open Casual stroll

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@EQ_Theta

The large stallion were quiet, and shifting his eyes between them all. It were clear that he didn't know what to do or think right now. The last few days in Ponyville had been a stressful mess of trying to get through, and subsequently help with the aftermath of the monster attack, then the draconequui, , varied guard duties, trying to get Jelly sorted ready for school, doctors, etc... And this is the time when he suddenly gets not only a letters stating that the mother who abandoned him were in prison for treason, but he had a half brother who were associated with the allegedly most dangerous spy agency that he were aware of? He should think it good riddance to not be part of their lives, and just keep them both at legs length, whilst watching them get behind bars for their crimes.

And yet, some part of him had always wondered about where he had come from, and why he had been tossed aside. Especially int he months leading up to Jelly being born, the thoughts of knowing his family history had seemed dire. He had stopped his search for good once she had gotten into the world, wanting to focus on being there for her, and not for some who had never been part of his life, but now he were faced with a situation where he could get answers, and perhaps even some connections to a brother he had never heard of. Yes, he were a criminal, but on the slim chance that he were actually trying to redeem himself, shouldn't he be given a chance? Stargazer once were, and it changed him into somepony better. Were Rosa unworthy of the same?

"...Be at the courthouse at 8:30 sharp."

"I will. Thank you."

Stargazer suddenly stepped forward and towered over Rosa again, giving the spy a slight jolt at the pained and semi-angry look he got from his older brother. He must really be messed up right now if things like this got to him.

"One chance. Don't blow it, or I will stop at nothing to bring you to justice."

A weary look were then sent to the others, waving mostly between Sen and Lin before settling on the later.

"If he escapes, I'm holding your group accountable for it, so make sure to not let him out of your sight."

At that point, Jelly came wandering around a corner inside and cast some confused looks on the scene going on at the front step.

"Daddy? Are you okay?"

The guard lost most of the hot air and tensions he had build up, and Rosa could swear that he saw the stallion age right in front of him as the fumes metaphorically left. He couldn't blame him. This were not something easy to suddenly get thrown on your shoulders, and he likely had many other things weighing him down before this.

"I'm fine Jelly. Just a little tired."

Stargazer turned to his daughter and smiled down on the filly. Thankfully she hadn't been there when this family bombshell had been dropped. She shouldn't have to shoulder this burden with him before he had even decided if he could accept a relative he had never met before.

"Come on, let's lock up for tonight and get some rest. We need to get you ready for school."

"Okay. Goodnight."

She rose a hoof and waved at the gathered beings with a smile on her face, to which Omen replied with a slow wave of her own. Rosa in the meantime, tried to do as little as possible, and just nodded, whilst keeping his gaze on his older brother. Stargazer would likely prefer that the spy did not make eye contact with Jelly right now, which the glare Rosa got back before the door closed seemed to agree with.

Rosa let out a long, pained sigh and turned to his companions.

"That could have... Gone better, but it still went... Far better than I had expected."

"I don't understand. Why are you strange to each other?"

*sigh* It were just a matter of time before she asked. How best to explain this...

"He were told a lot of new things and need time to sort through it. Ponies can act very strangely when they have too many things to think about."

"Okay."

Guess she bought it for now, that was good. He really didn't have it in him right now to go into a longer discussion about this to her.

"Thank you for being there. I... Think I would be in a cell right now otherwise. Can't... Blame him for it. The Ravenshine Consortium... Have a bad reputation for a reason.

Not important I... Guess. I'm sure you all have... Many things to do too. What's... Your plans?"

Honestly he were feeling ready to collapse and just lie there on the ground for a few hours, whilst the thoughts rammed around his noggin, but he'd try to stay on his hooves for now.

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@EQ_Theta @Dji

Lyriel waved at the bunny as he went along with the need for Fluttershy and himself to get home. It seemed to be somewhat reluctant, as he had just arrived, but he needn't worry. The dryad were not planning on leaving the area for a long time, so he would get more time to interact with her, if that were what he so wished to.

"Rarity is starting to sound like a pony of greater importance than I first thought when you mentioned her. I look forward to the day when I can meet her in person.

Anyway, I think it is time that I return to the forest. The desert the sphinx created have misplaced many a being and I have to find what have become of the animals that once inhabited the area. I will see if I can figure out the fate of your cave as well while I am at it Nerzhei."

"Thanks, though I doubt there is a lot left. The sphinx weren't happy when I stole you away earlier."

"Likely, but I still wish to hope that it have not ruined your resting place. If it have, I will see if there is place elsewhere."

"Appreciated. I'll stay here for as long as it is feasible to get some work done."

The two exchanged a look of worry from Lyriel's side, and stubbornness on Nerzhei's, before the dryad nodded and took a step back.

"Try not to overextend yourself. May you all rest soundly, Twilight, Fluttershy and Angel. We will meet again sometime tomorrow, though if you need me, try wandering into the forest and call my name. If I don't hear you, I might still be told of your presence."

With that, she would bow deeply to them the ponies and the bunny, then start to make her way outside (likely after Fluttershy had exited) leaving the dragon and the princess behind.

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@Rising Dusk

"*The Master* Urgh, pretentious overblown windbag."

Null rolled her eyes and snorted, clearly not impressed by something about the unknown pony adversary. Void on the other hoof though, instead seemed to flinch and seemed to sink down, not finding the mention of that particular pony as simple to swallow as her sister did.

"He were d-dangerous Null. The things they s-said he did were i-insane, especially if y-you crossed him... A-And w-we stole some of his t-things."

"Yeah well, he's their problem, not ours. They kicked us to the curb for helping them against his items once, so they made their choice."

"Uhm... S-Sis? If he'd m-making a move on this t-town, I think he i-is our problem too."

"Great. Thousands of miles from Harrowmark, and we're still getting dragged into their business."

"Okay, you ready to be measured?"

Molotov popped in at that point, but only got another eye roll in return, though he took that as a yes. Seeing as how Null were occupied keeping an eye on him as he did that to make sure he didn't try anything funny, Void had to take over and explain what they knew of this *master* that were apparently attacking this town.

