open Casual stroll

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

"Their cookies are really good. I don't think they're tricking me into anything except gorging myself on sugar, and I can't complain about that." 

Lance dug around the bag for about eight seconds and was just pulling out the container as the elderly mare opened the door. Miss Gingerly. Okay, she seems nice enough. He smiled at her and held up the soup.

 

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom @Widdershins

After being rolled back into an upright position, Foxy was seated next to the other two. She felt Anomaly's control weaken until it disappeared, giving Foxy complete control of movement again. Other than tumbling on the way, the trip wasn't that uncomfortable. Foxy tried to locate Anomaly, but she was nowhere to be seen. Foxy knew she was probably disguised as somepony or something, but she had no idea where. Knowing her, she probably would appear soon though.

 

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"That's a very sweet story, a sweet story for a sweet couple." 

Red Velvet smiled at them in a more relaxed manner, almost goofy, as if she'd been getting into their story, she was clearly a romantic of some kind and also a lover of the word sweet.

"Pen pals is a nice way to go, its so interesting learning about other places and cultures and if you can find love from it even better! I myself had a pen pal a long time ago, but never one as wonderful as your dragon friend here. Nothing ever came from it... But I'm glad because then I'd never have met Royal or have been blessed with my sweet little Angel."

Angel giggled in the background, he was rolling about on Battenberg's back while she checked the till and counted some coins, he heard his name and smiled at his mother, the mother and her foal sharing a sweet moment as their gazes met.

As Red seemed to be drifting off into a world of sweetness, Royal Velvet decided to step in to answer the question that had been put forward.

"Red and I have two different lines of work, she a baker and I a tailor, but we both have a knack for design and take our jobs very seriously, making sure every detail is perfect. Our perfectionist natures brought us together at a wedding, not ours of course." He chuckled slightly "A very rich pony by the name of Money Bags wanted his wedding to be perfect and so he called on as many perfectionists as he could, the kind of ponies who wouldn't miss any details."

Red had snapped out of her trance, she knew that as presentable as Royal made himself seem he wasn't fond of speaking. It was slightly noticable in his eyes as they darted round the room, and the way he seemed to enunciate every word slowly and carefully, he wasn't entirely comfortable with this two on one dialogue. She trotted over an nuzzled him under his chin, gently pushing his mouth closed. 

"I'll finish the story sweetie... Money Bags wanted this huge wedding cake with little bows and little marzipan sculptures all over it, incredibly difficult to do, even for me. I actually had to get Battenberg in to help me, she wasn't great at the small details but she was very good at producing vast amounts of icing to cover the two story red velvet sponge I'd made, never would have been able to do it without her."

Battenberg smiled and blushed at the compliment.

"Oh, don't... Icing is the easiest part, just water and sugar basically."

"Don't be so modest Batty, you made the perfect amount with the perfect texture, viscosity and sweetness, it was perfect. It took me an entire day to make that cake but without you it would have taken at least three days. It's the best cake I've ever made and even more so because I made it with my favourite little cousin."

Battenberg continued to blush and looked back down at her money pretending to be busy with that once again. She didn't argue this time. 

"Anyway, I feel I've gotten a little sidetracked in regards to your question. While I was selected to make that monster of a cake Royal was brought in to work on the suit and even the wedding dress a little bit."

"Nowhere near as impressive as your cake, just a few bits of fabric stitched together."

"In the perfect way."

"Thanks dear." He blushed "I think I can continue the story again now."

"Go ahead." She stepped to his side and put her hooves around him, leaning her weight on him and letting her mane droop over his side. He sort of straightened up, as if she was transferring her confidence to him with a simple hug.

"Basically, once we'd finished up with our hardest work yet, the staff was allowed to throw a small party with cake created by all the caterers, including my lovely wife, and little presents containing cute little nick knacks as thanks for our help. It was a lot of fun. I'm not really the talkative type so I was a little bit of a loner at this party, only really stayed because I was so hungry after working all day nonstop. I was stood at the table eyeing up the wonderful selection and these beautiful pink and white cupcakes with swirly icing and gold and silver sprinkles were really drawing me in. I felt a little nudge and I turned to see these little yellow eyes staring up at me, attached to a beautiful red and white mare who looked pretty much identical to the cakes I'd just been ogling. Startled me a little."

The two were staring into each others eyes, as if reliving this moment. It was amazing how much easier it was for Royal Velvet to speak when wrapped in the arms of his loved one.

"She asked me what I thought of her cakes, before introducing herself or anything, and I, being the shy pony I am, didn't really know what to say. I was drawn in by her voice though, sweet and warm and that Trottingham accent and I think I lost all sense of reality. I just straight up told her that they were as delicious as she was." 

He winced slightly at this memory.

"What a stupid thing to say huh? Luckily she took it well, finally introduced herself as Red Swirlpuff and we spent the rest of the evening together, instantly in love with each other. I almost cried when the party ended and I realised she had to go back to Trottingham with her cousin, who was also such a sweet girl, good old Battenberg. They were the first real friends I'd had and I felt like I'd be resigned back to my lonely little tailor shop." 

"I would never let that happen to such a kind and handsome stallion." 

She giggled.

"I used all my power to make sure we were in contact every week and we were able to build our relationship further via that, so much so that when he visited me in Trottingham and met me for just the second time, he was already ready to propose. Things moved pretty fast after that, we got married just six months later, my name became more appropriate for my speciality and just one year later we were gifted that little bundle of nonstop energy and joy."

Surprisingly, the nonstop energy seemed to have run out and the little foal was fast asleep on Battenberg's back, wrapped neatly in the soft, fleecy scarf that Battenberg had had round her neck this entire time up until now. It was a sweet sight.

"I came back here to live with Royal and brought my little apprentice with me, to set up her shop and to get business running smoothly for her. Which means things turned out pretty great for me because I can reach my clients easily, Royal can run his tailor shop without having to relocate and Battenberg is always close by which means I can see her whenever I like and give her whatever help she needs running her two shops."

"I love you Red."

Battenberg was watery eyed at her desk, clearly all this sentimentality was getting to her but it was nice to see the strong family ties at work between the four ponies.

"Love you too spongecake. Sorry for the length of my story, as I said I like details and sometimes I get carried away trying to make sure everything is covered." 

She seemed pretty apologetic but was still smiling, something she hadn't stopped doing since she'd entered.

[Widdershins 9,959]

@Dji, @dragon4111 & @Blitz Boom

   Getting back up and sharply retorting both to the griffon behind him he had yet to make eye contact with and the red mare some few paces ahead of him, and to the left from where Benny and the other two, darker hued, mares had left a few seconds earlier; Kaltrop made a show of grandstanding himself by rearing back up finally off the ground.

   "O-of course I don't know what kissing is! Why would I? I-I don't even get why anyone would do that to begin with! And You'll have to pardon if I'm a bit riled, being literally thrown into a strange town like this! What, like you'd feel perfectly dandy if I just swooped you off to Dragonlands and you just suddenly had to spend the rest of your life being cornered by much larger dragons?!!?   ...N-not like I have any use of any of you around my cave!

   How pony of all of you! Cart me off to a strange place then constantly barrage me with questions and tests like I'm the aggressor here! ...As well as I should be! Nopony backs dragon into a corner!"

  Kaltrop sits back on his haunches, front claws crossed stubbornly and flush of scaled face. Being in a strange place, having spent some decade or so outside of civilization much less having to be around any other being for longer than the time it would take for them to run away or pick a fight, the drakeling has little to no actual experience with being in a crowd. As much as he would refuse to admit the weakness, he's quite overwhelmed already. Having his worldview questioned being just the major issue so far today.

