where joy and compassion comes to die." "Can't say I missed the stench." Like Ruby had said few times now, it truly was a miracle that place had life at all.

Charir wasn't too happy about being there again either, and his body language showed it, a combination of pain and disgust, he despised the place, but he did his best to keep his nerve, he had Ruby to protect him after all, he was so happy she was on his side, because something about her, maybe it was a certain thing in her eye, maybe her body language, he couldn't quite put a claw on it, but she terrified him.

"I-It's working. I *sniff*... S-So much p-pointless death. So m-many... Yo... Y-Young..."

She were doing her absolute best to hold her composure, but her voice cracked, and if her body did not show it enough, it all but confirmed her sorrow, and emotional agony at what she saw. This were truly not a place, for a kind'ish soul like her.

She had thought this place were bad, and had dreaded the moment. Now she were here though, it were magnitudes worse, and the slogan Ruby gave, were entirely accurate, as she could not feel a sliver of joy in her heart right now.

This place were beyond her worst nightmare, and they had only just started.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

(Sheska)

She'd find that the guard were awake, and out of bed. Groaning slightly as she stretched her limbs, which seemed to cause her some degree of discomfort, but Harpoon simply couldn't just lay down anymore. She had done that more than enough, and she did not want to seem weak and hurt, when eventually others would come.

It took her a few seconds to notice Sheska though, so there might have been some degree of notice, even though physically, the guardsmare seemed perfectly healthy. Being a forced vessel, likely hurt on another level though, and then there were the way she had been handled before... Totally unscathed she were not, but she were alive at least. That were important.

"Oh, I ah... Didn't expect company.

I've been told you and the others went and dealt with the threat, huh? I wish I had been more useful there. I were just... I got to the castle, then Spike was there, and then this red shape just jumped at me and I... *sigh* I'm happy you got everything handled.

How are you doing, after all of this? Sounds like things got hectic."

 

(Trox)

On 2025-02-16 at 2:36 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I actually do have a question for you, considering your expertise." Sheska said as Toxina was starting to get ready to leave, she then addressed Trox quickly by stating "I think I'll also go see if the guard is awake, just to update her on the situation." It was the least they could do, because while they disagreed with her choice of career, and she had in the grand scheme been not much help, she did get hurt trying to protect Sheska, so she owed her a thanks if nothing else. "Specifically, as a healer concerned about my kin, I'd like to know how familiar you are with toxins relating to kobolds, and if you know how to potentially use them to get rid of worse problems?" she had a specific example in mind, but she wanted to know the big picture first. 

"Well, I know some. Admittedly not as much as I'd like to. I find kobolds somewhat reluctant to let equines work on them, unless the situation is dire. But I've been at the right time, right place sometimes during my travels. A couple of your dwellings I am somewhat welcome around, in case I don't bring trouble, and they can use me.

Many find your kind rather paranoid, but I see a very tight-knitted community, that takes well care of their own, and those they respect. It's admirable traits, if you get a glimpse behind the barrier.

But I digress. My specialty is toxins, and antidotes. Given a sample and some time, I can find out quite a bit. And if I for some reason fall short, my apprentice can likely help you. She's not a doctor, but she has a remarkable intuition and insight around toxins. A rare gift I find.

What specifically is it that you had in mind? The more details, the clearer I can answer it."

Toxina were curious, what her thoughts might be. Were it perhaps using a poison to help cure another? It were feasible, provided she knew what she were dealing with in both cases. Toxins and antidotes required a vast knowledge of these sorts of things, and she had spent much of her life to get the information that she had, and ensure that the medical community were all the better for it.

That she had gotten an apprentice though, were not something she had expected. Few had the skill or tenacity to handle poisons, nor the inclination to remain focused on the topic to the degree that she wanted, for someone to study directly under her. And yet, by chance, she had run into Belladonna. In employ of a nice young stallion, running a construction firm, and with no current interest in leaving her role as his secretary, but it had been an enlightening talk, first time they met. Of all the ones who had shown up to her lecture, Belladonna were the only one who both identified the sort of poison that she were presenting, but also went through the process of how to correctly handle it, synthesize it, and four different usages of it in various states.

They had come to talking after, and the young mare had wanted to show her some of her own work. Toxina had curiously said yes, and followed, and had gotten quite an inspiring shock, at how knowledgeable the mare seemed to be. Making not just antidotes, but usable poisons for self defense, measured in exact amounts, and mixed with various things that could help cure diseases, in her saddlebag, in thin glass slivers, that could function as quick and effective needles.

Toxina wandered around where she lived every now and again, teaching the young mare some of the more complex things that she knew, and the mare kept good notes and actively learned from it, and handled some *homework* of sorts. She had the makings of a brilliant biologist, but for now, she had her place, that she kept at. It seemed her boss had taken her in, and helped her when she had been at her lowest, and she couldn't turn her back on him. An admirable amount of ethics, and she still studied in her own time, and made things, so Toxina would not push it. Perhaps in say, ten, twenty yeas, things might change.

Edited February 21 by Blitz Boom

[Catpone Cerberus 23,701]

@Blitz Boom
Solar's suggestion for alternative perspectives came from his own experiences, not because he had used any of them, but because they had been used against him. In a world like his, where conventional science and magic were practically perfected by one side, those fighting against it often sought out less conventional means that the empire ignored as pointless or nonsense, and while none of it had been enough for victory yet, he had been impressed by their effectiveness. Sometimes, even if something originally had been objectively absolute nonsense, it had lead those believing it to find something real. 

Solar had also taken interest in the kobold, but for quite the different reasons, he was an odd sight in the context yes, and the symbol on his armor didn't match anything in Solar's database, but what pulled his attention, was...something, quite literally, his systems detected something from the kobold, but the analysis failed to determine what it was, it couldn't properly even determine if it was magic, some kind of energy, or if it was the kobold himself. 

"Vaz" the kobold responded, offering his hand for a shake "It is nice to meet you Magma, often ponies just stare at me and whisper among themselves." he spoke in calm and friendly manner, the skull limited the readability of his face, but based on his eyes and the lower half of his mouth, the friendliness was genuine "I assume that your travel companion is the one known as Solar Silver?" Having followed bit behind Magma, Solar heard this, so he addressed it himself "Do we know each other?" he had no memory of a kobold like this one "No, but a dragon I met mentioned you, Scorch and her companions were fascinating to converse with." Vaz looked at Solar through the skull "I was told there is couple of my kin here too, sharing your origin, is that true?" Solar nodded "They are somewhere in ponyville." "Ah, Ponyville, so that is what it is called, how...creative." Getting closer hadn't helped Solar to analyze whatever his systems were detecting, but he did notice something else, he scanned the skull to see if it was a real skull, and it was, but there was something else that caught his eye so to speak, the skull was old, ancient even, it didn't necessarily mean anything by itself, but it was odd if nothing else. 

------

While calling the land alive was bit of an overstatement, the Homelands itself was as unpredictable as were its inhabitants, magma, collapses and various other things constantly shifted the land, making falling and getting crushed, or getting trapped in a magma filled cave were risks that existed, not common necessarily, but not out of the question either.

Charir broke out of his own feelings when he noticed Leviathan's reaction, he of course didn't fully understand it, but he could connect some dots to have some idea, and concern overpowered his own negative emotions, after all, he may have despised this place, but Leviathan came from what to him in the short time he had been there was basically a paradise, so this probably terrified her even more than him. So, Charir gave himself a quick mental beating for being such a weakling, the one who had shown him kindness was suffering, and he was self-pitying himself?

He moved next to Leviathan, and while he had no real idea how to comfort someone, nor did he know for sure the exact problem here, he tried his best, and wrapped his legs around Leviathan into a hug, and tried to speak, his pronunciation was mostly still kinda bad, but it could be understood what he tried to say, Leviathan's name he did say almost flawlessly though, as he had been practicing that specifically based on hearing it "Don't, be, sad." "Leviathan, is, safe." naturally, since this was the norm to Charir, he didn't correctly understand where Leviathan's upset came from, and assumed it came from fear, sure Leviathan didn't smell like fear, but as far as Charir knew, this is how it showed for Leviathan's type of dragon, after all, Leviathan hadn't shown fear in front of him yet, at least not in a situation where he had any time to pay attention to it.  

Ruby only agreed with "Pointless indeed." before the whole Charir comforting Leviathan thing, and besides that just stayed quiet, staring down towards the Homelands, as a dragon, about third of Ruby's size, had noticed her red-self standing on the mountain, and the two were now locked staring at each other. After some moments, regardless of the exact interaction between Charir and Leviathan, Ruby would speak again. "My offer to carry you is still an option; We will stay on this side, you two will stay between me and the mountains." "We will travel on ground level, because flying high will make us more visible targets." it was only half of the reason, while not being seen was a big part, there was also something Ruby didn't want to see herself, a certain ravine that would have been visible if they took flight high enough. She then said couple of words to Charir, it was short and included Leviathan's name, so it was probably something along the lines of 'stay with Leviathan' 

After that, depending on Leviathan's answer, if she was able to muster an answer at all in the first place, Ruby would either start leading, or pick Leviathan up to ride on her back and then start leading, them first down the mountain and then east, keeping herself as a shield between the two smaller dragons and rest of the land. Ruby's body language and general demeanor were different from her usual self, as she was lot more focused, and seemed lot more colder than her usual coldness; she wasn't anxious, there was no signs of such, but it was clear that she was ready to fight at moment's notice. This would also be apparent if Leviathan tried to talk to her, as she would only respond with sounds and short matter of fact statements, as if  not interested in talking at the moment. 

The first situation happened pretty quickly, as pretty much the moment they got down, the before mentioned dragon came growling towards the trio, but after what could best be described as a screaming match, it backed down enough for them to continue, though it did still follow them until what was presumably the end of its territory. As they traveled, they weren't alone at any point, as there was always a dragon observing them nearby, sometimes growling, roaring or otherwise warning them to stay back, but since most of them were quite small, everything from Charir's size to less than half of Ruby's size, they kept their distance as it was clear that the trio was not there to pick a fight, after all, violent or not, they knew Ruby could kill them with ease, and they didn't have a death wish. 

Things changed again as they stumbled upon the aftermath of a fight, two male dragons, both bit over half of Ruby's size, one on top of another, the other dead, and as the victor noticed Ruby, he quickly readied himself for another fight. Ruby tried to convince the male to just bug off, as among all the roaring, growling, flames and smoke, the word 'leave' was used, if Leviathan could remember it from their language session, or if she even paid attention to things like that at the moment. This however didn't seem to work, as the male got closer and kept threatening Ruby, so Ruby charged him; it happened too quick to see what exactly went on, but the male was thrown back and was holding one of legs against his throat; and after regaining his balance, he looked at said leg to see if he was bleeding, he was, but only slightly, Ruby had gone for the throat, the scales protecting the males throat were gone, and there were small cuts there, but she had barely missed the vital parts. 

The other dragon suddenly didn't seem so certain of himself anymore, realizing just how close his end was, and Ruby rose her head high, stared the dragon into his eyes, and with a terrifyingly cold voice said something, which caused the male to take off. She then returned to the two smaller dragons "Let's keep going." 

After this they were left alone for a while again, as another row of mountains came to view and soon towered over them, this one going in the north-south direction, they were smaller than the one's surrounding the land, but still high enough that it wasn't reasonable to fly over them, not that they needed to, as there seemed to be a massive pass between them and the one's they had been following, it looked quite unnatural, as if carved into the mountains, though before they would reach it, they had one more encounter.

a female dragon, about 2/3 of Ruby's size was eating one of the local animals, when she spotted the trio, and instantly jumped into a defensive position; Ruby at first did her usual, but then she saw something, from behind the carcass, a tiny head popped up, a dragon small enough for even Charir to tower over it, a hatchling. To add to that, another dragon made an appearance, a slightly smaller male landed near the female, a family, a rare sight in these lands. 

At this point Ruby opened her wings to cover Leviathan and Charir, as the two, understandably hostile dragons moved to protect the young dragon hiding behind the carcass, the tension was high, as Ruby presumably tried to assure that they are merely travelling through, as she also moved backwards, pushing Charir and Leviathan with her wing towards the direction they were going, while also taking a more defensive pose to signal that she wasn't planning to attack. 

Unlike the male before, neither of the assumed parents actively got closer to the trio, so it seemed that there was some kind of understanding, and soon enough the female backed away while the male kept following them from a distance, at which point Ruby turned around back towards the way they were going "It is rare to see dragons taking care of offspring together here, and even when it happens, it's usually two females rather than with a male." "It is a viable survival tactic." 

They then reached the pass. and at closer look, it was clear that it hadn't formed naturally, and it sharply turned to form a kind of S-shape through the mountains, suspicious, but it was their direction, so Ruby lead them in. the travel up to this point had taken few hours or so. 

Suddenly, the air got cleaner, the smell was still faintly there, but it was almost fresh, though what was probably more noticeable, was the sudden increase in the air's electricity levels, which, if Leviathan couldn't sense through her magic, was obvious by the fact that Charir's scales started to once more gather electricity. But before any questions could be risen, a male voice was heard, it spoke in unknown language, some kind of variation of dragonic no doubt, yet, even while all three would be able to tell that it was a language they didn't know, they all could understand it like it was their own. "Two Death-bringers and Equestrian walk through the barrier, that sounds like a start of an awful, violent joke." 

A blue male dragon landed in front of them, it had similar build to Ruby's kind, be it with thinner scales, and size-wise he was about 1/4 smaller than Ruby, notably, he also had feathered wings, and had feathers growing out of his head, and probably most importantly, electricity was arching on his scales, not too different from how it was for Charir. Speaking of Charir, the newcomer seemed to take interest of him "And what do we have here, that maniac actually did it, and with a Black-Horn from all things." he then looked at Ruby "You are a sister I assume, too young to have gotten together with somebody like him." Ruby, not too amused by the sudden appearance, growled while taking an aggressive posture, while Charir hid slightly behind her  "Stay back! Whoever you are", Ruby said it in her native language, but Leviathan would find that while it was clearly in said language, for some reason, she would be able to understand it fine.

The blue dragon took a step back, not from fear, but caution "No need to be so hostile Death-freak." "You can call me Voltaick, we knew we were going to get visitors, so I was sent to welcome you, so welcome, weirdo." his tone was slightly contemptuous, as he challenged Ruby's stare "Brave words towards someone you call 'Death-bringer'." Voltaick let out a spark out of his nostril, similar to how Ruby let out smoke when she was annoyed "I wouldn't in my wildest dreams trust one of your kin to not senselessly end my life, but I do trust the barrier, so you can drop the act, you are not going to attack me." 

Again, everything that was said, was spoken in languages that Leviathan didn't know or understand, yet, somehow, she would still be able to understand everything just fine. 

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

"I don't blame my brothers and sisters for their reluctance, even without a specific historical justification for it, your species', and the other surface dwellers' individualistic nature goes in direct opposition to our own, we also have some...moral disagreements." Sheska stated, there would always be certain distrust between kobolds and others, simply because they don't share the connection that allows them to trust their own. 

"But to my point." "You may or may not be aware, that due to our kinds diet of whatever is available, we are lot more resistant to poisons and other natural toxins, that most creatures, especially when consumed." "This can be used to cure bigger problems." "A specific example comes from history, in which, while proper study wasn't possible, lot was learned. " "Long and complicated story short, a parasite started spreading through our food source, a parasite, that was relatively harmless to most creatures, causing a period of digestion issues before dying and coming out with rest of the waste." "However, to kobolds, it was deadly, something it produced, maybe its own waste product, shut down our bodies in matter of days, like I mentioned, proper study couldn't be done." "None of the known anti-parasite treatments worked, so something else needed to be done." "In the end, the solution was poison, it spread through food, so we poisoned our food with a nerve-toxin, it killed the parasite, without killing us, even if some symptoms did show up from the toxin." 

"Now, it should be mentioned that this epidemic specifically was highly dependent on the conditions of where it took place, even the toxin used grew in such specific conditions that i don't know if it even exists here, so an exact duplicate is unlikely to happen, especially one where ponies are in any way involved." "But what I worry about is those individual cases, you get one or two kobolds, and thus don't see a reason to study it further, while something like that spreads through your population, only taking down my kind." "Do you have any means to diagnose such things? and if you do, would your code of morality let you provide such treatment?" "And do you in general know how much of what kind of toxin is a deadly to a kobold?" This was partly planning to the journal(s) she was going to write some day, she wanted to know the baseline of what ponies actually knew about her kind. 

(harpoon)
Sheska was frankly surprised to see Harpoon alone, it had been long enough that she had kinda assumed that her daughter would be there if nobody else, but well, none of her concern really. 
"Was visiting Onache so I figured I should visit you too, least I can do." "We are doing fine, there was some other complications after the whole thing, but now things seemed to have calmed down a bit." "If it makes you feel any better, we weren't much use either besides keeping the thing busy until the real help arrived." "It was an Oni, in case nobody mentioned that."  she found it surprisingly hard to be as dismissive of Harpoon as she had been, it was hard to keep up her hatred when there was no armor, especially since they both knew it had nothing to do with the individuals here. "I- Thanks, for at least trying to help." "I can't imagine it feels nice to be possessed like that." she decided to not mention that she would have probably killed her if the Oni didn't flee. "The weapons you brought us are here at the hospital, the staff knows where." "How are you feeling, you aren't bleeding anymore, so that's good, is there any permanent damage?" possession injuries was one of the things she didn't really know anything about, so she was curious if the possession alone had done something more serious.
 

 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 466]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-02-21 at 9:21 AM, Blitz Boom said:

 

I were one of hundreds that answered his call. Many did so, because he were powerful, and remembered. We were but fleeting creatures, yet he a force of the very fabric of reality. I were among those who instead listened, because we felt lacking of much purpose, beyond simply being. He instead wanted us to join his. A grand plan, spanning world upon world. Something so much greater than we could ever imagine.

He called us Nez'herath. A word without meaning in your tongue, but many of you have your own word for us. From what Omen have told, most in your world calls us Reapers. Most of us changed shapes, following our purpose. I am not even sure if this is how I once were anymore, but I find it matters little.

As time passed, I found myself questioning if this were what I were meant to do. I were immortal now, and I served a great purpose, but somehow I felt... Unfulfilled, and lost. Then one day, I began to see flaws in the process. The souls left behind, or stuck between planes, not good enough for salvation, yet not evil enough for the pit. I pitied them, and would find myself wandering towards them, trying to soothe them, or help them pass along, yet Mortimer's will is final. If a soul is not ready, then it will wait, and no force can change that fact.

Lin and, by extension, Sen listened close to Mother’s tale, one that they didn’t expect. The two have heard of Mortimer’s name, odd in itself, but not someone they would hear about in a long time. A “force of the very fabric of reality,” in Mother’s words, but one that the two couldn’t grasp; it was a concept that was beyond them. But the two continued, pondering on the background of the Ki’Nathar, Omen, and this place they found themselves in time and time again. It was the lattermost aspect that caught the two’s attention.

The longma paused, deep in their thoughts but mind racing quick, bouncing from one concept to the next. “To forget… blissful in one way, bothersome in another,” Sen muttered but just audible enough for the others. “Sometimes it is tempting to want to forget, to do away with experiences that are best removed from memory. And yet… would it be worth it to do away with the bad if it meant casting away the good as well?”

“It’s odd that you mentioned names and the power that they have, Mother. I still remember what Ghilan said, when mine and Sen’s names were struck out of our village’s histories. It’s like we never existed, never have been. And yet many hold memories of us as a warning to those who would dare follow our actions. It was unjust, but even exposing the old elder couldn’t undo it and everything else that came about because of it. Nothing would bring back our parents, even after knowing just how much it destroyed you, Sen.”

“It’s why I just can’t see things the way you do. You have every right to be angry, to turn your back on the longma. After everything that has happened, why? Why do you want something better for them?”

Lin looked down, dejected; her anger and deep wounds gave way to sorrow, and Sen turned to her, sitting by her side, unsure if his answer would be satisfactory. He then looked to Omen and Mother, perhaps wondering if they could give him the answers he hoped Lin would accept. And yet, as much as he feared the response, he needed to give one.

“The more I thought about this, the more I understand your way of thinking. And you’re right; in some ways, our fellow longma are to blame. I’m still angry at my old friend, Xin, for not having my back when it mattered most, and I still don’t know if I can forgive him. Omen had to talk me out of throwing him off the edge of a cliff. In truth, the situation was a lot more complicated than we thought. Solasan threatened his family, just like he did with us, and the old elder might have done the same to others.”

“You have every right to be angry, but is it worth turning your back or getting revenge on those who don’t deserve it? Would you rather maintain your anger and risk hurting others who didn't deserve your wrath or show others there is a better way? We have been on enough adventures outside the longma village to know there are wonderful folks out there, learning from them. Just look around you now and tell me you haven’t learned a thing or two.”

Lin did as her brother said, looking at him, then turning to Omen, Shrimp, and Mother. She gave each of them a good, long glance, thinking about what Sen just said. And she flashed a smile, a small one, but sincere. It is a reminder of many things: comfort, trust, happiness, and love. Regardless of what was outside, this place, this purgatory, is her sanctuary and always will be. The longma approached Mother and hugged her tightly. 

“I don’t know if I am swayed from my lack of belief in the longma or if they could become better, but I am glad that we had the chance to talk like this. Thank you, Sen, and thank you too, Mother, for telling me your story. I may not truly know what it feels like to be in your place knowing we are more alike makes me feel a little more at ease about my worries. Whatever becomes of my plans once all this is over, I will let you know. I have a lot to think about. And Sen is right, you are all wonderful, and I am grateful that I got to know and learn from you!”

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

On 2025-02-21 at 9:21 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Yes, I doubt you would much enjoy living in a world, where randomly you might be turned to a duck, or the color would vanish from everything, or other such oddities. I for one wouldn't.

And truth be told, we have no idea how old their race are, or how expansive. Nor why they were never in certain areas. Discord is seemingly among the oldest, but he apparently claims not to know, and whilst Fright have given some insight, at best I can tell they may well be older than the draconic race, and spread rather randomly around the world. Seemingly, they didn't need one another to reproduce, with draconequui spawning when certain things happen, that can't be predicted, in areas where their chaos is affecting things, so several never goes near another of their kind. There are some half-breeds around however, from what I've heard. Never met one though.

Their whole species are enigmas, but it likely is due to their heavily chaotic background. You can't apply regular logic and expectations to them, and assume it will simply make sense."