"Back in H-Harrowmark, we got told about a l-local wilderness witch calling h-himself *the master* s-sometimes. His name were.... I-I think it were *Twisted Gears*? I-It's been a long time, so I'm not a h-hundred percent sure.

A-Anyway, I believe he were c-controlling the area with an iron h-hoof, and sent monsters a-after those who got i-ideas about going against h-him or interfere with his p-plans. He also s-sucked life energy for some kind of r-ritual  I think? That's what the v-villagers said anyway, before c-chasing us out of the country. A-Apparently we meddled in s-something that we shouldn't have.

Uhm... D-Do you know why hes h-here in Manehattan, by a-any chance?"

Void had a pretty good idea why a vengeful witch would suddenly start making stabs at the town where Null and her were in, and it was pretty clear by the way she spoke too, but she still held some hope that it weren't them that had drawn him here. A very small, barely tangible bit, but hope regardless.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I thank you for the offer, but I'm not overly fond of bear meat as it is. Besides, it seemed rude to interrupt you in the middle of your personally collected meal."

Honestly, whilst he didn't doubt that there had been options for leftover, he only ate bear meat if it were done properly. Mostly in stews or the like, where it had a long time to boil through and get deliciously tender, and that would hardly be something they had any time for. Ah, and speaking of time, it seems like they were getting in on that topic now.

"You can attempt a nap if you so pleased, but I doubt we have long to go either before the auction will commence. Perhaps you would prefer for us to stay here and if not rest, then at least sit down and relax our bodies beforehand? From personal experience I can assure you that the auctions does not create an environment that is ideal for rest."

Usually the only seats that were to be found anywhere were during the auction itself, or in the private rooms where others may excuse themselves to talk business in less observed surroundings. Neither were meant for anypony anyone to simply sit down and feel relaxed. On the bright side, it tended not to last more than a handful of hours, so one rarely got too tired, provided you had gotten rested in advance that were.

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@Catpone Cerberus

Luckily for Nada, her first trick managed to get the trick done well, and soon enough she'd find the bird perched on first the stick, and subsequently the branch it had come from in the first place, fast asleep. Phoenixes were not easy to deal with in their early adulthood, and especially not males, who had a tendency of getting territorial and boastful before they got more mature and managed to settle down.

"Well handled, daughter of the sea."

The voice were soothing and calm, coming from a litle behind Fah'lina, yet didn't startle the small mimic, who just turned around and glanced up at the talker with a funny look on her face.

"I merely try and blend in more little one, worry not."

(timelines should fit with her being in the forest now, after leaving the castle)

The mare were a strange sight, with grass-like hair in her mane and tail, along with a somewhat mossy texture to her coat, roots seemingly growing on her hooves, and flowers sprouting from varied parts of her body.

(ignore the following in case Nada dives under)

"You needn't worry, daughter of the ocean deep, I come with no harm in mind. I am merely seeing how the varied animals are doing now, after the desert that were placed earlier today, and wished to check up on these two. It pleases me greatly to see that they both seem safe."

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@Lucid_Nightlight

"Hey, stop going into my head! It's full of my own think bubbles, nothing for you there!"

Anomaly stomped int he ground like she were having a temper tantrum. She hated when they started to rummage around in her head, since that were supposed to be her personal space, but now all of them were basically doing it. Including the lizard! How was that fair? Especially since she didn't even have a real brain in her head, so how were they reading it? Bunch of cheaters the lot of them. Even her snuggle bunny. No smoochies for him today!

...Well okay, that might be a little Too harsh.

And speaking of which-

Lumen would find himself on the other end of Anomaly's large tongue, slowly licking him up the left side of his face like a cat. Seeing as she didn't have lips, she tended to do this, or grow some for a short moment, but the later always just seemed to weird others out a lot more.

"There, that means he's mine now.

And fine, I'll eat the cake, but if there's any silver there, I'm turning the baker into a dandelion"

Anomaly would take a tentative bite out of the cake, and chew down on the mushy cake. Time to see if she'd get all sorts of messed up now.

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"I didn't read any minds this time! I just read what the author said!"

When Anomaly licked his face, Lumen had something to say.

"Hey! I'll report you to HR!"

No silver would be found in the cake. It was just a chocolate cake.

"Muhahahaha! You are unhealthy now!"

"But she is a draconequus! She can just make herself healthy again!"

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Zephyr / Karou Serenade simply shrugs, "Of course, I forgot about the brothers. Most ponies only know about the Three Sisters cause Starswirl banished them. What isn't written is what Starswirl did AFTER that." She turns to face the group, "If you don't mind, I'd like to get out of this place and to Princess Sparkle's castle before I find myself facing either a Lynchmob or what's worse....a Pinke Pie Party for a Perplexed Siren"

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

It was... something. Could've gone worse but at least Stargazer didn't turn down this chance. The siblings smiled and nodded towards Jelly, hoping that gesture could reassure her nothing is wrong. Once the door closed, they had the rest of the day to themselves, however much is left anyway. Still, the whole encounter ended better than expected and that was a little victory in of itself. 

"This is important to you, Rosa. We can do no less than help you see this through. As for now, let's find a place to rest for the evening. Our plans can wait until your needs are taken care of."

"I could get us to an old campsite I used years ago," Lin opened a gate once more, large enough to fit everyone in though the edges seemed to show some mild fluctuations in her powers. It wasn't anything to worry about, though. "An old cave off the beaten path to Canterlot. Very much unseen and no predatory animals to worry about. Hopefully someone didn't stumble upon it."

Lin was the first to walk through and true enough, everything was where she left them. An empty cave but little crevices and nooks around the sides and even within it had her supplies. Wood, flint, some blankets and bedrolls she scrounged up from passing caravans who didn't notice their missing items. The longma hybrid let out a quiet chuckle of excitement. They won't want for nothing now that their accommodations just got better. Right now, Lin began setting up the camp, fire pit and bedrolls first. 

A relief and following that they have a moment of respite. Even Rosa could lounge around and rest. He wouldn't have to worry now that the siblings will take the lead setting up the camp ahead. Sen stayed close to Rosa just in case his injuries could get the better of him, ready to help him walk the rest of the way.

