open Casual stroll

[Foxy Socks 2,600]

@Blitz Boom

Foxy wondered if she'd ever cross paths with Zhu again, but perhaps it was better she didn't. She liked Anomaly more, considering her a friend. Even if she isn't the original form of her.

 

"I'm not really hungry, but I'll go with you. I wonder what Zhu meant right before he left." If it were from any normal Draconequus (Foxy did not know he was a different being), she'd think it would have just been nonsense, but Zhu was quite serious with his tone.

 

Nopony was around to witness what had taken place besides them, so at least there didn't have to be an explanation. Of course, they all stood out in some way, especially Anomaly and Brittle. They both of course could change forms to be more fitting, though it was up to them. Foxy looked pony enough even if she had different features, while with Briar another pony would have to observe closely to see the difference. Foxy then remembered his eyes being elliptical. Briar would surely stand out, but Foxy hoped he had his own way of avoiding attention. Despite the odd looking group Foxy couldn't imagine being in a more comfortable place: with friends.

 

Edited August 23, 2017 by Foxy Socks

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich @Widdershins Serenade nods, "Come on Ziggy, I'd rather not deal with this, besides" She ruffles her wings, "I can...feel the potion start to slip, not sure why though". Her eyes briefly flash red as she says that. 

[EQ_Theta 465]

@Blitz Boom

"But I..." Sen sighed and simply let things continue as they are. "And there was a reason why telling everyone about my problems is frowned upon. I'll think about it some more, Mother, but I can handle them. Maybe I'm just going about this the wrong way and-"

"Sen, stop it," Lin interjected, raising her voice but stopping herself from yelling straight into her brother's ear. She could sense the desperation in his voice but knowing her words of support from before didn't seem to work now is causing her some distress. Even her tone is starting to show her tiring of this, not knowing how to help but understanding that something has to be done. "I don't know if this helps but whatever you believe you did or didn't do, whatever will happen in the near or distant future, you made it to this point. You're stronger than you know and simply being here already proves that. Being left on your own is tough but you aren't alone any more; you've got me, Mother, Omen, elder Ghilan. We'll weather the storm no matter what it takes. Here, this should cheer you up."

Lin grabbed the box of donuts Sen had earlier, still more than half of the baker's dozen still untouched, and handed one donut to Sen. It was meant to be a token of appreciation but perhaps her brother needed it more than everyone else did and it would be a shame if all of those delicious treats went to waste. In the meantime, Sen ate the donut given to him but that feeling of gusto that once filled him with enthusiasm wasn't on his face. Seeing the gate Omen walked through made following her tempting but Lin opted to stay and place her confidence in Omen. She is a lot smarter than what she lets on and Lin is certain she'll come back with something interesting. And speaking of interesting, there was something else that piqued her interest. 

"Mother, who is this Mortimer you mentioned? What would he not approve of?"

Edited August 24, 2017 by EQ_Theta

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

Battenberg still looked very apologetic/ashamed. "It's ok. I'm half tempted to give you another cake for free and dock it from her wages. Wish my cousin Red Velvet wasn't so busy, she'd be able to deal with Victoria properly."

She looked at the angry pony in the arms of the dragon.

"I wouldn't bother trying to get in a fight with her, she's fragile but she's fast. If there was even the slightest threat of her mane getting messed up she'd be out of here in a flash. It's ridiculous but it's just how she is, how she's always been. Only time I can actually have a conversation with her that feels even remotely friendly is when we're baking together. Probably the only reason she wasn't disowned."

She chuckled then looked at the ground again.

"I shouldn't say that about her, she may be mean and heartless but she's still my little sister and so I love her more than anything. Can I get you anything to make up for this?"

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom & @Dji

Something struck Astral deep about the gaze Screecher gave her, glancing over to the pony who questioned her. "Well right now it's harmless I presume." She said, creating a necklace out of the air, securing the element on it, and then on her neck. "Should keep it nice and sa-" She had a pause in her step, face hoofing. "Hang on, Null should wear this instead of me, that'd be safer." She said, unaware of the fact she used magic around an object that absorbed it. Taking it off, walking to Null and handing it over. "Here."

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

@Blitz Boom 

Iron Star sat by Misty off the bed, sighing heavily, his eyes scanning the roof for almost no reason, looking down. "I might actually need a little bit of a rest, from, this..." He trailed off, almost falling over.

Misty attempted to catch him, wincing as she bent her leg a bit. "A-are you okay?"

"I need a break, I haven't really needed to use omnipotence this much and the magic blast took a lot away from me." He laid down on his side, his head poking up. "So I'll be resting..." He closed his eyes, resting his head down.

"Well, probably should rest in a proper place though." By then he had already fell asleep, Misty sighing in frustration, and resting her body. "We probably should find some other omnipotent pony to help us along with him."

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

@Blitz Boom 

Warlock walked down the hall, looking around at every disarmed trap, and broken wall. limping as his magic started faltering. "Gah!" He hit a wall from his anger, cracking it, sighing heavily and keeping his hoof to the wall as he walked. "Really hope there's an element here, or some magical object." he followed the little trail of destruction Athriel left, eventually finding her, but staying a little away, looking to his chest, if she saw him without his element, she'd surely stop praising him. Backing away and keeping his distance, staying hidden.

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

@Blitz Boom 

Iron Star nodded. "We should exercise some caution, and let the other generals know when you can, so I can discuss with them about how to handle this." He looked to the lieutenant. "I'll be putting priority on this, so you may take the feathers to the forge, and make sure they know they are for the new general." He lifted the bag of feathers off his back, and handed it to the lieutenant. "be careful with them, don't want them to hurt anypony, and I'll need them back too."

Edited August 25, 2017 by Lloyd

[Blitz Boom 4,663]

@EQ_Theta

It pleased Mother that Lin knew how to handle Sen, even if it were with a forceful, firm hand. Sometimes that was a necessity though, and in the case of Sen, it seemed like that would often be the way to make him listen.

It was not a tactic she could employ herself, as she did not like to raise her voice at the children, but Lin were akilled enough at this to make any partition from her unneeded anyway.

A smile spread on her face as she thought on gow Lin woukd be, raising her own children one day. She imagined the longma would make an excellent mother, considering how protective she were, among other things. Though this did not seem the right time to press her about that. All in due time.

Considering the consensus that Omen were better left alone too, she considered closing the gate she had kept open, but paused. Perhaps it were better to.leave at is, at least for a little while longer. Just in case something went wrong or the two siblings here rethought their stance on things. It was unlikely that it woukd hurt anything to have it open now anyway, so she were not overly fussed.

