open Casual stroll

[EQ_Theta 414]

@Blitz Boom

Magic can be confusing at times but this instance is giving Sen a headache. Still, some part of the longma was calmed knowing the tense situation was brought about by confusion more than hostility. He took some deep breaths in and walked up to the cat creature. 

"I am Sen and this is Omen. We needed to find help for our friends Lin and Rosa and Omen opened a way here because we didn't know where else to go. I'm not even aware this place existed but we are terribly sorry for intruding. Maybe I knew a place in mind but I doubt they'd be willing to treat outsiders, let alone let them in."

It is still strange, but refreshing to know there are other kinds of creatures out there beyond ponies he could meet. It makes the world feel more varied over the more numerous ponies and he might be able to tell his village about these creatures. Of course, that part is up to these magical cats. If they wished to remain hidden, he's respect their decision. But now might not be a good time to think about that. For all he knew, he would likely be thrown out if he said something out of line.

"My sister, Lin, and Rosa, they were injured by something when they went off searching for a statue. Possibly an artifact. We hoped we would be able to retrieve it in exchange for bringing somepony to justice. May I ask who and what you are?"

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@Blitz Boom @Dji

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lyriel. The animals in the forest are always welcome to seek shelter and help with me whenever they need it. I certainly believe it is something they shouldn't be afraid to look for. Angel here is... wait, Angel?"

Though this meeting is a pleasant one, the pegasus lost track of her bunny. She was certain he was just standing around nearby but at that moment, Lyriel might feel something climbing up her leg and ruffling her hair. Angel then peeked around on the dryad's back looking relaxed and comfortable.

"Angel! Did you ask permission before you could climb her? It's rude to do that you know. I'm sorry about Angel, he's usually well-behaved around guests."

"And Nerzhei, I wouldnt recommend being tough on the Onache. She went through a tough time being convinced to change her form. She needs time to let that sink in and companionship to let her know this change is something she doesn't have to go through alone." 

It was the way to go, at least according to Fluttershy. Just as she give animals their space, other ponies or creatures need theirs when going through difficult periods. It was the kind thing to do, and the gesture will likely be very much appreciated by Onache. Besides, it will probably help shed her more abbrasive side one step at a time knowing she's got support. A dragon coming in not too long after their metamorphosis might jeopardize things but the pegasus will be more than willing to accompany should it be necessary.

Edited December 27, 2018 by EQ_Theta

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"Wow, sounds like a trippy experience."

Lucid looked in a different direction as if facing a fourth wall.

"Don't do drugs, kids!"

"Let's sell the real couch to an insane asylum!"

"Ok, but we'll have to keep a close eye on Anomaly."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,420]

@Blitz Boom@Moonlit
Nada's eyes widened when she saw Luna standing behind the door, she hadn't expected her to appear this quick, she immediately bowed, and ignored both Cherish and Berry who's voice she heard from behind the Princess  "Yes thy majesty, I am Nadanna, Serenade's friend." her voice was respectful and calm, she didn't know if Luna recognized her or not, but she wouldn't blame her if she didn't, after all, it had been quite a long time since they last met, and they had been acquaintances at best.

She found Berry's way of talking to the princess to be a bit distasteful, but she didn't judge her too much because as far as she knew, she herself could be the one doing everything wrong, considering that culture had changed since she had last seen royalty.

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@Blitz Boom
"I got the answer I asked for." Ruby coldly replied, taking the coin meant for her. She didn't really care about what the material was, sure she was bit curious, but it didn't really seem like something she would want to add to her collection, so ultimately it didn't matter what it was "You can rest assured that I don't care about the material or your associates, but as you probably can understand, there's certain level of caution one needs to have when dealing with such.....influential mare as yourself." she had noticed Marley's reaction to Scarcity's words, and it didn't take a genius to figure out the implication, "But please, save your threats for those who fear you." "Many have tried to make me their pawn before you, none has succeeded." she smirked "And I hear all of them left town never to be seen again, rather curious don't you think."  she met Scarcity's glance with her usual lack of expression "But I trust you would never be that foolish? Because after all it's like you said, There's no need to challenge a harmonious relationship."

 

 

 

 

Edited December 27, 2018 by Catpone Cerberus

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna stands with her head upright, "Taebian, Brathian. You are dismissed for now" The male Thestral speaks, in a language that none here can probably speak, it's rapid fire. Luna glares, "Are you disobeying Our Order" He shakes his head and bows low, "No Mistress" The pair give Berry a look then swoop off into the night. Luna turns back to Nada, with a twinkle in her eye, "Do We have permission to enter" 

[No Longer Here 15]

Evan walks around Ponyville, looking around at the daily activities going on.

"Hmm, what's going on over there?" He looks are some ponies talking. "Should I go there and intervene? Hmm..."

Evan snaps his figures and takes out a coin,. "Heads, go and talk. Tails, leave."

He flips the coin and lands on heads. "Alright, I guess I got nothing else to do."

Evan starts to walk over to the ponies having a conversation. "Hey, what's going on? Everything okay?"

Edited December 27, 2018 by E-Man

[Rising Dusk 26,010]

@Blitz Boom

This kind of information was rather useful to the detective.  Although the idea of having to dispel another sixteen of these stone bust to whatever being they were looking to bring into the world wasn't the most pleasant one.  The rest would be easier, quotation marks, as he now had a firm grasp on how to unravel the spell.  No need to experiment or waste energy in blocking a feedback loop if he could just avoid it all together.  Ultimately these could just be the ramblings of a crazy old pony.  While Rising Dusk grasped the function of the spell, the idea of it working in this day and age just seemed so far fetched.  Still... best to keep it in mind should other evidence pop up, not that he could remove it from his mind or anything.

Void's worry for him was darling enough though, and he could pretty well figure the way he had to dispel the latest artifact might have on the outside appearance, look exhausting.  In reality though, it was more akin to lifting a single heavy weight.  It's the reps that get ya.  Offering Void a reassuring smile, "I'm find.  It was just a large spell.  Took me a tad longer to dispel it."  Although it seemed that in doing so caught the attention of whomever was casting that scry spell.  He had shoved it to the back of his attention, but it was no longer moving up and down the street, now completely focused on the O.M.I.  The target was rather certain, either him or the sisters.  Would the spell even be able to lock on to two target's with a nullifying field?  Probably not the best time for such an experiment.  Measures would need to be taken when they were done for the day.

The first artifact didn't take much out of the detective, so he felt pretty confident in continuing.  Whether he'd get two of them would of course depend on how difficult the next one was.  Turning his attention to Null, he nodded.  "I'm ready for the next." 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@EQ_Theta

The cat listened in to what were said, as Sen responded to her inquiry. In better details than she had expected too as well, and respectfully she might add. as a teacher, it carried quite a bit of weight how you responded to things, and whilst his seemingly blank friend had acted more like one of the first year students, this creature were responding like a proper adult should, especially when they intruded into another beings territory.

"You know how to address others, Sen. I can't say you will be given a warm welcome, but I see no reasons to imprison someone who only came here to find help. Though, how did Omen then know this place? It is heavily warded against outsiders."

"Found it many, many years ago. Used to be a healer house long ago. Ponies in funny hats and masks with many teeth." 

"Oh, Them. They haven't been here for over 700 years. A long time for a pony."

The cat narrowed her eyes, and glared at Omen, who looked at her with her head tilting from side to side. Something were off with this creature, that much the cat were certain about, as well as her not being an actual pony. Too many things weren't right. It weren't a changeling though. They had wards that would make any of the bugs regret even trying to step a hoof in their area. They had to keep an eye on this one, though beyond that, it seemed things were mostly cleared, and matched well with the scene that had met the ones who had gone and picked up the injured parties.