"How are you feeling about that exchange? Meeting Stargazer, I mean. What's going to happen between you two once the trial is over?"

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@Blitz Boom @Dji

As per their agreement, Fluttershy had indeed gone to the spa and set her arrangements for tomorrow's activity. The last appointment before closing time and the spa ponies didn't imagine a large dragon coming over to avail of their services. It's going to be interesting to see how that fares but they'd always ensure quality no matter the patron or customer. Once that was done, the pegasus returned home to get Angel cleaned and turn in the day. 

(This is where I'll stop until Twilight, Lyriel, or Nerzhei need to pull Fluttershy back in to the story) 

Edited March 10, 2019 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
"Well, if that's the case, I think I will take a short nap then." Ruby said yawning "Since if we don't have anything else to do than just be, I see no reason to not to."  as she said it, she flopped on to her side, it was not the most elegant or glorious looking position out there sure, but she had found it was the position she felt most comfortable when in the pony form, and knowing they could be picked up at any moment, she didn't want risking getting revealed by napping in her preferred form.

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Nada didn't get scared by the newcomer's voice, sure she jumped a bit, since it came out of nowhere, but due the choice of words, she figured it belonged to...not pony. And when turned towards the voice to see what it was, she backed up a bit by reaction as it was revealed to be a pony after all, or at least look like a pony, the mare looked bit odd. She was visibly wary, but at the same time the calming tone and odd appearance stopped Nada hiding in the water, though she did float so she was partly in the water, but it was mostly so she would be able to clean her muddy hooves. She tiled her head when the mare spoke to her "Who...or what are you?" "You look like a pony, but at the same time you don't, and your way of speaking reminds me of someone I used to know, who was no pony."

 

 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@FanOfManyShows

Now That was some real bad morning hair. And in this short amount of time? That was frankly impressive.

Still, focusing on the important parts here, she seemed to have calmed down some, which were good. Perhaps her pa had managed to get a message through, or he stood in here waiting in the shadows? Guess he'd see, though for now, it seemed like the topic were on magic, which made him promptly walk through and close the door behind him. Ain't any good coming from talking about this when somepony might wander past and hear this doorstep weirdness.

"Alright, if that's yer want, go ahead and lay it on me. Guessing you ain't talking about smacking me in the face with more books?"

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@FanOfManyShows

Emerald watched the progress unfold. Not with the spellwork, as that were a pretty basic spell that would do the trick in clearing out the gems, but rather between Sapphire and Iron. They had seemed rather cold to one another for a married couple until now, yet here they were, small talking and with Iron actively feeding Sapphire's gem, which should make her more powerful, and therefore a bigger potential threat. Guess this were a matter of trust between them then.

The signs seemed to point towards the two being able to mend the things that had broken down in their relationship after Sapphire's death, and with them getting along, Astral would likely follow troop eventually, and the lot of them could go back to enjoy their happy little existence.

How it sickened her to watch...

There had never been a chance in Emerald's life for this *happily ever after* and there never would be. She were little more than a leech at this point, who had no tangible way of gaining a body of her own, and yet here were Sapphire. A real family, somepony who cared for her, and even offspring... Why did she always have to have everything?

Emerald weren't sure what memories to trust anymore, and what were even real, but she knew what she saw in front of her, and what were going to happen. Sooner or later, Emerald would be a burden to this idealistic little life, and then she would be removed from the equation. What should stop Sapphire after all, considering she would not need the last tangible thread to a life she so desperately tried to remove herself from, soon as her disease had been cleansed, and she were returned to the mortal coil.

Much as she wanted to desperately have her sister back, Emerald were not delusional about her role in this happy little family being nothing more than to bring back Sapphire. After that happened, she had to prepare to keep her own metaphorical hide safe. Or... Something could happen to the ritual. A little change of some ingredients, a vague enough runework to not catch suspicion. It would be so easy.

"...Tell me something. When this have all happened, and Sapphire stands alive again, how do you plan to convince your spawn that she can trust in what she sees? Betrayal is a wound that are slow to heal, and you inflicted it upon Astral very recently."

Much as it were tempting, Emerald were not going to sabotage this. Not as things stood for now at least. Much as she knew that she would have to take precautions for the inevitable betrayal from Sapphire's side, and that taking care of her before she even got back to life would be the easiest way to deal with it preemptively, She would not do that to a blood relative. That limitation were the only thing that she had which Sapphire could never claim to have, or surpass, and Emerald would not let her take this from her too, like she had everything else.

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@FanOfManyShows

Hogweed stood with an open maw as she were told that Warlock here used to be a general, yet as the story went on, her look changed to one of sadness, with pitiful eyes towards the stallion.

"Tragedy can bring out the worst in anypony, gen- Uhm, I mean, Warlock. I'm very sorry for your loss."

She had more to ask, but she wished to stop on this for a minute or so, to emphasize that she actually meant it. A loss of life that lead to desperate measures were a horrid tale with nopony winning from it, and sadly, Warlock were likely the greatest loser in this. Tarnishing his legacy and likely sanity to try and get somepony back that could not be retrieved, and then returning as a scourge upon the guards he would have once been sworn in to protect. All because of a tragedy that he tried to rectify.

"I hate to ask this at a time like this, but... Were you there when the Night Guard general, Shrill Burst, were alive? We have a hole in our history of one of the generals of the Solar Guard that were active in the same years as he were, and I wonder if that might have been you."

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@FanOfManyShows

"Nah, you're too late for that."

Tidal Wave pointed towards an image of a rather plumb looking, confused stallion under the Solar Guard pictures.

"General Dough. Great strategist, but whenever he started talking to a group larger than a dozen ponies, he'd start crying uncontrollably. Ain't any way you're beating that."

Screecher on the other hoof, focused more on the other question, and with a bitter tone started to briefly speak of the empty spot on their wall.

"Chariot. I know little of him, but there are files about him in our locked off area of the archives. If you care to know why he got removed in disgrace, you can go there. I should mention, that Dew were thinking of returning him to this hall, to not bury history, but it were still a debate between us as he were taken out of here for a reason, which is no small feat, considering some of the others we still maintain here."