   "And besides! I can barely hear over that weird, loud humming noise! It's giving me a headache already!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@Foxy Socks & Blitz Boom

      "Oh Darling, I wouldn't know whom you are talking about. If you have anypony else coming to meet you, maybe I ought pull up another chair!"

  Perhaps somewhat more forgiving with having been given something else to distract her for the time being from the constant cloth donations she'd been working on, Rarity excitedly  trotted along the upstairs hallway to the next room down she had kept in almost always the same condition of several ornate white chairs around a small tea table in the center of a room otherwise drenched in frills and her own not-so-subtly displayed hoofiwork. "Almost Always" meaning of course, when her little sister wasn't around. Fortunately she was either helping out the town with her class at the school or elsewise with her own friends. 

   In her excitement, Rarity was oblivious of any magical interference by Anomaly. Mostly from having walked into the pull, she had just assumed the rest of the group was just walking as normally as they had been. When one is often friends with the more excitable ponies like Pinkie Pie, you get rather used to awkward sliding from room to room. After showing them to the chairs they literally slid into, the ivory coated mare made a few vague gestures of attempted recommendations of comfort to those sitting. Turning first to Brittle, as she being the most likely to get the most uncomfortable the fastest, Rarity coos at her new audience.

  "You quite alright, Dear? You do seem a bit, ah, out of sorts today. But haven't we all been these past few days, eh? Do relax all of you! I shall return in mere moments to cover the minutia of  Miss Sock's request with her! I know some tea & cucumber sandwiches shall fit this occasion perfectly!"

  With that, Rarity skips out of the room to once more prepare her hostess skills. Not two seconds later, her head pops back through the open doorway to address Briar.

  "Oh, are, ah, tea leaves & such plant matter quite alright with you, Mr. Trapjaw? Wouldn't want to offend, of course!"

                 

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 and to @Blitz Boom again:

   The rustling in the treetop intensifies. Ambie still appears to be fearful of coming down.

   "Ah! No! Uhm... don't poke me all that much. Though... think I don't know how to climb back down..."

  Some halfway up the tree, Ambie would probably be hard to get to through all the branches. His now bleached-white coat though should make him stand out well enough among all the green, even if his still green mane would help him blend in on his better days. Or rather, make him look like a rather large peach growing off an apple tree.

Edited October 17, 2017 by Widdershins
Mentions again...

[dragon4111 914]

@Widdershins @Blitz Boom

Ancalagon opened one of of his great eyes looking towards the presence of Nerzhei and he smiled at her gently. He then sensed two other dragons and directed thee call towards them in a more focused type of call. He saw a dragon in the sky flying towards him. "Hmm another dragon beside you little Nerzhei," Ancalagon stated with a chuckle asone of his little couriers motioned to Ancalagon wwith a whispered that most dragons could hear...It was about the eternally pure water of Nazaseth. He nodded as he gently picked up the water flask to the dryad. "Drink this Lyriel it should quench your thirst," Ancalagon stated.

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom & @Widdershins

DAWN & AURORA

"I ... no. I can't put you through that. Even if I don't hurt you, there's still a chance I'd might," Dawn shook her head and took a couple more steps backwards, ducking out of Pop's hug. Pop could see the hurt, pain, and fear on her friend's face, signalling that Dawn was utterly confused and had no idea what she was doing. "No. N-n-no, no no no, I can't, I can't put you ... no, just no," Dawn mumbled, quickly shaking her head as she walked backwards only to freeze, feeling her flank bump into Kaltrops by complete accident.

"At some point, maybe," Aurora chuckled and tilted her head, her ears pricking up. "Is that ... a dragon!?" she asked excitedly and bolted past Spic and out of the carriage to look at the supposed dragon that was shouting nonsense.

Edited October 17, 2017 by Dji
getting rid of accidental quotes

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@EQ_Theta

"I d-don't know. They w-were trapped with a spell a-and we were n-never supposed to be in here again. B-But now she's... D-Dear Celestia, I need to t-tell-"

Clayton heard the anguish in Lin's voice as she found her friend, but he wasn't quick to listen considering the horror he were faced with himself.

When this trip started, he assumed that fine, perhaps the sibling's friend had gotten greedy and tried to mine some gems at the exit of the mine, but to think that it had gone all the way to the main chamber, and that she were now loose? That was a nightmare he hadn't considered, but now had to deal with, if he liked it or not.

Perhaps if he had a reason to see the light in any of this, he could focus on the fact that his friends might be able to be returned as well, but right now, the abyss of his mind barely had any light to be found, and it diminished rapidly.

He couldn't even cling to hope as his attention was finally dragged elsewhere and he saw that Omen were not completely covered yet, which still gave them a day or two to save her, but he just grimaced and thought the worst.

"Perhaps it's t-too late .. But if you want to try, then h-hold on."

Clayton would take the tarp on his back and unpack it on the ground near Omen, before going over and looking at the gems surrounding her.

Mumbling a little to himself, he bit down on her tail, and pulled!

- her straight off the wall. Apparently, the gemstones hadn't kept hold in said wall when they started to embrace her, which thankfully made their work easier.

Wrapping the tarp completely around her, Clayton then looked back at Lin with a barely contained fear plastered over his face.

"L-Let's go then. Back to the city so w-we can try and get her out. Help me d-drag her please."

Omen weren't usually heavy, but encased like this, she'd weigh like a buff stallion. And they had to be careful. The tarp might be high quality, but enough sharp edged gnashing against one another would spell trouble, so they had to watch the ground.

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

 

 

@Dji @Widdershins

Pop didn't know what she were going to say as Dawn started to nervously go on about how she might hurt her. As previously thought, she didn't really want to be subjected to this, but her friend looking hurt like this wasn't the sort of alternative she had wanted.

Unfortunately, she barely had the chance to be worried about that - or Kaltrops' outburst - before Dawn started to back into him, and a whole new sets of worries emerged. Mainly about whatever or not the two were going to end up fighting, since they both seemed pretty against the other just based on what they were, and how Dawn might be hurt. Sure, this wasn't a big dragon, but still. They had fire breath and claws. That sort gave an advantage.

Meanwhile, Spicy exited the wagon along with Aurora who had apparently gotten interested in some kind of dragon out here, though which one was still up in the air, far as the loan shark was aware.

"Which one of them? The robed one on the roof, the Royal Guard, the huge, ancient one looming over town, or Kaltrops?"

It was a bit weird to think on it now, but honestly, the only one she'd consider a real dragon in that lineup would be the last one. All the others were oddities that didn't really fit the template of what their kind was supposed to be doing or looking like, and that included Ancalagon. He was too chummy with his guild to not be seen as an oddity, even if it wasn't as bad as Mr. Kissy and his sugar momma.

"Speaking off, Kaltrops, what's with the yelling? Did they take a stab at your pride again or something? Or are you having a seizure?"

It had been somewhat muffled inside the wagon, so she wasn't sure, and looking at Marley just gave her a griffon rolling his eyes at whatever the dragon had said.

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@dragon4111

"Excuse me, but the weird sound from before, was that you sir? If so, can I ask what it's for? It's just that I need to get to work, but it sounded like I had to answer for some reason. Not sure what's going on honestly."

Whilst Benny talked with the dragon lord a little away from him, Lyriel took the offered water and looked at it. She had not been thirsty, as there were enough moisture in the air currently to work for her, but it was rude to deny a gift, right? Besides, a small drink of water should not hurt her.