The air flickered further, and all of the doors vanished, leaving only the two, large oaken doors that were actually real, whilst the cat fluttered apart in many, glittery butterflies, that blocked the air with their moving wings and radiating light. A few seconds passed, and a large paw stepped through, followed by a dark nose, on the tip of a long, red snout with silvery stripes down the side of the mouth, where sharp teeth glistened through in a small grin.

The butterflies faded into nothing as the creature wandered through and got closer to the pair. Her form were long and lean, covered with a kimono fit for a four legged being and leaving a hole for the large, fluffy tail that waved behind her. Age had left some marks in the slightly furred face, and the wise, narrow eyes looking at them through the small glasses, as well as the grey streaks in her fur, yet she wandered with grace, and no sign of age holding her back physically.

" My name is Yazma, and I am a teacher of Advanced Illusionary Arts at this school. Welcome to our side of Neighpon."

Kitsune were a strange bundle of creatures that the ponies of Neighpon knew well, but not everyone else outside the country did, which fitted the large, pony-sized creatures well. The less that started to lurk after them the better, especially when it came to poachers, who sometimes had the audacity to think they could come and steal away some of their kits. They never made it back to where they came. But Sen and Omen didn't seem like poachers, so she weren't facing them down with hostility currently. Sure they could have lied, but her whole profession were deceit. She knew when she were being told tall tales.

"I am a Kitsune. Now, what are you two?"

Omen answered the question, but the words being whispered from what sounded like five mouths at once, all speaking a different, indecipherable language, made it impossible to grasp. Yazma would have to consider this as *unknown* for the time being.

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@EQ_Theta @Dji

On 12/27/2018 at 3:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Angel! Did you ask permission before you could climb her? It's rude to do that you know. I'm sorry about Angel, he's usually well-behaved around guests."

"You needn't worry, Fluttershy. Dryads are creatures of the earth, and guardians of the forests. Animals feel safe around us, and I welcome their presence, big or small."

Lyriel giggled as the bunny rummaged around her grassy hair, and likely ruffled some small flowers loose. Such an adorable little creature he were.

"So many years I were trapped in a valley where animals were turned to trees, and the air fell silent. To have them near me again are a great comfort in this strange land, and makes it feel like a home once more."

She offered Lotus to follow troop, but the bunny were more focused on Nerzhei right now, and just shook her head at the offer.

On 12/27/2018 at 3:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"And Nerzhei, I wouldnt recommend being tough on the Onache. She went through a tough time being convinced to change her form. She needs time to let that sink in and companionship to let her know this change is something she doesn't have to go through alone." 

"You have your trust, but I need evidence. if it helps, I'm not entering with the intent of striking anyone down when I first meet them."

Nerzhei were thinking better of ponies than she had for centuries these days, but she still considered them to be overly naive, and she for one didn't think that a being could just all of a sudden go from invader to peaceful creature, among all the other inconsistencies. And when the time was right, she were going to prove it, though she'd keep it down somewhat. Better to have Lyriel derail things, and seeing how Angel were having fun climbing the pony made of bark, moss, grass and other plant parts, that and the talking might help keep the dryads mood up. Besides, both her and Fluttershy were huge on animals and taking care of them. They would have an easy time to connect.

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@Lucid_Nightlight

"I don't think they'd keep me. Or do you mean that I'd cause trouble? Because I totally am! Crazy folks are funny."

It were perhaps a wise idea to not take her off the leash, though another issue would be Henry, who were going to follow them there as soon as he saw them leave the tank. Quite the circus of troublemakers the lot of them had started to gather up, though it were strange how their surroundings weren't really reacting on them so far by the look of things. They must really have been through hell and back when nothing so far were getting to them.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

"Y-Yes, off course your majesty, p-please come in. I know our meeting was brief earlier, at the castle, but I'm here with Nada and Serenade, and I can't get away from here, so... I-I hope it's okay that I'm here, during your meeting? I won't tell anypony what is said here. You have my word."

"I'm sure it's fine, Cherish. You know about Nada and Serenade after all, so it's not like anything here's secret. Plus, you're dead! I'm sure the princess had a few words about ghosts roaming Ponyville too, once everything's been talked about.

Anyway, just dropping the coffee off here, and then I'll get out of your way. Big hush hush, and all that, right Princess Luna? Lips sealed, no worries. Serenade! I brought you the joe I spoke off before. Have a sip, and tell us what you think, eh? And dip a doughnut in it if you want. I know some who likes to soggy it up first for some reason."

Cherry wandered past the princess, tilting her head in a greeting as she did so, and put the cups and cakes on the table. Were some muffins, doughnuts, that sort of thing. Most were put on the table, but the caramel swirl latte that she had promised to bring to Nada, as well as one of the doughnuts, were put over near the siren, at which point Cherry would look at the fish pony with expectant, somewhat crazy eyes, curious as to how the siren would take this in.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Of course, why would I challenge a working relationship that had no problems? Such are the reactions of short-sighted individuals who think intimidation is the only way to run their business. Rather foolish to think that violence is the only answer, is it not?"

With this, Scarcity both answered Ruby's question, and gave a response to the threat the the pony had given her, and showing that she were not intimidated. Many had there been who threatened Scarcity, and far, far more powerful beings than just a singular, potential pony had been brought low afterwards by Scarcity's influence and schemes. it may well be that she couldn't win in most fair fights, but the only truly fair thing about her were her business deals. What else happened, were up to her own diskretions.

"Personally, I like to savor my response to an unpleasant encounter, rather than sending them on a walk they might never return from. Seeing things crumble around your adversaries have a certain, cruel beauty to it.

Ah, but time flies and I believe it is about time for our final player in this group to introduce herself. However, my office are getting filled quite well right now, so if you would be so kind, let Brick escort you out, and enjoy your day in Canterlot before the meeting. Do try to visit the outskirts to the north. The scenery is quite lovely there."

As if on cue, Brick would open the door then, with Spicy trailing right after, carrying a jar carefully.

"Spicy Rolls, darling. It have been far too long."

"Depends on who you're asking chief, but we're here now anyway, and boy do I have something fun for you to smell."

"I believe this is our cue to leave then. We will meet at the auction, m'lady.

Now Ruby, are you ready to leave?"

Marley bowed to Scarcity, and then faced his draconic friend in disguise, thinking that she would be more han happy to leave before the jar got opened, and she had to endure the stench again. Dreadful thing for the dragon.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

"See? He's not a wimp. Here's your poison."

Going from a heavy weight, they got into the entirely different direction with the next item: A feather. A chicken feather by the looks of things.

"Rank 3. You have to work fast on this one, since it floats around by sudden wind even outside, soon as my hoof is off it. It touches somepony, they turn into a chicken with a blood thirst, who will attack everypony in sight. Whoever survives it for four minutes, turns into another one, and so on, and so forth. It's only rank 3 since if you kill the first one, the feather blows off again, and everyone affected goes back to normal. A right pain in the flank to catch."

"Y-You don't want to k-know how we got it. It... W-Wasn't a pretty sight."

Rising were going to find this feather to be all but innocent. While it wasn't made with the intent to harvest anything, the touch of vengeful malice would be easy to see in the cruel, but incredibly complex spellwork. Somepony had really wanted others to suffer for some reason, yet one part would be foreign: The spell causing it to fly around. Somepony else had intercepted this and wanted to cause harm on a far greater scale, and so had added this on a later date.

"I have one class 5 more with me, if you're stallion enough for it after this. Right now though, keep your focus, and Don't Get Hit! I'd hate having to cut you down."