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@Zephyr / Karou @Moonlit

"I thank you for trying to approach this with some degree of ease, Zephyr and Sun. Things are better if we do not fight unnecessarily, and try to give others the benefit of the doubt.

And yes, I do agree that it might be better to move away. Brittle is already not doing too well, and the attention of Pinkie Pie will not make things better. Please, go ahead without me, and I will find you soon, but I need to try and calm her down, or she will never return to her proper form."

Briar would wait until they left to try and calm Brittle down, and would arrive shortly, but for the time being, he were just thankful that things were going somewhat calmly. Sure, he could feel a tension that he were ashamed to admit that he took part in creating, yet things seemed able to ease out, and Serenade so far did not seem hostile. Earth Mother be merciful, it would continue so.

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Zephyr / Karou Serenade nods, looks around and them makes a beeline for the front door of Twilight's castle, hoping to get out of the area of effect of the Chaos magic before the aforementioned Pink Party Pony spotted said Siren and had to throw a party. Dealing with Pinkie was....necessary for those living in Ponyville. 

[Rising Dusk 27,514]

@Blitz Boom

How interesting, not only do the sisters have knowledge of The Master, they also have a name to go with it.  Not that it should be all that surprising, considering they were the focus of his actions against the city.  Well, at least the reward in exchange for a meddling pony like Rising Dusk to stop doing his goodie-to-shoes activities.  Is it fair to say he was dragged into this mess and not his fault?  Probably not, his duties often stepped on the hoofs of others.  Hearing Void confirmed that some of those artifacts they brought to him to dispel were his, even if he'd already confirmed it by matching the magical signatures from memory.

Letting Molotov and Null get distracted by the work in getting her wing built, he kept his attention on Void while he listened.  Filing facts and knowledge about Harrowmark, the witches and The Master for later use.  It was their problem again only in that they were in the line of fire, his goal, likely for their unique ability of magic nullification.  Their meddling likely referring to the artifacts they took from him and that Rising Dusk had dispelled.  "I do not," he informed him of his thoughts on if The Master was in the city.  Although he'd be here shortly, based on what he got from their link and Lily's information, he was pulling strings from outside the city at the moment. 

"But you needn't worry.  His attention is focused on me at the moment.  He didn't seem to fond of me breaking his cursed relics," he tried to assure the usually nervous mare.  Partly why he used the token to draw the scry spell in his direction rather than the sister's.  It didn't work out perfectly it seemed though as the witch and her master seemed well aware Null and Void were here in the city.  At least the detective had his eye on them now.

[Early Sunsets 2,106]

@Blitz Boom @Moonlit

"Alright. We'll see you two in a bit, then," Sun Fire said, glancing at Brittle before turning to follow Serenade at a more relaxed pace. As she walked, she let her thoughts wander however they wanted, and the unfinished melodies came flowing back into her mind. She hummed the fragments lightly as they popped into her head, stitching them together as she went along.

Zephyr nodded to Briar and hurried to catch up to his sister. He did feel kind of bad about being so quick to judge Serenade, but he was still wary about trusting someone he didn't know. Now that he had calmed down and could think clearly, Serenade didn't seem hostile, but living in Manehattan for years made him question the intentions of others quite a bit. He shook his head. "I'll giver her a chance, but I still need to be careful." He looked at his sister, who was lost in her own little world at that moment. "I don't know how Sun Fire can trust others so easily, especially after everything she's been through. It doesn't make sense." Zephyr sighed. "Maybe I'm being unfair, but I'm reluctant to trust her wholeheartedly. It's hard to trust someone I'm scared of."

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom, @EQ_Theta

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

”Royal duties?” Twilight asked in shock before chuckling nervously, waving to Fluttershy and Lyriel as they left. “Um, that would be a no. I don’t really have any royal duties, per se, the mayor still technically runs the town. There’s a map of Equestria down the all that summons my friends and I by glow8ng cutie marks where we have to solve friendship problems. Unless that is my royal duty?”

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

“Eventually, yes,” Karmic said hesitantly, not looking up from the book she was holding in her hooves. However, her body was locked in place. “They ... they eventually do, yes,” she repeated. “I’m sure they will accept. I’m sure they won’t run you out of town and leave you homeless.”

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

“We only shares a few sentences,” Aurora mumbled and looked between Bubble Tea and Happy. “Are you two an item? She asked if I was your mate,” she told Happy, slipping into the way griffins spoke about significant others.

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

“Ooh um ... that’s back in Ponyville. Do you have anything you need to take care of here?” Watts asked nervously as she stopped walking and looked towards the town of Ponyville. “Because I still need to get a few odds and ends.”

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

"I g-guess that w-would do it. He sounded v-very petty when we h-heard about him."

She were pretty sure that the officer wasn't telling her everything, and that in some way, it really were Null and her's fault that Twisted had set his sight on this city, but she appreciated him trying to shield it from her. The situation were making her nervous enough without being hit by the blunt hammer of reality, and she really would prefer not to break down and starting to cry right now. Not in front of these ponies, and especially not when Null were trying to stay focused on her getting fitted for a wing.

She could hear her sister were not enjoying this from the growl escaping her throat at being poked at her stump and down her spine, which the stallion seemed to wholly ignore as he went on with it with a small whistle. Guess this were how he worked then, huh? Well... He seemed a lot nicer when he were focused on that, rather than speaking to somepony, that were for sure. Perhaps Null would be able to tolerate him through this if that kept up.

However, that were between them. She needed to keep focus on the officer, who had to deal with a highly dangerous wilderness witch from Harrowmark assaulting his town, who he apparently couldn't find.

"Uhm... You know a l-lot of magic, right? Would uhm... I-I mean, could you t-track him or p-prepare something if y-you had something of his? We s-still have some of his s-stuff."