Quite the opposite actually happened as she took a sip. Water of this purity were not something she were used to being around, so she hadn't been prepared for the effects, but she felt several flowers bloom in her hair as the pristine made it's way down her throat, and filled her body with an odd sensation. A pony equivalent would be to be snuggled under a blanket on a cold morning with a hot cup of coco near them, though she wasn't sure of the word befitting that. Quaint perhaps?

Whatever it may be, it was a nice feeling, and as she slowly sipped the rest of the water to enjoy it for as long as she could, a layer of flowers grew over her more earthen dress, and her hair and branches flourished with small, delicate flowers and strands of richest green. Even her eyes changed color to something akin to a sakura tree, with minuscule leaves of the same tree growing around her eyes.

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@Widdershins @Foxy Socks

Brittle felt a tinge of nervousness pass through the diminishing spell that kept her calm as Rarity got focus on her.

"I-I'm fine. I always look like this because I don't remember what I looked like before the changelings caught me, and I wasn't in the cocoon long enough to just look like one of them. For some reason I just turned out this way."

That was her best guess about things at least. She might have looked like this before she were halfway converted, but she had her doubts about that, seeing as that should have given some kind of idea who she were by somepony, right? She were a weird match of colors that should stand out like a sore eye, yet there hadn't been anything. Not that she really spoke with anypony or anything, but still.

Anomaly felt kinda bad when she heard this, and kept herself from revealing herself at what she had considered an opportune time. That being when Rarity had her back to her and were messing around with the tea cart. Meddling with that and then slide into sight would have been worth it, but this scene so to speak, wasn't meant for that right now. This was drama, not comedy... Yet.

In the meantime, Briar brought Brittle a little closer to him and embraced her with his remaining vine. It tended to relax her when he used this to gently wrap her a little closer, as she associated them with the first kindness she could remember. That being him breaking her out of her cage, s well as a few other times after they had met up again.

"You need not to be concerned miss Rarity. My kind eat plants as much as any pony does. We are not regular plants ourselves, and trying to eat ourselves is both a revolting and ultimately pointless thing to do, as we'd be more delicious to a wolf than a plant eater.

We are an interesting mixture of both getting your greens, and eating the meat on your plate, if you will."

He smiled and chuckled slightly at his little comparison. It wasn't exactly accurate, but the way his kind worked didn't leave him entirely sure about what the truth were either at times, so he just went with what seemed the most logical and/or less terrifying usually. It usually went over well.

"In any case, tea sounds delightful, thank you. Does it appeal to you as well my friends?"

Brittle nodded, which left them focusing on Foxy for the time being for her response. Anomaly were - in lack of a better word - ignored for now, to try and get a minor semblance of normality into things, and then hoping she wouldn't see it as her cue to burst into the scene and do something eccentric in here.

Hey! I heard that.

And yet you won't have the time to respond. Next post.

Wait a s-

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@Widdershins

"You know, if I were still in the human world, there'd be joked made about a pony getting stuck in a tree. I'd also have a forklift or something to get you out, but since that's not an option, lemme try it the Changeling way."

Happy focused and would engulf Ambie with his magic to pull him down. Humans considered it telekinesis, whilst most ponies he had met just simply called it magic, but whatever the case, it still beat out machines, that was for sure. Just one of many reasons why he liked this reality far more than the one he had been ripped from, even if he did get a tinge of longing towards the orchards on occasion.

It shouldn't be too much of a problem getting Ambie down, even if he had to yank that equine scaredycat from the tree with a substantial pull. Unless of course the tree looked like it were going to end up being uprooted or something. He didn't know much about the Apple family, as he had only met a cousin of theirs some time ago, but if that was any indication, messing with their trees would be the last mistake he'd ever make. Wouldn't be any kind of hiding from the fury of an Apple farmer.

"Now come on Donkey Kong, let loose of the tree so we can get to work. There's a cart to be made and I want to get cracking soon so I can get shop set up before it gets too late. There's a fine time between ponies shopping something nice to drink for dinner and midnight alcoholics, and I'd like to be there for both situations."

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@genessee

"Thank you for bringing my soup here."

"No problem Missus Gingerly. We gotta make sure you get what you need to kick that nasty flu."

"It definitely helps Berry. Could you please tell Chop to send his Devil Shark Soup tomorrow?"

"Of course. Now you get back to bed before the doc comes around and finds out you're not resting, alright? You know how he gets when his patients is complacent."

The elderly mare smiled and gave a weak nod to the both of them before closing the door and returning to her bed, soup firmly in hoof.

"She's a real talkative one most of the time, but she is prone to nasty flu's this time of year, so she have to save her voice. I bet you'll like her when she's healthy and around the restaurant, talking your ear off. She's an absolute delight, even if she is secretly being used as a test subject by her doctor to see how resistant they can make viruses.

Anyway, time to go south, we still have a few houses to go."

Berry hadn't told Gingerly about the experiments since she didn't think the mare would believe her, and she didn't have the heart to let her know the truth that the doctor would likely deny, but she were prepared to take action if she suddenly started to mutate from the treatment. It'd be crazy not to, and the scientist that created her in an undersea lab - who conveniently claimed to be *just her mom* - didn't raise a crazy mare. Just a smart one.

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

 

@Battenberg

Both of them just stood and listened with big eyes and smiles to the story that Red and Royal told. They were captivated by it, to a point where Benny had even stopped mid-chew on a caramel he had pulled out of his bag right after the two of them were done telling their own story.

"My, that's... Quite the story. Usually I only hear things this romantic in poems."

"There once was a pony fro-"

"I said a poem, not a limerick. Please don't cheapen the moment "

Benny blushed and looked a little awkwardly at the happy couple in front of them.

"I'm sorry. You really do have quite the romantic background, but sometimes my mouth and my brain just doesn't work on the same wavelength.

And sir? I can sympathize with the awkward first impression. First thing I said when I met Pop was *Manes for your flower. I mean eyes for- No wait, flo- Woah!* and then I fell over myself. Thankfully some mares can forgive goofing up."

"I don't know, I thought it was kinda cute."

Benny chuckled a little over that,t hen trailed off as he tried to thinkof something to say. Speaking more about the couple and their wedding and such seemed like prying. Plus he were already kind of jealous of them, and didn't really want to pry into more of their seemingly perfect relationship, or mess up and cheapen the moment, so in a desperate attempt to not just stand around and be the center of awkward silence, he decided to try something else.

"So... You're a tailor, huh sir? Usual smokings and stuff or are we talking more like creating fashion? Seen a lot of pretty colorful places here in town."

Edited October 18, 2017 by Blitz Boom

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Lance smiled as Miss Gingerly closed the door. 

"I'm sure they'd test flu viruses on elderly ponies who have a weakened immune systems, instead of young adult ones where their immune system is at it's best."

He visibly rolled his eyes while saying this.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom @Shineling

As if seeing Omen nearly encased in gems was already hard to look at, Clayton pulling at her tail and yanking her off the side of the wall was icing on the cake. She hoped Omen wouldn't lose any body parts still stuck to the walls but a sigh of relief came once she is pulled free, relatively speaking. After Clayton wrapped her friend, she immediately set out to drag the slab out, avoiding the use of magical portals for the moment. 

It was a long and arduous task, pulling a heavy piece of crystal out of the mines. At that around the halfway point out, Lin was reconsidering her stance to leave Sen outside; his strength would have made this task easier, saving them some time. With only one or two days left on the clock before Omen was completely encased, every second missed could be crucial. At least there wasn't anything hostile on the way in and it felt that way going out. Sen waited impatiently outside, pacing back and forth by the mine's entrance before seeing two familiar sights emerging from the darkness followed by a giant crystalline deposit. Lin didn't have to say anything out loud for him to get the message. 

