open Casual stroll

EQ_Theta · January 16, 2019

"I think I can manage. Besides, it might be a good change of pace to meet the curious ones instead of overhearing someone tell another to keep their distance like I'm some malicious being. Ah, I'm probably going to start rambling if I go any further. I won't keep you from your duties, Yazma; I'll keep to myself unless someone wants to talk or get me to move or something. And thank you and the kitsune for looking after Lin and Rosa."

With that, Sen moved over just a little ways off and sat in the shade. Here is once more assumed his calming, meditative position: eyes closed, head bowed, wings curled around. It has been a while since he did this but it was a little different that he didn't cross his legs. Nobody really has a specific set of rule for proper stances in meditation so no one could really call him out for it. Now he looks like his wings are shielding himself but he has enough range of movement and visibility to sense and see with a 120 degree field of view.

As for Lin, she observed Omen's gates. It is true that she opened gates and that they were moving, but not exactly what the longma had in mind. Maybe Omen hadn't had the opportunities to do this sort of thing before. Might be a problem, or it may not. Lin first tried opening a very tiny gate, one that will only let dust particles go through as a demonstration.

"I had this in mind." Lin first conjured the gate, then moved it little by little, having the entry point start in front of her before slowly pushing it towards Omen then closing it. It was apparent that in this demonstration, Lin's breathing showed signs of labor, not the kind of heavy breathing from exhaustion but a few steps down from it. "I guess I still need some time to recover before I can pull that again on a larger scale."

"Well, I suppose we have some alternatives. You could try it out for yourself or we could do something with stretching the gate's entry point to envelop an object. We might have to push the statue to Scarcity's shop either way. Or... is it possible to combine our gates instead? Make a large one that opens directly to the spot where Scarcity wants the statue to go? You've shown you could do that with your own gates but could you merge yours with mine?"

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

@Blitz Boom

"I'll be sure to let Pinkie know not to go overboard with the pastries. She can be excitable and usually is around visitors. She might even throw a party simply because she is happy to meet you!"

The dryad wouldn't need to worry about the pastries and any questionable content that could lead to adverse and unintended bodily reactions. For the most part, ponies are fine with eating them and they were herbivores by nature. Plant-based food is a staple of their diets and a little sugar doesn't do much harm. Lyriel wouldn't have difficulty or problems with local daily meals. Of course, the possibility that something rather surprising, good or otherwise, will likely lie with Pinkie. When she hears about a new visitor in town, she'd throw a big welcome party and prepare as many deserts and sweets as possible. Then something like jewel-encrusted cupcakes might show up. Those were mainly for Spike but there have been occasions where gemstones were buried in the cupcake batter and somepony would chip a tooth.

But otherwise, there was plenty to see and take in at the sanctuary. Some animals have certainly taken to add their own little corner to the place. Nests and burrows, holes and dens... it somehow makes the whole place feel larger than what it once was when it first opened. It wasn't a feature noticed by the pegasus as she was focused on tending to the water sprites who jumped out of Fluttershy's hooves and back into the water, letting out a distressed squeal before disappearing into the clear surface upon seeing her dryad guest. And it wasn't just them who noticed the unfamiliar visitor's presence.

Psst! Hey, yellow pony, come over here!

"Huh? Who's there?"

By the water!

The strange voice was already barely audible with the sound of water rushing down the waterfall, crashing at the bottom. It came off as whispering, though certainly Fluttershy and Lyriel could hear it with some difficulty. Any louder and it would pretty much be yelling. Though the pegasus looked around, she couldn't tell where the voice is coming from, only that it was young and feminine. Fluttershy looked and looked, even Angel hopped down and helped in searching for the mysterious voice but the source of the voice is nowhere to be seen.

Oh for the love of.... Sorry to have to do this to you.

The sound of something singing began emanating from the waterfall. Though all of the animals present, and maybe Lyriel, wouldn't notice anything but the soothing tune, Fluttershy felt a tingling in her head. It was a beautiful humming adagio progressing to an andante tempo, something like a warmer-colder game.

"If you could please tell me... exactly... where..."

She noted it first, resumed to looking around the streams but she slowly stopped looking at the stream moving away from the falls, lifting her head and began walking towards the the waterfall as the tempo shifted faster. Angel found this odd and his suspicions were proven right when even his owner wouldn't acknowledge his presence as she nearly stepped on him, seemingly entranced and drawn by the music, losing awareness of everything else. Her irises even shrank a bit and with Angel squeaking to get her attention, she paid him no mind as she continued walking.

Come with me! Someone's over there!

The bunny rushed to Lyriel, pointing at the waterfall and squeaking with worry. He had seen this once before but couldn't place his paw on who was responsible for the previous incident. He had to turn to someone who appeared to be unaffected by this music for help and for now, the other animals nearby didn't really seem to notice the oddity, save for the water sprites.

Edited January 16, 2019 by EQ_Theta

Moonlit · January 16, 2019

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna smiles, "We remember the fight Serenade put up when We offered this house to her" Luna walks around, "You would think We demand that she live in Tartarus for the rest of her life." She turns back, "Let me be the first to Welcome you to Equestria, Kibitz will be touch after we inform him"

Sekel · January 17, 2019

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

Karmic hopped off of Enzo's back as best she could and winced when she landed a bit too hard on her hooves. "Find all the materials. That should not be hard in this giant room," Karmic commented and began to walk towards a particularly bare bookcase that only held a few books in its shelves.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"I've literally got nothing better to do," Aurora told them both, sitting on her haunches. She felt like a third wheel, yes, but she did want to help both Onache and Happy as best she could. Besides, it was fun calling the human Happini. It had a nice sound to it. "But, you're right. It may be of help to you to contact this Thorax. Sounds like a dragonfly to me more than a changeling with that name."

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I can't control my reactions, it's true," Twilight nodded and took a deep breath. She had to get all her thoughts in order. When she had, she beamed at the dragon and looked up at Nerzhei. "I do have time now, yes. Show me the book and tell me why you think I can help."

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"Huh, your mane must have covered the stump. I've never seen a Unicorn with a broken horn before," Watts told Zealous in mild interest. She glanced at the dual changelings and smiled at them. "Francis, I'm sorry for how I reacted. It was an ingrained habit of mine."

Blitz Boom · January 17, 2019

@Rising Dusk

Lily chuckled silently to herself as Scarlet got all hyped about helping Rising with the curse box. Must be a very enthusiastic pony that wasn't usually allowed to do these sort of things, or perhaps a mare with an infatuation towards the detective. Either with some actual emotions, or from her seeing him as somewhat of an authority figure, though either one would cause this sort of reaction, as it were some degree of approval to have an idolized creature find them worthy of helping them with something.

Or perhaps Scarlet were just an easily flustered mare. Considering the area, anything were possible.

Following them into the basement, Lily kept quiet, and when they reached the table, she'd set the curse box on it, and withdraw the key from her hat, which she then placed next to it. Now it were just to wait for the detective to open it.

She so hoped it wouldn't be long. There was so many much she wanted to get off her chest, and it would all start when these two got to work. The ponies of the O.M.I. who kept the citizens of Manehattan and beyond safe from the dark magic that would inevitably rise, either through an evil mind who wished to harness forbidden power for their own needs, of some unfortunate incident, like getting hit with an unintentional curse, magic items that got twisted, and so many other, varied things that were hard to predict. No matter what the reason though, the result remained the same: Something, or some being, would start to hurt others.

Many ages and countries each had their own solutions to dealing with this, ranging from just quarantining an area something were in, to keeping them in locked storage, far away from prying eyes. This were by far the best long term solution though. Removing the object entirely, instead of risking something getting loose, stolen, or misused. A peculiar process to have this done, and to find ponies who could harness the power needed for this grueling and dangerous task, yet a necessary role that many in Equestria were undoubtedly thankful for having, even if they didn't make much use of it themselves. Never knew when one might fall over a cursed rake or something after all.

As for the box itself, Rising might be dealing with some potential alarm as he would open it, as even an inch lifted would release an odor of rot and decay, along with the a sickening magical essence just peaking out. Something which would just get worse as the box would get opened more, and some threads of magic would show a deplorable, disgusting usage of powerful magic of the most forbidden kind: Sacrificial. Something like that didn't just spawn randomly out in the world. It were made deliberately, by some creature who valued life so little that it were nothing but fuel to them. Thankfully it were generally impossible to tell how many had been lost to make the spell, though every life wasted like this were still inexcusable, and any being with a moral compass should feel horrid about being confronted by something made from it. Hay, even ones without it would potentially feel disgusted, as even well known villains tended to find this were going too far.

What were more disturbing than this however, would be the fact that the box was empty. Something had clearly been within this for a long time, seeing how the trace of it were covering the insides in both deplorable magic and grave dirt, yet it appeared to have escaped recently. Or rather, had been let out. Intact curse boxes were specifically made to never allow anything to get out on its own, and this hadn't had a scratch on it.

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

@Moonlit @Catpone Cerberus

"Who is Kibitz?"

It were a very strange name for a pony to have, so perhaps some other kind of creature? Kitsune perhaps? It were one of the races she could remember reading about in the books still left at the old castle, and they tended to have strange, outlandish names. Kibitz might well be one of those, though who could tell what naming were these days? Some ponies might just name their foals unusual names in this day and age, but until she knew otherwise, Cherish would still think it might be one of the pony sized, magical vixens. The name was just not sitting right in her mind otherwise.

"And... I know that i can't be resurrected since dark magic isn't allowed, but uhm... Being free from a small area would also be okay. I can still help others even if I'm dead that way. I like to think that would be why I stayed behind at all. Dunno though, I can't remember anymore."

Such were a thing that saddened Cherish, but she were sure that had to be why she hadn't gone on to the afterlife. Why else would she be stuck here? Had she been afraid of the afterlife? Had she been... Forgotten?

That last one always turned her stomach, and in general she refused to believe in that, or much of the rest. She were a good pony, and she were going for a blissful place after her time ended. There would be nothing to be afraid of there, just like there hadn't been for her little friend for the past several centuries in the castle. Before the strange pony and the bat pony had helped him move on that were.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

The pony just nodded to them in response after taking his bits, then went back over to pick up the axe. He had work to get done before more customers would show up.

Marley would follow out after Ruby went, giving him time to send a glance back towards the pony and what he were doing. It were always weird to see pony hunters and butchers, but the equines were many and varied. Couldn't avoid running into the oddities here and there, and this one had gotten a good business carved out for himself doing what he did best, so it weren't a wasted talent at least, like some others Marley had meant. Head Honcho were another one sort of like this that he knew of, but the less he thought of that mare the better. She tended to make the small feathers on the back of his neck shiver coldly.

"I admit, this stallion were not as I had expected, but it turned out well at least, so I cannot complain. Is there something else you have a need for, or could we perhaps head towards the fishing booths, that I may get something for my own part of our lunch?"

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

@Lucid_Nightlight

"I dunno. Ponies usually freak out when I do this sorta thing. Not fun when you two already broke them."

Anomaly scratched her head, and looked at the weird cops. Especially the guy nibbling on his own tomatoes.

"Guess they'll enjoy it until the stuff falls out at sundown then. So... What do you two think we should do? Scram, or stay and make it difficult for 'em?"

Really weren't any fun that the two others had ruined the locals this much. Honestly, what sorta fun were left for her when she couldn't mess with them? Sure she could still try some things, but if this didn't even make them flinch, what'd the point be? She'd have to go over the top to really get to them, and if she did that, she'd just be declared a villain and then there's be all sorts of trouble. Who wanted to deal with that hassle?

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

@FanOfManyShows

Alright, this was a heavy one to lay down on him. Especially since Chow weren't exactly an impartial one to ask questions in all of this. But well... Here goes he supposed.