Not surprisingly, Void didn't really understand how magic worked, or what the potential limitations of it could be. She just knew that Null and her nullified it when it got near them, or got suppressed if it was evil like curse magic, or really powerful, like the wall around Canterlot. That had broken a hole in it when the two of them had briefly tried to enter there once, and though they had turned around afraid of what the backlash would be if they got caught, Void had seen it repair the couple of holes again once they were out of its radius.

Essentially, she didn't know what could be done with magic, or how powerful some of it were, but Rising were a powerful user of magic that could even use it to counter out other types of magic, albeit with it draining him quite a bit. If anypony could use something about a cursed item's creator against himself, surely it'd be him. At least of the ponies that she knew of here in Equestria, which were admittedly not a long list.

"I-If not that, is t-here anything else we c-could do to help? E-Equestria welcomed us. I think we s-should try to h-help it too then, r-right?"

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@EQ_Theta

Rosa would wander through slowly after the longma siblings, with Omen following troop after that. He could feel her unblinking gaze fixated on him, though for what reason he really couldn't say. Normally he would assume pity because of his injuries, but this mare were different since she seemed to have a reduced understanding of how to see or express feelings, and as such, it might as well just be her trying to wrap her head around why he walked like that, rather than pity or a need to keep an eye on him. There were little doubt in his mind that if he asked, she would just tell him, but he honestly did not care about it. Whatever her reasons for doing what she did, let it be what it were for now. He were too tired to debate it.

The place the siblings took them too were a nice, secluded part of a cave by all accounts. A perfect place to lay low and lick ones wounds, provided there were no bears in the area, but he would try and trust it when Lin said there were nothing of the kind around. It was pretty strange how that was the case really, since at the very least this should have become a safe haven for some kind of prey animal seeking to get away from the violence, yet stranger things had happened, so there were really no point in thinking more about it.

His legs felt like they were filled with lead as he finally had a chance to sit down, and observe as Omen and Shrimp helped setting up a camp fire. Mainly that were just Omen gathering what loose wood she could see with her long tongue and stacking it up nearby, and Shrimp - having just reawakened - looking at it an deciding to slither down on the ground, where he'd gather hold of a few small branches with his maw and go over to present it to the pile. It were little more than kindling, but even Rosa found himself getting a bit of a smile on his face just from seeing how proud the little thing appeared to be at helping, even in his own, small way.

"I couldn't say what... Will happen. I wandered into this... Expecting to be put in a prison cell... Until the trail, and having to... Speak my case from behind bars. I think... He wants to be happy that he haves... Some family members, but he's a guard through an through, and we're... Criminals. It won't be easy... To accept either of us, even if... Filigree is worse.

I think that when... The trial is over, he will confront me... With my own sins, and tell me that he needs to... Find out if it's true what I said, about... King Thorax. A guard like that needs to... Know who they can trust, and I'm standing on thin... Ice. Having verified by Thorax that I'm... Helping to bring down my old homestead, should lend... Me some credence, though the king is still young and... Idealistic. Stargazer might think the king just... have a veil over his eyes. Only time will... Tell at this point.

One way or another though, I... Know that I will be properly arrested at some point, and... Taken to trial. Trust and family is one thing, but... Responsibility is another, and we both know that... I'll have to talk my case, and get a proper judgement... Before he can even consider letting me into his life. It's okay though. I've... Known this day would come soon after Filigree... Would be caught, one way or another. Hopefully I will be able to... Talk myself into a short sentence."

Talking at length like this were somewhat painful at this point, as his whole body felt like ti were getting weighed down, and the energy just drained out of him. Within the next few minutes he'd be knocked out and fast asleep on the ground, unable to wake up for at least the next half dozen hours, so if Sen had something to add back to him, it would have to be somewhat quick, or Rosa would just fall asleep halfway through.

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

 

@Zephyr / Karou @Moonlit

It would be about five-six minutes before Briar would show up, with the now normally shaped Brittle following not at his side, but behind him, and making sure to keep the evergrown between herself and Serenade. Just seeing that she were in the vicinity of the hidden siren once again got her to halt and just shiver there, making it impossible for Briar to get much closer. A small blessing really, as he could still feel a few spikes that he needed to pull out with his vine, and this were a good chance to do so.

"My sincerest apologies for the delay. The situation were... Delicate. And before we proceed, I must regrettably ask that you do not attempt to near Brittle. I hope that in due time that can change, yet for now, I ask that you kindly accept this distance at which she feels at least somewhat secure. Furthermore, I would like to stress this is not a harsh judgement upon you by her, miss Serenade. She have had some... Troubling years that have led to an increased sense of fright when it comes to other beings in general. What you see is a result of that, especially when faced with one that have certain... Predatory traits.

Regardless, have we missed something of notice in our absence?"

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

 

@Lucid_Nightlight

"Unhealthy? hah! We reeeeally need to teach you some more stuff about draconequui, snuggles. At least where I'm from, draconequui eats Loads of sugary stuff because they're delicious, makes us all hyper, and we don't gain weight. See?"

Anomaly snapped to summon a chocolate cake three times larger than the one he were holding, and chomped it down in one large, over-sized chomp. And as were shown, she didn't even get a sweat, or a bulging stomach, or anything else. Granted she had both the benefit of being a draconequus and her own ever-changing biology working in her favor, but wasn't that kind of the point? Eh, who cared. The lesson involved cake. All that mattered.

"Metabolism of an incinerator, hehe. You wanna have a go at that too? I could fix up your stomach in a quick snip, and you'd never have to worry about a diet again! Though you'd get a real sick craving for chicken feet, but y'know, that's obvious."

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

 

@Dji

The look that Nerzhei gave Twilight would carry equal parts confusion and disbelief in what she were hearing.

"So let me see if I understand this correctly. You're royalty, but without any ruling duties, and you use your unimaginably potential powers to solve problems - along with your companions - that involve friendship?"

She rose her good hand to pres a her thumb and index finger against her temple, whilst her eyes pressed together in pain. Migraines tended to befall her when she heard something that were just too foolish to sit well with her, and this were making her mentally slam her head repeatedly into a wall.

"I am going to need a book on how your governing system works, because even from what I grew up learning about ponies, I cannot believe that to actually be a thing."