"Please, please tell me there's still time," Sen desperately pleaded to both his sister and to Clayton. "Can I help with anything?"

"We need to get Omen into town immediately. She doesn't have much time." Lin replied but she didn't look straight at her brother. Her eyes turned to Discord hoping he might know something she doesn't.

"Discord, are there any spells that can undo this? There were others encased in crystal like Omen but we can't get them."

[cwhip9 1,078]

On ‎10‎/‎12‎/‎2017 at 1:31 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"So you eat ponies? I thought those were called cannibals. Is vampires a new way of saying that? And what does it have to do with you having died?"

Cresent wasn't surprised on cover ups reaction his shoulders sagging "cover up, I don't eat pony's nor little ones like you only the real monsters that pony's fear and I swear on my wings ill never cause you harm with how I am. I'm vamp not a monster" he said  

 

On ‎10‎/‎12‎/‎2017 at 1:31 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Zinthar looked at Crescent with a sort of annoyed confusion in all three of his eyes. He had expected to be blown away a bit, but now the context were lost on him, and it was frankly irritating.

Seeing the look cresent said "why are you annoyed I was going to tell you regardless, and no I don't eat 3 eyed cats. I'm a vamp not genocidal nor are you a an monster" he said soon turning around to cover up

"and cover if this bothers you well" he took off the gauntlet placing it in front of the colt "I'm allowing you to have this, its me biggest strength and weakness as it can permanently kill me if used against me"

While cresent was only meaning to relax the youngster he knew the gauntlet wouldn't work with mortals like the youngster, zinthar though......he half expected the cat to try it....but he wouldn't say that. With how he knew Zinthar the feline would probably test it but not fully kill him just to see how the gauntlet worked.

Still it was risky to offer your own true death to a frightened pony. The batpony simply waited closeing his eyes for the two to react......

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@cwhip9

"I'm annoyed because I don't know what a vampire is, and I hate being uninformed."

Zunthar flickered his right ear a little as he said this. The look on his face had eased up somewhat when the *vampire* started to explain himself to Cover-up, but it had soured once more once he listened through it and found out that the only thing he had learned now, were that cannibals and vampires weren't the same. Quite frankly that irked him more than the fact that Crescent answered the feline's question to the colt instead, who still seemed quite shaken about things, and a bit scared.

A small smirk betrayed Zinthar's scowl when he was called *not a monster*. The fact that Crescent could still say that, despite knowing even as little as he would about the feline, was almost endearing.

"Not a monster? What an idealistic view on things."

Zithar rose a paw and extended a claw. It seemed regular at first, but with a little concentration, the ghostly glow that he had shown off a few times in the dreamworld, covered the sharp claw like an enchantment.

"One prick is all it takes to turn friend to foe, and peaceful to frothing rage. One, single, strain, and I could make you feast happily on our little... Companion"

The feline purred, and retracted his claw as Cover-up gave a little yelp of fear.

"But it'd just leave me all by my lonesome again, and where is the fun in that? Still, makes it hard to defend that I am not a monster in some way, no?"

He would really think that his appearance and what he had told of himself would have made it clear that he wasn't exactly a regular rat-chaser. Sure, he had left out the juicy bits, but they had to have something to speak about eventually, and he'd still say that didn't change much. Ancient, horrible history.

Not that he was keen of spilling the beans, just as Cover-up wasn't keen on taking the offered gauntlet.

"I-I don't want it. Vampires s-scare me, but..."

The colt moved a little closer to Crescent and whispered.

"I'm more a-afraid of him, and you n-need this to defend me if s-something happens."

"Fun fact: Mutated or not, cats have great hearing. "

Cover-up froze, and looked a little mortified as the cat swung his tails from side and faced him with a smirk.

"Stay cautious little one. Never know when that might save you."

He didn't specifically mean himself, but Zinthar knew how the colt interpreted it as the pony pushed the gauntlet closer to Crescent and hid a little behind the vampire, to create a barrier between the feline and him. Cute, but if it came down to it, potentially inefffective.

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

 

@EQ_Theta @Shineling

"If I can be p-provided with a rope, I will drag them out here and he can try. With h-her gone, they don't need to be in there a-anymore."

The transportation of Omen hadn't left Clayton any less of a mess. His words were shaky, he seemed to have a persistent look of paleness going over his face, and dread hang over his features like flies over rotting meat.

Everything that had happened here all those years ago had come back quickly, which already made him loose his cool. But that the statue that mattered had been empty? It was a looming ocean of worries slowly getting ready to drown him.  And then now came it that perhaps his friends were still alive in their statues? Not the ones from longer ago, but these were magic had been involved whose statues had been different. She had been after all, so why not them?

Even if they weren't though, at least they'd be able to bury them properly. A small gesture perhaps, but for his friends, he'd make sure it was done, in case something didn't work with Discord's approach.

"Outside the m-mine, it should be less dangerous to use magic, b-but stand back. If it isn't removed, it m-might try and grab a close one."

In the meantime, the drake was wriggling in Sen's grip, trying to get loose and down to the genmed mare. It could smell the hair on her tail, and it wanted to go back to her. Dangerous business, since touching her might expose it, but then again... It had shown itself to drain gems before of their color. Hard to say what might happen if it encountered these.

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

 

@genessee

"Oh you of little faith. The elderly are just the first. It's about pacing when you want to create a supervirus, and making sure it works first is how to go. Who's better than the older ones to test it on, since it gives them a starting point and nopony thinks it's weird when those like Missus Gingerly gets ill?"

She might be erratic to follow sometimes, but Berry wasn't dropped behind a moving cart. She could see the logic in starting easy out before moving to the main audience, as it was simply testing your product, before adapting accordingly. How most toys she knew off were made too.

"But, impending doom aside, what's your flaw Lance? I know Straw tends to give special cases a chance more than regular ponies, so what makes you stand out from the others?"

Of course, she wasn't one of the crazy ones. She just didn't like others places as they denied the conspiracy excisted. Sure, Straw didn't either, but he didn't say it to her face. Biiiiig difference.

Plus, it was easier to hide from the spooks like this. Nopony would think she was a threat when surrounded by some that life had beaten down on. She'd just look like another, loopy pony.

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Lance thought for a while as he trotted along. I could go with the cheesy 'everypony's different in their own way' response, but, like, really?.. Hmm.

"I mean, my childhood wasn't exactly perfect. Uh.. I'm kind of clumsy and easy to pick on... and I'm little introverted. But I don't think I'm that abnormal. Right?"

He decided to leave out a couple other things he thought he was, just to avoid looking pathetic. But this got him thinking. Yeah, what is my flaw? And-- he paused. What's Alonsus doing there? He looks pretty normal to me. I mean, he gives me the creeps, but he's not crazy. Right? But, like...

 

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord rubbed at his chin thoughtfully even as he conjured a bit of rope that he then handed to Clayton. "Well I'm sure there's a few that may work to free them, but I'm not certain how effective they would be with magically reactive crystals. Depending on how reactive the crystals covering the ponies are to Chaos, and the effects of the reactions, I would have to tweak the spells..." He glanced at the crystal encased Omen, "But I'm sure there's hope. Not to brag.." The Draconequus buffed his claws against his chest, "But I do more than magic, I bend the very reality around us, warping Chaos to my will. There's no magic that can resist the unbridled power of Chaos that I command."