To make her point, Null took a knife up from her back, and put it on the table. The look on her face should say that she were not kidding, though strangely, she felt like if she did this, she might actually feel sad about it. Rising wasn't all that bad of a stallion.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"We may have to give Henry a squeaky toy to keep him from going into or destroying the asylum."

"Yes, a squeaky toy is clearly the best course of action to keep a giant weird thing calm."

Lucid looked at Anomaly.

"Now, you will behave right? No kidnapping a random patient and forcing them to marry you."

"It would be hilarious to see though!"

"True, but it wouldn't be polite. You're supposed to get their number first."

[EQ_Theta 414]

@Blitz Boom

"A Kitsune? And you teach your students about illusions? Is... that an ability all kitsune have?"

That headache is starting to wear off now, but this is all so bizarre. They're in a strange land that he doesn't know about and mingling with creatures that could pull a fast one on him if he weren't careful about who he was talking to. But being in Yazma's presence calmed him down and left him feeling a little more relaxed. The butterflies in the room were a strangely soothing thing to look at; it reminded him of his days traveling wide open plains when he'd see the same thing. His mind wandered for a bit before nearly forgetting Yazma's other question.

Sen snapped himself back to reality and scrambled to get his answer in order. "Lin and I are longma, half pony and half dragon creatures known for their very... isolationist tendencies. Please don't be alarmed by Lin's looks. She had a similar appearance to mine back then but after a terrible incident long ago, it was what she got in order to save her life. Our friend Rosa is a bat pony and Omen is a Ki'Nathar."

There was a bit of hesitation as Sen answered what Omen is. Though he seemed to trust the kitsune for now, there was only so much he is willing to divulge. It might be safe to say what Omen is but any more information on her background or home realm might not be a good thing to say. It was to keep unwanted visitors out and protect Omen's formless siblings and maybe even Mother if whatever decided to seek them out had ill intentions. One breach is already enough.

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

@Blitz Boom @Dji

Angel appeared to be very much relaxed around Lyriel, and her giggling gave him a little more confidence to try something a little different. Grabbing a few locks of hair together, he started twisting and turning, braiding a section of the dryad's hair and tying up the end to hold it together. He normally does this around Fluttershy when she asked but the pegasus preferred her hair straight and with her extensions. It was a little secret but she eventually revealed this, or maybe not. He recalled one pony making mention if it once but Fluttershy didn't seem so perturbed by it. 

Fluttershy watched on and giggled a little bit, recognizing the more familiar Angel she knew was at his best. He liked doing that, sometimes even sharing some of his techniques to other animals; Harry does some hairstyling on the side, though that was more for Rarity's sake than anyone else's. And it involved grass, twigs, and an odd bird's nest that somehow got caught up in the makeshift wig. How that happened is anypony's guess. 

But there was another mention of animals turning into trees, something that sounded awfully familiar to the pegasus. Zecora and herself were in a similar situation once, and judging by those memories, it wasn't a good one. Perhaps it may be better to not mention that part first.

"If you'd like, Lyriel, I could take you to the Sweet Feather Sanctuary. It's an animal sanctuary I put together with some friends, and you're more than welcome to visit. If you don't mind me asking, what is the Silver Valley like?"

Edited December 29, 2018 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,420]

@Blitz Boom@Moonlit

Nada stayed in the bow until Luna addressed her again. Besides being bigger, Luna hadn't changed too much from how Nada remembered her, only thing was that she did seem just a bit...less authoritative towards others than her guards as far as she remembered, the twinkle in her eye being rather surprising detail to Nada. But Nada knew she couldn't fully trust her memory, considering there was a lot she had already forgotten totally, so it wasn't out of the question that she remembered things wrong. She didn't answer to her question since Cherish already did, but she did give Luna more room to come inside, gesturing politely.

She didn't touch the latte or doughnut yet, and instead she kept her eyes towards the princess, but made sure she wasn't staring her too much, it was clear she wasn't really sure what to say or do, but eventually she decided to do the most logical thing and introduce herself in case the princess didn't recognize her, she bowed again as she started "Thy majesty, My name is Nadanna Adratina and I thank you for letting me speak with you."

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@Blitz Boom

Like usual, Ruby didn't give any reactions to Scarcity, it was her way to signal that she wasn't intimidated either, because even though she would have liked to have this pony on her side rather than against her, she wanted to make it clear that she wasn't just some foolish young pony new to this side of the pony-society, sure she had no experience on the organized side of it, but she knew how the mind of the creatures on this side operated.

Ruby just nodded when Marley asked if she was ready to leave, not even looking towards the jar to avoid giving Scarcity any ideas, and like to be expected, she didn't bow or even say anything respectful to Scarcity, instead she just nodded upwards in her general direction before turning away ready to follow Marley out

 

 

 

Edited December 29, 2018 by Catpone Cerberus

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna waits until her Thestral Guards leave, then turns to face Cherish, "We are glad for your Presence Cherish" then to Nada"It is our Pleasure Nadanna. We Remember you from before our.....absence. We....I mean I am glad that more then just Ponies are moving to Equestria and becoming possible citizens. What Questions do you have for Us?" Luna manages to almost hide a smirk. 

[Rising Dusk 26,010]

@Blitz Boom

Poison.  Considering what he's dispelled so far for the sisters, it probably wasn't all that far off.  Hopefully the remainder of the artifacts were magic based though, because if they were carrying around vials of poison, that was his forte.  They'd have to hit up Bash at the front desk of they want poisons neutralized.  He knew she was just using an expression, but his mind wanders with such things.  

Not that he'd attribute poison to a chicken feather, but he'd been in his career too long to be all that shocked that something a simple as a chicken feather being enchanted with such things.  It was nice though to have a little more detail about when he was working with.  A lot more than just 'don't look into it's eyes'.  This kind of information at least let him know he was looking out for a Transfiguration spell, Emotion spell and Contagion spell.  Granted, on the more extreme end of the spectrum with how intense the curse was placed on a pony.  Oh, should probably keep an eye out for a Flotation spell as well, but it shouldn't be too big a deal since he can just grip the feather with his telekinesis.  

The warning was taken into account though as the knife was placed on the table.  Not that he particularly had much interest in being a chicken for any period of time.  Probably least interested in being cut down as one.  Cut down at all didn't sound all that pleasant, so he'll just have to ensure it isn't necessary.  Nodding to Null's warnings, he prepped his horn with an orange glow.   

As the hoof was lifted, and with it the nullifying field, the spell work that cursed the feather.  Not that he could spare more than a split second to see it before the feather lifted off the table on it's own before even the magic circle engraved could catch it.  Float was a bit of an understatement as the feather flew off in his direction.  It was ponyseeking!  Rising Dusk quickly leaned back on his stool and let gravity out speed the feather that was aiming at him.  Falling back onto the basement floor with a thud as the feather zoomed over him.  Ugh, the second time he's ended up on the floor today.  Luckily he had that split second to see the weave to know what to do before the ponyseeking feather went after him again.  Not letting the feather reaim itself before he cast black wisps at the left corner of the tapestry to snipe out the Flotation spell that gave it flight.  He was quite familiar with the spell to know how to disable it.  Didn't matter if the spell that let the feather seek out a target was still in place, it wasn't getting very far without a motor to take it there.  Well, a motor of it's own anyways as gravity was still always an available method.  The feather gently floating down now without the Flotation spell in effect, the detective worked to undo the rest of the curse. 

As predicted from Null's description, the overall tapestry was a weave of spells the detective was familiar with.  If abet extreme in intent, evident in the inky appearance that told of the malicious behind it, combining spells like this wasn't all that uncommon.  Pokes and prods from the black wisps performed their surgical dispel on the feather as it gently floated down.  Only a few short moments later did the feather end up landing on his snout while he look cross eyed at it.  Curving his lips enough to blow the now harmless chicken feather off his snoot before it caused him to sneeze.  Taking the free moment to let out his second annoyed and delayed reaction of the day, "Oww..."

