open Casual stroll

[Zera Brightbolt]

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Catpone Cerberus

"Let you out? Hah! Sure. Get off the door, Asildae."

The grin on her face didn't betray much more than amusement, as Glutton looked forward to actually letting this one out. Weren't any warning signs or guards, so clearly no one cared that much that she were locked up. Probably meant she wasn't a big threat. And if she were, well... Usually she veered off from eating higher sentience beings, but this one Did look nice and crunchy.

When Asildae moved away from the door, Glutton would slither a few steps closer, then open her maw to where her mouth were bigger than the cage, and then she'd crunch down on the door, getting some dirt with it, as the door bend, creaked and snapped, as Glutton spend but a few seconds to chew down. A long, serpentine tongue wrapping itself around a piece that seemed it might split out towards the queen, then several more identical tongues doing the same with more pieces.

It should be obvious that if she wanted to, Glutton could have chomped this down in less than a second. But she dragged it out, to show off that nothing in this world, were beyond her to eat. She were voracious appetite itself, in a broad, edible world. From the smallest, softest marshmallow, to the hardest diamond and beyond, all were but a feast for her to consume.

When she were done, she'd pull back, allowing the insect queen to get out of the cage. And when she were, Glutton would pick up said cage, shake it loose for anything in there, and then start taking large bites out of it, now eating it normally, as if it were but a large pork rind. Gave off about the same sort of crunch too, with marks in the metal, showing how effortlessly her teeth could go through.

"You're free, little queen.

I'm Glutton, the Spirit of Gourmandizing. Now what sorta thing does someone like you eat?"

She had a more mundane title back int he day, but she had heard the word gourmandizing, as an acronym to her sorta deal. Sounded a far bit better, so she'd taken that instead. Who were gonna stop her? The princesses? Over a name? Hah! They wouldn't risk losing the benefit she were providing to Equestria, for something so small. Sure she tested her limits now and again, cause it was fun, but this had been nothing. Just folks saying one thing, been corrected, then started to get with the program. Weren't like the time she'd gone around eating houses. Though in her defense, they'd just said they needed them torn down. On them to not specify the other half of the block wasn't supposed to go along with that. Looked scuffed, so seemed like a fair meal.

Bah, but ponies could be so stuffy at times. So she'd just mended it, and gone on with her day. After spitting that foal out. Heh, that were probably the thing that'd gotten her the most ire, even though the kid was perfectly fine. Needed a shower, and maybe some therapy, but she hadn't even eaten a hair on him, so much as there were some words, what'd it matter? She hadn't broken the rules technically, just as she hadn't now. Probably. They'd see if this one were entertaining, or an appetizer.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Perhaps not, yet I ever endeavor to try."

Maybe she never would understand the kobold perspective properly. They had different upbringings, lives, expectations, education, and so forth. Societies somewhat near one another, yet still very far apart, in most ways. And yet, she thought it best to at least try, and see how much a different perspective could help her learn and understand. Be it science, elementals, or the culture of kobolds, she did not think it wise to be narrow-minded, as it stifled learning.

So if he had more to say of his life, or that of kobolds, she would listen, and adjust her perspective with any new information. Not now though. Their chat were over for now, and she needed to move to the door, and be ready to wander off too. Wouldn't be long before they reached their destination, and they had to get to work.

"Understood, sir. If we find something, you will see my signal clearly."

She were planning on simply handling this the easiest way, by releasing a plume of smoke for him to follow. Not fire though. It wouldn't help their work, if the forest was aflame, and it would put question marks to whatever or not she could actually control herself, from if not Vaz and Solar, then certainly the royal guard. And that beside, she didn't want to destroy nature. The animals needed their habitat, just as ponies needed their towns, or dragons their mountains. Roasting said homes, and likely also them, would be a cruel act, that she wouldn't partake in without clear and reasonable logic behind it.

It had seemed the best idea to simply split up, when first they arrived. But judging by Solar's words, perhaps it were wiser to simply stay together, as they did after all, not know what they might wander into, and the effects of it. Could well be that one approaching would get caught in some fashion, and at least were they two, one could then call for him to come and deal with it, as he were far more knowledgeable about this technology than they were.

So she would follow Vaz, as he headed towards the forest.

"We can hope that we find it with some degree of haste. Might I inquire, Mr. Vaz, if we are attacked by say, a large predator, are you a fighter in any capacity? I ask not because I request protection. Merely so I know that I will not accidentally hit you in the crossfire, if say you are one to jump into a melee."

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I hope you're right..."

She didn't say this as a threat. Her voice were notably concerned, as she worried for her friend now more than before. The pain Ruby must have felt in the moment... Were she even used to that? Could one even be, if this were truly as if a part of you were torn away? She hadn't a clue, but she knew where she had to be now, and it wasn't in here.

The meeting being over, she wouldn't hesitate to go outside, along with Charir, to look for Ruby.

Leviathan did ask, and could tell that Ruby wasn't as fine as she claimed. Or she just imagined that, but she didn't think about that right now, as in her mind, Ruby were in some kind of distress, and didn't want to show out here. Hopefully when they got in private, she would elaborate on how things were, but for the time being, she'd just respond with an *Okay*, and give Ruby a concerned look, before following Voltaick towards where their sleeping arrangements were. Hopefully it was an okay... Cave? She'd assume so, since y'know, they were dragons. It were a bit of a cliche, that their liked caves, but y'know, if the shoe fits.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Woah. That's quite the way of life you kobolds have. And your uhm... I uh... Sorry, did you say Chega?"

While she would have said more of the little lesson in how the society of kobolds worked, a name had stuck out to her there. One that she reeeeally hoped wasn't just wishful thinking on her part, or a coincidence.

"She did. I saw her, and I got you an autograph."

Shell pranced where she stood with a big smile on her face, hearing that.

"That's so Awesome! Ooooh, I wish I could've seen her again. I love her music.

I never knew she were a kobold. I thought she were a small dragon. And you're friends with her? You're so lucky."

While she were having a fan-filly moment, Onache wandered out of her room, head held high, and looking as if she were perfectly fine, even though the kobolds would likely be able to tell, that she didn't move quite as fast as before, even if her movements were still fluid. Happy certainly knew too, but it were not his place to speak aloud of anything. He simply needed to be there for his queen, in whatever way she required it. If he had to lift her all the way back to the desert, then he would do that too, but he knew she'd heavily dislike that. It weren't the most dignified thing after all, and while she were not from a pride hive, it didn't take away that like with several other queens, she had some pride, that she'd like to keep, and she already thought the way she looked now were testing it, as she still weren't used to it.

Least her wandering in this colorful bug form, none would know it were her, as she looked nothing alike how she were, before she were changed. That shielded her to some extend.

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@EQ_Theta

"Whatever you will do, I trust that you will do what you believe is right, brother. I will not leave you."

Maybe she wouldn't be able to understand what he had done at first, but Sen had been with her for some time now, and she trusted him. Even if sometimes, he did go a bit far, like when he had threatened to throw his old friend off of a cliff. She had to intervene then, but she at least knew how he would look and act now, when he could not think rationally. He would seem very angry, at least expression-wise, and get loud. Maybe if he were like that, it would give her pause, if what he asked were something that might be bad, but otherwise, long as it would not go against Mother's edicts, she would listen, and obey. He did not need to explain it to her first.

"We will not disturb mother. She tells our masters how to form us, and then tells us to be good children, and for them to take good care of us, before she grow silent, so they can focus on us, instead of her. I have seen many other siblings be picked, before Mother made me go back to Equestria. Things rarely change, unless the new master does something wrong."

Sure Mother observed them, up until they left, but at a certain point, she had to let go, and allow the new master and sibling to be on their way, and begin their new lives. At times she had to add more, but there were no need with this. She had found him to be very amicable and respectful, and seeing how he even provided her child with magical clothes as she were given shape, and were already teaching her the basics of movement, she had little worry that this would be a good teacher and master for her.

As the others approached, he would direct one of his large eyes towards them, while the other remained on the sibling, who were getting the hang of how to move her tentacles to provide flight, though he were assisting her with three of his own, directing movements when she seemed to lose tract. As were seen with him, you did not need all tentacles to retain flight, but she were new, and as such would require it.

His head would vibrate slightly, and a weird, gurgling sound would be heard, before the sibling turned around. It left her on the ground, but it didn't seem to hinder her, as she rose a few tentacles to greet them, and then began speaking with Omen, in the Ki'Nathar's own tongue. The strange, whispering chorus going on for a few minutes, in which time Shrimp would notice Lin and Sen, and then rise up, giving a happy little chirp and a noodle dance, then ready himself. They should recognize this stance as the one he took before jumping towards them, and act accordingly, though they needn't be worried. The new octopus master would use the back of his tentacle to gently lift under Shrimp, and carry him the full way towards Sen, whom he assumed were the one this little one had gone for.

"Sister has a strange name. It sounds like Klughlurg. Her master says it it meant to be said under water."

Omen would nod, as the sibling would point towards Shrimp, and seemingly ask a question.

"She would like to touch him."

So she would, and while Shrimp would smell her tentacle, he seemed perfectly fine, as she smelled like Omen and Lin, so that meant she were friendly. At which point he'd rub towards the tentacle, while their new sister experienced the sensation of touch against his scales with great curiosity.

"She also says her master said hello, and that he is *insert noise akin to someone burping loudly in dish water*. I do not think he can understand what we are saying, but he seems to be nice, and he is already teaching her things. He reminds me of Scarcity."

Not physically in the slightest, but more with how quickly the lessons were beginning, to try and help the new sibling deal with things better. Discord had just picked her up and been on his way, and that wasn't the most unusual approach either, when it came to several other siblings.

As for this one... He were courteous, but as it wasn't like they could communicate properly, he'd accept that they would leave soon. Surely they too had things to do as well, in whatever odd world that someone like them came from.

Quadrupedal creatures with tails, and no gills. What a strange world.

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@EQ_Theta

"I figured golems couldn't feel, but it's good to be wrong sometimes, yeah?"

"Normally they cannot. Only those build by dedicated Stone Mason's can, and I have known only of very few like that, throughout the ages. Not all are willing to put in the fairh and effort that is apparently needed.

Whomever in your time made you these, were one with considerable skill."

Truth be told, Celestia didn't know the full details. She had some telling shcolars and her how to do this, but even trying herself, with her notably strong magic pool, it had always resulted in nothing more than standard golems. Even if they might seem somewhat lively, they were a far cry from what she had seen in the past, as well as now.

Her best guess, were that it had something to do with faith. Those who crafted the best she had seen or heard of, were seemingly always devoted to their beliefs, though it were still just an assumption, to which she had next to no definitive proof.

"Nono, it's okay. That's why we have the booths. Well, that and for crying, but y'know, multi-purpose."

She'd point towards the corner, where a door would lead to a small hall, that had three sectioned off rooms. They could be locked from the inside, and had a beanbag chair, and a box of tissue paper if needed, along with a trash can, of course. And over in left-most corner, would be about a dozen small, bulbous plants, that looked akin to a rat-catcher plant, just only big enough to only catch mice, with the lids opened, and stuck to the wall in a cluster.

These rooms were likely repurposed bathrooms, from whatever had been here before, but they fit better like this. Besides, they still had a bathroom. Just had to walk straight forward when opening into the hall, instead of turning right, to where the booths were.

"And don't you go worry about your reaction. It's pretty normal with nostalgia. It's something that hits everyone differently. Depends on their lives and such."

After he had left, she'd address his friends.

"That's emotion tea for you. It's full of nutrients and delicious emotions for us changelings, but for other creatures, it invokes emotions, be they good or bad.

Nostalgia is very popular with the elderly, that can sometimes have problem remembering the old days. Joy is the most popular in general, but we have some goth types here who wants melancholy or sorrow too, among other things.

Folks are pretty varied, but we serve what they want, no matter if they want a feeling of delight, or need a good cry.

But changelings have a bad name to a lot still, because of one of our previous queens. Attacked this town, and really did a number on our reputation, though places like this, and Queen Cheshire's theater, are starting to help.

Of course, having the princess here doesn't hurt either, and I greatly appreciate the gesture."

She'd nod towards the princess, with a big grin on her face. Seeing how the story were with changelings here in Canterlot  the princesses approval meant a lot. As did her being here physically, and partaking in things, which showed more non-changelings that there were nothing to worry about here.

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@Dah Onion Eater

"I know her not, nor if one like her is in this reality, yet it will be the closest to home that I can lead you."

Other dimensions were one thing, but other realities? That were beyond the power of most creatures, and for good reason, as breaking open the gate between multiple realities could potentially cause dire repercussions.

If one had torn a path open, or if realities had just flyed briefly, and this pony were unlucky, she could not tell, but she would help him get to something as close to his home as she were able, though he had to work to establish a new life for himself there.

After wandering a few minutes  Mother would wave a hand, and the section of the floor that he stood upon, were risen up to her shoulder height. Once it - and as such also him - were there, she'd touch the air with her left index claw, and a swirling portal would open up, and revealing a vision on the other side, which should be familiar to him. That of Ponyville, where many a pony were wandering, oblivious to the portal that had sudden swirled open in the park.

"My oldest daughter of this realm, often traverse here. It id a safe area for you ponies, as I understand it.

Remember though child, that while it looks like your home, it is not exactly as where you are from. You will need to make a new life, and new friends here.

I am sorry I cannot do better than this, but it is the closest you can find to where you are from.

Wander in peace, dear child. And may luck bless your path."

Once he'd chose to wander through, he'd find that it were as simple as just taking a few steps forth, and he'd be on his way. Into a pond, specifically. Mother had not seen that she had placed this portal roght at the edge of the pond in the park, so he'd get wet hooves, but that shouldn't be too bad. Water weresrill rather shallow here at the edge.

That said, somepony would pop their head up  out of the water as he stepped there, and looked at him.

Her odd wings laid flat on her back, and her eyes looked him over with great curiosity, before she went into a big grin, that showed off razor-sharp teeth, that well fitted the shark tail attached to her rump, where a regular equine tail nor.ally were.

"Hi! Is friend also too dry?"

Her tone were friendly, and she made no move to try and bite him. And if he looked around, he'd see that everypony else were jjst normal ponies, and a few others like griffons, or smaller dragons. So he hadn't been sent to a strange dimension where all ponies were fish. Probably.

And if he looked back, after having stepped through fully, he'd find the gate had closed, and there were now just a tree.

He jolted back, but answered her, "I am dry yes, and I don't want to get wet, I was sent here by someone," he sighed, whatever universe his roommate were in, she'd better be alright.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,747]

@Blitz Boom
Well that was easy. Asildae thought to herself, as she backed away from the door, guess it just showed how weird her situation was, as she was still, even after all this time, baffled why she even was here. She knew who was behind it yes, and knew the reason to what had led to this; but she never understood why imprison her, why make that effort, yet also do it so poorly. 

She watched as Glutton ate the door, and later the entire cage; most creatures would likely been scared, or at least bothered by it, but Asildae, she was mainly just fascinated, which was shown in her expression and body language. "It is nice to meet you Glutton, I must say, you are an intriguing creature, nothing such exist back home." "I thank you for freeing me, I owe you greatly." she emphasized her words with a small bow "My diet consist of anything that is or lately was alive, but right now, I'm in need of something more filling than moss and occasional fly." "Namely, meat." "A rat or something" 

If Glutton wasn't blocking the way, Asildae would start making her way towards the outside world; but even if she couldn't, she would continue speaking regardless "If I may ask something though, where are we?" "What is this place that I find myself in called?"

-------------------------
"I am not one for close combat no." Vaz explained "I can take part in it if necessary, but I prefer the use of magic in defending myself." "Though predators tend to keep their distance from me regardless, for their senses are sharp, and I am not fit for prey." he kept a short pause before continuing "The truth is, I haven't been in a fight for centuries; I haven't had the need to." as he walked, he scanned the surrounding are with his eyes, now and then getting a glimpse of Solar flying above the area.

"If I may inquire in turn, what is your nature?" "It is clear to me, that you are not regular flesh and bone; but are you something that has taken the form of a pony, or a mare that has become something else?"

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

It was indeed a cave that Voltaick lead the trio to, but like the others, it had a doorway like structure on the entrance, though this one was simple and undecorated, with only couple of symbols carved to it. In terms of size, the entrance was big enough for Ruby and Voltaick to potentially walk through at the same time comfortably, yet too small for dragons much larger than them. Curiously, the entrance seemed pitch black, but as they walked through it, everything was well lit, and they could see outside just fine.

The cave itself was, well, it was a cave, but it was lot more comfortable than your average cave; it was clean, not too cold, and had basic furniture of various sizes in it, as in, everything from pony size to a size fitting to Ruby. It of course had empty places for those who preferred to lay on the stone, but there were beds and bedding too for those who preferred it. "This is one of our guest caves, this will be yours for your stay here." "As you may have noticed, the entrance is blocked with a magic spell, it provides you full privacy from outside, while letting you see if someone wishes to enter." "For food, you are free to hunt in the forest or the lake, or if you are ill or otherwise wish to not leave the cave, there are means of delivery." he walked to a part of the wall with some magical symbols on it "Meat, Seafood, Plants" he said, pointing at each in order "Just hold a limb against it until it glows." "This system is based on volunteers, so what exactly you get from category, how much, and how long it takes, varies." "If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them, otherwise, I'll leave you alone for now."

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

"A common mistake, doesn't help she's together with Sear." Sheska responded "We are not just friends, she was, as some say, like a big sister to us, when we were young." it was of course bit more complicated than that, since this Chega and their Chega were different, however, they shared similar pasts, so in this context, details like that didn't matter, Sheska also didn't want to think about it, it was lot nicer to pretend that this world's Chega was the one they knew, and to try and forget the awful fate of their Chega.

Meanwhile, as Trox watched Onache make her way out of her room, he realized something and approached them "I think we forgot to mention one thing." "If you wish to contact us later for reason or another, we aren't staying in the tavern anyone, we got a place in the Everfree forest now; look for a barren spot, with at least currently still odd colored dirt, it will be easier to spot when we eventually start construction of a home." he then quieted his voice a bit as he added "And I wish you quick and full recovery." he said it more quietly, because he could tell Onache tried to pretend to be better than she was, yet, at the same time, he didn't want to not wish her well.

 

[EQ_Theta 473]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-05-16 at 8:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"We will not disturb mother. She tells our masters how to form us, and then tells us to be good children, and for them to take good care of us, before she grow silent, so they can focus on us, instead of her. I have seen many other siblings be picked, before Mother made me go back to Equestria. Things rarely change, unless the new master does something wrong."

Sure Mother observed them, up until they left, but at a certain point, she had to let go, and allow the new master and sibling to be on their way, and begin their new lives. At times she had to add more, but there were no need with this. She had found him to be very amicable and respectful, and seeing how he even provided her child with magical clothes as she were given shape, and were already teaching her the basics of movement, she had little worry that this would be a good teacher and master for her.

As the others approached, he would direct one of his large eyes towards them, while the other remained on the sibling, who were getting the hang of how to move her tentacles to provide flight, though he were assisting her with three of his own, directing movements when she seemed to lose tract. As were seen with him, you did not need all tentacles to retain flight, but she were new, and as such would require it.

“It is an important moment, and I doubt it wouldn’t make us look good if we jumped in to interrupt. I guess that goes doubly so for your siblings when they get picked. All the more reason why we should be careful and not ruin the moment.”

Of course, Sen and Lin observed what went on with the newly formed sibling and his new master, keeping an eye on them as they continued their approach to Shrimp. Now, they would be spotted, and the two caught an eye being trained on them. The two froze, paralyzed with their insides gripped and tightening; they feared the possible warning and talk from Mother or her guest, but for now, nothing of the sort happened. They were greeted with some raised tentacles, and in turn, they also instinctively smiled and raised one claw in the air to say hello back. 

And Shrimp? The little one had so much energy, he leaped at Sen. All this happened so quickly that they were now caught in between conversation with Omen and Klughlurg. That and the longma also brought Shrimp closer for them to touch. This was going better than expected, though the longma siblings were still subconsciously waiting for “the talk” that might come later. And they’d feel it would be the worst they’d get like they were being scolded like little children walking into places they shouldn’t be in. 

But as Omen said, the new sibling’s master was seemingly friendly, and so they also smiled and bowed.

On 2025-05-16 at 8:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"She also says her master said hello, and that he is *insert noise akin to someone burping loudly in dish water*. I do not think he can understand what we are saying, but he seems to be nice, and he is already teaching her things. He reminds me of Scarcity."

Not physically in the slightest, but more with how quickly the lessons were beginning, to try and help the new sibling deal with things better. Discord had just picked her up and been on his way, and that wasn't the most unusual approach either, when it came to several other siblings.

As for this one... He were courteous, but as it wasn't like they could communicate properly, he'd accept that they would leave soon. Surely they too had things to do as well, in whatever odd world that someone like them came from.

“Hi there! It’s, uh… nice to meet you. We didn’t mean to interrupt you during this, um… important moment.”

“We just wanted to pick up our little friend, and… we will be on our way.” Lin’s smile grew even wider as she spoke, though it was a little tricky for her to not break eye contact. She quickly scooted over to Omen and tried to speak through her smile. “Uh, Omen? Is there a way we could get our words translated for your sibling’s master if he couldn't understand us? Just to let him know that we are friendly and we didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The longma hoped for the best, and there was a good chance it would turn out well given how things are going now. They certainly believe Mother’s realm to be a safe haven, though safe from awkward interactions was something they didn’t think find themselves in.

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On 2025-05-16 at 8:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"That's emotion tea for you. It's full of nutrients and delicious emotions for us changelings, but for other creatures, it invokes emotions, be they good or bad.

Nostalgia is very popular with the elderly, that can sometimes have problem remembering the old days. Joy is the most popular in general, but we have some goth types here who wants melancholy or sorrow too, among other things.

Folks are pretty varied, but we serve what they want, no matter if they want a feeling of delight, or need a good cry.

But changelings have a bad name to a lot still, because of one of our previous queens. Attacked this town, and really did a number on our reputation, though places like this, and Queen Cheshire's theater, are starting to help.

Of course, having the princess here doesn't hurt either, and I greatly appreciate the gesture."

Videntor stepped aside, heading off into a booth to be alone with his thoughts. It wasn’t something he thought possible, but the stream of memories long locked away proved they couldn’t be kept hidden forever. Considering he lasted several lifetimes without recalling them, the others were concerned for themselves as much as they were for him. It questioned what else they were hiding, if not from others, then from themselves; some longed for simpler times while others recalled an older conversation about how long they ought to exist before they’ve had enough. 

As for the golem himself, he didn’t appear to need the implements in the room, but he made sure to lock himself inside. From there, he’d take this moment to calm himself, think back on his regrets, and wonder just what he could have imaginably achieved in the time between being first sealed away in an orb and now. There is a saying, “Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answers to,” but in his solace dared to ask it anyway. Outside, the others might hear murmurs, signs of the golem talking to himself, and lots of sobbing. They quietly ruminated on their own state for a moment, but they’d keep it to themselves. 

“It’s a heavy thing, being burdened by deeply seated thoughts on the brink of bursting. Perhaps our fellow will find comfort that he doesn’t carry them anymore. Though joy is fleeting, making our own does have its own rewards, not that it invalidates what you do, Wig Woggle. Emotions aside, your tea is delicious. Do changelings equate emotions with taste? Like happiness is equivalent to something that tastes sweet? It is a fascinating thing to wonder about.”

“Speaking of which, changelings are new to us and give them a clean slate to us. We weren’t around during the attack on Canterlot, but from what interactions we have through you paint them in an interesting light as creatures with a great affinity to emotions. Though I am intrigued by something; may I ask you a question? From the perspective of a changeling, would it be preferable to being an unknown to the ponies of this age compared to working toward repairing a tarnished reputation with the ponies?” 

“I admit to falling under the former, though that is mostly by circumstance. A civilization long forgotten has no stigma or expectations, making them putting them in a neutral state. Although I suppose that means it is possible to leave a negative impression if not careful. And… I just realized that this might have become a rather heavy point of discussion. I apologize; these kinds of discussions were common in our time, but prodding like they may be insensitive nowadays. If it is, there is no need to answer.”

Scriniarii may have overstepped his boundaries. In a way, he recognized the difference in situations between the Hyracotherians and the Changelings. However, he was also reminded of the longma based on his interactions with Sen and Lin and the brief understanding of their situation. Out of respect for them, he opted to keep the longma out of the discussion and let them be the ones to open themselves to the world when they were ready.

On 2025-05-16 at 8:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I figured golems couldn't feel, but it's good to be wrong sometimes, yeah?"

"Normally they cannot. Only those build by dedicated Stone Mason's can, and I have known only of very few like that, throughout the ages. Not all are willing to put in the fairh and effort that is apparently needed.

Whomever in your time made you these, were one with considerable skill."

Truth be told, Celestia didn't know the full details. She had some telling shcolars and her how to do this, but even trying herself, with her notably strong magic pool, it had always resulted in nothing more than standard golems. Even if they might seem somewhat lively, they were a far cry from what she had seen in the past, as well as now.

Her best guess, were that it had something to do with faith. Those who crafted the best she had seen or heard of, were seemingly always devoted to their beliefs, though it were still just an assumption, to which she had next to no definitive proof.

The golem scholars knew Celestia spoke true, but saying anything more could give them away. They simply nodded in agreement that whoever made them was truly skilled, and they would leave it at that. Truly, their knowledge of golem-craft was limited at best; only those who knew better could explain it, and being subjected to the process didn’t give them any insight into it. 

However, Legatus had something that could be best described as an itch in his mind, something that could be sated by insight. Princess Celestia being here might be the one most suited to answering it.

“Princess, if I may ask? As someone knowledgable and skilled in statecraft, what is your approach to meeting creatures new and unknown to the ponies of Equestria? Would you send delegations to meet them in their domains, or would you let them establish first contact with ponykind? Although I am no longer practiced in such matters, I once handled those affairs, and I cannot help but be curious about how you would go about it.”

[Blitz Boom 4,705]

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It is nice to meet you Glutton, I must say, you are an intriguing creature, nothing such exist back home." "I thank you for freeing me, I owe you greatly." she emphasized her words with a small bow "My diet consist of anything that is or lately was alive, but right now, I'm in need of something more filling than moss and occasional fly." "Namely, meat." "A rat or something" 

"Well well, I might take you up on that favor someday, little queen. For a draconequui, those're worth more than riches.

But hey, you're mortal, yeah? You might die of old age before something comes up, hah!"

She let out a bellowing laugh, that lasted about a second and a half. Mortals were such amusing little things to tease like this. Same reason she had a dog leash tied around one of her back teeth, with about half of it dangling  out of her maw, and resting loosely on the right of her chin. Nice and red, so it were hard to miss. Ponies loved their pets so much, this tended to rouse them good, even if she hadn't actually eaten this particular dog. She just found the leash in the trash, and were morbidly inspired.

"Anyway, there's prey in the forest. I could smell them on the way here. Outskirts of the Sullen Gorge though, you get all sorts of weird stuff."

It could be anything really. A rat, a boar, a dune wurm, a flesh horror- They were not entirely in that area, but there were a certain degree of *spill-over* one might say, between the Sullen Gorge, and the outskirts of Deltrot Forest.

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

If Glutton wasn't blocking the way, Asildae would start making her way towards the outside world; but even if she couldn't, she would continue speaking regardless "If I may ask something though, where are we?" "What is this place that I find myself in called?"

"Somewhere between the Sullen Gorge, and Deltrot's Green Expanse forest. I personally prefer the former. All sorta weird stuff pops up there every now and again, so I pop in every few decades to have a snack, and visit my oldest sister's memorial.

Was thinking about doing that today, but eh, she ain't going anywhere."

Right outside of here, they'd likely just end up seeing small fry. A boar at most, but rodents and such? Probably. Not many predators though. They tended to sense when something higher up the food chain were around, and Glutton was the peak of it. Sure there were some that were brave or stupid, but for the most part, they stayed way clear of her.

As for the stuff from the gorge... Well, personally she didn't mind, but it might be this crunchy little queen might not much care for something weird and chaotic looking, to rush out and try to eat her skin. If something did, she'd grab it, and eat it herself. The chaos added a nice bit of spice.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

And there were the question. She had been wondering if that would arise, after she had vented in his presence, but he had seemingly held his tongue until now. Fair be it, this were better explained in the open wilds with less creatures gathered regardless.

"You are quite correct, Mr. Vaz. I am not a regular pony. Not anymore.

To make a long tale shorter, I were a researcher of elementals, and my professor got a piece of one, that turned out to be a trap, meant to erupt and destroy the lab. I stayed in the testing room, to activate the safety features, as a poorly timed malfunction made it impossible to do so from the outside, and I barely managed, before it detonated.