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

 

@Dji

"It sounds as if you speak from experience. You hold my sympathy for that, as well as my gratitude for an illuminating answer."

It were no guarantee, but it sounded as if the mare spoke from the perspective of one who had experienced rejection herself, though if it had gotten to the point of acceptance yet, were not known to Enzo. Seeing what were yet unwritten were a gift and a curse which few of those who did not possess such a thing could comprehend, and the lesser races were prone to shunning what they did not understand. He would not be amazed if she had found her life uprooted because of that, yet as he were not one who could see into past or future, as he were no oracle, perhaps he just read too much into this. Time may yet tell.

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

 

@Dji

Happy started laughing when he were asked whatever or not he were a couple with Bubble Tea.

"Oh, I gave it a shot, but she don't swing that way, if you catch my drift. 'Sides, I'm liking her as a customer more than anything, since she's buying a right ton of the good stuff that it ain't easy to sell to farm folk.

Lemme guess, she asked you the same thing, eh? Right curious sort that gal, and blunt as a mace to the face, so it wouldn't surprise me."

Whilst talking, Happy had gotten all set up and ready to move along, wagon on his shoulder and everything. Soon as he got the sign, he were ready to get on the road again.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Heh, a dragon indeed. Ponies never laid like this unless something were wrong, say if they had been knocked out. Dragons however, he did see act like this, though why he couldn't say. He ended just assuming that it had something to do with their wings getting in the way.

They would have about a half hour to relax, in which time Marley had spend the majority enjoying some light meditation, and enjoying the relative silence.

Something which were interrupted without warning all of a sudden, as something which could not be sensed grabbed them from nowhere, and dragged them back with surprising force.

They'd find themselves suddenly falling a few inches down on each their own fluffy green pillow in an otherwise empty room with wooden walls, just a second later. The only trace there were of them having ever been taken by an entity being an ethereal sounding giggle that would linger for about a second more after their dropoff, and the coin they had been given earlier removed. Payment for their travel, as Scarcity had told them.

If Ruby had her senses on high alert at the time, she might be able to sense a faint whiff of roasted chestnuts, but beyond that these creatures would have left no trace, neither before, during, or after the abduction.

It were yet another reason Scarcity enjoyed her deal with them. To a mare who were valued highly for arranging many things and deal with unfortunate circumstances without leaving something behind, untraceable couriers like this were worth far more than most would imagine, and were well worth the trouble it were to get them on speaking terms.

If they looked to the side, they'd find that Spicy had also shown up, and were currently giving off a bit of a shiver.

"I'm never getting used to that."

"So we meet again boss. Are you prepared for the auction?"

"Yeah, got stuff ready before I got yanked away. You doing alright over there Ruby?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

The strange mare smiled at the cautious siren, as questions got aimed at her regarding her being. Another timid child of the great ocean it seemed, yet one who she could understand and who wished to be informed, rather than immediately settle on the mare being some kind of enemy.

"I am Lyriel. Last daughter of the Silver Valley, and recently moved in guardian of the Everfree Forest.

My kind are called dryads. Children of the Earth Mother, and protectors of nature. My normal form are more akin to what you know as humans, but I have chosen to regrow myself in this shape to blend in with the ponies whom have so kindly found it in their hearts to welcome me.

I can assure you that I mean you no harm, daughter of the sea. You are not a threat to the forest, and I have seen for myself that you do not take more than you can use, so you don't waste what have so generously been given to us all by the Earth Mother either. Your presence is most welcome in my domain."

I arrived here to see if among the chaos the poor animals have found themselves in after the formation of the desert, Fah'lina were still okay. From what she tells me, you two have both been involved in quite the adventure with Agni. That is the name of the phoenix you handled so well before. I hope he will learn to remember that, rather than the experience he had with the pony who left him behind.

But I speak and speak with no end. Please, ease your worries and speak freely yourself, daugther of the tides."

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"Hmm... y'know I think I'll stop becau-"

"Hold on! You can't stop being evil yet, it will make my author look lazy and stuff."

"Yeah! We gotta make you reformed in a really cool way! Then after that, you'll be allowed to like Anomaly."

"Right, I almost forgot about that."

Novia looked over to Anomaly to figure out the best way to reform him.

"Hey, Anomaly! Any idea on how to reform him without making my author look lazy and stuff?"

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

"I suppose... if this King Thorax has connections outside of the Changelings' home, that might give them some considerations. Maybe he can vouch on your behalf, even get you a shorter sentence. What you're doing to make up for your past has to count for something, right? I don't think we'd know how it will go until it happens. But what you need now is rest; I won't bother you any further. Sleep well, Rosa."

Sen had been fixated on the conversation that he didn't notice Omen and Shrimp helping out around camp. Even the little things they did made smile; perhaps there is more knowledge he can impart if something like basic survival skills could stick. Lin was grateful for the help as well, feeling the workload lighten with their contributions. She proceeded to open a gate, and after a few minutes, return with a small assortment of food. Setting them down nearby, she'd pick up a few more sticks and stones gathered around the fire pit and sat by, laying out some flint to get the fire going. 

"Thanks for the help, Omen. You too, Shrimp. This camp is just about ready. Want to light the fire?"

"Oh, and Sen? I left a message for Elder Ghilan back at his home. He's probably worried sick about us being gone for several days. I let him know we are fine and we'd likely be gone for a few more days, just enough to finish our business here."

The longma nodded as he joined the others, eagerly awaiting what comes next. Despite this, his talk with Rosa has him uneasy. It just wasn't something to dismiss, about what will happen to their friend once the trial is over. Stargazer was intent to bring Rosa in but their conversation likely left a lot of confusion and doubt when it should have brought certainty. Even Lin has some doubts about a happy ending just from eavesdropping what bits of conversation she heard.

"I'm worried about Rosa."

"He made peace with the possibility of being locked up. If that is what will happen, we have to respect that, especially since we can't fight the law. We don't have the influence to do something as big as that. We're worth nothing to them; nothing we say will convince the court take it easy on our friend." 

"I know, but he wants to make up for his past, did what he could before we met him. Locking him up takes away his chance to do right by those he wronged. Where's the justice in that?"