Besides, and Lin asked who it were that Mother had mentioned before, her mind got occupied by other things.

Memories at first, about the times she had seen him before she made her choice, which inevitably also brought memories about her siblings, and caused a glistening tear to roll from her eyes.

"Mortimer is the second thing to ever be, and the last to ever exist. The creator of my entire race, and in the end, the most neutral being you could ever hope to meet. You have no need for a bias when you're the incarnation of the inevitable. 

I believe you would call him Death."

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

 

@Battenberg

"Oh, I'd mess her mane up alright..."

"Honey? Remember, deep, calm breaths. You told her off good."

It aometimes struck him as funny how he tended to be the level-headed one when most that looked at them would assume that he would be the first to flare up - literally in some ways - but it wasn't like much about the two were fitting stereotypes anyway.

"Again, it's no biggie ma'am, and I don't think something good comes from putting a fine on your sister like that. Seems better to just consider it done and move on, rather than step in it."

Pop took some deep breaths like she were asked to whilst Benny talked, and held her hoof over the clawed hand on her shoulder. It was comforting for her, and after a while, she'd be able to get calmed, though she'd likely be quick to have a go this time if Victoria came back around.

"Yes, of course. I'm... Sorry about that. I just get a little defensive sometimes when ponies insult us."

She looked at the mare with an apolegetic and shamed look going over her face, along with an increasingly red tint on her cheeks.

"...Oh right, I have the bits. Hold on."

Benny let go of his marefriend and started grabbing bits in the bag. One by one he'd stack the coins on the table until the price were consistent with the first offer they had gotten. Discounts because of a rude employee were cheap in his mind, and he wouldn't have that on his name.

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

 

@Foxy Socks

"Draconequus? Hehe. I like when you say silly things Foxy. He's a Serpanther. Fun mix of cat and snake, though his colors are too symmetrical to really be fun. I tried to make him some shades of purple here and there once, but noooo, he didn't want to play.

If you wanna see a draconequus, just look here."

Anomly drew in a deep breath that would draw wind in with such a force that it'd make Brittle slide on the ground towards her, and when she were so full it seemed like she'd burst, she closed her mouth, and started to float upward like a balloon.

A few meters up, and she snapped her tail, making a large dart appear and threw it towards herself, puncturing her and making her fly around with an unpleasant, deflating sound, before finally landing on Briar's head. She had been aiming for Brittle first, but she wouldn't freak out like he were starting to do currently, so it was worth the change.

"W-Wait, what's going on here? Is this a normal.thing for one of them?"

"Well, not all of us I think, but for me? Totally."

A hoof appeared out of Brittle's back and rummafed around her ear before pulling out random sfuff like coins, an umbrella, dog bisquits and the obligatory pidgeon. Eventually the hoof would pull out a copy of Anomaly and toss it on the pile of assorted trash, then make a gesture like a magician going *Tadaa!*. A voice even said that out of nowhere, though it didn't sound like Anomaly.

The copy this time wasn't metal or aomething like it, buf a mostly true copy of the original. Except the head, which for some reason wasn't a pumpkin, but a large, ripe cherry.

"Hehe, bet I freaked you out plantguy. Relax, I just shed some skin on you. I'm like, 46'1% sure it's not toxic."

It seemwd that wasn't comforting to Briar, who instantly shook the skin off him and kicked it away. It were headed towards Foxy when Anomaly intercepted it and chomped down, beginning to eat her old hide with seeming joy.

"Yummy. So, what do you wanna do if not eat?"

"If I may, I have something to add to the previous point that Foxy made."

Briar interrupted Anomaly with some hesitation, though she didn't seem to mind, as she were currently eating.

"I am not aware of most of what Zhu said, but I have heard an expression close to the last bit before. A broken mirror in that context were a reference to a shattered life where you could just see slivers and pieces, but not the whole picture.

I believe that with Brittle, it might instead refer to the pieces of herself that she can't fave or doean't have. Bits and pieces if you will, though the rest I haven't the faintest clue about. His riddle appears rather complicated "

Why the serpanther couldn't just say things directly he'd likely never understand, but it were drustrating when it came to something which affected his companion, who started to move closer to him again.

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

 

 

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich @Widdershins

"The potion is having issues? Oh dear, we need to figure something out when we get out of here then to get you back home unseen. Even at night it seems some of Ponyville is awake."

The prospect of having Serenade drop her disguise were not something that scared Ziggy, but it did worry her greatly, and the worry slowly started to take over her fear of the ghost(s?) in the castle.

She were still not thrilled about that part though, to say the least, but if there were one silver lining in the worrisome combo, it at least were that it took her mind slightly off the spectral happenings. A small light in the dark that one, but could you really fault her for looking for anything good right now?

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

 

@Lloyd @Dji

Null didn't know why the pony came over to her and handed her the weird gem, but conaidering she owed this group, it seemed like the least she could do, so she reaches over and took it.

The magical chain turned to ash as she got bear enough, and she ended up with the gem just sitring in her hoof. It felt like a regular chunk of stuff to her, but that were to be expected really.

"So... What is this? Some kind of cursed artifact to toss in with the rest or something?"

"I-I think it would l-look good on the c-crown."

Void started to chip in with something herself when the subject fell on their gathered stash in their shambles of a *home*.

"Meh, perhaps. Personally I don't care. Not like we're trying to make a museum of dangerous stuff here.

Which brings me to asking, what am I gonna do with this? Crush it or something?"

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

 

@Lloyd

"I'm having a hard time figuring out if there's anypony we could get hold of for that. No offence there short stuff, but i think we hafta wait until Gloomy Gus here wakes up again."

Briar took a good hold in his *found* spear and looked around whilst the medica worked tirelessly on stabilizing Golden Night, checking Iron Star and carefully getting Misty on the bed next to him, where they could use some pieces of wood and rope it tightly around the affected limb to force her broken leg to stand still so it wouldn't get worse. It would likely hurt a bit as the pressure came on, but these weren't doctors in a suitable hospital either. These were army medics, and as good as some of them were, they used the tools they had at hoof to be efficient.  It was the best they could do in an enviroment where usually, cuts and bruises wede the things they had to be working on.

"I just hope Astral comes back soon. The others seems well and all, but... I just don't like that I can't keep an eye on her right now, no matter how useless I've been in helping her so far."

Chow looked pretty nervous when it came to speaking about Astral, and a little depressed, but he at least tried to.keep a bit of a smile on his face. Though sadly, it looked about as fake as a plastic moustache.

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

 

@Lloyd

Athriel rose her head and looked around in the darkness. She didn't see anypony right now, but she were sure she had heard a voice before, along with a sort of thumping noise. As if somepony had hit the walls or something like that.