WHen I woke up, I were as you see me. Myself in form, but somehow merged with the elemental shard."

She'd lift a hoof, and show him well as the hooves and fur drizzled off like ash, showing the lava and bits of volcanic rock, calmly coursing beneath. It were warm, but nowhere near as much as it should be, being near actual lava, as she had herself under control. And after a few seconds of turning her hooves, the outside of it would start to cool, causing cold lava and rock to rapidly cool in the proper shape of her hoof and leg once more, hair included.

"I am unaware if it is my memory of my form that keeps me like this, or the fusion does. I will admit to have some irrational concerns about trying to alter my physical form, like true elementals can do. Pointless really, but I suppose... I worry that if I can change, is there really any pony left of me? Or is it just the memories and soul, trapped in this molten shell?

*sigh* My apologies, I did not mean to air my concerns like that.

As for the aftermath, I escaped, once I realized my coworkers and professor were not looking for a way to help me, but were only keeping me there as a test subject, and spent some months testing my own limits, and making sure it were safe for me to be in civilized society again. And after I did go, and subsequently helped some ponies who had helped me, I encountered Solar, and he offered me employment. I am an  efficient paper pusher, to simplify it.

I am still searching for some answers to my situation, and potential a way to reverse it, but science have so far not lead to any answers. Solar have suggested I seek less conventional routes, such as the zebras, legends, or peculiar mystics.

I don't suppose you may have encountered something similar, or heard of anything remotely like my situation, Mr. Vaz? I don't mean to pry, but with your admitted extensive lifespan, surely you've seen and heard much, and it can never hurt to ask."

She doubted he did know, but anything really would do. A story. A location. A rumor even, were still more than she had now, as scientifically, she should simply not be here. She should simply be nothing, as the lava would not even leave identifiable ash.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Swanky place, and the enchantment on the door's nice. Haven't seen that one before. And I'll definitely use the lake if it is. I don't want to go back out there again, or risk it either. I've never felt worse, than I did out there.

Anyway, I don't have any questions right now, Voltaick. Thank you for showing us here though. We'll see you around later, yeah?"

She'd give a friendly smile and wave at Voltaick, then wait to see if the others had anything to say. If they did, she'd wait and potentially respond to that. If they did not however, she'd wait until the other dragon were gone, and then head over to Ruby, smile replaced with concern.

"Ruby? We're alone now, okay? Do you... Wanna talk about it? Elder Werodex said what she had done, what it must've been like. You... You aren't hurt, are you?"

The elder hadn't said that there could be actual lasting pain, or a spiritual wound or something, but it were hard for her to get a read on her. Maybe it were a test, and she were meant to find out? She hadn't the foggiest clue, but it were a worry with her right now, that Ruby were hurting in some way. She hadn't seen her like this before, even when she had broken her leg. Something were off, and she just wanted to comfort her.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"A common mistake, doesn't help she's together with Sear." Sheska responded "We are not just friends, she was, as some say, like a big sister to us, when we were young." it was of course bit more complicated than that, since this Chega and their Chega were different, however, they shared similar pasts, so in this context, details like that didn't matter, Sheska also didn't want to think about it, it was lot nicer to pretend that this world's Chega was the one they knew, and to try and forget the awful fate of their Chega.

"Oooooh, so she's kinda like the new forgemaster in Canterlot then. He's a dragon with a marefriend. It's good that she has somepony like that. Her music brings a lot of joy, so she deserves some herself."

Some were rather prudish about these sorts of inter-species relationships, but she didn't much care. They were both adults, they could mingle however they liked. Shell was just surprised were all, as she had never assumed that her musical idol was a kobold. This day were full of surprises.

"Must make you happy that Chega and Sear have one another too, since she means so much to you.

Though can I ask, is it unusual for kobolds to have interspecies relationships? It's pretty irregular everywhere I know, except for the changelings, to do this. More just a few outliers.

I'm not trying to say Chega is weird or anything, and I apologize if it came off like that. I'm just curious."

On 2025-05-17 at 9:47 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Meanwhile, as Trox watched Onache make her way out of her room, he realized something and approached them "I think we forgot to mention one thing." "If you wish to contact us later for reason or another, we aren't staying in the tavern anyone, we got a place in the Everfree forest now; look for a barren spot, with at least currently still odd colored dirt, it will be easier to spot when we eventually start construction of a home." he then quieted his voice a bit as he added "And I wish you quick and full recovery." he said it more quietly, because he could tell Onache tried to pretend to be better than she was, yet, at the same time, he didn't want to not wish her well.

"The bomb-makers abode, I assume? I read some thoughts on her, as I wandered the town. If there are some truth to their thoughts, I would look for traps, if I were you. The general opinion seems to be that she were friendly, yet unhinged."

She had bitten notice in that, as it seemed a peculiar thing for her, to have a youngling all by her lonesome in the forest. had she still been there on her arrival, she would have likely gone and seen for herself, but some pony had already picked her up before that. A rumored brother it seemed, though after a time she had started to ignore further thoughts on her. It were interesting to an extend, but not when things began to mostly repeat itself ad nauseum.

Besides, she had already left the area, so it were hardly anything to focus on, compared to things around those that still were present. That were of course, before she had learned that the kobolds would seemingly take over her home. At least she'd assume it were that, as most others she had heard of, were overgrown, and the castle had a draconequui, so that were not property one could claim.

"Well I'll certainly come around eventually, to see if I can help in some way. I'd usually offer a gift basket of booze, but i remember you saying you're not that interested in that. But a pair of hands for building couldn't hurt, right?"

"Long as you do not try to avoid doing the same at our home."

"Perish the thought, my queen. I'll get to work there soon as you ask it of me."

Onache herself were a traditionalist, so she had to make the first part of the hive herself, before workers would come and begin to expand to fit a growing population.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-05-20 at 5:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hi there! It’s, uh… nice to meet you. We didn’t mean to interrupt you during this, um… important moment.”

“We just wanted to pick up our little friend, and… we will be on our way.” Lin’s smile grew even wider as she spoke, though it was a little tricky for her to not break eye contact. She quickly scooted over to Omen and tried to speak through her smile. “Uh, Omen? Is there a way we could get our words translated for your sibling’s master if he couldn't understand us? Just to let him know that we are friendly and we didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The longma hoped for the best, and there was a good chance it would turn out well given how things are going now. They certainly believe Mother’s realm to be a safe haven, though safe from awkward interactions was something they didn’t think find themselves in.

Omen would nod, and then speak to her sister, who then spoke to her new master. He in turn would speak back, letting out some very weird sounds, that Omen's sister would then translate back to her, and after a bit, Omen would then be able to turn and look at Sen and Lin again.

"He understands, and assumed we came here for Shrimp, since he is not from his world.

He also said something about us looking strange, I think?"

She would turn and talk to her sister a bit more, before returning to her friends. All the while, Shrimp would be gleefully rushing up and down Lin's back, giddy and full of energy. Something that the squid might be looking at. It were hard to say with that massive eye looking towards them, as it may as well be simply looking the four of them over. A thin, see-through membrane would at times close over in a blink, but the gaze were unending. The things he must be able to see. Especially as this were only 1 of his eyes too, so considering the placement of the second, he had to have a rather large scope of vision.

"Yes. He thinks we have too few limbs, and does not seem like we would swim well. I can not swim, so that is true for me at least."

Her sister would speak again for a little while, though Omen didn't turn around this time. She merely listened, as the odd language of the Ki'nathar were spoken.

Yet before she could say anything, a noise came from the squid. Unlike what had been so far. Through the fish it came, its mouth moving and eyes suddenly open and glowing, as the squid used it as a conduit or sorts.

"Meet... You..."

It seemed he were trying to communicate, and if they spoke, he would slowly bring the fish nearer, its maw opened wide as they spoke, as if it were trying to absorb their words, to learn more of them.

The voice of the fish were hissing and eerie. Like a sea monster that had waited for prey, and were taunting them before the hunt.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-05-20 at 5:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It’s a heavy thing, being burdened by deeply seated thoughts on the brink of bursting. Perhaps our fellow will find comfort that he doesn’t carry them anymore. Though joy is fleeting, making our own does have its own rewards, not that it invalidates what you do, Wig Woggle. Emotions aside, your tea is delicious. Do changelings equate emotions with taste? Like happiness is equivalent to something that tastes sweet? It is a fascinating thing to wonder about.”

“Speaking of which, changelings are new to us and give them a clean slate to us. We weren’t around during the attack on Canterlot, but from what interactions we have through you paint them in an interesting light as creatures with a great affinity to emotions. Though I am intrigued by something; may I ask you a question? From the perspective of a changeling, would it be preferable to being an unknown to the ponies of this age compared to working toward repairing a tarnished reputation with the ponies?” 

“I admit to falling under the former, though that is mostly by circumstance. A civilization long forgotten has no stigma or expectations, making them putting them in a neutral state. Although I suppose that means it is possible to leave a negative impression if not careful. And… I just realized that this might have become a rather heavy point of discussion. I apologize; these kinds of discussions were common in our time, but prodding like they may be insensitive nowadays. If it is, there is no need to answer.”

Considering the booths were soundproof and away from the regular store, in the hallway, they shouldn't be able to hear their friend, lest he were being very loud.

Not that any would much care. Especially as the question came out. It didn't exactly cause the whole store to come to a grinding halt, but a few nearby who heard it, did seem to twitch slightly, and appeared uncomfortable.

"Hey easy now, alright? It's a fair question. Just let me handle it."

Wig could literally feel the nervousness that had wafted around in here, when the prospect of a tarnished reputation came up, and as such she had spoken out into the room, to calm those worries, while she prepared to answer it. The other questions too, but this one were important. She couldn't have her customers get all spooked for no reason.

"Look, it's a tough question to answer. Me personally? I enjoy being out in the open, and not have to hide behind a facade just to mingle around society, and having to harvest emotions with desperate measures at times, just to survive on the bare minimum. Don't listen to the haters out there. You won't find many changelings who ever actually enjoyed harvesting those directly from others, or having to deal with putting out harvest vats in inconspicuous areas, and hoping no one found out about it. It were never prime location, and as such, food were either cruel, or scarce.

But there are some who were part of that bad history, still living and moving around in Canterlot and the rest of Equestria. Not just from the attack on Canterlot itself, but also some other smaller incidents around the country. Fair few of those, would prefer to remain hidden, afraid of what others would do, even if they didn't have much of a choice, and all the tension around isn't just removed from one day to the next. It takes a lot of time, and there's still plenty of harsh, loud voices, that throws wrenches into the gears. So right now, it's a question with a lot of answers, depending on who you ask.

This here's why the efforts of Hive Cheshire is so important. A lot of the queens scoff at her, and look down on her, because her hive is so small, but she's pushing hard to educate the public about us, and show that we're not dangerous monsters, but just folks trying to live. Including teaching them why even if we didn't like it, we couldn't stop from hunting for emotions. It'd leave us with... Something I'd rather not say out loud, but it's bad. Like, worse than death bad.

Being out in the open, even with the baggage though? It helps of stave it off far more calmly. We can either ask for emotions from friends in smaller amounts, pay at places like this, or harvest it with our own vats. It's more effort, but the peace of mind is well worth it.

Now as for the taste you asked about? Yes, different emotions have different tastes. Joy is like rich honey. Spite has a good, tangy aftertaste. Bravery is a bombastic grape flavor, anger is spicy, love is as sweet as nectar, and so on, and so forth. Different hives can eat any emotions, but have preferences, based on who their queen is, or were. For instance, Hive Onache are a Joy hive, whereas the one I come from - Hive Mirabella - is a Delight hive.

You don't have to watch out for any hive, based on their emotions though. Even negative ones, are not dangerous. Just because someone eats Hatred, doesn't mean that want to make you angry. It's just a taste preference.

You might end up having to do like Hive Cheshire, and teach others of your kind, if you want everyone to be more calm around you. The more others know, the less scared they'd be. Though I'd think more are bemused and confused by you, and y'know, no offense, but that's great for me. The confusion vat have been slow to fill recently, so this is a great help, hehe.

You might want to go see Cheshire and her hive someday actually. She's all the way in Las Pegasus, but she's the friendliest face you'll ever meet. Tiny hive of pacifists, and the first hive that came out openly to seek acceptance, after King Thorax made it so that his hive were on good terms with the princesses. They might be able to give you some pointers."

"They have a delightful theater too, with many quite delightful showings. have you been there yet, your majesty?"

Celestia would shake her head briefly.

"Sadly I have yet to find the time, though it is on my list. For the show, and to thank them for their efforts alike."

Though she had not meet them, they had sent a large batch of emotion jelly, all packed up nicely in good bags, ready to be given out, with a message from Cheshire that told her to keep these, in case of hungry changelings, and let her know if they needed more. As well as an open invitation to come see a show. It were a surprisingly thoughtful gesture, and she had them stashed elsewhere in the castle, with most that had so far been used, being to help feed the few changeling prisoners they had. The others were surprisingly fast to help any changeling that came starving into town, so there were little reason for her to intervene yet.

On 2025-05-20 at 5:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

The golem scholars knew Celestia spoke true, but saying anything more could give them away. They simply nodded in agreement that whoever made them was truly skilled, and they would leave it at that. Truly, their knowledge of golem-craft was limited at best; only those who knew better could explain it, and being subjected to the process didn’t give them any insight into it. 

However, Legatus had something that could be best described as an itch in his mind, something that could be sated by insight. Princess Celestia being here might be the one most suited to answering it.

“Princess, if I may ask? As someone knowledgable and skilled in statecraft, what is your approach to meeting creatures new and unknown to the ponies of Equestria? Would you send delegations to meet them in their domains, or would you let them establish first contact with ponykind? Although I am no longer practiced in such matters, I once handled those affairs, and I cannot help but be curious about how you would go about it.”

"For many, we have met them on neutral grounds, for many centuries. Some have had no want to speak with us at all, others meet only via diplomats from both ends, to discuss neutrality.

In recent years, my protege Twilight Sparkle, have taken to go out and make contact herself with many races. Both unknown, and those who have been on worse terms with us, for quite a long time, such as the dragons. She starts things well, and then they send delegations here to speak with us. Others have come out and send representatives or individuals themselves, hearing of the success others have had. We are entering a truly glorious age, because of her efforts, and I can hardly be prouder of her.

Yet neither my sister or I are ones for long sessions of paperwork and treaties. Our diplomats handle that much better, with our most hardworking being Golden Sun. A diplomat from the kingdom of Saddle Arabia, generously offered to us by Princess Arabian Nights. We have been on good terms with her for centuries, and he have proven loyal and efficient.

Sometimes though, it all begins with a simple meeting, and things may then go from there. The newest of that being a surprising one, as a Sphinx have joined Equestria, in recent days. A long lived, proud race that have had no interest in ponies beyond governing over them, for longer than I have been alive. It is but a lone individual, but perhaps this may lead to more. Never a treaty of friendship I would think, but when it comes to the sphinx, neutrality is yet a desirable goal.

Might I ask, in your days, how would you have handled such matters? I find myself curious, as to how things have changed since then."

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

 

@Dah Onion Eater

"Awh, okay. Not many friends like to be wet. Is important for Shark though. Too dry feels bad."

Her tail wagged as she grinned wider, clearly having not a worry in the world.

"Why did someone send you here? Do they wait for you? Ooooh. Or did special one send you?"

 

[Zera Brightbolt]

1 minute ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Catpone Cerberus

"Well well, I might take you up on that favor someday, little queen. For a draconequui, those're worth more than riches.

But hey, you're mortal, yeah? You might die of old age before something comes up, hah!"

She let out a bellowing laugh, that lasted about a second and a half. Mortals were such amusing little things to tease like this. Same reason she had a dog leash tied around one of her back teeth, with about half of it dangling  out of her maw, and resting loosely on the right of her chin. Nice and red, so it were hard to miss. Ponies loved their pets so much, this tended to rouse them good, even if she hadn't actually eaten this particular dog. She just found the leash in the trash, and were morbidly inspired.

"Anyway, there's prey in the forest. I could smell them on the way here. Outskirts of the Sullen Gorge though, you get all sorts of weird stuff."

It could be anything really. A rat, a boar, a dune wurm, a flesh horror- They were not entirely in that area, but there were a certain degree of *spill-over* one might say, between the Sullen Gorge, and the outskirts of Deltrot Forest.

"Somewhere between the Sullen Gorge, and Deltrot's Green Expanse forest. I personally prefer the former. All sorta weird stuff pops up there every now and again, so I pop in every few decades to have a snack, and visit my oldest sister's memorial.

Was thinking about doing that today, but eh, she ain't going anywhere."

Right outside of here, they'd likely just end up seeing small fry. A boar at most, but rodents and such? Probably. Not many predators though. They tended to sense when something higher up the food chain were around, and Glutton was the peak of it. Sure there were some that were brave or stupid, but for the most part, they stayed way clear of her.

As for the stuff from the gorge... Well, personally she didn't mind, but it might be this crunchy little queen might not much care for something weird and chaotic looking, to rush out and try to eat her skin. If something did, she'd grab it, and eat it herself. The chaos added a nice bit of spice.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

And there were the question. She had been wondering if that would arise, after she had vented in his presence, but he had seemingly held his tongue until now. Fair be it, this were better explained in the open wilds with less creatures gathered regardless.

"You are quite correct, Mr. Vaz. I am not a regular pony. Not anymore.

To make a long tale shorter, I were a researcher of elementals, and my professor got a piece of one, that turned out to be a trap, meant to erupt and destroy the lab. I stayed in the testing room, to activate the safety features, as a poorly timed malfunction made it impossible to do so from the outside, and I barely managed, before it detonated.

WHen I woke up, I were as you see me. Myself in form, but somehow merged with the elemental shard."

She'd lift a hoof, and show him well as the hooves and fur drizzled off like ash, showing the lava and bits of volcanic rock, calmly coursing beneath. It were warm, but nowhere near as much as it should be, being near actual lava, as she had herself under control. And after a few seconds of turning her hooves, the outside of it would start to cool, causing cold lava and rock to rapidly cool in the proper shape of her hoof and leg once more, hair included.

"I am unaware if it is my memory of my form that keeps me like this, or the fusion does. I will admit to have some irrational concerns about trying to alter my physical form, like true elementals can do. Pointless really, but I suppose... I worry that if I can change, is there really any pony left of me? Or is it just the memories and soul, trapped in this molten shell?

*sigh* My apologies, I did not mean to air my concerns like that.

As for the aftermath, I escaped, once I realized my coworkers and professor were not looking for a way to help me, but were only keeping me there as a test subject, and spent some months testing my own limits, and making sure it were safe for me to be in civilized society again. And after I did go, and subsequently helped some ponies who had helped me, I encountered Solar, and he offered me employment. I am an  efficient paper pusher, to simplify it.

I am still searching for some answers to my situation, and potential a way to reverse it, but science have so far not lead to any answers. Solar have suggested I seek less conventional routes, such as the zebras, legends, or peculiar mystics.

I don't suppose you may have encountered something similar, or heard of anything remotely like my situation, Mr. Vaz? I don't mean to pry, but with your admitted extensive lifespan, surely you've seen and heard much, and it can never hurt to ask."

She doubted he did know, but anything really would do. A story. A location. A rumor even, were still more than she had now, as scientifically, she should simply not be here. She should simply be nothing, as the lava would not even leave identifiable ash.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Swanky place, and the enchantment on the door's nice. Haven't seen that one before. And I'll definitely use the lake if it is. I don't want to go back out there again, or risk it either. I've never felt worse, than I did out there.

Anyway, I don't have any questions right now, Voltaick. Thank you for showing us here though. We'll see you around later, yeah?"

She'd give a friendly smile and wave at Voltaick, then wait to see if the others had anything to say. If they did, she'd wait and potentially respond to that. If they did not however, she'd wait until the other dragon were gone, and then head over to Ruby, smile replaced with concern.

"Ruby? We're alone now, okay? Do you... Wanna talk about it? Elder Werodex said what she had done, what it must've been like. You... You aren't hurt, are you?"

The elder hadn't said that there could be actual lasting pain, or a spiritual wound or something, but it were hard for her to get a read on her. Maybe it were a test, and she were meant to find out? She hadn't the foggiest clue, but it were a worry with her right now, that Ruby were hurting in some way. She hadn't seen her like this before, even when she had broken her leg. Something were off, and she just wanted to comfort her.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Oooooh, so she's kinda like the new forgemaster in Canterlot then. He's a dragon with a marefriend. It's good that she has somepony like that. Her music brings a lot of joy, so she deserves some herself."

Some were rather prudish about these sorts of inter-species relationships, but she didn't much care. They were both adults, they could mingle however they liked. Shell was just surprised were all, as she had never assumed that her musical idol was a kobold. This day were full of surprises.

"Must make you happy that Chega and Sear have one another too, since she means so much to you.

Though can I ask, is it unusual for kobolds to have interspecies relationships? It's pretty irregular everywhere I know, except for the changelings, to do this. More just a few outliers.

I'm not trying to say Chega is weird or anything, and I apologize if it came off like that. I'm just curious."

"The bomb-makers abode, I assume? I read some thoughts on her, as I wandered the town. If there are some truth to their thoughts, I would look for traps, if I were you. The general opinion seems to be that she were friendly, yet unhinged."

She had bitten notice in that, as it seemed a peculiar thing for her, to have a youngling all by her lonesome in the forest. had she still been there on her arrival, she would have likely gone and seen for herself, but some pony had already picked her up before that. A rumored brother it seemed, though after a time she had started to ignore further thoughts on her. It were interesting to an extend, but not when things began to mostly repeat itself ad nauseum.

Besides, she had already left the area, so it were hardly anything to focus on, compared to things around those that still were present. That were of course, before she had learned that the kobolds would seemingly take over her home. At least she'd assume it were that, as most others she had heard of, were overgrown, and the castle had a draconequui, so that were not property one could claim.

"Well I'll certainly come around eventually, to see if I can help in some way. I'd usually offer a gift basket of booze, but i remember you saying you're not that interested in that. But a pair of hands for building couldn't hurt, right?"

"Long as you do not try to avoid doing the same at our home."

"Perish the thought, my queen. I'll get to work there soon as you ask it of me."

Onache herself were a traditionalist, so she had to make the first part of the hive herself, before workers would come and begin to expand to fit a growing population.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

Omen would nod, and then speak to her sister, who then spoke to her new master. He in turn would speak back, letting out some very weird sounds, that Omen's sister would then translate back to her, and after a bit, Omen would then be able to turn and look at Sen and Lin again.

"He understands, and assumed we came here for Shrimp, since he is not from his world.

He also said something about us looking strange, I think?"

She would turn and talk to her sister a bit more, before returning to her friends. All the while, Shrimp would be gleefully rushing up and down Lin's back, giddy and full of energy. Something that the squid might be looking at. It were hard to say with that massive eye looking towards them, as it may as well be simply looking the four of them over. A thin, see-through membrane would at times close over in a blink, but the gaze were unending. The things he must be able to see. Especially as this were only 1 of his eyes too, so considering the placement of the second, he had to have a rather large scope of vision.

"Yes. He thinks we have too few limbs, and does not seem like we would swim well. I can not swim, so that is true for me at least."

Her sister would speak again for a little while, though Omen didn't turn around this time. She merely listened, as the odd language of the Ki'nathar were spoken.

Yet before she could say anything, a noise came from the squid. Unlike what had been so far. Through the fish it came, its mouth moving and eyes suddenly open and glowing, as the squid used it as a conduit or sorts.

"Meet... You..."

It seemed he were trying to communicate, and if they spoke, he would slowly bring the fish nearer, its maw opened wide as they spoke, as if it were trying to absorb their words, to learn more of them.

The voice of the fish were hissing and eerie. Like a sea monster that had waited for prey, and were taunting them before the hunt.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

Considering the booths were soundproof and away from the regular store, in the hallway, they shouldn't be able to hear their friend, lest he were being very loud.

Not that any would much care. Especially as the question came out. It didn't exactly cause the whole store to come to a grinding halt, but a few nearby who heard it, did seem to twitch slightly, and appeared uncomfortable.

"Hey easy now, alright? It's a fair question. Just let me handle it."

Wig could literally feel the nervousness that had wafted around in here, when the prospect of a tarnished reputation came up, and as such she had spoken out into the room, to calm those worries, while she prepared to answer it. The other questions too, but this one were important. She couldn't have her customers get all spooked for no reason.

"Look, it's a tough question to answer. Me personally? I enjoy being out in the open, and not have to hide behind a facade just to mingle around society, and having to harvest emotions with desperate measures at times, just to survive on the bare minimum. Don't listen to the haters out there. You won't find many changelings who ever actually enjoyed harvesting those directly from others, or having to deal with putting out harvest vats in inconspicuous areas, and hoping no one found out about it. It were never prime location, and as such, food were either cruel, or scarce.

But there are some who were part of that bad history, still living and moving around in Canterlot and the rest of Equestria. Not just from the attack on Canterlot itself, but also some other smaller incidents around the country. Fair few of those, would prefer to remain hidden, afraid of what others would do, even if they didn't have much of a choice, and all the tension around isn't just removed from one day to the next. It takes a lot of time, and there's still plenty of harsh, loud voices, that throws wrenches into the gears. So right now, it's a question with a lot of answers, depending on who you ask.

This here's why the efforts of Hive Cheshire is so important. A lot of the queens scoff at her, and look down on her, because her hive is so small, but she's pushing hard to educate the public about us, and show that we're not dangerous monsters, but just folks trying to live. Including teaching them why even if we didn't like it, we couldn't stop from hunting for emotions. It'd leave us with... Something I'd rather not say out loud, but it's bad. Like, worse than death bad.

Being out in the open, even with the baggage though? It helps of stave it off far more calmly. We can either ask for emotions from friends in smaller amounts, pay at places like this, or harvest it with our own vats. It's more effort, but the peace of mind is well worth it.

Now as for the taste you asked about? Yes, different emotions have different tastes. Joy is like rich honey. Spite has a good, tangy aftertaste. Bravery is a bombastic grape flavor, anger is spicy, love is as sweet as nectar, and so on, and so forth. Different hives can eat any emotions, but have preferences, based on who their queen is, or were. For instance, Hive Onache are a Joy hive, whereas the one I come from - Hive Mirabella - is a Delight hive.

You don't have to watch out for any hive, based on their emotions though. Even negative ones, are not dangerous. Just because someone eats Hatred, doesn't mean that want to make you angry. It's just a taste preference.

You might end up having to do like Hive Cheshire, and teach others of your kind, if you want everyone to be more calm around you. The more others know, the less scared they'd be. Though I'd think more are bemused and confused by you, and y'know, no offense, but that's great for me. The confusion vat have been slow to fill recently, so this is a great help, hehe.

You might want to go see Cheshire and her hive someday actually. She's all the way in Las Pegasus, but she's the friendliest face you'll ever meet. Tiny hive of pacifists, and the first hive that came out openly to seek acceptance, after King Thorax made it so that his hive were on good terms with the princesses. They might be able to give you some pointers."

"They have a delightful theater too, with many quite delightful showings. have you been there yet, your majesty?"

Celestia would shake her head briefly.

"Sadly I have yet to find the time, though it is on my list. For the show, and to thank them for their efforts alike."

Though she had not meet them, they had sent a large batch of emotion jelly, all packed up nicely in good bags, ready to be given out, with a message from Cheshire that told her to keep these, in case of hungry changelings, and let her know if they needed more. As well as an open invitation to come see a show. It were a surprisingly thoughtful gesture, and she had them stashed elsewhere in the castle, with most that had so far been used, being to help feed the few changeling prisoners they had. The others were surprisingly fast to help any changeling that came starving into town, so there were little reason for her to intervene yet.

"For many, we have met them on neutral grounds, for many centuries. Some have had no want to speak with us at all, others meet only via diplomats from both ends, to discuss neutrality.

In recent years, my protege Twilight Sparkle, have taken to go out and make contact herself with many races. Both unknown, and those who have been on worse terms with us, for quite a long time, such as the dragons. She starts things well, and then they send delegations here to speak with us. Others have come out and send representatives or individuals themselves, hearing of the success others have had. We are entering a truly glorious age, because of her efforts, and I can hardly be prouder of her.

Yet neither my sister or I are ones for long sessions of paperwork and treaties. Our diplomats handle that much better, with our most hardworking being Golden Sun. A diplomat from the kingdom of Saddle Arabia, generously offered to us by Princess Arabian Nights. We have been on good terms with her for centuries, and he have proven loyal and efficient.

Sometimes though, it all begins with a simple meeting, and things may then go from there. The newest of that being a surprising one, as a Sphinx have joined Equestria, in recent days. A long lived, proud race that have had no interest in ponies beyond governing over them, for longer than I have been alive. It is but a lone individual, but perhaps this may lead to more. Never a treaty of friendship I would think, but when it comes to the sphinx, neutrality is yet a desirable goal.