“That much is true, Rusty. Making sense of chaos is an exercise in futility. Even in the more academically inclined environments of our home and among the hyracotherians, there is only so much disorganization one could take before we would wave the proverbial white flag and prefer to leave things be.”

“And yet magic is the one thing that ended up becoming a formal field of academic study… Even channeling it is as much a study of the concept of magic as the study of gemstones. A miracle that it was formalized after the decline of organized belief systems, and yet the latter maintains its cultural relevance after its abandonment.”

“That is because such matters shaped the hyracotherian civilizations’ early years. Only did the Age of Enlightenment come and with it, the gradual shift in our kind’s direction. One ought to remember this lesson even as you scoff at it, Magus.”

Vates may have been among those who administered rites and practiced the old traditions of the temple, but she still held fast to the benefits and services it offered to the everyday citizens of their time. To her, there would always be room for belief and faith, even as the world began to move past them. Though, at this point, the situation would appear to be two old golems bickering with each other about things that may no longer matter to anyone but themselves.

On 2025-02-21 at 9:21 AM, Blitz Boom said:

The ones that have been around Equestria have generally been lower rung ones, that didn't do much, so most of the time, the wise ones just steer clear of the area they settle into, and try to ignore the weird sights and sounds. Over time most didn't even remember what a draconequui were, due to the long time it were from Discord's defeat, until more entered the country. Beyond Fright, we have only had their kind reemerge sparingly the last century or so, and most just considers them weirdly mutated dragons of some sort.

Fright have been here for centuries now, but she spends most of her time in her own pocket dimension, where she has a large temple for meditation. Her and Princess Celestia seemingly have an agreement of sorts with her, that meant she were free to remain, long as she didn't try and stir up something, and so far I've never heard a credibly story of her doing so. In fact, several seek out the waypoints that she has set up here and there, so they can enter her realm, and join her other disciples. It's apparently a very good place to find your calm, and be at ease.

She would be your best option for a draconequui to speak with, if you want more direct story from one. Discord might not tell the truth, and the other two... Fright have rehabilitated them over the years, but Avarice would likely want something in return for everything he told you, and Gluttony would mess with you a little. She's apparently somewhat civil, but very direct, and enjoys joking around.

“Moving back to the topic of the draconequui, it seems they have been around for what might be a significant portion of Equestria’s history, or at least, that is the impression that I am getting. For creatures who seem to be secretive or prefer to keep to themselves, they are surprisingly a known element, reformed or otherwise.”

"This talk of the creatures now becoming more visible to the common eye jogged a memory from the old days. Strange as it might be, it reminded Videntor of something notable from his time and about the creatures that many have come to see as common sights. “You know, just like the draconequus becoming more integrated into modern pony society, the days when the draconequui were more distant were similar to our time. What were sights of creatures common today were once deemed to be fantastical or mythical in times long past. The minotaur and the sphinx were such examples then; they were different and one-of-a-kind, and the hyracotherians would keep their distance lest we commit unknown transgressions toward them.”

“My fellow speaks true even if he exaggerates a little. From a time when we had no contact with the myriad creatures found in Equestria nowadays, they were once the entities that caught the imagination and subjects of tall tales told by those who venture far from our lands. Now that we know better, it only serves to caution us about making up stories lest they turn out true. Alternatively, if we could return to our own time and tell others what we have learned, it might have us reevaluate just how large and wide the world truly is, even back then."

“Though it does pose an interesting question, if you are willing to entertain it, Rusty. Equestria’s ponies no doubt have their share of myths and legends. Similar to minotaurs and sphinxes being real despite their mythological reputation to the hyracotherians, might there be creatures in any of the pony tribes' myths that turned out to be real?”

Edited February 24 by EQ_Theta

[Blitz Boom 4,665]

@Catpone Cerberus

"I can assure you Mr. Vaz, that when faced with something unusual, I am most often more curious than frightened. Though I will grant that the general equine outlook on such things are lacking in some regards."

As a scientist, Magma were a curious sort, who sought to understand, rather than simply cast away out of shallow fear. Some exceptions applied obviously, but facing one such as Vaz? He were hardly threatening currently. In fact, he were downright polite, she'd say. Well spoken and non-threatening, attire aside. Yet it were by that attire, and the fact he were of another race, that other ponies likely judged him. Simpleminded approach honestly, but she supposed in a way, she were biased. As a scientist, and a elemental abnormality, she were more openminded to things, yet even she were closed off in some regards. Had she not eschewed unconventional help, until Solar convinced her that it were worth exploring every avenue?

For all their talk of inclusion, ponies could sadly be dreadfully slow to accepting new perspectives, that came from outside of their norm at times. Ironically, for a country calling itself Equestria.

As for the handshake, she would accept it, and shake his hand with her hoof. Had he done so before, he'd probably be able to tell that her hoof was noticeably warmer than a regular equine's hoof should be, though not in a way that would seem burning. She contained the worst of her heat well.

"As for naming, Equine settlements does tend to carry a notable equine naming convention. Ponyville, Fillydelphia, New Las Pegasus, and so forth. Some like Dodge Junction and Shark Bay are more well thought out, but those are few and far between, I will grant.

I am from New Las Pegasus myself, but I have moved to better accommodate work. I came from the earthen district below, specifically. In case you wondered how a non-pegasus lived in a cloud city.

Might I ask where you're from, Mr. Vaz? I can't say I know the name of any kobold settlements."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Leviathan would have been stubborn for a short amount of time, but would eventually accept the offer to be carried, as it were. It allowed her to keep her eyes closed, her claws holding tightly to the comfort of Ruby's armored hide, and pretend nothing were happening around her. Her senses were sharp enough that if something came close, she'd know, and she's shoot lighting at them, but otherwise she'd more or less just cower herself with her wings, and wait for the nightmare to be over, so she sadly missed a lot.

She had thought herself able to handle this place, but it were just too much. The noises, the smells, the growls and so forth. It were horrible, and while she did sneak a peek when she heard about a family, she did not wave, or say anything. Sadly the signs of death were still all around, though she'd shake less, and her sight linger for a small amount, up until they all seemed to be constantly aggressive, yet in a defensive manner at the least, and the surroundings would yet again come into focus. Then she'd shut her eyes and cover herself with her wings again, waiting for this all to be over, and for them to reach the barrier.

She had lost track of how many prayers she had mumbled, when they finally seemed to come somewhere that the air smelled cleaner. There were also a feeling in a air. At first she thought something bad were happening, but it'd soon start to feel more... Familiar. Though she were too frazzled to tell how at first, she'd soon enough realize that what she felt, were electricity in the air. Meaning either that a thunderstorm were charging up, or that something were different about the area they were in, and it didn't feel fully like the first option.

Yet, it wasn't until she heard a voice - an actual, genuine voice - that she'd peek her head out, with a brief hope that they may have finally gotten past the horrible landscape behind them.

On 2025-02-22 at 2:16 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Two Death-bringers and Equestrian walk through the barrier, that sounds like a start of an awful, violent joke." 

It were! And a magical one at that, because she knew that this were not ponish that he were talking - or common tongue, depending on who you asked - yet she still understood him. That sorta ability took magic, and knowledge of Equestria took more brain than the more brutish ones behind them had shown. Hallelujah, they were finally through! Or approaching at the least. Either worked.

On 2025-02-22 at 2:16 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

The blue dragon took a step back, not from fear, but caution "No need to be so hostile Death-freak." "You can call me Voltaick, we knew we were going to get visitors, so I was sent to welcome you, so welcome, weirdo." his tone was slightly contemptuous, as he challenged Ruby's stare "Brave words towards someone you call 'Death-bringer'." Voltaick let out a spark out of his nostril, similar to how Ruby let out smoke when she was annoyed "I wouldn't in my wildest dreams trust one of your kin to not senselessly end my life, but I do trust the barrier, so you can drop the act, you are not going to attack me." 

And of course, before she could utter a word, the two of them were arguing. There were some new knowledge there, such as the fact that the magical ones considered the outside ones death-obsessed freaks - a fitting description though, in fairness - and that they were seemingly awaited. Yet more than that, things were about to heat up, though from the description, it sounded as if the barrier wouldn't let through some with violent intent, so he did not expect them to attack. Leviathan surely wasn't gonna, but she weren't gonna be silent either. This seemed like a good time to interrupt things, and stand up.

"Stop, please. Both of you. We just got through the worst place I've ever seen. Can we please just... Be civil here?

Voltaick was it? I'm Leviathan - I know, grandiose for a small dragon - and we're not here to cause trouble. We're just trying to get to understand their heritage more. Your variants side of it."

She'd flutter down to the ground, and do a short bow before the larger, feathered dragon. She didn't expect there to be a feathered dragon, but it was a big world. lotta weird sights in it. And to prove a point, she'd then raise a hand, and let electricity crackle across her arm and between her fingers, showing that she was adept at making use of electricity too.

"I'm not one of you, or them, but I know my magic, and I'm not violent towards dragons, unless I don't have another choice. You won't have problems from me, Voltaick."

She had to think of something to talk about... Oh! She heard something that he mentioned, which might help to divert the conversation away from Voltaick and Ruby more or less growling at once another.

"You said *That maniac actually did it*. Do you know who their father is? Or fathers, maybe?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"If poisoning an individual would save their lives, due to it being of lesser concern than what is actually ailing them, I would do so, yes. Something I have done before, as a matter of fact, though not with kobolds.

Some may refuse, but to me, it is no more questionable than to amputate a limb to save a life. It is treatment all the same."

Toxina had done many kinds of treatments in her days. From providing medication to mundane diseases, to helping various races give birth, to unconventional treatments, and even assist those who just wanted the pain to end. Not everything seemed moral to everypony, but she were a doctor, and had sworn when she were young, that she would help others get better, in whatever way she could. And to do that, she could not always sit idly by, just because something seemed too difficult, too weird, or somepony else had questioned the morality of the best path forward.

"My knowledge of things related to kobolds specifically however, is somewhat limited. As you say, we have our differences, and even when I have been helpful in assisting to save kobold lives, I have at most been tolerated by the majority where I have helped, and had to work carefully to not cause the tension to boil over.

I know of some of the specific resistances, including how they react to a few equine medications, but I do not know the full history and general level one can go to, when it comes to treating you with carefully applied dosages of toxins, no. Yet I would like to learn, as it would be helpful if a time comes when the information would be needed, to save the lives of one or more of your kin.

As for tests, I have made some, and my student have made a few of her own that can track minute things as well. It helps to know what have poisoned one, if you are to make an antidote after all, and to some extend, the tests can also show how high the dosage needs to be. And while our baseline for kobolds are lacking in information right now, I can assure you that long as I have a say in things, everypony who enters this hospital, regardless of race or affiliation, will be provided with the care they need. That goes for diseases that we may not have seen before, as such things can quickly mutate and spread if you are not careful, so if a kobold came in, speaking of something wrong? I would help. And the other doctors knows better than to object. One of my reputation is an asset, and I am well aware how to leverage that."

She'd smirk slightly at that. It were maybe not the nicest thing, but if she had to fire off some threats to get some lazy pencil pusher to do his job, then she were more than willing to do so. In fact, she were downright looking forward to it, as there were a certain joy one could get, from telling those less experienced to do as they were told, lest they caused issues with their hospital. Her reputation and experience, made her an asset for any hospital in Equestria, and the leaders wouldn't want to lose that feather in their hat, simply because somepony refused to listen to their better.

"To get on track again, if you want us to be more prepared for something happening to kobolds, I would welcome the chance to talk specifics at one time, or request writing. A few samples could do well too. A small blood sample, a bit of hair, a scale, nail clippings, such things. The more we know, the better prepared we can get.

I wonder though, you worry of kobolds coming here, as well as having seen four in town within a short timespan, regardless of how rare it is to run into your kind normally? Have there been an upheaval of sorts, or are more of you curious of the surface? Or is it more that you expect something to happen to yourselves, and want to know if we could help you then?"

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

 

(Harpoon)

"It's kind of you to ask. And no, there's no permanent damage. There's just some soreness, muscle strains, a broken rib, and then the... Psychological aftermath. It's haunting to be in your own body, and feel everything happening, but being unable to do anything. Like invisible strings jerks you around, attached to a thing layer of extra skin. And the yipping laughter... I don't know what an *Oni* is, but I hope to never encounter one again, and that the one in question are severely puni-"

*SMACK!*

"Mom!"

The door would suddenly open fully, and a mare would stumble in a few steps, worry seen in her exposed eye. Were it not for the voice though, you likely wouldn't be able to tell it were a mare, as she were covered head to toe in gauze, with only half her muzzle, and her right eye exposed, which seemed fine, albeit hairless. She were wearing the uniform of the Coastal Guards, her trident firmly down her side, though the hilt seemed very short. Maybe it had a sort of spring-loaded mechanism to it, to save on space? Hard to tell.

"Young lady, this is a hospital. Calm down. I'm not dying."

Harpoon strained herself to stand firm and tall, looking at the bandaged mare with a mixture of rank superiority, and motherly sternness. Which made the mare calm down it seemed.

"I'm sorry mom, I just heard that you were out, and I got worried. Sorry it took so long to get here, but it's a long road from Shark Bay."

"It's okay honey. It's just good to see that you haven't forgotten an old mare."

She'd go over and hug her daughter gently, which did seem to make them both wince a little.

"Mooom. You're not That old. And of course I'd show up. I'm still technically on medical leave, so I can take off when we get news like that. Both dad and brother says hi, and hope you come home soon."

"Soon enough dear.

Anyway, first off, this here's Sheska. She and her brother helped me get here, after I were injured. Sheska? This is my daughter, Shell Tooth."

She may remember this as the one that Harpoon had asked for an autograph for.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-02-24 at 3:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

The longma paused, deep in their thoughts but mind racing quick, bouncing from one concept to the next. “To forget… blissful in one way, bothersome in another,” Sen muttered but just audible enough for the others. “Sometimes it is tempting to want to forget, to do away with experiences that are best removed from memory. And yet… would it be worth it to do away with the bad if it meant casting away the good as well?”

“It’s odd that you mentioned names and the power that they have, Mother. I still remember what Ghilan said, when mine and Sen’s names were struck out of our village’s histories. It’s like we never existed, never have been. And yet many hold memories of us as a warning to those who would dare follow our actions. It was unjust, but even exposing the old elder couldn’t undo it and everything else that came about because of it. Nothing would bring back our parents, even after knowing just how much it destroyed you, Sen.”

“It’s why I just can’t see things the way you do. You have every right to be angry, to turn your back on the longma. After everything that has happened, why? Why do you want something better for them?”

"Those with true power over names, could do far worse, taking yours away. In a name, lies more than simply what you call yourself, or what others remembers you as. The self is linked to the name you associate the strongest with, and if that is taken, one can even take your whole life and identity. It would be as if they had always been you."

She did not know of many who did work with this, but she knew enough to be aware what could happen, and the weight of what she had done. Taking their names as she had, she had taken away their whole self, leaving them pure souls. It were the only way she could cleanse them, as she could not simple erase everything, and have them ready for reborn in the cosmic cycle. That were for Mortimer to do, but she had her ways, and doing this, she could give them a fresh start, and a chance to reenter the cycle they had been cast away from, or been rejected by.

Yet if she gave it back, all the memories, the sins and fortune of their past life, it would mar them again. new bodies, but they would become themselves again, and ultimately, they were highly likely to end up as they had been, before she had taken them here in the first place. And she could not bear to let such a thing come to pass.

On 2025-02-24 at 3:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“The more I thought about this, the more I understand your way of thinking. And you’re right; in some ways, our fellow longma are to blame. I’m still angry at my old friend, Xin, for not having my back when it mattered most, and I still don’t know if I can forgive him. Omen had to talk me out of throwing him off the edge of a cliff. In truth, the situation was a lot more complicated than we thought. Solasan threatened his family, just like he did with us, and the old elder might have done the same to others.”

“You have every right to be angry, but is it worth turning your back or getting revenge on those who don’t deserve it? Would you rather maintain your anger and risk hurting others who didn't deserve your wrath or show others there is a better way? We have been on enough adventures outside the longma village to know there are wonderful folks out there, learning from them. Just look around you now and tell me you haven’t learned a thing or two.”

Lin did as her brother said, looking at him, then turning to Omen, Shrimp, and Mother. She gave each of them a good, long glance, thinking about what Sen just said. And she flashed a smile, a small one, but sincere. It is a reminder of many things: comfort, trust, happiness, and love. Regardless of what was outside, this place, this purgatory, is her sanctuary and always will be. The longma approached Mother and hugged her tightly. 

“I don’t know if I am swayed from my lack of belief in the longma or if they could become better, but I am glad that we had the chance to talk like this. Thank you, Sen, and thank you too, Mother, for telling me your story. I may not truly know what it feels like to be in your place knowing we are more alike makes me feel a little more at ease about my worries. Whatever becomes of my plans once all this is over, I will let you know. I have a lot to think about. And Sen is right, you are all wonderful, and I am grateful that I got to know and learn from you!”

Mother smiled, and knelt down to properly hug Lin, and dragging all others in attendance in as well, except for Shrimp. Though out-scaling them significantly, her movements and touch were gentle and careful. Had she a want, she could crush them, but they were her beloved children. Why would she ever do such a thing?

"My child, you still have a long life filled with enriching experiences ahead of you. Untold amounts of love and wonder, and sights that you wouldn't believe. Let not this hatred fill your heart, for longer than it needs. Though it can seem hard, there is naught to gain from carrying it, against those who wronged you, when you can instead try and do as Sen says, and think of those who didn't cause you harm, or if some had little choice but going against you, at the time. There may be more redeeming longma than you think, and they could do well, with one as taught in the wider world, as you and Sen have been. In her own way, I believe Omen can be of help too. Let them see that weird as the world can be, there lies innocence in it, and those who'd want no harm to come to you and yours. It may help them see nuance, as you do as well.

If not, I know that you will yet find purpose in life. All of you are of strong will, and through enduring all you have, you will find a way for yourselves. Though if ever you feel your worries weigh too heavily upon you, know that Mother is always here, to welcome you home.

Though, I would ask a favor of you all: Please, do not recount the tale I told you, to others of my children. They would not understand, and those who becomes taught, whom I then tell the truth to, does not always take it well. Let them live in innocence, as long as they can."

Through the heartwarming moment, Shrimp were just rushing around on Mother, enjoying the high vantage point, and roaring at various points, before going to another place on her, and do the same. It seemed he were a great fan of her.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-02-24 at 3:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“That much is true, Rusty. Making sense of chaos is an exercise in futility. Even in the more academically inclined environments of our home and among the hyracotherians, there is only so much disorganization one could take before we would wave the proverbial white flag and prefer to leave things be.”

“And yet magic is the one thing that ended up becoming a formal field of academic study… Even channeling it is as much a study of the concept of magic as the study of gemstones. A miracle that it was formalized after the decline of organized belief systems, and yet the latter maintains its cultural relevance after its abandonment.”

“That is because such matters shaped the hyracotherian civilizations’ early years. Only did the Age of Enlightenment come and with it, the gradual shift in our kind’s direction. One ought to remember this lesson even as you scoff at it, Magus.”

Vates may have been among those who administered rites and practiced the old traditions of the temple, but she still held fast to the benefits and services it offered to the everyday citizens of their time. To her, there would always be room for belief and faith, even as the world began to move past them. Though, at this point, the situation would appear to be two old golems bickering with each other about things that may no longer matter to anyone but themselves.

"There is several scholars with a rich interest and compendium, of various magical information. It especially help when foals are at times born with peculiar magic, or strange expressions of it, as it helps in teaching them how to better handle themselves in life, as well as in general, help us understand the world at large more. The more dangerous stuff is of course, off limits to the public, and those who research the *Taboo Magics* are mostly unnamed, to avoid them getting demonized by those who cannot understand the need to know more of those too. Especially sacrificial magic, which while vile, is something that some beings need to know how to deal with, if something were to happen. As I hear it, more of that kind have shown in recent years, giving reason for concern."

On 2025-02-24 at 3:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Moving back to the topic of the draconequui, it seems they have been around for what might be a significant portion of Equestria’s history, or at least, that is the impression that I am getting. For creatures who seem to be secretive or prefer to keep to themselves, they are surprisingly a known element, reformed or otherwise.”

"This talk of the creatures now becoming more visible to the common eye jogged a memory from the old days. Strange as it might be, it reminded Videntor of something notable from his time and about the creatures that many have come to see as common sights. “You know, just like the draconequus becoming more integrated into modern pony society, the days when the draconequui were more distant were similar to our time. What were sights of creatures common today were once deemed to be fantastical or mythical in times long past. The minotaur and the sphinx were such examples then; they were different and one-of-a-kind, and the hyracotherians would keep their distance lest we commit unknown transgressions toward them.”

“My fellow speaks true even if he exaggerates a little. From a time when we had no contact with the myriad creatures found in Equestria nowadays, they were once the entities that caught the imagination and subjects of tall tales told by those who venture far from our lands. Now that we know better, it only serves to caution us about making up stories lest they turn out true. Alternatively, if we could return to our own time and tell others what we have learned, it might have us reevaluate just how large and wide the world truly is, even back then."

“Though it does pose an interesting question, if you are willing to entertain it, Rusty. Equestria’s ponies no doubt have their share of myths and legends. Similar to minotaurs and sphinxes being real despite their mythological reputation to the hyracotherians, might there be creatures in any of the pony tribes' myths that turned out to be real?”

"Oh, we have several myths who turned out to be truth in time. But I would like to touch upon those you mentioned before.

The minotaur have been in contact with us for some centuries now, but they tend to stick to their own lands, and rarely find much need to come here. They are mostly nomadic and prefer to live simple, hunter and gatherer lifestyles, that are heavily marked by tradition and their culture. They don't go to war as frequently as were once the case, but they are a proud folk, and expect to be treated with respect, if they offer the same. Usually you'd just want to make sure to respect their ways, and not interrupt their hunts, and they will at the least tolerate you. If you partake and show you can hunt though  it is a good way to earn their respect.

Now Sphinx on the other hoof... We still know dreadfully little of them honestly. They have a main capitol somrwhere hidden in Saddle Arabia, where their high elders are, and we know they keep ponies and other *lesser races* as unwilling workers. Same in the areas some of their members sometimes descend upon  to either claim control, or offer riddles and deals to gain something. At the minmum that would be amusement.

Only the regular ones though. The Elder Sphinxes are myths, that we know are real, but never leave their capitol. The few servants who gets out of there alive, never saw them  and thus can't say anything of them either. Just that they are real, and their power are seemingly otherworldy, so to speak. Best to hope they stay in there.