"...Warlock? Is it you skulking around in the shadows? Get out here if it is. I found something."

If it were him, the lack of a heavy aroma of blood likely meant something hadn't gone as planned for him, though they could solve that later id it were. They had something to find.

She turned to the wall and ran her claws over a specific section, whilst starring intently at it from the dim light of the small, red baubles in front of her.

"If I've translated this code correctly, the element is on the northen isle. I'm not entirely sure which one, but Dishonesty is mentioned a fair few times. Perhaps just guards or history there, but the babbling idiots haven't been very forth coming with the texts. Also talks about some sort of crazed judge guarding it. We ahould plan for that."

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

 

@Lloyd

The lieutenant saluted the general when he were done giving his order.

"Yes sir. I will make sure the twins knows this is a priority. I will return when they're done."

She took the bag, turned around, and went with haste towards the forge. Not a place she enjoyed being, but an order was an order, even if it brought her to the scorching building.

"They're mad, but their results are examplary. They should get your attachments fixed as soon as they find out how to replicate the sign on them efficiently."

The former general passed a corner, having gotten close enough before to hear the last bits of what had been discussed. It had taken him shorter time to get back here as he did not have ponies to drag along, which meant he could run and not waste time, but it seemed his replacement had managed to use the time away efficiently to solve his issue. At least for now.

"Now then, we have a kingdom on alert and two dangerous individuals on the loose, which means we need to send messages to the other parts of the kingsom. Did you manage to complete this task before the surprise attack by Warlock?"

[Foxy Socks 2,600]

@Blitz Boom

"Oh, a Serpanther? He did seem a bit, different I guess. He had a snake head so I guess it makes sense." Foxy wondered how many more beings like him there were. Were there more, or was he the only one of his kind left, or that ever existed? Such thoughts only served to confuse to vixen pony more, so she stopped thinking about it. It was about noon, so most ponies would be out right now. Foxy had no major plans, but she enjoyed Anomaly's display that she had just made, causing Foxy to laugh a little. 

 

"I hope whatever he said, Brittle will be okay. She has been through a lot before apparently. I'm not sure what though." Foxy tried to make sure Brittle didn't hear as it could cause her to become upset remembering her past.

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom 

 

"That seems likely," Gaea said sarcastically, clearly not believing Zhu.  She would then be pushed out of the way by Zhu's wind magic.  She got up quickly and shouted at him, "Are you trying to kill me?!  And what about Skippy here?!" pointing at the squirrel as she did.  She clearly knew the squirrel.  "You'd really put him in harm's way just to convince me you can see the future?!  Clearly you used that wind magic of yours to break the branch!  What's wrong with you?!"  The squirrel came back out of the bushes and chattered away to Gaea, and it was clear that she could understand him.  *chit chitter chit chit chitter*  "Yes." *chitter chit chitter chitter chit chitter*  "Oh... really?"  *chitter chit chit chitter chit chatter*  "I suppose you're right."  *chit chit*  "Bye Skippy," she said as the squirrel ran off.  "He told me he didn't feel any wind before the branch fell, and that it was already feeling a bit weak before it snapped.  He also pointed out that you saved me and said that I should give you a chance." 

 

@Blitz Boom with possibly @Moonlit and @Widdershins if temporal phenomena are involved.

 

"This should be fine," Charlie answered, then thought for a moment.  "I've never been alone before.  I wonder if I'll like it.  Anyway, goodbye!  See you later!"  

Once Vivid left, Charlie would start to grow bored.  At least in the forest there was a lot of life around to watch, or whatever you might call it when a tree sensed the things around it.  Thinking they heard a noise, Charlie called out, "Hello?" and it was echoed back, "Hello?"  "Nice to meet you."  "Nice to meet you."  "You seem friendly."  "You seem friendly."  "What's your name?"  "What's your name?"  "I asked first!  "I asked first!"  "No I did!"  "No I did!"  This kept on going for a while, with Charlie not understanding the concept of an echo.

[EQ_Theta 465]

@Blitz Boom

"Well, I... I have no idea how to respond to this. I mean, I've heard of other cultures making up an identity to a concept to make it easier to deal with but this..." 

Lin's flabbergasted speech somehow made Sen's fears more real and she could already begin grasping just what he feels. It's paralyzing; if she had hair on her hide, she'd feel them all standing up in unison and her muscles would lock in place and freeze her right then and there. The last bit was poignant because it's exactly what she felt, even more so for Sen who turned away from both her and Mother not wishing to hear any more. Between this and and how he was raised to understand this difficult topic, nothing was making it easier to swallow all of this. In his mind, he might as well start believing having that spell to enslave him back to Omen might be a merciful solution. It had the upside of being unable to think about these and he had no higher mental processes to control his actions. He'd be around someone he fully trusted to not abuse that power. Lin, on the other hand, still had some lingering insecurities. If she isn't like Omen, being a hybrid and all, she wouldn't have all of the things that made her who she is. What does that say about her fate?

"If I'm not truly like Omen..." Lin quietly whispered to herself and looked up at Mother once more. "Mother, would I... If I'm not completely like Omen, does that mean I won't be have a long lifespan? Would I be taken from you as well and meet this Mortimer when my time comes?"

It was a quiet, contemplative tone that convinced her that maybe she isn't so different from her brother after all. Maybe both of them will pass on and they won't remember Omen or Mother one day. Maybe they'll see their parents or maybe they won't and the infinite black void will be the only thing to greet them both, a fate that scares Lin so much she is too frightened to imagine it. Now that something about Mortimer is revealed to her, she fears what he is like. A hooded figure whose face is hidden, speaks with a harrowing voice, and holds some kind of curved blade on a stick?  She grows quiet and expects an answer that would keep her up for many nights to come. She wouldn't be able to sleep through it anyway now that she couldn't sleep at all. But with an image like that burned into her mind, she'll probably see some scary creature in her waking hours. Always at the corner of her eye, a grim reminder stalking her and never letting her out of sight. 

But there was more. If there was some sliver of hope that she or Sen could make sense of this revelation, it had to come from something that held wisdom. If there was something they could seek, if it was written by those who came before them. Lin still awaited a response but thought about finding some solace in the written words of her longma ancestors. They probably had the same fears Sen has and likely contemplated it at some point in their lives.

"Could we take a look at the codex? The one I brought a while back? There might be something there that can help."

Edited August 28, 2017 by EQ_Theta

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

Victoria now stood behind the counter, watching the coins pile up with the same disgusted look on her face. Battenberg spoke up before Victoria had the chance.

"Victoria, I want you to put those coins away when he's done counting them and give the customers their cakes, be useful not abuseful."