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Dji

He smirked to himself. "Why'd you hiss at him if you're going to mention something like that? If you know we're accepting them, scaring him off like that won't help." He then shrugged at her. "But sure, let's go after him." He walked in the direction the changeling had gone, not heading at a fast pace. "I do expect he might fall back down."

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

@Blitz Boom

She looked around, Sapphire thought to herself as she glanced about. "Then there's not many options. We have to find a way to learn these types of magic." She looked to the door, walking to look closer at the runes. "Like a ancient archive may hold some books for it, but which ones still have any are beyond me."

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

@Blitz Boom

Astral kept heading forward, sighing to herself as she thought, glad that at least taking the train again would still save on time. "I've never really taken a proper break actually, my life has always been busy."

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@EQ_Theta

On 12/29/2018 at 3:52 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"A Kitsune? And you teach your students about illusions? Is... that an ability all kitsune have?"

"Us kitsune are highly magical creatures, yet our most defining traits are our skills in illusions. This does not simply come natural though. It is a long, tedious process before the potential of any kit is refined enough for them to advance out and do their own trickery without being found out.

What you landed in were a simulated military facility scenario, which is among the tougher tests I run, though clearly my students are not ready to pass yet. Not masking their scent, and then telling it is all false by the drop of a hat... I had higher expectations of them than that."

Yazma suddenly looked at what would to others seem like an empty spot and narrowed her eyes. What followed were no visual, but the sound of something scurrying off and a weak yip were there, if one cared to listen.

"And it seems like I have a meddling kit more to give a talking to later. They should know better than to think their novice tricks would work on me.

In any case, I knew of the thestral and the refraction, but longma and Ki'Nathar? Our libraries are vast, yet I haven't heard of your kinds before. Something new to add to our books it seems, especially from our healers, whilst they are tending to Lin's wounds. She shouldn't be long, though this Rosa one is another matter."

Yazma made a book appear out of seemingly nowhere, and it flapped open around 3/5'th of the way in, at which point it'd flip, and show them a painted depiction of a bat pony in dark armor, flying down with a spear towards a flock of hissing kitsune, magic soaring around them. Several words were also written down each side, but the language of Neighpon weren't easy to decipher if you didn't know it, so it likely just looked like scribbles to the two visitors.

"Our history is complex, and full of both war and tenuous peace. Suffice it to say that he will be under heavy guard and have his memory scoured when the healers are done with him. We can't have potential enemy spies snooping into our business, and endanger the kits. Not on my watch."

The book closed again, and vanished into thin air. She had shown what was needed to get her point across, which she had little doubt would be understood by Sen. He seemed an intelligent, albeit strange creature. Very different from the seemingly clueless companion of his, who were either a good lier, or several centuries old.

"The young needs direction and protection to not end as prey in the outside world, or exotic pets. Much the same as the refraction. Bad things happen to those who steal their young."

There were an implied suggestion here to explain why the group of outsiders had this little thing with them, and making it convincing before something would happen. It appeared that there were still some mistrust to go around here, and not just from them working with Rosa.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Dji

The feeling of Angel now climbing around on her back and braiding her hair made some old, pleasant memories surface for Lyriel. Small critters had liked climbing her people so much that while they had animals there, each of them basically functioned as a permanent settlement for something. An owl had been that of her brother, as he had carried heavy bark with a sizable hole in the back for something to settle in. As for Lyriel, it had been a couple of bats, who liked to hang from her branches in the daytime and enjoy the cover that she granted with a layer of flora over vines. Creatures like Angel came around often too, though not too many interacted with her hair. The few who did, tended to look for something to use for their nests, or wanting a taste. The braiding were a pleasant and welcome addition to that list.

She could just imagine Angel doing this to Fluttershy as well, though it would be kind of a shame. The mares hair were a beautiful, lustrous pink, that flowed like a calm river. Braids wouldn't fit that, no matter how endearing it might look to see the bunny do so.

Much of Fluttershy's appearance invoked the same feeling with Lyriel actually. Her stance, her eyes, her voice- It all just seemed so balanced and harmonious. It were easy to see why the animals mostly spoke of this pony as if she were a dryad in her own right. A few exceptions remained, but those tended to be the same that were hesitant to trust Lyriel too, despite her best efforts. Beings such as the timberwolf alpha. A troubling being to even get the others to speak of, though she had been told recently that the old female had taken interest in the dryad, so perhaps the day would come eventually.

Then... The line of thoughts got interrupted as the conversation fell on her old home, and her smile withered a little.

"Through the valley, runs a river in many colors. Every creature of flesh and blood who drank from the sacred waters, would be reclaimed by the earth mother. Such were the faith of the animals, once the other water sources ran dry, and they tried to drink from what were never meant for their mouths.

My people... We could do with the water falling upon us from the morning dew, but in time, they too took to tasting the forbidden waters, and they fell to heresy and madness. I escaped and hid, but others who did not drink... Were not so lucky."

A tear fell from her right eye, as the image of what happened back then came to mind.

"I'm sorry. You asked what the valley is like, and the answer you must have wanted were lovely, and once it truly were. Yet now it is silent, barring the mad ramblings of those I once called my family and friends. It is a place of sadness and heresy to the earth mother, and it brought me nothing but sorrow to see everything I loved brought to ruin.

Ponies came by strange magic, I helped them leave, and the dragons allowed me to wander with them. It saddens me greatly that it cost Nerzhei her homeland, yet I feel blessed to be in your forest, where I am needed, and life flourishes. It reminds me of what home once were."

"I don't miss it."

The dragon knew it likely didn't make Lyriel feel less sad about having been part of why she had to leave Dragon Land, but she wanted to clarify this regardless.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

As the two left her office, escorted by the silent Brick, Scarcity chuckled slightly, which made Spicy raise an eyebrow.

"Brazen company you're keeping these days. I look forward to learning more about her."

"Yeeeah... Not gonna touch that with a seven hoof pole. Wanna see the wares?"

Spicy would start showing what they got, and then describe the jewelry, so that they could get the finer details done before the auction. That left the griffon and dragon in disguise to be left at the entrance, whilst Brick returned to looking around the store for troublemakers.

Marley said nothing at first, and just signalled for Ruby to follow him into a nearby side alley, where they may have a little privacy from prying ears.

"That went better than expected, if I do say so myself. Some subtle death threats on both sides, but I've heard worse in this profession. May I ask for your personal opinion, please? I find myself quite curious."

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

 

@Lucid_Nightlight

Anomaly giggled at what they said, then went into full blown laughter for a solid minute.

"Sorry, but oh man, that made me think of Crazy Joe. I totally did that to him, and he kept thinking he were in the middle of a dragon-pony war, and kept telling to me to hand him another sword to lob at *That scaled garbage fire with more air than brains*. Or the tree priest, as it actually were.

It was pretty fun, but man was he boring once I sorted his brain, so I sent him back before the vows were read. Perhaps your world have more fun crazies, but I wanna wait kidnapping anypony until I meet your fowl-talking dimension hopper. He made a lot of sense.

Am I allowed to go back and kidnap the pretty crazies for bridesmaids later? Otherwise, I'm gonna start mutating all sorts in there for funsies."

She were totally gonna mess around the place anyway, but it would get even worse if there wasn't some future fun. As for Henry... She were a bit blank on what to make to catch his interest, so sure, why not a squeaky?