Might I ask, in your days, how would you have handled such matters? I find myself curious, as to how things have changed since then."

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

 

@Dah Onion Eater

"Awh, okay. Not many friends like to be wet. Is important for Shark though. Too dry feels bad."

Her tail wagged as she grinned wider, clearly having not a worry in the world.

"Why did someone send you here? Do they wait for you? Ooooh. Or did special one send you?"

 

"If this Special One is the one who called herself Mother, then yes, she sent me, I am from another Equestria, and I miss it, I cannot find my old friends or those who I have rescued from their misfortunes" Zera said, leading in on his past in HIS Equestria.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,747]

@Blitz Boom
Draconequui, that explained the oddness of this creature, Asildae had heard of them, or more specifically, read about them, but she had never actually seen one, so she didn't know how to spot one. As for mortality, Asildae wasn't much bothered by her own, nor did she have much care for the potentially eaten dog, in fact, she wasn't beyond eating one herself. "Well, you do have almost two centuries before that, until of course I get killed somehow." "Frankly I'm baffled I'm still alive now." she said it rather casually, with her confusion towards the fact apparent in her voice.

Glutton's answer to Asildae's question didn't really help, until after the queen though about it for a moment; Draconequui were often seen in a specific place, and the name Deltrot sounded very...equine. "Wait, we are in the pony lands?!" the disbelief was very clear in her tone, as she also shook her head in disbelief "So not only was I spared for some reason, I was also dragged on the other side of the world?"

When outside the cave, Asildae stretched her limbs and buzzed her wings for few seconds, also letting out what would best be described as pleased whistle, before taking flight and floating just above the ground; if Glutton spoke to her at this point, she would listen, but regardless of if she was still speaking or not, after few moments, Asildae's antenna's would wiggle a bit, and she would suddenly launch upwards at impressive speed, flying towards a nearby tree, and soon returning with two unfortunate creatures, a squirrel and a magpie, one in each hand. The two were still alive, trying to get free, but Asildae's three fingers held on surprisingly tight, and she didn't seem bothered by the scratches and bites the two creatures desperately threw at her.
As she was coming back, she would put her mouth against both of her pray for a second or two each, and while it wasn't visible what exactly she did, it was clear she did something, as quickly after this, their struggle ceased.

She would then land, holding the two, and if her sudden launch had interrupted Glutton, she would apologize for the interruption in a tone that was way too regal for someone holding a dead squirrel and a dead bird in her hands. If Glutton hadn't been speaking, she would still apologize, just for her sudden departure instead.

-----
"Ah, science gone wrong, a story as old as time." "I agree with Solar's suggestion, such routes are unlikely to help directly, but they may inspire ideas that do." "Though you should also prepare to accept that you situation may be permanent." "To be blunt, It sounds to me, that the merge with the shard saved your life, in which case, removing it could mean your death." "But alas, I have not encountered something like yourself in my memory, so I merely speculate."

"There is however a recent case with distant similarities." "A hybrid creature, pony and dragon, curious existence by itself, stumbled upon a crystal like object, which in a life and death situation called to her." "She later woke up alive and healthy, with said object embedded in her chest." "She however wishes not to get rid of it, for it gives her power, even with side-effects of voices claiming to be gods." "It also undoubtedly, keeps her alive, and removing it, would be like ripping out one's heart." "If you wish to meet her, I cannot help you, for she wanders like I, but with her choice of occupation, she no doubt exists in the records of pony law enforcement." 

"As for crisis of self, it is perfectly natural, I too have gone through it." "I suggest difference in perspective" "It is not being a pony from outside, that makes you you, rather, it is what is inside, that makes a pony."  "Ask yourself, is Solar a pony? Or is Sheez, who is more metal than flesh, a kobold?" "If one creates a dragon shaped machine, that thinks it's a dragon, is it?" "Am I, somebody far beyond natural life-span, truly a kobold?" "Or am I just preserved corpse, who thinks he is one?" "A soul trapped so long, that its memory is failing?" "If your answer to any of these are yes, why would you be different?" "If it is your appearance that makes you a pony, then wouldn't a changeling pretending to be a pony, be one too?"

"There is also the question, does it matter?" "Is being considered a certain species, truly so important? Is it truly something that your happiness depends on, or do you just think it is?" "I have found during my travels, that hybrids, and those who don't fit in with specific species or groups for other reasons, are the happiest when they stop trying to." "They take pride in what they are, not what they should be." 

As he talked, and they walked, Vaz kept looking around for anything out of normal, it was very obvious, as he always turned his head; it was likely that the skull on his head limited his field of view somewhat.

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

"Yes, I have been tasked as your guide, so I will be around most of the time." "Though with Werodex wanting to speak to me, it is likely you won't see me again until tomorrow." Voltaick responded, though before he turned away, surprisingly enough, Charir spoke up "I have a question." he sounded nervous, as to be expected "You spoke about Elder Dask, what is she like?" Charir was curious about the elder Death bringer, he also wanted to be prepared in case they met her. "Surprisingly nice." Voltaick stated "I wasn't being sarcastic when I said she would be delighted to meet you." "She is weirdly enough one of the most patient Elders, and one of the least terrifying when on bad mood." "But she is still a death bringer, both in behavior and habits, she is very direct, and decorates her cave with her fallen enemies."  "She and Elder Werodex also seem to be more friendly with each other than with the other Elders, though I'm not foolish enough to pry any further, Werodex is the most terrifying when you get on her wrong side." "Not that the elders generally have any problems with each other, it is just that in general, the relationships tends to be lot more...formal." Charir just nodded as acknowledgement, and with Ruby not saying anything either, if Leviathan didn't add something, Voltaick would at this point turn around and wish the group good rest, walking out and taking flight towards the library.  

 

Ruby had sat down while Voltaick spoke, and when Leviathan came closer and spoke to her, she didn't turn to look at her, but rather kept her face towards the entrance, though she wasn't entirely still, with small movement in her tail, which was only notable because usually Ruby was motionless like a rock when not actively moving. "Hurt? no" "The removal of the necklace has left me with a slight weird feeling, like something is missing, but other than that, no 'hurt'" she stayed quiet for a bit before continuing "But, it is pointless to claim that I am fine, I am aware that my body betrays me." 

She finally turned towards Leviathan, Charir had also sat down, looking at Ruby from small distance, he too was concerned, but had no means to act on it other than observe, both due to his lack of experience, and because he didn't want to be close in case Ruby lashed out, he may have grown to trust her, but she was still one of his kind, she still wasn't like Leviathan.

"There is something wrong with me, I first assumed after the deer temple that it was to do with my magic, the transformation." She was as matter of fact as always, yet her body language signaled discomfort "Yet, while I still find myself unable to will myself to take the pony form, I no longer believe that." "When I asked what Werodex did to me, it wasn't about the amulet, it was what she called 'Suppressing'."
"She practically paralyzed me, though, it did also take away the discomfort the necklace caused." "That wasn't the issue either."

"The issue is, that while it lasted only seconds, it made me as uncomfortable as the entire time in that temple did." "I managed to collect myself lot faster this time, but it is not gone still." she once again turned to look at the entrance, and after another small silence, she added "That is not all." "I have intrusive memories, or rather, a memory." "It started after the temple, in my dreams during the two times we rested on the way here." "It is not entirely new, my dreams are rarely pleasant, if I dream at all." "But now, it intrudes awake too, I cannot get it out of my head." she turned her head to seemingly towards nothing specific, though directionally, it was pointed towards the death bringer territory "The ravine." her tail slammed against the cave ground restlessly and she tensed up "And the sickening grin of the dragon who habited it." her voice broke into a growl "No, not a dragon. A worthless worm." she again looked towards Leviathan "He is dead, rotten, and forgotten..." she calmed down enough to stop growling "...yet..." She didn't continue, instead she laid down and took a deep breath, falling silent, her eyes once again towards the entrance.

----

"Chega's happiness is our happiness." Sheska summarized "And yes, it is very unusual." "Like said, we are quite isolated species, even if a group or a community is living on the surface, we tend to keep to ourselves." "So even close friendships between kobolds and non-kobolds are relatively rare, not to mention full relationship." "Though when it does happen, it is most often a dragon; there seems to be some natural draw." "There has been cases where kobolds have formed a religion-like relationship around a dragon, and Chega has mentioned meeting a kobold who is acting as sort of a guardian and ambassador for a family of dragons."

"But while unusual, it is not shunned, the only thing is, that most communities don't want outsiders living in the community, so any relationships have to work around that." "And as a healer, if a kobold was to bring their non-kobold friend or partner to my care, I would take care of them." "After all, as long as they are not someone who is or has caused direct harm to our kin, not treating them well, would be an act of harm towards the kobold, who's partner or friend they are."

 

 

 

Trox nodded at Onache's assumption. "We were told about her, got the same understanding about her." "And no need to worry, looking for traps is second nature to us." he doubted there was any active traps left, since the buildings weren't trapped, but what was a possibility, was unexploded bombs in the ground; but they would remove lot of that anyway, both to get any possibly toxic ground out, and because they will be building partly underground. "And yes, you remember right, we don't really drink." Alcohol did have other uses too, but Trox felt it would have been disrespectful to accept a gift and then use it like that. "As for help generally, we'll have to see when you visit, as we don't really even know ourself yet what we need." "Or what is available."

"The same offer goes to other direction too, while we are now even, and I know you said you don't like to owe a favor, our yet to exist doors are open, in case you need someone from outside the pony norm." 
 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 473]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-05-28 at 7:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"He understands, and assumed we came here for Shrimp, since he is not from his world.

He also said something about us looking strange, I think?"

She would turn and talk to her sister a bit more, before returning to her friends. All the while, Shrimp would be gleefully rushing up and down Lin's back, giddy and full of energy. Something that the squid might be looking at. It were hard to say with that massive eye looking towards them, as it may as well be simply looking the four of them over. A thin, see-through membrane would at times close over in a blink, but the gaze were unending. The things he must be able to see. Especially as this were only 1 of his eyes too, so considering the placement of the second, he had to have a rather large scope of vision.

"Yes. He thinks we have too few limbs, and does not seem like we would swim well. I can not swim, so that is true for me at least."

“I guess strange is one way of looking at things, and I can understand us being strange to your sibling and his master. Would be similar to how our folks back home might have thought of you and Lin when we first returned home after so much time had passed.”

“It is a matter of perspective. One sees things as normal that others would see as strange. Experience and history are varied, and that shapes perspectives. Although I concede; he is right that we would not be able to swim well. I can’t even swim at all.”

Sen nodded at the assessment of himself. The thought of being labeled as “strange” didn’t seem odd. Having been around a whole assortment of places and creatures meant the word didn’t carry the kind of stigma some associated it with. Some would see it as an insult, a kind of label that instilled an egotistical sense of pride in putting someone else down for things outside their control. But seeing the truth that the world outside carried its own kind of strangeness meant the word’s power diminished, and nothing ever truly was strange, relatively speaking. After all, if everyone and everything is strange, then nothing and no one could be.

Lin thought the same, though she couldn’t express it vocally; Shrimp running on her back was distracting enough. His little steps lightly tapping on her hide felt ticklish, and she would playfully try to get him to tone it down a little, all the while trying to stifle her chuckles. It would be rather inappropriate if she were to burst into laughter at such an odd time.

But all that halted when the squid creature spoke to them. Rather, a noise emanated from the squid creature sounding like it was trying to communicate with them. Or perhaps it was the fish that came from the squid… which just raises questions about how all this was possible. It might be possible that they were communicating with a being that could be considered “eldritch” in nature, which brings back the discussion on how strange another could be.

On 2025-05-28 at 7:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Yet before she could say anything, a noise came from the squid. Unlike what had been so far. Through the fish it came, its mouth moving and eyes suddenly open and glowing, as the squid used it as a conduit or sorts.

"Meet... You..."

It seemed he were trying to communicate, and if they spoke, he would slowly bring the fish nearer, its maw opened wide as they spoke, as if it were trying to absorb their words, to learn more of them.

The voice of the fish were hissing and eerie. Like a sea monster that had waited for prey, and were taunting them before the hunt.

Regardless, Lin and Sen were cautious, slowly approaching and gauging their way of communication as the situation unfolded before them. The sound put the hairs on their backs on edge, and while they were wary, they didn’t want to come across as aloof.

“‘Meet… you…?’ I’m sorry; did I hear you right?”

“I… uh, think I understand what you just said. Does that mean… you can understand us? We don’t mean you any harm, and we are not looking for trouble. You want to meet us?”

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

On 2025-05-28 at 7:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

But there are some who were part of that bad history, still living and moving around in Canterlot and the rest of Equestria. Not just from the attack on Canterlot itself, but also some other smaller incidents around the country. Fair few of those, would prefer to remain hidden, afraid of what others would do, even if they didn't have much of a choice, and all the tension around isn't just removed from one day to the next. It takes a lot of time, and there's still plenty of harsh, loud voices, that throws wrenches into the gears. So right now, it's a question with a lot of answers, depending on who you ask.

This here's why the efforts of Hive Cheshire is so important. A lot of the queens scoff at her, and look down on her, because her hive is so small, but she's pushing hard to educate the public about us, and show that we're not dangerous monsters, but just folks trying to live. Including teaching them why even if we didn't like it, we couldn't stop from hunting for emotions. It'd leave us with... Something I'd rather not say out loud, but it's bad. Like, worse than death bad.

“I didn’t mean to bring out such negativity around here. It seems like it is still a sore spot among the changelings, but now we know such a matter is delicate. And that would require a deft approach. I wasn’t thinking straight when I brought up the question, and I appreciate your openness to answering it despite the connotation surrounding the topic.”

“Your nuanced answer is reminiscent of our time when debating topics like this was fairly common. But maybe our old way of speaking out in the open was not warranted here, especially when difficult history is the topic of discussion. Knowing what we know now, efforts to build up a broken or negative history is a monumental but admirable task. Changing preconceived notions based on unsavory experiences is a difficult - maybe even near impossible - endeavor, and what can help change it is a positive.”

“That said, learning is a two-way street, and being open to change is just as essential. Whoever sees your efforts may not be so receptive. But that becomes an issue for them to resolve, knowing you are doing what you can.”

Scriniarri didn’t want to come off as patronizing, but he also wanted to offer his own assurances for the changeling. Though he has never found himself in such a situation, learning of it from others gave him hope that he could find a way to diffuse such situations if he ever got into such. Even then, he might need to halt the discussion lest he rile up the other patrons into a bigger confrontation no one would rather have.

Fortunately, Wig moved on to another topic, and Vates was happy to take over the golem’s discussion.

On 2025-05-28 at 7:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Now as for the taste you asked about? Yes, different emotions have different tastes. Joy is like rich honey. Spite has a good, tangy aftertaste. Bravery is a bombastic grape flavor, anger is spicy, love is as sweet as nectar, and so on, and so forth. Different hives can eat any emotions, but have preferences, based on who their queen is, or were. For instance, Hive Onache are a Joy hive, whereas the one I come from - Hive Mirabella - is a Delight hive.

You don't have to watch out for any hive, based on their emotions though. Even negative ones, are not dangerous. Just because someone eats Hatred, doesn't mean that want to make you angry. It's just a taste preference.

You might end up having to do like Hive Cheshire, and teach others of your kind, if you want everyone to be more calm around you. The more others know, the less scared they'd be. Though I'd think more are bemused and confused by you, and y'know, no offense, but that's great for me. The confusion vat have been slow to fill recently, so this is a great help, hehe.

“Spite has an aftertaste? I didn’t expect that, though that might be appropriate given what spiting others is about… Maybe the whole ‘teach others about our kind’ thing would turn out a lot different than what we could imagine. The Hyracotherians are long gone, and teaching about them would be like a history lesson on ancient civilizations. I doubt anyone would be scared of creatures that have long since disappeared from history.”

“Hmm… maybe seeing a golem would be what fuels confusion? Or the dissonance between attitudes of today and of our time? Then there is also the matter of faith-driven beliefs being prominent at one point in our history…. You know, there is a lot of untapped potential there. I’m not sure how that could be introduced in your establishment, but the opportunity for such could be there in the future.”

“But we will also take up your suggestion to see Cheshire if our travels take us there. We could only imagine just how delightful she is based on how you described her. It might even let us see how theater has changed since our time.”

Vates might have been thinking of the open discussions in the agoras, the kind that many would stop by the listen to while going about their day. Some might equate it to the open mics of comedy clubs, though it would come off as less entertaining and more educational. Then again, that might cause business to dry up - the opposite of what a business wants. Perhaps a suggestion like that might not be such a good idea, especially when other emotions could still be harvested in large amounts for tea.

On 2025-05-28 at 7:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

In recent years, my protege Twilight Sparkle, have taken to go out and make contact herself with many races. Both unknown, and those who have been on worse terms with us, for quite a long time, such as the dragons. She starts things well, and then they send delegations here to speak with us. Others have come out and send representatives or individuals themselves, hearing of the success others have had. We are entering a truly glorious age, because of her efforts, and I can hardly be prouder of her.

Yet neither my sister or I are ones for long sessions of paperwork and treaties. Our diplomats handle that much better, with our most hardworking being Golden Sun. A diplomat from the kingdom of Saddle Arabia, generously offered to us by Princess Arabian Nights. We have been on good terms with her for centuries, and he have proven loyal and efficient.

Sometimes though, it all begins with a simple meeting, and things may then go from there. The newest of that being a surprising one, as a Sphinx have joined Equestria, in recent days. A long lived, proud race that have had no interest in ponies beyond governing over them, for longer than I have been alive. It is but a lone individual, but perhaps this may lead to more. Never a treaty of friendship I would think, but when it comes to the sphinx, neutrality is yet a desirable goal.

Might I ask, in your days, how would you have handled such matters? I find myself curious, as to how things have changed since then."

Legatus smiled at the prospect of peaceful solutions and meetings, success stories from establishing new or improved relations among creatures in neighboring and distant lands. Likewise, some found their way to Equestria and had their own successes in forging new bonds that could last through the ages. In a sense, there was a kind of peace that he once thought impossible. But it was that thought that also caused him to pause, to reexamine the attitudes of his time and how their attempts at diplomacy worked.

The question posed by Princess Celestia sealed the deal, and he wished he had a better answer. It may have been the product of his time, but the dissonance could prove to be something he hoped he could avoid. That said, it may be worth coming clean; all the warts of old strategies would come to the forefront.

“Ah, I see the fruits of your approach have led to blossoming relations. Those are the kinds that I had once dreamed would happen. In my time, being friendly with another city-state was a turbulent matter. In some years, there was trade and friendly relations; in others, we would seal our borders and prepare for war. Disagreements among our leaders meant we were at their mercy, and our orders put our respective territories at odds with each other. Sometimes, the open sea was the only thing keeping battle at bay.”

“But when it came to creatures or civilizations outside our sphere of influence, we tend to maintain neutrality. We kept a wide berth from anyone deemed dangerous. And if there were creatures living by our farthest borders, we establish limited trade relations. However, just by those creatures’ borders, we built our military to ensure we were ready to strike them should they prove a threat, or if we saw their integration as a source of strength.”

“They would be made to join us under the pretense of their safety, but the only advantage was to us. They would assimilate into our culture and practices, and when conflict with another city-state was looming, they would be the first on the front lines. Conflict among the Hyracotherians was a fact of life; the question was who would make the first move. As much as we claimed to be a learned and forward-thinking society, it was always a veneer that covered our tribalism and barbarity.”

Magus and Scriniarii overheard this, and as much as they wanted to continue presenting themselves as wizened beings, they didn’t argue their fellow’s points. For all of their advancements and directions toward building an enlightened society, their history of conflicts painted a different picture. It was something they avoided discussing, perhaps as a reminder of how their society ultimately collapsed. That their last-ditch effort to preserve something of value led to this… maybe it was a sign that some things ought to remain in the past.

[Blitz Boom 4,705]

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Draconequui, that explained the oddness of this creature, Asildae had heard of them, or more specifically, read about them, but she had never actually seen one, so she didn't know how to spot one. As for mortality, Asildae wasn't much bothered by her own, nor did she have much care for the potentially eaten dog, in fact, she wasn't beyond eating one herself. "Well, you do have almost two centuries before that, until of course I get killed somehow." "Frankly I'm baffled I'm still alive now." she said it rather casually, with her confusion towards the fact apparent in her voice.

Glutton's answer to Asildae's question didn't really help, until after the queen though about it for a moment; Draconequui were often seen in a specific place, and the name Deltrot sounded very...equine. "Wait, we are in the pony lands?!" the disbelief was very clear in her tone, as she also shook her head in disbelief "So not only was I spared for some reason, I was also dragged on the other side of the world?"

The baffled response over where she were, made Glutton let out another loud laughter.

"You're fun one, Asildae. Starting to make me hope I don't have to eat you.

How wouldn't you know you crossed the world? You been knocked out or teleported? Heh, though I guess that's why I haven't seen one of your sort before. Figured you were from the Sullen Gorge. Even in the state she is now, my sister's aura can't help but create all kinda funny creatures."

Draconequui often referred to their own kind as kin, or cousins, but actual siblings were a rare occurrence, considering how most of them came into existence, but Glutton were one of triplets. Something she didn't mind talking of, but few actually asked about that sorta thing. Most tended to just give their condolences, considering she mentioned her oldest sisters memorial. Maybe she'd bring it up later, to try and bond a bit with her new, crunchy friend here, but for now, she seemed to have some other things on her mind. like how she were way off her home. Curious how that came to be, but maybe she'd spill the beans herself, if she gave it a bit. Besides, she were hungry, and Glutton could if any, connect with the want to eat.

Not that she were often actually hungry. Sure she could get peckish, but often she ate things because she could. If she were constantly hungry, she'd probably have eaten several land masses at this point, to try and satiate the bottomless pit that were her stomach. Good that it hadn't gone that way honestly. Wasn't anything new to be created, if everything was gone.

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

When outside the cave, Asildae stretched her limbs and buzzed her wings for few seconds, also letting out what would best be described as pleased whistle, before taking flight and floating just above the ground; if Glutton spoke to her at this point, she would listen, but regardless of if she was still speaking or not, after few moments, Asildae's antenna's would wiggle a bit, and she would suddenly launch upwards at impressive speed, flying towards a nearby tree, and soon returning with two unfortunate creatures, a squirrel and a magpie, one in each hand. The two were still alive, trying to get free, but Asildae's three fingers held on surprisingly tight, and she didn't seem bothered by the scratches and bites the two creatures desperately threw at her.
As she was coming back, she would put her mouth against both of her pray for a second or two each, and while it wasn't visible what exactly she did, it was clear she did something, as quickly after this, their struggle ceased.

She would then land, holding the two, and if her sudden launch had interrupted Glutton, she would apologize for the interruption in a tone that was way too regal for someone holding a dead squirrel and a dead bird in her hands. If Glutton hadn't been speaking, she would still apologize, just for her sudden departure instead.

Glutton didn't mind seeing her take off the way she did, and go grab herself some helpless prey. Shame for the small ones, but this here were nature's order. Predators needed to eat, and prey multiplied quickly to replenish those numbers. If she went around saving every creature that were about to be eaten, the predators would just starve, and where were the fairness in that? Though Glutton had on occasion saved some, either by a spur of the moment, because they were incredibly rare, or out of spite. She didn't count the times she had saved the pets of some pony here and there, though she had done that too. It made them praise her, which she liked, and honestly? She didn't much care for their mewling, and tears. It were annoying, and when it came to younglings, it actually made her feel bad for them. Easy to just snap her fingers, and get that sorted, rather than having to deal with that.

One of Fright's lessons. Big of her little sister to give her guidelines, but she supposed she could live with it. Beat being turned to stone, and she quite liked her new home, as well as the freedom and recognition she got. Couldn't argue with the results.

Same with Asildae's hunting. Some good results here, though Glutton would hear something rapidly approach from the side, likely having heard the peculiar insect buzz around, or seen her take off, and wanted a quick snack.

Something quickly jumped closer, but Glutton were faster than her large frame would maybe make you think, and with a quick motion, she'd have her paw up, and stop the motion of what were coming in. Which seemed to be a grey fuzzy orb, around the size of a volleyball, with three large, pink eyes, and a long antenna, that drooped in front of it from the seeming weight of the football-sized, glowing mossy orb that hung at the end.

It looked up towards Glutton with its big eyes, shifting between her and Asildae in a quick motion, as to indicate the queen.

"I ain't sure what you are, but this one's mine. Beat it."

The puff ball vibrated, letting out a cooing, annoyed sound, but would bounce off without causing trouble.

"Don't trust the cute ones. Sis always liked making tricksters like that."

The sound of a boar squealing nearby would be heard nearby, followed by a cutesy, loud chittering, from multiple individual seemingly, then scuttering in the brush as something moved out of this area with great speed.

"Heh, shame I didn't get to see that.

Anyway, no sweat about taking off. You were hungry, and prey scurry off if you wait too long.

Guessing you're venomous, since they stopped that easy? How... Delectable."

She'd lick herself around the mouth, with one of her slim, split snake tongues, whilst maintaining eye contact, and her usual grin.

Glutton was messing with her, and the slight teasing tone that went over her, should make that somewhat clear.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"...To an extend, I suppose it doesn't matter, but I yet have family, that will wonder what have become of me. I worry about their opinions, when they learn what I am, as well as the risk of hurting them. They are likely not even aware I am still alive, and not among the other missing from Center Zero, but I cannot risk it, before I am completely certain that I can approach them with answers. What I am, and if there is a path back.

There is also my own perspective. While I still believe myself a pony, I am not aware if there even if anything pony left, beyond my mere essence and memories. While Solar and others have replaced parts of themselves, to various degrees, there is still some left. Parts of what they were. I cannot even be sure there is that, and it leaves me with a somewhat irrational, existential crisis. It is not easy to simply change your mind from you being one thing, to now another entirely. Not to speak of the complete change in how I believed life would go.

It were simple. I would have a career, at some point find myself a nice, intelligent stallion, and have a few foals that I could teach and inspire, before retiring in my twilight years, satisfied with what I left for the world.

Now, I don't even know how long of a lifespan I might have, and elementals are notoriously secretive about their procreation, considering it a highly private matter. And what have been observed, defies normal logic, and would require me to accept my form as being more malleable then I currently consider it.

Yet I could. I have accepted that I have changed, and the odds of going back are slim at best, but... I have to be sure, before I can more readily embrace fully what I am now, and push my my self-imposed boundaries, which I fully admit to being irrational, mental blocks, based on silly fear and stubbornness."

Even if she could simply consider it enough, that her soul were all that remained of her equine self, she were too much of a scientist to just try and readily accept that. She needed to question her state, explore the available avenues, and then come to a conclusion once she had as many facts as she would need to convince herself. And then there were of course, the part that it were hard to simply accept a complete change in what she were. She had accepted it enough to focus on improving and controlling herself, but she were yet a pony of mind, and set boundaries accordingly. If she had to accept herself to break through these mental blockages, or had to break those, to actually accept herself first, she hadn't a clue yet. It had still only been a few months after all.

"I would like to meet the one you speak of though. Changed in her own way, her perspective could provide me with some answers that I have had a hard time answering, and no avenue to ask elsewhere about.

Though I think I may have explained something incorrectly. The elemental shard I spoke of, were a part of an elemental. Think of a piece of living fire, encased in pulsating rock. When it began to go critical, it exploded, and the only thing stopping it from taking the whole lab, and a good deal of the town, were the safeties in the testing area. Though I did feel it. Fire rushing through every fiber of my being, and then naught but darkness, before I suddenly woke up in a testing tube myself.

There is not a *shard* per se in me, that can simply be removed. Before I left the lab, the tests quite inconclusively showed that physically, there is nothing equine left. My body engulfed and melted away by the intense flames, down to the very ash of my bones. And yet, I know I am still me. I have my memories, and my mind, and we have no idea how that is. There simply isn't a precedent.

Have it to do with the chemicals we used to suppress the fire? Something in my genetics? An object in the lab? Something with the shard itself? There is a myriad of questions, and I have to find them without any previous data to go by. It is... More frustrating than I like to admit, some days.

I suppose, if I have to look on the bright side, it is better than being dead, and the process did if anything, correct my eyesight. My glasses are purely decorative. A certain degree of familiar comfort, one might say."

It were not her original frames from the incident, as those had been melted along everything else, and so had several of her backup glasses afterwards, in various tests, but she managed to get away with one pair. The glasses themselves had been replaced before that however, with fire resistant window glass. The frames had also been reinforced, though she wasn't sure how. Something related to the Boom family, she could imagine. They had been helpful with other metallic things in the past, according to a few other labs.