Victoria stuck her nose up and huffed.

"Abuseful is not a real word Battenberg and do you know how many germs are on a single coin? Those coins go through a lot. I refuse to touch these discs of filth."

Battenberg walked behind the counter and pushed Victoria aside.

"Ok then, I'll do it myself."

Victoria looked at the little white floury hoofprint that stood out from her brown fur and gave a little shriek, rubbing herself against the counter frantically, trying to remove it. Battenberg rolled her eyes, "get back in the kitchen Victoria, do something for someone else please." 

Victoria turned sharply making sure her tail lightly hit Battenberg in the face then trotted out in a huff. Battenberg spluttered in surprise, not expecting to get a mouth full of her sister's hair. 

She took the bits and gave her customers what they had purchased. "Thank you so much, I'd love it if you could come back and tell me what you thought of my cakes next time your in town. I'll make sure to put Victoria on a leash next time though." She chuckled nervously.

[Sekel 696]

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

AURORA

"Yes, Mr. Meanie Dragon. You are, in fact, an overgrown slamander," Aurora giggled and after thinking on it, nodded at the cards Spicy showed her. "That looks like they can pack a punch."

@Blitz Boom & @Lloyd

DAWN

"You being with royal guards still doesn't make me think you're here for a nefarious purpose, dragon," Dawn growled, stepping closer to the group while keeping her eyes on the dragon. She kept her ear on the conversations they were having, and once there was a gap, decided on how best to inject herself into those talks to see if they would at least listen. She stopped her advanced and managed to ease her features though when she watched the exchange between a couple more ponies. "What is happening?" she asked in complete and utter confusion when she saw the ash form from what was once a necklace.

@Jedishy

WATTS

Watts hummed and looked at the books before smiling. "I only do this on the rare occasions, but, when I close up shop, come back to my garage. I can set you up with something if you prefer being hoofed out charity."

[Jedishy 3,549]

@Dji

 

Winter Bolt scuffed his hoof and thought about it. He was low on funds and needed a lot more than the few bits he had could cover and he knew it. To turn this down due to pride would be foolish. Not to mention rude. If somepony offers to help you and there is no reason to think that you are putting them out its just not polite to turn them away. Plus his belly was empty and getting to know somepony around town might be a useful exercise. " Ok. I really do appreciate it. I travel a lot so this really helps me out." His wings rustled as he spoke trying not to appear as nervous as he felt. 

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom

Pinkie giggled and hugged the sugary creature, continuing to lick at it's delicious coat, "And they're so adorable! I want one!" Pinkie squealed happily. "I'm sure they'd get along great with Gummy!"

Storm chuckled, "I don't know Pinkie, they might freak out a little when he decides to bite them, even if he doesn't have any teeth."

"Oh, I'm sure Gummy wouldn't bi-"

"Pinkie, we both know he bites everything."

"I'm sure they'd get used to it, Gummy wouldn't hurt them after all." Pinkie replied stubbornly, rubbing her face in the mole's sugar coating.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom @Dji

Astral looked to Dawn, then Null. "Well since you both want to know, it's an element of disharmony, in particular; the element of greed, and it absorbs magic, so don't break it." she said with a glare at Null. "It may cause it to release the magic in a giant explosion." She walked over to Dawn. "as for that strange energy you mention. I wouldn't know why you felt that, but it may be caused by the abundance of magic inside the element." As she got closer, Astral felt the energy from Dawn, and Dawn would feel a similar energy from Astral. But Astral deciding not to mention it. Hoping Dawn wouldn't.

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

@Blitz Boom

Warlock sighed and stepped out of the darkness, his chest lacking the element but with a scar around where it'd be located. "Strange, I can't sense anything but Cruelty." He glanced at the necklace. "But that was Sapphire's element." He looked at the hieroglyphs. "So do you suppose they could hide the aura from it?"

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

@Blitz Boom

Iron Wing looked to the right. "I don't remember, it's kind of blurred after the explosion." He looked back to Dew. "I'm sure we can find out if the messages were sent or not though, and if not we can send them."

Misty looked around, noticing something off. "Where'd Nectar and her army go?" She asked looking to Dew. "Do you think she went into hiding after the explosion?"

Her question causing Iron Wing's ears to perk up, as he looked around realizing she wasn't there too. "Let's hope she didn't betray us..."

[Blitz Boom 4,663]

@Shineling

"I dunno if I can let you take it with you. Zhu said that I should keep my creations here before he left. Something about mucking up the natural order or some other kind of nonsense. Frankly, I wanna mess with that. Nature is fun, but it needs a push to be really interesting, like with... Hydras. Those are cool, and that didn't look like it just happened."

Anomaly licked around her mouth and lost herself in memories for a moment, before just shrugging out of nowhere and spitting out a leash and a collar.

"Buuut, I guess that doesn't really matter. I made all sorts of crazy stuff out there already, so what's the harm in letting you have one from here? Just lemme scramble it's brain a bit so it doesn't get all homesick and stuff when you found one you want.

Just remember: Don't keep it too long over ground, don't feed it anything with lemon - it's like catnip to them - and no walks in the rain. Few drops isn't so bad, but full on rain? It's gonna melt.

Wait, ponies doesn't live in the ground, right? Are you sure a mole is right for you? What about like, a sugar dog or something?

Unless your gummy bear eats that? Or is that *gummy* thing not a candy creature?"

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

 

@Lloyd @Dji

"Well, I can't force you to try and trust me ma'am."

Benny's smile lessened a bit as he started to look around at how the town were looking currently.

It was a bit of a mess in this section, but that wasn't so bad, though it seemed like there were more damages around that didn't account for Warlock. Actually... It looked like a good deal of things had various degrees of rebuilding done to them recently. Had the town been attacked?

His eyes went went and his smile stiffened, as a thought started to make him increasingly scared.

"General Screecher? Can I be excused for five minutes?"

The general looked curiously at him, but didn't say anything. He should know well that she would need a reason.

"Well, the town looks like there have been an attack here recently, and I'd like to just make sure that my uhm... Marefriend, is safe."

The general had a look around and after what felt like a week to him, she finally nodded.

"Five minutes, or we will have words."

"Thank you general."

He didn't waste more of his time than a salute would take before he flew off towards Pop, leaving the others behind to question what had happened and answering Dawn's questions. Something which Astral did first, before Null stepped up and did the last bit, as this seemed directed at her.

"Because it was made of magic. I nullify any sort of that stuff. You got a problem with that?

And what the hay are an *Element of Disharmony*? Some kind of wonky set of cursed things?"