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

Astral looked down. "Could pretend to join them, and once Sapphire comes back, we could turn against them, and with such a powerful force on our side, we'd surely win." She said looking to Chow, with a small smile. the plan did work as an excuse for her in many ways to finally stop Warlock. Maybe get on even grounds with Sapphire. No matter how she'd do it. "Of course, we'd have to leave this hallway for that." She snickered. "And you have no idea how to use magic so, you'd have to stay behind, again. Unless you'd like to learn magic properly."

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

Warlock snickered as he looked down at his limbs, he was able to rebuild his body once before. But when Sapphire took his element, his body fell apart to the ashes he made it from, somehow he would need to build a permanent form that would collapse like every other time, there was really only one way to do that. "We both need our elements."  He said with a sigh. "If only Astral wasn't the wielder..." He mumbled to himself, he had no proof but it was his only assumption when he was able to see her around it with no effect. Was she greedy too? "I was not restricted to one form either, not this weak torn form I ended up with. But I keep finding it fell apart every time my magic was gone..." He said with a grumble. "Have you ever discovered a solution to that, Athriel?" He asked looking up to her.

 

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

Iron Wing turned around to the two ponies and looked down at the opened back as his back metal plates glowed, the feathers flew out in an orderly fashion, each one slotting into a place on his wings, eventually forming two rather large metal wings, which were only spread out before he drew them away to the sides of his body. "Thanks, I'll be putting your work to good use in the future" he said with a smile as he turned back to the dragons. "We do need information on the elements location, so we can know where they might strike, which would help with planning an assault, if they didn't take your trap idea you suggested."

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

(10 minutes earlier)

Nectar looked up and down the guard, smiling. "Thanks... love for us is shared, so it'd be far better that way." Some of her minor wounds were already healing, although the lieutenant wouldn't feel anything change with their current emotional state. "I'd need proper care for the major wounds." she said with a raspy voice while she struggled to keep her eyes open. "So getting me to proper care would be, a, good, idea..." She closed her eyes and laid down.

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

Francis looked to Nectar. "Oh good." He said with a relieved sigh. "Well I'm not really like her, so you probably would fall unconscious trying to give love to me." He said with an awkward smile

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom @Shineling

"Good to hear something can be done but should we need more than that, I think I know who else to turn to for alternatives."

Lin calmly answered to Discord, though should that fail or have some unforeseen hiccups that come with using chaotic magic, she has an alternative ready go-to. As much as she would like to get the matter done with, seeing the other trapped ponies in there and seeing Clayton in distress means she couldn't just let the matter rest. As much as she doesn't want to admit, some of Sen rubbed off on her; just like him, she wanted to get everyone out safely. At the very least, it would be their way of thanking Clayton for his help. 

Lin reached in her pack and grabbed a small pouch with leaves in it and handed some over to Clayton. "Here, chew on some of these. It should have a cooling effect once you take a bite out of it. No drop in body temperature but it can help you calm down. We need calm heads and clear minds to get through this."

As for Sen, he struggled fighting back against the drake's increasingly agitated movements. He understood what it wanted to do but given the risk of being exposed to the disturbing effects of the changeling emerald, he wouldn't want to risk having the little creature become petrified in crystal. All he could do was restrain it, keeping himself on the spot and locking his forelegs close to keep the drake from escaping. 

"Sorry, little one, I can't let you do that. I know you miss Omen but please wait a little longer." Sen gently said to the drake before turning his attention to Lin. "It's okay, I got this one covered." 

Tempting fate had some consequences indeed, as the squirming was too much for Sen that the drake slithered through an opening and broke free. 
 

[cwhip9 1,078]

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Stay cautious little one. Never know when that might save you."

Hearing both reactions cresent opened his eyes standing up aware of the colt next to him hiding "we wont hurt you cover" the vamp said looking kindly at the colt shooting a thought to the feline.

'don't make me a lier' the feline would hear cresents voice in his head at that and.....it sounded a little like the vamps ater ego from the dream realm. Maybe that other pony wasn't all gone, Still cresent was tired of the felines playing, dark humor no.

But listening to the colt he knew what fear was, this colt was near shaking in it, cresent put his gauntlet on looking at zinthar "you just like dark jokes right zin?"

While cresent had seen the feline fight and Zin him, the vamp still wanted to have the feline on his side in a fight. "and I will answer more of your questions about me zin why wouldn't I, now then."

The vap put a comfort like wing to cover the young colt feeling him shake not full hugging the youngster just having a cover over him

 "in short a vamp is a pony that died that lives off blood to keep living. The blood helps us stay alive longer then most mortal or living ponys if we have a steady sorce of blood. Hence why I have these" he shook his sholders to indicate the saddel of drinks.

"sense neither of you two are blood drinkers these will help me get through our quest"the vamp said    

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

@Blitz Boom 

@Moonlit 

 

Charlie’s magic would begin its work on the Zegasus, slowly healing the bone.  The same magic would also ease the pain a bit more than healing the wound did.  It was by far no instant cure, but given a few hours, the bone could be healed completely.  Such magic was not typical of Everwood, but the excessive positive charge of the wood, plus having the actual spirit of the tree tethered to it and wanting her to heal made the stick more effective than what would normally be possible.  “I think it’s working!”

@Blitz Boom 

 

Tock blushed a bit when Scarcity said she liked him.   When she brought the topic of their business back up, he levitated an antique watch case out from under the counter.  It had a glass lid, and the watches were surrounded in red velvet.  There were enough segments in it for fifteen watches, but hers were the only three in it.  Everything seemed to be in great condition, almost new even, and the times on each matched the others exactly, down to the second.  It should be clear at this point that the watch Tock was wearing wasn’t Scarcity’s, seeing as that one was in the case too.  The glass, which had previously been cracked, seemed to have been replaced by the exact same curved glass it had before.  He rifled through the receipt box again and pulled out another slip, then began typing things into the register.  “Lets see,  that’s four hundred and thirty five bits for the work, and forty five bits for the parts, minus ten percent brings you to four thirty two.  I replaced them with only original parts to protect the value of your watches.  I suspect you’ll be able to sell these to a collector for a good profit, assuming you didn’t pay more than twelve hundred for the lot.”

[Victoria Sponge 1,017]

@Blitz Boom

"I mainly specialise in dress suits for stallions, I do a lot of that type of thing."

"He's great with a needle and thread though, he can do a lot more than suits if he needs to, more than clothes even; you have a curtain or tablecloth that needs fixing or just want a brand new one, Royal can do it for you."

"Y-yes, but if you want something that looks really nice that isn't a suit you should probably look elsewhere"

His modesty seemed to be bothering Red.

"Ahh, you have a great fashion sense sugarlump. He's too modest, I'll have you know that Royal actually designed my wedding dress, the one in the photo up there..."

She raised a hoof in the direction of one of the photo frames on Battenberg's shelf. It showed a wedding procession stood together under some weeping willows by a beautiful lake. Looking at it the pony and dragon could pick out recognisable faces: Battenberg looking very cute in a frilly white dress covered in lace and little butterflies in the colours of her mane, Victoria wearing a similar outfit and looking less impressed than her sister, and in the middle the couple of ponies who had just arrived, Royal in a neat grey suit and top hat and Red in a large white and pink dress that spread out in every direction with its folds and lace and ribbons, it all looked very grand.

"...the most beautiful dress I own, somepony who can design something that spectacular has no right to tell everyone that he's no good."

Royal blushed and returned his gaze to the floor.

At this moment the door gently opened, causing a little tinkle from the silver bell above it. In trotted a mare with her nose held high and her mane shiny and smooth, ever so slightly covering one eye. Victoria seemed to have cleaned herself up and to everyone's surprise had returned to the shop.