As for their quarry, she had yet seen anything of note either. Surely they'd get a sign at some point though. Something... Unusual, in some capacity.

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@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Yes, I have been tasked as your guide, so I will be around most of the time." "Though with Werodex wanting to speak to me, it is likely you won't see me again until tomorrow." Voltaick responded, though before he turned away, surprisingly enough, Charir spoke up "I have a question." he sounded nervous, as to be expected "You spoke about Elder Dask, what is she like?" Charir was curious about the elder Death bringer, he also wanted to be prepared in case they met her. "Surprisingly nice." Voltaick stated "I wasn't being sarcastic when I said she would be delighted to meet you." "She is weirdly enough one of the most patient Elders, and one of the least terrifying when on bad mood." "But she is still a death bringer, both in behavior and habits, she is very direct, and decorates her cave with her fallen enemies."  "She and Elder Werodex also seem to be more friendly with each other than with the other Elders, though I'm not foolish enough to pry any further, Werodex is the most terrifying when you get on her wrong side." "Not that the elders generally have any problems with each other, it is just that in general, the relationships tends to be lot more...formal." Charir just nodded as acknowledgement, and with Ruby not saying anything either, if Leviathan didn't add something, Voltaick would at this point turn around and wish the group good rest, walking out and taking flight towards the library.  

"She sounds interesting. I'll personally be looking forward to meeting her, and making sure I stay polite. I have higher aspirations for my life, than being wall decoration, heh.

I'll be looking forward to tomorrow, but you shouldn't keep your elder waiting. See ya."

She really hadn't much else to say there, and she were not touching the notion of the elders being more than chums, with a ten mile pole. Some things - while she were curious - were simply not meant to be touched, unless you wanted your arm ripped off., Usually metaphorically, but in this case, she wouldn't be surprised if it would be quite literal.

It were good to hear that Charir spoke up and asked a question though. He was getting braver, speaking like this among other dragons. Faster than she had expected from him too, which made her quite happy. A joy she'd probably need, once Ruby were going to speak, considering how weighed down she seemed to be.

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"There is something wrong with me, I first assumed after the deer temple that it was to do with my magic, the transformation." She was as matter of fact as always, yet her body language signaled discomfort "Yet, while I still find myself unable to will myself to take the pony form, I no longer believe that." "When I asked what Werodex did to me, it wasn't about the amulet, it was what she called 'Suppressing'."
"She practically paralyzed me, though, it did also take away the discomfort the necklace caused." "That wasn't the issue either."

"The issue is, that while it lasted only seconds, it made me as uncomfortable as the entire time in that temple did." "I managed to collect myself lot faster this time, but it is not gone still." she once again turned to look at the entrance, and after another small silence, she added "That is not all." "I have intrusive memories, or rather, a memory." "It started after the temple, in my dreams during the two times we rested on the way here." "It is not entirely new, my dreams are rarely pleasant, if I dream at all." "But now, it intrudes awake too, I cannot get it out of my head." she turned her head to seemingly towards nothing specific, though directionally, it was pointed towards the death bringer territory "The ravine." her tail slammed against the cave ground restlessly and she tensed up "And the sickening grin of the dragon who habited it." her voice broke into a growl "No, not a dragon. A worthless worm." she again looked towards Leviathan "He is dead, rotten, and forgotten..." she calmed down enough to stop growling "...yet..." She didn't continue, instead she laid down and took a deep breath, falling silent, her eyes once again towards the entrance.

"...You're still afraid of him on some level, aren't you? Whatever happened, made you feel powerless, I'd imagine? Like the temple, and with the elder, when she took control of you?

I don't claim that I'm right, but I could understand, if what you're feeling now is fear. I felt it too, in that temple. Not for myself, but because you two were there, and I was afraid what they'd do to you, because I was too weak to stop it.

Feeling at the mercy of someone else, unable to do anything, it's... Harrowing. It can break even the toughest minds. Not as much as I were broken on the way here though. I'm not ashamed to admit that it was worse than I had ever imagined.

But you're not like me, Ruby. You're tough, and I know you like being the one in control. The top predator, that no one outta mess with. It's a strength I honestly admire. Having that taken away... You're a lot more subtle with your emotions than I am, but personally, I'd think you were afraid. Might be why you're having those nightmares too, after we were in the temple. A reminder of what it were like, to be under someone else's control."

While she were speaking, Leviathan's tone would be calm and soothing, while she leaned in on Ruby. Her thick scales might mean she didn't register it much, but the smaller dragoness cared little. Her friend should have someone close to her, when speaking out about things like this.

Maybe she'd be angry, at the notion that she could be afraid. Perhaps she'd just flat out deny it, and really, she could be wrong. Whilst an educated guess, Leviathan acknowledged that Ruby and her, did not express emotions int he same way. Ruby were a very private individual, that showed such things subtly, while Leviathan wore hers halfway on her sleeve.

Still, right or wrong, Leviathan wouldn't just leave, or in any way try to tease or make jokes right now. Ruby deserved better than that, and she'd get it, even if she'd lash out. It'd suck, but Leviathan accepted that were the inherent risk in bringing this sorta thing up. Though it still felt right to do, and she'd follow her heart on this.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-05-29 at 1:47 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Chega's happiness is our happiness." Sheska summarized "And yes, it is very unusual." "Like said, we are quite isolated species, even if a group or a community is living on the surface, we tend to keep to ourselves." "So even close friendships between kobolds and non-kobolds are relatively rare, not to mention full relationship." "Though when it does happen, it is most often a dragon; there seems to be some natural draw." "There has been cases where kobolds have formed a religion-like relationship around a dragon, and Chega has mentioned meeting a kobold who is acting as sort of a guardian and ambassador for a family of dragons."

"But while unusual, it is not shunned, the only thing is, that most communities don't want outsiders living in the community, so any relationships have to work around that." "And as a healer, if a kobold was to bring their non-kobold friend or partner to my care, I would take care of them." "After all, as long as they are not someone who is or has caused direct harm to our kin, not treating them well, would be an act of harm towards the kobold, who's partner or friend they are."

"That's good to hear. It's a lot more reasonable of a view to have on it, than some ponies I know. For a country called Equestria, some are certainly more open-minded than others.

Personally, I don't see an issue with it, and your arrangement about things is fair. It respects the relationship, and the cultural limitations you come from. It's admirable in its simplicity."

It wasn't specifically required to be open-minde3d, to be part of the Coastal Guard, but considering they were the most racially diverse guard group, it were definitely advised. Especially considering how the guard had no tolerance for racial separation. Anyone who cared for the sea, were welcome in their ranks.

"It sounds exciting, meeting a kobold that's being so protective of a whole family of dragons too."

"Long as it doesn't get too cultish. There's enough issues with Le Perinne's faithful as is."

"Who?"

"The reason why I taught you to never approach a gryphon wearing a red claw symbol. A bit of advice I would offer you too, Sheska. It is rarely a good thing to get the interest of that particular elder dragon."

As a mare of the law, she should technically go and arrest any of them that she found, but bad things were bound to happen, if you unjustly pestered her faithful. Not only were they usually stronger and meaner than other gryphons, but they were also fanatically loyal, and would tell nothing of their mistress, which were an issue, as Le Perinne were thought of as one of the founding members of the Equestrian Black Market trade, and reeling her in, could severely impact that market.

Yet she were elusive and powerful. And compared to other dragons, who might handle things with raw strength, she made use of connections and magic, to handle things that were against her. At best, that meant bail for one of her faithful that had roughed up someone on open street would appear. Other times, it meant using her magic to impede and area, and even kidnap some, until she had gotten whom she considered to belong to her back.

In general, their orders around this cult were one of annoying neutrality. They should keep an eye out, and if they did do something illegal, to handle things. But it were more trouble than it were worth, to take things further than that currently. Though every sighting had to be reported, to a specific. branch of the Canterlot royal guards. Their spies were trying to do something with all of this, to perhaps find out where Le Perinne were, and then take things from there.

You'd think an elder dragon wouldn't be hard to find, and yet...

"Well, anyway, it's good that she has someone with her.. I'll remember this, for the next time that I meet them. Which will happen eventually. I keep an ear out for any news about her wandering around, so i have a chance at listening to her songs every now and again, if I have some time off. It's always worth the trip to listen to her play.

I can't wait to also show her the next time, that I got her autograph! That's gonna be so great. Do you know which way she might go, now that I think of it? Any hint could be helpful.

I promise, I'm not a stalker. It's just a shame to get somewhere, and then find out she's fifty kilometer in the other direction, y'know?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"We may yet prove beneficial to one another in the future. Ponies will not have an easy time accepting me, once word comes who I am in full, and that is where the real work begins for my *rehabilitation*, or what you may call this. An arduous task, not made easier by me needing to yet reach the point where I view ponies as equals. It is a far cry from thinking of them only as food or labor, as I normally do."

"One of the first things you taught me, were that changelings were ever adaptable. It may take a little time, but it will be done."

"Indeed. Were it that all of my drones had taken to my words as well as you, Happy."

She'd smile vaguely, and rose a hoof to run down the side of his face. Though weak and lacking the same unshaken presence he were used to, Happy seemed joyful all the same, a low, cooing sound escaping his throat, and his neck fluff puffing slightly.

Knew you nothing of them, it may seem outright endearing. Knowing though, to some extend, what she had done to him, after he had been stranded here from his own world... Could he see it with the same gaze? Or would it color his perspective? Questions which did enter Onache's mind, yet she cared little right now, as the smile fell once more to her neutral expression, and her hoof returned to the floor.

"Enough of this though. I tire of this place, and wish for light. Let us find your sister and be done with this, lest you have more to do in this place?"

She would follow to the room with the guards in if it were, giving a slight bow of the head in response to their regular greeting, but otherwise not speak at first. Though if they simply went for the exit, she could do so too. She were not interested in taking charge right now, in her current state. It asked too much of her, and her churning stomach.

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@EQ_Theta

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I guess strange is one way of looking at things, and I can understand us being strange to your sibling and his master. Would be similar to how our folks back home might have thought of you and Lin when we first returned home after so much time had passed.”

“It is a matter of perspective. One sees things as normal that others would see as strange. Experience and history are varied, and that shapes perspectives. Although I concede; he is right that we would not be able to swim well. I can’t even swim at all.”

"Yes. I thought Sen were strange too, the first time I met him. It made me curious. Though he still looks more like me, than her new master does. Her too.

I have seen many of my siblings being given forms. Most are different from what I look like, but some look like other things, from home. Like this one, that looks like a squid... Or octopus? I am not sure.

Others have looked like humans, dragons, two legged fox creatures, and others. Most are made to look like their masters. Discord and Hammonds master are different Maybe it is an Equestrian thing? I should ask, next time we see them."

It were all in the eyes of the beholder really. For them, the floating octopus would be very different from anything they'd seen, outside of some resemblance to sea life. Whereas to him, they would be weird, as they were land based creatures, and he sprung from a world where aquatic life were seemingly more common, and far more evolved than what were the case in Equestria.

Well, differently evolved at least. There were still sirens, mermaids, etc.

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Regardless, Lin and Sen were cautious, slowly approaching and gauging their way of communication as the situation unfolded before them. The sound put the hairs on their backs on edge, and while they were wary, they didn’t want to come across as aloof.

“‘Meet… you…?’ I’m sorry; did I hear you right?”

“I… uh, think I understand what you just said. Does that mean… you can understand us? We don’t mean you any harm, and we are not looking for trouble. You want to meet us?”

It would be a few seconds, after they had spoken, before more were said from him, as if he needed time to digest what they had said. Which may be somewhat correctly said, since as they spoke, the fish's light bulb would vibrate slightly, and the teeth would light up in a pale blue, waving inwards steadily, like invisible waves of light were slowly crashing into the maw.

"I want to understand. Looking for... History.

Sorry... I hear you... Understand is... Strange."

It seemed that he could communicate to a certain extend. By some (potentially magical) means, he were grasping their words, and understood them, but trying to communicate back were limited, as he only had the words that they had spoken to work with. Hence why his words were choppy and hesitant at times, as he had to search for the nearest workable word, to make it less of a word jumble than intended.

Interestingly, it seemed it required them to speak things out loud. Despite Omen saying many words, he had not used any of hers that might be useful, indicating that this fish in some manner, were a filter, and conduit in some fashion, to both hear and speak. Likely due to a lack in applicable physiology otherwise, as his kind spoke in a way that did not fit the way that creatures from their world did. It'd be like a cicada, trying to speak ponish.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I didn’t mean to bring out such negativity around here. It seems like it is still a sore spot among the changelings, but now we know such a matter is delicate. And that would require a deft approach. I wasn’t thinking straight when I brought up the question, and I appreciate your openness to answering it despite the connotation surrounding the topic.”

“Your nuanced answer is reminiscent of our time when debating topics like this was fairly common. But maybe our old way of speaking out in the open was not warranted here, especially when difficult history is the topic of discussion. Knowing what we know now, efforts to build up a broken or negative history is a monumental but admirable task. Changing preconceived notions based on unsavory experiences is a difficult - maybe even near impossible - endeavor, and what can help change it is a positive.”

“That said, learning is a two-way street, and being open to change is just as essential. Whoever sees your efforts may not be so receptive. But that becomes an issue for them to resolve, knowing you are doing what you can.”

Scriniarri didn’t want to come off as patronizing, but he also wanted to offer his own assurances for the changeling. Though he has never found himself in such a situation, learning of it from others gave him hope that he could find a way to diffuse such situations if he ever got into such. Even then, he might need to halt the discussion lest he rile up the other patrons into a bigger confrontation no one would rather have.

Fortunately, Wig moved on to another topic, and Vates was happy to take over the golem’s discussion.

It wasn't a taboo subject per se, but there were often those who were nervous. Especially now that the princess and some of her guards were here, because something might come up by accident, that would point out one or the other. Wig were painfully aware of this, and had to be sure she used the right words all day, to not agitate the guards into being able to point towards say, any of Chrysalis's hive, since that might cause harassment. Probably not in front of the princess, but guards talked, and they could all tell that these were not all thrilled about being here. Some outright scared in fact, showing they had been here, during the invasion. Some had maybe even known someone being taken away, or had been so themselves. Either case would make them less than pleased with that hive, or perhaps changelings in general.

Time would handle worries and such, and the warm reception of the princess did help, but it were still rather early, in things going from prey and predator, to equals. Tensions were still high on both sides, and those like Wig who tried to run a business, had to carefully thread a thin line, and make sure that nothing came of this. Only took a few who started yelling, before insults and spells started to get cast around, and no one needed that. Least of all her, as she didn't want her nice place to be trashed, or get a reputation as a violent place.

Seriously, when it came to non-changelings, she made a mint on youngsters who wanted some joy tea. It were catching on with some of the youth, and that'd all be gone, if this place became less family friendly. An endorsement from the princess, rather than a guard notice, were a lot more attractive.

Might sound a bit cynical, but it were still helpful. She just sorta... Y'know, wanted to run a business, and maybe franchise it later. It'd be nice going from lowly drone, to comfortably retired.

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Spite has an aftertaste? I didn’t expect that, though that might be appropriate given what spiting others is about… Maybe the whole ‘teach others about our kind’ thing would turn out a lot different than what we could imagine. The Hyracotherians are long gone, and teaching about them would be like a history lesson on ancient civilizations. I doubt anyone would be scared of creatures that have long since disappeared from history.”

“Hmm… maybe seeing a golem would be what fuels confusion? Or the dissonance between attitudes of today and of our time? Then there is also the matter of faith-driven beliefs being prominent at one point in our history…. You know, there is a lot of untapped potential there. I’m not sure how that could be introduced in your establishment, but the opportunity for such could be there in the future.”

“But we will also take up your suggestion to see Cheshire if our travels take us there. We could only imagine just how delightful she is based on how you described her. It might even let us see how theater has changed since our time.”

Vates might have been thinking of the open discussions in the agoras, the kind that many would stop by the listen to while going about their day. Some might equate it to the open mics of comedy clubs, though it would come off as less entertaining and more educational. Then again, that might cause business to dry up - the opposite of what a business wants. Perhaps a suggestion like that might not be such a good idea, especially when other emotions could still be harvested in large amounts for tea.

“You'd definitely like her. She gets looked down on a lot from other queens, but whenever there's a food shortage, they come asking for some of her surplus all the same. And I've yet to hear her turn anyone away. She's good and reliable. Bit of a prankster though. Likes to mess with those being mean to changelings, hehe. Not in a harmful way though. She's just really good with illusions.

And honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about the golem thing. I couldn't even tell at first, and you don't physically look all that threatening, no offense. You should be able to simply talk with others without it being a big deal, and explain stuff. Though if you want history, the libraries and museums are probably the thing. Maybe one of the schools? They like having guest speakers, and you'd certainly give them a story none of them have heard about before.

There's some theology classes you could speak of the faith based perspectives in at Canterlot High for sure. There's not a lot of faith in Equestria for gods and such, but other countries like Caneighda have their gods. One of them,... Oh I can't remember the name, but they get a harvest festival every year, and come around to bless the meal and harvest."

"Dhalse, is his name. We've been in talk with Caneighda's prime minister for some time about allowing our theology students to attend and learn. It's been slow, but the hope is that when the harvest moon hangs tall next year, they will be granted access. provided they bring proper tribute, in the form of homegrown vegetables."

It were an odd request, but seeing how it were their lands, and their culture, it were something that mattered to them. Perhaps the god too, but she would not claim to have met Dhalse herself, nor had a reason to. She did not grow things such as pumpkins well, and had been politely denied access to it, if she could not procure something. Having others grow it for you, did not count, apparently. As such, the theology class, would need to spend the rest of the year, and the spring, preparing to grow vegetables of one kind or another.

As she had been told, one of them had been very enthusiastic, and begun growing pumpkins in the school greenery already.

On 2025-05-31 at 3:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Ah, I see the fruits of your approach have led to blossoming relations. Those are the kinds that I had once dreamed would happen. In my time, being friendly with another city-state was a turbulent matter. In some years, there was trade and friendly relations; in others, we would seal our borders and prepare for war. Disagreements among our leaders meant we were at their mercy, and our orders put our respective territories at odds with each other. Sometimes, the open sea was the only thing keeping battle at bay.”

“But when it came to creatures or civilizations outside our sphere of influence, we tend to maintain neutrality. We kept a wide berth from anyone deemed dangerous. And if there were creatures living by our farthest borders, we establish limited trade relations. However, just by those creatures’ borders, we built our military to ensure we were ready to strike them should they prove a threat, or if we saw their integration as a source of strength.”

“They would be made to join us under the pretense of their safety, but the only advantage was to us. They would assimilate into our culture and practices, and when conflict with another city-state was looming, they would be the first on the front lines. Conflict among the Hyracotherians was a fact of life; the question was who would make the first move. As much as we claimed to be a learned and forward-thinking society, it was always a veneer that covered our tribalism and barbarity.”

"To an extend, Equestria's early history can compare to yours. The three tribes combining, did have a time when it were considered only proper that the earth ponies went in, while the pegasi and especially unicorns, stood at a far distance, safe from any harm. Friendly fire were sadly a thing that were known to occur, before things finally changed, after a few decades. Much as they called me and Luna their rulers, they needed time to acclimate to things, and it did cause some troubles. Including some areas that were assimilated into Equestria, though such a practice have not occurred in a long time.

The greatest stain on our history also happened under my watch. The Inquisition. Three years of... Horrible, horrible acts, all done in my name by fanatics that swore by the flame of the sun. And yet I saw nothing, mourning as I were, of my sister's exile. Even as I finally strode out from my chambers, and saw what were done... Some things cannot be forgiven, nor can they be made right."

The Inquisition were a very dark time period, in Equestrian history. One of pyres and screams, fanatics and so called *heathens*. The ones responsible grasping for power, without thinking of the consequences once Celestia would return. Perhaps even thinking she would agree with them? It were unknown, to the history books, and Celestia herself refused to talk of it in details. It brought her great sadness, to think of her failure first to her sister, and subsequently her country. 

Yet it were history, and chronicled as best as could be, with the museum at times being the ones to unravel more history from that time. Story that were possible to read in the great library, but some loose ends were present. Such as what had happened to the three leaders of the Inquisition, as nothing were known of their whereabouts after it had been stopped.

"There is also the story of what happened when the Evergrown first arose, some six centuries ago, and came to Equestria. A new race, curious and looking to make contact, I welcomed them, but in the end, some selfish ponies began harvesting them for their essence, to flourish their fields, and the survivors cursed our name, before vanishing, and remaining hidden. Only in recent years, have they even been spotted, and I've yet to speak with one personally, though I hope when it does happen, they can forgive us. Even if I punished those who had done such a thing, it had simply been too late, and I can hardly blame them.

Our story with the dragons have not been good either. It were but a hoofful of centuries ago, that we and their then acting dragonlord, met to reach an agreement, to stop the pointless warring between our kin, that claimed countless lives. He were one of their more reasonable leaders, and we did find a way to be mostly neutral, with criminals acting against dragons being given to them, and vice versa for those harming ponies. A strict rule of *Do not eat, and do not kill* were also instituted. Though recent years have shown great progress in dragons and ponies getting along better than ever known.

But beyond sorrowful tales, I can speak of our relations with others. With most, we have long been neutral, but times require changes, and eventually it became beneficial to have trade agreements. We export much hay to Saddle Arabia as an example, while they export many different spices to Equestria. It is one more thing, that the diplomats and others do better than us, though Luna and I have the final say, in anything of grave importance.

It happens even to this day. It is but a few days ago, we were told by an agent of one of our newest law enforcement agencies, that the faraway land of Harrowmark, wishes to speak with us, and make connections. Apparently he went and freed them from someone that isolated them for a long time, and they wish to first bring offers of friendship, to the country that sent them their savior.

I have been asked to host a meeting between myself and one of their royals, as a first, formal visit. I admit to being rather curious, though... Hesitant. Harrowmark is a land of gods and dark magic, in the tomes I been told have been researched, and from what I have been told, those from their neighboring countries, have not been able to communicate with them in six centuries. It's rather... Ah, my apologies. I suppose I have been rambling somewhat there. I haven't many to speak of, with this matter, and I forgot myself in the moment. Forgive me my idle mindedness."

"Oh, then we definitely should meet for tea one of these days, my dear princess. I have met somepony from the area, that have told me a few fascinating tales from their home, over in Manehattan, when I were visiting the area the day before last. A delightful mare that one, that said she had been brought back along with a mister... Ah what were his name... Rising Dusk, I believe? From the O. M. I.?"

Celestia looked mighty perplexed for a moment, though curious and somewhat hopeful too, as the seconds ticked by.

"That is the agent in question."

"Oh how marvelous! We exchanged addresses, that we may write one another, before I had to leave the conference. I do so love new stories. What say I ask them to come visit, and we can arrange for a tea session then? I'm sure knowing more of Harrowmark and its ruler, will help ease your mind for the upcoming meeting."

"A most surprising development, yet I cannot deny that it would be most helpful, Scarcity. Thank you."

"Anything to help, your majesty."

She had barely talked with the mare in question, but Scarcity had met her by pure chance, as she were attending some other business, and the mare were most interested in being of use, long as she were compensated properly. Never one to ignore a business opportunity, she of course accepted, and pulled a few threads to make her application for citizenship pass through faster.

There were some details she knew, but the detective in question were the brother to one of her actual friends, and thus she knew he were a magic unraveller, and overall troublesome one, as he had a photographic memory. Considering he were also law enforcement, she did hers to stay clear of him currently, lest there were a reason not to, and simply remain on good hoofing with his sister.

She could imagine that Dawn had already eyed a chance to be the first to set a hoof in the Harrowish market, due to her connections there, but it didn't mean that Scarcity couldn't make use of Harrowmark too before that, in her own way. She needed only contact, and pay the fare then, and by tomorrow, they should be able to have such a meeting take place. Though she needed to iron out some details with Celestia herself later, of course. Wouldn't want to distract either of them too much currently, as they both had their own things to handle.

"To return to things more proper though, assimilation are a thing of the past, but I can agree that it can be good to keep a military presence at certain borders, with other countries that are cause for concern. Troy have all but forced our hooves on that matter, though they are the only ones."

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

 

@ThePinkestofPones

Shark stood and thought for a moment, if she knew anyone called that.

"Hmm, no, special one is called Anomaly. She took Shark from the ocean, and made her like friends, then put her here in the dry reef, to hunt for big froggies. But now all the froggies are gone, so Shark is learning to be like friends. I go to the school to learn things, and have a mate too!"

Her tail would wag harder, as she mentioned her mate. He wasn't here right now, but she loved him, and looked forward to someday have many healthy pups with him. And to learn stuff in school! So far she had learned that she wasn't supposed to eat her papers, and that the kitsune were nice and fluffy.

In fairness, she had only been there for a day and a half.

"Shark mother is somewhere in ocean. Not seen her for some time.

But Shark is also new at making friends in this reef! And my old friends are all in the ocean, eating fishies.

Wanna be new friends?"

She'd grin wide, wagging her tail and spraying water from side to side from it, about a half meter in both directions. Though clearly a predator, she should seem innocent and happy, and in her own way, she would understand him. Sure she hadn't saved others that then were now gone, but she used to live long away, in the ocean, as a regular shark. She had friends among her own kin then, but now she had no idea where that ocean were, and doubted they would even recognize her anymore.

Yet life were now much larger than she had known, and full of mystery and adventure. So how could she stay mad?

[Zera Brightbolt]

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Catpone Cerberus

The baffled response over where she were, made Glutton let out another loud laughter.

"You're fun one, Asildae. Starting to make me hope I don't have to eat you.

How wouldn't you know you crossed the world? You been knocked out or teleported? Heh, though I guess that's why I haven't seen one of your sort before. Figured you were from the Sullen Gorge. Even in the state she is now, my sister's aura can't help but create all kinda funny creatures."

Draconequui often referred to their own kind as kin, or cousins, but actual siblings were a rare occurrence, considering how most of them came into existence, but Glutton were one of triplets. Something she didn't mind talking of, but few actually asked about that sorta thing. Most tended to just give their condolences, considering she mentioned her oldest sisters memorial. Maybe she'd bring it up later, to try and bond a bit with her new, crunchy friend here, but for now, she seemed to have some other things on her mind. like how she were way off her home. Curious how that came to be, but maybe she'd spill the beans herself, if she gave it a bit. Besides, she were hungry, and Glutton could if any, connect with the want to eat.

Not that she were often actually hungry. Sure she could get peckish, but often she ate things because she could. If she were constantly hungry, she'd probably have eaten several land masses at this point, to try and satiate the bottomless pit that were her stomach. Good that it hadn't gone that way honestly. Wasn't anything new to be created, if everything was gone.

Glutton didn't mind seeing her take off the way she did, and go grab herself some helpless prey. Shame for the small ones, but this here were nature's order. Predators needed to eat, and prey multiplied quickly to replenish those numbers. If she went around saving every creature that were about to be eaten, the predators would just starve, and where were the fairness in that? Though Glutton had on occasion saved some, either by a spur of the moment, because they were incredibly rare, or out of spite. She didn't count the times she had saved the pets of some pony here and there, though she had done that too. It made them praise her, which she liked, and honestly? She didn't much care for their mewling, and tears. It were annoying, and when it came to younglings, it actually made her feel bad for them. Easy to just snap her fingers, and get that sorted, rather than having to deal with that.

One of Fright's lessons. Big of her little sister to give her guidelines, but she supposed she could live with it. Beat being turned to stone, and she quite liked her new home, as well as the freedom and recognition she got. Couldn't argue with the results.

Same with Asildae's hunting. Some good results here, though Glutton would hear something rapidly approach from the side, likely having heard the peculiar insect buzz around, or seen her take off, and wanted a quick snack.

Something quickly jumped closer, but Glutton were faster than her large frame would maybe make you think, and with a quick motion, she'd have her paw up, and stop the motion of what were coming in. Which seemed to be a grey fuzzy orb, around the size of a volleyball, with three large, pink eyes, and a long antenna, that drooped in front of it from the seeming weight of the football-sized, glowing mossy orb that hung at the end.

It looked up towards Glutton with its big eyes, shifting between her and Asildae in a quick motion, as to indicate the queen.

"I ain't sure what you are, but this one's mine. Beat it."

The puff ball vibrated, letting out a cooing, annoyed sound, but would bounce off without causing trouble.

"Don't trust the cute ones. Sis always liked making tricksters like that."

The sound of a boar squealing nearby would be heard nearby, followed by a cutesy, loud chittering, from multiple individual seemingly, then scuttering in the brush as something moved out of this area with great speed.

"Heh, shame I didn't get to see that.

Anyway, no sweat about taking off. You were hungry, and prey scurry off if you wait too long.