The inquiry went from Dawn and over to Astral rather fast, as the small pegasi wondered what the object were, beyond *fragile* or whatever. Sounded like a magic battery to her.

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

 

@Lloyd

Athriel rose an eyebrow as she saw Warlock in his more diminished form.

"...Yes, they would have disguised the magic aura. They didn't want them to be found after all, as is evident by all of this."

She gestured to the things around them she had handled before he showed up.

"If you're feeling Cruelty, it's likely Sapphire, yes. She doesn't do much right now, but I know she's listening in. Curious little filly never could keep her nose to herself.

Now then, mind telling me what exactly happened with you? You don't reek of Astral's blood, so that's a positive, but what about the rest? And where's your element?"

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

 

@Lloyd

"We'll need to make sure. This cannot be allowed to be delayed further."

The former general wandered away from.the throne and locked eyes with the squirmish soldier that was standing behind Iron Wings.

"State you business soldier."

"A large dragon at the gate. He's asking for the generals."

Dew's eyes wandered towards Wings, wondering why he had not sorted this prior to his arrival, before returning his gaze to the soldier.

"Escort the dragon to the castle. He's expected."

The guard sped off quickly after that, whilst Dew kept walking past Wings and towards the scroll room.

"Remember to address things like this in the future, General. It's important to have your wings fixed, but it does not excuse ignoring your subordinates. Especially not when it includes somepony we have expected."

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

 

@Lloyd

"That's the changeling queen, right? Didn't she go away after Warlock attacked us to find some of her drones or something?"

Chow wasn't sure what had gone on with her really. He had been more concerned about Astral at that point, and only recalled the queen saying something near the end. A bit hazy though, so it might not be really accurate, and even if it were, she were a changeling after all, so it was hard to be sure if she had actually done that.

"Let's try and keep our chins up though, alright? Attacking a kingdom on high alert seems pretty stupid, and counter-productive, in case Warlock goes after her next. Don't think I need to swing my brainy hat around to say that I doubt a queen would be that stupid."

Dew would likely say the same, just in another way, if he weren't in the throne room, as opposed to here in the infirmary.

"Now try and get some shut-eye ya big lump. We'll need you well rested for when things goes haywire the next time, so get a few hours if you can."

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

 

@Radience

If there was ever a pony that should praise her stars about video camera technology not really existing in Equestria, it would have to be Spoiled Rich, who were currently not being seen doing her misdeeds to their machine.

Usually, they had guards specifically check areas, and unicorns in particular, to make sure everything were fair - well, as fair as a casino could be anyway - but as Spoiled neither looked like a unicorn, nor somepony with the tools for opening their machines, there had been others prioritized before this.

When a guard making his rounds eventually spotted her at the machine, and went to check out that everything were okay, she might be able to close up the machine without him noticing if she intercepted him, and didn't have any visual marks of magic being used that would get her caught. Otherwise, she'd need a distraction.

She should also be careful with the machines in general. Whilst there were not cameras, the machines did have alarms that she had so far skillfully missed, though pushing her luck too far might end up getting her caught if she didn't keep focused and precise there.

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

 

@Dji @Widdershins

"Dang straight kiddo. But let's see if we can't get through without using 'em. Better to have 'em and not need 'em, than the other way 'round."

Spicy wandered into the forest with a tune humming under her breath. It didn't seem like something were trying to eat them yet, so the first go at it didn't seem so bad, but they still had a good deal of time to wander, so everything was still up in the air.

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

 

@Battenberg

Pop didn't look too pleased to see Victoria returning to the shop, but she kept her muzzle shut, so she could keep her outburst back for now. It likely wouldn't take much talking from the snobbish mare to really get to her though, so there were a certain... Alert system, if you could call it that.

When she did start to talk, that didn't do enough to make Pop loose her cool, though it began to grind on Benny's gears a little. He didn't like seeing family fight, and definitely not over something profoundly meaningless like a flour-print, or germs.

After she had left the room again, and they were given their cakes, he let out a small sigh and shook his head.

"I hope this doesn't come off as rude, but your sister... Does she have a cleaning problem? I've heard of those who really can't stand the thought of germs and that can be taxing for others to deal with sometimes, but I'm not entirely sure if that's the thing here.

It's okay if you don't want to answer that though ma'am. I know it's not really any of my business."

Pop rolled her eyes a little as Benny slogged through another semi-neutral statement. She adored him, but this side of him were silly to listen to sometimes.

"Well, whatever her deal is, I hope she isn't too harsh on you. Sisters aren't meant to be enemies, and you seem like a profoundly nice mare."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

Mother smiled at her children's reaction to hearing her master's occupation. Mortals could be so adorable sometimes.

"You shouldn't worry. Few are those who Mortimer meets in person at the time of their demise. He made my siblings and I to do this job,  at the end of mortal lives.

The Reapers handle by far most of the ones passed on, and he tends to only get involved when it comes to special cases. Either beings of high importance who have a purpose to serve after death, or when it's the kind that can hurt us Reapers. Liches tends to be the main worry there."

A disapproving frown showed on Mother's face as she mentioned the highest form of death mages. Abominations the lot of them, and they were not shy with trying to lure in Reapers to drain them for power. She had lost several siblings that way, and if she ever saw one in this realm, she would pulverize it and wring the spirits they had stolen from their soul.

"He looks like whatever you think him to be. A skeleton in a robe to some, to others a lean, greying human in a suit, or even an amalgamation of tendrils and bone, though the world that is a thing, you really don't want to know about.

No, when your time comes, someone like me will find you, and try to convince you to move on. Though hopefully, that will still take a long time.

As for you and Omen..."

Mother let out a sigh and placed the claws on her right hand on her forehead.

"You need to understand, the essence you have with you, and that my children inhabit until they get a master, is only part of you. The magic that are given by their masters are what forms the rest, and usually also determines how long they may live. Usually, it's close to a regular age for who they become, but Omen...

Discord have immense power. And even if he used what seemed like a small part to himself, it have been quite a substantial amount of power for one of mine. It makes her resistant, enduring usually, and like her master, it seems to also show in her years.

I mean, just look at her. She is several millennia old, and yet her have not aged a day. She is likely to live as long as her master potentially could, which is indefinitely unless someone kills her.

You though Lin... Of all my children, your lifeapan puzzles me the most. You were formed mostly with magic in whatever place you went to be put back together again, and a high concentration like that, in a place of pure magic... I know you have more years than a regular being, that I can at least surmise, but I think only the spirits in that place would know for sure. Though if it is anything like how things tend to be, you might live as long as magic itself in your world."