Generally it is best to avoid them, and try to solve their riddles if they demand you try, as then at least you won't anger them then. And do not make a deal, that you think you cannot keep. A sphinx's deal is infused with magic, to ensure it is kept, and if either part breaks it... The offender would wish for something as simple as death, according to what we know of it. Even the sphinx themselves fear to cross that line, so they tend to word their deals carefully.

We m8ght soon know more though. A sphinx have been declared an ally of Equestria, and are to work with the guard. News we never thought would happen, and yet, here we are. I did not see him myself, but I am told he wore bones as ornaments, and appeared to wander with a changeling and a pony. I am unsure if they are his servants though, but I hope not, and that he can shed some light on several of the questions we have about the sphinxes.

Now, as for myths we later learned were real, there are some. One of the more notable are the changelings  whom we assumed were just scary stories that foals were told to make them behave, but turned out to be very real. Some seemingly knew that already, but had little want to share that with others, so for most, they are a myth come to life, within the last decade.

The evergrown is another. The library have a tome speaking of them, and their brief interaction with Equestria, back when they rose around six hundred years ago, and sought allies.

To put it briefly, some began to harvest them for their essence, which apparently helps to grow plants rather quickly, as they just saw them as plants to be used, and understandably, they became angry, and hid themselves. They were thought myths, but the last few years, some have begun wandering the land, and even reach out to make links between their villages, and pony settlements nearby. Small scale things yet, but still, it is a beginning.

The Windigo are other things, that were only told of in legends, that nopony thought real. Spirits of ice and wind, that feasts upon hate, and cultivates it wherever they descend, to grow stronger. Dreadful things, according to Princess Sparkle.

There are many more, as some were either discovered in the last few decades, or decided to try and mingle with equines, but these are a few notable examples. I think you'd enjoy it more, if I did not spoil everything, as there are several great tomes on the subject. I would personally suggest the series by H. R. Ryder, titled *The Real Myths of Equestria and Beyond*.

There's four tones in that series thus far, and the fifth is being written, as I hear it. Not as informative as scientific papers, but they still give nice and detailed descriptions. As detailed as they can be, in any case. Including illustrations.

It is somewhat funny though. I can imagine that eventually, you will end up being mentioned in one of those tomes too. A race that lived so long ago, that you were forgotten by time, now here in the modern world. Perhaps not... Organically, I suppose, but magic is a curious thing, so I rule nothing out. Could be that one day, I will greet you in the flesh."

Edited March 7 by Blitz Boom

[Catpone Cerberus 23,701]

@Blitz Boom
If Vaz noticed the difference in temperature, he didn't show it, or at least not visibly enough to be noticeable from under the skull "Ah, I have visited some of those places, but it has been so awfully long since I last traversed these lands."  "My kind does not tend to name their habitats; most never leave our homes, nor do we actively interact with other creatures, so such would be pointless." "In the rare cases where a name is needed, it is the community that is named, rather than the place; which is determined by common cultural or physical aspects of the specific community" 

"For myself, I'm but a lone wanderer from far beyond Equestria, the lands which I come from did not have a name when I departed, and I have not returned since." "Could be there is a settlement now, even a full nation, or it could be barren as it was, I simply do not know." "I am from a place far forgotten, a family long lost." Solar didn't say anything, because he really only had questions he didn't want to necessarily ask with the other ponies around just in case, but Vaz seemed to notice his interest on the skull, as he then addressed the guard "That is my father." "Death isn't a taboo for my kin, we use our fallen where appropriate, mine was symbolic." "I hatched with a defect, I never grew horns, so it was only fitting, that when my father fell, along his work, I inherited his horns." His voice and tone did not change at all while he spoke, meaning that either he was good at masking his emotions, or there wasn't anything to mask. "Today, it's simply a reminder, for my memory, is not what it used to be." 

--------
Hearing Leviathan's words, Ruby did actually back down a bit, she did still glare at Voltaick though, who did the same to her, there was clear tension of distrust between the two, though, could one really blame either of them, Ruby was a species of dragon known as 'Death-bringers' to Voltaick, so there were certain, partly justified prejudice towards her, and for Ruby's part, she had just defended them against several dragons very much intent on killing them, so she wasn't going to just drop her guard because this one knew more words than threats and insults.

Charir meanwhile got broken out of his own tension by the fact that he understood what Leviathan had just said, he didn't make this known yet, besides looking at Leviathan surprised and bit confused, partly because he also wanted to know the answer to what Leviathan had asked, thus not wanting to accidentally interrupt, and partly because the situation in general was still bit too tense for his liking. 

Voltaick blinked at Leviathan "I won't even start to speculate how someone like you have ended up with two of them, it's already rare enough that a Death-bringer grows enough of a sense to get through the barrier, but to travel with someone who isn't..." he stopped himself "My apologies." "It's nice to meet you Leviathan, you too..." he looked at Ruby "Ruby." Ruby then gestured towards Charir "Charir" "...I again welcome you all to this side of the barrier, you can rest assured that no harm comes to you as long as you are here." 

"For your question, I don't know for certain, but I have an idea who it could be for him." Voltaick pointed at Charir "It is very obvious what kind of dragon his father was, since just my mere presence caused him to charge up." "I didn't know him personally, but a dragon of my kin left a long while ago, he was...unique character, couple millennia in age yet never had had any offspring. Wasn't very popular among the females." "I heard that when he left, he believed that he'd be better appreciated among our more violent relatives." he looked at Charir "The timeline matches, though we can't be certain, he never came back."  he then looked at Ruby "For you, no idea. Assuming we are similar age, whoever it is, if he isn't one of your own, left before my egg was ever fertilized." "But Werodex or Nelithral Dask may know." Ruby suddenly tensed up again, Charir too looking bit worried again "Nelithral Dask? That is our language, why does someone here call themselves Death Mother?"  this question revealed another part about whatever allowed them to understand each other, there seemed to be some kind of consideration for intent, as none of the names were 'translated', until Ruby specifically put emphasis on the meaning of the name "Usually she prefers being called just Elder Dask, but to answer your question, you are not the first ones of your kind here, it is rare, but it does happen; although you are the youngest." "In fact, I'm sure Elder Dask would be delighted to meet you both." "But I'm the wrong dragon to explain everything, I'm just someone who happened to be free to show you around, Werodex is your source for information." 

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

"I am planning on writing some guidance based on my own knowledge as a healer, but I need to do some study myself first as my information doesn't directly translate as useful for you, due to several reasons, one of which being for example that the names for various substances are likely very different for me and you."  "As for my worry, first, the sudden appearance of several of us has been a result of very unique circumstances, and is unlikely to repeat any time soon, so that is not the reason." "There is some personal reasoning behind it yes, myself and my brother are planning to settle down nearby, so I'd prefer that there's someone who knows what to do if something happens to me, the healer." "It's also matter of probability, while my kin mostly stays underground, the fraction that does walk the surface, is more likely to end up in one of your hospitals, than to find a kobold healer." "And that's really where my worry comes from, not from there being lot of us, but from there not being lot of us; healers like myself are already a fraction of the population, so on the surface we are practically non-existent." "It is also just in general in the interest of my species that the dominant species knows how to keep us alive, and as a healer, my main concern is the well being of my species." 

-_

(Harpoon)

Sheska instinctively dodged out of the way when the door opened, and looked the pony through with her eyes to estimate threat, it was automatic to her, and it didn't show outside, though seeing who it was, she relaxed, but didn't entirely drop her guard, because again, her distrust of guards went deeper than just opinion. She stayed quiet as the interaction went on, until she was addressed, at which point she'd offer her hand for a shake "Nice to meet you Shell Tooth, your mother has spoken positively about you." she once again spoke in her usual, professional yet friendly manner.

 

 

 

Edited March 13 by Catpone Cerberus

[EQ_Theta 466]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-03-08 at 1:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"My child, you still have a long life filled with enriching experiences ahead of you. Untold amounts of love and wonder, and sights that you wouldn't believe. Let not this hatred fill your heart, for longer than it needs. Though it can seem hard, there is naught to gain from carrying it, against those who wronged you, when you can instead try and do as Sen says, and think of those who didn't cause you harm, or if some had little choice but going against you, at the time. There may be more redeeming longma than you think, and they could do well, with one as taught in the wider world, as you and Sen have been. In her own way, I believe Omen can be of help too. Let them see that weird as the world can be, there lies innocence in it, and those who'd want no harm to come to you and yours. It may help them see nuance, as you do as well.

Though conflicted in mind, there was no doubt in the sense of comfort and belonging Lin found in the presence of Mother and the others. It was enough to get her to forget her troubles, at least until she thought of them again. And it was true for her deep-seated hatred, something she carried subconsciously. In one manner, she recalled Uncle Uddo’s sentiments on the longma, who are beyond redemption. On the other hoof was Sen, who continued to believe that they should take a chance on their fellows. As much as she harbored a longstanding grudge, she couldn’t find it in herself to be truly heartless despite having already vowed to exact her revenge. 

Lin looked to Mother, then to Omen and Sen, still undecided but having already considered her next moves. “I’m… confused about all this, and I am afraid too… of being let down, of being betrayed, and of losing what hope we’ve gained for ourselves.”

Sen stepped back and smiled, perhaps understanding his sister’s deeply held fears. That beneath her anger was someone who hoped for the future, had those hopes taken, and was unsure about how to make of it but to lash out at everyone they believed responsible. Though their situations shaped them into beings different from who they were as children, they still had similarities, with something not lost on him. 

“That anger, I know it. I carry it with me, just as you do, and we take our anger out on those who we think deserve it. Maybe we should let that go and work toward something better, if not for others, then for us. But if you cannot let go of that anger, then at least do not act on it, for the sake of those who do not deserve it.”

“I could only imagine how different we could have turned out had it not been for those who helped us out, like Omen. If there is an example of how there is good out there beyond the forest, I can think of no one who can show it better than her. And let’s not forget how her perspective can make even complicated problems look a little simpler.”

Lin smirked and chuckled, wondering how all this even happened after what felt like a lifetime from their first meeting. “I’m sure we shouldn’t forget Rosa and the friends we made then and now as examples. Frankly, I doubt we have been setting good examples for her in return. Us putting ourselves in between her and the hunt master’s second means we have made an enemy among the longma, one who will hound us until we make a mistake. He knows how he can rile us up, make us careless.”

“And we’ll handle it when the time comes, preferably with a better approach. Omen is capable; we ought to trust that she can handle herself, but we should also have each other’s backs. But for now, let’s focus on what comes next.”

“Right. Mother? Thank you for this; I’m glad we got this chance to talk. And about what you told us, about your tale and what it means for your children… we’ll keep our lips sealed.”

Sen stood by, happy at the way things turned out despite wishing he could sway Lin to his way of thinking. At least her considering, or reconsidering, her anger and what she plans to do about it was something of a victory for him. That said, he remembered the other reason why he wanted to come to this realm, one that made him want to stop by in the first place.

“Mother? There is one other thing. I don’t know if you have something against bringing things from the outside world and keeping them here, but I have something that we wanted to give to you if you’d like.”

The longma opened his saddle bag and pulled out the pictures the group got at the Moonlit Thicket, the carnival that they and Rosa visited. Among them was the group photo, a reminder of Sen’s silly clown make-up after losing a bet with Rosa, but more importantly, a reminder of a time when their worries were virtually non-existent. It was a brief moment in their lives, but Sen and Lin wished moments like these lasted longer. He motioned for Lin and Omen to gather around him so they could sit together with Mother, hoping to spend some moments recollecting times when their lives felt a lot simpler.

“Ha ha! I still remember that night and your squishy clown nose. It felt like we were younger again, playing like we didn’t have a care in the world.”

“And all that happened because we were scared for Rosa… that it might have been his last night of freedom before we knew what would happen to him.” The longma sat by Mother and reached one copy of the photo to her, along with several others taken by a roving photographer in the area that night. “I’m truly fond of that picture of us, with Lin pulling me, Rosa, and Omen in for a hug. We thought of getting a few extra copies, even one for you, Mother.”

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

On 2025-03-08 at 1:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

                                                           "Oh, we have several myths who turned out to be truth in time. But I would like to touch upon those you mentioned before.

 

The minotaur have been in contact with us for some centuries now, but they tend to stick to their own lands, and rarely find much need to come here. They are mostly nomadic and prefer to live simple, hunter and gatherer lifestyles, that are heavily marked by tradition and their culture. They don't go to war as frequently as were once the case, but they are a proud folk, and expect to be treated with respect, if they offer the same. Usually you'd just want to make sure to respect their ways, and not interrupt their hunts, and they will at the least tolerate you. If you partake and show you can hunt though  it is a good way to earn their respect.

Now Sphinx on the other hoof... We still know dreadfully little of them honestly. They have a main capitol somrwhere hidden in Saddle Arabia, where their high elders are, and we know they keep ponies and other *lesser races* as unwilling workers. Same in the areas some of their members sometimes descend upon  to either claim control, or offer riddles and deals to gain something. At the minmum that would be amusement.

“That sounds about right from what accounts we learned from the minotaur in our time. Truth be told, we just kept to ourselves and let them be; they were content to do the same for us. Though there was a story about one, which ended up getting trapped in some labyrinthine ruins. Or maybe it was someone else trapped in those ruins and the minotaur happened to be the area as well…”

“It seems we can’t even can’t get our accounts right, but the minotaur was the one thing constant. It was, from what we learned, the product of terrible circumstances. He was big, fierce, and had some hunting implements on him, but once he was out, he just left.”

“As for the sphinx, there was one that was fond of telling riddles to passers-by. Some reportedly entertained the notion of answering those riddles, but they weren’t too good at it. Eventually, travelers went around the sphinx on account of being delayed in their travels. I never learned what became of that sphinx, as the reports of encounters with it just dropped to nothing. Maybe it got tired of having no one to visit that it relocated elsewhere.”

“The only thing for certain was that it was no elder sphinx. But, your tales of the sphinxes according to your history do corroborate what we learned in our time. Frankly, it still boggles the mind that even in this day and age, there is more to know about the creatures we once believed as myth.”

The golems nodded, satisfied with the knowledge that what they learned in their time continued to be built up, even if it was through others. That interconnectivity of the world, whether its inhabitants knew it or not, was always something to admire. And being told about the library and the Evergrown was another thing for the group to note. They might find something that could be of use to their friends among the longma should they cross paths again. Now whether or not that information would be useful was something they couldn’t anticipate, but forest-dwelling beings might have their own run-ins with the Evergrown, and it helps to be prepared.

On 2025-03-08 at 1:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

There are many more, as some were either discovered in the last few decades, or decided to try and mingle with equines, but these are a few notable examples. I think you'd enjoy it more, if I did not spoil everything, as there are several great tomes on the subject. I would personally suggest the series by H. R. Ryder, titled *The Real Myths of Equestria and Beyond*.

There's four tones in that series thus far, and the fifth is being written, as I hear it. Not as informative as scientific papers, but they still give nice and detailed descriptions. As detailed as they can be, in any case. Including illustrations.

It is somewhat funny though. I can imagine that eventually, you will end up being mentioned in one of those tomes too. A race that lived so long ago, that you were forgotten by time, now here in the modern world. Perhaps not... Organically, I suppose, but magic is a curious thing, so I rule nothing out. Could be that one day, I will greet you in the flesh."

Videntor chuckled at Rusty’s suggestion. That he and his fellow golems would be immortalized in one form or another…. It was something they never thought possible, and it got him wondering just what that would mean for the Hyracotherians as a whole. 

“When you put it that way, it might be one way to remember a seemingly forgotten race. If it ever happens, Ryder should consider approaching you as a consultant. Maybe you would become a pioneer in the study of a long-gone civilization. You already have some exposure to our history, though if there is any chance of seeing us in the flesh, I cannot say. Then again, that might be a topic for those who dabble in the ethical quandaries of resurrecting creatures thought long gone. Flesh golems… well, I would rather not think about that and the mental exercise needed to consider the ethics behind that approach.”

Though the golems were having an excellent time in the museum, they recalled their other obligations for the day and wouldn’t want to put things off. There was more for them to do and an agreement to uphold with Scarcity. Scriniarii would have to step in and get the group back on track.

“This has been a very enlightening time, Rusty, but I am afraid we would need to cut our time here short. Thank you very much for accommodating us; it has been a pleasure getting to know you and the history of Equestria, though perhaps we might find ourselves returning in the future. There is a lot more for us to learn, seeing as we are displaced from our time. For now, it is time that we go our own way.”

The golem bowed, still keeping the longma practice in mind despite having it become a reflex at this point. He found himself realizing how it had become second nature before extending one hoof toward Rusty. It may feel strange at first, but it was likely how ponies greeted each other, and the golems would do well to acclimate themselves to the practices of their new home. Likewise, Videntor and the others also extended theirs to shake the stallion’s hoof, emulating each other’s moves. By then, the group turned to Scarcity, ready to head off to their next destination.

Edited March 14 by EQ_Theta

[Blitz Boom 4,665]

@Catpone Cerberus

Ah, so that would explain the skull. A little morbid perhaps, but it were reasonable and sensible, in its own way. Somewhat tribal in nature she supposed, but judging kobolds by pony standards seemed rather incentive, to their culture. As Vaz said himself, to his tribe, death were no taboo, and it were not as if it were hurting anyone for him to carry this. It were just... Unusual, is all. At least with how things looked currently. One couldn't rule out there were more to it, but there simply weren't evidence for that at the moment, that she could see.

"It sounds as if you have seen and experienced much. Mr. Vaz. And if a nation could have risen, where you once came from, I would assume of notable age too? I am not familiar with kobold lifespans, but nations do take time.

That beside, it sounds as if you come from an interesting tribe. I've read of some that have worn parts of their deceased after their passing, for various, symbolic reasons. Never seen it with a skull, but the base principle isn't unheard of. Though I will admit, that I didn't think I'd encounter anyone partaking in this practice.

Might I ask what brings you to Equestria, Mr. Vaz? Trying to see as much of the world as you are able, perhaps? I've had an uncle which much the same aspiration."

Could be that it were that, or something else, but the only way she'd gander more information, were to ask. Besides, what else were they to do on this train trip? Count the trees outside the window? Hardly seemed a productive use of time, compared to gathering intel. Or at the very least, learn something new from a peculiar stranger.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"It's not a long story really. I tried stealing from her by accident, and ended up sticking around. You know how it goes.

You knowing who at least one of the fathers are, is interesting. Hopefully we'll get to learn more. Especially about how your electricity works. I'm trying to learn him how to harness it, but your variety of dragon, uses magic in another way than I do. I can charge him up alright, but I can't really do much more, until we find out how he can harness his magic in the first place. I'm hoping that we can find some answers here. Might be I'd even learn something myself too. I'm only about a millennia. Plenty older and wiser to learn from.

And yes, I know, I'm tiny for my age."

Leviathan were easing up a bit more, even if her companions were tensing up at the mention of there being one of their sort in here. To her though, conversation, and not being surrounded by bones of weaker dragons, that didn't make it in this place, and the general vibe of death, were improving her mood, and were making her more calm, jovial, and talkative again.

"It sounds like you know about Equestrian dragons, so I assume I don't have to mention how few of us both have, and practice magic. So a lot have to be self taught, along with anything we can scrounge up. Makes it harder to act a teacher, but I'm sure I could teach him some things, if we could figure out how he is supposed to harness his magic in the first place.

... I think I'm talking in circles. Sorry. The scene in the other part of the isles were... A bit much, so I'm kinda frazzled. I'm much more looking forward to seeing what you can show us, and meet Elder Dask and Werodex. So... Can you show us the way, please?"

This had gotten off on a rocky foot, but she were hoping that things were easing up, and they could move on to a more neutral state. Which would likely be easier, if they didn't linger, as giving the two of them more open time to bicker would probably not be good. Both were rather... Brash. Maybe it was an age thing, as it sounded like they were around the same age. Could be their sort of dragon had their quirks around this age. More than likely not. It were likely more that neither liked the other.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

 

"From one healer to another then, you have my word that given the opportunity, I will help you spread the word of your kin to the various hospitals in Equestria, to better prepare any for the rare, yet potential encounter with you or one of your kin. As it were when dragons began mingling with us, or the occasional minotaur, among many examples, we must be ready to welcome others, and treat them as needed. Such is my belief, and I will further it.

Take your time, and write what you can, and return with it when it is ready. I will help you get it into circulation from there.

Ah, and do remember to credit yourself in your paper. Uncredited papers tends to attract lesser minds, who seek anonymous work to latch on to."

"Urgh, tell me about it. I went to medical school with some of those leeches. They'd rather stay up and scrounge for something to take credit for, than do any actual work. Thankfully most of them were weeded out, but it's still a ridiculous approach to being a doctor."

"It's unimaginative, and bound to fall apart under scrutiny. Seems a rather pointless endeavor."

There seemed to be a general agreement on this, with happy nodding too, though he didn't say anything. He were more focused on changing back to his pony form, and then help Onache rise from the bed. She wanted to leave these premises, though moving seemed to cause her notable discomfort. Still, she'd rather lay and rest somewhere that a doctor did not know her, and might sic some guards on her, as she'd change her mind on how to deal with the former slaver queen. It didn't seem like a safe thing to do. Though being on her legs proper again, she did feel the need to just, take a few minutes to herself, to gather her strength for this, whilst Happy stood next to her, so that she could lean up against him.

"I wouldn't personally recommend you to leave yet, but it is your own call.

Now then, Trox? Have you something that I should know here and now, about kobolds, while we wait for the paperwork? In case you or your sister happen to have an accident, or we get a hurt kobold, that cannot wait for us to get hold of you."

(Harpoon)

"I'm just happy that you were around to make sure she could talk. Thank you very, very much. And uhm, sorry for my... Presentation. I got basically all my coat burned off, and the doctors say I have to keep this on for a few more weeks."

"Injured in the line of duty, while protecting a swimming class. You've more than earned that medal the general is going to plant on you, dear."

"I just did what was right, mom. That thing could've killed the foals. It had to go back out to sea. Though I hope my tail grows in soon again. Feels weird without it.

Anyway, I'm sorry Mrs. Sheska, I went off on a tangent, I guess. Most important to me, is thanking you, and your brother. I dread to think what could've happened, if you weren't there to help her.

If you ever go to SHark Bay, you just come ask for me at HQ, and I'll help you in whatever way I can. And don't be worried about the name. The sharks are friendly."