Guessing you're venomous, since they stopped that easy? How... Delectable."

She'd lick herself around the mouth, with one of her slim, split snake tongues, whilst maintaining eye contact, and her usual grin.

Glutton was messing with her, and the slight teasing tone that went over her, should make that somewhat clear.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"...To an extend, I suppose it doesn't matter, but I yet have family, that will wonder what have become of me. I worry about their opinions, when they learn what I am, as well as the risk of hurting them. They are likely not even aware I am still alive, and not among the other missing from Center Zero, but I cannot risk it, before I am completely certain that I can approach them with answers. What I am, and if there is a path back.

There is also my own perspective. While I still believe myself a pony, I am not aware if there even if anything pony left, beyond my mere essence and memories. While Solar and others have replaced parts of themselves, to various degrees, there is still some left. Parts of what they were. I cannot even be sure there is that, and it leaves me with a somewhat irrational, existential crisis. It is not easy to simply change your mind from you being one thing, to now another entirely. Not to speak of the complete change in how I believed life would go.

It were simple. I would have a career, at some point find myself a nice, intelligent stallion, and have a few foals that I could teach and inspire, before retiring in my twilight years, satisfied with what I left for the world.

Now, I don't even know how long of a lifespan I might have, and elementals are notoriously secretive about their procreation, considering it a highly private matter. And what have been observed, defies normal logic, and would require me to accept my form as being more malleable then I currently consider it.

Yet I could. I have accepted that I have changed, and the odds of going back are slim at best, but... I have to be sure, before I can more readily embrace fully what I am now, and push my my self-imposed boundaries, which I fully admit to being irrational, mental blocks, based on silly fear and stubbornness."

Even if she could simply consider it enough, that her soul were all that remained of her equine self, she were too much of a scientist to just try and readily accept that. She needed to question her state, explore the available avenues, and then come to a conclusion once she had as many facts as she would need to convince herself. And then there were of course, the part that it were hard to simply accept a complete change in what she were. She had accepted it enough to focus on improving and controlling herself, but she were yet a pony of mind, and set boundaries accordingly. If she had to accept herself to break through these mental blockages, or had to break those, to actually accept herself first, she hadn't a clue yet. It had still only been a few months after all.

"I would like to meet the one you speak of though. Changed in her own way, her perspective could provide me with some answers that I have had a hard time answering, and no avenue to ask elsewhere about.

Though I think I may have explained something incorrectly. The elemental shard I spoke of, were a part of an elemental. Think of a piece of living fire, encased in pulsating rock. When it began to go critical, it exploded, and the only thing stopping it from taking the whole lab, and a good deal of the town, were the safeties in the testing area. Though I did feel it. Fire rushing through every fiber of my being, and then naught but darkness, before I suddenly woke up in a testing tube myself.

There is not a *shard* per se in me, that can simply be removed. Before I left the lab, the tests quite inconclusively showed that physically, there is nothing equine left. My body engulfed and melted away by the intense flames, down to the very ash of my bones. And yet, I know I am still me. I have my memories, and my mind, and we have no idea how that is. There simply isn't a precedent.

Have it to do with the chemicals we used to suppress the fire? Something in my genetics? An object in the lab? Something with the shard itself? There is a myriad of questions, and I have to find them without any previous data to go by. It is... More frustrating than I like to admit, some days.

I suppose, if I have to look on the bright side, it is better than being dead, and the process did if anything, correct my eyesight. My glasses are purely decorative. A certain degree of familiar comfort, one might say."

It were not her original frames from the incident, as those had been melted along everything else, and so had several of her backup glasses afterwards, in various tests, but she managed to get away with one pair. The glasses themselves had been replaced before that however, with fire resistant window glass. The frames had also been reinforced, though she wasn't sure how. Something related to the Boom family, she could imagine. They had been helpful with other metallic things in the past, according to a few other labs.

As for their quarry, she had yet seen anything of note either. Surely they'd get a sign at some point though. Something... Unusual, in some capacity.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"She sounds interesting. I'll personally be looking forward to meeting her, and making sure I stay polite. I have higher aspirations for my life, than being wall decoration, heh.

I'll be looking forward to tomorrow, but you shouldn't keep your elder waiting. See ya."

She really hadn't much else to say there, and she were not touching the notion of the elders being more than chums, with a ten mile pole. Some things - while she were curious - were simply not meant to be touched, unless you wanted your arm ripped off., Usually metaphorically, but in this case, she wouldn't be surprised if it would be quite literal.

It were good to hear that Charir spoke up and asked a question though. He was getting braver, speaking like this among other dragons. Faster than she had expected from him too, which made her quite happy. A joy she'd probably need, once Ruby were going to speak, considering how weighed down she seemed to be.

"...You're still afraid of him on some level, aren't you? Whatever happened, made you feel powerless, I'd imagine? Like the temple, and with the elder, when she took control of you?

I don't claim that I'm right, but I could understand, if what you're feeling now is fear. I felt it too, in that temple. Not for myself, but because you two were there, and I was afraid what they'd do to you, because I was too weak to stop it.

Feeling at the mercy of someone else, unable to do anything, it's... Harrowing. It can break even the toughest minds. Not as much as I were broken on the way here though. I'm not ashamed to admit that it was worse than I had ever imagined.

But you're not like me, Ruby. You're tough, and I know you like being the one in control. The top predator, that no one outta mess with. It's a strength I honestly admire. Having that taken away... You're a lot more subtle with your emotions than I am, but personally, I'd think you were afraid. Might be why you're having those nightmares too, after we were in the temple. A reminder of what it were like, to be under someone else's control."

While she were speaking, Leviathan's tone would be calm and soothing, while she leaned in on Ruby. Her thick scales might mean she didn't register it much, but the smaller dragoness cared little. Her friend should have someone close to her, when speaking out about things like this.

Maybe she'd be angry, at the notion that she could be afraid. Perhaps she'd just flat out deny it, and really, she could be wrong. Whilst an educated guess, Leviathan acknowledged that Ruby and her, did not express emotions int he same way. Ruby were a very private individual, that showed such things subtly, while Leviathan wore hers halfway on her sleeve.

Still, right or wrong, Leviathan wouldn't just leave, or in any way try to tease or make jokes right now. Ruby deserved better than that, and she'd get it, even if she'd lash out. It'd suck, but Leviathan accepted that were the inherent risk in bringing this sorta thing up. Though it still felt right to do, and she'd follow her heart on this.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"That's good to hear. It's a lot more reasonable of a view to have on it, than some ponies I know. For a country called Equestria, some are certainly more open-minded than others.

Personally, I don't see an issue with it, and your arrangement about things is fair. It respects the relationship, and the cultural limitations you come from. It's admirable in its simplicity."

It wasn't specifically required to be open-minde3d, to be part of the Coastal Guard, but considering they were the most racially diverse guard group, it were definitely advised. Especially considering how the guard had no tolerance for racial separation. Anyone who cared for the sea, were welcome in their ranks.

"It sounds exciting, meeting a kobold that's being so protective of a whole family of dragons too."

"Long as it doesn't get too cultish. There's enough issues with Le Perinne's faithful as is."

"Who?"

"The reason why I taught you to never approach a gryphon wearing a red claw symbol. A bit of advice I would offer you too, Sheska. It is rarely a good thing to get the interest of that particular elder dragon."

As a mare of the law, she should technically go and arrest any of them that she found, but bad things were bound to happen, if you unjustly pestered her faithful. Not only were they usually stronger and meaner than other gryphons, but they were also fanatically loyal, and would tell nothing of their mistress, which were an issue, as Le Perinne were thought of as one of the founding members of the Equestrian Black Market trade, and reeling her in, could severely impact that market.

Yet she were elusive and powerful. And compared to other dragons, who might handle things with raw strength, she made use of connections and magic, to handle things that were against her. At best, that meant bail for one of her faithful that had roughed up someone on open street would appear. Other times, it meant using her magic to impede and area, and even kidnap some, until she had gotten whom she considered to belong to her back.

In general, their orders around this cult were one of annoying neutrality. They should keep an eye out, and if they did do something illegal, to handle things. But it were more trouble than it were worth, to take things further than that currently. Though every sighting had to be reported, to a specific. branch of the Canterlot royal guards. Their spies were trying to do something with all of this, to perhaps find out where Le Perinne were, and then take things from there.

You'd think an elder dragon wouldn't be hard to find, and yet...

"Well, anyway, it's good that she has someone with her.. I'll remember this, for the next time that I meet them. Which will happen eventually. I keep an ear out for any news about her wandering around, so i have a chance at listening to her songs every now and again, if I have some time off. It's always worth the trip to listen to her play.

I can't wait to also show her the next time, that I got her autograph! That's gonna be so great. Do you know which way she might go, now that I think of it? Any hint could be helpful.

I promise, I'm not a stalker. It's just a shame to get somewhere, and then find out she's fifty kilometer in the other direction, y'know?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"We may yet prove beneficial to one another in the future. Ponies will not have an easy time accepting me, once word comes who I am in full, and that is where the real work begins for my *rehabilitation*, or what you may call this. An arduous task, not made easier by me needing to yet reach the point where I view ponies as equals. It is a far cry from thinking of them only as food or labor, as I normally do."

"One of the first things you taught me, were that changelings were ever adaptable. It may take a little time, but it will be done."

"Indeed. Were it that all of my drones had taken to my words as well as you, Happy."

She'd smile vaguely, and rose a hoof to run down the side of his face. Though weak and lacking the same unshaken presence he were used to, Happy seemed joyful all the same, a low, cooing sound escaping his throat, and his neck fluff puffing slightly.

Knew you nothing of them, it may seem outright endearing. Knowing though, to some extend, what she had done to him, after he had been stranded here from his own world... Could he see it with the same gaze? Or would it color his perspective? Questions which did enter Onache's mind, yet she cared little right now, as the smile fell once more to her neutral expression, and her hoof returned to the floor.

"Enough of this though. I tire of this place, and wish for light. Let us find your sister and be done with this, lest you have more to do in this place?"

She would follow to the room with the guards in if it were, giving a slight bow of the head in response to their regular greeting, but otherwise not speak at first. Though if they simply went for the exit, she could do so too. She were not interested in taking charge right now, in her current state. It asked too much of her, and her churning stomach.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"Yes. I thought Sen were strange too, the first time I met him. It made me curious. Though he still looks more like me, than her new master does. Her too.

I have seen many of my siblings being given forms. Most are different from what I look like, but some look like other things, from home. Like this one, that looks like a squid... Or octopus? I am not sure.

Others have looked like humans, dragons, two legged fox creatures, and others. Most are made to look like their masters. Discord and Hammonds master are different Maybe it is an Equestrian thing? I should ask, next time we see them."

It were all in the eyes of the beholder really. For them, the floating octopus would be very different from anything they'd seen, outside of some resemblance to sea life. Whereas to him, they would be weird, as they were land based creatures, and he sprung from a world where aquatic life were seemingly more common, and far more evolved than what were the case in Equestria.

Well, differently evolved at least. There were still sirens, mermaids, etc.

It would be a few seconds, after they had spoken, before more were said from him, as if he needed time to digest what they had said. Which may be somewhat correctly said, since as they spoke, the fish's light bulb would vibrate slightly, and the teeth would light up in a pale blue, waving inwards steadily, like invisible waves of light were slowly crashing into the maw.

"I want to understand. Looking for... History.

Sorry... I hear you... Understand is... Strange."

It seemed that he could communicate to a certain extend. By some (potentially magical) means, he were grasping their words, and understood them, but trying to communicate back were limited, as he only had the words that they had spoken to work with. Hence why his words were choppy and hesitant at times, as he had to search for the nearest workable word, to make it less of a word jumble than intended.

Interestingly, it seemed it required them to speak things out loud. Despite Omen saying many words, he had not used any of hers that might be useful, indicating that this fish in some manner, were a filter, and conduit in some fashion, to both hear and speak. Likely due to a lack in applicable physiology otherwise, as his kind spoke in a way that did not fit the way that creatures from their world did. It'd be like a cicada, trying to speak ponish.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

It wasn't a taboo subject per se, but there were often those who were nervous. Especially now that the princess and some of her guards were here, because something might come up by accident, that would point out one or the other. Wig were painfully aware of this, and had to be sure she used the right words all day, to not agitate the guards into being able to point towards say, any of Chrysalis's hive, since that might cause harassment. Probably not in front of the princess, but guards talked, and they could all tell that these were not all thrilled about being here. Some outright scared in fact, showing they had been here, during the invasion. Some had maybe even known someone being taken away, or had been so themselves. Either case would make them less than pleased with that hive, or perhaps changelings in general.

Time would handle worries and such, and the warm reception of the princess did help, but it were still rather early, in things going from prey and predator, to equals. Tensions were still high on both sides, and those like Wig who tried to run a business, had to carefully thread a thin line, and make sure that nothing came of this. Only took a few who started yelling, before insults and spells started to get cast around, and no one needed that. Least of all her, as she didn't want her nice place to be trashed, or get a reputation as a violent place.

Seriously, when it came to non-changelings, she made a mint on youngsters who wanted some joy tea. It were catching on with some of the youth, and that'd all be gone, if this place became less family friendly. An endorsement from the princess, rather than a guard notice, were a lot more attractive.

Might sound a bit cynical, but it were still helpful. She just sorta... Y'know, wanted to run a business, and maybe franchise it later. It'd be nice going from lowly drone, to comfortably retired.

“You'd definitely like her. She gets looked down on a lot from other queens, but whenever there's a food shortage, they come asking for some of her surplus all the same. And I've yet to hear her turn anyone away. She's good and reliable. Bit of a prankster though. Likes to mess with those being mean to changelings, hehe. Not in a harmful way though. She's just really good with illusions.

And honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about the golem thing. I couldn't even tell at first, and you don't physically look all that threatening, no offense. You should be able to simply talk with others without it being a big deal, and explain stuff. Though if you want history, the libraries and museums are probably the thing. Maybe one of the schools? They like having guest speakers, and you'd certainly give them a story none of them have heard about before.

There's some theology classes you could speak of the faith based perspectives in at Canterlot High for sure. There's not a lot of faith in Equestria for gods and such, but other countries like Caneighda have their gods. One of them,... Oh I can't remember the name, but they get a harvest festival every year, and come around to bless the meal and harvest."

"Dhalse, is his name. We've been in talk with Caneighda's prime minister for some time about allowing our theology students to attend and learn. It's been slow, but the hope is that when the harvest moon hangs tall next year, they will be granted access. provided they bring proper tribute, in the form of homegrown vegetables."

It were an odd request, but seeing how it were their lands, and their culture, it were something that mattered to them. Perhaps the god too, but she would not claim to have met Dhalse herself, nor had a reason to. She did not grow things such as pumpkins well, and had been politely denied access to it, if she could not procure something. Having others grow it for you, did not count, apparently. As such, the theology class, would need to spend the rest of the year, and the spring, preparing to grow vegetables of one kind or another.

As she had been told, one of them had been very enthusiastic, and begun growing pumpkins in the school greenery already.

"To an extend, Equestria's early history can compare to yours. The three tribes combining, did have a time when it were considered only proper that the earth ponies went in, while the pegasi and especially unicorns, stood at a far distance, safe from any harm. Friendly fire were sadly a thing that were known to occur, before things finally changed, after a few decades. Much as they called me and Luna their rulers, they needed time to acclimate to things, and it did cause some troubles. Including some areas that were assimilated into Equestria, though such a practice have not occurred in a long time.

The greatest stain on our history also happened under my watch. The Inquisition. Three years of... Horrible, horrible acts, all done in my name by fanatics that swore by the flame of the sun. And yet I saw nothing, mourning as I were, of my sister's exile. Even as I finally strode out from my chambers, and saw what were done... Some things cannot be forgiven, nor can they be made right."

The Inquisition were a very dark time period, in Equestrian history. One of pyres and screams, fanatics and so called *heathens*. The ones responsible grasping for power, without thinking of the consequences once Celestia would return. Perhaps even thinking she would agree with them? It were unknown, to the history books, and Celestia herself refused to talk of it in details. It brought her great sadness, to think of her failure first to her sister, and subsequently her country. 

Yet it were history, and chronicled as best as could be, with the museum at times being the ones to unravel more history from that time. Story that were possible to read in the great library, but some loose ends were present. Such as what had happened to the three leaders of the Inquisition, as nothing were known of their whereabouts after it had been stopped.

"There is also the story of what happened when the Evergrown first arose, some six centuries ago, and came to Equestria. A new race, curious and looking to make contact, I welcomed them, but in the end, some selfish ponies began harvesting them for their essence, to flourish their fields, and the survivors cursed our name, before vanishing, and remaining hidden. Only in recent years, have they even been spotted, and I've yet to speak with one personally, though I hope when it does happen, they can forgive us. Even if I punished those who had done such a thing, it had simply been too late, and I can hardly blame them.

Our story with the dragons have not been good either. It were but a hoofful of centuries ago, that we and their then acting dragonlord, met to reach an agreement, to stop the pointless warring between our kin, that claimed countless lives. He were one of their more reasonable leaders, and we did find a way to be mostly neutral, with criminals acting against dragons being given to them, and vice versa for those harming ponies. A strict rule of *Do not eat, and do not kill* were also instituted. Though recent years have shown great progress in dragons and ponies getting along better than ever known.

But beyond sorrowful tales, I can speak of our relations with others. With most, we have long been neutral, but times require changes, and eventually it became beneficial to have trade agreements. We export much hay to Saddle Arabia as an example, while they export many different spices to Equestria. It is one more thing, that the diplomats and others do better than us, though Luna and I have the final say, in anything of grave importance.

It happens even to this day. It is but a few days ago, we were told by an agent of one of our newest law enforcement agencies, that the faraway land of Harrowmark, wishes to speak with us, and make connections. Apparently he went and freed them from someone that isolated them for a long time, and they wish to first bring offers of friendship, to the country that sent them their savior.

I have been asked to host a meeting between myself and one of their royals, as a first, formal visit. I admit to being rather curious, though... Hesitant. Harrowmark is a land of gods and dark magic, in the tomes I been told have been researched, and from what I have been told, those from their neighboring countries, have not been able to communicate with them in six centuries. It's rather... Ah, my apologies. I suppose I have been rambling somewhat there. I haven't many to speak of, with this matter, and I forgot myself in the moment. Forgive me my idle mindedness."

"Oh, then we definitely should meet for tea one of these days, my dear princess. I have met somepony from the area, that have told me a few fascinating tales from their home, over in Manehattan, when I were visiting the area the day before last. A delightful mare that one, that said she had been brought back along with a mister... Ah what were his name... Rising Dusk, I believe? From the O. M. I.?"

Celestia looked mighty perplexed for a moment, though curious and somewhat hopeful too, as the seconds ticked by.

"That is the agent in question."

"Oh how marvelous! We exchanged addresses, that we may write one another, before I had to leave the conference. I do so love new stories. What say I ask them to come visit, and we can arrange for a tea session then? I'm sure knowing more of Harrowmark and its ruler, will help ease your mind for the upcoming meeting."

"A most surprising development, yet I cannot deny that it would be most helpful, Scarcity. Thank you."

"Anything to help, your majesty."

She had barely talked with the mare in question, but Scarcity had met her by pure chance, as she were attending some other business, and the mare were most interested in being of use, long as she were compensated properly. Never one to ignore a business opportunity, she of course accepted, and pulled a few threads to make her application for citizenship pass through faster.

There were some details she knew, but the detective in question were the brother to one of her actual friends, and thus she knew he were a magic unraveller, and overall troublesome one, as he had a photographic memory. Considering he were also law enforcement, she did hers to stay clear of him currently, lest there were a reason not to, and simply remain on good hoofing with his sister.

She could imagine that Dawn had already eyed a chance to be the first to set a hoof in the Harrowish market, due to her connections there, but it didn't mean that Scarcity couldn't make use of Harrowmark too before that, in her own way. She needed only contact, and pay the fare then, and by tomorrow, they should be able to have such a meeting take place. Though she needed to iron out some details with Celestia herself later, of course. Wouldn't want to distract either of them too much currently, as they both had their own things to handle.

"To return to things more proper though, assimilation are a thing of the past, but I can agree that it can be good to keep a military presence at certain borders, with other countries that are cause for concern. Troy have all but forced our hooves on that matter, though they are the only ones."

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

 

@ThePinkestofPones

Shark stood and thought for a moment, if she knew anyone called that.

"Hmm, no, special one is called Anomaly. She took Shark from the ocean, and made her like friends, then put her here in the dry reef, to hunt for big froggies. But now all the froggies are gone, so Shark is learning to be like friends. I go to the school to learn things, and have a mate too!"

Her tail would wag harder, as she mentioned her mate. He wasn't here right now, but she loved him, and looked forward to someday have many healthy pups with him. And to learn stuff in school! So far she had learned that she wasn't supposed to eat her papers, and that the kitsune were nice and fluffy.

In fairness, she had only been there for a day and a half.

"Shark mother is somewhere in ocean. Not seen her for some time.

But Shark is also new at making friends in this reef! And my old friends are all in the ocean, eating fishies.

Wanna be new friends?"

She'd grin wide, wagging her tail and spraying water from side to side from it, about a half meter in both directions. Though clearly a predator, she should seem innocent and happy, and in her own way, she would understand him. Sure she hadn't saved others that then were now gone, but she used to live long away, in the ocean, as a regular shark. She had friends among her own kin then, but now she had no idea where that ocean were, and doubted they would even recognize her anymore.

Yet life were now much larger than she had known, and full of mystery and adventure. So how could she stay mad?

"Ah, I see, then I must have been sent by someone beyond this plane of existence," he rubbed his chin with a hoof.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,747]

@Blitz Boom
"Practically yes." Asildae commented with a shrug, she had in fact been knocked out, or, more accurately, she passed out. Though she didn't say more before the quick hunt. She was bit curious about the whole sister thing, since based on her limited knowledge, these creatures kinda just appeared, but she assumed that was just a matter of incorrect information, since the material she had had access to was written by her own kind, and they weren't perfect.

Asildae looked at the fuzzy orb, certain amusement in her expression, watching it as it bounced off and based on the sounds, hunted something for itself. When Glutton finished speaking, the queen mused "I have read that these lands have strange lifeforms, but I always assumed it was exaggerated. Turns out it was downplayed." granted, it wasn't really useful information as a whole, since in normal circumstances, their kind didn't have contact with Equestria. "Though I can appreciate a fellow swarm species." 

"Can't say much for delectableness, as I have never tasted my own kin." Asildae said, while meeting Glutton's eye contact, her tone and smile indicated that she caught on Glutton's intent "I imagine us to be quite bitter." she then once again brought that magpie in front of her mouth, and it started to...shrink? it crumpled like a bag being emptied from its contents, before she tossed the now empty skin on the ground "And we are venomous indeed, our venom breaks down biological matter." as a demonstration, she spit out tiny bit of clear liquid, which landed on some plants and started immediately breaking them down into goo. "It also has some anti-magical properties." she then 'drank' the squirrel, and discarded the skin. "Who knows what would happen if you were to eat me." 

She scooped up the demonstration goo and ate it too "Humor aside, from how you said it bit earlier, I assume you are expecting to make a judgement on if freeing me was a mistake." "First, let it be known, I rather you eat me than put me back into that cage...or in a cage, since you ate the old one."  "Though obviously I wish we can see eye to eye." she of course had no idea about Glutton's motivations, morals or anything like that, but since she hadn't eaten the bug queen yet, Asildae assumed there was some sort of principle behind the creature's actions.   

"As stated, I was transported here without my knowledge, I passed out and woke up in that cage." "I have, directly speaking, no ambitions towards these lands or any creatures that live here, I pose no threat, or competition to anything here, except prey of course." "My only goal is to get back where I came from, and take back my hive." "I know who is behind my current situation, that would be my sister, a competing, illegitimate queen." "I know the chain of events which led to this, a conflict, battle for the figurative throne. Conflict I was destined to win, until said sister hired help from outside." "A disgraceful act, but enough to turn the conflict." she picked up a centipede from the ground and looked at it "What I do not know, is why I'm here." she ate the centipede "Normally in a conflict like this, the competing queen is killed, to avoid future trouble." "I wouldn't put it below her to lock me up to starve me, that sometimes happens, but that doesn't usually include transporting somebody across the world." 

"Naturally, when I get my hive back, and have managed to rebuild my swarm. I will return the favor for the help you have provided, to best of my ability." 

 -----------

"I know what it is like to be faced with new reality." Vaz stated "I too once had simple dreams." "Complete the work my family started so long ago, and give my brothers and sisters the life they deserve" "Yet, here I am, the last survivor, doomed to wander as things grow old and die around me." "The first step is acceptance." "I am not telling you to forget, to stop trying." "But if you only focus on trying to undo what cannot be undone, understand what cannot truly be understood, time will run away, your family will grow old, you will grow old. And the only thing left is regret." "You are a scientist, you want answers, I can understand that, I am like that too." "But in matters of family, it is aright to say I don't know." "I isolated myself for over hundred cycles, scared of what my brothers and sisters would think if they learned of what happened, if they knew I didn't know how to fix it." "I do not know your parents, nor can I see through the eyes of ponies, but true family doesn't punish you for ignorance, for not knowing, especially so if you are working to learn." "And unlike in my own situation, your fate was not a fault of your own purposeful act." "I simply do not see anything but concern and want to help coming from your family, for you are a victim of a freak accident." "Were I a parent, I would rather have alive, changed daughter, than a dead one." 

"But it does come down to you in the end, is it better to leave your family to wonder, to potentially grow old without knowing what happened to one of their own, or, should they get closure, even if they may look at you different?" "That, only you can answer." "Truth also has the habit of coming out regardless, so ask yourself, is it better to tell yourself, or for them to learn through another means." 

It would take a while more, enough for Magma to speak if she had more to say, but eventually they would stumble upon something unusual for a forest...a large pile of sand, fine, golden desert sand, radiating heat like still in a desert, positioned like it had just suddenly fallen from the sky. Vaz would take small amount of the sand into his hand and look at it "I think we found what we were looking for." 

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

"Afraid? me?" "I've been face to face with death, what is there to fear?" Ruby said dismissively, but in a surprise to even himself, Charir actually challenged her in this a bit "I-I did smell fear from you." he spoke quietly and carefully, clearly afraid of potential lashing out from his sister, and she did turn to look at him, looking like she was going to lash out somewhat, but instead Ruby took a deep breath and asked "Do you smell it now?" Charir, very carefully got closer to Ruby and smelled her. "Faint yes, like prey after death." Ruby fell silent for a moment before speaking "Who am I to argue with my body?"

Ruby's gaze became unfocused, looking into nothing as she spoke "But I am not afraid of him, never was, he is dead, and he was a weakling, I could barely stand when he crumbled in my claws." "His face does not fill me with dread, but rather hatred and disgust." "To be afraid of someone like that? Pathetic."  "He didn't deserve my fear." she was once again growling when she spoke of him, but it wasn't at either Leviathan or Charir, rather just general emotion, and she once again kept a pause before continuing, as she calmed herself down enough to stop growling.

"The truth is, while I barely remember what happened; be it because of my mind blocking it out, or because no memories formed due to my physical condition overpowering my senses." "It never did leave my mind entirely." "That is why I left, why I was wary of returning here." "I could still thrive here, proved as much on the way here, but I don't wish to, what I used call home is now repulsive to me." "Is that fear?" Her vision focused again and she looked towards Leviathan  "And if it is fear that drives me to feel like this, then what is it that can be done to stop it?" "For it hinders my ability to focus, my ability to think, and thus it hinders my ability to act, to keep myself, and you two, safe." the question was genuine, and that was apparent from both her expression and tone.

Ruby was as bad at properly understanding emotions, as she was showing them, so when she couldn't just deny them, she tried to look at them logically, like a problem that had a solution; But since she didn't really understand them, having suppressed them for most of her life, she turned to the one individual she knew she could trust, who also was very open with her own emotions, Leviathan.

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

"You don't need to worry about myself and Trox getting pulled into a cult. You could say that we already have been...disillusioned." "For the kobold protecting the dragons, from what I understood, he's more a father figure to them, rather than a religiously sworn protector" "In Chega's opinion, he'd make a great partner for me, but I can't comment, due to me not having met him." 

"She said they will head to the eastern coast, go through cities and other settlements in northern Equestria, moving towards the western coast, before looping back here to check on us, then exiting Equestria towards the west."  "They don't have set schedule, but they do tend to stay at one place for couple of days at least, depending on in how many places there are for them to visit." "But if you wish to keep up with their movements, they try to keep it somewhat consistent, doing things in same order each year" Usually Sheska wouldn't be so open about things like this, but Chega had specifically said she can share the information with whoever may want to know

-

While Trox didn't necessarily like the mindset of thinking other species as 'only as food or labor.' as Onache put it, but he couldn't really judge her as much when it was towards ponies, after all, he if anyone knew that ponies very easily adopted similar mindset, and there was also obvious bias in his mind that he acknowledged but probably would never be entirely gone, he, they, would likely never see ponies as equals either, but for very different reasons than her; While to Onache, it was because she saw them as prey, to the kobolds, it was because they were a threat, the predator.