"I think that sorta depends on you Astral. If it ain't making you feel good, then perhaps it'd be for the best, but I ain't exactly where I can just push you out and say *go for it*. I like you Astral, which frankly is weirding me out now and again, since I've never had a thought of being together with a pony before, yett for some reason I'm not trying to squeeze away from it when I think of you.

Egotistical answer would be that you should just wait it out 'til I started to look like the sorta stallion you'd care for. However since I care for ya, and don't wanna see you trapped in something that ain't making you happy... Guess my answer's gonna is that if it makes you feel better, then keep your eyes peeled for somepony more in your range, but if things change, you know where I am. Not like I'll leave you two behind just cause of this. You both make my life a hectic mess of crazy and close calls, but honestly I couldn't imagine going back to wandering around on my own again. It'd be lonely without you two.

And don't you worry 'bout my feelings on this Astral. I'll manage, and again, long as I ain't banished from your lives, things are at least alright."

This were probably the best answer he could give to all of this. To want to be the one she'd look on with the sorta look he'd seen couples send to one another, but he didn't want her to be unhappy, so if she felt better by looking elsewhere, then he weren't going to keep her back. He'd be a rotten friend if that were the case.

He sorta wondered what Misty's take were on this, though she likely had whatever side Astral had on this. The young mare were sorta her mother, or at least a big sister kinda thing, and she likely wanted the same they all did: Astral being happy.

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

@FanOfManyShows

On 1/15/2019 at 10:30 PM, FanOfManyShows said:

"If this works, what do you two even plan to do with bodies? if anything you'll only be as powerful as you are now."

"I only took up magic so that I could stay alive, so I would gladly give up every ounce of magic I had if it meant I could have a healthy body of my own."

In a way, she might miss her magic, but for Emerald, it had always been more of a means to an end beyond anything else. She didn't care about obtaining potentially unlimited power, if it couldn't help sustain her, and as that had turned out to be a bust as the elements had shown clearly that they could not be handled by a single being, she could care less. All that mattered were that she could potentially have her own body, at which point one of her first actions might well be to kick Iron in the shins, or flank. He could say what he wanted about Sapphire being the real reason why the two had gotten apart to begin with, but Emerald blamed the both of them. Difference were that she were still strongly connected to her sister, so she could try and forgive. Iron were merely tolerated until she could find a reason to even try to care about him.

On 1/15/2019 at 10:30 PM, FanOfManyShows said:

"But then I died..." Sapphire added, looking to Emerald. "Sorry this is just, how him and me have chit chat. It's mostly due to how he keeps rambling like this."

"You always liked to talk sister. I'm not surprised you matched yourself with one who talks as much as you did. Had our lives gone differently, this might even have made me happy to see, but there is a lot of work ahead of us before I could even consider it now. If your daughter doesn't outright destroy me that is. I imagine she doesn't hold me in high regards after what I've done to you all so far, and her magical potential seems higher than what Sapphire and I managed to accomplish. If she put her mind to it, perhaps she could actually end me."

A kind of compliment, though her tone were one with some degree of worry to it, as there were the slight chance of Astral actually pulling that off, if she were given the right kind of magic to use. As she were right now, she were not much of a threat, but a high potential meant that she could reach untold heights, and do things that Sapphire and her only dreamed off. Potentially, even completing the resurrection spell, if tutored in how to go through every single step, though Emerald would prefer to do so herself. Less potential to cause issues.

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

@Zephyr / Karou

"Bravo. What an absolutely delightful performance."

The smooth, soothing voice came from the open door, where the green *pony* they had seen earlier stood and clapped his hooves with a big smile on his face. Usually that may be a good thing, but they would notice a few things that might not be the most comforting. Mainly that every tooth in the big smile were razor sharp, and more reminiscent of a shark than anything resembling a pony. As for that, this close, it'd be easier to see that his coat had a certain mossy texture to it, along with the more wire-like straws that made for his mane and tail hair, and that the flower on his head were either stapled in, or actually growing out of his skull.

Still, despite the predatory plant appearance he gave off, his demeanor were otherwise friendly. Clapping, keeping a distance, and with a facial expression were one of great joy.

The same could not be said for the one who poked her head halfway around the corner of the door. A timid changeling mare that were looking at the ponies with fear and caution, and strangely enough, with a rather colorful mane, which were unusual for changelings, as they tended to either be bald, have membranous hair, or were changed fully to a real pony. She also had a grey, well used bow on her head, but more were not really possible to see, as so little of her were shown, as if she were afraid that the ponies would hurt her, but she needed to see what happened.

"I'm terribly sorry for interrupting, but we heard your magnificent music from down the street and I simply had to come and hear who were playing so masterfully. I must say, you both have some incredible talent for the musical arts, though I could swear that the voice were somewhat familiar. Have you sung at other venues by chance, miss?

Ah, but where are my manners. Briar Trapjaw, at your service."

He bowed to them as gallantly as if he had grown up around the Canterlot nobles.

"And this is my ward, Brittle Buzz. Please excuse her for her silence, but she is a very timid mare, that takes time to warm up towards others."

Briar did everything he could to not show himself to be a danger towards others most of the time, but the teeth were hard to keep hidden, so oftentimes he didn't bother. Sooner or later everypony figured out that he wasn't a regular pony regardless, and having sharp teeth were hardly the weirdest thing that he could show of his physique. Weren't as if he were presenting what were beneath his cape after all.

So far, he kept his eyes closed too, as he didn't want this meeting to begin with him catching a glimpse and then holding his head. Having only recently gained eyes, he still had a long road ahead of him getting used to the onslaught of colors and such that came from suddenly having sight, and it would likely be months, or even years before he could keep them up. Fortunate that he could still rely on his ears and the flow of wind, which had done him well enough so far.

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

@EQ_Theta

Yazma would argue some with what Sen said, but as mentioned, she had a class to run soon, so she just left him be to his own devices for the time being, with one guard she knew of standing near, just in case. Like most others here though, he were of course out of sight as well, and Sen should not notice his presence at all, unless he bumped into him, which seemed unlikely, for the time being.

Besides, he'd have enough to do with the random pokes, small yips, and giggles that were whispered every now and again as he were treated mainly as a sort of class pet by the faculty at large. Mostly the small ones, as the elder would do some more stuff if they had the chance, but they either didn't have the time, or were in other parts of this place. It might end up feeling like a long time for the poor longma.

Meanwhile, with Lin, Omen tried again to follow what she were said with the moving gates, yet once again, only managed to distort it, and making it look like kind of a tube before closing it again. Could well be that this were just Lin's thing, as she were a more special case than Omen, with being made of many kinds of magic, mixed with Mother's realm.

The question that came not long after had her pause and think for a few minutes though. Had she ever tried to combine her gates with others before? Sometimes it happened with her own, especially when Master Discord had wanted her to move a lot of things at once, and it just kinda happened, but with others? That sounded like a weird thing to do.

"...I don't know. Can't remember mixing with others before. We could try?"

(if Lin had enough energy for it)

It actually would work, which were a strange look for Omen, but she weren't really doing much either. Mainly she was just adding some volume to Lin's strained portal, and then either following her lead in how much more were needed, or let the longma control it on her own. Regardless of what were going on in details, Scarcity's shop would soon have the statue she wanted in her possession, which meant that they could go and ask for their payment. Omen would even be able to take them there, as she could follow the trail of the statue, since it had some of their *smell* on it.

(if Lin didn't have the juice)

The whole thing collapsed before the statue were even getting near it, but they had tried at least, that had to count for something. It did make Omen curious about something though, which could perhaps help them? She weren't sure.

"You can open a tiny Portal... Shrimp goes through, then I open gates following him? Weird pony can have help moving the statue then?"

Shrimp would likely not like being on his own, but if it would only be for a few seconds. That shouldn't be too bad, and it would help them get the statue to the mare who wanted it, so they could get the things to help put Filigree away for a long time. Hopefully at least, as there wouldn't be many days before a trial had to go through, and her destiny would be decided.

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

@EQ_Theta

On 1/16/2019 at 6:42 AM, EQ_Theta said:

It wasn't a feature noticed by the pegasus as she was focused on tending to the water sprites who jumped out of Fluttershy's hooves and back into the water, letting out a distressed squeal before disappearing into the clear surface upon seeing her dryad guest. And it wasn't just them who noticed the unfamiliar visitor's presence.

Lyriel felt saddened about this response from the water spirits. Perhaps she were a being who drank water, but she would never hurt other sons and daughters of nature. How she hoped that one day they would rise and speak with her, yet today, that did not seem to be their intent, no matter how long she stood motionless and starred at the surface of the water. Fluttershy may have some idea of how she could connect them another time too. Expanding their pond for example? It were well within her regular powers, so if it may work, she would do so. In due time at least.

And speaking of Fluttershy, it seemed that the mare had wandered away from the pond. A strange thing, as she would have thought that the mare would stay and console the watery creatures, but surely she had a reason for this. Though what may that be? She had responded to questions that Lyriel had not heard before, but had thought might have come from her watery brethren, and she just couldn't hear them, so she had not thought much of it.

Then the singing had suddenly started. A strange tune that Lyriel couldn't say that she had heard before, and Fluttershy had wandered off. Although... The way she had spoken before going, were rather strange actually. It were as if she just drifted off and were drawn to the music.

"Fluttershy? Are you okay?"

She likely didn't get an answer, but she wouldn't need to either, when she saw the mare ignoring Angel. Through everything she had heard and seen of Fluttershy, the mare would never just ignore an animal, and especially not one who wandered with her through thick and thin like this.

On 1/16/2019 at 6:42 AM, EQ_Theta said:

Her irises even shrank a bit and with Angel squeaking to get her attention, she paid him no mind as she continued walking.

Come with me! Someone's over there!

Lyriel didn't hesitate as the bunny came to her for help, and rose up to follow him and Fluttershy. Worry had started to settle in her chest now, over what were going on. Where someone hypnotizing Fluttershy? If so, why? Where they trying to get her to wander into the waterfall and drown? She would drag the mare out of there if it came to that, but if it were an enemy who would wander out and attack, there would not be much the dryad could do. She barely had enough energy to summon a single vine to wrap around someone, much less fight of an actual threat.

"Angel, do you know what's going on? Is she in danger?"

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

@Dji

All the books would likely look like gibberish to Karmic, seeing as they were in draconic, though one of the books actually seemed to be in equine, strangely enough. A manual on how to raise guard dogs, which considering everything, had likely been used to gain some ideas on how to work with Enzo, then gotten combined with varied magic to smooth the process out for them. If she opened the books and saw the cliff notes, things deleted, and diagrams written here and there, it should paint a depressing picture of how little they had cared for some of the key points, which mainly revolved around the love and care required. They just wanted to train obedience, which hadn't worked out as well as they likely would've hoped.

Enzo in the meantime, were using strips of cloth to grab whatever he could see, polish the worst of the dust off, and then put it in the middle. All but a small thing which he viewed with big eyes, then hidden away underneath his necklace. If Aurora had been quick, she might have spotted a plushie or animal tail of some kind getting stored away, but Enzo weren't saying anything, and just kept on with gathering things. Whatever it were, it seemed he didn't want the attention to be on it.

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

@Dji

"Thorax is leader of the first hive of reformed changeling, and the only king. It is one reason why I have long held distaste for him, as one who cannot spawn eggs, is not worthy of leading a hive. That is for us who provides life to do.

Now though, I know not what to think anymore, and I wonder if this new life means that we reproduce the same way. If we don't, I will have to adapt my own hive, and if we do, the king needs to find himself a queen who can tolerate him to convert, or his hive will slowly wither away into nothing. His hive holds several of my old drones, so I have a small interest in having them flourish, now that I have been made to put my grudges aside. We will see if they can do the same, or if they will judge me for past deeds."

Things would not go well if that were the case at least, but they would see what were to come. Either way it would be a memorable meeting, as either they would be able to actually discuss hive business, or she would be imprisoned and stay there until she were dust. They'd see.