A snap of her tail, and a rubber tree would sprout, with a big sign saying *squeeze me!* and a depiction, if Henry couldn't read. Didn't seem to do much, as the creature just began poking it gently, but at least he seemed invested. Might do it. Or not. Guess they'd see.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

The sisters twitched as the feather flew towards Rising, and their muscles tensed. It had almost managed to hit the officer, but thankfully, he took advantage of the fact that the feather still had to obey gravity, and didn't travel all that far, to fall backwards. This however, still left him exposed, as it were hard to move now when the feather inevitably would go towards him.

Void had taken a step forward before the black wisps began to do their work, of snipping away at the spells around the dangerous feather. Still, she wanted to go forth and stop it, but were halted by Null, who put a hoof in front of her and shook her head. Whatever Rising were doing right now, he had to be allowed to deal with it. If they interrupted, who could say what would happen? An unraveling curse, kept down, and then suddenly loose again if they dropped it? Sounded like bad news. Besides, they had to try and trust the officer. He had done well against horrid things before, he could do so again.

The first that seemed to go were the spell keeping it in motion. As the feather now only floated like any other would, this gave Rising a few more, precious seconds to work with, and from the looks of things, he weren't wasting them. Assaulting the feather, attacking the spells that made for the combined curse, though as with all other times, it were impossible to determine how far he were in the process, as they couldn't see the weave that the officer could.

As such, soon as the feather fell on his nose, Null instinctively grabbed the knife, though thankfully she hadn't a need to use it, as the feather were now once more merely that, and free of the malice that had once caused it to be a fleeting, dangerous piece of work.

"Hmph. Not bad."

"O-Officer? Are you o-okay?"

Whilst Null gave a slight bit of praise to the officer's ability to work under pressure, Void instead came over and would try to help the officer up, concerned what he had reacted to with pain just then. Were it hitting the floor before? Magical exhaustion? Were something perhaps still wrong with the feather, and he had gotten stung by it? Whatever it were, she didn't like hearing him in pain, and far as she were concerned, this was it. She weren't going to let Null take forth the last item after this. it had been a horribly close call, and even if the last item were pretty low brow, it wasn't worth the risk. Not before she were completely sure that he were ready for it.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

Well this was no fun. Nopony were responding to her, and Nada were looking away from the good stuff. Well then, if they wanted to go and be antisocial like that, then let it be on them. She could go... Retaliate against the flying rat or something. Though there were a chance she'd get another face full of teeth then, so perhaps she should go do something productive then instead.

"Well then, since it sounds like I'm the fifth wheel on this royal caravan, I'll go grind some beans for tomorrow. Have a hoot."

With that - and an eye-roll towards Nada - she passed through the door and went back to the shop. Might as well get some overtime pay since she weren't wanted here. Not entirely true, but Cherish at least were shamefully happy to see Berry leave, as the way she spoke didn't seem fitting for a royal visit. Perhaps things had changed, but Luna were old school, and both Nada and her had been out of society for ages. New age ways of doing things were not exactly the norm in this setting.

"I-I'ts an honor to know you remember me, P-Princess Luna."

Cherish bowed the best she could, then floated away from the pair as best she could, and kept quiet, to not get in the way of things, This meeting were intended for Nada's benefit, and she wasn't going to derail this if possible. She'd franklyv vanish from sight too if it were, but Cherish weren't sure how the princess would react to something like that, so for the time being it seemed wiser to remain visible, and just try not to get in the way.

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

"Celestia's libraries likely holds something like this, but their security must be heightened, because they think I will come and save Warlock. He made me react... Irregularly for a time, but my interest aren't in saving him right now."

There had been a brief moment where Emerald had been swooped up in his commanding presence, and thought she felt something more, but she were sure it were simply that: She were drawn to his presence. Nothing more were to it, and she weren't going to dignify it with more of a thought.

"I recall us getting some magic books long ago from some dusty, reclusive places. Perhaps some of those still stands? Suppose it couldn't hurt if we checked. Anyone in particular that you want to inspect first?"

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

"Heh, go figures."

The train didn't seem to be near yet, but the group were not at the stop yet either, so that were just good. Having to run it right now were gonna be annoying.

"Don't get me wrong here Astral, I like that you're stubborn enough to upstage a mule, but keeping at things constantly ain't good. I've been hunting for most of my life and done extra most of the time to try and be seen as equal to the griffons, but take my word on this: You keep at it without taking a breather now and again, and you're gonna end up seriously injured."

Chow stopped up, turned to Astral, and pushed some fur away on his neck, revealing a pretty long, pale old scar going from around his right shoulder and down his chest, aiming for his left hoof.

"Headed in over my head with less than half a tank, and I barely made it. So trust me, I know what I'm talking about when I try to get through that a break's important. The sort we're dealing with right now's far more dangerous than what I ran into, and I don't wanna see you end up taking that step further by running low on a full powered bunch'a bad news.

So you know... Don't make me chain ya down and feed you tranquilizers, alright?"

Oh yeah, nice move Chow. Derail a sensitive subject by putting in a horrid joke. Get a grip on yourself!

*sigh* Well, this was likely a bust then... Might as well turn around and get down to the tracks then, before the lot of 'em started pointing and laughing at him.

Edited December 31, 2018 by Blitz Boom

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

When Lucid heard Anomaly's question about taking crazy ponies as bridesmaids, Lucid opened the hatch of the tank, looked at the sun, summoned a device to measure the weather for next week, and looked at Anomaly.

"According to the density of the sun and the current weather pattern, I don't think the pidgins will approve of such a decision. Though if you promise to put them back... you might be able to get away with it without the pidgins getting mad."

The average pony would have no idea what it meant, but any chaotic entity would see the reason behind what Lucid was saying, despite there being none. Lucid went back into the tank and closed the hatch.

"It's Anomaly's turn to drive, now full speed ahead too the insane Asylum!"

[Catpone Cerberus 23,420]

@Blitz Boom@Moonlit
Nada managed to wave a hoof to Berry when she was leaving, she felt bit bad for her even though she disliked how she talked to the princess, she seemed like a lonely pony, trusting nopony and with few screws loose in the head, so it wasn't fun to ignore her or see her leave again, but Nada also understood that this was a time when she would need to be bit selfish.

She was happy to hear that Luna remembered her, it made things bit easier, since it was known even back then already that Nada didn't like the whole mind-controlling and collecting negativity thing.  She replied to the princess with more relaxed, but still very honoring and respectful tone "Thy highness, I wanted to know if there would be a way for me to return to civilization and possibly even my old way of life, as a siren." with her old way of life she meant singing for ponies, and she hoped Luna understood what she meant.

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

@Blitz Boom

Ruby followed Marley without hesitation, and after his question, she thought for a second before replying "About the situation or the mare?" she asked, but continued by answering both anyway "The meeting went like I expected, nothing to say there." "As for Scarcity, good ally to have, inconvenient enemy." "She is intelligent for a pony, but she's clearly hiding behind her assets, by herself she's as weak as one could get." "In conclusion, I don't fear her, but I can respect her capability." "Reminds me of myself, exception being that I prefer doing things myself and that I'm not weak."

[EQ_Theta 414]

@Blitz Boom

Seems like there is something the kitsune and the longma have in common, though Sen seems to envy them a little. At least they are aware of their own history and know what to look out for. Compare that to the longma who are wary at just about anyone who isn't them, always assuming the worst but never really saying more beyond that. Still, there was something going for the kitsune that made them concerned about Rosa, though the longma understands that there has to be some measures to make sure their bat pony companion, or thestral as Yazma mentioned. 