Mother didn't always appreciate this uncertainty. Some things she wanted to know, so she could answer what her children asked of her, but sometimes an answer was not an option for her. Times like these, where the only one who could find the answer to Lin's question were likely herself.

"Though perhaps as you say, the scholars holds answers to your inquiry. They know your world far better than I, and might be able to answer your questions with more certainty."

Hopefully the scholars could help to ease Lin's troubled mind, but she were not sure if they were even responsive right now. They had been quit for a time now, though they may have simply observed.

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

 

@Seamore Sandwich @Moonlit @Widdershins

Vivid gave a last glance towards Charlie, and with a silent nod went away. He should be secured here now, until she could get some hours of sleep. She were going to need nearly a full tank of energy to successfully fuse Charlie, considering the alternative energy she had to work with to bind him to the vessel.

In another part of the castle, Serenade and Ziggy rounded a corner and would be able to see a streak of moonlight in the distance. They'd still have to climb a staircase and then get through a few rooms because of some floor that had collapsed, but they had a somewhat visible end now.

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

 

@Seamore Sandwich

Zhu stood still and took the abuse from the mare. He had heard worse from others in his years, and would likely her far worse before the end of his days.

It did surprise him to see her cool down when the squirrel started to chitter at her though, and apparently speak together. Much as he tried, he had never been able to understand animals, nor find a spell to make him capable of it, so seeing those who could were rather interesting to him. A pleasurable experience this time it seemed, as the squirrel apparently sided with him on the matter, prompting Gaea to hesitantly give him a small olive branch, metaphorically.

"I have nothing to gain from attempting to con you, as monetary value is pointless to me.

However, I do have incentive to keep you alive and well, as I need your help to retrieve the egg. I don't know this area or this time well, and having the eyes of a local to track down my sisters egg from the thieves is valuable.

I do not need you to trust me, or my abilities for this. I am used to others showing me nothing but distrust and hatred. I simply ask for co-operation, in catching some we both have a vested interest in apprehending.

Can we be somewhat civil to one another from now, and work towards this together, rather than in opposition of one another? I will cease my attempts of convincing you of my sight if so, to ease the annoyance."

Zhu rarely had a use for bargaining, but considering everything, it was the most logical and productive way of handling things right now. It was not as if he could see her path, as the light shone far too brightly, and as he had said, this was not his time, and the area were unfamiliar to him. It would be best if he could work with Gaea with that in mind, rather than attempting to direct things like he usually did.

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

 

@Foxy Socks

"I used to be part of a circus, as a freak show attraction. They got me somehow after somepony got me out of the changeling cocoon, and put me in a cage. Used to put me in an arena and have a lot of things make scary noises to scare me into transforming. I can't control it, so it wasn't hard for them, and I couldn't stay away since the scene area were the only place I could harvest any love to eat, so they just kept torturing me for years. Until Briar came around."

The Evergrown looked concerned as Brittle came to this part of the story, especially as the strange look on her face indicated that her usually horrifying state of mind that came around when she thought of the circus, were fighting the spell keeping her calm. The later winning thus far, but it was getting tested.

"He wandered into the place and after the show, came around the trailer. He slammed the circus owners into the walls and let me out before wandering away, saying I should go home."

"I should have known it were not that simple..."

"You didn't know I didn't know anything before the circus. It wasn't your fault.

And I found you again. It took a few years, but you're here now, and you're not leaving me again... Right?"

The slightly nervous last word made Briar step forward and draw Brittle into a minor embrace with his right front hoof.

"Correct, and I'm not leaving you again this time. I have no desire to repeat a profound failure of judgement - such as that - again.

Edited August 28, 2017 by Blitz Boom
Added colors.

[Foxy Socks 2,600]

@Blitz Boom

Apparently Foxy's attempt to be quiet had not worked.

"You've been through all that? Are the ones who hurt you still around?"

 

Foxy hadn't heard of something so horrifying before, and it explained why Brittle was so timid. If the circus that hurt her still was around, they could be doing the same to other ponies. She couldn't believe what she had heard.

 

Foxy hugged Brittle tightly, though trying not to startle her. "I'm glad you're on good hooves now. I wish I could do something, but all I can offer is my protection while I'm around."

 

Foxy then turned to Briar, with a few more questions about the incident. It was best to ask now while Brittle was calmer. "How did you find her after that? Was she hurt then too?"

[Moonlit 593]

@Seamore Sandwich @Widdershins @Blitz Boom Serenade sighs, and keeps moving. Giving Ziggy as much help as possible. She ruffles her wings, "Just a few more feet then we can get you to a doctor's and see about those injuries"

[EQ_Theta 465]

@Blitz Boom

“Then I hope when the day Sen and I will leave this world behind, you and Omen will be there to send us wherever we are bound to go. We’ve grown so attached to you all this time and we’d like to wish you farewell when we depart.”

Sen walked up to Mother and, while still disturbed and deeply saddened by the revelation, he smiled and nodded in affirmation. If it was really meant to be, he’ll accept it in time. It wouldn’t be right to get angry about it to her or Omen and push them away. He seems to have taken Lin’s words to heart and understood that despite his shortcomings, there were still some admirable traits in him: his determination and his ideals, his protectiveness and his unwavering loyalty. He wouldn’t abandon many of the things taught to him in his time training among the experienced hunters, especially the values they espouse to new recruits; they were the first things taught to them and they certainly are applicable outside of his duties as a provider and defender. Now there is a new outlet for him to live by those values. 

As for the scholars sealed in the orb, they were busy with their own matters. They understandably opted to not bother the siblings and Mother as they are aware and sympathize with them about the difficult topic of mortality. It was a problem prevalent in their time and even within their own circles of friends and acquaintances. Once called to attention from Mother’s words, they approached the siblings to offer what information they have to share.

“Apologies, we were forming a consensus and agreed to record Omens actions leading to the fall of Solasan. We deemed it a significant enough event to keep in our memory banks for future generations. Her actions will not be forgotten. As for your worries, we offer a few words from a previous civilization that stumbled upon the orb which resonated with our own experiences.”

It is not about how many years there were in your life that make it great, but how much life you had in your years. You could live for a long, long time, but if it wasn’t filled with moments you’ll fondly look back to, then what good were those years? Make mistakes, find joy in the little things, and cherish those close to you. If your life is simply dust in the stellar wind, then make it sparkle with your words and actions while you still can. 

That was the end of a recorded anecdote; the sound of the raspy voice that spoke each word with conviction and pride faded. It left Lin and Sen wondering about it for some time, growing silent but it didn’t seem to completely assuage their fears of growing old and letting their mortality take its course. It still sounded more optimistic than any other possible explanations the might have expected. It still left them a little less tense about their own fears and were happy the orb and Mother were there to provide some comfort with their words. 