Well, most of the time at least. Breeding season made them a bit bonkers, so the area was locked off there, and they did not like those rude to them, but they had a long standing history of near zero fatalities in the area. Last time somepony had gotten seriously hurt, due to shark-related injuries, were like, 17 years ago, and that were a drunkard who found it fun to jump in and punch the sharks. And it were debatable that the sharks still treated him kindly, all things considered, as they did make sure to push the unconscious pony back to the shore, and alert some of the riders.

Chop Chop had been hurt pretty badly too she supposed, but to him, it were scars. Nothing were missing, he weren't blind, or anything like that, and she knew that he didn't blame the sharks anymore, but his own stupidity.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-03-11 at 1:31 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“And we’ll handle it when the time comes, preferably with trust and a better approach. Omen is capable, so we should trust her while also having each other’s backs. But for now, let’s focus on what comes next.”

“Right. Mother? Thank you for this; I’m glad we got this chance to talk. And about what you told us, about your tale and what it means for your children… we’ll keep our lips sealed.”

Mother looked down on Lin as she spoke, a tender pride dancing in her eyes, at hearing how she were thinking through this, and discerning meaning and resolve as she did so. It made a mother proud, to see her children grow up like this, and face life's many turmoils. Lin had much tossed her way, as did they all, but she had faith that they would be able to face those troubled tides now, and endure.

Even if not all would go as they may hope, they could rise up and try again another day, and as she had heard from them, and seen in Omen's memories, them and Rosa, had formed strong bonds to one another. Some which had been tested, but left them stronger, and more united. In each their own way, she believed them more than capable. Yet it were up to them, to keep their chins held high, and push forward. She would always be here, proving moral support, and a home in case they needed peace and rest, but the future were lead by themselves, out there in worlds that she couldn't touch. And with all her heart, she wished for them, and all of her children, nothing but the best.

Yet among the best, were also that she had to keep some things from them, much as it may seem harsh. Such were one of her many burdens, that she had chosen an untold amount of time ago, and yet she still found that she had no regrets with. And she knew, that even if the children were told, they would forget it soon again, or trust her, that it were nothing they should be concerned about. Yet the thought might stay with them on some level, and someday, when they had a master and a home, it might resurface, and complicate their new lives, with nagging thoughts of one long forgotten. It were best to not have such burdens with them, in her opinion. Something that Mortimer agreed with, and his opinion did still carry much weight to her, even if she had made this place, in defiance of his will.

"Thank you, my dear child. It means much to me."

Omen watched on, silent and unmoving, but she would keep this secret too, and not question Mother on what her previous life were anymore. She trusted that Mother wanted what were best for them, fully and completely, and while she could question Discord and his will, she hadn't the degree of doubt needed to do the same with Mother. Something that the immense figure knew well, as though Omen were an old, yet simple mind, she were also one who went to many lengths for her family, and she wouldn't say something, knowing that it might cause trouble for the others.

On 2025-03-11 at 1:31 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Mother? There is one other thing. I don’t know if you have something against bringing things from the outside world and keeping them here, but I have something that we wanted to give to you if you’d like.”

The longma opened his saddle bag and pulled out the pictures the group got at the Moonlit Thicket, the carnival that they and Rosa visited. Among them was the group photo, a reminder of Sen’s silly clown make-up after losing a bet with Rosa, but more importantly, a reminder of a time when their worries were virtually non-existent. It was a brief moment in their lives, but Sen and Lin wished moments like these lasted longer. He motioned for Lin and Omen to gather around him so they could sit together with Mother, hoping to spend some moments recollecting times when their lives felt a lot simpler.

“Ha ha! I still remember that night and your squishy clown nose. It felt like we were younger again, playing like we didn’t have a care in the world.”

“And all that happened because we were scared for Rosa… that it might have been his last night of freedom before we knew what would happen to him.” The longma sat by Mother and reached one copy of the photo to her, along with several others taken by a roving photographer in the area that night. “I’m truly fond of that picture of us, with Lin pulling me, Rosa, and Omen in for a hug. We thought of getting a few extra copies, even one for you, Mother.”

Mother leaned down further, getting her gaze close so that she might see the pictures better. Yet it were hard with such a small thing, and as such, she would shrink. Her form losing mass, that seemed to disperse unto the floor like shadows, and roll into the walls, until she were the size of a regular human. She looked the same, albeit far smaller, and in this form, she could gather with them, and watch the pictures with them closely. Her arms gently on them, as she watched these few moments in time.

She did not often reduce herself in size like this. To her children, she were the towering, kind presence that could carry them by the hundreds in her arms, as she sang them a soothing song, or let them roam about on her, to feel her warm presence. Even in here, she tended to be the same, in her private chambers, but when needed, she could do this. Though she did not always hit the exact same size afterwards, so if Lin and Sen had wondered why she might have seemed a little taller or smaller at various times they had visited, this were the reason.

"You all look so happy there. Even you, Omen. It must have been a magical evening for you all.

Out there, I allow only a few things to remains. Things that some of my children have brought from their worlds, that does not cause harm, or roam free, which enticed many of their unformed siblings. I encase these upon pillars, that my children look upon with curiosity and whimsy, while they serve as pillars for the ever-shifting entrance to my domain.

This is not for a pillar, but I keep room for personal things, that others have brought as gifts before, close to here. I am be grateful and overjoyed, to receive these copies to remember you all by. Though I would like to know all that are on it, so if you can, please bring Rosa with you someday. I would like to meet this stallion, and thank him for his devotion to help you all."

She would run the dulled side of one of her claw over Sen's face in the picture, smiling wider at the picture of him clowned up for the picture.

"I remember my children, and the moments they have shared with me. One with colored faces, bringing merriment... You will make for the twenty-ninth we will remember as this, Sen. Even if your colors were but temporary. Yet I think they suited you well."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-03-11 at 1:31 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“That sounds about right from what accounts we learned from the minotaur in our time. Truth be told, we just kept to ourselves and let them be; they were content to do the same for us. Though there was a story about one, which ended up getting trapped in some labyrinthine ruins. Or maybe it was someone else trapped in those ruins and the minotaur happened to be the area as well…”

“It seems we can’t even can’t get our accounts right, but the minotaur was the one thing constant. It was, from what we learned, the product of terrible circumstances. He was big, fierce, and had some hunting implements on him, but once he was out, he just left.”

“As for the sphinx, there was one that was fond of telling riddles to passers-by. Some reportedly entertained the notion of answering those riddles, but they weren’t too good at it. Eventually, travelers went around the sphinx on account of being delayed in their travels. I never learned what became of that sphinx, as the reports of encounters with it just dropped to nothing. Maybe it got tired of having no one to visit that it relocated elsewhere.”

“The only thing for certain was that it was no elder sphinx. But, your tales of the sphinxes according to your history do corroborate what we learned in our time. Frankly, it still boggles the mind that even in this day and age, there is more to know about the creatures we once believed as myth.”

"Minotaurs and labyrinths do have a long history. Sometimes, it have been them stationing a particularly fierce one to protect something of great import, but far as most tales goes, it is often a punishment for something. Either the guarding duty itself, or them being put into a great labyrinth, and then needing to find their way out. Supposedly, the isolation is meant to give them time to reflect on what they've done, and them finding their way out, is seen as them symbolically having cleared their mind, and found their way again.

The stories do vary though, even from what we've gathered, so it's theorized that labyrinths are utilized in different ways, across tribes far apart, but there's still much to learn there.

They do use exile too, but that's usually reserved for those they deem irredeemable, such as the Hide Hunter."

Rusty would shiver briefly, thinking about that one in particular.

"I have seen him once, when he stopped a transport I were in, and told me to give him something I were taking to the museum. A reputation like his, the best option is simply to cave, and let him be on his way. I'm not worthy prey, but I could be considered an obstacle, and I don't want to be a cautionary tale.

Moving on to the sphinx, you are likely correct that it relocated. Maybe went back to its capitol even, or just flew for other grounds. Even the most benign of them, are said to not handle boredom well. I assume it have to do with their feline attributes, but information is scarce. Hopefully the one we will see more in Canterlot, can answer many of the questions we have."

On 2025-03-11 at 1:31 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“When you put it that way, it might be one way to remember a seemingly forgotten race. If it ever happens, Ryder should consider approaching you as a consultant. Maybe you would become a pioneer in the study of a long-gone civilization. You already have some exposure to our history, though if there is any chance of seeing us in the flesh, I cannot say. Then again, that might be a topic for those who dabble in the ethical quandaries of resurrecting creatures thought long gone. Flesh golems… well, I would rather not think about that and the mental exercise needed to consider the ethics behind that approach.”

Though the golems were having an excellent time in the museum, they recalled their other obligations for the day and wouldn’t want to put things off. There was more for them to do and an agreement to uphold with Scarcity. Scriniarii would have to step in and get the group back on track.

“This has been a very enlightening time, Rusty, but I am afraid we would need to cut our time here short. Thank you very much for accommodating us; it has been a pleasure getting to know you and the history of Equestria, though perhaps we might find ourselves returning in the future. There is a lot more for us to learn, seeing as we are displaced from our time. For now, it is time that we go our own way.”

"It have been an outright please to meet you all, and you are of course, welcome to return at any point, day or night. I will let the word spread about you and yours, that the others will be less surprised if they encounter you. Including the night staff, of course."

He'd shake their hooves as they came up, a smile on his face from a very unusual, yet enlightening meeting. Days like this put a drop of life into things, and filled his mind with curiosity about what might come of it, and what knowledge could be gleaned in the long run. They were certainly entering a fascinating time, and he truly hoped that Scrinarii and the others, would find their place in said future.

No sooner had he shook the last hoof though, before he heard a commotion behind him, and a research assistant would scurry away, whilst further in, he would hear something metallic hit the floor. A noise that made him cringe, and give off an audible, annoyed groan.

"I hope you will all have a pleasant time here in Canterlot. Now if you will excuse me, I need to lecture some interns about the difference between a museum and a junkyard."

He'd give a bow before Scarcity at the end, then be on his way. Seemed not everything were going to be grand today, though at least he heard metal. If he heard ceramic fall, he swore to Celestia...

"Ah, marvelously done darlings. I see your social skills are far from rusty. Pardon the pun.

Now then, I can certainly suggest many places we could go, such as the library, the old town to observe available real estate, the castle, or the royal archives, to have you signed on properly as citizens of Equestria, but I do think it more entertaining for you to pick your own way. Perhaps one of these, something I have said before, or even simply wandering, and seeing what is what, hmm?

At some point, I do want to show you my store though. I think you'll find it a lovely place, but that is for later. No need to fill paperwork yet after all."

Scarcity were curious what path they were interested in. Would they simply want her to show them around? Had they something specific in mind? Or did they simply crave to see the capitol as it were presented? The answer she didn't know, but the question were fascinating to her, nonetheless. Especially as seeing their preferences, did help her to get a better idea of their wants, and any information she could gather, were valuable. Even things that others thought minute or irrelevant, could be useful later down the line, to a keen mind.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,701]

@Blitz Boom
Vaz quietly chuckled at the mention of his age, Solar meanwhile had the usual non-focused look as he ran analytics and such in his head, trying to make sense of the non-matching information he was getting, ancient skull, generally young looking kobold and claim of close family relation; there was really only one conclusion for it, but what Solar was trying to figure out was how?.

"When talking averages, kobold lifespan is slightly less than that of a pony; we may share some ancestry with dragons, but lifespan isn't something we share." "Though it does vary a bit between communities, as the environment and main diet affect our biology." "For myself, it is bit more complicated, and I stopped counting a long time ago." "Time loses its meaning when you experience enough of it." He then continued as if what he had just said wasn't in any way unusual "As for what comes to practices, wearing our fallen is unusual even among our kind, as our practices come more from practicality than symbolism; We live underground, and are quick to reproduce, so burying our fallen and similar practices, would be impractical at best, and active detriment at worst." "Materials are also more limited, so we use what we have." "There is a symbolic aspect too of course; we are lot less individualistic than most creatures, think something like an ant or a bee colony, but without a queen." "So, the one thing we hold above everything else is our service to our brothers and sisters, thus, to know we can serve a purpose, even after life leaves us, it helps us die in peace."

"However, do not mistake this for simple tribalism, we are not any less civilized than ponies; our differences come not from nurture, but nature, and cannot simply be taught away." he looked at Solar "Isn't that right, 308?" Solar was bit taken off guard by the sudden mention of his number, but it made sense Vaz would know it, after all, he had said he had met Scorch "Yes, even after generations on the surface, kobold culture stayed resistant." Vaz chuckled again "Indeed, we are stubborn little creatures." "But that aside, to answer your question, I came here because it was that time again." "I follow an order in my travel, and it was simply Equestria's turn again." "I wander to seek knowledge, and it has been long enough that Equestrian knowledge has evolved once more; when I last visited, there was only two princesses, and one of them was imprisoned on the moon." 

"That is also why I seek the two kobolds from the lands of war, they no doubt have knowledge I have yet to even consider, and if not, I have something a healer can no doubt appreciate." "Though an interruption has come to my plans, as something is amiss, and I must investigate." "No doubt our destination is the same, somewhere on the bottom of this mountain something stirred." this got Solar's attention "What exactly do you know?" "I am well aware of the things you investigate, I do not pay much mind to them, but there was a disturbance only I would sense." "I will not provide details until I can be certain, but I assure you, if I am correct, you will find it most interesting." 

----------

Based on Voltaick's expression, the short 'story' really only raised couple of more questions, but he didn't voice any of those questions, he could ask about it later, if he wanted to. He also didn't hide his surprise to learn Leviathan's age, though he did keep whatever he may have though about it to himself. "I have a feeling that I will be the one tasked with helping with his magic, I may not be the oldest, but I assure you, I am one of the least grumpy ones. But I do need to do some reading myself for that too, as I don't know much if anything about Death-bringer magic." "Which reminds me, just a fair warning, we are a peaceful bunch, but that doesn't mean everyone is nice, we are not ponies." Ruby stayed quiet for now. 

"Follow me then." Voltaick then stated, before turning around to lead them forward.

At first, as the exit from the mountain pass started to approach, the land beyond looked quite similar to the other side, just without the ash in the air and corpses, but then suddenly, their vision would momentarily go wobbly, as if looking at hot air raising upwards, before the scene changed in blink of an eye as they reached the end. It was still the same continent, so the terrain, plants and such were the same as on the other side, but now there were roads all over, allowing easy travel over the holes and molten rock under them, there were also lot of structures, more specifically, cave entrances were surrounded by structures, some simple, while others were decorated with variety of dragon themed art, symbols, and patterns. In the sickly forest that stood tall in the distance, had some structures in the trees. It was civilization, quite different from Equestria sure, but civilization nonetheless.  As the scene changed, Voltaick spoke "Illusion bubble, the barrier protects us from threats, but this one makes sure that anyone looking from outside in, doesn't see anything that would make them want to come here." he would then keep leading them on one of the roads, eventually turning north as they went "You will be staying in one of these caves, I'll explain more once you have met Werodex, we don't want to keep her waiting, but for now, the cave has a place to rest and everything else you may need during your stay here." 

This point was when other dragons came to view, as curious dragons poked out of the various caves, sat on mountain ledges, and flew above them, the variety of dragons was quite wide, there was everything from those build like Ruby and Voltaick, some with feathers, some with more 'usual' wings, some entirely wingless, to more snake like dragons that lacked wings, 'swimming' through the air. There were even some that looked a lot like insects, their several wings flapping at impressive speed, making a low buzz-like sound. As they walked, a large body of clean looking water became visible in the distance, in which there was also various different looking dragons, more aquatic in their appearance. The only thing that all dragons here seemed to share in appearance, was four legs.

Soon a massive structure would dominate the scene, it was massive, even compared to Ruby, and was decorated with a carved image of a large black dragon holding open a scroll, which was the entrance. "That is our destination, the great library, the home of Werodex, and the entire Darkscale bloodline." "The dragon carved into the structure is the first Werodex, who many tens of millennia ago started the library" he paused for a second before continuing "Werodex means librarian." Ruby seemed amused "Of course, I can see we share our creativity with names." 

Charir had planned to talk to Leviathan during their walk, now that it seemed they could understand each other, but he was so in awe, and scared, that he didn't dare to open his mouth. 

When they eventually entered the structure, they found themselves in a massive, quite dark library, full of shelves full of scrolls and books of varying size, going beyond what eye could see; in fact, it was clear some kind of magic was involved, as the library was lot bigger than was physically possible, even with how massive the entrance had already been. It seemed empty of dragons at first, but then something massive started moving in the shadows, a shape of a black dragon, big enough to swallow the entire group whole appeared, though before they had time to even focus their eyes on it, it grew smaller, taking a size of 'only' twice Ruby's size, before coming close enough to be clearly visible. It was a female dragon, entirely black, with even her eyes dark as night, her build was similar to that of Ruby's kind, and her darker than night scales had small spots here and there that reflected light, making her look like a walking night sky. Ruby was wary of the dragon, but didn't do or say anything stupid, while Charir in his now usual style, hid behind his older sister. Voltaick meanwhile gave a small, respectful bow to the dragon.

The dragon looked at Ruby and spoke "Daughter of the Embittered, mother of Destruction, you have arrived as is foretold, yet Protector accompany you, maybe fate is uncertain, maybe Death can find peace." the language spoken was different from Voltaick's language, but like before, it was understood like any other. "What may it be that Death seeks from my halls? and most of all, are you fit to learn it?" her voice was authoritative and powerful, yet she wasn't loud or hostile, and while she had presumably made herself smaller to better talk with the visitors, everything from her signaled age and might, or at least Ruby and Charir could tell this much, this here was a dangerous dragon, so better to stay on her good side. 

-----------

Sheska acknowledged the last point, but didn't comment on it further, this again was one of those issues that only happened with surface creatures, only selfish creatures like them would even think about claiming things like that. When kobolds like herself wrote things down, it was for the rest to learn, not for the writer to make fame or currency, but surface dwellers? it was all about that recognition, she saw it plenty in her past, so it wasn't really a surprise, it was more...just sad really. Since the conversation had ended, this would be point where Sheska made her way to Harpoon's room.

Trox was bit surprised by the question, since Sheska was the expert of the two, but he wasn't still entirely clueless "My sister is more the expert, but one thing that comes to mind, especially with injuries, is that in case of loss of blood, if there isn't kobold blood available, dragon blood also works in small amounts. We also don't have blood types, at least not to the extend that they matter." "Other than that, with physical injuries, we are really not that different from any other species." Trox didn't follow Onache and Happy, wanting to wait for Sheska, and he would tell them as much, if it seemed they had expected him to follow. "One thing you should probably know, in my case specifically, is that..." he put his hand on the shoulder of his metal arm, pressed few spots, and the whole metal arm just dropped on the floor, leaving just the part it attached to "...my artificial limbs are easy to remove, in case it's necessary for something." he then picked it up and attached it back equally easily "Meanwhile this..." he pointed at the metal spike looking thing in the end of his tail "...is permanent, removing it is how you get exposed bone like Sheska had." 

(Harpoon)

"I can't take full credit, things could have gone differently if the group of students, specifically the two young kitsune hadn't stumbled upon us." Sheska admitted "Not only would have I struggled to carry her all the way here alone, I don't know how much I would have needed to injure Harpoon to chase the Oni from her." she had considered to not bring that up, but decided to be honest, they could have very different conversation now if the Oni had decided to stay. "And no need to apologize for your appearance, though if you were a kobold, I'd drag you to bed myself; but I guess losing one's coat is bit less dangerous than losing all scales." she said it in joking manner, and honestly, she was more concerned that foals even were in such situation, but then again, seeing what had been the swimming teacher in the local school, it didn't really surprise her. "Besides, who am I to judge, I walked around with exposed tailbone for a while." she gently knocked the tip of her tail on the ground to show that it was a prosthetic. 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 466]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-03-19 at 7:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Mother leaned down further, getting her gaze close so that she might see the pictures better. Yet it were hard with such a small thing, and as such, she would shrink. Her form losing mass, that seemed to disperse unto the floor like shadows, and roll into the walls, until she were the size of a regular human. She looked the same, albeit far smaller, and in this form, she could gather with them, and watch the pictures with them closely. Her arms gently on them, as she watched these few moments in time.

She did not often reduce herself in size like this. To her children, she were the towering, kind presence that could carry them by the hundreds in her arms, as she sang them a soothing song, or let them roam about on her, to feel her warm presence. Even in here, she tended to be the same, in her private chambers, but when needed, she could do this. Though she did not always hit the exact same size afterwards, so if Lin and Sen had wondered why she might have seemed a little taller or smaller at various times they had visited, this were the reason.

"You all look so happy there. Even you, Omen. It must have been a magical evening for you all.

Brother and sister looked back on their time at the carnival, a fleeting moment they wished they could experience again. Even just the thought got them feeling wistful, wanting just a little more time when they would much rather experience the days of their childhood, or what little of it they managed to have. However, that moment of longing was interrupted by the sight of Mother scaling herself down in size, something Sen and Lin didn’t think was possible. They stood in stunned silence, watching the whole process until its end and wondering just what more they had yet to learn.

“Whoa! We always thought you were larger than life. Now, you’re about a head or two taller than us.”

“Heh heh, it’s uh… Well, I’m… I don’t know what to say, really. I suppose it makes sense that you want to see the pictures and… now you can do that. Maybe I should stop talking and not ruin the moment.”

The siblings huddled themselves closer to Mother and Omen so they could all sit down and go through the pictures Sen had from the carnival. For the longest time, Sen couldn’t recall a time when he did this with his parents; sitting and sharing a moment of respite over something that looked so insignificant. There was always something to do, and what time they could spare, it was a different kind of moment to bond, like his father’s massages to soothe the day’s aches. Perhaps it might be time to make some new memories of good, simple moments like this.

On 2025-03-19 at 7:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

This is not for a pillar, but I keep room for personal things, that others have brought as gifts before, close to here. I am be grateful and overjoyed, to receive these copies to remember you all by. Though I would like to know all that are on it, so if you can, please bring Rosa with you someday. I would like to meet this stallion, and thank him for his devotion to help you all."

She would run the dulled side of one of her claw over Sen's face in the picture, smiling wider at the picture of him clowned up for the picture.

"I remember my children, and the moments they have shared with me. One with colored faces, bringing merriment... You will make for the twenty-ninth we will remember as this, Sen. Even if your colors were but temporary. Yet I think they suited you well."

“The colored makeup… that one happened because of a bet with Rosa. We had a little contest, and we were getting into it; the loser had to get their face painted, and I guess you can see where this is going. Much as I wanted to win, I had to fulfill the terms of the bet.”