"They'll say differently. One less criminal out in the world will ease their troubled minds. I don't want Rosa locked up but we're against giants here. Their laws are not our laws. Their form of justice isn't like ours. We look out for our friends and we'll do what we can, but this might be one of those times where it won't be enough." 

The two remained silent, pondering on the coming day and beyond. It wouldn't make sleeping any easier, just raising more questions to run through their minds throughout the evening. Omen probably might find the topic confusing but while Sen and Lin are still awake, they'd be ready to answer any questions she may have over a meal. Nightfall has just about arrived and they'd be preparing for dinner. 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
When Ruby was grabbed, her instincts told her to transform and attack whatever it was, but thankfully for everyone, she realized that this was most likely what they were waiting for, and focused on keeping her calm. Her senses had of course gone for high alert, since her instincts had thought she was being attacked, but she didn't really pay attention to the smell of chestnuts, as it didn't seem like a natural smell of a creature. And naturally she could also tell that Spicy was with them before she spoke, even though the smells of Marley and Spicy were slightly obscured by the faint smell of fear that both were sending out due getting taken by surprise.

Ruby fixed her mane and rubbed her face tiredly "Yeah, I'm fine." "Just a bit annoyed by being woken up from a nap like that." 

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

Nada listened as Lyriel spoke, she had no idea what 'human' was, but the talk about 'Earth Mother' was a bit familiar, though the memory was from so long ago that she didn't remember much, just that it wasn't a new thing. She of course started trusting this creature more right away after she had said she wasn't actually a pony, and that change in her mind was visible through her expressions too "It's nice to meet you Lyriel, I may have met your kind at some point before, but it is so long time ago that I don't remember anything about it." "Oh, and my name is Nadanna Adratina, Nada for short." she then remembered something, and felt like she probably should mention it to this, 'Guardian of the Everfree forest', she rubbed her neck "I feel like I should apologize about a one thing though." "That being the lake without fish that I left behind after living there quite a while."

 

 

[Rising Dusk 27,514]

@Blitz Boom

Petty was one way of putting it, and while it could be understandable since Rising Dusk was breaking his things, the fact that these things were harming ponies, it couldn't be stood for.  A flash of his dream last night went through the forefront of his memory, causing his ear to flick as that chill of being watched ran through him.  How odd... normally the detective had a firm control of his memories, only coming up when called for.  His gaze drifted to his sides, the floor and ceiling all while listening to Void.  His senses detected nothing out of the ordinary.  Filing that away for later.

It to clear to Rising Dusk that Void wanted to help, which was sweet enough for her.  She'd fit in well here in Equestria.  The detective had already seen the signature of Twisted Gears.  So just like the story he told Molotov about his case in Las Pegasus, if he happened across a pony using magic, he'd be able to pick them out in a heart beat and match the signatures.  Using one of Twisted's relics in a scry spell to find him would work, but he'd have to recruit in another unicorn for that.  The only way the detective himself could track a pony by using one of their artifacts would be if the caster was still connected to it in some way.  Mostly common in artifacts that served as remote alarms or intel collections.  It never hurt to try and at least it could help Void feel like she helped in the case.  It wouldn't be too difficult to just look at the spell work of these items and see if anything was connected.  The flowers around the city were connected to Twisted, but he'd been careful to guard against the detective tracing back too far.  A lesson learned he figured by the poke in the eye to the witch by tracing back her scry spell.  Would he have thought to do that for even his oldest of relics?

"It wouldn't hurt to try," he told the older sister with a smile.  There is always other bits of help that could be provided, but it was part of job to keep citizens out of harm's way as much as possible.  He'd have to think on his hoofs and see if the aid they could provide would be appropriate.  However, he must also be prepared to tell them to run and not look back should things go wrong. 

[Early Sunsets 2,106]

@Blitz Boom @Moonlit

Zephyr shook his head. "It's been pretty uneventful. For the past couple of minutes, anyway." He actually hadn't been paying too much attention to anything around him because he was too busy looking back and forth between Serenade and his sister, who was still humming quietly to herself while intently studying the unusually prolific tree in the garden. Zephyr was so busy watching the other two that he had failed to notice the small bubble creatures from the fountain that had hidden themselves underneath him. A particularly friendly one had nestled itself into his mane and was busy coating his bright sun-colored mane in a glossy sheen.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

"O-Okay, I just uhm... A s-second please."

It was good to hear that there were perhaps something that they could do to help the town before the assault got out of hoof, but unfortunately, all their cursed items were sealed up so to say, at their room in the inn. Which meant having to wander over there to get it, which might right now not just be unsafe, but also presented Void with a question she that really weren't timed, yet necessary: What about Null?

Wandering around without her sister were always something that made Void even more uncomfortable than she already were, as she didn't have the strength of will or spirit to be able to confront things that often, or even deal with harassers or potential attackers. At best she'd go into a panic and flail around wildly, which tended to happen more if she were being targeted whilst alone.

That being said however, it were hard enough to convince Null to go here to seek help as it were, and if she dragged her along, Void didn't know if she could get her sister to return anytime soon. And who knew what might happen if a long period of time went on? Might be that Molotov got hurt, mad, or didn't want to work with wings anymore for some reason, as just a few examples that came off the top of her head. Taking Null away now just to make herself feel safer would be selfish, yet she still needed to convince her sister to let her go away right now too if it were... Oh, how were she going to get this solved?

"Alright, that should just about get it done with the first step. Weren't bad, eh?"

"Whatever. Now what?"

"Now's the fun part. We're gonna weigh you."

Void could almost hear the death glare the stallion got from saying that, but as she looked over, it were clear that he didn't care two bits about that. Honestly, if she left these two on their own, she feared coming back to Null standing on top of him and trying to stomp him into the ground. Sadly not the first time that would have happened, yet here and now, that seemed incredibly bad.

"I can't even start thinking about the wiring, plating, and the form of your prosthetic before I know what sorta weight class you're in. Too heavy or too light weight, and you'll just tilt to the side, or be unable to move. So we're gonna weight you, see what you can lift, strength in your current wing, etc. etc. It'll be a riot."