"Shouldn't we write him a letter or something then? If his hive is working with the ponies, perhaps they'll take a letter that way?"

"Potentially. Travel to Ponyville and find out Happy, and take Aurora with you. I require peace to think."

The queen sat back on her throne, and starred unblinkingly down on the two changelings. Happy were more than ready to get on his way at once, but their eyes were directed on Aurora, who after all had a choice in the matter. She weren't part of this hive, but a guest, and so she weren't bound to follow the command of the queen.

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

@Dji

"Very well, but keep your enthusiasm in check. I cannot risk this book gets damaged."

Nerzhei reached down into her bag, and pulled out a large book, packed tightly in several layers of cured leather, to keep it safe from any bumps, bruises, and rain.

Unpacking it, would reveal a surprisingly pristine looking book, with only some scratches on the outside to show that it had actually been used. There was no title on the side, but the front would hold a picture of what seemed like a dragon with wings folding down, embracing either a unicorn or alicorn, with a glowing horn, holding up a curled up creature with a long, scaled tail, leathery wings, and hooves. A title were above, but Nerzhei had not been able to decipher it yet, and it were doubtful that Twilight could either, though she might find parts of it eerily familiar to some version of ancient equine.

Nerzhei wouldn't stop on that for long though, but instead opened it up and folded up on a particular page, which had been one of what had really been what had caught her attention, as like with many others, this had a depiction in it. One of the gate to an immense city, with many varied figures wandering in or out. Mainly dragons and ponies, though the same reptilian equine that had been depicted on the front, seemed to be prominent here too in varied sizes. The depictions weren't exactly high on details, but what could be seen had some implications that had befuddled Nerzhei when she found the book, and made her a hated outcast to those who she told about it. At least among the dragons.

"I found this book in an ancient, watertight box in the ocean, near Dragon Land, hidden under much rock, sand and varied debris that had been swept away in a storm. I have not been able to decipher much of it yet, but it seems to be a history book of a great nation untold years ago, where dragons, ponies, and what is either hybrids, or another race closely resembling both species lived. The other dragons refused to believe me that this were real, and wished to destroy it for what they called blasphemous lies, but I know that it is real. Alcalanus, the oldest of elder dragons, who have lived for over twenty thousand years, have said that he knew of this nation, and he tells no lies.

The language in this tells a tale of its own too, with it carrying trace of ancient draconian, and what I've found to be ancient equine as well, which have been nearly impossible to translate with the lack of books from this country I have had access to.

I believe this to depict a time before the dragon and pony hostility, when our kind lived in harmony, and might tell what actually began this seemingly eternal fight between our kinds. Have you never wondered why history have always shown us as fighting? Never getting along? What started it might well be in this book, and it is my life's purpose as a scholar to bring this story to the world. I could use the help of a like-minded individual though, and you are a huge collector of knowledge. Surely you too would want to know what once were, and perhaps even how to settle a dispute so ancient that none remains who can even remember the cause."

This were one of only two books found on this nation, as others had likely been destroyed, along with every other trace of the civilization untold years ago. The other book were in Canterlot, in a certain antique store, but was in a far worse condition and were only painfully slowly being restored before it could even be attempted to be deciphered. This pristine copy that had clearly been hidden to leave some evidence of what once were by somepony in ages past, were likely the only real chance Twilight would have of studying a completed copy. A very special opportunity for somepony who prided themselves in being well read.

Moonlit · January 17, 2019

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus "Kibitz is Our Royal scheduling advisor and a close aide to both myself and my Sister, and he handles the Non-Pony Integration and Relief Organization." Luna looks over at Cherish, "As I said, We will consult the Archives when We return to Canterlot, their must be something there that can help".

The air is broken by a high-pitched SKREEE from outside the front door, followed by the sound of muted laughter.

Lucid_Nightlight · January 17, 2019

@Blitz Boom

"Don't worry, it's only them who react this way to this situation. They are crazy for fruits and vegetables for some reason."

"Let me try something!"

Novia clapped her front hoof and front paw, then suddenly the officers had new manes. This time they were made of fries and hayburgers. All three of them ran away screaming.

"You just gotta know what makes them tick."

Early Sunsets · January 17, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Zephyr and Sun Fire turned towards the door, surprised to have an audience. They were even more surprised to see the strange pony from earlier, along with what appeared to be a changeling peering around the door. From this close, they could see that his coat looked less like fur and more like grass or moss, and his mane looked like it had a strange texture to it. Zephyr and Sun Fire shot each other a confused glance. What was he, exactly?

Zephyr opened his mouth to greet Briar, but Sun Fire spoke before he could start. "Thank you very much. I'm Sun Fire, and this is my twin brother Zephyr." She said. "We've performed in Manehattan before, and I sang with Songbird Serenade up until recently. I was with her on most of her tours across Equestira the past few years, so it's definitely possible you might recognize me."

Zephyr cast a surprised glance at Sun Fire. He had hoped singing that particular song would make her feel better, but she already almost seemed like she was back to normal. Smiling to himself, he began taking his saxophone apart and drying everything off before he put it away. He never liked putting an instrument up with moisture inside of it, since it causes more problems down the road. He looked at Brittle out of the corner of his eye as he closed the case for his saxophone and slid it onto a shelf. She didn't seem like she was going to come out from behind the door anytime soon at this rate. Zephyr flashed the friendliest smile he could at the unusual changeling, hoping to make her feel more comfortable.

He turned back around as Sun Fire finished introducing them. "She wrote that song herself, you know. She's quite good at it. What did you think of the lyrics?" Zephyr said. Sun Fire shot him an anxious glance, but he just shrugged nonchalantly in return.

EQ_Theta · January 18, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Lin tried once more to get a small gate going, moving forward and backward but her exhaustion was getting the best of her. In this state, she was exerting too much energy and she barely had much to begin with. Static gates were normal and didn't cause anything more than mild discomfort. These got her looking weak, unable to stand upright without pushing herself to do so. And as she began to try a larger gate and merging with Omen's, the entry point collapsed and dissipated almost as soon as it appeared.

"Can't do that anymore. Let's try your idea, Omen." She looked to Shrimp and gently scratched his chin. "Shrimp, I'm going to need your help. I'll open a gate to a shop in Canterlot, big enough for you to go across. You'll be alone but we won't take long; Omen will find you soon after. All I'm asking is for you to not move around much once you get across, okay?"

The longma stepped back and opened tiny gate at Omen's feet. Should be sufficient in size for the little creature though the she can be seen visibly exerting more effort than usual. She would keep it open for as long as Shrimp needed to get across. Once accomplished, it was time for Omen to find Shrimp and open a way back for Lin. Hopefully an attending guard will notice and Lin will be able to explain the rest. No need for things to get complicated and Scarcity might hopefully be waiting nearby. Their deadline was nearing and she would likely be anticipating their arrival.

As for Sen, his meditative state was a very... trying one. Though he had some things to think over, personal affairs and lingering thoughts that sometimes disturbed him in his quiet moments, nothing seemed to grate on his nerves more like the incessant poking and whispering he could feel. At any moment, he could burst in irritation and immediately scan the surrounding area for the ones responsible. But he needed more restraint, and knowing how unfamiliar he is with anything going on at the moment, decided to begrudgingly treat what was happening as a test. A test of resolve and discipline, a test of consciously reeling back his impulses, all that he could do while time passed slower than even he could imagine. If only the whispering wouldn't drive him to quiet madness....

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

@Blitz Boom

Fluttershy ignored Lyriel's question, didn't even bat an eye or look in her general direction. Her motions weren't stilted but still unnaturally rigid as her main focus was just at the waterfall. The singing grew more intense, louder to the point that it might even be more audible than the waterfall itself. Nearby, the water sprites were swimming alongside and moving against the current. If one were to observe the surface of the water, several shimmering, near-invisible streaks were moving along.

The last time this happened, she and the rest of Ponyville were hypnotized into acting like this. They nearly flooded the town!

Angel led Lyriel to the side of the waterfall and that was about as far as his planning got him. He knows something is in there and he can't just pluck it out. Lyriel might not be able to do so either. He was aware that they might be dealing with a water-based creature and the presence of the water sprites had some connection to it. He thought about it for some time, though the longer he did, the closer an entrached Fluttershy got. Where had he seen this before? And who did it?

Unexpectedly, Fluttershy stopped just at the edge of the bank and looked up to the top of the falls. There she stood, staring at nothing though the music was at its loudest and most intense. Angel picked up on this and decided to try lobbing a pebble into the wall of water to see if something were to happen. Though obviously expecting nothing more than the water to pass through, he heard a loud thud and the music abruptly halted.

"Oww!!! Can't I at least finish my song without interruptions?! I was almost done!" The source of the singing and annoyed voice came forth a creature bearing equine and serpentine features. A row of gills, showing pectoral fins, and a fin rays along a sleek blue body emerged and dropped to the bottom of the falls. Unlike the seaponies or sirens, there is a distinct lack of hooves or analogue of such. The giant splash of water on the bottom crashed into Fluttershy, awakening her from her trance.

"Huh? Wh-what am I doing here? What's going on?" She looked up to see a familiar face, curious as to who it was along with a visible swollen bump that doesn't belong on it. "Cassie? Is that you?"

"Aye! Good to see you again! Though honestly, you could learn to use your ears better." Cassie glanced towards pegasus' visitor, she swam for a closer look at the dryad and examined her. Odd but in her defense, she never met one let alone know there were such entities like Lyriel. Then once she noticed Angel, she gave him a stern look. A reminder of a past event that the bunny clearly recognized as he sneered back. Clearly the two still have some lingering issues.

"Angry little bunny aside, let me introduce myself. The name's Cassie and I am a kelpie. Heard Fluttershy's got a good thing going on here and I wanted to have a look-see. You certainly don't look like you're from around these parts but don't worry, I don't mean any harm."

Angel hopped up over to Lyriel's ear and whispered, full of animosity hiding under his breath.

I don't trust her. Not after what she did to Fluttershy last time. She may be nice now but sooner or later, she'll go back to hypnotizing ponies to do her bidding.

Edited January 18, 2019 by EQ_Theta

Catpone Cerberus · January 18, 2019

@Moonlit @Blitz Boom

Nada thanked Luna for her welcomes with a thankful bow, she was going to ask who Kibitz was, but Cherish beat her to it, so she just stayed quiet and listened Luna's answer. When the sudden high-pitched sound came, Nada immediately fled to the water, she wasn't necessary scared, but it had came from out of nowhere enough to make her jump, and thus cause her instincts to fire up.

@Blitz Boom

"I can always appreciate a fellow hunter." Ruby replied summarizing her opinion on the stallion, there was something twisted about pony hunters, a prey hunting prey, and that was interesting to her. "And sure let's go, wouldn't want a poor bird like yourself to starve while I enjoy a nice snack." she was starting to warm up to Marley a bit now, though it basically just meant that she tolerated him a bit more, he was just a talking bird for her still.

@Widdershins

On the edge of Ponyville, was an interesting sigh, as what from far looked like full grown stallion, was rolling on the ground, playing with small army of cats, but if one was to take a closer look, they would find that it wasn't actually just a stallion, but instead it was what looked like hybrid between a stallion and a cat. He was Cerberus, a catpony, it was unclear where he had originally came from, or why his name was Cerberus, but those who knew him, knew him as a helpful and kind, and they knew that regardless of his cat-like quirks, he could be like anypony else if situation required so.

It wasn't really known where he spend his nights, but during the day he could be usually found spending time with varying amount of cats somewhere out of the way of normal ponies, or eating somewhere, usually in Sugarcube corner.

Moonlit · January 18, 2019

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Luna rolls her eyes and walks over to the door, and opens it. Outside are her two guards, one with her buried in Serenade's saddle bags, the other on his back munching on a mango. Serenade just sits there with a goofy grin, "Sorry Your Majesty, but the Mango's were on sale" She winks.