“Hey, to be fair, Mother is right; you look good in face paint and a rubber nose! And besides, I’m sure you - we - made Rosa’s night an enjoyable one.” Lin brought Omen in closer and looked to her brother, then to Mother. “Remember the last message mother and father left us? That we look out for those we care about? I’ve seen how you stick around with Rosa, and by the looks of it, you see something of a mentor in him.”

Sen nodded, smiling. It was true that he saw in Rosa a mentor, a far cry from their tense first meeting. There was always a reminder that the longma acted on, keeping the last message from mother and father in mind despite never knowing the exact words. In some ways, he came to see the thestral as someone he trusted and admired, warts and all, and he would do what he could for him as he would do for anyone he held close and in high regard.

“Rosa helped us out, and we did the same for him. It was only right that we stuck with him, and in turn, we also introduced him to Ghilan. When we find time, we’ll see him again and plan a visit here so you can meet him. I couldn’t imagine how different things would be if we hadn’t met him, but I am glad we did. And Mother? It’s an honor - for myself, as well as for Lin, Omen, and Rosa - to have a spot in a place special to you.”

“We’ll get it done. I admit, I am curious to see how Rosa would react to seeing Mother and this place in general. It reminds me of the first time we came here, all confused and not sure how things worked.”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

On 2025-03-19 at 7:13 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I hope you will all have a pleasant time here in Canterlot. Now if you will excuse me, I need to lecture some interns about the difference between a museum and a junkyard."

He'd give a bow before Scarcity at the end, then be on his way. Seemed not everything were going to be grand today, though at least he heard metal. If he heard ceramic fall, he swore to Celestia...

"Ah, marvelously done darlings. I see your social skills are far from rusty. Pardon the pun.

Now then, I can certainly suggest many places we could go, such as the library, the old town to observe available real estate, the castle, or the royal archives, to have you signed on properly as citizens of Equestria, but I do think it more entertaining for you to pick your own way. Perhaps one of these, something I have said before, or even simply wandering, and seeing what is what, hmm?

At some point, I do want to show you my store though. I think you'll find it a lovely place, but that is for later. No need to fill paperwork yet after all."

The golems were happy with this meeting, perhaps the first in the years of awakening and reawakening in different time periods where first contact was followed by pleasant encounters. Long were the days when many sought knowledge and power from the focal orb they were imprisoned in, and playing the part of a mythical djinn wore out its welcome. Sadly, they were at the mercy of those who found the orb, and there was little to do but accept or withdraw aid. Perhaps in this more civilized age, the concept of manners and courtesy meant more than just words, something that left a smile on Scriniarii and his fellows. 

The group bowed and saw Rusty off to another matter that needed his attention, one that could hopefully be resolved in time. The commotion rattled the stony ears of the golems, an unexpected sensation, but it brought the familiarity of a fleshy body. One has to wonder about the advancements made in golem creation to create sensations so similar to a biological body. 

But now was a question of where to go next, and Scarcity wasn’t in a rush to fill out the necessary paperwork. Scriniarii gathered his fellows, interested to hear their take. 

“… I wouldn’t mind staying here a little longer to see what else this place has to offer. Rusty certainly sold me on this museum.”

“And yet we haven’t seen more of Canterlot. There will be time to return here, and we can do so at a more leisurely pace.”

“Scarcity’s suggestion of the royal archives sounds enticing, but we might find something so interesting we could forget what we were even supposed to do.”

“All the more reason that puts us back to the point about being able to return at a later time when we can explore at our leisure.”

“Then it sounds like there must be a compromise among our wants. Do you all feel strongly about what you wish to do?”

The others went quiet for a moment, silent in thought though the answer was looking at Scriniarii in the face. Or rather, he could see through the different answers that the two were in agreement over the others. As for himself, Scriniarii didn’t feel strongly about doing one thing or another, which puts one option in a more favorable place than the others. “Maybe going around Canterlot for a stroll might be preferable?”

He saw the others nodding with varying degrees of enthusiasm; the answer and the way forward were clear. And from his own experiences in times long past, there was something about locales that defined itself through its inhabitants. A city is a beast of its own, and what it can show can be worth a lot to those who are keen on taking it all in.

“Ms. Scarcity, we are ready to proceed. May we explore Canterlot further? Perhaps the ideal way to experience the city is to see what goes on in it and let it surprise us.”

[Blitz Boom 4,665]

@Catpone Cerberus

"Functional agelessness, or at least extended longevity, by the sounds of things. As well as a familiarity about things that I didn't think widely known. You're a surprising individual, Mr. Vaz."

This were somewhat of an understatement frankly, as there were just a lot to sift through here.

Seemingly, he were either an unusually long-lived individual, or he were immortal. Ageless potentially, which were its own thing technically, but the small details were not what mattered yet.

What did matter were that he seemingly knew a fair bit about plenty of things, and as a collector of knowledge, he had returned now to gather more of it. A travelling scholar perchance? Be it as it may, he knew of Solar and where he came from it sounded like, but through second-hoof sources, as he wouldn't have been travelling so openly in the Equestria that Solar came from, she would assume. Perhaps his position here made kobolds open up more to him, as his travels and knowledge were important to them? It would explain why he knew so much already, but that were baseless speculation. As were it that she briefly thought that he did indeed come from that other world, but the talk made things make more sense, if he were *local*, so to speak.

"And I would like to state that I do not judge you for your customs, Mr. Vaz. I am curious of them. Like what you just mentioned, speaks of a highly resourceful community in my ears, rather than a more judgmental term that the laypony would likely use. As a scientist, I can observe things more pragmatically, and from the perspective of what you have mentioned here, you using your fathers skull to ensure you have horns, is a reasonable turn of events. There is more to it of course, but this is just one perspective of it, that I use as an example.

Since it sounds as if we are going towards the same objective, perhaps we can assist one another better by working together, rather than competing for reaching it first? I am sure that we can all offer an enlightening perspective on what we find, which should prove more informative than being apart, yes? It is of course up to you if this is a good offer to extend, sir, but it seems the most logical thing to do.

Beyond this though, might I ask, Mr. Vaz, have you a title I should refer to you as? Your gathering of knowledge makes me think you are at the least a scholar, yet I suspect you may have an official title of sorts, among your kin? A traveler who gathers knowledge of the world, sounds beneficial for a race who does not interact as much with equine society as others. Though if I have misunderstood something about kobolds, I apologize for that. It is still mostly new information I am going by."

It were an odd encounter, and one she weren't too sure were wholly a coincidence, but from two angles, it seemed best if they did team up with Vaz. The first being that he seemed knowledgeable about what they were headed towards, which could be good for them, and secondly because if he were a threat, it were best to keep him close, rather than having him pop up eventually, on his own terms.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-03-23 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Based on Voltaick's expression, the short 'story' really only raised couple of more questions, but he didn't voice any of those questions, he could ask about it later, if he wanted to. He also didn't hide his surprise to learn Leviathan's age, though he did keep whatever he may have though about it to himself. "I have a feeling that I will be the one tasked with helping with his magic, I may not be the oldest, but I assure you, I am one of the least grumpy ones. But I do need to do some reading myself for that too, as I don't know much if anything about Death-bringer magic." "Which reminds me, just a fair warning, we are a peaceful bunch, but that doesn't mean everyone is nice, we are not ponies." Ruby stayed quiet for now. 

"Follow me then." Voltaick then stated, before turning around to lead them forward.

"Well he can't stay here forever, and I'm no slouch when it comes to weather magic. Of which electricity is well represented. From a spark to a full fledged, wide-spread thunderstorm, I know my stuff.

I'm not saying your help's not needed, since like I said, I dunno how to get him started properly. I'm just saying that I'm able to help him too. Y'know, once he's got that first push."

Her pride did come forth when she heard the minor implication that it were him who'd need to sort Charir out. She felt very close to him, and didn't like the thought that she wouldn't be able to help him, and just had to sit back, and let someone else do everything. She'd be plenty able to add her own expertise too. She just... Didn't know how he got in touch with his magic in the first place, and it made it hard for her to do much right now.

"Maybe I can show some examples later, and you can see."

While they were walking on, it wouldn't be many minutes, before Leviathan would think of something important though, that her mind had derailed her from for a bit: If they could all understand one another, it meant that Charir could understand her! And with that in mind, she'd slide over and get close to him, with a big smile on her face.

"Hey, Charir? I dunno how long it'll be before we get the chance to speak freely out there, and I think a lot is gonna distract us in there, so here goes: I'm very happy to have met you, I'm proud of how far you've gotten already, and I hope to teach you many, many things, in the years ahead. You're gonna be a tough, smart dragon, if I have any say in it. Trust me, there's more to life than beating up others, even if it's mighty fun at times."

She'd also give him a hug, and this time, if he wondered what it was about, she'd actually be able to tell him! That was a relief. Though of course, it did depend on how much he understood of what she said. Sure they could talk to one another, but she wasn't sure how much he understood. Probably most things, aside from odd concepts, and the reason for her to do certain things, such as hug. But at least now they could talk it out, which were great!

On 2025-03-23 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

At first, as the exit from the mountain pass started to approach, the land beyond looked quite similar to the other side, just without the ash in the air and corpses, but then suddenly, their vision would momentarily go wobbly, as if looking at hot air raising upwards, before the scene changed in blink of an eye as they reached the end. It was still the same continent, so the terrain, plants and such were the same as on the other side, but now there were roads all over, allowing easy travel over the holes and molten rock under them, there were also lot of structures, more specifically, cave entrances were surrounded by structures, some simple, while others were decorated with variety of dragon themed art, symbols, and patterns. In the sickly forest that stood tall in the distance, had some structures in the trees. It was civilization, quite different from Equestria sure, but civilization nonetheless.  As the scene changed, Voltaick spoke "Illusion bubble, the barrier protects us from threats, but this one makes sure that anyone looking from outside in, doesn't see anything that would make them want to come here." he would then keep leading them on one of the roads, eventually turning north as they went "You will be staying in one of these caves, I'll explain more once you have met Werodex, we don't want to keep her waiting, but for now, the cave has a place to rest and everything else you may need during your stay here." 

The sight made Leviathan perk up. Sure it wasn't equine, griffin, or even Minotaur towns, but it were still civilization. A far reach from the madness and brutality she had seen when entering the other side of the island, and it was no context which she preferred of the two. A bit rural still, but it gave it a nice, homely feeling honestly. And definitely a lot safer of a vibe.

"A good illusion can do wonders sometimes. Reminds me of how the kitsune keeps their villages safe, just a bit less focused on distractions, and more like you said, making it seem unappealing.

And thank you for the hospitality, Voltaick. The cave is appreciated."

The better they'd get along with their hosts, the smoother this would go, and currently, Leviathan felt like it were kind of her job to give them friends here, as Charir were young and shy, and Ruby were... Ruby. So as their senior, she'd take it upon herself to foster some good relations. Or at least try, so stuff like letting it known that she were happy they'd get a place to rest later, were small things that she could do easily. Though meeting this Werodex, were gonna be the real test. If they messed up royally there, they'd might just end up getting squashed. Hopefully it wasn't gonna go so bad.

On 2025-03-23 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

This point was when other dragons came to view, as curious dragons poked out of the various caves, sat on mountain ledges, and flew above them, the variety of dragons was quite wide, there was everything from those build like Ruby and Voltaick, some with feathers, some with more 'usual' wings, some entirely wingless, to more snake like dragons that lacked wings, 'swimming' through the air. There were even some that looked a lot like insects, their several wings flapping at impressive speed, making a low buzz-like sound. As they walked, a large body of clean looking water became visible in the distance, in which there was also various different looking dragons, more aquatic in their appearance. The only thing that all dragons here seemed to share in appearance, was four legs.

"I dig the variety you have here. It's interesting to see how many ways you folks can evolve and adapt in shape and sizes. Maybe I'll go chatter the aquatic ones up later, if that's okay? I'm half water-aligned dragon, half wind, but I don't speak a lot with other aquatic dragons. Equestrian water dragons are kinda... Half-feral and territorial. They don't really get along with anyone else than themselves.

Of course, if they and yours have that in common, I'll stay away. Don't wanna risk getting into a tussle."

On 2025-03-23 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Soon a massive structure would dominate the scene, it was massive, even compared to Ruby, and was decorated with a carved image of a large black dragon holding open a scroll, which was the entrance. "That is our destination, the great library, the home of Werodex, and the entire Darkscale bloodline." "The dragon carved into the structure is the first Werodex, who many tens of millennia ago started the library" he paused for a second before continuing "Werodex means librarian." Ruby seemed amused "Of course, I can see we share our creativity with names." 

Charir had planned to talk to Leviathan during their walk, now that it seemed they could understand each other, but he was so in awe, and scared, that he didn't dare to open his mouth. 

"Tens of millennia, huh? I wonder if they knew Alcalagon then? He's the oldest of the elder dragons we know off, in Equestria. Only one who probably know the origins of the pony and dragon wars, and he has some weird magic that no other dragon I've run into have. Not even le Perinne - another elder dragon - and she can do plenty. Including... Huh, he can change size. I wonder if there's maybe a link to your branch somewhere... Nah, it's probably just a coincidence. never mind."

Ancalagon was a strange one. only one of their elder dragons who had survived as long as he did, and often, he changed his size to seem substantially smaller than he actually were. Largely because if he were his true size, he could seemingly stomp Canterlot flat with one step. Maybe two. And that sorta size, were unheard of, even among the elder dragons they knew of. Debate were on about if he were special, if it were a remnant from a different age, or something else, but he wasn't talking about the past often, and he answered to no one, if he didn't want to.

On 2025-03-23 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

When they eventually entered the structure, they found themselves in a massive, quite dark library, full of shelves full of scrolls and books of varying size, going beyond what eye could see; in fact, it was clear some kind of magic was involved, as the library was lot bigger than was physically possible, even with how massive the entrance had already been. It seemed empty of dragons at first, but then something massive started moving in the shadows, a shape of a black dragon, big enough to swallow the entire group whole appeared, though before they had time to even focus their eyes on it, it grew smaller, taking a size of 'only' twice Ruby's size, before coming close enough to be clearly visible. It was a female dragon, entirely black, with even her eyes dark as night, her build was similar to that of Ruby's kind, and her darker than night scales had small spots here and there that reflected light, making her look like a walking night sky. Ruby was wary of the dragon, but didn't do or say anything stupid, while Charir in his now usual style, hid behind his older sister. Voltaick meanwhile gave a small, respectful bow to the dragon.

The dragon looked at Ruby and spoke "Daughter of the Embittered, mother of Destruction, you have arrived as is foretold, yet Protector accompany you, maybe fate is uncertain, maybe Death can find peace." the language spoken was different from Voltaick's language, but like before, it was understood like any other. "What may it be that Death seeks from my halls? and most of all, are you fit to learn it?" her voice was authoritative and powerful, yet she wasn't loud or hostile, and while she had presumably made herself smaller to better talk with the visitors, everything from her signaled age and might, or at least Ruby and Charir could tell this much, this here was a dangerous dragon, so better to stay on her good side. 

If Leviathan hadn't met a real elder before, that liked to use the same opening trick, of seemingly showing up out of nowhere, she'd probably have been more startled. Yet much as she were not gonna talk about it, she had met Le Perinne, once. She had stolen something that indirectly were meant for her, and told to fork it over. And being the smart dragon that she were, Leviathan caved instantly, and apologized for the inconvenience, as well as gave some treasure over, for the time she had taken.

The dragoness had been surprisingly calm about things, and given her a scroll that showed how to harness her magic in another way. Or well, a copy of it, but that were well enough, as she had just hoped to not be flayed, one scale at a time. Though still, she'd prefer to stay out of her gaze, much as possible. Le Perinne were a frightening presence.

She liked to do the first part of this too, where she'd seemingly come out of nowhere. A massive presence, too grand to fully comprehend with ease. Leviathan were barely half the size of Le Perinne's index finger's claw, and she were the smallest elder dragon known of. It put into perspective how gargantuan Ancalagon were, when she were considered a runt in comparison, though things changed after that, as this dragon shrank in size. Still far bigger than them, but hey, size often meant authority to dragons, as it tended to denounce age. Leviathan herself were a poor example of that, and yes, she were often looked down upon, both figuratively and literally, as she were assumed to be a youngling.

As the dragoness had spoken, Leviathan would take a small step forward, then took a deep, cordial bow before this impressive figure.

"Honored Werodex, we thank you for your hospitality, and for taking the time to meet with us. I am Leviathan, of the Dragon Isles, and I am humbled to be in your presence."

This dragon oozed authority, and danger. Her entire presence demanding respect, and Leviathan were not gonna test the waters by being crass, or foolish. She'd be respectful, and meet the dragoness with the respect that she were likely to expect. Though of course, customs could be different here. This might be seen as pathetic by their standards, but she'd go out on a limb and try this. usually that kind of thing worked. Hopefully this wouldn't be the one of those times when it backfired, cause she were little more than a toothpick before this one, and she felt fairly certain that all the thunder in the world wasn't gonna save her rear, if Werodex got irate with her.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Dragon's blood you say? Interesting. I'll be sure to have it written down in our folders, in case it becomes necessary. Same with what else you have told us, though let us hope that things do not get to where we'll need it."

Hope were all fine and good, but it were better to be safe than sorry, so knowing these things would be beneficial. Even the things that only concerned Trox, such as his prosthetic being detachable in the way that he had shown. Probably wouldn't be required, but it were good to have the added information just in case.

"Well then, I have some paperwork to fill out. Have a good day all, and Onache? A fair warning, that the first time you feed now, will be... Unpleasant. It's a normal side effect, that will pass soon.

Dr. Neon? If you would follow me please, I'd like to talk to you."

Neon wre surprised, but sure, she'd follow, after giving a grin and a wave to her new friends. Today were sure special, but in an overall positive way, all things considered.

onache would glare after Toxina as she left, unsure if the mare had said what she had seriously, or if it were her attempt to make the queen not feast on anyone in town. The doctor were a hard one to read, so she weren't sure, but seeing as Toxina also knew who she were, it made her somewhat paranoid. It were probably best to not exert herself in any notable way for a few days, just in case.

(Harpoon)

"Woah, there's kitsune in Ponyville? I always wanted to meet one of those.

Uhm... I mean... My coat, yes. It was a Sunmane Jellyfish that managed to float into the bay. Nasty things, but they don't try and hurt anyone. They just float on the waves, and collect prey that comes near them. This one just managed to slip through by accident, and it had to be guided out to sea again.

It burned like you wouldn't believe it, to crash i to that, and get engulfed by the tentacles, but it was just instinct, y'know? Better me than a class of foals being in the wrong place, at the worst time. And I did wake up again. No permanent damage, and the itching is... Tolerable, sort of. Though you sound just like mom did, when I signed myself out of the hospital."

"Injured, every hair more or less burnt off, and the toxins from that jellyfish had barely been flushed from your system. Of course I was worried."

"And if I had to lay around and listen to that sorta thing for three weeks, I'd have gone crazed from boredom. Doctors said it was fine, long as I didn't actually start fights, and kept using the salve. Besides, whose fault is it that your foals are stubborn?"

"Your father."

"Uhuh, suuuure it is, mom."

The two pulled their tongues playfully at one another, then grinned, before Shelltooth's attention returned to Sheska.

"Anyway, I dunno what an Oni is, but it sounds nasty, and I'm happy you didn't have to beat up my mom. You know at her age, you get so fragile."

"Somepony's testing her luck."

"Hehe. Be it you, your brother, or those kitsune, I owe you all for helping my mom. You're just the first I've seen, but I'm gonna extend the offer to any of you. It's the least I can do, after the help you gave.

Though Shark Bay is literally at the sea. With your prosthetic and stuff, would you be pkay around salty sea air? Or would kobolds in general? Sorry if it sounds ignorant, I just dunno what to expect, since I've not really met anyone like you before. I hear stories, but sailors like to exaggerate, and make a whale out of a goldfish."

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@EQ_Theta

Mother let out a small chuckle, in response to their bafflement of her decreased size. She did not blame them for finding it odd, as she so rarely did so, but there were times when her children needed her lower, when for instance they came to show her something, that were hard to see in her larger size. At such times, she would disperse some of her form into these halls, though it only worked in here. Her domain, within this pocket dimension, were a little different than the outside. It could contain her mass, whereas she couldn't simply disperse it out there. A minor inconvenience at worst though. This pocket dimension were still hers to control, and in here, few things were a threat to her. Only Mortimer himself, and certain things beyond the scope of sanity and reason, were something to fear for her, and both were content to let her have this place for herself.

"What I see in Omen's memories, speak well of Rosa. Had it not, I would not extend this invitation. Like you, Sen, she sees him as someone to look to for answers. A wise being, who have much to teach."

"He uses a lot of big words."

"The smart ones often do, my child. But do what you can to listen, and I feel certain there will be much you can learn.

This goes fo you all, though I think it the same for him. You each hold the wisdom of your own lives and experiences, and what I glimpsed, made it seem as if he is learning from that, much as you are learning from him. A resourceful friend, yet how he will act upon seeing me, I could not claim to know. Yet still, I look forward to finding out."

She would hold them all closer, her eyes slowly shutting and opening, while a light, cold sigh would escape her mouth. So many untold years, and yet the feeling of love never lessened. A warmth that nothing else could replace, that filled her ancient heart time and time again, in these small moments, as much as any time she spent among her children formed or not, or in her room that held so many small trinkets and gestures from times long gone.

"A moment in time, as much as this is, filled with warmth and joy. This picture you so kindly offer me, shows me a deep friendship between you all. One that will withstand whatever trials and tribulations you may face."

Suddenly she'd raise her eyes, and glance towards the wall to their right. Looking as if listening to an untold tune. Her lips moved, yet nothing seemed to escape them, though they may suspect what were happening, before she even spoke to them again.

"Someone have come. Not of your world, yet the children seeks them out. I'm sorry, but I must focus on this, and see if they will make good masters. So many more seeks form and purpose. I cannot deny them a chance.

If you will, you can wander out and see for yourself. It is not far from where the entrance now stand."

Her eyes glowed, as more unsaid words seemed to leave her mouth. She were scouring them, seeing on the surface, if there were good intent, that would make them good for her children. And if so, she would need to direct them on what to do.

They could leave via Lin's gate, or they could wander down the path to the outside. Here, whilst Mother would embrace them if needed, she could not speak with or see them, as she did this. Her sight and voice were needed here. They could of course also wait it out, if they had ten minutes.