"I'm back... Figured you'd be struggling to run thing so smoothly without my assistance."

Victoria's arrival had woken the little foal on Battenberg's back who sprang up and ran straight at her, his eyes set on her luxurious and clean mane. Pop and Benny closed their eyes in anticipation for whatever horrible thing Victoria was prepared to do to even an innocent little foal to protect her pristine appearance. But to their surprise, they heard no yell or slap or even a hoof stomp on the floor. Opening their eyes again they saw Victoria on her back with the little colt on top of her, she had her hooves wrapped around him as he tried desperately to reach for her mane with his little legs and she was laughing. The first genuine laughter they had heard from her since they met her.

"Hee hee. Angel, you know I don't like it when ponies touch my mane." 

Her voice had changed, no longer uptight and regal, she sounded much more playful and actually pleasant.

The little foal continued to squirm in her arms, reaching out for her hair. Eventually she gave in and let go of him, allowing him to flick her fringe back and forth across her face. After a few seconds of this she gently put him to the floor and stood up, ruffling his little tuft of white hair.

"Hello Red, didn't expect to see you today."

Amazingly she was still smiling and even went so far as to give the mare a tight and warm hug. Battenberg smiled at the sight and turned to her guests,

"I'm glad she decided to come back, you actually get to see the real her. As uptight and cruel as she can be she has a big soft spot for foals, must be her maternal instincts or something. If a foal is in the room she turns into a completely different pony."

Angel certainly had lifted her spirits, she gingerly trotted over and squeezed her sister half to death.

"Sorry about earlier, you still want my help? I-I'll try my best to not waste your glitter this time."

She smiled at her sister before turning to the couple she had come into conflict with earlier on.

Her smile wavered the tiniest little bit, as if she was still unsure of how to feel about those who were not members of her family, though she seemed to have taken a liking to Benny due to his handy towels and this convinced her to speak up.

"I... would like to apologise to you two also. I behaved... out of line, I shouldn't have insulted you..."

Though she chose her words carefully so as to not completely put herself in it the apology did appear to be genuine, as did her guilt as she blushed slightly and avoided their gaze.

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

@Blitz Boom @Widdershins

"Of course, I love tea." Foxy was more focused on where Anomaly could be, and what Rarity's reaction would be to meeting a draconequus. Based on what she said, she apparently didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Anomaly had been quiet for the past few minutes, and Foxy wondered what she was planning. Foxy could feel her presence, so she knew they didn't leave.

Well, least it will make things fun.

Brittle seemed visibly nervous, but with Briar next to her, Foxy knew she would be okay. 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@genessee

Berry narrowed her eyes and moved a little closer to Lance. Closer... And closer...

And then she just shrugged, smiled and bounced back again. She didn't see it on the stallion that he was lying, so she'd take this for good information for now, and then try to peg him down as a spy later. If he were, she'd guess he were one for the Seventh Brigade. Sure, ponies said that was just a myth, but they didn't fool her that easily.

"Introvert could be the thing. You know, not good around ponies and all that jazz? Sort of like Stare, just waaaay less stalkery in it.

Still, you're off easily. I mean, Stare is shy as can be and doesn't know to approach ponies mostly, and Chop haves to deal with bias after he got chewed on by that shark. You're almost as normal as me when you compare with them, hehe."

She grinned wider and kept on walking. They were almost at the next house where they had to deliver a simple dish to a clock maker in town. After the town had gotten attacked, that one had been too hard at work to be able to leave the shop, so he had told somepony who came around and placed the order for him.

=======================================================================================================00

 

@Shineling @EQ_Theta

Clayton took the offered rope with a small nod of approval. It was still not a proper thank you, but it was hard to say that to Discord of all beings, considering his former escapades.

"T-Thank you.Now if you will excuse me, I have ponies to drag out.

Though uhm, b-before I leave, I should let you know that i-if there is still gems on her when you try to remove them, they will f-frantically spread like wildfire. If you try, make sure to remove all of them at once."

Speaking of gems calmed him down some, but he still felt his heart pound along and the dread weighing ever so heavily upon his mind. He were about to turn and leave after his minor instruction, when a movement caught his attention, and he saw the drake in Sen's grip for the first time.

Up until that point, he had honestly thought the creature was some kind of ornament, as it had been wrapped silently and still around Lin's head the few times he had bitten notice in it, but now the little thing were squirming like a cat trying to avoid a bath, and he got momentarily caught in watching the strange sight.

It looked somewhat like a dragon, but it was more elongated - like Discord - and seemed to have golden claws and teeth. It was a beautiful, almost shining white, so it's scale and fur had to be taken well care of by either itself or its owners, and if were not for the symmetry in its features, he'd almost venture the guess that this was a baby draconequui, considering what little of the form were recognizable. More specifically, Discord's offspring, though that first thought were dismissed by him almost as soon as he got it. Even if Discord had offspring, it were unlikely that it would look like th- Holy Celestia!

He saw as the drake finally managed to wriggle, claw and bite its way out of Sen's grip, and fell to the ground. There, it... Hovered? Flew? He didn't know for sure, as he saw no wings, but it still slithered through the air like it was water and quickly had its small body over at Omen.

He tried to lounge forward to get hold of it, but he barely got anywhere before the creature had reached Omen's tail, sniffed both that and the gems around it, and then chomped down on said gems like it was a hoof from an unwanted snuggler.

Fear swam over him as he saw the gems start to grow slowly up and around the mouth of the drake - the sure sign that it were starting its parasitic process - and then... Turn around?

He gazed in wonder as the gems around the drake started to grow pale and see-through like diamonds, whilst energy crackled around the small thing. Confusion and a small amount of hope started to give way as he saw the remaining colored gems retract from that part of Omen, and slowly move towards her head and desperately reach out towards another host.

"I-It's afraid..."

The drake wasn't letting down, and as long as everypony kept their distance from Omen's encased shape, it would have a field day climbing up and draining everything out of these gems as it could, one chunk at a time. Occasionally, it lifted its head to the sky and let out a large blast of bright, glittery energy, but besides that and the fact that it seemed to grow a teensie tiny bit every time it was done with a chunk, there wasn't any sign that this did anything to the drake.

Given what, ten-fifteen more minutes, and Omen might actually end up being only covered in a shell of diamonds, and those were easy enough to get rid off. Provided everypony kept a distance, so that the gems didn't find somepony else to leech on that were.

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

 

@Lloyd

"Always feared I had to go back down that route, but it seems like we're outta other options. Alright then, teach me, though I wanna protest trying to join the villains. Perhaps you could convince them that you were there because you wanted to do anything to get your mum back, but me? They'd never trust me. Especially Athriel, as she knows me too well after all that time in my noggin'.

Only way they'd believe it were if... I don't know, you brought me chained up as a gift for her? Frankly, I am not going down that path unless you're positive that you can infiltrate them and not end up getting swayed by their darkness. Evil is tempting by nature lass, and everypony can fall from grace."

A nagging fear alarm went off in his head, about whatever or not she actually were desperate enough to get her mother back that she'd hand him over like a gift basket regardless of his consent, but he hoped that was just his paranoia talking. Nopony could be desperate enough to get their parents back ,that they'd hoof over sompony that was guaranteed to end up in a world of hurt, right? Hehe... Heh...

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

 

@Lloyd

Athriel looked down on Warlock with a cruel grin on her beak.

"Depends, how do you feel about grave robbing?"

It might be windy up here, but since she were carrying him, he should be able to hear and see her well as she gazed at the pony firmly in her grip.