Unfortunately, the shaky trust he has earned already has the longma treading very unstable ground. The mention of the refraction being likened to a young kitsune could end up being a sore spot that could cause further animosity between them. That said, neither Sen nor Lin wouldn't be able to provide an explanation that gave anyone present some measure of confidence. There might have been a mention of this creature coming from one of Omen's sisters but even that memory was a blur, not something the longma remembered with any degree of clarity. That and how the distrust of the kitsune have with the bat ponies is already making things more challenging. 

"I understand your caution given your history with the bat ponies, but if I may, I'll vouch for my companion. For what it's worth, Rosa... isn't like the other bat ponies. Maybe he was once as your book showed but not anymore. Can you take us to see our friends? It would ease some of my worries to know they are alright."

Sen took a step back and once more attempted to whisper to Omen, though some part of him felt that this may be more of a fool's errand more than anything. Still, it didn't stop him from trying.

How exactly did you come across Shrimp? I mean, he hatched from an egg if I am not mistaken?

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

@Blitz Boom @Dji

"I... I'm sorry. For bringing that up, that is. Just hearing that from you is difficult but I can't imagine what it was like when those things were happening."

Fluttershy fell quiet, and for a moment, didn't quite know how to else to respond. Though deep down, she had an inkling of an idea. What if all that time Meadowbrook was absent, the ponies who fell victim to swamp fever never found their cure were in a similar situation? Twilight and Fluttershy found a cure and stopped the transformation from pony to inanimate plant but it was successful because the transformation never finished. They never once tried to see what would happen if the cure was introduced to a tree that was once a pony long ago. Would age catch up to them in the short amount of time they had? Would it even be called a mercy to save them from their current states only for them to fade away shortly after? Thoughts like these are difficult, sometimes keeping anypony up justifying one side or another without ever reaching a conclusion. No matter how long it went, there just wasn't a satisfactory answer. Maybe this is one of those instances.

Even Angel paused, finishing up his braiding and sympathized with the dryad. He stroked her hair and though he didn't say, or squeaked, anything, he knew opening up old wounds wasn't always a good thing. Fluttershy may have needed it once, but not every case was the same. Just that gesture was all he could do for now, wanting to let the dryad know that in this moment, she would find comfort and friends.

"If you like, there is the Everfree Forest near the town," Fluttershy quietly continued. "You wouldn't need to worry about bodies of water turning animals into plants. Apart from the odd chimera or cockatrice, that area is more or less safe. We can go there if you'd like." 

Edited January 1, 2019 by EQ_Theta

[Rising Dusk 26,010]

@Blitz Boom

This was the first time Rising Dusk had really looked at the ceiling of the O.M.I.'s basement, at this angle anyways.  Sure, he's replaced a light bulb or two in his early days, new guy doing all the little odd jobs while they get their hooves wet.  His mind auto filling in the rest of the lay out of the office above him.  Base on this, he could pretty well determine he was laying on the floor just below Scarlet's desk.  The detective wasn't hurt to any true capacity, it was a controlled fall after all.  Well, as controlled as possible anyways.  A short moment of pain, but nothing to complain about.  The urge to get up though just wasn't all that high a priority even though he knew it would be a good idea. 

The basement use to be carpeted, but was now tile after an incident some years back where it caught fire.  Couple of freshly graduated wizards from Canterlot visiting to try and make a name for themselves by solving one of the great mysteries in the O.M.I.'s vault.  If Scarlet hadn't been here to deal with the mishap at the time, the agency wouldn't be here anymore, at least the building anyways.  The rest of the O.M.I. didn't have Rising Dusk's particular talent in Dispel Magic, but they were all resourceful and talented in their own ways.  He'd gotten plenty of questions on how a Pegasus or Earth Pony like Bash could work at an agency devoted to magic.  So many just think Unicorns have magic, but the other two have it in their own way like weather control or power of the earth.  Rising Dusk has yet to meet a pony more versed in potions than the gruff stallion occupying the front desk right now.  And of course like any agency, there are the office workers and just overall investigation teams.  Not to say most of the O.M.I. wasn't unicorns, just not all.

The sound of metal scraping on wood caused his ear to flick and snap him back to reality.  Likely Null taking up the knife she warned him with.  Would he really know if he'd actually been turned into a blood thirsty chicken?  Probably not.  Made all the more evident when he soon saw Void enter his field of vision and he wasn't filled with a bloodthirsty urge to attack her.  A good sign.  Taking her offered hoof to help him up off the floor.  Picking his stool back up and setting it back next to the table.  It was understandable that the sisters not knowing him all that well yet wouldn't know of his delayed 'owws' were just a quirk of his.  Smiling to the worried sister, "I'm fine, no damage done."  Deciding not to bring up this being the second time he'd fallen to the floor today.  Climbing back onto his stool, ready to continue with the last item they brought back today.  

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna looks down, "We remember you Nadanna" Luna suddenly smirks, "Tis been far too long. And as for your reintroduction, The Triarchy has kept...the common knowledge of Sirens relegated to that of myths...for numerous reasons." Luna rolls her eyes, "Young Twilight not withstanding." Luna turns her attention back to Nada, "And yes We can help. Several popular singers are Sirens."
 

[Blitz Boom 4,422]

@EQ_Theta

On 1/1/2019 at 9:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

How exactly did you come across Shrimp? I mean, he hatched from an egg if I am not mistaken?

"Nephew found it underwater. Thought it was a pretty rock. Little thing that bites came out of it."

That particular nephew came from a world where almost all of it were underwater, so it had just been a regular swimming around when the little multi-limbed thing had found what he thought were a rock, and wanted to give it to his aunt. His mother didn't minded really, as Omen and her talked well with one another, thought it had surely surprised all of them when Shrimp had suddenly hatched and started it's life by chomping down on Omen's tongue.

It was a strange thing that a creature from this world had ended in theirs, but Omen knew that sometimes, rifts between worlds had shown, even without her and her sibling's involvement. Might well be that one had shown and the egg dropped in there by accident. She for once couldn't remember dragging anything like this through at least, and she were - far as she knew - the only one of her kind in the Equine world.

As for Yazma, she just starred at Omen and tried to get a sense of whatever or not the creature were telling the truth. It didn't seem like there were lies in the voice, but everything Omen said were in the same, dull, monotone voice, only vaguely touched by curiosity as far as the kitsune had heard. It were hard to gain anything from that.

"...I will have your mind scoured later to make sure, but I will tentatively allow you to move around in here, under supervision.

As for your friends, I doubt the thestral is ready, but the damage to Lin were minor. We can go see her. Follow me, and try to ignore the feeling of being watched. I can decide who does what in my classroom, but the principal dictates the rules, and curiosity is encouraged. Strange ones like you two will draw quite the attention by the kits."

Yazma wandered towards the west-most door, and pushed it open, revealing a long, gnarly hallway with little to no decor. Some pictures were there once in awhile, but portraits were generally hung up with the responsibility of how it went laying on the teacher or principal in question, since the kits liked to play pranks on them. Several of them were marked with this too, with a few kitsune having bad hair, strange, at times inappropriate fur patterns and varied degrees of strange expressions. What could not be done with enough magic and bored youngsters sometimes.

They wouldn't see anyone else on the way though, but the feeling of someone watching were there quite a lot, and at times, some whispering words were vaguely possible to hear, though never loud enough for any words to be recognized. Yazma could honestly have avoided this, by shielding them, but she considered this a good chance for the students to show that they knew at least the basics of keeping out of sight of outsiders, as well as gaining some idea of how to treat what were currently considered guests. It would prove a useful example for some of her colleagues in the days to come.

As they crossed a corner, they would be able to see the tip of a red tail vanish into thin air, from one who weren't too quick on the pull, but judging from the size compared to Yazma, it was a pretty small, and therefor likely young one, who hadn't mastered everything enough to be as quick as some of the other students, or just hadn't been attentive to the smell of outsiders wafting through the hall.