Rising Dusk · January 19, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Rising Dusk let Scarlet lead the trio down into the O.M.I's basement where they two wizards he left there doing their own research appear to have already left. Probably while he was taking a little power nap, leaving the basement empty again. Not taking up station at the first table like the detective liked to use. It was odd, but each member of the O.M.I. had a particular table in the basement they liked to use, even if it really didn't matter. These weren't the more personalized desks they had up in the main office after all. The red pegasus lead them to about the fifth table in from the door. "Okay, we'll work here?" she asked, but it felt like more to herself as after doing so she spread her wings and fluttered away to the shelves. The unicorn didn't even bother to reply and just simply pulled a stool out for Lily before taking a seat at another.

Scarlet had been an unfortunate victim of a spell gone wrong many moons back. Just a small group of friends hanging out and a hot head unicorn trying to show off with a spell he read from a library book and knew nothing about. Sadly the spell ran amuck and Scarlet was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was taken to the hospital and Rising Dusk was eventually called upon when the pegasus was starting to take a turn for the worse. After dispelling her of the harmful magic, she had become obsessed with the world of magic. Studying hard, reading every book she could get her hoofs on, which in the world of dispel magic is quite limited, and after applying many times, she managed to join the ranks of the O.M.I. some moons later. Still their newest rookie, even if she'd been with the agency for about a year by now. Four solved cases under her wings and assistance in a dozen other investigations, she was quite the smart mare, if somewhat easily excitable.

The pegasus soon returned to their table with several objects cradled in her hoofs. Laying them out on the table. A heavy bronze compass with a needle that slowly spun round and round. A bundle of twine that appeared to have some sort of clear glaze coating it. A purple compact mirror similar to those a pony sees show-mares using to apply their makeup backstage. And lastly, a rusty old horseshoe. Of course, none of these objects were as simple as they appeared and served as great examples on how such work can be performed by pony that didn't have the unique abilities the Spell Breaker of Manehatten had.

Scarlet looked over at the detective for approval. Rising Dusk looked over the objects, "Spores and pollen?" he inquired. Fluttering in mid air she winced and looked off into the distance while she tapped her chin with her hoof in thought. Then like a light bulb coming on, she brightened up and sped off to the other end of the basement. Returning with a small pouch and dropping it on the table. Rising Dusk nodded, "Fine work officer, that covers the basics." As predictable, Scarlet hoof pump the air in excitement and then flew down to join them at the table.

"Alright! If I may, Sir?" she asked, reaching over to start working. He nodded, happy to play support and give the pegasus some experience and practice. Her wings flexed for a moment as her smile light up. Leaning in close, she examined the box. Looking over it for hidden runes, etched magic circles, booby traps, hidden compartments and took note of any damage. There was some damage one would expect from an hold lock box. Dents and dings along with some scratches. Positioning the large compass in front of the cursed box, making sure the N for North was pointed at it. Next she wrapped the twine around the box in a way that didn't hinder it from opening. Taking the purple compact she opened it up to reveal the powder pad, "Alright Ms. Monkshade. Let's take a look at what you got here," she giggled with giddy glee. Picking up the key with her mouth, she inserted it into the lock just as Rising Dusk ignited his horn with magic for whatever surprises were to spring out. Turning the key with a resounding click, she let go and straightened back up. Blowing a cloud of powder out over the lock box she then opened the lid of the box quickly.

There was a sharp hiss as the twine around the box lit up like a candle wick. Rising could see the alarm enchantment get 'sucked' up by the wick and burned away. It did nothing for the odor of decay though as both O.M.I. officers caught a whiff of it and wrinkled their noses. The compass needle spun around once and pointed South. Her eyes glanced from the cloud of powder, to the pouch she collected last, to the rusty horseshoe then finally looked inside the box. "Uh... It's empty," she reported, a bit of disappointment in her tone. Rising Dusk concluded the same. There was magical residue that told of something that use to be in there, but no longer was. The smell and the residue told him everything he needed to know, but for training purposes. "Compass?" he asked, keeping her focused. She quickly snapped back to attention, "O-Oh! The compass points South, hard ping, no waiver. Sacrificial magic," she broken down the readings and reported the result. Wanting to go further, "Zero Aster Powder disturbance, no vapors. No Goust Runes on the pouch, no spores or pollen. Giest's Shoe unmoving, no curses. Harmony Twine burned, one or more trigger enchantments removed." The detective nodded. If she had brought some Mana Dew to put a few droplets in the box, she'd be able to determine how recently the object had been removed. That was enough though for the unicorn.

"It would appear Ms. Monkshade that your lock box has been opened recently. Who else might have access to the key?" he inquired, keeping his tone friendly as to not accuse of anything. The lock could have been picked, but from what he could tell, magic had not opened the box.

Blitz Boom · January 19, 2019

@Moonlit @Catpone Cerberus

On 1/17/2019 at 8:48 PM, Moonlit said:

"Kibitz is Our Royal scheduling advisor and a close aide to both myself and my Sister, and he handles the Non-Pony Integration and Relief Organization." Luna looks over at Cherish, "As I said, We will consult the Archives when We return to Canterlot, their must be something there that can help".

"No rush Princess Luna. I'm sure you have many things to do and I-"

The skree that suddenly came in the middle of her *Thank you, but you probably have better things to do first* kind of speak made Cherish jump in surprise and fizzle out of sight. At the same time, a heavy object nearby (table or shelf) would get yanked a good half meter across the floor. An instinctual reaction more than anything, and if something fell down, Cherish would catch it with magic.

What had just made that sound? Were they being attacked? Had somepony found this a good time to lure the princess into a trap and then come to finish her off? No, thankfully it were just Serenade, with her bag full of thestral muzzle that were apparently looking for a mango. The bizarre sight of that, as well as the one on the ground holding one of those fruits, were a potent distraction that helped calm her down before things went haywire, though it also filled her head with so many questions about what she were looking at.

She'd slowly get back into view, and look between the guards and Serenade, before finally vocalizing some of what were on her mind.

"Why are they... What?"

She knew so little about bat ponies that she really had no idea if this were normal or not, but it didn't make this anything less of a weird sight to her, and it was leaving her pretty dumbfounded, and unsure what to even really say to it.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Marley laughed at Ruby's remark about him. It were a clever little condescending comment that sounded as if were meant in jest, though even if it weren't, he couldn't say that he wouldn't have just said the same thing in her stead. He did honestly made it too easy not to, now that he thought back on his own words.

"Very well, let's proceed with haste then."

Backtracking where they came from, Marley eventually took a turn and led them into the street, where basically no one were. This part of town dealt mostly with dragons and griffons these days, and not everypony were too comfy around them, so it tended to be somewhat scarce around here. So instead of a bustling street, they'd find two griffons working on putting fresh catches on display on the waiting boxes of ice, three looking around the presented things, and the tail of a small dragon leaving the area being possible to catch out of the corner of their eyes, if they looked to the left. The smell of fish going the same way seemed to indicate that he or she had purchased something here.

Marley's eyes were drawn to one specific fish though, that the others didn't seem to care much for. A dark fish with a silvery pattern of scales and long, translucent wings, around the length of his arm, and not much thicker than an eel. It were kinda pretty, but it usually didn't amass to much more than that in most beings eyes. Still, they tended to filter into the nets now and again when they hunted for small fish, so it weren't uncommon to catch one, and it might as well be put on stand like the rest, rather than get thrown out. Seemed like a waste to do that.

The transaction were rather brief. He got the attention of one of the griffons setting up the stall - a somewhat lanky fellow with freckles on his feathers - and asked for the entire fish, filleted into four portions. Seeing as they likely weren't getting it sold otherwise, he agreed, handed it to his associate who started chopping, whilst Marley paid the five bits the thing were being sold for, thanked the fisherman, and then began moving back to Ruby.

"My business here are done. Would you like for us to withdraw to a more private setting?"

The glimmer in his eyes were one of amusement, as he well knew how it could sound, though he had just meant for them to scram so that Ruby and him could eat in peace, without having curious and worried eyes on her meat-eating self. What, he were not allowed to have some fun on her expense too?

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

@Lucid_Nightlight

"Y'know I don't blame them. Fried food tasted yucky."

She wasn't exactly sure what it were with the frying process, but something about it just ruined the taste of things for Anomaly, and if she could, she'd avoid it in favor of something more sensible. Like rusty barbwire.

"So is your version of food hair permanent? I usually just let it last a day or something like that, but I dunno how long you like to mess with folks. Forever?"

Lucid she had some vague idea about, when it came to how far he'd go on regular folks, but Novia weren't that easy. She hadn't done a lot, and they had only met like what, a half hour or something ago? Not at all time enough to really get to know somepony, and especially not when Lucid and herself had done most of the crazy stuff in that time.

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

@Zephyr / Karou

On 1/18/2019 at 12:40 AM, Zephyr / Karou said:

"Thank you very much. I'm Sun Fire, and this is my twin brother Zephyr." She said. "We've performed in Manehattan before, and I sang with Songbird Serenade up until recently. I was with her on most of her tours across Equestira the past few years, so it's definitely possible you might recognize me."

"Ah yes, Songbird Serenade. That must have been with whom I heard your voice before. I believe I ran across one of her concerts last year in... Deltrot, I believe the name were. A very noisy town, yet I remember the sounds of the concert fondly. A welcome break in an otherwise middling visit to one of this country's larger cities."

Briar lit up as he made a connection as to where he had heard this voice before. It might have been in the town before Deltrot though. He weren't entirely certain, as they sounded much alike in the amount of noise that came from all around him, but regardless of where it had been, the fond memory of hearing one of Songbird's concerts were a treasured one, and to think that he had now wandered into one who sang with her? What a surprising coincident, yet one of the more pleasant ones for certain, especially as it were clear to hear before that Sun were very capable of singing on her own, and not just together with another. Some singers only reached their vocal harmony in groups, and sounded absolutely ghastly when on their own, at least in his experiences.

On 1/18/2019 at 12:40 AM, Zephyr / Karou said:

"She wrote that song herself, you know. She's quite good at it. What did you think of the lyrics?"

"I found the lyrics to be very emotional. I must admit with some degree of shame though, that I did not follow all of what were being said within it, as my mind were occupied with other things on occasion. Yet I highly enjoyed what I did follow of that. From the sound of it, it must have been quite a life you two have lived, if the lyrics carry some semblance to your own existence."

He wandered closer, slowly, as to allow Brittle to follow him, which she did without saying a thing. There'd be no real surprises when her entire form got into view, except for the long, multicolored tail, and even around Briar, the changeling mare were acting and looking at Sun and Zephyr as if she expected them both to attack her, and the friendly smile from Zephyr had not done anything to change that so far. If they knew the stance she took with her head crouched almost to the ground and looking the way up towards them, they might find a semblance to that of an abused animal, which were pretty much the best description there were of Brittle. A sharp contrast to the confident Briar, who stopped his walk when he were a meter away from the two ponies.

"I hope it is not too personal, and if it is I apologize for the invasion of your privacy, but may I ask what a pair of highly skilled musicians, such as yourselves, are doing here in Ponyville? I mean no disrespect to the locals, as they have been nothing but kind to even one such as myself, I merely mean it in a sense that at least you, Sun, have been travelling with whom I believe to have heard are quite a successful musician, so I find it somewhat odd that you have chosen to settle in a rural area such as this. Were you perhaps in need of some time to clear your head?"

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

@EQ_Theta

On 1/18/2019 at 7:18 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Shrimp, I'm going to need your help. I'll open a gate to a shop in Canterlot, big enough for you to go across. You'll be alone but we won't take long; Omen will find you soon after. All I'm asking is for you to not move around much once you get across, okay?"