"Some leg bones, some blood of the right type, a bit of magic and a lot of pain. It's some pretty dark things, but thankfully these pesky morals that made such procedures illegal, doesn't weigh us down.

However, I will need my element before I can do that. I don't have the juice for this without my real form, and I can't unlock what Sapphire did to keep my powers down without it. Also, you're going to need two weeks of physical training afterwards or you won't be able to use them properly. Perhaps three, I'm not entirely sure. my test subject were... Reluctant to comply."

So he wanted legs back, and she could help him. Heh, seemed like she wasn't going to be stabbed in the back anytime soon after all. Not when he needed her to help him without complications.

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

 

@Lloyd

"I know not where the other elements are. Each guardian were given one, and told not to speak to the others, in case one of us got caught and bled for information. Warlock and Athriel being and attacking your little capitol as easily as they did just proves it was a smart move. They can't capture and torture me for information."

A strong wind blew through the room and carried the two blacksmiths out, before the door slammed shut.

"Three I've seen. Sealed in a puddle of stars. Trapped in the maws of the eater of dreams. Carried in the eye of the living nightmare."

Scorn looked upward with narrowed eyes.

"And how do you know this, Serpanther?"

"Because I helped them hide the things. It served my purposes."

The dragon snorted a small smoke cloud out of his nostrils.

"Explains more than I cared to know."

Zhu still wasn't showing himself, but with his wings back, Iron Wings could fly up and see for himself. Zhu would be robed from top to bottom - including his long tail, making it obvious it was specially made - and standing in free air, with winds blowing beneath his paws. If Iron Wing's looked under the hood, he'd be able to see nothing but two yellow, reptilian eyes, glowing in the darkness. Zhu would have winds push him away if he tried to touch him for the time being.

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

 

@Lloyd

(10 minutes earlier)

"Everything for an ally of Equestria ma'am. Now try and relax, we'll get you to the hospital pronto."

It seemed like a few of the guards around them wanted to complain, but a stern glance from Shimmer made them stop and just move along with their orders. It might that they had reservations about helping changelings- She did, so she could understand that. Yet it didn't tale away from the fact that they had an obligation to help the allies of Equestria, and that they had to keep in mind to not judge everypony by the action of a few. This was not Chrysalis, and she shouldn't be judged like her.

She'd be covered and carried to the hospital soon after that, and after reaching the room, would have her changeling follow shortly after.

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

 

@Lloyd

"No worries sir, we're-"

A cough from the side caused the lieutenant to pause and turn around to see a guard carrying a pink stone around half the size of her head.

"Ah, great timing. thank you."

The guard hoofed it over and gave a tired salute before wandering off.

"It's an experimental thing, but from what I've heard, testing have gone over well with some of the changelings under King Thorax. Try to see if you can drain this please?"

The best to describe this would be diet love. Drained and stored in gems by some process that was far beyond her. As mentioned, it was still an experimental thing, but she had requested one here when the two were brought in. Originally to the queen, but she seemed better at draining in a non-violent manner than this one sounded like, so... Time to test?

It would not do much if he did try to, and it would taste synthetically, but perhaps it'd be enough to make him less ravenous, if he were presented with an actual pony. They didn't want accidents with the few potentially willing donors they might be able to get hold of.

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

 

@cwhip9

"Not a blood drinker, heh. Good one."

Zinthar moved slowly closer, giving Cover-up ample time to move away as Zinthar snuck up to Crescent and with a purring noise rubbed up against his side. Affectionate to some perhaps, but he had a greater interest in getting his mouth to near enough the vampire bat's ear to make sure only he heard what the feline was saying.

"I have no interest in hurting the colt. Hearing that side of you outside the dream though, I wonder if you can say the same."

Zinthar stopped and wandered in a smooth motion away from Crescent, and turned away from the colt as well. he was done playing around for now, as it seemed like a certain beast had stuck its head out from it, and he had no interest in stirring that one just yet. Perhaps another time he'd be up for the brawl, but... Meh, he wasn't in the mood.

"So then, I think we've had our fun. How about we move along peacefully and try to help the colt then, hmm? Wouldn't want to disappoint the zebra who seemed to have oh so much confidence in our ability to help now, would we?"

A purring laugh and a knowing look to Crescent was all that escaped him as he sat down and waited, until the colt started to walk again in silence. Cover-up had things to think about now about both of his travel companions, and seeing as Zinthar let there be some way between them for now, he'd perhaps finally have the breathing room to do so.

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

 

@Seamore Sandwich @Moonlit

Cherish had no idea what was going on, but it seemed to be working at least. Considering that, she put down the stick on the mare, and floated the rodent a little further away from her.

"Okay, looks like it's doing something, but it still isn't good. I have to get you out of here."

She looked around and saw one of the collapsed tunnels, then floated over and started to move the rocks away with her magic.

"Can any of you help? I think I remember this place, before rocks fell. There should be a way out."

As subtly as she could, she also floated a small slab of rock that had been lying in the edge of the room into one of Ziggy's pockets. Cherish couldn't follow anymore unless she were in proximity of either the castle, or something of it, so if she were to help, she had to plant a few things on the others. Ziggy was just the easiest one, though if the others saw it, they might not be as easy to plant anything with as she hoped, though to be fair, it was likely only Serenade she could do anything with. The rodent didn't have pockets, and the ghost was in a stick. Not easy with those two.

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

 

@Seamore Sandwich

Scarcity didn't answer at first, as she were expecting the presented watches carefully.

It didn't seem there were anything wrong with them at all. No scratches, no cracks, the mechanism worked perfectly... Everything seemed to be in order.

"This is exquisite work Mr. Tock. Completely remade with original parts, and yet looking like brand new. I have several regulars who would nearly fight over such a pristine antiquity."

She put down the last that she had checked up on carefully, and pulled forth her wallet to set down the amount of bits that she had to pay for. An abhorrent amount for most, but in the high end circles, this was actually quite a reasonable price, and one she would gladly pay for considering how good the result had been.

"I acquired these at an auction for a departed collector. As you can surely attest, they were in a horrid state when they were brought in, and nopony had thought it worth it to have the restored. Can you believe that I were able to acquire them for only two hundred and fifty bits? I could scarcely believe it myself."

Bits were laid on the table, all as real as could be - she had made sure her bits had been thoroughly checked after the first coin Penny had found - and soon her wallet would be deflated, whilst Tock's should have a well earned influx.

"They will take out well in the cases my workers will arrive with. And do of course tell me if there is a problem with them Mr. Tock. I do not want anypony in my employment to trouble such a delightful and skilled pony as you."

Perhaps she were somewhat flirty towards him, but it weren't as if she saw any harm in that. It usually worked to make conversations less clinical when she spoke with somepony, as long as she did not do so towards married ponies. The wives could sometimes get rather testy, and she had little interest in dealing with drama like that.

"May I ask, is watches all that you restore Mr. Tock? My usual restorer is dreadfully long away, and quite busy herself most of the time, To have somepony a little closer for some of the more finicky things such as this would be quite a bit more ideal than that, and could be a stable source of income for you. I often get hold of new wares that tends to need a looking at.

If now is a bad time, I would be delighted to meet you in another setting when I am done assisting Penny and discuss it further. We may be able to find a beneficial agreement for the both of us, yes?"

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

 

@Battenberg

The return of Victoria were a mixed bag for Pop.

On one hoof, she still wanted to take the mare and pummel her head into cake batter until it stopped being funny. Yet on the other hoof, violence wasn't the answer here, and though she had done a fair bit to get under the candymare's skin, she had to try and just let it go. Victoria seemed to at least try to apologize right now, and if she started to make a scene now, she would be no better than the snooty baker had been previously.