"Thanks, I guess." Sen quietly said in response to what the scholars offered.

"And thank you as well, Mother," Lin added. "We'll think about what you said."

Edited August 30, 2017 by EQ_Theta

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

Battenberg's smile remained on her face, she clearly wasn't bothered by the question.

"I don't know what happened with her, she's always been like this. It's probably OCD or something but she's always been a massive clean freak. The only reason she didn't walk out on us was because she liked to make cakes with us and couldn't find anyone else who shared her interests who she deemed clean enough to hang out with. It only got worse when she got older and started idolising the higher class ponies, doing her name and make up constantly." 

She started wiping down the counter and was joined once again by her sister who looked a little more relaxed now.

"We're not enemies, even though we're polar opposites for most things, baking unites us."

She put her hoof around Victoria's neck and pulled her closer nuzzling her slightly. Victoria looked a little bothered by this but didn't pull away. Battenberg giggled.

"See, she loves me really" 

Victoria quietly nodded in agreement before finally pushing her sister away and walking to the back again smoothing her mane down as she went.

[Pieburner 1,680]

"Um..... Is any pony here?" Jordan asks anxiously? She then walks into the doctor's office. "H-hello?". She then goes to explore some more. She then finds something very disturbing. She then screams and runs off into another room.

[Maple Bat 3,568]

@WisePie

When Jordan entered the next room in the doctor's office she saw a pony laying on the floor unconscious, It was a mare with a long, Black mane, a yellow coat, 2 folded up bat wings and large fangs. Her cutie mark was a bow that looked like it resembled a bat wing too. Jordan could tell they were unconscious because they had no reaction to when she opened the door, The ponies only laid there unmoving and only slightly breathing.

[Blitz Boom 4,663]

@Radience

The bulky guard glanced at the machines were Spoiled were, then slowly nodded.

"Down the hall, and take a left at the second door."

He was a good deal less galant about things than Diego had been, but then again, he wasn't paid for that sort of job either. He were hired muscle meant to handle troublemakers or cheaters, not play pretend to be a host of some kind. If he were asked something, at most - according to his job description - he should answer or grunt, then be on his way. Something which he did as he pointed the mare towards the buffet area, and then went back to his round.

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

 

@Foxy Socks

"I cannot attest to them still being around, but I do know I left them well reminded of my... Displeasure, over the way they treated her. Hopefully the guards I reported them to found something too after that, beyond reason for bringing me in for assault charges that is.

Please though, I ask of you to not bring this up again. Normally it affects Brittle substantially, and I have little idea about how much further this spell will still work."

"I'm still fine. And thank you Foxy. I don't really have any friends or anypony I can trust, and it helps to hear nice things now and again."

"I too appreciate the extra pair of eyes at times. And to answer the inquiry from before which I pushed aside for a brief moment of time, I met her a few days ago in the forest. She had gotten to this area a little after I had, and seeing as she quickly started to hide behind me from the other ponies at the time, it seemed as if she needed me."

"Briar was the only nice creature I had ever seen, and I couldn't remember anything from before the circus, so I thought I'd try to find him again. Took a few years, but it was nice to see him again. He's trying too keep me safe now."

Anomaly - who had been oddly silent through all of this - apparently had gotten bored, and with a snap of her tail, made flower petals slowly fall out of nowhere, whilst sad music came from invisible sources around them. Apparently, she thought the set needed a bit more.

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

 

@Moonlit @Seamore Sandwich @Widdershins

"Well, we kinda still need to get to town, but getting out of the haunted castle is going to be a good thing for sure."

It mioght be that the floating torch leading them towards the light was a helpful sign, but Ziggy really would prefer to not be part of anything involving spirits, good or bad. They were scary things who rattled around with chains and wanted to hurt everypony that still drew breath. At least in the stories, and until she could be completely sure it wasn't just all a trick, she would believe those - and so many other - horrific things she had read about ghosts.

Honestly, she might still not feel good about the spirit even after that though. Dead things speaking were a pretty scary thing in her mind no matter how it was twisted or turned, but at least she wouldn't have to worry about that much longer. Just a bit more, and they'd be out of here.

"How are you doing Serenade? Is the potion easing up more?"

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

 

@EQ_Theta

Mother could have told more about Mortimer, but it seemed the time to stop considering how things went. Sen and Lin would in time both have to face their mortality, whenever that would end up being, and telling them more about the aspect of death himself seemed like something to save for when they had come to terms with their current situation.

Hopefully they would at one point be ready to hear more about her creator, as she thought that it would prove educational for them to know a bit of the end of life, as compared to life itself, but there was a time and a place for everything. Even if the talk came to life, whom Mother had never personally seen, but could share a few bits of information on too if it came to that. Including the fact that in time, Mortimer would harvest his big sister too, and she would go dormant until the rest of life in the multiverse had run its course. Rebirth would ensue then, and everything would begin anew.

She at times had a nagging suspicion that this had happened before, and that Mortimer knew it as the only one, but there were no proof to be found. Only he would know the truth were her creator, and he would not tell anyone unless he found it prudent.

But, this was thoughts for another time. For now, the Scholars had woken to life - apparently after recording some history with Omen in their being - and were sharing information from a civilization long gone.

It was a rather beautiful way of looking at the inevitable, and a kinder way of putting it than what she had thus far. Perhaps she would do well in remembering this sentiment the next time she were to explain life, rather than just speak of the inevitability of death. It sounded kinder than the grizzly truth she had to offer.

"Life and death are quite important, but as the Scholars says, you should concern yourself about enjoying and enriching your life, not fearing the end.

And on that note, what are your plans for the immediate future? Your home sounded like it would take some time to rebuild for example, yes? Is that for you to do, or will you need to fill your time with something until others complete the work for you? I am not certain about the structure of your society."

She neglected to speak about the part with her and Omen being there to reap them, when the time was there, as it would be depressing for them to hear the truth. Specifically, that since Omen were not a Reaper, she could not do this anyway, and since Mother were bound to this realm, her ability to reap them were unlikely to come into play unless they more or less died in front of her.

*sigh* Sometimes she missed when she were able to wander worlds like the rest of her siblings, but her choice had been made, and the sacrifice were absolute. There was no way back unless she sacrificed everyone here, and she could never get herself to do that.

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

 

@Battenberg

"All siblings interact differently. My brothers and I usually fight it out in a friendly brawl, and hope our little sister doesn't come around as she's good at smacking us around properly. That's more of a dragon thing though I suppose."

"I swear, if you ever do that with my cousins..."

"Don't worry hon. I only fight if my superiors says so, or if it's against criminals."