Shrimp looked up at Lin as she told him what she wanted him to do. Omen were what he considered his *mother*, and listened to her as much as he could, since he didn't understand everything that were going on, but Lin had been much the same to him the days when Omen had been gone, and he tended to find most of the same degree of comfort from the mixed longma as he did from her. In parts because of her having helped raising him at an early age as well, and in parts because she had a familiar smell to his *mother* which made it easier for his young mind to comprehend her as a friend.

As such, while if Sen had asked him this, she might simply had hissed at the longma, Shrimp were willing to try and do what was asked of him. He didn't understand all of it, but being directed towards the tiny gate that seemed just his size made it look like that is what they were asking of him. This would be a test of trust, as if they left him alone for long, he'd be unlikely to do this again anytime soon. Plus there were the odds of him causing untold chaos if he got spooked or felt threatened. Even if the glitter beams couldn't do any real damage to living creatures, other things getting destroyed would still be unfortunate, to put it mildly.

So he went through, and slithered towards somewhere else out of sight. Likely some kind of cover. They'd see soon, as Omen began working right away and opened a gate that Lin and her could go through, where they'd find themselves back in the chaotic, dark realm that she needed to connect with to get anywhere else.

They got the usual looks of curiosity from the unformed siblings, but they were kept alone, and Omen were too focused on finding the way forth to interact with them, looking in many different directions before finally, she appeared to find her way.

They would open up a gate right behind a pedestal with a large vase surrounded by a thick glass box, inside a - to Lin - familiar antique store. A couple of nobles stood nearby and scurried away when the gate shoved, though another seemed like he hadn't noticed. The fancy dressed clerk were standing with a broomstick and poking away beneath a nearby dresser, where Shrimp could be heard hissing bellow, and from the shaking happening to the broom, were attacking it.

"Urgh, to think that a rodent slid in here. What will Miss Scarcity think?"

"Not a rodent. He is Shrimp."

The clerk cringed at the voice and now finally took notice of the strange pony and longma mixture, along with the gate, which seemed to finally make him understand that this were above his pay grade. So he dropped the broom, stumbled away, and fell on his flank in his clumsy attempt to get away.

Shrimp in the meantime, slid out from under the dresser, and climbed up Lin as fast as he could slither and claw his way up there, and wouldn't stop until he reached her head. At that point, he'd look over the few customers, the clerk, and all the items, then raise his head as highly towards the ceiling as he could, and roar.

"Shriiiiiimp!"

It were about as threatening as hearing a bird chirp, and the nobles for one seemed more dumbfounded that anything, though the clerk seemed to be about to just curdle up and cry. He had no training in what to do in a situation like this, and it weren't really helping that the unformed ones were getting curious and looked through the gate whilst whispering. Because dozens of shadowy eyes and whispers in an unknown tongue were surely going to help them seem the good beings.

At the same time, back at the school, the poking and whispering would begin to dry up slowly, as the students would have to get to their varied classes, though Sen could expect to be the big talking point for a while now, and soon as the next break came, he'd find the attention wouldn't exactly be lessened. Far from it actually, which the guard silently keeping an eye on him knew. From what he had seen, the longma did an impressive job stopping himself from going mental from the attention he just got, so that were impressive, but kits were relentless. Especially if they didn't get a reaction, which the younger ones tended to think just meant they could keep doing things since it apparently weren't a big deal. Sen better hope that Rosa were possible to visit before that, or his patience would be tested to the breaking point.

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

@EQ_Theta

On 1/18/2019 at 7:18 AM, EQ_Theta said:

The last time this happened, she and the rest of Ponyville were hypnotized into acting like this. They nearly flooded the town!

This were not filling her with confidence about what were going on. Rather, it just made her fear what sort of creature they were actually dealing with. Some kind of sea monster? She had never seen one, but then again, Lyriel had only seen the sea once, and that were when she had crossed it with the ponies and Nerzhei to get to Equestria. What hid beneath the tides, and in general in the waters of this country, she hadn't a clue, yet it seemed she were about to meet one of the nastier things to live in the waters now. To be controlling minds and trying to flood towns... What a disastrous creature this must be.

Getting closer, Lyriel could actually hear the song now, and though it were beautiful, she could certainly hear the alluring tones in it, that threatened to drag her mind along too. Not something she enjoyed, and seeing what it did to Fluttershy were making her worry what the creature might do to the poor pony. Make her wander into the water and drown? No, that couldn't happen. perhaps if she focused, she may be able to grow a vine to wrap around the pegasus, and draw her back into the-

On 1/18/2019 at 7:18 AM, EQ_Theta said:

Angel picked up on this and decided to try lobbing a pebble into the wall of water to see if something were to happen. Though obviously expecting nothing more than the water to pass through, he heard a loud thud and the music abruptly halted.

"Oww!!! Can't I at least finish my song without interruptions?! I was almost done!"

Angel instead saved the day, with a well placed stone throw, seemingly hitting the originator of the song and causing the distinct feminine voice to get interrupted. What might have happened if the creature - as she had said - had been allowed to finish though? Would Fluttershy have jumped in, or been unable to be taken out of her mesmerized state? In a sense she wondered, yet Lyriel prayed that she would never be faced with the answer to that question, as the implications were disturbing for her.

The creature came forth now, revealing itself to be a... Fish pony of some kind? She had heard creatures in the forest talk about one such creature before, luring others in with their singing, who were hiding in a deep, dark pool. A... Siren? Were this what this were? The description seemed to match down to a tee at least, with the singing, equine and serpentine features, and living in water. It were smaller than she had expected though.

Then the creature and Fluttershy began to talk, and things became really strange. Apparently they were friends, the creature were called Cassie, and she were a Kelpie? So there were several kinds of fish ponies now? And why would she hypnotize her own friend? Something told her that there were some story around this that explained it, but standing where she were, she would agree with Angel wholeheartedly. Cassie were not one that she could trust right on the spot either, and though she would try and put her warmest smile on to seem friendly, and would try to give the kelpie the benefit of the doubt, Lyriel were going to approach the creature with some degree of caution.

"I welcome you Cassie, daughter of the river. My name is Lyriel, the last true dryad from the Silver Valley, in the land of dragons."

She would bow her neck before the kelpie, and at the same time, send Angel a knowing look, to try and let him know that she were on his side in this. Though many from her homeland believed bunnies to be slow witted and not understanding much of what were going around, she had found that some back home, as well as in this land, were more cunning than they were given credit for, and could understand far more of a situation than one may think. Angel were one of the smarter ones from what she could see, and she had faith in both his ability to understand what she meant, as well as his opinion of Cassie being made from a bad experience that one should take heed in.

"I know not the story between you all, but I bear great concern for what I just witnessed, and beg of you to not sway more minds. The ponies are my friends, and I wish not for them to be harmed, or swallowed by the tides."

It were not said with prejudice in mind, but Lyriel wanted it to be known that she cared deeply about keeping her equine friends safe, and if need be, she would rise to their defense, though she'd much prefer if they did not have to fight. A reason why she pleaded to Cassie about not doing to Fluttershy again what she had just before.

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

@Rising Dusk

16 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"It would appear Ms. Monkshade that your lock box has been opened recently. Who else might have access to the key?"

"Just me. I used it earlier on the behest of my master, to free the danger he once set upon my family."

Lily leaned back and laughed at the two ponies. Such a wasteful amount of things they had gathered, just to find that nothing had been there at all in the end. It were almost comical if it weren't so pathetic.

"I will get to why I am truly here, but first know that I consider your reactions and waste of materials as payback for that little trick you played on me earlier, meddling little Equestrian, though it wouldn't have done you much good to keep around against what's coming. You're not dealing with the small fish anymore."

Her attitude would change before them like a button had been switched. Gone were the happy, seemingly innocent mare that had wandered in, and instead were on who looked at the two O.M.I. personnel like a predator eyeing some prey that it had decided to play with before devouring them. Honestly, they were beneath her in her opinion, but toying with them had proven entertaining int he end, as she saw the little things just try their best to be ready to purify another beautiful curse.

The papers she had kept to her were thrown on the table, and if either of them cared to watch them, they would get the information on her that she had withheld, though they may be too focused on the situation as a whole right now to have the time.

Name: Lily Monkshade.

Age: 92.

Place of residency: Harrowmark.

Occupation: Wilderness witch.

Item delivered: A warning to the annoying pony who should chose his friends better.

There were more lines, but most of them were left blank, and what were written should already raise some alarming questions, beyond just what were in the curse box prior to it being emptied. Most of them meant to rattle Rising and let him know that this were business, especially that last one, which Lily frankly wanted to give him quite the payback for, but she knew that she could not use magic in here and get the upper hoof, and any weapon or extra cursed item would merely be found, and she would not have gotten this far. Besides, she had not been sent here to simply say something and then leave. Her master had other plans, and whatever they were, she would follow them, and place her faith in his methods.

Even if she were not to ever leave, what was the worst they could do, throw her in prison? Pah, the harshest Equestrian prison would pale before any punishment that befell a wilderness witch in Harrowmark. It would hardly be anything but a nice, extended vacation.

"Now then, I would listen carefully if I were you. My master will arrive here when next the sun rises, and one of two things will happen. Either you will surrender, and hand over the meddlesome sisters, or he will unleash a monster born of malice and death upon your town. And make no mistake, even if you were to prepare as best you could, malice and damnation will run through the streets, and while you're trying to deal with that, your friends and family will pay the price for your insolence. Perhaps starting with your little sidekick?"

The last part were said with a sadistic pleasure that were barely contained, as she glanced towards Scarlet. Such a sweet, innocent little thing that mare were, and to think of what horrid thing could befall her, were Rising to disobey the ultimatum he were given... Why, it almost made Lily giddy with joy.

"You stepped in the business of Harrowmark when you started to help the sisters, detective. That kind of thing have consequences, though in a rare show of mercy, my master will let you get away with your boundless insolence, and allow you to return to a safe little life of breaking up trinkets made by pitiful pretenders, long as you deliver the sisters to him. If you chose to ignore that though... Well, you'd have to ask yourselves how many innocent lives those two are worth. A hundred? Two hundred? How many of your countrymen will be worth sacrificing for some pesky mongrels from the enemies of Equestria, who have willingly spilled blood on their path?"

Lucid_Nightlight · January 19, 2019

@Blitz Boom

"They'll be back to normal in a few minutes. Some of the things I do may last hours, but I let them off easy this time."

"It's a good thing they ran off, they recently made their cuffs silver. They think it makes them look cool."

"Being allergic to silver must really suck. It's a weakness very easy to exploit. Take this for example!"

Novia threw a metal ball at Anomaly. Luckily it was just a joke and the ball was actually just copper. She wanted to see if Anomaly would react.

Edited January 19, 2019 by Lucid_Nightlight

Early Sunsets · January 20, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Sun Fire turned to Zephyr, who gave her an encouraging nod. Most of the newspapers in Manehattan had already published the entire story of why Sun Fire quit, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of Equestria knew about it too, so there wasn't any point in hiding anything. She turned back to Brittle a little reluctantly. "Well... Everything that happened before we moved to Manehattan is a different story, but I'll tell you why we're here of all places." Sun Fire took a deep breath before continuing. "I did enjoy working for Songbird, but it wasn't exactly a stress-free life. There was a bit of resistance from the other back-up singers when Songbird asked me to join suddenly, but I think they started to tolerate me after a while. My work load started to get heavier as I became more popular, and it got to the point where I was only home a few times a month and I rarely got to see Zephyr. To make matters worse, the others began resenting me as I became more favored by Songbird. They started harassing me constantly. I spent more time worrying if my dress was going to fall apart or if a prop would fall on me during practice more than the performances themselves. I tried to tell Songbird what was going on, but the others never gave her the evidence she wanted, and the harassment only got worse. Eventually it became more than I could handle by myself, and without anypony to help me through, I tried to kill myself to end the pain." Sun Fire stopped, her voice shaking. Her hoof went subconsciously to the still-healing wound on her stomach. It didn't hurt anymore, but it was going to leave an obvious scar.