If they wandered out and looked, they would see in the distance, something that could best be described as a floating, three meter long octopus, with clothes of some sort of algae-looking fabric, that floating around it as it moved in the air. And in one of it's tentacles, it held a spiraling staff, double its length. It appeared to have small wires or something stick out of various holes in it at random, and on the top, a small angler fish with glowing eyes seemed to be perpetually swimming in a slow circle, it's maw opening and closing at random.

It appeared to have not yet picked a sibling, but many were around it. Formless globs of shadows and eyes, waiting to be picked out from the bunch, if Mother allowed it.

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@EQ_Theta

"A good idea, I would say. It shall give you a better gaze of our town, and as you say, things remain to be seen later. Perhaps I shall procure a map for you, as we traverse the city, hmm? It should give you ample opportunity to pick for yourselves where you wish to go, at your own time and pace.

Hmhm, No, I think it better I get a map for you each. It shall make it so you are not reliant on each other's whims or allocated time. So one for instant, can return here for a day, whilst another goes to the archives, if they so please. I believe it best you have the option, at the least, yes?"

They could discuss that if they so wished to, but she at least intended to get them each a good map. It were a small gesture, and barely any with cost as it were. Due to the large amount of tourists they had, you could get a map for free at any information booth. Though granted, she would prefer something better than those flimsy things, but that were not much of an issue either. She knew where one could get something much better, provided you had some bits at hoof.

Wandering out of the museum, the capitol were as bustling as ever. Yet without much of a goal in mind - or at least not one she would tell them - Scarcity would simply guide them down the main square that they had wandered, and informing them of a few of the things they saw, as they passed them.

There were the Silver Star Boutique. A  glittery, pale building with many a dress in the window. It seemed mostly to be bridal gowns, and dresses for other festive, important days, for filly and mare alike. Another more directed towards gents were on the opposite side, mostly with tuxedos in various sizes, but there were also some more modern looking outfits with colors. Yet still, it were not for everyday things. And as Scarcity would confirm, it were indeed both for festive times, such as mark days, weddings, and so forth.

As she'd also reveal, were that both stores were owned by the same pony. It were just more practical for her, to have each sectioned off, so there could be a focus on the right clientele.

Then there were of course, Bashful Brooker's Bakery. Considering the name, one might think of it as a place full of large breads or the like, but it were a confectionary, focused around small, beautiful chocolates and other sweets, presented on silver trays, in a pristine looking store. A huge, gruff looking pony stood and addressed costumers, packaging each thing ordered with a surprisingly gentle touch for gift baskets, treat boxes, etc.

As Scarcity told, he were a somewhat new addition to the area, but he were impressively talented with his craft, and had surprised many when he wanted to open up this place. Many had not thought him able, so financing had been rough, but she had seen potential, and given him the bits needed. She had made that back quite a while ago, but he still send her gift baskets at times, as a show of appreciation. Apparently, it were quite delicious.

There were ore places, with not all having the same degree of importance. Cafe's that seemed to compete for the fanciest names. A rather large BBQ grill house, that seemed to be closed currently, and the signs indicated it were meant mostly for night folks, so primarily bat ponies. Though there were a small opening to the side, where a bat pony in sunglasses, were making some containers of steaming warm food for a couple of griffons. Had to serve the new clientele in town, to grow as a business.

Which were also why there were a strange shop called Emotion Tea. A colorful font over the door of a rather plain looking building, that appeared to have some cracks here and there, filled with something green and see through. The place were packed though, with changelings out of disguise. Mostly. A few were changing around here and there, seemingly having fun trying to show off some of the forms they had taken on before, or mixing up something new and odd. The board behind the counter, where a bouncy, rosa-bellied changeling with a large bow around her neck, were handing out cups filled with substances of various sizes, for the changelings to slurp up.

Usually this place had only changelings, but as they would see, there were other guests. Four Solar Guards, which were odd, but not as much as who they were there with. Her radiance, Princess Celestia, stood tall above all, talking to a few random changelings in there. Considering the actions around her, it seemed she had been there for a bit. The left-most guard still seemed nervous, but considering their history with changelings, that were expected.

"Ah, how fortuitous. Come along now, this is an opportunity not to be wasted."

Scarcity would lead them inside, and as the door opened, and the tall ruler of Equestria noticed them, she were surprised by the new arrivals, yet seemed pleased to see Scarcity, who would in turn smile wider herself.

"Princess Celestia. Ever so willing to shine brightly upon our lives. How are you doing, darling?"

"Quite well, Scarcity. I did not expect to see you here though, of all places. Nor with such peculiar company."

"Days are indeed busy in my part of town, but when new friends arrive, one should do their best to make them feel welcome.

But I digress. Perhaps proper introductions would at first be relevant? My dear friends, I would like for you to meet her majesty, Princess Celestia of Equestria. As well as Wig Woggle, the owner of this fine establishment."

The changeling at the counter gave off a huge grin, at being mentioned. Whereas the princess would bow her head towards the golems.

"I welcome you to Canterlot. Could I please ask whom, and what, you are?"

Edited April 7 by Blitz Boom

[Catpone Cerberus 23,701]

@Blitz Boom
"I dare to claim that, if one lives as long as I have, there is no excuse for ignorance." Vaz stated regarding the comment on his familiarity of things, his tone, while still friendly, being slightly more direct on the statement. 

"Cooperation is something I too suggest, for I have nothing to gain here." "My investigation is a case of mere curiosity, and the knowledge I may gain is more use to you than it would ever be to me." "But admittedly, I will provide not much help in search, as what I felt was but an instant, giving me a direction, nothing more." 

"For titles, as I expressed, I'm merely a lone wanderer." "I have been called many titles, the mage, the wanderer, the lone one; various names in various languages, meaning many things." "A scholar seeks knowledge to document it, to share it." "My kind does do that, we send a pair or a party to seek knowledge, but I am not such." "I am a lone mage, the last of my family, and while I share what I gather, that is not the purpose of my travel." "My quest for knowledge is personal, to seek knowledge yet created, to undo actions long past." as the first break from his seemingly unchanging emotions, Vaz put his hand on the symbol on his armor, his movement being oddly tender, with hint of pain flashing in his green eyes "My existence as I am, is due to a failure of colossal scale." "Mistake unforgivable."

"I am not one worthy of a title of honor, I am simply a fool, who, as some on the surface say, flew too close to the sun; but instead of burning myself, I burned the world, and now I walk in the ashes, seeking to atone." 

Solar had several questions at this point, but he let Magma do the speaking because he figured she was lot more...sensitive about it, and thus had a lover risk to accidentally start conflict. He would have been lot more direct if they weren't in a populated train.

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"Well he can't stay here forever, and I'm no slouch when it comes to weather magic. Of which electricity is well represented. From a spark to a full fledged, wide-spread thunderstorm, I know my stuff.

I'm not saying your help's not needed, since like I said, I dunno how to get him started properly. I'm just saying that I'm able to help him too. Y'know, once he's got that first push."

Her pride did come forth when she heard the minor implication that it were him who'd need to sort Charir out. She felt very close to him, and didn't like the thought that she wouldn't be able to help him, and just had to sit back, and let someone else do everything. She'd be plenty able to add her own expertise too. She just... Didn't know how he got in touch with his magic in the first place, and it made it hard for her to do much right now.

"Maybe I can show some examples later, and you can see."

"And I'm not particularly interested in babysitting a death-bringer forever either."  Voltaick said quite bluntly "But no matter how much you may know of Equestrian weather magic, it does not fully translate, not only is the magic of my kin and death-bringers different, it is likely that we are also talking about some biological factors, as our aptitude with electricity is part biological." "Charir being a hybrid complicates things further, as we rarely get a chance to study them, as not only are they rare, they don't always come here; if they even survive long enough to learn their nature as a hybrid in the first place." 

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While they were walking on, it wouldn't be many minutes, before Leviathan would think of something important though, that her mind had derailed her from for a bit: If they could all understand one another, it meant that Charir could understand her! And with that in mind, she'd slide over and get close to him, with a big smile on her face.

"Hey, Charir? I dunno how long it'll be before we get the chance to speak freely out there, and I think a lot is gonna distract us in there, so here goes: I'm very happy to have met you, I'm proud of how far you've gotten already, and I hope to teach you many, many things, in the years ahead. You're gonna be a tough, smart dragon, if I have any say in it. Trust me, there's more to life than beating up others, even if it's mighty fun at times."

She'd also give him a hug, and this time, if he wondered what it was about, she'd actually be able to tell him! That was a relief. Though of course, it did depend on how much he understood of what she said. Sure they could talk to one another, but she wasn't sure how much he understood. Probably most things, aside from odd concepts, and the reason for her to do certain things, such as hug. But at least now they could talk it out, which were great!

Leviathan was right to wonder about Charir's capability to understand, not because the magic allowing them to understand each other didn't work, but due to Charir's objectively awful upbringing; he barely spoke his own language, his vocabulary being considerably lesser to Ruby's, especially when it came to words relating to more positive concepts, and while impressive magic, it couldn't translate something that somebody didn't know a word for in any language.

This however wasn't a problem in what Leviathan said, as Charir understood it perfectly, what caused issues was responding, because what he wanted to say was a simple thank you, but he didn't really have any words for it, the only form of being 'thankful' he knew, was in insulting, sarcastic way, and that wasn't what he wanted to say. He didn't ask about the hug, at least not yet, as while it still was bit weird to him, he had kinda figured out the messaging behind it. Besides, it wasn't entirely foreign concept, after all, even their kind had the instinct to get close to their mothers for protection when they hatched, it was just that it was quickly beaten out of them, sometimes literally. He also didn't know what a hug was called, so he needed to think a way to word it.
It did also make it bit harder to respond that he simply wasn't used to hearing so many compliments in the same statement, he didn't know how to process it, because while of course there was pride, lot of negativity also came and tired to stifle it.

He did get out a some kind of response though, be it a quiet one, signaling his uncertainty in his words "I appreciate you greatly, Leviathan." as he said the name, the familiar accent made an appearance, since it was a honest attempt to say it in the proper way, rather than the magics doing "I have a lot to say to you, when I can"  he then attempted a smile after Leviathan pulled from the hug.

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The sight made Leviathan perk up. Sure it wasn't equine, griffin, or even Minotaur towns, but it were still civilization. A far reach from the madness and brutality she had seen when entering the other side of the island, and it was no context which she preferred of the two. A bit rural still, but it gave it a nice, homely feeling honestly. And definitely a lot safer of a vibe.

"A good illusion can do wonders sometimes. Reminds me of how the kitsune keeps their villages safe, just a bit less focused on distractions, and more like you said, making it seem unappealing.

And thank you for the hospitality, Voltaick. The cave is appreciated."

The better they'd get along with their hosts, the smoother this would go, and currently, Leviathan felt like it were kind of her job to give them friends here, as Charir were young and shy, and Ruby were... Ruby. So as their senior, she'd take it upon herself to foster some good relations. Or at least try, so stuff like letting it known that she were happy they'd get a place to rest later, were small things that she could do easily. Though meeting this Werodex, were gonna be the real test. If they messed up royally there, they'd might just end up getting squashed. Hopefully it wasn't gonna go so bad.

"I dig the variety you have here. It's interesting to see how many ways you folks can evolve and adapt in shape and sizes. Maybe I'll go chatter the aquatic ones up later, if that's okay? I'm half water-aligned dragon, half wind, but I don't speak a lot with other aquatic dragons. Equestrian water dragons are kinda... Half-feral and territorial. They don't really get along with anyone else than themselves.

Of course, if they and yours have that in common, I'll stay away. Don't wanna risk getting into a tussle."

"Tens of millennia, huh? I wonder if they knew Alcalagon then? He's the oldest of the elder dragons we know off, in Equestria. Only one who probably know the origins of the pony and dragon wars, and he has some weird magic that no other dragon I've run into have. Not even le Perinne - another elder dragon - and she can do plenty. Including... Huh, he can change size. I wonder if there's maybe a link to your branch somewhere... Nah, it's probably just a coincidence. never mind."

 "You are welcome, though, I am just the messenger." Voltaick responded in friendly manner, it seemed that he felt the need to specify that he was doing this because he was supposed to, rather than because he decided so. Maybe it was to distance himself for reason or another, or maybe he just didn't want to claim the credit, who knew? Ruby did notice that it was bit hard to tell if Voltaick wanted to be helping them, it was clear that he didn't like her, feeling was mutual, but at the same time, Ruby couldn't see any signs that his friendliness would have been anything but genuine.
That was partly why she had stayed quiet the whole time, Leviathan was clearly fine with doing the talking, so Ruby could focus on observing; this was new area to her, for the first time in a long time, if not ever, she felt genuinely in disadvantage while at her full capability. Not only could these magical dragons just wipe her out of existence, but also, unlikely her own kin, these ones were also in more equal footing with her on intelligence, since they actually used their heads too. And lastly, unlike ponies, these dragons were fully prepared for those like Ruby, there would be no princesses of friendship trying to talk her down if she posed a threat.

 

"Our variety used to be far greater, and believe it or not, even death-bringers used to have lot more variation." "But after the great collapse, our numbers dwindled to such extend, that lot of variations either died off, or blended together, forming what you see now." "In essence, we are all hybrids."  Voltaick explained nonchalantly "If you wish to speak with the aquatic ones, I suggest talking with the serpents, the ones with the long body, they are lot more talkative." "The salamanders, the ones that look more like us, can talk, but often just decide not to, they prefer communicating through flashing their scales, which nobody else can understand." "They are also just generally less friendly." "Though no feral ones here, that's what the barrier is for." 

 

"Werodex may know, but those times do unfortunately have lot of mystery to them, as lot of knowledge was lost at the great collapse, that is why the library was build in the first place." "My personal guess is that if he did anything special, they were aware of him, but didn't know him personally. But if he was just another Equestrian dragon, they may have not, as it's enough work to try to keep up with our own." "I also personally believe that if you go back long enough, we all come from the same ancestors, though it is unlikely to be ever proven either way."   

Quote

If Leviathan hadn't met a real elder before, that liked to use the same opening trick, of seemingly showing up out of nowhere, she'd probably have been more startled. Yet much as she were not gonna talk about it, she had met Le Perinne, once. She had stolen something that indirectly were meant for her, and told to fork it over. And being the smart dragon that she were, Leviathan caved instantly, and apologized for the inconvenience, as well as gave some treasure over, for the time she had taken.

The dragoness had been surprisingly calm about things, and given her a scroll that showed how to harness her magic in another way. Or well, a copy of it, but that were well enough, as she had just hoped to not be flayed, one scale at a time. Though still, she'd prefer to stay out of her gaze, much as possible. Le Perinne were a frightening presence.

She liked to do the first part of this too, where she'd seemingly come out of nowhere. A massive presence, too grand to fully comprehend with ease. Leviathan were barely half the size of Le Perinne's index finger's claw, and she were the smallest elder dragon known of. It put into perspective how gargantuan Ancalagon were, when she were considered a runt in comparison, though things changed after that, as this dragon shrank in size. Still far bigger than them, but hey, size often meant authority to dragons, as it tended to denounce age. Leviathan herself were a poor example of that, and yes, she were often looked down upon, both figuratively and literally, as she were assumed to be a youngling.

As the dragoness had spoken, Leviathan would take a small step forward, then took a deep, cordial bow before this impressive figure.

"Honored Werodex, we thank you for your hospitality, and for taking the time to meet with us. I am Leviathan, of the Dragon Isles, and I am humbled to be in your presence."

This dragon oozed authority, and danger. Her entire presence demanding respect, and Leviathan were not gonna test the waters by being crass, or foolish. She'd be respectful, and meet the dragoness with the respect that she were likely to expect. Though of course, customs could be different here. This might be seen as pathetic by their standards, but she'd go out on a limb and try this. usually that kind of thing worked. Hopefully this wouldn't be the one of those times when it backfired, cause she were little more than a toothpick before this one, and she felt fairly certain that all the thunder in the world wasn't gonna save her rear, if Werodex got irate with her.

"Ah, a polite one." Werodex stated in...delighted tone? It was hard to say, as it was so hidden under the layer of authority and might, she then glanced towards Charir and Ruby; Charir was first, lowering his head and speaking without even trying to hide his fear "Charir, yo-your might." and lastly Ruby, who did not bow, instead meeting Werodex's eyes, though her voice too betrayed her a little, as it was missing a certain defiance "Ruby." 

Werodex gave a curious smile "A name not in your language, Ruby, a red gemstone, how curious indeed." she then looked at them as a whole "You can relax young ones, I am no royalty, merely an Elder, in who's house you are visiting." "Respect these halls, and you have no problem with me." her voice told that the last sentence was a warning rather than assurance. "I am Elder Werodex, the keeper of this great library,  the home of my kin, and the sanctuary of knowledge: past, present, and future." "Here you can find what has been known, is known, and sometimes, what could be known." "You seek it, we have it, but the question is, are you worth it?" "I am the oldest of the Darkscales, and thus their leader, Like my mother before me; do not let my current size fool you, it is merely more convenient to speak like this." she then addressed Voltaick "Thank you Voltaick, you may wait outside." Voltaick once more bowed, and left.

She then once again looked at the trio "It fascinates me so, how this has come to be." "The foretold mother of destruction, adopting the determined protector, with, excuse my language, awfully undergrown Equestrian." she gave an almost sympathetic look towards Leviathan, before looking at Ruby directly "You seem to possess an object that causes you grief." she then looked at Charir, who was still arching with electricity "Ah, and young ones curious about magic, always a delight." "Not something your mother ever realized." as she said it, she gave a knowing look to both siblings. "I assure you both, you'll learn more than you know to ask." she then finally faced Leviathan "But you, small Equestrian, I can see you are of curious mind, even in your age, so what is it that is in your mind?" 

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

"I understand your mother's perspective, not as a mother myself, yet, but as a healer." "I have, quite literally, dragged kobolds back to bed after they thought they were fine walking around." "Poor things were scared of me for next full cycle." Sheska said in joking manner, it was true, but the specific case had been quite harmless. "Oni, as far as I gathered, is malevolent kitsune ghost, in simple terms." 
 

"As far as I know, it should be fine." Sheska responded as she brought her tail in the front to look at it "This is permanent, and nothing was said about the material that would say otherwise." "My brother, with his cybernetics, would need some extra maintenance, but the metal alloy doesn't rust, so it's fine." "In general, I'm yet to learn of kobolds who would be actively harmed by salt, though I imagine it would take some getting used to for us specifically, since we are more adapted to the freshwater moisture of forests and caves." "It would most likely dry us bit like the sun does, we haven't actually ever been to the ocean." "There also exists kobolds who have adapted to the life in the sea, haven't met one myself, but our friend who travels around has interacted with couple; they habit underground caves and hunt for food in the ocean." 

 

 

 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 466]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-04-04 at 9:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"What I see in Omen's memories, speak well of Rosa. Had it not, I would not extend this invitation. Like you, Sen, she sees him as someone to look to for answers. A wise being, who have much to teach."

"He uses a lot of big words."

"The smart ones often do, my child. But do what you can to listen, and I feel certain there will be much you can learn.

This goes fo you all, though I think it the same for him. You each hold the wisdom of your own lives and experiences, and what I glimpsed, made it seem as if he is learning from that, much as you are learning from him. A resourceful friend, yet how he will act upon seeing me, I could not claim to know. Yet still, I look forward to finding out."

Sen and Lin paused and thought about Mother’s words, about Omen’s thoughts on them. Wisdom… or a life of experiences that carries that wisdom wherever they went. The siblings weren’t sure if they could even be considered wise, but they didn’t contest Mother. If there was truth behind those words, then she could see them, and they would hopefully try to find it in their own ways. There was no denying their time together, even with Rosa, imparted lessons they would bring with them. Perhaps that was the takeaway; that they had something for the other to benefit from and that they would grow as they learned from each other.

For now, Mother had to attend to another matter, leaving Sen and Lin with Omen. Lin didn’t feel ready to leave just yet and held off from opening a gate back home. 

“Something wrong, sister? There’s still time to prepare before we head off.”

“Oh? No, I’m fine. I am curious about what Mother does when visitors come and what goes on when masters are chosen. I just want to have a look, that’s all.”

“All right then. Omen, let’s stay for a little while longer.”

Lin followed in the direction Mother went, wandering until they saw Mother meeting the strange visitor and seeing what went on. She wasn’t sure what to make of the being, but Lin held the belief that knowing the kind creatures the longma were, they appeared to be normal compared to the more bizarre creatures out there. Frankly, it was a lot to take in, and it somehow also brought up some memories of Legion of all beings. As much as she didn’t want to think about him, it was the creature that took him away that actually came to mind despite being different.

Of all things, even that was just odd to Lin. But for Sen, he had something else in mind. Seeing this selection process had him wondering about another event from the past. He didn’t think it was something he’d look back on, but it left him curious now that they were seeing an important event in this realm from the eyes of an outsider.

“Omen? If you don’t mind me asking…. Us being friends… does that kind of relationship feel different from having a master like Discord? And, well… I’m not sure if I can phrase this any better but which of the two do you prefer? Or is it not a good idea to compare having a friend and a master?”

Sen’s stammering didn’t make him come off as confident, but the idea and the question, evening in his head, already sounded awkward. However, his curiosity won over his caution, and he felt like he had to ask. By then, popping the question seemed more pressing than worrying about what Omen’s answer would be. If his concern was whether he’d be offended by what he’d hear, he didn’t exactly communicate it well, though the thought did cross his mind. Lin only stood by in silence, stunned at this inelegant start of a conversation. 

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

On 2025-04-04 at 9:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"A good idea, I would say. It shall give you a better gaze of our town, and as you say, things remain to be seen later. Perhaps I shall procure a map for you, as we traverse the city, hmm? It should give you ample opportunity to pick for yourselves where you wish to go, at your own time and pace.

Hmhm, No, I think it better I get a map for you each. It shall make it so you are not reliant on each other's whims or allocated time. So one for instant, can return here for a day, whilst another goes to the archives, if they so please. I believe it best you have the option, at the least, yes?"

They could discuss that if they so wished to, but she at least intended to get them each a good map. It were a small gesture, and barely any with cost as it were. Due to the large amount of tourists they had, you could get a map for free at any information booth. Though granted, she would prefer something better than those flimsy things, but that were not much of an issue either. She knew where one could get something much better, provided you had some bits at hoof.

Wandering out of the museum, the capitol were as bustling as ever. Yet without much of a goal in mind - or at least not one she would tell them - Scarcity would simply guide them down the main square that they had wandered, and informing them of a few of the things they saw, as they passed them.