"It's not them I'm concerned about. I'll talk to you about it later.

Anyway, miss? I can't say I understand the dynamic you and your sister haves, but if you say she's okay, I'm sorry that I went for her. I am just a little thin skinned at times, but it sounds like she haves some issues too. I shouldn't have jumped to aggression."

It wasn't to Victoria's face, but Pop's somewhat excuse did seem to clean the air a little, at least for Benny. He really didn't like when there were unneeded bickering and harsh words tossed around like that, and certainly not hostile attitudes like before from the two ponies. What were going now seemed to be much better to him, which were seen on his increasing grin.

"Atmosphere is clearing right up.

Oh! Right, we totally forgot. Do you have any cakes that haves a kind of strong taste? Perhaps something with a bit of a burn to it, like chili or strong pepper? I almost forgot we needed to bring a few with us when we were going to visit the family."

Pop grimaced a bit at that. She did not overly look forward to that gathering.

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

 

@cwhip9

"I wanna go wherever Princess Luna wants, just like my daddy. I want to help ponies, see new places, and make my parents proud."

Jelly got several degrees more prideful in it when she said this, though not in a snobbish sort of way. She were just very determined to make this her dream life, at least until she'd find a stallion to herself and perhaps settle down in a specific area with a family, but that sort of thing wasn't on her mind. Give it a half dozen years more and that might change, but for now, she simply had aspirations that her father approved of, and her mother were concerned about. She didn't want to see her little filly hurt, even if it were somewhat unlikely since most Night Guard duty were patrolling and trying to stave off the boredom.

"I bet you wanted to make somepony proud when you joined the guard too, didn't you Crescent?"

Jelly looked up at him with big eyes and grin threatening to pop her head in two, and looked expectingly at the stallion.

Something was wrong though. A strange vibe went through the air, and a little by little, the edges of the area around them seemed to come apart and unravel, leaving them with an ever shrinking piece of the forest. Something which didn't seem to concern Jelly at all. She just kept up with the smile, as the darkness approached with increasing speed.

"Don't we all want to make somepony proud?"

More she didn't say before they'd be swallowed whole, and Crescent would see nothing. Just feel something on his face. A paw it seemed, and a voice increasing in volume a little by little.

"I think he's dead. Wanna rob him and bury the remains?"

Another voice, this one more hesitant, would interrupt the smoother, more alluring one that had begun it all.

"What? N-No! We can't just bury him. He's still breathing."

A chuckle went next, from the owner of the paw that had patted Crescent's head.

"That's an easily fixable problem."

When Crescent would get his bearings weren't certain. At the start of things? The end? Did he perhaps notice as the dream of his meeting with a filly near Ponyville recently had started to fall apart whilst he woke up? It was hard to say to anypony else than him, but if he'd focus and see the three-eyed feline he had saved from the dream world, as well as the colt with the ink-well to his side and tattoos marking his body, it'd be obvious it wouldn't be too soon, as Zinthar were toying with the colt again.

From the glare of the light outside, it seemed to be around midday. Apparently, when Crescent had thought he were fresh and ready for things, he had still needed a few hours more after all. An honest mistake for anypony.

Edited August 30, 2017 by Blitz Boom
Almost forgot somepony.

[Foxy Socks 2,600]

@Blitz Boom

Foxy was surprised they had met again so soon. She imagined they knew each other for years the way they were. Foxy decided to end the subject right as Anomaly "added" to the scene with a brief "I see." 

Foxy wasn't sure what to say then. She could bring up her past, though it could seem boring to others. She was on good terms with her parents, though she wasn't as familiar with her other relatives in Cloudsdale. "I moved to Ponyville a few years ago. I used to live in a much smaller town to the east, but I wanted to meet more ponies, so I came here. It's central location also makes it easier to access. I still visit my home occasionally. I was researching animals to the north of here when I found out the incident in Ponyville, so I rushed over. That's how I met you guys yesterday."

"I will say my research and helping animals does have it's risks, but it's well worth it in my opinion. I have been scratched up and bitten, especially from foxes, but that is something that they do." Foxy scratched Agni on the head when she finished, wondering if she still was affected by the spell earlier.

[EQ_Theta 465]

@Blitz Boom

"We plan on going back and start rebuilding our lives. Elder Ghilan wanted us to help turn the village around and start embracing the good that being open to outside influence can have. And everyone in the village is still wary about approaching us so we have to start rebuilding our home ourselves. We wanted to give Omen a place to stay as well but we thought we'd let her choose what she wants for her own room, you know, personalizing it and making it suit to her own tastes." 

Sen replied to Mother in a more upbeat tone after the words of the scholars lifted up his spirits and took an optimistic spin on his dread. It wasn't something anyone ever talked about but he and by extension, his sister, were happy to hear. With some loose ends already being tied up, their mental checklist was mostly left with blanks and they had no idea what to do after. Nobody really knew where their lives will take them but they'd simply go where the wind will take them. Of course, there was always time to make room for visiting Mother and let her know what's happening on the other side. Maybe there's another adventure waiting for them and at least to Sen, being on the road and traveling is something he's already accustomed to. It'll probably take some time to get used to staying in one place and getting settled. 

As for Lin, she went back to her satchel and picked up the lustrous scale Omen handed to her earlier. Now that she had the time, she could begin crafting a gift for her. She grabbed some string and bore holes in the scale and a few crescent-shaped ornaments she picked up from her home. Said ornaments were fashioned from stones and gems carved by the village artisans for general crafts and were previously purchased by her mother long before her passing. Some were in the shape of diamonds and stars, and a pair looked like ornate wings. Lin put all of these together in a symmetrical manner with the lustrous scale in the middle and each ornamental piece evenly spaced with wooden beads. There were a few bits sloughing off but Lin only wanted the best pieces, quickly replacing each. The whole process took some time and while she was at work, Sen took another bite at the donut he was given earlier. It seemed like nothing could sway Lin from her work until she lifted the finished product into the air and showed it to Sen and Mother.

"And it's done! I bet Omen would like this, don't you think? It's been a long time since I made one of these but I think it turned out well." 

It was perhaps the best she ever made. Then again, she hasn't made enough of those necklaces to open a workshop catering to that specific item. Only Mother and Sen were her critics for now but when Omen comes back, she'll be the judge of Lin's work. 

Edited August 31, 2017 by EQ_Theta

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Seamore Sandwich @Widdershins "The faster we get you fixed up, the better I'll be" Serenade's wings flutter, and she shakes her head, "If anything, it's getting worse. I think it's reacting to something, but I'm not a Alchemist...I think I should let Princess Luna know."