"Luckily someone found Nuri in time." Zephyr jumped in. "We talked a lot while she was recovering in the hospital, and the best option we though of was to move to a quiet town where she could keep doing what she loves, just in a more casual way. Ponyville is small, but it's friendly reputation is what drew us here." He glanced at the unusual changeling again. His attempt at being friendly didn't seem like it did anything, but he wasn't surprised since his ability to communicate wasn't really his strongest trait. He wondered what her story might be, but she didn't exactly seem open for discussion. Zephyr looked back at Briar. He wanted to ask the newcomer what he was exactly, but he hadn't thought of any way to phrase the sentence yet that didn't come off as churlish.

Edited January 20, 2019 by Zephyr / Karou

EQ_Theta · January 20, 2019

@Blitz Boom

"Scarcity! Miss Scarcity! Thought you'd like to know your delivery is almost complete! We just need someone to help us move the statue you wanted. Can anyone help us out?"

Lin walked through the gate and back to a refreshing and familiar place. Thought it might have been empty, or almost empty at the least, seems like their arrival stirred up quite the commotion. Even Shrimp was fazed by the events transpiring so quickly around him that, by inference, must have caused some distress. Lin understood this and sat down for just a moment, picking up the little refraction and cradled him, gently stroking his head and back to hopefully get him to relax. The worst is over for the little guy and some motherly instincts kicked in for the longma hybrid.

"Shh... calm down, Shrimp. It's okay. We're here now and you're safe. No need to worry."

After this, she turned to see the clerk clearly scared out of his wits and fumbling around for some measure of safety and security. Though it might be a little strange to try the same thing for him as she did for Shrimp, it wouldn't hurt to try. She placed the little creature on her head and walked up to the clerk, then sat by his side and attempted to calm him down.

"We're not here to hurt you and we apologize if we gave you quite a scare. We just want to see Scarcity and maybe get some able-bodied ponies to help us move a statue. Can you help us out? Please?"

Meanwhile, Sen didn't seem to be faring better at reining in his bubbling irritation. The little kits apparently had no intention to stop poking him but hopefully they could at least tone it down. Mild pokes are fine but it's the fact that they were relentless in their pursuit to find his breaking point that was getting on his nerves. Eventually, he couldn't hold in his annoyance and it broke his meditation. Though anyone would expect him to bellow out his frustration with the young kits, he merely opened his eyes and let out a loud breath out. A subdued reaction that wasn't followed by him speaking his mind. It was pure silence followed by him shifting his position to lying by the side of the tree. Maybe he ought to relax instead and keep an eye out for the young ones. For all he knew, they were interested in seeing a reaction. Perhaps they'd be disappointed by what they saw.

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

@Blitz Boom

"Dragons, eh? That's... that's quite something. It makes me kind of envious how you might associate with them and all. Fierce creatures with attitude, I tell you. But if it all works out for you, who am I to judge? And these little water sprites are my friends. They're a little terrified of you but they are really nice and friendly creatures. Come on little guys, Lyriel won't drink you up."

The first few slivers of something swimming beneath the surface appeared to close in on Lyriel. At first, they were massing just by the banks but they, being waterborne creatures, could only get so far. Cassie then decided to work some of her magic and enclosed them in a bubble before lifting them up for the dryad to see. This time, they were much more visible, with the silver streaks now shifting to a deep blue hue. By virtue of being creatures of the seas, they would need to have some form of adaptive camouflage to avoid detection from predators. And they were quite curious as well, swimming as close as they could to take a better look.

"We aren't exactly river creatures mind you. We're from the sea but this bubble lets me and my friends move in between sizable bodies of water inland. We really couldn't go for extended periods of time out of the water but we could adapt from salt to fresh water without many issues. But I suppose you were worried about what I did just now and probably knew about something about what I did before."

"See, when I found out some of my water sprite friends were trapped behind a dam near Ponyville, I wanted to get them away from that place. Back then, I didn't know I could create the bubble you see right now to move them away to safety. I hypnotized everyone in the nearby town to break their dam so I can help my friends but I didn't realize it would destroy their town in the process. I know what I did is wrong and right now, I don't think the ponies would take kindly to seeing me again; there's still some bad blood between us even if some like Fluttershy and Twilight have forgiven me. I hid because I wasn't sure if you knew about this story and were just as angry as them. Rest assured, I learned my lesson. No way will I use my powers like that again."

As for Fluttershy, Angel ran up to her and decided to playfully slap her about. It wasn't out of malice but more to see if any lingering traces of Cassie's spell remained. Despite the kelpie's explanation, he wasn't convinced. If she truly was changed and sorrowful about what she did last time, she wouldn't have resorted to doing the same thing to Fluttershy now. Perhaps she had no malicious intent this time around but there could've been another way to get the pegasus to find her. Fluttershy, at that moment, was jolted awake by the slapping, letting out quiet yelp before picking up the bunny and letting him ride on her back.

"Lyriel, is everything alright?"

Catpone Cerberus · January 20, 2019

@Moonlit @Blitz Boom

Nada raised her head from the water, she wasn't any less confused than Cherish, what did mangoes have to do with that sound, which she only could guess was made by one of the guards, since she had hard time believing a siren had made it. She didn't say anything, nor did she come fully out of the water, she just waited for the reply to Cherish's question, which was perfect wording to her thoughts too.

@Blitz Boom

Ruby just followed Marley quietly to her usual manner, and though she didn't really bother looking, she could sense the other dragon that was just leaving the area with fish, but she didn't really pay any attention to it, local dragons didn't need meat like she did, so them getting fish wasn't the most non-logical thing assuming Marley was right when he said some of the locals liked to have a taste of meat regardless of it not being part of their natural diet.

She could tell what Marley had meant with his question, but she also knew what the indication behind his choice of words would be in any other situation, though she didn't think much of it, and she didn't realize he was trying to fun on her expense, but she did reply accordingly "I would say that you should at least buy me a dinner first, but you already did, so yes."

Moonlit · January 20, 2019

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus Serenade shrugs, a smirk on her face. "Sorry your Majesty" She walks in, leaving the two Guards munching on mangoes. Luna just rolls her eyes, and magics a brown paper bag near her from Serenade's counter. Serenade makes a pouting face, "Fine...I do owe you." Luna simply smiles, "Any last questions, I must return to Canterlot and inform my Sister of this."

FanOfManyShows · January 21, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Astral smiled softly as Chow spoke. Laying things on the table like that let her relax a bit, even if what Chow was a little, interesting. "I'd never push you away, you're nice. Even if I found somepony else."

Misty shrugged, looking over to the window, seeing Canterlot approach. "I think we might get there soon."

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

@Blitz Boom

Iron opened a final door, entering the library of what seemed to be a copy of every magical book that existed. He approached one book, locked down to a pedestal with chains and a padlock. "This is the book." He stepped to the side, with the very obvious title covering the entire cover, impossible to not notice, along with the gem imbedded into the book. 'Forbidden Magic' Was the title, the gem shimmering like a element of disharmony. "Or at least, what you might be looking for." He said, unlocking the chains as the book's gem glowed somewhat. "It stores magic inside itself, allowing you to use the spells inside, at least for practice anyway."

"You know we're just explaining this for my sister at this point."

Iron sighed, turning to look to them. "Alright, well what do you need?"

"A book for rare magic, I think. It's hard to keep track of these things." She looked down, sighing. "Yeah we were going to search for a book for a type of magic."

He looked to one of the shelves, pointing to it. "That shelf has uncommon types of magic, might have what you need"

===========================
@Blitz Boom

An eternity had passed, or so it seemed, General Wing was prepared for his ceremony now. Walking out to accept his new position, somewhat excited and nervous, as well as unsure what to say. "This'll be interesting for me." He said to himself with a chuckle.

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

@Dji

Francis stepped back, bumping into the other changeling. "Sure." He looked to Zealous, glancing at the horn as Zealous brushing the mane back over the horn.

"I covered it up on purpose." Zealous said, grumbling a little as he started to walk off. "But I prefer to keep it covered, let's get going now that we've helped this guy."

"Guess I'll be off then." He waved as he followed the other changeling.

Rising Dusk · January 21, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Well, this is troublesome. Rising Dusk should have been surprised, but he really wasn't. Probably a result of knowing in the back on mind that after his little stunt they'd be coming after him. He just didn't expect it to be this quickly. This all happened barely an hour ago and she made it all the way to his office already? Breaks are nice, villains should consider taking breaks. Good for the coat and mental health... Oh yeah, that explains things. Ugh his mind drifted again, mostly do to the monologue that spilled out of the no longer innocent filly's mouth. Wasted resources? All that they used as a foot of Harmony Twine that would be made for less than a Bit. But if she wanted to believe it was a hardship on them in exchange for being poked in the eye, Rising Dusk wouldn't mind letting her think that. He's found in his experiences that showing no reactions to a dastardly plan a villain cooked up, was the best way to go. Rarely did they manage to have their ego's stroked when the pony they were trying to scare showed no fear or hate in their eyes.

A skill Scarlet had yet to pick up on yet as the red pegasus went through the spectrum of annoyed, to shocked, to angry. Her teeth clenched and a low growl escaping her throat as the 'message' got darker and darker. Rising Dusk simply did what he did best and listened. Taking in every detail, sifting through all the boasting and extra bits that didn't add anything to the bigger picture. When she finally managed to finish her monologue, the detective simply nodded. At least she was smart enough not to just try and attack him or Scarlet while they looked at the box, being in the lion's den of the O.M.I. after. And the addition of not bringing anything magic with her was a nice touch so that he couldn't sense them on her. All that preparation from the little knowledge she had about him. Lily might have known of his abilities to Dispel magic, but as far as he knew, she didn't know about his counter magics. Granted, he wasn't the scariest thing in the O.M.I. right now. "I think a letter would have worked just fine, Ms. Monkshade," Rising Dusk informed her with a professional smile, she was a client after all. "But I must disincline to acquiesce to your Master's request. Regardless of their past, they are now citizens of Equestria and will be protected as such," he concluded and motioned with his hoof in Scarlet's direction.

The young officer flew up to a shelf behind the witch and fetched a blanket. In a quick dash she flew above the witch and dropped the blanket onto her. While not the fastest flyer in Equestria, she could have probably done well in the Wonder Bolt's reserve unit, if she so desired. Like everything in the basement, the blanket wasn't normal but was quite simple. When covered with the blanket, it simply made the pony under it sleep. An experimental artifact to help ponies with sleep problems, but not all the kinks had been worked out. Most importantly the difficulty in waking them up. Rising Dusk and his magic at the ready should the witch resist.

There was a lot to this message that had holes in it that he didn't like, and it was better to be safe than sorry.

Sekel · January 21, 2019

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

Karmic had a cursory glance over the Equine-written book and turned a bit green at what was written within the margins of the love and care sections. She quickly closed it and tossed it onto the pile in the middle of the room with the other books and before turning back to the draconic books, noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was certainly something that looked soft and plushy when Enzo hid it away. Karmic didn't want to draw attention to it if Enzo wasn't going to. She turned back to the draconic books and after realising she couldn't read any of them, put them with the other books.

"There are a lot of dragon books here. I thought there'd be more Equine-based books but I found one about guard dog training," Karmic commented, heading to the pile with another dragon book. "Are you able to read these?"

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

Aurora felt both of their gazes on her and it chilled her slightly with how intensely they were staring.

"Um ... I'll join Happini, Queen Onache," Aurora said eventually when she could get her throat wet enough to talk. "I want to at least see this hive flourish."

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Yes, I have wondered about the constant war between our species, Nerzhei, but I could never really find anything because of the lack of books we have here on your kind," Twilight said slowly, examining the picture on the page. This was the most calm Twilight had been in a while and it was a funny feeling. She was excited, and enthused by the book, yes, but she was doing a fantastic job of keeping herself in check. The architecture within the picture reminded her of an old Grecian palace but at the same time, it had the hardiness of the dragons as well. "There is an old legend though. I remember reading it, and rereading it because it was so fascinating. There used to be a city of some kind out past the Dragon Lands that mysteriously went missing. It was said that ponies lived there but no evidence had been found. This could be that city if I'm looking at the picture right."