While he didn't show it, Trox felt slightly conflicted about the interaction between Onache and Happy, he didn't place any judgement on it, none of his business, and if both were happy, so be it, but being aware of the full picture, and because Onache was a ruler, there was certain instinctual iffiness to it; nothing he paid attention to, but something that did exist.

"We have nothing more to do here, Sheska is in the guard's room that tried to help us."

When the trio would appear on the door and basic greetings happened, Sheska excused herself "It seems it is time for me to depart." "I Hope you both quick recovery, and remember to rest, both of you." "May we meet again in better circumstances"

They would then start heading towards the exit. 

 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 473]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-06-08 at 7:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Yes. I thought Sen were strange too, the first time I met him. It made me curious. Though he still looks more like me, than her new master does. Her too.

I have seen many of my siblings being given forms. Most are different from what I look like, but some look like other things, from home. Like this one, that looks like a squid... Or octopus? I am not sure.

Others have looked like humans, dragons, two legged fox creatures, and others. Most are made to look like their masters. Discord and Hammonds master are different Maybe it is an Equestrian thing? I should ask, next time we see them."

This talk of strangeness and relativity was more comforting, at least to Lin. In a sense, there was a thing they shared with Omen, her sibling, and the latter’s new master that made her feel like she wasn’t out of place. Deep down, she felt a little more isolated despite being in the presence of other longma, and while she was still one, it didn’t feel like a kind of complete kinship. She was no flying octopus or a sea creature in general, but the oddity that she had become after returning from the wellspring made her distant, appearance-wise, among the longma.

It didn’t sound right if she were to vocalize her thoughts, and so she would only keep it within her mind. Some thoughts ought to remain private no matter how much she’d want to share them. Even among those she trusted most.

“I guess if you could say something about being given a new form, it carries familiarity. It helps make one feel like they belong, even before they know it. And it makes things easier, you know? No need to think about it when it comes naturally.”

“That might not always be true, brother. But I wouldn’t know what goes on in the minds of every creature who comes here to pick someone to join them. They have their reasons.”

On 2025-06-08 at 7:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I want to understand. Looking for... History.

Sorry... I hear you... Understand is... Strange."

It seemed that he could communicate to a certain extend. By some (potentially magical) means, he were grasping their words, and understood them, but trying to communicate back were limited, as he only had the words that they had spoken to work with. Hence why his words were choppy and hesitant at times, as he had to search for the nearest workable word, to make it less of a word jumble than intended.

Interestingly, it seemed it required them to speak things out loud. Despite Omen saying many words, he had not used any of hers that might be useful, indicating that this fish in some manner, were a filter, and conduit in some fashion, to both hear and speak. Likely due to a lack in applicable physiology otherwise, as his kind spoke in a way that did not fit the way that creatures from their world did. It'd be like a cicada, trying to speak ponish.

The creature’s words were audible, though comprehending them proved to be a challenge to the longma siblings. Sen still couldn’t seem to wrap his head around if there was more to the words, while Lin attempted to piece something sensible in her mind. And there is something to be understood here. She got the words, and they made sense upon hearing them. Maybe she could try helping him while moving the conversation a little further.

“Sen? Omen? Let me try something. You hear how the words were those we spoke just now?”

“Yes, but where are you going with this?”

“Just give me a moment to let me work on this.” She turned to the creature, walking up to and sitting by him. They were in a safe place, and it was certain that they could spend a little time to get a better understanding of each other. If he was using their words to communicate, he was trying. It was only right that they would try to speak and establish rapport. “I hear you, too, and I can understand; it’s hard to find the words sometimes. No need to be sorry.”

“My name is Lin, and if I may ask, what did you mean by ‘looking for history?’”

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

On 2025-06-08 at 7:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

“You'd definitely like her. She gets looked down on a lot from other queens, but whenever there's a food shortage, they come asking for some of her surplus all the same. And I've yet to hear her turn anyone away. She's good and reliable. Bit of a prankster though. Likes to mess with those being mean to changelings, hehe. Not in a harmful way though. She's just really good with illusions.

And honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about the golem thing. I couldn't even tell at first, and you don't physically look all that threatening, no offense. You should be able to simply talk with others without it being a big deal, and explain stuff. Though if you want history, the libraries and museums are probably the thing. Maybe one of the schools? They like having guest speakers, and you'd certainly give them a story none of them have heard about before.

There's some theology classes you could speak of the faith based perspectives in at Canterlot High for sure. There's not a lot of faith in Equestria for gods and such, but other countries like Caneighda have their gods. One of them,... Oh I can't remember the name, but they get a harvest festival every year, and come around to bless the meal and harvest."

"Dhalse, is his name. We've been in talk with Caneighda's prime minister for some time about allowing our theology students to attend and learn. It's been slow, but the hope is that when the harvest moon hangs tall next year, they will be granted access. provided they bring proper tribute, in the form of homegrown vegetables."

“Illusions? I can imagine a creative use of that paired with emotions; playing with them to weave scenarios that could alter the way one sees the world…. Interactions with heightened emotional responses could make for quite a show, and more emotions harvested. That could make for quite a potent combination. The theater is a calling and a match made perfect with the right set-up for both her and any audience.”

“Speaking of an audience, the Hyracotherian theater would have been a perfect place for her troupe. Though our methods were to narrate an event, dramatization of key scenes would enhance the experience and make it a spectacle. The Hyracotherians weren’t exactly the biggest creatures, and if they were still around today, they would only reach about half an average pony’s height. We were just that small.”

“You could just envision what our academic disputes might have looked like back then… a bunch of toddlers with egos engaging in brawls!” Videntor returned, seemingly in better spirits than when he first left the group. It appeared that his time alone got his pent-up sadness vented out of his system, and he was back to making merry conversation like nothing happened. “You’re back! How are you feeling?”

“Much better now that I worked through some old regrets. It didn’t completely get out of my mind, but it was enough of a start. Right now, I wanted to put that behind me and return to the present. I heard talk of guest speakers and theology classes. That second one sounds like it would be right for you, Vates.”

“That was a long time ago, and even I understood the waning influence of faith in a changing society. I might just sit in and listen, but only when there is time to spare. However, I am intrigued by how that helped growing crops. From what I gathered about Earth ponies, they are the most skilled at working the land. Was that because they are more attuned to nature? Or is it some kind of innate magic that influences their ability? Do they even know they have that kind of magic if that is true?”

Faith was a kind of baggage that Vates had a complicated history with. She had her role, and she did her duty to her fellow Hyracotherians through the services the temple offered. Once that was upended, she had to try and make do with what little influence she could still carry. By then, she was little more than a glorified fortune teller. Some still held fast and true to their faith, but it didn’t carry the same weight it did when she was much younger.

On 2025-06-08 at 7:13 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"To an extend, Equestria's early history can compare to yours. The three tribes combining, did have a time when it were considered only proper that the earth ponies went in, while the pegasi and especially unicorns, stood at a far distance, safe from any harm. Friendly fire were sadly a thing that were known to occur, before things finally changed, after a few decades. Much as they called me and Luna their rulers, they needed time to acclimate to things, and it did cause some troubles. Including some areas that were assimilated into Equestria, though such a practice have not occurred in a long time.

The greatest stain on our history also happened under my watch. The Inquisition. Three years of... Horrible, horrible acts, all done in my name by fanatics that swore by the flame of the sun. And yet I saw nothing, mourning as I were, of my sister's exile. Even as I finally strode out from my chambers, and saw what were done... Some things cannot be forgiven, nor can they be made right."

The Inquisition were a very dark time period, in Equestrian history. One of pyres and screams, fanatics and so called *heathens*. The ones responsible grasping for power, without thinking of the consequences once Celestia would return. Perhaps even thinking she would agree with them? It were unknown, to the history books, and Celestia herself refused to talk of it in details. It brought her great sadness, to think of her failure first to her sister, and subsequently her country. 

Yet it were history, and chronicled as best as could be, with the museum at times being the ones to unravel more history from that time. Story that were possible to read in the great library, but some loose ends were present. Such as what had happened to the three leaders of the Inquisition, as nothing were known of their whereabouts after it had been stopped.

"There is also the story of what happened when the Evergrown first arose, some six centuries ago, and came to Equestria. A new race, curious and looking to make contact, I welcomed them, but in the end, some selfish ponies began harvesting them for their essence, to flourish their fields, and the survivors cursed our name, before vanishing, and remaining hidden. Only in recent years, have they even been spotted, and I've yet to speak with one personally, though I hope when it does happen, they can forgive us. Even if I punished those who had done such a thing, it had simply been too late, and I can hardly blame them.

Magus and Legatus were stunned by what the Princess mentioned. An Inquisition, a fervor and devotion taken to inexplicably dangerous heights. They didn’t think it was possible, but it seemed like history had recorded it for many to remember. Such a thing was foreign in their time, but there was no way would they ever believe that things would go so far to actually become reality. And then the story of the Evergrown, one that reminded the golems, especially Legatus, of their own history of exploitation in the name of security.

In truth, history is mired with such tales. They once saw the rise of a large, nomadic tribe transform into a formidable empire that would span continents. As mighty as they were, it was built upon the hapless victims of conquest, their machine fed upon the efforts of others who didn’t wish to be part of that empire. It seemed that wherever one went, a terrible history would follow, rearing its ugly head and repeating. It was the kind of thing that the golems swore to put a stop to. After all, that was their mission when they agreed to preserve their essence within the focal orb.

However, the mention of the Evergrown brought back Scriniarii's thoughts on Omen and the longma siblings. If they were to ever meet, there may be a chance for that to go well, better even, knowing that their experiences meeting creatures foreign to them usually ended in friendship or mutual respect. It may not be rare to find individuals who carried themselves well when meeting new creatures, but somehow, those with power and authority had a thing for imposing those over those who did not acknowledge it, leading to difficult or rocky relations. That could just be something coloring the golems' perceptions given the history of the Hyracotherians, as well as that of the different civilizations that they witnessed. It was a tale that repeated itself at different times; the details changed, but the gist remained the same.

“History is lined with great and terrible tales, but the best we can do is to learn from them and avoid making the same mistakes that led to these events happening. It is good that things are looking up for Equestria instead of buckling under the weight of tragedies. That is enough to give us hope that our kind's mistakes aren't playing out again, especially now that unity without sacrificing uniqueness among creatures is becoming more prominent.”

“And worry not about rambling. It is nice to hear about new developments in Equestria, even if we don’t really know the specifics. What little we can glean from them makes things sound positive, and so we ought to celebrate even the little things that can lead to bigger, positive developments. That was one lesson we heard being taught in our time by the thinker Gaudium.”

“But back to what you said about military presence… I agree that having one as a means to establish security on the borders has its purpose. But as a policy that acts as a pretense for aggression? That is a delicate area. I do not envy your position of leadership in Equestria, but I hope that Equestria and beyond could be a utopia because you show that such a thing is possible. I cannot help but be curious about this 'Troy' and the issues they are causing. If I may ask, who are they, and what kind of trouble have they caused?”

[Blitz Boom 4,705]

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I have read that these lands have strange lifeforms, but I always assumed it was exaggerated. Turns out it was downplayed." granted, it wasn't really useful information as a whole, since in normal circumstances, their kind didn't have contact with Equestria. "Though I can appreciate a fellow swarm species." 

"Bah. Equestria has some diversity, but all the best things that's come out of this place, were made by us. But a lot of those got hunted down, or went away when Discord got sealed. Some we just poofed out of there, cause they bored us, or we felt like it.

But it all got duller. Everything you see's just pale imitations of how it used to be. All except for the stuff from the Sullen Gorge. *sigh* but it's still nothing like when she were out roaming the lands..."

Glutton chuckled a little to herself, thinking about something from the past, but it didn't last more than a moment, while her new buddy kept telling her own tale.

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Can't say much for delectableness, as I have never tasted my own kin." Asildae said, while meeting Glutton's eye contact, her tone and smile indicated that she caught on Glutton's intent "I imagine us to be quite bitter." she then once again brought that magpie in front of her mouth, and it started to...shrink? it crumpled like a bag being emptied from its contents, before she tossed the now empty skin on the ground "And we are venomous indeed, our venom breaks down biological matter." as a demonstration, she spit out tiny bit of clear liquid, which landed on some plants and started immediately breaking them down into goo. "It also has some anti-magical properties." she then 'drank' the squirrel, and discarded the skin. "Who knows what would happen if you were to eat me." 

"Anti-magic? Bleargh. That stuff gives me indigestion. Whenever I run into that in the trash heaps, I spit it into a box. I like making the guards beg me for it, heh."

Anti-magic wasn't technically something that'd kill her. But eating it did make her feel queasy, and she had trouble digesting it. It took days, and she felt miserable.

The anti-magic itself were something that'd dissipate, once the item it were on were digested. But the coating slowed down her digestion, and tested her innards, so she much preferred not having to. Which then fit well, with the guards wanting all they could get of it. Usually they had their own stuff, but every now and again, something were accidentally thrown out, or got lost, etc. So she had a box for that sort, and every once in a while, an officer would begrudgingly come and ask her very nicely, if they could please get what were in said box.

Did she have to make them plead, or have an officer do it? Technically no, but she knew how much they wanted it, and she had no need for their money, so she got repaid in entertainment. And the higher ups hated groveling at her paws, which were plenty amusing to her.

Might be she were an ally of Equestria, but that didn't mean she were all nice and full of sunshine.

By the looks of things, her new friend weren't one all full of that either, but instead digestive fluids. Sorta like a spider, eh? Glutton could respect that. It were one of her more favored types of animals.

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

She scooped up the demonstration goo and ate it too "Humor aside, from how you said it bit earlier, I assume you are expecting to make a judgement on if freeing me was a mistake." "First, let it be known, I rather you eat me than put me back into that cage...or in a cage, since you ate the old one."  "Though obviously I wish we can see eye to eye." she of course had no idea about Glutton's motivations, morals or anything like that, but since she hadn't eaten the bug queen yet, Asildae assumed there was some sort of principle behind the creature's actions.   

"As stated, I was transported here without my knowledge, I passed out and woke up in that cage." "I have, directly speaking, no ambitions towards these lands or any creatures that live here, I pose no threat, or competition to anything here, except prey of course." "My only goal is to get back where I came from, and take back my hive." "I know who is behind my current situation, that would be my sister, a competing, illegitimate queen." "I know the chain of events which led to this, a conflict, battle for the figurative throne. Conflict I was destined to win, until said sister hired help from outside." "A disgraceful act, but enough to turn the conflict." she picked up a centipede from the ground and looked at it "What I do not know, is why I'm here." she ate the centipede "Normally in a conflict like this, the competing queen is killed, to avoid future trouble." "I wouldn't put it below her to lock me up to starve me, that sometimes happens, but that doesn't usually include transporting somebody across the world." 

"Naturally, when I get my hive back, and have managed to rebuild my swarm. I will return the favor for the help you have provided, to best of my ability." 

"What, you think I care if you're gonna be a troublemaker? Hah! I only care if you're the sort of big deal who ends up causing things to change too badly, as I like my cozy life. Unless you're a big shot like Heresy, I'd just leave it to the ponies to deal with you. I've just been gauging if you're trouble to justify eating you, if it came down to it. The ponies frown on that sorta thing, lest there ain't a choice. Their whole *goodie two shoes* thing. Ain't my thing, but I gotta try to give some modicum of a hoot, y'know?

Anyway, not feeling like eating you anymore. You're an entertaining sort, Asildae. And you aren't frothing round the mouth, screaming *Wanna eat ponies, yum yum*, so you're alright.

Stick around me little queen, and you'll be fine. I got leverage on the ponies, and they won't try something if I tell them we're chums. Not unless you try eating a foal, so y'know, don't be stupid 'bout it, and you're golden.

Anyway, you figure that you might've been sent here cause you got sold off? Cage like this, the outside helpers she hired on might've sold you off into slavery, or tried to anyway, and got mauled by something from the Sullen Gorge. Equestria ain't a good place for that, but depending on stuff... Might've tried transporting you to Troy as some sorta lab experiment, or did a mid stop from here, headed to Neighpon. Heard they make meds outta all sorts of things.

Could explain why they'd go here. Most don't like going into the Sullen Gorge. Could end up getting eaten by a flesh horror or something.

Heh, guess we'll find out, yeah? You got my curious, so I think I'll be tagging along. We just need to make a pit stop first. Before I leave the country, I have to clear out my home proper, so there's room to heap up more stuff while I'm gone. I could do with a vacation abroad anyway. Haven't done that since I returned to Equestria.

Ain't a long trip to get home. Few hours walk, and we can be on our way afterwards. We can trade stories on the way, yeah? Other side of the world, you outta know some things I haven't heard of before.

I'll tell you the tale of my oldest sister then. Ain't that well known, for anyone else than my own kin."

Fresh meeting, but it seemed they were off to a good start. Asildae didn't spook Glutton int he slightest, and with a draconequui at her side, retaking her hive should be a fair bit easier. Even if the place was riddled in anti-magic, and she couldn't use spells, Glutton had the brawns to deal with things the old fashioned way too.

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@Catpone Cerberus

She listened in to his every word. Spoken by someone who had made choices, lived with the regrets, and could speak well from experience. Though their circumstances were not the same, and she wouldn't claim it to be so regardless, as she knew so little of what he had gone through, it were objectively hard for her to dismiss his words. Particularly because she knew well that he were right.

"...Logically, I know you are right. At first I believe I were right to keep distance, as I were not controlled enough, and may well have accidentally harmed them, but since I got more control over myself, I... I suppose to an extend, I have pushed it away, because of my trying to rationalize my fear.

My family is lovely, and I sincerely doubt they would just cast me aside, yet I cannot stop questioning myself. Would me reemerging cause trouble? Might I bring them into danger, due to what I am now? What might they have thought, after what happened at Center Zero?

*sigh* Occam's Razor though, is it not? Rather than going through all of this, the simplest solution is to just jump into it, and at the very least let them know I am still alive.

I will ponder how to approach it, while we are working here, Mr. Vaz. Yet I thank you for your advice. Sometimes it is... Enlightening, to hear reason from another, rather than simply sit with all the thoughts on your own."

It seemed their talk on this had come to an end for now too, as their work part would come into play. Not long after she said this, they would find heated sand, which were certainly unusual for this part of the country. It would fit with something having been dumped here, which she would agree, indicated that they had found at the least the general area where their quarry were.

She'd concentrate, and then suddenly the top of her head cracked, and a thick plume of white smoke rose up into the air, in a consistent plume. This should be a sufficient beacon for Solar to follow.

"We should wait until Solar have arrived, before we proceed into this. There may be some traces of radiation, if we are unlucky."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"He might've been a weakling, who died with ease, but he still got the upper hand on you for a time. You were in someone else's control, and couldn't stop it.

I think you might hate that, as much as you fear it, but anger is easier to deal with. You know that, and you can use that feeling. Fear is admitting weakness. It's why it's so much harder to face and overcome, for most creatures.

Just because he's gone, doesn't mean the damage is either. Someone having control over you, it is... Difficult to deal with for some.

Maybe it's not him you are afraid of? Maybe it's being controlled by someone else? It'd explain why you wanted out of here to me at least. In this country, there's several that're stronger than you are. Out there, in Equestria? You're practically The apex predator.

Whatever the reason, it's not easy to just deal with. Fear is complicated. If it wasn't, that draconequui wouldn't have her temple where folks rush to to get help with their fear, and therapists would be out of a job. Doubly worse when it's a fear that makes sense. We're dragons. We don't like anyone being in charge of us at the best of times, more often than not."

She really wished she had a simple answer. An easy solution, that would just make everything right here and now, but... She didn't. Honestly she didn't think there even were one. This were the sort of thing that could etch itself into your life in an instant, but took years to actually deal with.

"Back in the pack, I grew up with the notion that we had to listen to our fear. Better afraid and alive, than headstrong and dead. But this is... I think this will take some time going through, Ruby. But however long it'll take, you won't have to deal with it alone. I'm not going anywhere."

Leviathan would lean her head on Ruby, and look up at her larger, younger friend. Perhaps it were not as much of a comfort having her there, as Ruby's presence were for her, but she would do what she could here. Even if she had to go and hunt down one of those dang waypoints that Fright had plotted around, and make the draconequui help Ruby. And by make her, she obviously meant ask nicely. Cause she wasn't dumb enough to think she could beat a draconequui in battle.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"You don't need to worry about myself and Trox getting pulled into a cult. You could say that we already have been...disillusioned." "For the kobold protecting the dragons, from what I understood, he's more a father figure to them, rather than a religiously sworn protector" "In Chega's opinion, he'd make a great partner for me, but I can't comment, due to me not having met him." 

"She said they will head to the eastern coast, go through cities and other settlements in northern Equestria, moving towards the western coast, before looping back here to check on us, then exiting Equestria towards the west."  "They don't have set schedule, but they do tend to stay at one place for couple of days at least, depending on in how many places there are for them to visit." "But if you wish to keep up with their movements, they try to keep it somewhat consistent, doing things in same order each year" Usually Sheska wouldn't be so open about things like this, but Chega had specifically said she can share the information with whoever may want to know

yet...

"Oooo, I think I know roughly when to set a few vacation days then. Shark Bay is on the western coast. Like, literally., We're the biggest coastal town out on the west, with lots of tourism and such. It'd be a great location to go.

Dang. I must've missed her last year I guess. Or maybe she went to Paddle Beach instead? I outta ask around, just in case."

Paddle Beach wasn't as large as Shark bay, but it were more prestigious, which tended to attract the more high end tourists and residents on the west coast. Usually the guard tended to refer to them as *The Snobs*, and they tended to talk about their residents as *The Savages*.

It had some old history to it, but these days, it were mostly just teasing and minor hazing. Even their sports teams were in on it, with the Palm Snobs and the Shark Savages openly adopting the names for a laugh. Barring a few cases, they got along well.

"It's good to hear that the dragon and kobolds have a more healthy relationship in place. I'm sure you'll see for yourself, sooner or later. It sounds like Chega encouraged you to meet him at least. I used much the same rhetoric when I were trying to convince my son to find somepony special. I love that colt, but he can be rather dense sometimes."

On 2025-06-09 at 1:07 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

While Trox didn't necessarily like the mindset of thinking other species as 'only as food or labor.' as Onache put it, but he couldn't really judge her as much when it was towards ponies, after all, he if anyone knew that ponies very easily adopted similar mindset, and there was also obvious bias in his mind that he acknowledged but probably would never be entirely gone, he, they, would likely never see ponies as equals either, but for very different reasons than her; While to Onache, it was because she saw them as prey, to the kobolds, it was because they were a threat, the predator.

While he didn't show it, Trox felt slightly conflicted about the interaction between Onache and Happy, he didn't place any judgement on it, none of his business, and if both were happy, so be it, but being aware of the full picture, and because Onache was a ruler, there was certain instinctual iffiness to it; nothing he paid attention to, but something that did exist.

"We have nothing more to do here, Sheska is in the guard's room that tried to help us."

When the trio would appear on the door and basic greetings happened, Sheska excused herself "It seems it is time for me to depart." "I Hope you both quick recovery, and remember to rest, both of you." "May we meet again in better circumstances"

They would then start heading towards the exit. 

"Right you are. I think we could both do with relaxing the rest of the day, before heading home. I heard there was a great spa in town actually."

"That would be good actually. My bones feel a little stiff today. Best we go there.

You all take care, and thank you for the help, once more."

The two guards waved towards the group as they were departing. Normally Onache would have gazed in their minds somewhat, out of habit, but she cared little right now. They seemed oblivious, and her strength were low. She couldn't simply use it as frivolously as she usually did. Annoying, but she supposed, in its own way, a good thing. Maybe it would prepare her for doing so less, as she'd slowly try to integrate.

Or perhaps she were looking too hard for a silver lining, to make this day feel less miserable. How dreadfully optimistic of her.

Happy would wave towards the guards, whereas Onache would simply nod, but neither had anything to say to them at this moment, and they could safely make it towards the exit. Though tragedy struck, soon as they exited the hospital, as a dreadful illness descended upon them.

...Okay, Happy sneezed once, and blocked it with his leg, as some dust from the outside had tickled his nose. But it sounded less dramatic like that.

Beyond that, things looked normal out here. Everyone going at things their own way, as if nothing bad had happened so very little time ago. Ponyville in a nutshell that were. Rebounding back to normalcy with somewhat ease.

"Nice facade they got going on here. Plenty of nervousness still around though. probably worried another thing's gonna happen too."

"It best not. I have had plenty enough excitement for today."

With that, they could wander forward, out into Ponyville, and possibly beyond. It really depended on if they needed something from within the town, or wanted to go to their respective homes and calm their heads for a time instead.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I guess if you could say something about being given a new form, it carries familiarity. It helps make one feel like they belong, even before they know it. And it makes things easier, you know? No need to think about it when it comes naturally.”

“That might not always be true, brother. But I wouldn’t know what goes on in the minds of every creature who comes here to pick someone to join them. They have their reasons.”

""Discord always seemed to prefer being where ponies were. Maybe he made me look like them, because he liked them? Maybe that is why he has a marefriend now, and not one of his own kind?

I have tried to think why he does things before, and he laughed when I told him. Master Discord said that if I tried to think of him with logic, I would not understand. He is a complicated creature."

Int ruith, he did have a favoritism towards ponies, but it had less to do with the looks, and more the feeling of family and friendship, that he couldn't as easily get from his own kin. Or it were because he found them cute, or believed them so easy to manipulate, that it were funny. Honestly, his reasons had likely changed several times ever since he entered Equestria in the first place.

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

The creature’s words were audible, though comprehending them proved to be a challenge to the longma siblings. Sen still couldn’t seem to wrap his head around if there was more to the words, while Lin attempted to piece something sensible in her mind. And there is something to be understood here. She got the words, and they made sense upon hearing them. Maybe she could try helping him while moving the conversation a little further.

“Sen? Omen? Let me try something. You hear how the words were those we spoke just now?”

“Yes, but where are you going with this?”

“Just give me a moment to let me work on this.” She turned to the creature, walking up to and sitting by him. They were in a safe place, and it was certain that they could spend a little time to get a better understanding of each other. If he was using their words to communicate, he was trying. It was only right that they would try to speak and establish rapport. “I hear you, too, and I can understand; it’s hard to find the words sometimes. No need to be sorry.”

“My name is Lin, and if I may ask, what did you mean by ‘looking for history?’”

"History is... Hear words. Understand what you mean."

He did his best to work with what he had, but he had not at the time, gotten a word to express that he were listening to their words, so he could communicate through that. He still hadn't, but he had a little more to work with now at the least, so he could be more expressive in his vocabulary.

It were easier in his home dimension. The Land Dwellers knew that his kind needed words to understand and use to translate with, so they often had singers that spend a good deal of time speaking out in ode and story at the border between land and water. Omen could have been that, but her words were directly into his mind. There were no vibrations in the air for him to use and make words of, but it seemed these four legged ones were beginning to grasp what he were about, and spoke in a way that he could use. That were good. It opened up a communication channel between them.

"Lin. Sen. Omen.  I hear you name.

I hear. I understand. I need words going-"

He would gesture with a couple of his tentacles, wriggling one, using another to then point between that and the fish on his staff, to try and specify what he meant by how he grasped their words. How he could understand them were not something he could articulate though. It included several words they probably didn't have a likeness to, the size of his brain, and concepts of magic. But they didn't need to understand the deepness of everything to communicate, even if he did feel somewhat ridiculous at times, speaking like... Well, his new companion, frankly. But she were a fresh spawn, and needed education. That would change soon enough.

"You understand, yes? You ask, need words, I..."

He'd let out some words, that would come to his servant, then Omen, before she'd then turn to them.

"She says he is finding it hard to speak our language, since it is new, but he does what he can. You can ask questions, and he can try to answer.

He also wants to know if we also have something like him, where you come from. He have never seen anyone that looks like you."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Illusions? I can imagine a creative use of that paired with emotions; playing with them to weave scenarios that could alter the way one sees the world…. Interactions with heightened emotional responses could make for quite a show, and more emotions harvested. That could make for quite a potent combination. The theater is a calling and a match made perfect with the right set-up for both her and any audience.”

“Speaking of an audience, the Hyracotherian theater would have been a perfect place for her troupe. Though our methods were to narrate an event, dramatization of key scenes would enhance the experience and make it a spectacle. The Hyracotherians weren’t exactly the biggest creatures, and if they were still around today, they would only reach about half an average pony’s height. We were just that small.”