"We got off to a rocky start, but forgive and forget, yes? Let's start over, and perhaps you can tell me about yourself this time? I have heard so much about the rest of this dear family that you're in, and I'd like to hear how you fit into the grand tale. Beyond being a sought after aunt for Angel it seems, hehe."

Benny had just shrugged. He had never wanted to run a feud over things, though he let Pop do the talking. He were far more interested in seeing the picture with the wedding dress in it.

It honestly looked stunning. Beautiful, not complicated to the point of just wanting to look pompous, and it seemed to fit Red splendidly back in the day.

O-Of course, she might still be able to fit into it. He didn't know anything after all. It was just after a foal or two and several years of married life, he tended to see ponies chubby up a little. It was cute, honestly, but that was all he meant by it. Nothing insulting.

Wait, why was he scolding himself over a thought like that? He had something more important to think about, and Pop asking the tough questions right now to Victoria gave him the chance, if he were lucky.

"Don't sweat it ma'am. I didn't take it personal. Now then, mind if I borrow you for a moment here sir? I wanna ask you something, but I don't wanna interrupt the others in the middle of their conversation. Wouldn't be nice, you know? It should only be a minute or two, and they can get their talk done in peace in the meantime then."

Benny looked at Royal and pointed to the door leading outside with a grin, though he tried to signal through his eyes that it was important, whilst also trying to look like it was urgent the others didn't hear it. He might look a little crazy doing this though, but it wasn't like he could just blurt out *So, you make clothes for brides and grooms? Well, do I have a question for you*. He was trying to be secretive here.

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

 

@Foxy Socks @Widdershins

Briar leaned in towards Foxy a little as she had gotten seated, and whispered, hoping he wasn't heard.

"With the greatest respect to our friend, I have doubts her entrance will be calm when she desist hiding, and the spell appears to be wearing off on Brittle. When she shows, please assist me in pleading to her kinder side before things erupt in a true chaos and all of us ends up in trouble. Including Miss Rarity."

He had the sneaking suspicion that Anomaly would still know what he had said I totally do but he still had to attempt to make things right here, and prepare for the worst. Especially because of Brittle, since if her spell were gone when the chaos erupted, the teenage filly may end up cluttered in a corner, rapidly changing forms and begging for them to stop. He did not want her to end up like that again, and would actively go to his knees and beg for Anomaly to end her pursuit of entertainment if it came down to it.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom @Shineling

It seems the rush to bring home a friend could lead to something more. First, the crystals, then the drake... Equestria had plenty of surprises left for anyone to see. Sen and Lin were paralyzed by fear in one moment, then seeing the parasitic gems react to the drake washed them with feelings of relief. For a moment, Lin was about to hyperventilate with her brother preparing to run back in to grab the little creature before it grabbed Omen's tail. Now, it seems there might not be plenty of reasons to worry; the drake and Omen looked like they were going to be fine and for Lin and Clayton, maybe the crystallized ponies in the mine would be alright as well. 

"Huh, didn't know it could do that." Lin sighed in relief as she watched the drake at work. "And here I am without my notepad. The little one's got guts, I'll give it that."

"Still don't know if its a male or female. Would be nice to give it a name instead of calling it 'little one.'" Sen calmly said as he knelt down closer to see how the drake was reversing the crystalization process. Who knew it could do such a thing? "Discord, have you seen anything like our little drake here? Or possibly living gemstones? I figured you with your... longevity, you've probably seen a lot of strange creatures and things from a thousand years ago."

Something still bothered Lin though. Clayton's distressed look and stuttering suggested something else was off in the mine. The other crystal deposits in there didn't look natural and the way he spoke... 

"Clayton, there's something about those crystals back in the mine. Did you know them? Could our little friend help them like Omen?"

Edited October 22, 2017 by EQ_Theta

[genessee 535]

@Blitz Boom

Lance nodded as he walked.

"Yes, because nopony here is as normal as you are. I'll keep that in mind. Here's something to think about-- is it possible to be weird if you're too normal? And if you're weird because of it, are you still normal enough to be considered weird? It's an, uh..."

He paused to search for the word.

"...paradox! Yeah, paradox, I think. Pretty sure."

Though something else Berry had said had given him a thought, and he quickly looked over his shoulder to see, just out of curiosity, if Stare had followed them. He didn't expect to see anypony out of the ordinary, though.

 

[Storm Shine 1,196]

@Blitz Boom @EQ_Theta

Discord laughed and clapped as though watching an amusing stage show, "Oh Bravo!" He chuckled, "A Refraction, or at least that's what I call them, (Sometimes I call them Dracrystalline depending on my mood) I'd thought that they'd gone all but extinct!" He then points at the crystal attempting to flee the feeding draconic creature, "And showing up just as we find it's natural prey - Ethereal Emeralds. Also known as Changeling Emeralds, Vampire Gems, The Creeping Green, Crystalline Death, Etc Etc, yadda yadda." Discord rolled his eyes and various appendages in a dismissive gesture, "It's good to see they haven't all died out though, these little ones keep dangerous gems and crystals like this under control." The Draconequus grinned. "However you really don't have to worry, there's much worse crystals than these- Roving Rubies or Dire Diamonds for example." Discord magicked one of the other crystal-covered ponies out of the cave. "Now that I know for sure what these are, I can tell you that these ponies are absolutely dead."

 

He paused for a moment, as though confused, and then quickly pulled a sheaf of papers out and shuffled through them while muttering to himself. "Ah! No, sorry, that was a typo. These ponies are absolutely NOT dead. They're just in a sort of stasis." He flicked a green crystal off of one of his claws and towards the more crystalline drake. "Given a couple decades or so of being covered, yes they would have died, but as it is they're perfectly safe."

 

Discord sighed to himself, "Oh Exposition, why do you haunt me so?" He then turned and glared at the human currently typing his lines, "And YOU had better have my cheese ready."

[~Phoenix~ 196]

On 7/24/2017 at 4:12 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Smokey let out a minor laugh as he heard her stomach growl on.

"Perhaps we should make a stop in Dodge Junction on the way and get something to take the worst then. Not much of a spread in that town, but I do remember one place with some nostalgia. Might be a good place."

Thinking on this and whatever or not that place were still open - it had been some time since he had been there last - they eventually made it out of the forest intact, and without running into dangerous wildlife, and would look over a place somewhat describable as a steppes or discount savannah. Either way, it were spread trees, lot's of grass, and not too far from them, the glimmer in the pair of train tracks going over the place.

"Excellent. We should be able to get to the *outpost* travelers and the semi-nomads in the area uses normally, where we can get on the train. Hopefully it will not show up too soon so we'd be forced to rush along."

 

Phoenix continued to walk along silently. she pondered what sort of things she would eat first. in fact, the thought began to excite her a bit. it had been a long time since she had been near civilization long enough to have some decent food, and she was beginning to look forward to it, rather than dread it. 

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Shineling @Blitz Boom

"Seriously? Dark humor?" 

Sen and Lin answered both in unison and in the most deadpan tone possible. They didn't pick up on themselves answering at the same time until much later when the two fell silent before thinking about something to answer back at the draconequus. But now looking at the way the gem was reacting, it was indeed strange that it would behave as such. The only thing the two knew about gemstones in general was that the only animating either of them would see would be the the light bouncing off its surface. Otherwise, it was just about as solid and inanimate as they come. 

"I take it these were common given how many names you've come up with? Because that scares me more than it should." Lin spoke once more when the shock subsided though Sen would preferably remain silent and not think about who Discord was referring to when he mentioned something about cheese.