Eventually, she'd stop, and push into seemingly solid wood to her right, to reveal a door that would open before them, and show a small room, where two kitsune around 2/3's of the size of Yazma, with green hearts colored into the side of their torso fur were seen, jumping around and gently pushing Lin, chanting in the local tongue. With every jump, pat or slide of their tails, Lin's wounds started to patch up, as if it were simply being brushed away with only the small glittering trail of highly pale green showing that something were even happening.

Lin should begin to wake up about now, as the sedative would wear off, and she should feel somewhat okay. er leg was healed up nice and well, but some surface wounds were still not done. She weren't restrained though, so she could move around if she wished to. Restraints had more been used on the refraction, who sat in a small bird cage with a muzzle on, looking down on the kitsune messing with Lin and tried without luck to wriggle through the bars to get down there and if not bite, then scratch them.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Dji

On 1/1/2019 at 9:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"I... I'm sorry. For bringing that up, that is. Just hearing that from you is difficult but I can't imagine what it was like when those things were happening."

Lyriel gave a tired smile towards Fluttershy, as the mare expressed her sadness over hearing the dryad's story.

"To lose my family to madness is still hard to think of, yet many things have been recently, and I'm trying to manage. Thank you for your concern though, my equine friend. Your compassion warms my heart, and lifts some of this burden from my mind. As does yours, Angel."

A warm smile spread on her muzzle, as she slowly rose a hoof up to give Angel a gently few pats on his head. Such a lovely little creature this one were, but she could imagine that he took after Fluttershy on this point. Being around one with such a big, all-embracing heart were bound to affect a critter such as him, surely. Of course he might simply be a kind heart from natures side, but bunnies in her experience tended to be very varied, so it were hard to say. She liked to think that it were the mares influence though.

On 1/1/2019 at 9:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"If you like, there is the Everfree Forest near the town," Fluttershy quietly continued. "You wouldn't need to worry about bodies of water turning animals into plants. Apart from the odd chimera or cockatrice, that area is more or less safe. We can go there if you'd like."

"The Everfree have been my home for the past three weeks now. I wished to stay less hidden, but Nerzhei thought it best to ease everyone into things, rather than all of a sudden dump into town. It is part of the reason why I aimed to regrow myself in the image of ponies. To try and seem less like an outsider, so that I may blend with your equine kind.

Not that there is not much to do in the forest. It is vast and with many creatures within, some of which needs to know that there are those who will watch over them out there, and others who merely needs someone to understand them. This cockatrice you speak of, were one of such creatures. It held so much resentment and anger, from what it could do and the exclusion it got from it, and it have been difficult to speak with. I feel there are progress being made, yet not all are easy to connect with, and time is needed. In time though, I hope that it, as well as many of the other creatures, can come to trust me, and be more at ease around your kind too, knowing that I will be there to try and keep them safe.

I cannot say that I have heard of this chimera though. It sounds as if it have been a creature who have brought trouble in the past?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

Cherish got big eyes as the princess said that there were apparently other sirens active, and working as prominent singers no less. Here she had thought that Serenade were a special case, although... Thinking about it, it were going to be the exact case though, right? Not sirens showing off in full glory, but having to hide in equine forms, like Serenade did. This were not the life that Nada wished for, though it sounded as if the princess wandered into this thinking that this would be a somewhat easy solution, like with others of the watery half-equines before.

She kept quiet and didn't want to interrupt the meeting, but Cherish hoped that Nada were going to bring up that point about wanting to live among ponies, but in her siren form. It were likely going to be a thing that would test things somewhat, yet as had been discussed, the very thing that Nada wanted.

Luna and Twilight had been in talks about this very thing earlier today, along with Serenade, but it had been somewhat abruptly interrupted. Yet plans were at least being discussed about this between the two princesses, and potentially Celestia too. Cherish weren't sure about whatever or not the princess of the sun were aware of this yet, or if she were being kept out of the loop at this point in time.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"She is certainly not physically capable of doing much, yet she represents the phrase *Knowledge is power* quite well, by being prepared for things. Information and the correct tools are her weapons of choice, and in case things go sour, I have come to believe that Brick will do anything in his power to protect her, and his physical prowess is not as unimpressive as one might think.

Regardless, it sounds to me as if you have a healthy idea of how things are currently, with the auction as well as our contact. It pleases me that you take to these things so well Ruby, yet we do still need to find something to do as we are waiting. Is there anything in particular you may find of interest to do? Perhaps we should enjoy something to eat, if that is to your liking? I know you do not wish for your... Alternative side to be glanced at, yet it is not hard to get hold of some takeout with a healthy meat focus. Griffons does make their home in this town, and we are not only to what grows from the dirt, so there are some select establishments where one can procure something with plenty of natural proteins.

Ah, but of course, it is up to you. I have little to merely spend my time on, rather than wandering around and perhaps getting a pedicure, but that seems pointless before the auction. Such a messy place will just get me all dirty and scuffed again in no time. Quite the waste of hard earned bits at that point."

Some griffons liked to be scruffy. Others enjoyed merely preening themselves and keep it more or less than that. And then there were those like Marley, who enjoyed a more clean, well cared for exterior. Full spa treatments, feather products, fine preening, and so on. He could still get dirty if needed be, but overall, Marley wanted to look as good as he could, to have a better chance at catching the eyes of potential mates. Well, he also really liked a spa treatment regardless, but that had a good deal to do with his training too. Made his muscles all sore, and a good, relaxing hour or three in a good facility really helped ease himself up.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

"Good, let's get it over with then."

Null stuck her hoof in the bag again, but paused as Void got nearer.

"It's e-enough now. He n-needs to rest."

"That isn't up to us."

Taking her hoof back up, Null put a solid gold puzzle piece on the table, around 10 inches in diameter, and carrying a partial, left half image of a cartoony heart. Nothing else seemed obviously wrong with it, except for the material and weight of it.

"Number 3, rank 5, from the outskirts of the Zimnawha Jungle. Pick it up, and your heart bursts out of your chest 10 seconds later. "

"B-Big sis, please..."

Void's pleading tone were impossible to ignore for her older sister, yet regardless, Null leaned back, and kept her eyes on Rising.

"It's his call sis. If he isn't up for it, I'll take it back, but it's not our decision. Besides, this shouldn't be a big deal. It's pretty much the least dangerous thing we own."

Disturbing statement, but it were true. As were it that they had gotten this item when they had been chosen to be sacrificed to it, but Null didn't want to bring back that memory. They had been very young at the time and the fanatics that had gotten hold of them weren't exactly kind in their lodging, what with the cages and all that. Plus, she knew that Void didn't like to think of the times when the two of them had used some of the dangerous stuff they ran around with for their own protection, and at that time, both the puzzle piece and the first two items they found were used as they had basically no physical power to work with, and Void were very slow, as her first false leg were little more than a glorified peg leg.

The officer would likely not be thrilled either to know the state of the temple after they left it. Or well, the ones who had inhabited it at least. Messy sight that had been, and wouldn't exactly put either of the sisters in a good light, even if it had been out of necessity more than anything.

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@Lucid_Nightlight

"Really? Darn pidgins! Should've eaten 'em all when we had the chance."

Anomaly sent scowls all around her, trying to find one of the nasty little critters, but she had no luck.

"Bah, humbug. I'll do what I want, and if they don't like it, I'll send the squid-monkeys after them. That should teach whatever survives a lesson."

Nasty critters from her island, those squid-monkeys. Good to defend the coast with, sure, but it were some darn bad days when she heard a spectacle and got towards their territory. Ink and toxic spit everywhere, even for their creator. Some creatures just had no sense of worship and praise.