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"Why didn't you say anything about being a Unicorn?" Watts asked immediately upon catching up to Zealous. She had no inkling of him being one, and had no way of knowing because he never alluded to it.

Edited January 21, 2019 by Dji
Added my response to FanOfManyShows

Blitz Boom · January 21, 2019

@Lucid_Nightlight

Anomaly shrieked as the metal got thrown towards her and jumped back, spooked out of her skin. Thankfully not literally, though with her, there were always the chance that she'd just shed a layer for the heck of it.

For a brief moment though, Novia should be able to see something else, in a look that Anomaly sent to her. One without the joy and playfulness that she always had, but a deep pool of ice and hatred, coalescent into a being to which life were nothing more than a thing to end, and existence just a snap away from being taken away. The look alone seemed like it could peel Novia like an onion, yet it lasted only for half a second roughly, before Anomaly reverted into her usual self (just with a degree of being miffed over her), and the draconequus just stood and stamped in the ground feebly. She didn't like being pranked with harmful metal. It was Way rude.

"Hey! That's not funny, meaniepants. Don't do that again, or I'll be nasty to you too. You might be lots more powerful, but I can do all sort of things to really mess with things, and this is your dimension, not mine. Not my pumpkin on the line if everything goes way out of hoof."

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

@Zephyr / Karou

Briar's smile had faltered as the tale went on, and as the climax of Sun's part of the story came forth, he felt heartbroken for the poor mare. To have to go through such a thing, merely because of jealousy... It sometimes amazed him how cruel some ponies could be when the vast majority were such kindhearted creatures, and often they did not think they had done anything wrong with their actions. The ones after Sun had likely not thought themselves at fault too, and that was frankly an abhorrent part of an already grizzly story.

Thankfully it improved marginally as Zephyr continued, yet Briar's smile did not return to full force, as it frankly seemed rude and unkind to think that everything were just okay now. Be they physical or mental, Sun sounded like she had scars from her ordeal, and especially the psychological wounds did not just heal overnight. It would take time, and thank the Earth Mother that she had her brother to help lift her above and beyond this. His help should be instrumental in her recovery the next few years, or however long it may take.

"You have my utmost sympathy Sun. Nopony should be made to suffer like you did. I pray that your physical recovery will be swift, and your mind will find ease from the hardships placed upon it in due time. Earth Mother be praised that you were found, and that you Zephyr, are there for her. Such is a gift that I imagine will be sorely needed."

"S-Sorry you g-got h-hurt..."

It were little more than a nervous whisper, but it were what Brittle could muster, as she looked up at Sun. The teenager could relate to what it felt like being driven towards dark places by the psychological torment of others, and wished that she could vocalize that better, but she didn't have the confidence, or the trust to do so. Still... She had managed to get some out, and as she felt the vine sliding out from beneath Briar's cloak, and placing the *flower bud* with the four, leathery petals carefully on her shoulder, she knew that he too were proud that she had been able to say anything, and in sympathy of somepony else.

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

@EQ_Theta

On 1/20/2019 at 3:49 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"We're not here to hurt you and we apologize if we gave you quite a scare. We just want to see Scarcity and maybe get some able-bodied ponies to help us move a statue. Can you help us out? Please?"

The clerk didn't know what to say, and just stared up at Lin with confusion and fear written all over his face. The nobles too were looking like this were becoming too much for them, when a small grunt, and the sound of metal-clad hooves were heard from the nearby hallways that led to the back room.

The grunt had been from Brick, who wandered in front, and looked at the spectacle - and Omen in particular - with narrowed, suspicious eyes. He didn't know who this were, and from the looks of things, she were going to be trouble. Yet that decision were up to Scarcity, who followed troop and waltzed towards them on her silver footwear, smiling and theatrically wandering towards the bundle of crazy she were watching.

"Lin, darling! It's wondrous to see you again my dear."

She turned towards the clerk and the customers, laughing mildly as she pointed graciously towards their new guests.

"You needn't worry about them, Mr. Diamond Hoof and Mrs. Silver Chalice. Lin is a dear friend and entertainer from far away, who utilizes special teleportation spells with a certain degree of illusory and theatrical flairs. What you see is merely to make it seem more grandeur than it truly are, and are nothing to be concerned about. It will go away soon."

Omen got the impression that she had just been told to close the gate, and it wasn't like she needed to keep it open anymore. She knew where the statue were, so the gate swirled down, and vanished like it had never been there, which helped ease the minds of the others to some degree.

"I wish we could stay and have her show you what she is truly made of, as well as her assistants, but alas, we need to discuss an event for another friend of ours. So if you will excuse us."

"Of course Mrs. Scarcity. And I offer my deepest apologies, Mrs. Lin. I had thought you a intruder, and not a guest. Please forgive me."

"Worry not, she is hardly one to carry a grudge, and she did miss her intended location. One can hardly fault you for being concerned, though for future references, do remember to call on Brick right away if such a thing happens. He will deal with the issue at hoof."

The clerk nodded, apologized again, and went over to try and salvage the good will of the two nobles who had been on the lookout for a couch. Perhaps if he focused, he could still make the sale happen.

Scarcity in the meantime, would guide her guests down the hallway, and if they tried to speak, would raise a hoof to her muzzle to indicate that they should not speak yet. once the door tot he hallway closed behind them, they would be free to express themselves.

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

@EQ_Theta

On 1/20/2019 at 3:49 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Dragons, eh? That's... that's quite something. It makes me kind of envious how you might associate with them and all. Fierce creatures with attitude, I tell you. But if it all works out for you, who am I to judge? And these little water sprites are my friends. They're a little terrified of you but they are really nice and friendly creatures. Come on little guys, Lyriel won't drink you up."

"Spirits of nature are like brethren to me. I could never find it on my heart to hurt them, and I know that the Earth Mother would wish for me to show them the same respect I would to any dryad or ent."

This time, Lyriel stood still and let the small, curious creatures come to her. The only movement she this time made were to widen her smile a little, and to soothingly whisper a small greeting in her own language, to see if they took better to that. Elemental tongue were different to whomever spoke it, but it were more like accents than several languages, and her particular *accent* would sound like wind rustling through the trees.

On 1/20/2019 at 3:49 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"See, when I found out some of my water sprite friends were trapped behind a dam near Ponyville, I wanted to get them away from that place. Back then, I didn't know I could create the bubble you see right now to move them away to safety. I hypnotized everyone in the nearby town to break their dam so I can help my friends but I didn't realize it would destroy their town in the process. I know what I did is wrong and right now, I don't think the ponies would take kindly to seeing me again; there's still some bad blood between us even if some like Fluttershy and Twilight have forgiven me. I hid because I wasn't sure if you knew about this story and were just as angry as them. Rest assured, I learned my lesson. No way will I use my powers like that again."

"I know not of much story that happens in this town, yet I were told of the dam by some of the animals. They were quite scared too from how they tell it, and were I there in the moment, I cannot say with certainty that I would not have held some degree of resentment towards you in the moment. Yet if your words are truth, and you merely tried to protect your friends, I would have forgiven you, and met you with the same open mind that I do now.

The Earth Mother have guided me well in trying to think the best of those that I met, and though I will not lie and say that I have no caution with you, seeing how Fluttershy are and what Angel warned me of, I will do what I can to give you the benefit of the doubt, and not judge you for actions which you seem to regret. Every being deserved a second chance after all."

On 1/20/2019 at 3:49 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Lyriel, is everything alright?"

"Worry not Fluttershy, I am simply conversing with your friend, and attempting to do the same with my brethren from the sea. Might I ask how you are? Angel and I were quite worried when you were... Lead astray."

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

@Catpone Cerberus @Moonlit

"What just happened out there, and why are they acting like that?"

Seeing how they hadn't gotten an answer before to what madness had befallen the otherwise quiet place, Cherish tried again when they were asked if they had more questions by Luna, though this time around she were able to formulate an actual sentence, rather than a befuddled *What?* more or less. Hopefully they'd get an answer to this eventually, because frankly, that were going to keep bothering at least Cherish.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

A hearty laughter were the reply that Marley gave to what he heard from the dragon in disguise.

"Things like this is why I enjoy my verbal sparring with you Ruby, Your responses are quite entertaining."

Taking the lead once more, he would guide them down some more side alleys, where eventually the sound of the city would hardly be noticed anymore. At that point he'd leave the gnarly paths he had led them down and lead them into an overgrown area, with several old house that had clearly seen better days, yet were possible to seek shelter in if needed.

"I recall this once being a prominent area, but the ones who lived here moved away, leaving the place in disarray. Some talk have been about renovating the area with new houses or renovated living areas for a while, yet not much have come for it, as there have not been the lack of room. With the new princess and her diplomatic ties strengthening however, I would not be surprised if they may finally do so, to make this more ideal for habitation of some beings from abroad. For now though, this area lies mostly abandoned, save for the rare tourist who gets curious, yet those are few as the sights in town are plenty for most.

It is a nice, calm place in my opinion. Perfect for a little snack, away from prying eyes. Wouldn't you say so dear?"

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

@FanOfManyShows

"Yeah, I know you couldn't. Who wouldn't miss this hunk of raw masculinity, eh?"

He bellowed out a laughter at this, and felt the tension in the room just melt away. Getting everything on the table from both their sides were actually pretty refreshing, and then they'd see where things went. Though even if it didn't work out, they'd still hang out. So really, all in all, not a bad conversation. That sort would likely come if Astral picked up some bloke who turned out to just break her heart, and she found out that Chow locked him into his freezer with a few fresh boar carcasses for a few hours. They'd likely have some words if it came to that, but that were a hypothetical for another day. Like Misty said, they were nearing town, and soon enough they'd be back home. Chow still had to get the ticket bits first after that, but soon as that were done, it was on bus 12 to Sleepytown with him, and hopefully the others too. Poor gals must be knackered.

"Yep, rising up in the horizon now. Gonna be good being home again for a bit."

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

@FanOfManyShows

"We don't need one kind of magic, we need some of Every kind of magic, or the spell won't work. Light, Dark, Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Soul, Harmony and Friendship. A sliver of each should be enough, and unless that book have details on how to manifest and crystallize every last one of those elements I just mentioned, it will not be enough in and by itself. Have I gotten it through to you this time?"

These two were starting to irritate her. They constantly spoke over her head about details that did not matter to the current situation, and had twice now ignored her when she said they needed multiple magic sources. Either third time were going to be the charm, or she would have to start speaking to them like they were three, and see if that would make them start to understand the words that were coming out of her non-existent muzzle.

"I'd look through if I had limbs, but since I don't, you two will have to look around. If you have questions about the spell, then ask, and don't ignore what I say. A wrong ingredient, and Sapphire may well return as some kind of golem. Devoid of emotions, and trapped in an unhallowed shell."

Perhaps this warning would suffice in making them pay more attention? Well, regardless of how much attention they paid, it weren't like she wouldn't triple check everything herself before using it, but it would still be nice if her expertise in this endeavor were listened to.

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

@FanOfManyShows

"It will be for many of us."

Morning Dew entered the small room that Iron had entered, through which he would get out and face the crowd in just a few moments. Dew were looking a little worn down, but he had been needed elsewhere for a bit before the ceremony, and had to rush back here, on top of a long day... Honestly, he were going to miss these long days at work sometimes, but it were time for new blood. If he were not at his absolute best, a successor had to be set in before he'd end up being a burden to the Royal Guard. He had not given it fifty years of his life to finish it like that. It would be a stain on his name, and could potentially cost somepony in his command their lives, and he would prefer not to have more of those on his consciousness.

"Did you find the sphinx?"