“Yes, that is true, and something that we would consider on our downtime. Having maps of our own would help us explore Canterlot on our own greatly. I, or rather, we seem to have felt conjoined from eons bound to an orb.”

“It’s only settling in now, is it, fellows? That we aren’t linked to each other or kept together through a device. We have the freedom of mobility in more ways than one. I suppose our minds are still accustomed to all of us being kept together, stuck in one place. Where one of us went, we all went….”

“It will take us some time to get used to all this, Ms. Scarcity. As strange as it sounds, even something so basic feels so new; even getting our mindset out of so many lifetimes being stationary or at the mercy of another’s whims. All of the things we took for granted now felt odd and different, even when they should be second nature.”

The golems were reminded of these things, seemingly as if they had found themselves back to the earliest days of childhood. Growing up meant having to follow their parents around, and only then did they slowly begin to realize that soon, their independence would come in slowly and in stages. In a sense, they felt they had regressed, and they would have to relearn old lessons. Perhaps one day, they might find themselves parting for good, exploring the world on their own terms instead of being kept together.

Though they did share some interests, and other things that piqued one’s interest would do the same for another, the golems would eventually need to strike out on their own and pursue their own ideals away from their fellows. It certainly felt like they were just emerging from a nest, living another life despite retaining the experiences and memories of bygone times. 

As the group proceeded through the town, the golems couldn’t help but quietly compare the sights to their own time. A bakery, stores, cafes…. These weren’t present back then, at least in their current iterations. There was the agora, a market where many peddled their wares and goods. It was more accurate to say that this public square was meant for more than just a place to sell things; it was just as much a place for public speaking and social gatherings. Though the way things are now, perhaps the public space of Canterlot is just as much of an agora, just with more constructed fixtures and more well-defined spaces for certain functions. 

“Well… I don’t know about everyone else, but I am wondering if having a constructed body has the capacity to feel different sensations like hunger. Or maybe it’s my mind making me feel hungry. Seems like there’s more for us to learn about our new bodies.” Videntor commented as he stood outside Bashful Booker’s Bakery, glancing at the bread and confections. He hoped the feelings of hunger were real, as eons of being unable to eat suddenly gave him the urge to try and examine the extent of what his golem body can or can’t do. 

As for Vates, recalling the routines of temple life had her thinking back on the lives of others who could afford more opulent lifestyles. However, there was a drastic difference between what it was back then, as the dresses at the boutique were certainly more extravagant compared to the more simple tunics of old. Those who flaunted their wealth back then showed it through the materials of their clothes more than their designs. The other golems didn’t have as great of an attraction to the material goods, as their interests lay in the academic or abstract realm, though they still looked around in earnest, eager to see what the city had to show them.

But all that changed as they arrived at Emotion Tea, a tea house, it seemed, if going by the name alone. One must wonder what their specialty was and how that differentiated them from other similar establishments. However, the presence of guards appeared to be of notable interest, even more than the tea, as Scarcity beckoned them to come with her.

On 2025-04-04 at 9:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Princess Celestia. Ever so willing to shine brightly upon our lives. How are you doing, darling?"

"Quite well, Scarcity. I did not expect to see you here though, of all places. Nor with such peculiar company."

"Days are indeed busy in my part of town, but when new friends arrive, one should do their best to make them feel welcome.

But I digress. Perhaps proper introductions would at first be relevant? My dear friends, I would like for you to meet her majesty, Princess Celestia of Equestria. As well as Wig Woggle, the owner of this fine establishment."

The changeling at the counter gave off a huge grin, at being mentioned. Whereas the princess would bow her head towards the golems.

"I welcome you to Canterlot. Could I please ask whom, and what, you are?"

Princess Celestia in the flesh. It was a most unexpected, yet welcome coincidence to the golems. They had their introduction to the princess back in the museum, but it was one thing to only go by past actions and reputation. Now they were in the presence of royalty, the being that occupied the highest office in the land. The princess’s regal appearance, majestic as it was, contrasted the image of her engaging in the mundane of everyday life. Then again, in the golems’ olden days, even those in government could be found taking part in common activities; one could mistake them for being just another face in the crowd.

With introductions underway to the princess and the establishment’s owner, the golems slowly bowed to both, recognizing the two esteemed individuals in their midst and answering them both simultaneously. As much as Scriniarii intended to blurt out the truth regarding themselves and their history, he’d restrain himself and stick to the cover story Scarcity went with back at the museum.

“Well met to you, Princess and Miss Woggle. My name is Scriniarri, and these are my fellows: Videntor, Legatus, Magus, and Vates. I… suppose there is no easy way to make these introductions, but we are golems from a time long forgotten. We were discovered at an archeological dig, and now we are getting accustomed to integrating ourselves among the beings of this era.” 

“If I may add, Princess, after learning about you from our recent visit to Canterlot’s museum, it is an honor to meet you. I hope our sudden arrival and introduction has not interrupted your day.”

Edited April 11 by EQ_Theta

[Blitz Boom 4,665]

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-04-06 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I am not one worthy of a title of honor, I am simply a fool, who, as some on the surface say, flew too close to the sun; but instead of burning myself, I burned the world, and now I walk in the ashes, seeking to atone." 

Solar had several questions at this point, but he let Magma do the speaking because he figured she was lot more...sensitive about it, and thus had a lover risk to accidentally start conflict. He would have been lot more direct if they weren't in a populated train.

"I assure you Mr. Vaz, that I have no need to judge you for past actions. I am a scientist, and while I am curious, and would take your story into consideration, I believe that it is important to look at things more broadly. For instance how you're openly saying that you wish to atone, for whatever had happened. Trying to better yourself, and feeling remorse for past actions, is a sign of one that deserves to be given the chance to prove themselves.

I thank you for accepting our call to cooperate on this matter too. Even if you know not what exactly this is, your sizable pool of knowledge may well come in handy regardless. As a matter of fact, I may have some questions myself, once we are in more private settings. Nothing that should unsettle you, or that pokes into anything you don't wish to discuss, I assure you. I am just seeking knowledge of a rather... Unusual situation.

For the time being though, we should enjoy the ride, long as it lasts.

Have you anything to add mayhap, sir?"

Magma would look towards Solar, who had been rather quiet, all things considering. Perhaps he - like herself - wished to ask questions best asked in private? She could imagine so, considering the subjects they had touched upon, though not in grand details. Several of which she'd like to touch upon further, but for the time being, she'd remains civil, as well as discrete.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-04-06 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"And I'm not particularly interested in babysitting a death-bringer forever either."  Voltaick said quite bluntly "But no matter how much you may know of Equestrian weather magic, it does not fully translate, not only is the magic of my kin and death-bringers different, it is likely that we are also talking about some biological factors, as our aptitude with electricity is part biological." "Charir being a hybrid complicates things further, as we rarely get a chance to study them, as not only are they rare, they don't always come here; if they even survive long enough to learn their nature as a hybrid in the first place."

"Awh come on. I could at the least try and teach some flair."

She'd breathe slowly, using her magic to let a thing, dark cloud, with roiling thunder coiling through, escape, and take form into a long, slender snake, that would do a few loops around her, before roaring, and dissipating. The roar were a crackling of thunder, granted, but the point stood! Just breathing thunder were one thing. She could do that too. It were something else entirely to mold that thunder into something more creative. Or if you really wanted to mess things up, a ball lightning.

On 2025-04-06 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

He did get out a some kind of response though, be it a quiet one, signaling his uncertainty in his words "I appreciate you greatly, Leviathan." as he said the name, the familiar accent made an appearance, since it was a honest attempt to say it in the proper way, rather than the magics doing "I have a lot to say to you, when I can"  he then attempted a smile after Leviathan pulled from the hug.

The grin on leviathan's face when he spoke to her, were almost to the point where you'd think her head would just pop in half, when Charir actually spoke back to her.

"And I'll listen to every word. But you're right, We're here for a reason, and we outta have some focus on that first. We got plenty of time later."

She already looked forward to them competing about who could do the coolest thing with thunder. Granted, that were likely years down the line, and she had an ace on him, in her age and experience, but never let it be said that the old folks knew everything. She'd frankly learned a few thing here and there, from beings quite a bit younger than herself. Including other dragons. There were something a bit hurtful, about being humbled in some knowledge by a whelpling, but if you could swallow your pride, there were wisdom in youth, every now and again.

On 2025-04-06 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Our variety used to be far greater, and believe it or not, even death-bringers used to have lot more variation." "But after the great collapse, our numbers dwindled to such extend, that lot of variations either died off, or blended together, forming what you see now." "In essence, we are all hybrids."  Voltaick explained nonchalantly "If you wish to speak with the aquatic ones, I suggest talking with the serpents, the ones with the long body, they are lot more talkative." "The salamanders, the ones that look more like us, can talk, but often just decide not to, they prefer communicating through flashing their scales, which nobody else can understand." "They are also just generally less friendly." "Though no feral ones here, that's what the barrier is for." 

 

"Werodex may know, but those times do unfortunately have lot of mystery to them, as lot of knowledge was lost at the great collapse, that is why the library was build in the first place." "My personal guess is that if he did anything special, they were aware of him, but didn't know him personally. But if he was just another Equestrian dragon, they may have not, as it's enough work to try to keep up with our own." "I also personally believe that if you go back long enough, we all come from the same ancestors, though it is unlikely to be ever proven either way."   

"The salamanders sounds a lot like my mom's folks. Not feral per se, just you know, more reserved, and doesn't really like anyone. I'll keep in mind to keep my distance from them, and try not to annoy them. The serpents look prettier too, anyway. No offense to the salamanders, but the sleep body type, is pretty nice. Bit of a bias on my end though, I suppose.

And I'm not worried if Werodex doesn't know. I really mean it, that he's the eldest of elder dragons we know. Anyone else from his time, is dead, and he were ancient when most of our current elder dragons were hatched. And I dunno what the criteria would be here, but in the Dragon Isles, you can't be considered an elder dragon, unless you're ten thousand years old. Sure we can survive it biologically, but usually someone gets killed, or has an accident or something. Sometimes the rare disease. Getting to the ten thousand isn't that common, and Ancalagon makes those seem young.

Not that we know how old he actually is. Old lizard likes to keep his secrets, especially about the past. Can't guess why, but I always just assumed he knows things that is best kept to himself. Or he is so old he forgot it. Either way, I think I only know of about... Thirty-five or so, actual elder dragons around the world, not counting him. Some from the Dragon Isles, some not."

On 2025-04-06 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

She then once again looked at the trio "It fascinates me so, how this has come to be." "The foretold mother of destruction, adopting the determined protector, with, excuse my language, awfully undergrown Equestrian." she gave an almost sympathetic look towards Leviathan, before looking at Ruby directly "You seem to possess an object that causes you grief." she then looked at Charir, who was still arching with electricity "Ah, and young ones curious about magic, always a delight." "Not something your mother ever realized." as she said it, she gave a knowing look to both siblings. "I assure you both, you'll learn more than you know to ask." she then finally faced Leviathan "But you, small Equestrian, I can see you are of curious mind, even in your age, so what is it that is in your mind?"

"If I am honest? I am at this moment, wondering if you can read our minds, Elder Werodex. That beyond, I am mostly curious of your kin, your magic, and how it may help Charir. He means much to me, yet much as I know my magic, I am not certain of how his work.

As you say, i am small of stature. Such have always been my curse, yet I wield powerful magic in turn. I have learned, often through trial and error, how to harness this, and I wish for any dragon who can cast a spell, to do so. I think it wasteful, when it is left unharnessed, and it saddens me to see missed potential, to enjoy something as expansive and enrichening as magic. I am hoping that being here, we can find him help, and I admit to wishing to see how your kin express it too, to see if perhaps I can gleam some knowledge usable to myself too."

She admittedly were curious about Ancalagon too, but Elder Wreodex likely did not know him. He didn't much care to interfere in the politics of other countries. Though if they were open to visitors say, 17.000 years or so, he would have visited, bored on a travel, and curious what he'd find here. If the island were split at that time, he'd approach as a large, fire red dragon, though within margin of the locals, and wander directly towards the bubble, smashing any who wished to challenge him to the side like they were nothing, but not killing outright. More because he didn't see a reason to, rather than not being able. And if he had to increase in size to let them leave him be, he would so too, and approaching the barrier, barring anything that would keep him out, he'd then enter, and examine this other place.

He were somewhat friendly. Not one to fight, lest others began it, as he were strong enough to where it always felt like a wasteful time of hitting down for him. And if spoken to equally, or respectfully, he would answer in kind. Speak of where he came from - Equestria, before it were that country formally - his name, and asking questions of this place. Yet his background he'd be vague about, saying that he were an old relic, that had long since become the last he knew, and that history were his alone. Lest they had some tales of the ancient times, back before the dragon clans shattered across the world and changed. He always had an interest in tales older than he, since they were so rare.

And if he had been here, he would be blunt that he were not there at his true size, as it would cause trouble. Though he wouldn't specify how large he actually were.

Who knew? Could be they learned some of dragons from the Dragon Isles, via what he told them. Though it was likely not that, and they had met others, or read of them in some way.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-04-06 at 4:08 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I understand your mother's perspective, not as a mother myself, yet, but as a healer." "I have, quite literally, dragged kobolds back to bed after they thought they were fine walking around." "Poor things were scared of me for next full cycle." Sheska said in joking manner, it was true, but the specific case had been quite harmless. "Oni, as far as I gathered, is malevolent kitsune ghost, in simple terms." 
 

"As far as I know, it should be fine." Sheska responded as she brought her tail in the front to look at it "This is permanent, and nothing was said about the material that would say otherwise." "My brother, with his cybernetics, would need some extra maintenance, but the metal alloy doesn't rust, so it's fine." "In general, I'm yet to learn of kobolds who would be actively harmed by salt, though I imagine it would take some getting used to for us specifically, since we are more adapted to the freshwater moisture of forests and caves." "It would most likely dry us bit like the sun does, we haven't actually ever been to the ocean." "There also exists kobolds who have adapted to the life in the sea, haven't met one myself, but our friend who travels around has interacted with couple; they habit underground caves and hunt for food in the ocean."

"Oh that's neat. We probably don't have any at Shark Bay, even though we have a great, clean bay, and ocean. Mostly because the local mermaids wouldn't be too thrilled with competition for the food I'd wager, but who knows? We've only barely started to have talks with them properly, so there's lots we still don't know, of life so far beneath the waves.

If you've never met a mermaid, you can see one in Shark Bay too. Sergeant Kelp is one. She teaches underwater combat at HQ. Don't let her goad you into a fight, she's not as fragile as she looks, and she likes to mess around with those who think they're tough. Sorta like an otter playing with an oyster."

"It's usually a big hit with the veterans, to see which one of the new recruits ends up taking the bait though. And it's good to hear that someone is talking sense here. Mother or healer, you should listen to those who want the best for you."

Yes Harpoon were a hypocrite, as she really should still lay down for a bit, but she were a mother. Being a hypocrite on some things, were part of the job sometimes.

"Hey, I'm not doing anything dangerous or taxing. I'm mostly just taking patrols around, and making sure everything looks okay. I don't fight, or even jump into the water. The Oyster Farmers do more than I do right now, at the end of their shifts.

Anyway, it's interesting how adaptable you kobolds are. You have a great diversity in your race, that I can't say I really know if any other can compete with."

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

 

@Dah Onion Eater

(this happens a bit after what is mentioned with EQ-Theta, so the two are not overlapping)

Tossed from a who knew where, an opening between worlds, would suddenly appear, and someone would find themselves tumbling into a dark realm, with a soft underlayer.

The area were strange. Seemingly unending, with nothing seemingly staying the same. Towering ships of shadow would rise up, just to fall apart, replaced with odd formations, always in motion, never with much meaning behind them. Like seeing a dark, fleeting imagination, of a child without focus.

Everything were lit up by a a pale glow, that seemed to have no origin behind it. It were simply there, giving some soft light to the landscape.

The ground itself weresimply dark, without any texture to it. A smooth surface, though you wouldn't slip on it, and often you'd be able to see the darkness move across. There, he would at times see eyes. Various shapes and sizes, looking towards him briefly, though if he showed no signs of active magic, there'd be little more there, and there were nothing said in a language that he'd understand. Just various noises of other languages, ever so often whispering in his head, if he were close to clusters of eyes.

One voice that would not be so, would come to him shortly after. A soothing, female voice, travelling upon a cold wind, directly to his ear. The only wind that would be found in this place, as it felt like not a breeze would move.

"A felt a tear, stranger than have been here in an age... You have stumbled from far away, have you not?"

The voice spoke in perfect equine, meaning that whoever the unseen speaker were, might know something, like a way home. The way he came in were not an option, that were certain, as whatever rift or other thing he had fallen through, had closed again near instantaneously.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-04-11 at 1:25 AM, EQ_Theta said:

Lin followed in the direction Mother went, wandering until they saw Mother meeting the strange visitor and seeing what went on. She wasn’t sure what to make of the being, but Lin held the belief that knowing the kind creatures the longma were, they appeared to be normal compared to the more bizarre creatures out there. Frankly, it was a lot to take in, and it somehow also brought up some memories of Legion of all beings. As much as she didn’t want to think about him, it was the creature that took him away that actually came to mind despite being different.

Of all things, even that was just odd to Lin. But for Sen, he had something else in mind. Seeing this selection process had him wondering about another event from the past. He didn’t think it was something he’d look back on, but it left him curious now that they were seeing an important event in this realm from the eyes of an outsider.

“Omen? If you don’t mind me asking…. Us being friends… does that kind of relationship feel different from having a master like Discord? And, well… I’m not sure if I can phrase this any better but which of the two do you prefer? Or is it not a good idea to compare having a friend and a master?”

Omen took a moment to answer, as her eyes were fixated on the scene. A creature of magic, likely not from the world Equestria were in, looking over the various siblings, as they came nearer, wanting to be the one to serve.

Mother were not there in person. She never were, when one had to chose a sibling. She sensed intentions as best she could from afar, then let her words flow on her cold breath, headed towards the recipient. Words that explained where they were, to not be afraid, and what the process entailed, for bringing one of the Ki'Nathar with them.

One could question how she knew the language of those who visited, but it were likely that she had some way of speaking, that were understood by all in this domain, as well as understanding them. Might have come from all the memories she had taken away, or it were just something within her power. Either way, she were communicating, and the octopus creature seemed to respond via a complex mixture of lights emanating on various places on its body, and some sort of vibration, that distorted the air enough so that even they could slightly see that.

"...It reminds me of when Master Discord picked me. Mother speaking to him, and him looking. Searching through all the siblings, until he chose me.

He was not perfect. he did not teach me everything I needed, and the world he left me in, were too different from his. Nothing were the same. But he tried. You try too, all of you, but not in the same way. You teach, you ask, you suggest... Orders are easy. Having to think on things, and be asked my opinion, is strange, and hard."

In the distance, the squid creature would seem to have found one he liked, as a tentacle reached down, and with a gentle motion, would use the tip to rise one up from the flock. A formless glob like they all once were, beyond the eyes. Sixteen of them, from the looks of things. Narrowed and with a slit in them, like a dragon's eye, but multiplied.

The squid would then use four different arms, to physically mold the creature, while above, the staff began having what looked like sand in gold, pink, and dark blue, escape from various points of the staff, and roil up towards the angler fish, which would stop swimming around, and instead with an open maw, would look directly towards the shadow. The sand would gather on its light, and then began shimmering and falling down upon the shadow, which in combination with the movements, began to give shape to a creature. Slowly but surely.

Within a few minutes, in which omen were silent, there would be a creature similar to the octopus. A half meter shorter though, and with a mixture of dark grey, and the various color of glittering sand from before, making for intricate, swirly patterns upon its hide. It's eyes opening on head and at various, symmetrical places along its tentacles, and looking around, moving its body, and feeling the sensation of form for the first time. The squid would then swirl the staff above the creature, and a dress, somewhat akin to what it wore, but with holes for the extra eyes, would shimmer into existence from seemingly nowhere, and give some coverage to the newly formed sibling, before the light went out in his staff, and he's use a few tentacles to gently prod at the sibling, making sure that it were okay, and directing it in how to now move its tentacles, to attain stable flight.

"...I think, the way things have gone, are best. A master gives us life. A beginning, and knowledge of life. But friends sharing and asking, I think is the way things are meant to go. Just like when we leave our masters, to learn from the world ourselves.

I still listen to my master, and I think he knows that. But you are my friends, and I know that if I were to choose, I would pick you, just like I did when we found him. Something rolls through me when I think of it. An emotion. Strange, but warm. I think it is telling me the same."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-04-11 at 1:25 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Yes, that is true, and something that we would consider on our downtime. Having maps of our own would help us explore Canterlot on our own greatly. I, or rather, we seem to have felt conjoined from eons bound to an orb.”

“It’s only settling in now, is it, fellows? That we aren’t linked to each other or kept together through a device. We have the freedom of mobility in more ways than one. I suppose our minds are still accustomed to all of us being kept together, stuck in one place. Where one of us went, we all went….”

“It will take us some time to get used to all this, Ms. Scarcity. As strange as it sounds, even something so basic feels so new; even getting our mindset out of so many lifetimes being stationary or at the mercy of another’s whims. All of the things we took for granted now felt odd and different, even when they should be second nature.”

"Think nothing of it, darlings. Your situations have after all, changed rather drastically, and you find yourselves awakened in a strange time, very unlike your own. That you need time to acclimate, is all but understandable. Just give it time, and I'm certain you will adapt."

They were frankly doing better than she expected. She had prepared for multiple scenarios, in which the town confused and maybe frightened them, to avoid any pesky issues, and yet they had sailed through remarkably well, and made good connections with others too. It alleviated much of the worst possible outcomes, and the rest, in how they were still wandering closely with one another for instance, were simply things that required time to acclimate to, from their end. Were she in their hooves, she would likely to have done much the same, and she believed it easy to explain it that way to others too, if questions started being asked.

It were also a testament to the skill of the Stone Matron, that their appearance didn't get more attention. Golems had unfortunate reputations, but as they looked so lifelike, most glances from others, were due to them seeming like a strange, yet perfectly regular race. Integration should be a breeze, when it began circulating that they were in fact golems, yet between them not having caused issues, and her being there to vouch for them, the worst of the fearful voices shouldn't be able to inspire much more than a low key worry, among select groups.

Far be it from her to be rude towards her own kin, but ponies really were incredibly simple and predictable at times. But one shouldn't complain about something which eased her work, hm?