“You could just envision what our academic disputes might have looked like back then… a bunch of toddlers with egos engaging in brawls!”

There were a few giggles around, on the lower end though, as some who were listening in, had the mental image of what they have said. A bunch of foals fighting over politics, sounded like an adorable, yet weird scene to witness. Must have made for some adorable theater though, and with how good changelings were at changing forms, perhaps they could in time, be able to have some of their plays acted out on stage again, as it once were? Visually only perhaps, but it would be a bit of ancient culture that could come into the limelight once more, and who wouldn't love to have something old and authentic looking, that wasn't easily replicated elsewhere? Might be they'd have something to offer Cheshire already, that would intrigue her greatly.

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“You’re back! How are you feeling?”

“Much better now that I worked through some old regrets. It didn’t completely get out of my mind, but it was enough of a start. Right now, I wanted to put that behind me and return to the present. I heard talk of guest speakers and theology classes. That second one sounds like it would be right for you, Vates.”

“That was a long time ago, and even I understood the waning influence of faith in a changing society. I might just sit in and listen, but only when there is time to spare. However, I am intrigued by how that helped growing crops. From what I gathered about Earth ponies, they are the most skilled at working the land. Was that because they are more attuned to nature? Or is it some kind of innate magic that influences their ability? Do they even know they have that kind of magic if that is true?”

"It is good to hear that you are at higher spirits again.

As for your assumption, Vates, all ponies have some kind of magic. Unicorns and alicorns can use so actively, but earth ponies have a connection with nature that makes them passively grow crops with much more ease, and make them physically stronger. Pegasus magic is what allows them to interact with clouds and fly, despite their wings being too small compared to their weight normally. It goes for all equine races, far as I am aware, with zebras for instance, being able to connect with peculiar magic, that can make trained individuals work as mystics, or seers.

Thestrals have something akin to pegasi, when it comes to flight, but I am afraid I don't know enough about them to say much more of note. You should ask my sister, or one of their own for more clear answers."

All types of ponies able to do their own thing, is what helped their society to prosper. Active magic, cloud manipulation, raising crops- They all had their own role to fill, and it made things work harmoniously, long as it were not interfered with in some horrid manner.

Other equine races had their own things, but so did most higher sentience beings, like how the deer could actively use magic. Though it being nature and dark magic were odd, but long as they did not cause trouble, she wouldn't interfere. They tended to prefer their own company and didn't mingle much, or cause any big waves, as they just wanted to live with their own customs peacefully. Barring a few, brief meetings every few generations with a leader of theirs, who just wanted to affirm that they followed the laws proper, and that their arrangement still stood, they were elusive, and didn't often have any interest in Canterlot. Especially not the traditional ones.

On 2025-06-10 at 10:59 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“History is lined with great and terrible tales, but the best we can do is to learn from them and avoid making the same mistakes that led to these events happening. It is good that things are looking up for Equestria instead of buckling under the weight of tragedies. That is enough to give us hope that our kind's mistakes aren't playing out again, especially now that unity without sacrificing uniqueness among creatures is becoming more prominent.”

“And worry not about rambling. It is nice to hear about new developments in Equestria, even if we don’t really know the specifics. What little we can glean from them makes things sound positive, and so we ought to celebrate even the little things that can lead to bigger, positive developments. That was one lesson we heard being taught in our time by the thinker Gaudium.”

“But back to what you said about military presence… I agree that having one as a means to establish security on the borders has its purpose. But as a policy that acts as a pretense for aggression? That is a delicate area. I do not envy your position of leadership in Equestria, but I hope that Equestria and beyond could be a utopia because you show that such a thing is possible. I cannot help but be curious about this 'Troy' and the issues they are causing. If I may ask, who are they, and what kind of trouble have they caused?”

"If we don't learn from the past, we are destined to repeat it. The Inquisition especially is something I wish not to think of often, but sadly it must be remembered, so we do not repeat that horrid time. Especially these days, when more cursed items fall into the grasp of those hungry for power, it could go far more out of control, if it were to repeat itself.

As for Troy..."

A frown came upon her face, as she tried to find a way to speak of them, that would not devolve into too much harshness, but this would be where Scarcity stepped in once again.

"Oh the story of Troy is long and muddled, and our dear princess surely have much to do today. Allow me to fill fill them in on that extensive history later, hm?"

She knew well that the princess did hers to not openly say anything about Troy for various reasons, so things would be better if she simply provided a more nuanced take on things later on, as she could approach the subject from a more neutral point of view.

"That would be appreciated."

"It is no trouble at all.

That said, there really is no utopia possible, as everywhere have their issues. Even out fair country. But I would say Equestria is as near one, as realistically could be.

Now perhaps a bit of history from your end would be enlightening, hm? Do tell us a little more of Gaudium., A philosopher of note it sounds like?"

While all this went on, Wig had left the counter, then soon after came back whistling with one of the vats that had been in the room where Videntor had went for a bit of alone time. He may have noticed before he left the room, that it had become filled with a liquid as he had gone through his thoughts there, and grasped the meaning of it. Excess emotions shouldn't be wasted, so the small vats were in the rooms to collect what excessive amount were wafting through the air, by those who needed a moment for themselves. No need to let that go to waste, right? It were practically recycling.

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

 

@ThePinkestofPones

Shark just looked at him, head tilted, with visible confusion in her eyes, before suddenly going into a huge grin, and giggling.

"New friend says funny things, just like Shark mate.

This reef is nice, with lots of friends. You will be happy here too, yes? Let's go friend! Shark will show you that this is a nice reef."

She were tempted to bite into his tail and drag him along, but she had been asked to stop doing that. Several times. Including by the mayor, whom she had subsequently gotten very close to, because the reflection in her glasses intrigued Shark.

She were a special one to get used to, but she were pretty much harmless, so they tried.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,747]

@Blitz Boom
Asildae was aware of the whole kindness thing going on with ponies, and as far as she thought of it, good for them, it was a privilege to be able to be peaceful; not a privilege granted to her, in her highly competitive home. What came to eating ponies, morally speaking, she had no issue with it, it was just generally not worth it; bigger and more intelligent creatures were simply too much hassle, especially when there wasn't a hive to store them in.

"It is possible that I have been a target of transaction, but considering how long I was in there, those involved must have perished or otherwise been hindered permanently." She responded in pondering manner "After all, you don't leave merchandise unguarded in some cave for several seasonal cycles."  it wasn't out of the question, their kind didn't hoard currency, so it could be that she was the payment for the outsiders, though if that was the case, a simple cage was still a weird choice for someone who can spit acid, and scream, or in her case, sing for help quite loudly. Though then again, her sister could have just failed to mention those facts, it was unlikely she felt much of a responsibility towards the outsiders after all, and just wanted to get rid of Asildae. 

"And there is no rush yet, for I am still weak." "It is not so visible, but I am still malnourished, and need to recover before I can head towards home." she grabbed a bee that was flying past mid-flight and ate it too "I also need to figure out where exactly we are; I know of this land, and that it is far away, but I am not aware of the optimal route back home." she was also curious to see if her sister had scouts in these lands, as they would no doubt notify her if they spotted Asildae, which would actually be optimal. 

"But enough of me for now, as I am admittedly curious about this sister of yours." "For I do not know much of your kind, or your place in these lands."  It was lucky that the creature that had found her was a reasonable one, and while Asildae acknowledged that realistically Glutton could end her at any point, she was not afraid, partly because she lacked fear in the usual way, she had the instincts for self-preservation of course, and with that came a variation of the fear-response, but she lacked the capability to feel dread, lacked the anxiety response to perceived threats.

She didn't necessarily wish Glutton's help in the retaking of her hive, after all, she had critiqued her sister's actions for a reason, but at the same time, she wasn't going to stop her, it wasn't like she had hired her specifically for the purpose like her sister had done. There was also the aspect of reality, while she would have some backup assuming some of her daughters and loyalists were still alive in the hive, taking on her sister in her current state was a risky thing, and there was a real change she'd lose without outside help. She didn't know how long it had been, and thus didn't know how many daughters her sister now had.

-------

As a conclusion to the conversation, Vaz shared one more insight "While my worst mistake is something I've done, the things I regret the most, are the things I didn't do." 

It didn't take long for Solar to arrive, as he landed from high speed with experience, his metal hoofs leaving a distinct print on his landing spot, he looked at the pile of sand for a second before speaking "I don't need to even scan that to recognize sand from the Solar desert." "Good job, I wouldn't have been able to see this from above." he then started scanning the pile, or as it looked from outside, staring at it with unfocused eyes, before seemingly surprised by something. Vaz seemed to be doing something of his own, as he stepped away from the pile, closed his eyes and pointed his hand towards it with open palm, slight green glow radiating through his eyelids. 

Solar gestured Magma to stay back, before blasting the pile of sand with his magic, causing sand to blow away. He did this few times before a golden wing, not too different from Solar's metal wing, stuck out from the pile. He then grabbed on the wing and pulled, now and then blasting bit of sand away again, eventually digging out bunch of metal parts, all connected together with wires and cables and such. There were two wings, two back legs, parts of a torso and neck, and flank-pieces, all similar to Solar's. The flanks even had the same sun symbol as Solar on them too.

There were also the backside of a head, including eyes and a horn. All of this was similar to Solar's metal parts, not exact copies, there were enough differences to clearly be different, but it was also clear that the origin was no doubt the same as Solar's. Among everything, there were couple of what one could assume to be replacements for internal organs too. There were some stains and discoloring on the parts implying that it used to be attached to something living at some point, but for some reason there was nothing biological attached now, not even a stray hair stuck somewhere . 

Solar, for the first time, seemed genuinely disturbed "That is...or was, I guess, 215, I recognize those parts." "She was an earth pony, one of our hunters, efficient and dangerous, good at taking down large groups." "I'm not sure if I want to know how she ended up like this, but this is the source of the signal. Explains why the power ran out." but alas, that was exactly what he needed to do, as he connected himself to the head of the mess of parts, the connection sending enough power in to get information out. 

It didn't take long after disconnecting, before Solar suddenly turned towards Vaz, seeming more tense, though instead of saying anything, he projected an image. It seemed to be a point of view of someone laying on the ground of a sunny desert, looking up towards someone. That someone? an awfully familiar looking kobold; there was no armor, the color of the scales was bit faded, the skull on his head was missing a piece and had its horns broken, but there was no mistaking it, it was Vaz. Though, there was also something else off about the Vaz in the projection, he looked stiff, and something about how he looked, something in his eyes, there was something raw, something feral.

Vaz, having already stopped whatever it was he had been doing a moment ago, looked at the projection, before muttering something in somber manner. 
-------

 While she didn't say anything, Ruby was rather easy to read for once, as she seemed to be fighting an urge to lash out and argue; it was clear that the implications Leviathan was offering were annoying her, if not straight up enraging Ruby, but she kept her emotions in control, it would not help to lash out, and she didn't really have any solid arguments, though that really only made her want to deny it more. Soon enough she seemed to calm down entirely.

Until Leviathan broke it somehow, the following silence was long and heavy, Charir didn't know what to say, so he decided it was better to stay quiet and still, and Ruby, as she lowered her head and turned to look at the entrance once more, she fell into cold silence, one wouldn't be blamed for assuming she just dismissed the whole thing and pushed it aside, her tail too laid still, returning her to her usual state of total stillness.

This lasted for many minutes, but, if/when Leviathan hadn't said or done something before, Ruby would speak again, breaking the silence, her voice cold and distant, but at the same time, genuine "I lost everything in that ravine." "And I do not mean treasure nor glory, those were taken by mother." "I lost my dignity, my pride. My will to survive." "Yet, I did survive, like a sick joke from fate, I lived." "I kept him alive, trapped him and tortured him." "After four days he couldn't take any more, his body failed." "I wasn't happy." "After I had healed enough, I gathered some more treasure, won fights, I was on the rise again." "I wasn't happy." 

"That is why I left, something died in that ravine, the way of life I had known, it left me empty, I wasn't happy." "Life in Equestria hasn't been much better. I pretended to be a inferior species, groveling in front of inferiors, pretending to myself to be the superior." "What a pathetic joke."

"All the treasure I've gathered, all the slain enemies, it doesn't make me feel anything, just a momentary fulfillment of endless hunger." 

"You are likely right, I have forgotten what fear feels like, so I cannot deny if I feel it." "But I won't just sit and wait for solutions, I will meet Elder Dask, ask her for guidance too." "If that leads to nowhere, I may need to ask you for a favor, one which, knowing you, you will dislike as much as I will." "But for now, I wish to rest." she then closed her eyes.

Charir, needing a bit of air to think, headed towards the entrance, sitting down and looking outside through the privacy-barrier, in all their differences, the two siblings had some things in common it seemed.

----------

"That tends to happen in places like this." Sheska commented on Onache's remark "When you are bombarded with attacks again and again, you grow certain numbness to it." Trox added "You stay alert" "But don't let it hinder your business.".

With everything here concluded, the siblings would ultimately head to their to be home, sitting down to go through the bounties they had taken, and forming a plan to get started with everything, and to wait for Chega to visit, as she would stop by and drop the help she insisted to give, before heading out of town herself.
 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 473]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-06-21 at 8:42 PM, Blitz Boom said:

""Discord always seemed to prefer being where ponies were. Maybe he made me look like them, because he liked them? Maybe that is why he has a marefriend now, and not one of his own kind?

I have tried to think why he does things before, and he laughed when I told him. Master Discord said that if I tried to think of him with logic, I would not understand. He is a complicated creature."

Int ruith, he did have a favoritism towards ponies, but it had less to do with the looks, and more the feeling of family and friendship, that he couldn't as easily get from his own kin. Or it were because he found them cute, or believed them so easy to manipulate, that it were funny. Honestly, his reasons had likely changed several times ever since he entered Equestria in the first place.

“A creature of chaos would make attempts at logic and reason look like an exercise in frustration. That sounds just like Discord…”

“What a time we live in, huh? That we’d find ourselves befriending the one responsible for driving the longma to madness at one point in our history. Wonder what the folks back home would think of us if they haven’t written us off as a bunch of strangers too accustomed to life outside of the forest.”

“Maybe that would make us a little like Discord, right, Omen? Preferring the company of ponies instead of his kind. Or maybe Discord was right about not being able to understand. I guess there are just some answers out there that we need not try to understand and simply let them be.”

Lin had this drive to find the answers to her burning questions, but at times, finding out may not be quite the right thing. There may be questions out there that she would rather not want answered. What she may learn would be too much to comprehend, or if it were comprehensible, she may not like what she learns. If it was something she could impart to Omen and Sen, that lesson would be one.

But, the realm’s visitor would also have some words for the group as well.

On 2025-06-21 at 8:42 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Lin. Sen. Omen.  I hear you name.

I hear. I understand. I need words going-"

He would gesture with a couple of his tentacles, wriggling one, using another to then point between that and the fish on his staff, to try and specify what he meant by how he grasped their words. How he could understand them were not something he could articulate though. It included several words they probably didn't have a likeness to, the size of his brain, and concepts of magic. But they didn't need to understand the deepness of everything to communicate, even if he did feel somewhat ridiculous at times, speaking like... Well, his new companion, frankly. But she were a fresh spawn, and needed education. That would change soon enough.

"You understand, yes? You ask, need words, I..."

He'd let out some words, that would come to his servant, then Omen, before she'd then turn to them.

"She says he is finding it hard to speak our language, since it is new, but he does what he can. You can ask questions, and he can try to answer.

He also wants to know if we also have something like him, where you come from. He have never seen anyone that looks like you."

“I think I understand what you mean. This wouldn’t be your normal way of communicating, and you need our words for that here.”

“And it looks like you use your little fish to help you understand our words? Okay, I see where this is going. It’s new to you, but you try. It’s a good thing that we can speak with and learn from each other.”

Omen seems to also be finding progress in communicating with the creature’s servant, and it appears to be curious of them in turn. Sen picked up on the latter question and stepped forward to answer that. Though he may be getting sidetracked from continuing preparations, he found this diversion to be a nice thing to get his mind off his worries on matters back home.

“About your question, we have not encountered something like you before. Our home is a forest with not much as far as bodies of water go, but we do have rivers and ponds where fish live. I guess the closest we have to having something similar to you would be your small fish on your staff. As for us, Lin and I are longma, hybrids of dragons and ponies. If you could tell us, may we also ask what you are?”

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

On 2025-06-21 at 8:42 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"It is good to hear that you are at higher spirits again.

As for your assumption, Vates, all ponies have some kind of magic. Unicorns and alicorns can use so actively, but earth ponies have a connection with nature that makes them passively grow crops with much more ease, and make them physically stronger. Pegasus magic is what allows them to interact with clouds and fly, despite their wings being too small compared to their weight normally. It goes for all equine races, far as I am aware, with zebras for instance, being able to connect with peculiar magic, that can make trained individuals work as mystics, or seers.

Thestrals have something akin to pegasi, when it comes to flight, but I am afraid I don't know enough about them to say much more of note. You should ask my sister, or one of their own for more clear answers."

“That must be nice, having a kind of magic that is innately part of one’s being. I could see how those could contribute to the development of different societies based on what that magic could be used for.”

“Without magic, there was always a sense of being at the mercy of natural phenomenon. That, in turn, led to studying how the world works and how to best take advantage of the benefits it could offer. But, it also meant that it was a long road that was divided into understanding and faith; what could be divine and mundane clashed based on how one saw the world.”

“I think you can see how and where debates and discussions have become so intertwined with the Hyracotherians. Because of this pursuit of knowledge, many have come to see the world as something to be understood. And when something new comes along, it has to be studied. Magic wasn’t exempt from this, and when it became a topic of inquiry, many would come to learn how to harness such powers. Schools that specialized in different conspectuses cropped up as a result. I believe there was one that proposed magic came from beyond this world and looked to the stars for inspiration behind their theory.”

“And what happened to them, exactly?”

“I don’t know; that group just disappeared. Their theory suggests magic originated from the beyond, which came to the world through falling stars. And their ideas for testing that theory involved sticking fragments of fallen stars into their heads. You have to admit, that makes them quite loony, right Wig Woggle?”

The Hyracotherians may have studied magic, but there weren’t quite so many in the way of schools of thought. Some sought to learn magic for mundane uses, while others learned to enhance existing technologies. Those were the more common approaches that let many see improvements in the ways they went about their lives. The scholarly inclined had much larger, less-orthodox ways of seeing magic. Some had more reasonable takes, and then there were the… odd ones who had much more outlandish theories.

On 2025-06-21 at 8:42 PM, Blitz Boom said:

""Oh the story of Troy is long and muddled, and our dear princess surely have much to do today. Allow me to fill fill them in on that extensive history later, hm?"

She knew well that the princess did hers to not openly say anything about Troy for various reasons, so things would be better if she simply provided a more nuanced take on things later on, as she could approach the subject from a more neutral point of view.

"That would be appreciated."

"It is no trouble at all.

That said, there really is no utopia possible, as everywhere have their issues. Even out fair country. But I would say Equestria is as near one, as realistically could be.

Now perhaps a bit of history from your end would be enlightening, hm? Do tell us a little more of Gaudium., A philosopher of note it sounds like?"

“Fair enough. Long and dark histories of unsavory actions should be remembered. It is the one thing that we hoped would carry us forward long after our civilization crumbled. Admittedly, it was our fault, but that is exactly why it must never be forgotten.”

“A slow march to destruction is something we do not wish for anyone. But seeing it happen, and feeling that we didn’t do enough to stop it… it makes us wonder if what we did - metaphorically flinging a light to the future - was the right decision. That was true when we first awakened out of our time, and it is true now. I hope you will never find yourself in that situation Princess. The weight of that responsibility should not be shouldered by anyone.”

Scriniarii and Legatus were still disturbed by the last moments of their crumbling civilization and hoped nothing like it would happen again. Sadly, some events in their past, long after the collapse of the Hyracotherians, convinced them that their efforts just weren’t enough. And in this modern age, it felt like history might just repeat itself. Thankfully, Celestia’s remarks and insight provided hope that things could get better. The union and positive relations between many different races were a good sign.

Perhaps in time, the golems may relinquish the promise they made to themselves long ago, and they would find their rest in better times. Alas, their work continues. But right now, their discussion would turn to the source of their past positivity. Even among the war-like tendencies their kind exhibited, there was someone who espoused a more affirmative and constructive philosophy to live by.

“Gaudium… He was a philosopher who proposed the idea of a life of active development driven by hope. Hyracotherian society was one defined by a thirst for knowledge applied to daily life, something that came about after the decline of faith-based living. What we could learn today should be shared with others, who in turn could lead to developments that improve lives in the future. In every little bit of improvement, there is contentment and happiness to be found because it is a building block for something even bigger. That philosophy can be applied to self-improvement just as much as it can to societal improvement, though emphasis is placed on the latter.”

“His philosophy can be summed up by his maxim: ‘pro iis qui nos sequuntur.’ For those who follow after us. It is a beautiful way of thinking and living, yes? That life is a pursuit that aims to build something better for those who come after?”

Edited June 29 by EQ_Theta
Fixed a typo

[Blitz Boom 4,705]

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-06-22 at 3:13 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"It is possible that I have been a target of transaction, but considering how long I was in there, those involved must have perished or otherwise been hindered permanently." She responded in pondering manner "After all, you don't leave merchandise unguarded in some cave for several seasonal cycles."

"They probably got eaten by something from the gorge. Honestly amazed they've never come 'round and poked at you, if you've been stuck here for that long. Some bad luck there."

It wasn't unreasonable to think. The stuff that came out of the gorge, tended to be able to fend for themselves in some fashion. Whoever set her up here, might've run into one of the fluffballs they saw before, chased it with their crew, and then the swarm descended on them. Or they caught by the guards for some reason, but they'd have been questioned then, and the guard would've likely gone tracking them back here.

Then again, who knew? Eaten or arrested, they weren't here, and she'd been the lucky one to find Asildae stuck in her cage. Lucky for the bug too, since she were a delight, and a lotta the guards were stuck up, and would've been questioning her for ages, and maybe not let her out regardless. If she believed in fate, she might've chalked it up to that, but who'd be that narrow-minded?

On 2025-06-22 at 3:13 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"And there is no rush yet, for I am still weak." "It is not so visible, but I am still malnourished, and need to recover before I can head towards home." she grabbed a bee that was flying past mid-flight and ate it too "I also need to figure out where exactly we are; I know of this land, and that it is far away, but I am not aware of the optimal route back home." she was also curious to see if her sister had scouts in these lands, as they would no doubt notify her if they spotted Asildae, which would actually be optimal. 

"But enough of me for now, as I am admittedly curious about this sister of yours." "For I do not know much of your kind, or your place in these lands."

"If ya just wanna chomp down on bugs and critters, let's keep walking then. Here, lemme make it easier for ya too."

Glutton would snap her fingers, and while nothing seemed to happen, if she had good senses, Asildae would be able to tell that Glutton's whole... Everything, were less notable. Less of a presence, less of a predatory aura, smell, sound from moving, etc. While it seemed like nothing, she were masking her presence. Not entirely though. Didn't want to make everything pop up, thinking it were only Asildae here. It'd end up disturbing them too much. But there would be more critters and such showing up, because she wouldn't seem a threat to prey anymore. Not until they saw her anyway.

She'd face towards Deltrot, and start slowly slithering along, whilst ripping up a dead tree from the ground in one fell swoop, and start chewing it down as they went along. Even that made less sound, though her voice would remain at the same volume.

"If ya know anything 'bout draconequui, you probably figure we're all just popping in outta nowhere, yeah? Ain't so. There's usually a reason we pop in, though we can breed with other races too, if we have the want. Heck, I've carried a few litters now and again over the centuries, though the chaos magic starts thinning out over the generations.

My sisters and I though, we weren't born, but sired. Discord went on one of his large scale meddling sprees millennia ago, and ended up burning a giant forest down. Three of us sprung from that, and when it's from the same event, we're considered close kin, ya got it?

Anyway, I'm what came from the blaze scorching and devouring everything in its path. Fright came from the collected fear of countless beasts, ponies and so on, that used the forest for home before that.

And then there were the last of us, that rose up from the ashes, after the forest were ash, and a few sprouts started poking through the underground. The embodiment of destruction and rebirth. Real fancy stuff y'know?

Cycle we called her, and even though Fright and I weren't pushovers, Cycle were different."

A big piece of the barren crown were crunched down, and she'd use the roots briefly afterwards to scratch her back.

"Our powers are random. Might be you'll end up scrawny and barely able to meddle with anything, or you could be big game. Fright and I were considered higher mid, which were not bad at all. Cycle on the other hand, she were rivalling Discord, and she were still fresh out the oven.

It were a riot at first, but Cycle kept doing what fell natural to her. Creating, and destroying. And I dunno if you can imagine it, but most draconequui ain't keen on having their toys ruined. Now I love my sis, but even Fright and I agreed she were getting outta hand. So spearheaded by Discord, Cycle had the dubious honor of being the only draconequui I've ever heard of, that got *killed* by other draconequui."

She put *killed* in quotation marks, and took another chomp out of the tree.

"You can't actually kill us though. We ain't mortal in the regular sense. It's more like her essence got ripped from her body, and then her parts got scattered far and wide, while her essence got trapped in the middle of what'd turn into the Sullen Gorge. It's contained, but it's still radiating out from memorial.

Fright and I went and build a shrine 'round her essence too. Keeps noisy folks out, and y'know, makes us feel a bit better by it. Ain't the best way things could've gone, but she were too volatile, even for one of us, and she weren't willing to tune it down. Who knows? Maybe in a few millennia we'll get a chance to renew. Up to Discord at this point, and I think if I ain't telling him, he won't even remember.

I really outta swing by and see how he's doing one of these days... Keep meaning to, but haven't been bothered yet.

Anyway, that's a bit of history from my end. Now it's your turn to give me a story. Where you from? What's it like there?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

How fascinating.

Most she knew of would likely have been mortified by what they saw here. Equine metallic parts, clearly until recently, attached to the meaty parts of a pony. Rather morbid she supposed, but it were truthfully rather intriguing to watch. The pure, metallic parts of a modified pony, just like Solar wore, but without the flesh that it sustained. It allowed for more proper examination, as doing so to Solar would involve his demise, which were far from ideal, to put it lightly.

She were looking over the parts, best as she could, while not interrupting what Solar were doing, but she admitted to not get much out of this. It were clear these had been removed from their host, and considering the stains, she would think rather forcefully. Yet at the same time, surprisingly cleanly, as there were not any signs of meat left behind. Yet neither were there of scorch marks, ruling out that the pony below had burned up for instance.

The leading theory she had thus far, were that it had been either torn off, and the insides scraped, or it were more clinical, like a more advanced scalping. Rather barbaric, but she assumed there would come an answer soon enough, as Solar were interacting with these parts, and he would know far more of this than her.

And an answered there were, yet a very unexpected one, as none other than Vaz seemed to have interacted with this one before her demise.

"...Judging by the glaring differences in demeanor, clothing, and physical variations, that is Mr. Vaz, but not... I presume this is perhaps him from your world instead then sir, if I am not mistaken? It seems he is part of the war that is ravaging your lands currently, and he's skilled at what he does, having so cleanly removed the biological parts - barring some staining - from these parts, against one you describe as a skilled combatant.

It is certainly very unexpected, but it gives some insight into how things are going on the other side of the veil, so to speak. Were there other data that you could find that were of some interest in this, sir?"

Vaz seemed to need a moment, so she would address him afterwards. She could not fault him for not being fine with this though. It must be uncomfortable to see yourself in this manner, yet knowing that it were not you. In his shoes, she would likely have been quite baffled at the very least, depending on what it were that she had seen specifically. If it had been her gutting others for instance, it would be minorly traumatizing. And rather revolting at that.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2025-06-22 at 3:13 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

This lasted for many minutes, but, if/when Leviathan hadn't said or done something before, Ruby would speak again, breaking the silence, her voice cold and distant, but at the same time, genuine "I lost everything in that ravine." "And I do not mean treasure nor glory, those were taken by mother." "I lost my dignity, my pride. My will to survive." "Yet, I did survive, like a sick joke from fate, I lived." "I kept him alive, trapped him and tortured him." "After four days he couldn't take any more, his body failed." "I wasn't happy." "After I had healed enough, I gathered some more treasure, won fights, I was on the rise again." "I wasn't happy." 

"That is why I left, something died in that ravine, the way of life I had known, it left me empty, I wasn't happy." "Life in Equestria hasn't been much better. I pretended to be a inferior species, groveling in front of inferiors, pretending to myself to be the superior." "What a pathetic joke."

"All the treasure I've gathered, all the slain enemies, it doesn't make me feel anything, just a momentary fulfillment of endless hunger." 