Hearing that she were allowed to run this thing though, Anomaly let go off those nasty thoughts, and vengeance plans towards the pidgins, and went over tot he steering mechanics. She hadn't followed how the others had done it one bit, but how hard could this be, right? Press some random buttons, pull the thing, and then go!

...Ooor she'd end up messing with a sprinkler system of some sort. Either way, button mashing until something started to move.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

Forgetting how the tank worked, Lucid started giving random suggestions.

"Try the red one. Maybe it'll make the tank move."

"Oh! Maybe the tank will turn into a giant mech suit or something!"

Lucid decided to add something about the pidgins.

"I wouldn't underestimate the pidgins. They've gotten powerfull ever since the war against those stupid penguins."

[EQ_Theta 414]

@Blitz Boom

"If you don't mind me asking, how do you scour minds? I mean no offense but it does come off a little sinister and if it will hurt a lot, I will take action against it. I don't want Omen and Rosa getting hurt even if you are taking precautions." 

Perhaps it was a little extreme to jump to a more confrontational tone, but as the Kitsune are protective of their own and their young, Sen is also displaying some level of protectiveness for his own companions. Maybe he might be at a disadvantage with illusions but in a straight up fight, he is confident he could hold his own. That is not saying much, as he hasn't seen what a Kitsune is like when angered and threatened. His tone didn't come off as threatening, but merely conveying his fears could drive him into action if something were to go wrong though it could probably be construed the other way and Yazma might understand it differently. 

"I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I'm just worried about them, that is all."

He followed Yazma around to where Lin were resting and to his relief, she was awake. A little tired and still gaining her strength but she was aware of what was happening around her. Not exactly the kind of methods she expected when nursing someone back to health but it is what it is. It didn't do much to make her less confused but she was safe at the moment. 

"Sen? Omen? That you? Didn't think I'd be awake sooner but it's good to see you two making friends with these fellows."

"How are you feeling?"

"Sapped but I'll manage. Hopefully able to walk about within the next hour. I still need to make that delivery before Scarcity deems us a lost cause. Besides, we already offered to help Rosa sort this out and find his brother."

"One thing at a time, Lin." Sen turned around and stepped aside so his sister could see their guide. "This is Yazma and we are among the Kitsune. She says your injuries are minor. You might be able walk soon." Lin nodded respectfully towards the kitsune and smiled. This meeting could've gone a little differently in her head knowing that she might be able to start walking and getting her leg used to movement after it has been broken. 

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@Blitz Boom @Dji

Angel greatly appreciated the gesture. It wasn't normal for him to receive any gestures of the sort from anypony except Fluttershy but being around Lyriel gave him an air of positivity and calmness that is very similar to the vibe gets from being around Fluttershy. For a time, that is; once Discord started visiting frequently, it was a lot more difficult to get some peace and quiet when a being of chaos were making it well... chaotic, at times. Eventually, he grew to accept it, and that is already a generous way of putting things. Lyriel's presence alone makes for a much more benign and calming one, something he will always welcome. Something about her makes it feel like he's around Fluttershy after a nice, warm bath.

On Fluttershy's end, it was good to hear Lyriel was adjusting well. Even with the poorly studied Everfree Forest, there was some progress made to scout out and learn about it, mapping out ways in and out of the forest. Much has been done to make it seem less terrifying than it once was. Having some familiar landscape markers from frequent visits make regular trips in there more of a chore than anything. Still, the Tree of Harmony makes its home there and the Castle of the Two Sisters has become an attraction of sorts to ponies all around so there is testament to the ponies' efforts. 

"That chimera though... I guess it got lost and somehow ended up in the Everfree Forest. It isn't native to that area; normally it is found in the Flame Geyser Swamps. I've only seen it once and it was content to leave after some convincing. It didn't cause any problems for Ponyville as far as I can remember. And the cockatrice? Its stare can turn ponies into stone; anypony wouldn't want to be petrified though I sometimes wish I could speak to them and maybe teach them to control their abilities if they could."

Edited January 3, 2019 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,420]

@Blitz Boom@Moonlit

"But do they appear as Sirens." Nada asked right away, because the fact that Berry hadn't told her there being sirens in public made her believe she didn't know about them, which to her meant they couldn't be in siren form because Berry was too paranoid to not know about that. "Because part of my problem is that I don't want to be forced to disguise myself as different creature like Serenade does." she purposely avoided saying 'in limited form' because she didn't want to insult the princess "Because it would be no different from just going back to hiding."  or leaving Equestria altogether, that was probably what she would do next, because she was sure there was some place somewhere where she could be herself if not here. 

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@Blitz Boom

To her usual manner, Ruby just listened as Marley spoke, she was going to question what would Scarcity do to someone who you can't control with knowledge, but decided against it because Marley most likely wouldn't know, he being fully under the mare's control. "It really depends on if they have something else than fish, in bigger pieces than fish." She replied "I'm not necessary hungry, but there's never reason to not delay hunger, and I'm always willing to learn...less risky ways to gain something to eat." "But before we go anywhere, I need to try something now that we are out of sight."

She loosened the strap holding the box and put the box one the ground, she then muttered something that was either gibberish or other language and opened it. If Marley was to look inside, he would see bunch of shiny things, everything from piece of mirror to valuable gems and metals. She then took hold of the Dragon's eye on her neck and took the chain off from her neck, holding the eye against her chest, after which she took the eye and put in the box, holding her hoof against the box, but soon she took back out and put it back on the neck, cursing.

 

Edited January 3, 2019 by Catpone Cerberus

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna shakes her head, "Well...One does. We saw her show in Canterlot, and she appears in her Siren form as part of an act." Luna holds up a silver-clad hoof, "However, if you would be willing to work alongside Serenade and Princess Twilight, We believe we can reintroduce Sirens to Equestrian Society....with a minimum of fuss. Except for the Nobles" Luna rolls her eyes. "But I'm sure once we have a plan, we are confidant Sirens can take a place next to the other Equestrians"

[Sekel 685]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

"That's all well and good but I see ... um ... a small sphinx. Walking around. Docile," Karmic whispered, her eyes having gone a cloudy white. Something in what Enzo had said coupled with the temple around them forced a vision upon of the past rather than the future. At the very least, this could give her some insight as to what Enzo meant by his angry tone.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I had no idea what was happening to me at the time. My parents told me that they saw a bug pony thing change into a griffin upon noticing them. They still took me in but they wouldn't say why or anything about any other changeling being near me. I didn't get found out because I stayed as a griffin. Despite my best wishes, I kinda assimilated, maybe? I'm not entirely sure, but I know that you met the majority of griffins because they're all like that. It's where we live in a run down city. It could be an easy target for Chrysalis, yes, but I doubt she'd be able to get to it. Mainly because it's hidden away in the mountains and the only couple of ways to get in and out is by flying or going through a series of twisty tunnels within the mountain itself," Aurora poured forth her words in an effort to get Onache to understand her. She wanted to make sure that Onache was fine with her answer but if she wasn't, more information could be provided.

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"It was a natural reaction. I don't really interact with Changelings much," Watts confessed but ran after Zealous anyway. "At the very least, we could catch up if he falls."

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Greetings, Lyriel, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm the newest Princess to be converted into an Alicorn," Twilight told the mossy pony with a kind smile and a small bow of her head. "This is a large crystal castle that has been grown from the Tree of Harmony itself. That may be why you feel nature within it," she explained further and was content to listen to Fluttershy and Lyriel talk with each other. It brought a smile to her face to know one of her friends had found a kindred spirit. "Something bothers me though. I understand you don't really want to talk about your home, and forgive me, but how did you escape from becoming like your family?"