On 2025-04-11 at 1:25 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Well… I don’t know about everyone else, but I am wondering if having a constructed body has the capacity to feel different sensations like hunger. Or maybe it’s my mind making me feel hungry. Seems like there’s more for us to learn about our new bodies.” Videntor commented as he stood outside Bashful Booker’s Bakery, glancing at the bread and confections. He hoped the feelings of hunger were real, as eons of being unable to eat suddenly gave him the urge to try and examine the extent of what his golem body can or can’t do.

"I'm sure you will experience plenty of surprising sensations, when you begin to enjoy life's offerings."

She couldn't outright speak of the matron, as it would not fit the story, but she knew enough to know that yes, they would be able to experience this. The sensation of touch, the breeze upon their skin, how potential scales or hairs may sway in the breeze, taste, sounds, warmth and cold- In most ways, their bodies were like normal. Except they were a little heavier, yet still as nimble and agile as they would have been, when alive, did not require sleep, and couldn't carry diseases, nor age. There were also of course, how they could not procreate, as they were not beings of flesh and blood, but she had researchers looking into alternative options to help them further. Not part of their current deal, but she had the feeling that being able to offer a way for them to regain their true, flesh and blood bodies, would be a valuable bargaining chip.

As for hunger, he didn't need to eat, per se, but it were a natural emotion, so it were related to his mind. Still, he would be able to test his new taste buds soon enough. One step at a time, however.

On 2025-04-11 at 1:25 AM, EQ_Theta said:

Princess Celestia in the flesh. It was a most unexpected, yet welcome coincidence to the golems. They had their introduction to the princess back in the museum, but it was one thing to only go by past actions and reputation. Now they were in the presence of royalty, the being that occupied the highest office in the land. The princess’s regal appearance, majestic as it was, contrasted the image of her engaging in the mundane of everyday life. Then again, in the golems’ olden days, even those in government could be found taking part in common activities; one could mistake them for being just another face in the crowd.

With introductions underway to the princess and the establishment’s owner, the golems slowly bowed to both, recognizing the two esteemed individuals in their midst and answering them both simultaneously. As much as Scriniarii intended to blurt out the truth regarding themselves and their history, he’d restrain himself and stick to the cover story Scarcity went with back at the museum.

“Well met to you, Princess and Miss Woggle. My name is Scriniarri, and these are my fellows: Videntor, Legatus, Magus, and Vates. I… suppose there is no easy way to make these introductions, but we are golems from a time long forgotten. We were discovered at an archeological dig, and now we are getting accustomed to integrating ourselves among the beings of this era.” 

“If I may add, Princess, after learning about you from our recent visit to Canterlot’s museum, it is an honor to meet you. I hope our sudden arrival and introduction has not interrupted your day.”

"An unusual origin, but all are welcome in Equestria, who seek to live in harmony. I hope our fair capitol have treated you well thus far."

The princess would bow her head towards them, one at a time. Golems were potential trouble, but they seemed polite, calm, rational, and Scarcity clearly saw no issue wandering with them. It alleviated much of her worries, especially the last. The antique dealer were one who had donated plenty of things to the museum, as well as assisted her and Luna in finding and restoring things from their time before Nightmare Moon, which brought her sister great comfort. She were also seen at many social gatherings, and were always a delight, whom she had shared tea with on several occasions.

She believed to know the mare well by now, and believed that if she felt this comfortable around others, to the point of not bringing her bodyguard along, then it were safe to offer some trust to these new faces, from an old time.

"Wauh, never seen anyone like you before. But hi! It's nice meeting ya, hehe."

Wig Woggle would grin even wider, and raise a hoof up to give an enthusiastic wave. Not only were the ruling princess herself in her store today, but now so too were a bunch of golems, from a possibly forgotten time? Her little changeling cafe really had an exciting day. The sort that'd get the town talking she bet, and about other things than the usual murmuring. Sure it might seem in bad taste to open a place like this, here in a town that still very much remembered Chrysalis's attack, but come on... Get over it already! It was a while ago, and the old queen were not an issue anymore. Things moved on, and she didn't much care for pettiness and grudges. Those emotions sold poorly.

"They were found during one of the digs I financed. It were quite the unusual situation, but as you see, they are quite polite, and at their full senses, so I offered to have them escorted here, and have been showing them around personally. As you so eloquently have put it your majesty, Equestria believes in peace through inclusion."

"A sentiment that becomes more true by the day, and thankfully so. I commend you for taking this initiative, Scarcity. Though I always hope for kindness, not all take that initiative."

"Think nothing of it. It is a delight to be helpful.

Ah, and speaking of which, while I have you here: I am happy to tell you that I finally managed to find the exact kind of bed that Princess Luna had requested. It is being restored as we speak, and then transported here. Would you be so kind as to inform your dear sister, that she should have it within two weeks at most?"

"I shall, thank you. It should give her more peaceful rest."

"Always a pleasure,. your majesty. Might I ask though, what brings you here today? Showing the citizens that there is naught to fear?"

"Yes. Though changelings have joined our nation well, and several hives are open of who they are, old fears remain. I hope that my presence will soothe talks in some fashion."

"We'll see later, when I harvest the vats, but I'm hopeful. Looked real good when it all went down earlier.

Say, you folks ever tried emotion tea? It's nutrient for changelings, but regular folks can drink it too. It's not dangerous or anything. If you wanna try, you can have a cup of emotion n the house. Just say what sort you'd like to feel, and I'll mix you up something."

Of course, in its raw form, emotion jelly were inedible for ponies, with it tasting rather gross, but process it right, and it could be shared proper. Yes it were less filling than regular jelly, but that were an option too, though for changelings only. She were trying to run a business here, and it were important that she could serve her patrons what they needed, to keep it running around.

That did usually not involve this, but today had included free sampling of tea, for those willing to try it, to prove it were fine, so it were just... Extending the deadline on that a bit. It'd look good for the princess, and maybe if she impressed her, the princess would return some other time. That'd be good for business.

[Zera Brightbolt]

The half zebra and half pegasus equine looked about at the shapes around him, before the surrounding female voice startled him, he gave a jolt and his mechanical wings snapped up and made a sound not too different from a couple of aluminum sheets. 

"Yes ma'am, I remember falling, but not how, I've never seen this place before," he said in a low but meek voice, his tone wavering upon his lips as he'd spoken, he looked around, his goggles rattled upon his head and his white streaked black mane was drenched in sweat.

Although he couldn't see her, he flinched as if something was really there. His magenta eyes flickered open and closed tight a couple of times. 

The stallion was very confused at this outcome, had he no idea where he was or what shortcomings caused this 

11 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Catpone Cerberus

"I assure you Mr. Vaz, that I have no need to judge you for past actions. I am a scientist, and while I am curious, and would take your story into consideration, I believe that it is important to look at things more broadly. For instance how you're openly saying that you wish to atone, for whatever had happened. Trying to better yourself, and feeling remorse for past actions, is a sign of one that deserves to be given the chance to prove themselves.

I thank you for accepting our call to cooperate on this matter too. Even if you know not what exactly this is, your sizable pool of knowledge may well come in handy regardless. As a matter of fact, I may have some questions myself, once we are in more private settings. Nothing that should unsettle you, or that pokes into anything you don't wish to discuss, I assure you. I am just seeking knowledge of a rather... Unusual situation.

For the time being though, we should enjoy the ride, long as it lasts.

Have you anything to add mayhap, sir?"

Magma would look towards Solar, who had been rather quiet, all things considering. Perhaps he - like herself - wished to ask questions best asked in private? She could imagine so, considering the subjects they had touched upon, though not in grand details. Several of which she'd like to touch upon further, but for the time being, she'd remains civil, as well as discrete.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Awh come on. I could at the least try and teach some flair."

She'd breathe slowly, using her magic to let a thing, dark cloud, with roiling thunder coiling through, escape, and take form into a long, slender snake, that would do a few loops around her, before roaring, and dissipating. The roar were a crackling of thunder, granted, but the point stood! Just breathing thunder were one thing. She could do that too. It were something else entirely to mold that thunder into something more creative. Or if you really wanted to mess things up, a ball lightning.

The grin on leviathan's face when he spoke to her, were almost to the point where you'd think her head would just pop in half, when Charir actually spoke back to her.

"And I'll listen to every word. But you're right, We're here for a reason, and we outta have some focus on that first. We got plenty of time later."

She already looked forward to them competing about who could do the coolest thing with thunder. Granted, that were likely years down the line, and she had an ace on him, in her age and experience, but never let it be said that the old folks knew everything. She'd frankly learned a few thing here and there, from beings quite a bit younger than herself. Including other dragons. There were something a bit hurtful, about being humbled in some knowledge by a whelpling, but if you could swallow your pride, there were wisdom in youth, every now and again.

"The salamanders sounds a lot like my mom's folks. Not feral per se, just you know, more reserved, and doesn't really like anyone. I'll keep in mind to keep my distance from them, and try not to annoy them. The serpents look prettier too, anyway. No offense to the salamanders, but the sleep body type, is pretty nice. Bit of a bias on my end though, I suppose.

And I'm not worried if Werodex doesn't know. I really mean it, that he's the eldest of elder dragons we know. Anyone else from his time, is dead, and he were ancient when most of our current elder dragons were hatched. And I dunno what the criteria would be here, but in the Dragon Isles, you can't be considered an elder dragon, unless you're ten thousand years old. Sure we can survive it biologically, but usually someone gets killed, or has an accident or something. Sometimes the rare disease. Getting to the ten thousand isn't that common, and Ancalagon makes those seem young.

Not that we know how old he actually is. Old lizard likes to keep his secrets, especially about the past. Can't guess why, but I always just assumed he knows things that is best kept to himself. Or he is so old he forgot it. Either way, I think I only know of about... Thirty-five or so, actual elder dragons around the world, not counting him. Some from the Dragon Isles, some not."

"If I am honest? I am at this moment, wondering if you can read our minds, Elder Werodex. That beyond, I am mostly curious of your kin, your magic, and how it may help Charir. He means much to me, yet much as I know my magic, I am not certain of how his work.

As you say, i am small of stature. Such have always been my curse, yet I wield powerful magic in turn. I have learned, often through trial and error, how to harness this, and I wish for any dragon who can cast a spell, to do so. I think it wasteful, when it is left unharnessed, and it saddens me to see missed potential, to enjoy something as expansive and enrichening as magic. I am hoping that being here, we can find him help, and I admit to wishing to see how your kin express it too, to see if perhaps I can gleam some knowledge usable to myself too."

She admittedly were curious about Ancalagon too, but Elder Wreodex likely did not know him. He didn't much care to interfere in the politics of other countries. Though if they were open to visitors say, 17.000 years or so, he would have visited, bored on a travel, and curious what he'd find here. If the island were split at that time, he'd approach as a large, fire red dragon, though within margin of the locals, and wander directly towards the bubble, smashing any who wished to challenge him to the side like they were nothing, but not killing outright. More because he didn't see a reason to, rather than not being able. And if he had to increase in size to let them leave him be, he would so too, and approaching the barrier, barring anything that would keep him out, he'd then enter, and examine this other place.

He were somewhat friendly. Not one to fight, lest others began it, as he were strong enough to where it always felt like a wasteful time of hitting down for him. And if spoken to equally, or respectfully, he would answer in kind. Speak of where he came from - Equestria, before it were that country formally - his name, and asking questions of this place. Yet his background he'd be vague about, saying that he were an old relic, that had long since become the last he knew, and that history were his alone. Lest they had some tales of the ancient times, back before the dragon clans shattered across the world and changed. He always had an interest in tales older than he, since they were so rare.

And if he had been here, he would be blunt that he were not there at his true size, as it would cause trouble. Though he wouldn't specify how large he actually were.

Who knew? Could be they learned some of dragons from the Dragon Isles, via what he told them. Though it was likely not that, and they had met others, or read of them in some way.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Oh that's neat. We probably don't have any at Shark Bay, even though we have a great, clean bay, and ocean. Mostly because the local mermaids wouldn't be too thrilled with competition for the food I'd wager, but who knows? We've only barely started to have talks with them properly, so there's lots we still don't know, of life so far beneath the waves.

If you've never met a mermaid, you can see one in Shark Bay too. Sergeant Kelp is one. She teaches underwater combat at HQ. Don't let her goad you into a fight, she's not as fragile as she looks, and she likes to mess around with those who think they're tough. Sorta like an otter playing with an oyster."

"It's usually a big hit with the veterans, to see which one of the new recruits ends up taking the bait though. And it's good to hear that someone is talking sense here. Mother or healer, you should listen to those who want the best for you."

Yes Harpoon were a hypocrite, as she really should still lay down for a bit, but she were a mother. Being a hypocrite on some things, were part of the job sometimes.

"Hey, I'm not doing anything dangerous or taxing. I'm mostly just taking patrols around, and making sure everything looks okay. I don't fight, or even jump into the water. The Oyster Farmers do more than I do right now, at the end of their shifts.

Anyway, it's interesting how adaptable you kobolds are. You have a great diversity in your race, that I can't say I really know if any other can compete with."

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

 

@Dah Onion Eater

(this happens a bit after what is mentioned with EQ-Theta, so the two are not overlapping)

Tossed from a who knew where, an opening between worlds, would suddenly appear, and someone would find themselves tumbling into a dark realm, with a soft underlayer.

The area were strange. Seemingly unending, with nothing seemingly staying the same. Towering ships of shadow would rise up, just to fall apart, replaced with odd formations, always in motion, never with much meaning behind them. Like seeing a dark, fleeting imagination, of a child without focus.

Everything were lit up by a a pale glow, that seemed to have no origin behind it. It were simply there, giving some soft light to the landscape.

The ground itself weresimply dark, without any texture to it. A smooth surface, though you wouldn't slip on it, and often you'd be able to see the darkness move across. There, he would at times see eyes. Various shapes and sizes, looking towards him briefly, though if he showed no signs of active magic, there'd be little more there, and there were nothing said in a language that he'd understand. Just various noises of other languages, ever so often whispering in his head, if he were close to clusters of eyes.

One voice that would not be so, would come to him shortly after. A soothing, female voice, travelling upon a cold wind, directly to his ear. The only wind that would be found in this place, as it felt like not a breeze would move.

"A felt a tear, stranger than have been here in an age... You have stumbled from far away, have you not?"

The voice spoke in perfect equine, meaning that whoever the unseen speaker were, might know something, like a way home. The way he came in were not an option, that were certain, as whatever rift or other thing he had fallen through, had closed again near instantaneously.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

Omen took a moment to answer, as her eyes were fixated on the scene. A creature of magic, likely not from the world Equestria were in, looking over the various siblings, as they came nearer, wanting to be the one to serve.

Mother were not there in person. She never were, when one had to chose a sibling. She sensed intentions as best she could from afar, then let her words flow on her cold breath, headed towards the recipient. Words that explained where they were, to not be afraid, and what the process entailed, for bringing one of the Ki'Nathar with them.

One could question how she knew the language of those who visited, but it were likely that she had some way of speaking, that were understood by all in this domain, as well as understanding them. Might have come from all the memories she had taken away, or it were just something within her power. Either way, she were communicating, and the octopus creature seemed to respond via a complex mixture of lights emanating on various places on its body, and some sort of vibration, that distorted the air enough so that even they could slightly see that.

"...It reminds me of when Master Discord picked me. Mother speaking to him, and him looking. Searching through all the siblings, until he chose me.

He was not perfect. he did not teach me everything I needed, and the world he left me in, were too different from his. Nothing were the same. But he tried. You try too, all of you, but not in the same way. You teach, you ask, you suggest... Orders are easy. Having to think on things, and be asked my opinion, is strange, and hard."

In the distance, the squid creature would seem to have found one he liked, as a tentacle reached down, and with a gentle motion, would use the tip to rise one up from the flock. A formless glob like they all once were, beyond the eyes. Sixteen of them, from the looks of things. Narrowed and with a slit in them, like a dragon's eye, but multiplied.

The squid would then use four different arms, to physically mold the creature, while above, the staff began having what looked like sand in gold, pink, and dark blue, escape from various points of the staff, and roil up towards the angler fish, which would stop swimming around, and instead with an open maw, would look directly towards the shadow. The sand would gather on its light, and then began shimmering and falling down upon the shadow, which in combination with the movements, began to give shape to a creature. Slowly but surely.

Within a few minutes, in which omen were silent, there would be a creature similar to the octopus. A half meter shorter though, and with a mixture of dark grey, and the various color of glittering sand from before, making for intricate, swirly patterns upon its hide. It's eyes opening on head and at various, symmetrical places along its tentacles, and looking around, moving its body, and feeling the sensation of form for the first time. The squid would then swirl the staff above the creature, and a dress, somewhat akin to what it wore, but with holes for the extra eyes, would shimmer into existence from seemingly nowhere, and give some coverage to the newly formed sibling, before the light went out in his staff, and he's use a few tentacles to gently prod at the sibling, making sure that it were okay, and directing it in how to now move its tentacles, to attain stable flight.

"...I think, the way things have gone, are best. A master gives us life. A beginning, and knowledge of life. But friends sharing and asking, I think is the way things are meant to go. Just like when we leave our masters, to learn from the world ourselves.

I still listen to my master, and I think he knows that. But you are my friends, and I know that if I were to choose, I would pick you, just like I did when we found him. Something rolls through me when I think of it. An emotion. Strange, but warm. I think it is telling me the same."

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@EQ_Theta

"Think nothing of it, darlings. Your situations have after all, changed rather drastically, and you find yourselves awakened in a strange time, very unlike your own. That you need time to acclimate, is all but understandable. Just give it time, and I'm certain you will adapt."

They were frankly doing better than she expected. She had prepared for multiple scenarios, in which the town confused and maybe frightened them, to avoid any pesky issues, and yet they had sailed through remarkably well, and made good connections with others too. It alleviated much of the worst possible outcomes, and the rest, in how they were still wandering closely with one another for instance, were simply things that required time to acclimate to, from their end. Were she in their hooves, she would likely to have done much the same, and she believed it easy to explain it that way to others too, if questions started being asked.

It were also a testament to the skill of the Stone Matron, that their appearance didn't get more attention. Golems had unfortunate reputations, but as they looked so lifelike, most glances from others, were due to them seeming like a strange, yet perfectly regular race. Integration should be a breeze, when it began circulating that they were in fact golems, yet between them not having caused issues, and her being there to vouch for them, the worst of the fearful voices shouldn't be able to inspire much more than a low key worry, among select groups.

Far be it from her to be rude towards her own kin, but ponies really were incredibly simple and predictable at times. But one shouldn't complain about something which eased her work, hm?

"I'm sure you will experience plenty of surprising sensations, when you begin to enjoy life's offerings."

She couldn't outright speak of the matron, as it would not fit the story, but she knew enough to know that yes, they would be able to experience this. The sensation of touch, the breeze upon their skin, how potential scales or hairs may sway in the breeze, taste, sounds, warmth and cold- In most ways, their bodies were like normal. Except they were a little heavier, yet still as nimble and agile as they would have been, when alive, did not require sleep, and couldn't carry diseases, nor age. There were also of course, how they could not procreate, as they were not beings of flesh and blood, but she had researchers looking into alternative options to help them further. Not part of their current deal, but she had the feeling that being able to offer a way for them to regain their true, flesh and blood bodies, would be a valuable bargaining chip.

As for hunger, he didn't need to eat, per se, but it were a natural emotion, so it were related to his mind. Still, he would be able to test his new taste buds soon enough. One step at a time, however.

"An unusual origin, but all are welcome in Equestria, who seek to live in harmony. I hope our fair capitol have treated you well thus far."

The princess would bow her head towards them, one at a time. Golems were potential trouble, but they seemed polite, calm, rational, and Scarcity clearly saw no issue wandering with them. It alleviated much of her worries, especially the last. The antique dealer were one who had donated plenty of things to the museum, as well as assisted her and Luna in finding and restoring things from their time before Nightmare Moon, which brought her sister great comfort. She were also seen at many social gatherings, and were always a delight, whom she had shared tea with on several occasions.

She believed to know the mare well by now, and believed that if she felt this comfortable around others, to the point of not bringing her bodyguard along, then it were safe to offer some trust to these new faces, from an old time.

"Wauh, never seen anyone like you before. But hi! It's nice meeting ya, hehe."

Wig Woggle would grin even wider, and raise a hoof up to give an enthusiastic wave. Not only were the ruling princess herself in her store today, but now so too were a bunch of golems, from a possibly forgotten time? Her little changeling cafe really had an exciting day. The sort that'd get the town talking she bet, and about other things than the usual murmuring. Sure it might seem in bad taste to open a place like this, here in a town that still very much remembered Chrysalis's attack, but come on... Get over it already! It was a while ago, and the old queen were not an issue anymore. Things moved on, and she didn't much care for pettiness and grudges. Those emotions sold poorly.

"They were found during one of the digs I financed. It were quite the unusual situation, but as you see, they are quite polite, and at their full senses, so I offered to have them escorted here, and have been showing them around personally. As you so eloquently have put it your majesty, Equestria believes in peace through inclusion."

"A sentiment that becomes more true by the day, and thankfully so. I commend you for taking this initiative, Scarcity. Though I always hope for kindness, not all take that initiative."

"Think nothing of it. It is a delight to be helpful.

Ah, and speaking of which, while I have you here: I am happy to tell you that I finally managed to find the exact kind of bed that Princess Luna had requested. It is being restored as we speak, and then transported here. Would you be so kind as to inform your dear sister, that she should have it within two weeks at most?"

"I shall, thank you. It should give her more peaceful rest."

"Always a pleasure,. your majesty. Might I ask though, what brings you here today? Showing the citizens that there is naught to fear?"

"Yes. Though changelings have joined our nation well, and several hives are open of who they are, old fears remain. I hope that my presence will soothe talks in some fashion."

"We'll see later, when I harvest the vats, but I'm hopeful. Looked real good when it all went down earlier.

Say, you folks ever tried emotion tea? It's nutrient for changelings, but regular folks can drink it too. It's not dangerous or anything. If you wanna try, you can have a cup of emotion n the house. Just say what sort you'd like to feel, and I'll mix you up something."

Of course, in its raw form, emotion jelly were inedible for ponies, with it tasting rather gross, but process it right, and it could be shared proper. Yes it were less filling than regular jelly, but that were an option too, though for changelings only. She were trying to run a business here, and it were important that she could serve her patrons what they needed, to keep it running around.

That did usually not involve this, but today had included free sampling of tea, for those willing to try it, to prove it were fine, so it were just... Extending the deadline on that a bit. It'd look good for the princess, and maybe if she impressed her, the princess would return some other time. That'd be good for business.