"You are likely right, I have forgotten what fear feels like, so I cannot deny if I feel it." "But I won't just sit and wait for solutions, I will meet Elder Dask, ask her for guidance too." "If that leads to nowhere, I may need to ask you for a favor, one which, knowing you, you will dislike as much as I will." "But for now, I wish to rest." she then closed her eyes.

"...I wish I could say something that'd make it all better, but what happened to you... It's life altering, in ways I couldn't possibly understand, or fix with a few words.

I think it's good that you're willing to seek advice though. Your kinsmen might be able to give you better advice on some of these things than I can, since they know more of this island, and those who live on it, than I do.

Whatever happens though, even if it's something that I don't like, I'll do anything I can that'd help you."

If only life were so easy as to mention a few things, or say a few words, and then everything was okay... Yet sadly, life wasn't fair and easy. It were dreary and dreadful sometimes, and could leave deep scars, just like what Ruby had. If ever it could be handled, it were going to take time, and help, and Leviathan worried that perhaps that would prove too big of a burden, and Ruby would instead go and do something rash to try and distance herself from things.

She hoped not of course, but she couldn't help to worry about her friend. It had most of the time been obvious she carried some baggage, but since getting here, it were barely skin-deep. It couldn't be easy for her to have things so much more present and in her face, so to speak.

*sigh* They'd get to see, but for now, Ruby needed rest, or maybe it was an excuse to try and get a bit of time to think for herself. Either way, she wished for some fresh air herself after this. So she'd rise up, and begin to wander out. Though she turned around before leaving the cave with Charir, and gave her friend a concerned look.

"Rest well, Ruby."

She'd go to the entrance proper, though halting at Charir, and gave him a weary, yet kind smile.

"I'll be heading out for some air. Don't worry if you can't see me, okay? I'll just be standing at the side of the entrance.

Unless you'd rather we go and look around the place? I get the feeling Ruby might need a bit of time with her thoughts. You know where I am if it is, alright?"

Giving him a pat on the shoulder, she would wander past him, and go to the side of the entrance, where she could not be seen, and sit down, back against the wall, and looked up into the sky. Her mind wandering around the big ifs and how, as she absently rose a hand, and with a finger, slowly swung a circle upwards, with a caterpillar-thick thundercloud following the movement, as if it were a worm on a string.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

For the time being, the changelings would excuse themselves, and head home as well. Onache needed rest, and she would sleep more soundly in her own domicile, away from the mercy of others. It were far more secure to her, that she were away from all of that, and the only other being near her, being her most trusted drone. Though she did want to speak with the kobolds again at some point, when she had regained her strength.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“A creature of chaos would make attempts at logic and reason look like an exercise in frustration. That sounds just like Discord…”

“What a time we live in, huh? That we’d find ourselves befriending the one responsible for driving the longma to madness at one point in our history. Wonder what the folks back home would think of us if they haven’t written us off as a bunch of strangers too accustomed to life outside of the forest.”

“Maybe that would make us a little like Discord, right, Omen? Preferring the company of ponies instead of his kind. Or maybe Discord was right about not being able to understand. I guess there are just some answers out there that we need not try to understand and simply let them be.”

Lin had this drive to find the answers to her burning questions, but at times, finding out may not be quite the right thing. There may be questions out there that she would rather not want answered. What she may learn would be too much to comprehend, or if it were comprehensible, she may not like what she learns. If it was something she could impart to Omen and Sen, that lesson would be one.

But, the realm’s visitor would also have some words for the group as well.

"Maybe some day, you will find out what they think about you, me, and Master Discord. But Rosa is smart. If he says I should not talk about him near other longma, I do not think it is time for that yet.

Perhaps some time after they accept the outside? And how long will that take? I wonder, will you be there, when things truly change? Or will it take too long. Hmm... I do not want to think about it happening without you. It is like there is a blockage... Is this what it means to hope? To want only to think of the way you want it to go, and ignore the bad?

...I need to think about this some day."

It were a strange one. It didn't really feel like anything to her, but yet, she could objectively say that while she could normally think about things like it going one way or another, with some level of neutrality, there were something in her mind, that veered her away from wanting to think that Sen and Lin would fail to see the change they wanted, in their lifetime.

Perhaps this were hope? Something intangible, in the mind, instead of the chest? Or maybe she just did not want to think of the time they would not be there? Though it were not Denial. Mother had explained what that were several times, in the centuries she had waited for Discord to return. It were somewhat similar, but still different.

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I think I understand what you mean. This wouldn’t be your normal way of communicating, and you need our words for that here.”

“And it looks like you use your little fish to help you understand our words? Okay, I see where this is going. It’s new to you, but you try. It’s a good thing that we can speak with and learn from each other.”

Omen seems to also be finding progress in communicating with the creature’s servant, and it appears to be curious of them in turn. Sen picked up on the latter question and stepped forward to answer that. Though he may be getting sidetracked from continuing preparations, he found this diversion to be a nice thing to get his mind off his worries on matters back home.

“About your question, we have not encountered something like you before. Our home is a forest with not much as far as bodies of water go, but we do have rivers and ponds where fish live. I guess the closest we have to having something similar to you would be your small fish on your staff. As for us, Lin and I are longma, hybrids of dragons and ponies. If you could tell us, may we also ask what you are?”

He shuttered briefly in the air, once they were done speaking to him. He would not fall down, but the motion were notable.

"Dragons... I have encountered dragons. Not you. Different.

I come from-"

His gills would open, and a vibrating sound, that came off a little less like sound, and more like invisible waves hitting them, giving them varying feelings of nausea, hunger, and an odd feeling of wetness, despite being dry, would come for a few seconds, before they closed again.

"And I am me. I have no word for me. Not a fish."

Words would be exchanged between the servant and Omen again for a little, as they needed to say words that were not covered properly here.

"He says that the fish is magical, and that they work together. He had to earn her, doing something secret.

Also, he says they need to leave, before they become dry, but that he will maybe speak with you again some other day."

Omen's sister after that, would open a gate to her new home world. A vast expanse below the waves were seen, threatening to crash in, but her new master touched the water with a tentacle, and somehow, his minor touch upon one small droplet, kept the whole thing from flushing in. More magic, more than likely.

He would motion for his servant to pass through first, which she would, swimming effortlessly into the water, then seemingly having some issues moving proper, as she flailed slowly around, upside down.

Her master himself, would look towards Sen, Lin, Omen and the unformed siblings once more, with the fish giving a last message.

"Live well, Sen, Lin, Omen."

With that, he'd slip through the portal too, but keeping the tip of his tentacle where it were, as he did so, even on the other side. He would not let go, until the gate would close, with just a small trickle, giving a thimble of water before it were fully closed.

They may see their sibling in the background briefly though, seemingly getting poked at by what looked like a school of purple, veiny jellyfish, wearing small outfits made of kelp.

"Sister have found a good master. I think he will teach her well."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“And what happened to them, exactly?”

“I don’t know; that group just disappeared. Their theory suggests magic originated from the beyond, which came to the world through falling stars. And their ideas for testing that theory involved sticking fragments of fallen stars into their heads. You have to admit, that makes them quite loony, right Wig Woggle?”

"As wonky as a two legged table. I'm all for testing things, but putting stars in your head? That's just bonkers. I can't even imagine what sorta thing regular rocks would do if stuck in your head, much less space rocks."

"Hmm, while not a good way to test things, we have scholars who likewise study magic. Its origins, how to expand upon it, the usage in the everyday life of everypony- Much and more. There's no consensus of where magic came from, but many cultures do have their beliefs, and though bereft of gods, Equestria too have what can be considered our *Wells of magic*. Things or places of such concentrated magic, that it seems somehow ingrained to magic itself, though many much smarter than I, could spend many a sunny day speaking your ear off, as to their theories.

I do know what ours are though, to an extend. The Elements of Harmony and Disharmony, which springs forth for those chosen to wear them, every so often. My prize student and her friends, were until recently, wearers of the Elements of Harmony, and as for those of Disharmony, we are aware some are out there, but not where they are. Troublesome things unfortunately."

Scarcity said nothing, but knew of where at least one were. That being the Element of Depression. And she knew that, because she had relinquished it from the one who had taken it from its holder, and now had it locked up tightly, deep in some vault far, far from here.

It could well simply lose power in said box, and reappear elsewhere, as they were want to do, but at least for now, it were contained. It wouldn't be good, if it got lose at least, she knew that much. History had in no small amount, told of what it caused, and the pictures were harrowing.

"The other I have only heard of, and none I know of, are aware where to find it. The Fountain of Youth. Situated somewhere in Equestria, it eludes even the most persistent tracker and scholar, but records, and a vial once given to my sister, in the early years of our rule, proves its existence, and potency.

There are theories that I can entertain, that says that we have things like this, and alicorns, but no gods, because primordial magic cannot express itself in both ways. As there is no place known so far, that does have both gods and things such as the fountain, without it being connected to a god directly in some fashion, and no Alicorn rises from countries that have one, it seems highly plausible to be correct, though how or why is a most curious mystery.

If you want another view of magic in general, the kitsune for instance, believes that leylines run far beneath the earth, and coalesce in certain places. They will tend to make their homes where the pools are most potent, as they say it connects them closer to the spiritual realm, where their ancestors rest.

We have few of them running openly around in our country, and I am unsure if they have a settlement in Equestria, but I find their beliefs and ways of life to be fascinating all the same. They are also vastly more magical, that your average pony, so perhaps you could find good conversation with one of them some day. Just be wary, as they are tricksters by nature, and may play games with you, if you are unaware."

Fascinating creatures really, and not evil by nature, but they did like to have their fun. Mortal draconequui in nature, she had heard some refer to them as, and in some aspects, that were certainly true. Though she found that treating them respectfully, would make them do the same in kind, even if it had been long since last she saw one. She suspected them to hide from her, for some reason, though she wasn't sure why.

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Fair enough. Long and dark histories of unsavory actions should be remembered. It is the one thing that we hoped would carry us forward long after our civilization crumbled. Admittedly, it was our fault, but that is exactly why it must never be forgotten.”

“A slow march to destruction is something we do not wish for anyone. But seeing it happen, and feeling that we didn’t do enough to stop it… it makes us wonder if what we did - metaphorically flinging a light to the future - was the right decision. That was true when we first awakened out of our time, and it is true now. I hope you will never find yourself in that situation Princess. The weight of that responsibility should not be shouldered by anyone.”

"I thank you for your concern, and hope much the same. I wish for Equestria to proper, and not to live through seeing all that generations of ponies have worked for, fall to rubble.

Perhaps at a more opportune time, we can speak of what exactly befell your nation? I can understand if it is a touchy subject, but as ones who have been through it, your insight as to what led there, may prove invaluable in ensuring it will not happen to us. Your unique insight, may well light our path, through a dark future."

Celestia would keep a warm smile at them, as she heard and spoke in return. A most unusual situation they must have gone through, seeing their civilization crumble, and it were definitely horrible, but they were not wrong, that they may have flung a light towards the future, by locking themselves away during it, to be discovered some day in the future. Though it didn't seem like it now, dark times might well come, if they made wrong choices, and these special guests of the past, could well put a light upon how things were now, and would head towards, and help them avoid history repeating itself, just for Equestria.

On 2025-06-26 at 4:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Gaudium… He was a philosopher who proposed the idea of a life of active development driven by hope. Hyracotherian society was one defined by a thirst for knowledge applied to daily life, something that came about after the decline of faith-based living. What we could learn today should be shared with others, who in turn could lead to developments that improve lives in the future. In every little bit of improvement, there is contentment and happiness to be found because it is a building block for something even bigger. That philosophy can be applied to self-improvement just as much as it can to societal improvement, though emphasis is placed on the latter.”

“His philosophy can be summed up by his maxim: ‘pro iis qui nos sequuntur.’ For those who follow after us. It is a beautiful way of thinking and living, yes? That life is a pursuit that aims to build something better for those who come after?”

"A wise quote. There is something beautiful about making a better world for those to come."

The door would creak, as someone entered. If one could call it that.

It seemed like a griffon, clad completely in dark cloth, and only the right eyes showing, underneath the heavy cloak. Were it not for the talons and wings, one could be mistaken for not even knowing this to be a griffon, as the face were fully hidden, though at the right angles, one could see the tip of a beak, though it too, were as dark as shadows, just as the griffon themselves seemed to be. Just varying shades of dark and grey, with the only brightness, being the eye. The singular, white eye, that seemed to slightly glow, though it might just be because everything else were so dark about them, that it seemed to give more than were the case.

The changelings int he room shuddered, and withdrew further away from the figure, and Celestia's gaze looked down upon them without warmth, but resentment, as the smile faltered on her face.

The guards would block the griffon from getting too close, and they would stop, then withdraw a wrapped up scroll for her, and reach it, palms up, towards her, at a distance of around a meter, without a word being said.

Using her magic, she would withdraw it, and the griffon would look around, their gaze lingering briefly on the peculiar new additions, before turning around, and walking outside, their task here done.

"It have better be important, for one of them to have come."

She would unroll the scroll, and read it over, blocking the view of others via magic, so they wouldn't snoop. She read for about a half minute, then wrap it up again, and reach it towards one of her guards to hold. Who would, by sticking it into their uniform, as she turned to face her new friends again, an apologetic look, and smile returning to her face.

"I'm sorry for cutting our meeting short, but it seems my sister have need for me to come to her now.

It were a pleasure meeting you all though. If ever you wish to speak more, you are welcome at the castle. I will let the guards know that you have permission to approach the throne room.

If you will excuse me, I must be on my way. Have a pleasant day everypony."

She'd bow before her new companions, then everypony else, before finishing with a mutual bow between her, and Scarcity. Then she would leave, and fly towards the castle.

There were time for a comment to come to her before she left, and for her to respond, but it would need to be quick, as she hadn't much time to linger anymore.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,747]

@Blitz Boom
Asildae shrugged, she didn't have much to add since she didn't know for sure how she had ended up there, though she was equally surprised how few creatures made their way to her, sure there had been some critters that had come to investigate the singing, but it had been relatively few. Her best guess was that animals around here just weren't stupid enough to wander into a dark cave with sounds inside, or maybe there was a local predator that made similar sounds? She wasn't that well educated on the wildlife here. 

 

Asildae did notice the change in Glutton, and was more curious than anything, in big part because magic was one of those things her kind didn't have much understanding on, mainly because they didn't use it. They weren't incapable of learning magic altogether; but not having their own usable natural magic, and their hives forming an area of magic-nullification due to how they were build; magic wasn't really relevant for them to learn. She would have likely been more impressed if she actually knew about magic, since at her current level of knowledge, as far as she knew, what Glutton did could have been one of the most basic spells in existence, or the hardest one to exist, Asildae simply had no idea. 

Asildae gave a sort of 'kinda' gesture at Glutton's rhetorical question, since it was not entirely that simple; Yes, generally speaking her understanding was that draconequui kinda just came to existence, but out of nowhere? not quite, since nothing came out of nowhere. Asildae kinda just figured that some kind of magic formed them, instead of biological means. The fact that they could apparently reproduce more traditionally was a surprise to her, but at the same time, it made sense in how weird it was, it would be the creatures known to break the natural norms to be able to do that too. 

While listening to Glutton, Asildae would now and then suddenly charge in a direction, and grab a small animal from a tree or the ground, never far enough to not hear Glutton speaking, but enough that Glutton would need to turn her head if she wished to look at her. It was everything from birds and rodents to lizards and even one snake, who all got the same treatment, as Asildae injected them with her venom, seemingly indifferent to their attempts to scratch and bite her. She also now and then grabbed insects and other invertebrates that happened too close to her. 

Asildae's movements were quick and snappy, not too different from her smaller, distant relatives she seemed to like to snack on; and with how sudden they were most of the time, it was hard, if not impossible, to predict when and where she was going to move. 

"A fascinating tale, it is curious to me how little your kind is known outside these specific lands." "Considering what you told me, I can say for certain that some of the creatures where I come from, would likely see your kind as gods."  "It makes me also wonder. Since your kin is from sound of it generally such that you embody things that go against the current order, does there exist an opposite equivalent?" she was more pondering out loud than expecting actual answer, but would let Glutton respond if she had an answer.

 

 "What comes to my story, there are few details that need to be explained first." "The place where I come from, we have no name for it, nor our species." "Those have many names in many languages, often descriptive of appearance or action, combined with specific cultural believes." "But for us, there is only hive, and other hives are described by location or by the queen."  "For you see, we do not have a language, no written word, or spoken tongue." "Hive is one, we are what you would call, a hive-mind, so external communication, is unnecessary." "And when it comes to communicating with other hives, we use pheromones and body language, and sometimes buzzes or whistles." "Such communications are simple, for there are only few reasons to interact: conflicts, upkeep of peace, and reproduction." "That is why I speak your language, and many others. We do not have writing, so what we learn from outside the hive, comes in many languages not our own." 

"As for where I come from, it is what you would call 'jungle', there is not any great civilizations nearby, only my kind, and tribes of various other creatures." "Not always a pleasant place to live, but food is plenty, and that's really all that matters." "It is far from here, but as stated earlier, I'm not entirely aware of the exact relation to this place." "My hive was build by my mother's mother, somewhere around 400 seasonal cycles ago." "My mother inherited it from her mother, like I was supposed to inherit it from her." "Queens often stay in their mother's hive, as building a new one is lot of work." 

"Being a queen is not a title for us, it is a physical reality. We are twice the size of our sisters and daughters, and our mind is more capable to allow us to oversee the hive." "A hatching of a new queen is initiated by the hive when the old queen is nearing the end of her life, this is so that the new queen can learn certain skills before taking over, as not everything transfers perfectly through the hive-mind." "It is also because to be even a day without a queen, is extremely dangerous to a hive, as loss of a queen leaves them vulnerable for takeover by another queen." "We hatch fully matured, I had hatched only few cycles before I found myself in that cage." 

"Daughters are always linked to their mother, but the issue rises when the queen dies, or is otherwise separated like I was, as the hive is left without protection, and lacks the will to resist a takeover." "Normally, the new queen, the daughter of the old queen, will take her sisters into her care, but sometimes, like in my case, there is more than one queen that hatches, and when the old queen dies, the hive splits."  "Sometimes, especially when there's more than two, some of the queens leave and build a new hive, but other times, it leads to conflict, until only one queen remains." 

"As you may have figured out already, my species is mainly female. Now and then a male hatches, sometimes intentionally, sometimes randomly, and they are sent away." "Their lives are short, they hatch, they leave, they try to find a queen in need, either succeed or fail, and are killed." "But don't feel too bad for them, they are mentally lot less developed, they are not smart enough to want anything more." 

Even during her own explanation, Asildae would catch and eat prey.

"At this point, you may ask, why am I more legitimate than my sister." "And the answer is simple, timing, she hatched only days before our mother's death, she lacks the teachings given to me." "I also already had some daughters of my own, and most of my sisters took my side." "She is, by definition, an intruder, if not a parasite; not to mention the use of hired help." "If my sisters and daughters had free will, they would rebel." 

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

"Skilled is bit of a wrong word, but...point is, she didn't go down easy." Solar was still bit bothered by the whole thing, not because he hadn't seen stuff like that, he had, plenty, nor was it because he particularly cared for his colleague, they weren't in bad terms by any means, but she was...a lot to deal with sometimes, so they only interacted as much as their duty required. No, it bothered him because he couldn't help but think about it happening to him, and because he knew that moment had been recorded into her systems too, which meant he would see it. 

"I'm still running analysis for everything, but I can confirm this as the source for the signal I received." "It seems to have activated after...the separation. so there isn't much data on that, but I have an idea why it was active." "Our communication systems can run on minimal power, for the purpose of transporting emergency signals even after our death, and location purposes." "It was not made with the idea that there would be no body left at all, but the heat from being left on the cursed desert was likely enough to keep it running still."  "It cut out due to it being lot colder here, as there was not enough heat to keep it running." "It does also mean that her fate may be one of the first events of whatever is going on, since there wasn't an alarm yet, and based on the data I've analyzed already, it seems she was on a regular mission at the time." 

Magma didn't need to address Vaz, as he spoke himself after walking closer and looking at the projection for a moment
"This confirms what I sensed earlier was what I thought, but I didn't imagine it would be like this." "Stiffness in muscles, faded colors, something missing in the eyes." "That is not me, it is merely souls puppeteering what used to be me." "In other words, dead, brought back to life." he paused for a second "Yet there are no signs of decomposition, no missing parts." he put his hand on the symbol on his armor in pained manner, while looking into the eyes of his projected equivalent,"It is disheartening, to see my work used in such a manner." "Such, selfish act." "Yet I can't blame them, after all, your dragon friend told me what you did to us." he looked at Solar "New kind of darkness has fallen on your world, and I'm afraid you don't have a bright enough light to counter it." "If your empires are the immovable, then they are about to meet something unstoppable." 

-------

Ruby stayed quiet.

"Look around later, still tense." Was Charir's simple response, and for the first time his exact emotion was hard to read, he was clearly tense like he said, his voice too mirroring it, but it was hard to say what else may have been on his mind, if anything. He was also seemingly bit tired, there was still day left, but the whole thing had been so stressful that it took a toll. Charir didn't follow Leviathan, not right away that is, instead, it would be ten or so minutes later when Charir walked outside, sitting down in front of the cave and looking at the environment, the electricity caused by Voltaick's mere presence had finally left Charir's scales entirely, though he wasn't sure when that happened, as he had been preoccupied by his thoughts. 

"I'm concerned about her." Charir broke the silence, speaking quietly so that his voice wouldn't travel far, but loud enough to be heard "She acts like mother, if mother could control herself." "And do you remember what Elder Werodex called her?" "Mother of Destruction" "What does that mean?" he sounded bit nervous, as if he wasn't sure if he should say it out loud. 

 

 

[EQ_Theta 473]

@Blitz Boom

On 2025-07-16 at 9:05 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Maybe some day, you will find out what they think about you, me, and Master Discord. But Rosa is smart. If he says I should not talk about him near other longma, I do not think it is time for that yet.

Perhaps some time after they accept the outside? And how long will that take? I wonder, will you be there, when things truly change? Or will it take too long. Hmm... I do not want to think about it happening without you. It is like there is a blockage... Is this what it means to hope? To want only to think of the way you want it to go, and ignore the bad?

...I need to think about this some day."

Sen paused and thought about Omen’s question. It was a good one, and even he struggled to find the right words. If things do get better, would he still be around to find out? Or would their actions moving forward only be the stepping stones to a better future he would never see? All this pointed to a question about what their legacy would be, and that is already putting a lot of unwanted pressure on his mind. But to hope… or wanting to hope….

“I don’t know how long it would take for the folks back home to change their minds on Discord or us, but we should let it happen on its own, even if it takes a long time. I hope it happens, just like I hope what we do in the coming days will lead to something better. But hoping doesn’t mean ignoring the bad things; I accept things can go wrong, but I will continue to do the work because I believe in the good that can happen.”

“Take all the time you need to think about it. I will also think about what you said.”

Lin remained quiet and looked away. She believed in her brother, but she also had her reservations about his goals. Some part of her wanted to walk away from all of this, start over somewhere no one knew her. But she already voiced her desire to stand by him and see his task come to fruition, and so she would. If all of this were to end well, maybe she’ll take some time to pursue her own goals. However, that will have to wait.

On 2025-07-16 at 9:05 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Dragons... I have encountered dragons. Not you. Different.

I come from-"

His gills would open, and a vibrating sound, that came off a little less like sound, and more like invisible waves hitting them, giving them varying feelings of nausea, hunger, and an odd feeling of wetness, despite being dry, would come for a few seconds, before they closed again.

"And I am me. I have no word for me. Not a fish."

Words would be exchanged between the servant and Omen again for a little, as they needed to say words that were not covered properly here.

"He says that the fish is magical, and that they work together. He had to earn her, doing something secret.

Also, he says they need to leave, before they become dry, but that he will maybe speak with you again some other day."

“The longma are secretive, isolated. I don’t think they’re ready to see-“

“What the?”

The creature’s gills and the sound it gave off had the siblings on edge, wondering if they were feeling odd all of a sudden. But the response after carried a feeling of disappointment. The two didn’t fault the creature, more on themselves for hoping they could learn a little more. The magical fish and Omen’s explanation hinted at a kind of symbiotic or commensal relationship, but they couldn’t tell. Unfortunately, it appeared their meeting and discussion would be cut short, and they would part ways then and there.

“I… We hope we can meet again someday!” The two would wave goodbye, acting according to the sudden change in their situation. Lin could only get some words out before the gate closed, intending her message would be for both the new creature they met and for Omen’s sister. The longma understood that the creature needed to remain hydrated, but she just wished they had a little more time.

“Your sister also looks like she’s in a good place to grow. I was hoping we’d get to know him a little more.”

“He needed to be on his way, and it isn’t right for us to stop him. Likewise, we should be on our way back home. The time we have left to prepare is ticking away.” Once everyone was ready, Lin would open a gate back to their home, though she would stick around for a bit in case Mother might come by. The longma didn’t feel like leaving without saying goodbye.

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

On 2025-07-16 at 9:05 AM, Blitz Boom said:

There are theories that I can entertain, that says that we have things like this, and alicorns, but no gods, because primordial magic cannot express itself in both ways. As there is no place known so far, that does have both gods and things such as the fountain, without it being connected to a god directly in some fashion, and no Alicorn rises from countries that have one, it seems highly plausible to be correct, though how or why is a most curious mystery.

If you want another view of magic in general, the kitsune for instance, believes that leylines run far beneath the earth, and coalesce in certain places. They will tend to make their homes where the pools are most potent, as they say it connects them closer to the spiritual realm, where their ancestors rest.

We have few of them running openly around in our country, and I am unsure if they have a settlement in Equestria, but I find their beliefs and ways of life to be fascinating all the same. They are also vastly more magical, that your average pony, so perhaps you could find good conversation with one of them some day. Just be wary, as they are tricksters by nature, and may play games with you, if you are unaware."

“Even now, we have no idea where magic originates, or if it is accurate to say that it actually originates from somewhere. The most we have come to understand is that it could be innate to creatures, but to what extent is unknown. And even then, it isn’t necessarily true to all creatures.”

“But it is good knowing your source could very well be determined. That certainty is the kind that a lot of scholars would wish to have. However, that could also be a double-edged sword; having certainty could lead to complacency, and in turn, it could be a path to the stagnation of discovery.”

“Oh, come now. Just because there is certainty doesn’t mean it should end any more endeavors for studies! It just means we need to look for something else to be certain about!”

Vates and Magus let out a collective exasperated sigh. Though Videntor is right about how scholarly pursuits shouldn’t end at certainty, it would need to continue by continuously asking if that certainty would hold up over time. Still, they wouldn’t make an argument over that in public; the times have changed enough that brawls over academic theories would be looked down upon. However, the tales of this “Fountain of Youth” and the kitsune are intriguing, and the latter would sound like it could open up another line of inquiry for magic. That one could get Magus talking if he could learn a little more, but he kept himself reserved and his enthusiasm in check.

“The kitsune sound interesting just by the way you describe them. I wonder what they would think of golems, if they have ever seen them…. It would be odd to be a common sight to them if they have already encountered golems before.”

On 2025-07-16 at 9:05 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"It have better be important, for one of them to have come."

She would unroll the scroll, and read it over, blocking the view of others via magic, so they wouldn't snoop. She read for about a half minute, then wrap it up again, and reach it towards one of her guards to hold. Who would, by sticking it into their uniform, as she turned to face her new friends again, an apologetic look, and smile returning to her face.

"I'm sorry for cutting our meeting short, but it seems my sister have need for me to come to her now.

It were a pleasure meeting you all though. If ever you wish to speak more, you are welcome at the castle. I will let the guards know that you have permission to approach the throne room.

If you will excuse me, I must be on my way. Have a pleasant day everypony."

“There is no rush; we will be ready to discuss further whenever the best time would be, Princess.” Though Scriniarri wanted to say more, it looked like there were more pressing matters for Celestia to attend to. A shame their discussion was cut short, but they understood it. Someone of her stature would have business that would necessitate urgency, and the golems only felt lucky that they had this chance encounter.”

The golem turned to his fellows, giving them an assured look before returning his attention to Princess Celestia with the same assuring and understanding smile. “We just want to say thank you, Princess. For your time and for the pleasure of meeting you.”

The five bowed as the alicorn took her leave, feeling invigorated by their talk despite it ending abruptly. “That was quite an encounter with royalty. If Celestia were alive in our time, she might also enjoy walking and mingling with others in the agoras. Truly, it was nice for us to come here, Lady Scarcity. As much as we want to continue exploring Canterlot, would now be an opportune time to get ourselves settled in?”