Midnight Screecher had been there since the ceremony had started to be prepared, as it were tradition to join the new general on stage and make a show of camaraderie, to make sure that the guards knew that they were still working together, and wouldn't fall back into the olden times of infighting.

"Best I can tell, he started talking to a mare in the streets, and then took off with her. Witnesses claim they were on friendly terms, but if I don't hear anything before the sun rises, I will have to send search teams out and expect the worst."

"Eh, you're thinking too much on it old timer. They'll be back before you know it, and you can go back to trying to convince the princesses that the Solar Guards have use of a giant cat with wings. Gonna be a laugh if there ever were one."

Tidal Wave grinned up towards the retiring general. After dealing with the magic business and setting up some feelers 'round town in regards to Astral and her friends returning, she had pretty much just lounged out nearby and waited for this to go on too. Her uniform were still a torn mess, but she had brushed a bit and dusted it, so it weren't like she didn't try here. Not her fault that she had to deal with an out of control shark just before she had to go, and didn't have time to change. Sure she could have postponed it a half hour, but then she wouldn't have the chance to show off her battle scars, and like most generals of the Coastal Guard, she were a showoff.

"I consider it more a case of it being better to have him on our side than against us, as well as perhaps finally being what we need to open negotiations with the sphinx nation. If we get a good dialogue up with them, via help from one of their own speaking on our behalf, we might be able to avoid more situations like the one with Somnambula. I'm sure she would be more than happy to hear us making progress in that regards.

But one thing at a time. For now, it seemed like everypony is almost ready for the ceremony. A few more minutes I recon and we're ready."

"And Benny?"

"The forge is settling, so he should be here soon. At worst, we will have to resort to a ceremonial sword. I have one ready for that."

Dew clapped the second blade that he had down his side. Polished and ready for a new owner, in case the wished for weapon couldn't be here in time.

"Are you ready for this, Iron?"

"Not like he could back out of it anyway. Ridden this trail too long kiddo. You're about to officially step into our ranks, and the only way out is right over that balcony."

"He could be court marshaled for that."

"You say that, I'm saying two shows in one. Same deal."

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

@Rising Dusk

16 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"But I must disincline to acquiesce to your Master's request. Regardless of their past, they are now citizens of Equestria and will be protected as such,"

Lily laughed briefly at the response. It was almost adorable to her how little these two seemed to care. Perhaps not the first that had made threats towards them? Well, they'd soon see the difference between whatever weak entities attempted to scare others in this place, and what a true wilderness witch could do, soon as her master would get here. She had seen his work, and known that the only place to be safe, would be at his side. Better to be the pet of the hunter than the prey after all, but she already knew that to be the only option. These ponies had to be taught first, and her master were more than willing to teach those who needed it a lesson.

"You say that now, but let's see once a few hundred of your citizens are consumed, and stored for my masters spells. I'm looking forward to you beggi-"

The blanket fell over her at that point, but it shouldn't be hard to tell that she were going to be more boastful and talk of how Rising were going to have to beg her for help on stopping the monstrosity from feasting on his citizens. Hopefully for Manehattan he had a plan, though the question remained: Would it be enough? It was a large city, and as the appearance of the young mare from a country at least a months travel from Equestria could attest, there was no shield around the town that could keep her out,and her master would clearly be more powerful.

Whatever his plan may be, he should likely get a move on. Sunrise would come before you knew it, and with the first rays of the sun, who could tell what would follow?

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

@Dji

16 hours ago, Dji said:

"There are a lot of dragon books here. I thought there'd be more Equine-based books but I found one about guard dog training,"

Enzo's claws scraped across the floor as that infernal book had been been mentioned, and an angry growl escaped his clenched teeth.

He had seen that book once, and knew well what it were there for, and it frankly weren't helping his mood regarding this place to be confronted about it. When he had the chance, he should remind himself to throw the book into a pyre and watch it burn. Perhaps that could bring him some small glimmer of joy.

16 hours ago, Dji said:

"Are you able to read these?"

"Some. Self taught reading can only get you so far, but what I can't on my own, I will find others to do. Let Canterlot prove that they truly wish for my alliance.

Enough of this, let's go."

As it appeared that they were done Enzo wrapped the gathered items in several strips of cloth, making a large bag that he'd then swing up on his back and start to make his way out. The sooner they could get out of here the better.

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

@Dji

"Alright then. Anything in particular you wish for me to write, my queen?"

"Just inform him of our change, and say that we wish to hold a meeting on neutral ground. We will see what happens from there."

"As you wish. Come on Aurora, let's pucker up and best the dunes. We got a perilous quest at hoof, heh."

Happy would bow before his queen prior to leading the way out, and heading towards Ponyville. Considering his size, he'd have a whole lot easier getting a move on, though in flight he'd only be about as fast as Aurora could be. Bigger wings were neat and all, but also presented more air resistance, so not really anything gained.

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

@Dji

"If any proof ever were, it have long since been expunged from both my kinds stories and memories, with only the oldest of the elder dragons still knowing a sliver of truth.

Whatever happened, I think this book holds the secret to it, and several others. Such as if these -"

Nerzhei pointed towards the creature who seemed as both dragon and pony.

"- were once allies, or perhaps mixed children? Think of the implications of that, and what their fate might have been. Could mixtures still happen, if a pony and dragon were a couple? If not, what changed?

The dragons I told of this considered it blasphemy, but these are questions that needs to be asked, and if possible, answered. Our history. Our seemingly unending conflict. And perhaps even this."

Nerzhei carefully flipped three pages forth, to a somewhat detailed picture of a mare with folded down wings, next to an orb of some kind, surrounded by nine stones. Beside that on the page were the same mare, standing in the midst of ice or rocks, with large wings and a slightly curved horn, roaring towards the skies. An alicorn process in its rawest form by the looks of things, though perhaps with a bat pony? It were impossible to say as neither depiction held enough focus on the wings or eyes, but the alicorn could be seen as having fangs, which tended to be a very rare thing for normal ponies to have, and the eyes were more slit than were common, but it were impossible to say for sure. Might just be a coincidence.

"I don't know exactly what this is, but I know that your rulers hold the same kind of wing and horn combination, so I take it that this depicts one of their leaders, and some sort of transformation process. A coronation of some sort perhaps? You might be able to make more sense of that than I have been able to."

Edited January 21, 2019 by Blitz Boom

Lucid_Nightlight · January 21, 2019

@Blitz Boom

That brief stare Anomaly had didn't really scare Novia.

"Ok, sorry. Won't happen again, grumpy face."

Lucid ignored whatever was going on with Anomaly and Novia, and decided to make a suggestion.

"Anyone wanna harass the ponies at the bakery?"

Catpone Cerberus · January 22, 2019

@Moonlit @Blitz Boom
Nada thought for a second if she had any questions for the princess besides what Cherish asked, but she came to conclusion that there was nothing more that was unclear, since only think she would need to ask is about the ways of blocking the magic, and Luna had already said that Serenade would be able to answer that. "Besides what Cherish asked, I have no further questions thy highness." she still stayed in the water.

@Blitz Boom

"Just don't enjoy it too much, wouldn't want you to actually fall for me, love stricken birds are quite an annoyance." Ruby replied with slight hint of humor in her tone, she couldn't say she didn't like to have someone to have back and forth with, it was quite refreshing to be allowed to be yourself once in a while without needing to worry about getting revealed. To her usual manner, Ruby stayed quiet as she followed Marley.

She looked around sharpening her senses, she didn't know there to be this type of place nearby, and she immediately wanted to know if there was any wildlife around, because if there were, this could be a good place to hunt if the need would arise."It is nice place indeed, there's something so beautiful about nature taking back what is its." she turned towards Marley "Shall we eat then or is there a certain place your elegance would like to go in here." she was clearly poking fun on his obsession with being clean and such.

EQ_Theta · January 22, 2019

@Blitz Boom

It is fortunate Scarcity came along and cleared things up. Well, maybe except for the bit that suggested she and Omen would have to put on a performance. That part got her frozen in place, fearing her theatrics might be put into the spotlight. There was a moment her scales felt like they were about to stand on edge. The most she could do was flare up her webbing and make herself appear larger than normal. As much as Lin could pride herself in thinking of plans on the spot, this was one of those times she'd draw a blank. Probably might reduce her mumbling.

But thankfully that didn't come to pass. Without further ado, she followed Scarcity. She gave Omen a nod of affirmation, showing a certain level of confidence in how the situation is turning out. This might go as expected after all. No fuss, just finishing the last bits of the agreement. Though some part of her dreads the possibility of the situation turning south. For now, she'd keep this to herself. No need to get anyone worried or suspicious. Even so, Sen is fine though he will eventually suspect something once enough time has elapsed. Lin remained silent at the moment. There is a time to explain their predicament once it is asked.

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

@Blitz Boom

"I remember being at the far end of the bank then heard singing. Next thing I knew, I'm here by the waterfall. It's all so strange; I feel like there's a gap in my memory and I can't seem to piece it together."

"That was my doing. Sorry about that but I sometimes get carried away with using my powers. I see your bunny friend is still angry about the last time this happened. Believe me, the feeling is mutual. Did you know he got an oversized cat to bite my tail then made me drink this potion that made my voice all raspy? I couldn't sing for a long while. Maybe I deserved it back then but I sometimes think that was excessive. Nowadays, I only ever sing to the sprites because they enjoy it and because no one else is around to fall under the spell."

Though Fluttershy intended her answer for Lyriel, the kelpie had to interject this time. Even the latter's response was meant for both the pegasus and the dryad to hear. She was a little uneasy and unnerved at how quick the two could forgive. A look of confusion happened upon her though deep down, she was grateful. Even if she won't find many friends out of the waters where she resided, at least there were a few who were willing to do that much.

"So long as you know you did wrong and are making up for it, I hold nothing against you."

"That sounded just like Twilight. You and Lyriel here are quick to forgive when plenty of others are hesitant. Bet they won't be happy to know I'm nearby."

Frankly, this whole encounter just felt surreal to the kelpie. It was refreshing yet confusing. Two conflicting emotions that just didn't seem to jive well with one another yet all the more possible now that she is feeling it. But there was more to dwelling on this; she'd think on these on her own time. In the midst of company, she had curiosity to sate. In the meantime, she took it upon herself to enlarge the bubble the sprites were swimming in, giving them more room to really show they can blend in and out. At times, the bubble would appear empty and other times, one might see streaks forming. Different colors but that was dependent on the light. They honestly don't look like much but it didn't bother the kelpie one bit.

"Lyriel, I gotta ask, how is it that you are in tune with nature? I mean, Fluttershy can talk to animals but with what you are, does that extend to plants too? And who is this Earth Mother that you mentioned earlier?"

Moonlit · January 22, 2019

@Blitz Boom @Catpone Cerberus "My Guards have a thing...for Mangoes. And they forgot themsevles" She levels a glare at them. The Thestral Female gulps, and bows, "Sorry Ma'am" She says in a thick accent, while the Male looks down, his muzzle covered in ruined mango. Serenade is doing her best not to collapse laughing.

Sign In

open Casual stroll

Recommended Posts

EQ_Theta 460

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

Blitz Boom

Blitz Boom

Blitz Boom

Posted Images

Moonlit 593

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Sekel 694

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,637

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Moonlit 593

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Lucid_Nightlight 923

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Early Sunsets 2,107

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 460

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Catpone Cerberus 23,604

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Moonlit 593

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Rising Dusk 27,852

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,637

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Lucid_Nightlight 923

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Early Sunsets 2,107

Link to comment

Share on other sites

EQ_Theta 460

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Catpone Cerberus 23,604

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Moonlit 593

Link to comment

Share on other sites

FanOfManyShows 396

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Rising Dusk 27,852

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Sekel 694

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Blitz Boom 4,637

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Lucid_Nightlight 923

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Catpone Cerberus 23,604

Link to comment