"Is that all?"

The sarcasm dripped from Null's voice as she were being told by this annoying stallion what to do. A smart cookie certainly, but by the ancients were he annoying. What she wouldn't give right now for a big roll of duct tape and a mallet...

"All? Hah! Aren't you just precious? That right there's just to get the boundaries set. After that, we're gonna go into the real science. It'll be hours of fun."

"Uhm, if y-you do that, we'll g-go outside. J-Just for a little bit, I s-swear."

Molotov didn't seem to mind all that much, as he were scribbling down some stuff in a notebook he had gotten from under his workbench, but Null's gaze were on them like a hawk. Yet as could be expected, mainly pointed towards Rising, as she assumed right away that he were trying to pull something here.

"W-We just need to know if t-the things at the i-inn is safe, and m-move them around a little. It w-won't be good if T-Twisted gets h-his things back. It's a s-short trip."

Void send a pleading glance towards Rising to try and make him support her on this, though there wouldn't go any time before they got interrupted by Molotov, who seemed to get what way this were going to at least some degree, and figured this right here were a good time to try and help out Null, and potentially getting some brownie points with Void. Might go a long way.

"Grand. You go do that, and I'll have the time and focus to get Null here sorted. Who knows? Might be able to get something done within the next 20 hours or so if I get the time to really pinpoint the brainwaves on this project."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

He listened much as he could to what Sen said, but there wouldn't be much time for it, as Rosa soon enough conked out and fell flat on the dirt. There wouldn't have to be a worry about waking him up with too much noise anytime soon, though they may want to watch out to not accidentally step on him.

On 3/13/2019 at 4:02 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"Thanks for the help, Omen. You too, Shrimp. This camp is just about ready. Want to light the fire?"

"Oh, and Sen? I left a message for Elder Ghilan back at his home. He's probably worried sick about us being gone for several days. I let him know we are fine and we'd likely be gone for a few more days, just enough to finish our business here."

Omen didn't even look at the flint as she didn't know what it were for, and instead started to look down on the little refraction, who after being told he did a good job, had started swaying/dancing a little and chirping joyfully. That would last until Omen started to slowly poke him, and he let out a confused hiss, before wrapping himself around her hoof and starting to bite it, thinking that this were playtime. His teeth  might not be too long, but they were both plentiful and sharp, and if Omen were able to easily feel or understand pain, this would have been mildly painful.

Instead she just calmly put the refraction towards the campfire.

"Fire?"

Shrimp just kept up his assault, and didn't react to what she were saying before she put him closer the the unlit thing. At that point, he'd turn on the pile of wood, lean backwards with a hiss, and slither away to embrace whatever piece of fruit that had been laid out for him to feast on, leaving the mare to just look at Lin whilst pointing at the little thing.

"Shrimp do not want to."

She had seen the refraction breathe fire before, so she figured that this were what had been meant when Lin asked if she wanted to start the fire. Turns out that she had understood things about as well as Shrimp had, when the fire would eventually get turned on. If it were done by the flint, she would look closely to try and learn what were going on there, so that she might try to do that herself sometimes.

On 3/13/2019 at 4:02 AM, EQ_Theta said:

"I'm worried about Rosa."

"He made peace with the possibility of being locked up. If that is what will happen, we have to respect that, especially since we can't fight the law. We don't have the influence to do something as big as that. We're worth nothing to them; nothing we say will convince the court take it easy on our friend." 

"I know, but he wants to make up for his past, did what he could before we met him. Locking him up takes away his chance to do right by those he wronged. Where's the justice in that?"

"They'll say differently. One less criminal out in the world will ease their troubled minds. I don't want Rosa locked up but we're against giants here. Their laws are not our laws. Their form of justice isn't like ours. We look out for our friends and we'll do what we can, but this might be one of those times where it won't be enough." 

"Master Discord hurt a lot of ponies. He is free. Rosa helps too and he can also go free, yes?"

Omen understood basically nothing of the Equestrian justice system, and hadn't the faintest clue about neither the prisoner reformation and reintegration programs, nor the concept of being worth more free than locked up. Discord had managed to get a pass partly because imprisoning him would be more or less impossible, and because he could do a whole lot more good if he were reformed and out in the wild. With the papers Rosa had that could work against one of the more sinister spy agencies, as well as his continued usage for King Thorax, he might end up having some degree of good will here that could lead to if not a pardon, then perhaps a sentence somewhere that weren't completely fenced in, so that he could be of use in some way himself.

Now, Omen didn't get that. To her, she could just see her master being free and think that it were because he were helping now, which perhaps meant that everything was okay now.

"What do Longma do when others do bad things? You say ponies are wrong, so you do it right? How? Does it work?" 

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I can assure you that you never get used to it. Always gives me a most unpleasant jolt down the spine."

"Makes my feathers tingle, but eh, what're ya gonna do about it, right? It works, and we're here. Now get up and let's go see the show."

The two of them had risen and whilst Ruby adjusted some cards that had fallen out from her wings, Marley went on to preen himself as little and correct his head feathers to make himself presentable.

"Actually, the first order of business will be a search if I am not mistaken."

"Yes, that is true."

The door to the outside opened just as they were speaking, and a lanky pony-sized dragon wearing a custom made suit over his purple and lime-green scales wandered in, holding what seemed like a rock and a clipboard with a pen dangling from a rough string up the top right corner. He glanced at the lot of them through a pair of small glasses with silver frames, and a look that were professional in it, though his voice and personality seemed to speak of one who were rather nervous.

If one were to look closely, they'd be able to see a lot of runes carved vaguely into his scales here and there. Not something that were shown prominently, but perhaps something that were akin to superficial tattoos, just more suited for a dragon.

"I have been sent here to make sure that all you are- I mean, that everything is in order. You can call me Morrow if need be, and if my information is right, I'm speaking with the griffon Marley, Spicy Rolls the pegasus and a mare by the name of... Ruby. Yes?"

The look that Ruby got should make it clear that he had no delusions about what he were faced with, yet as he had explicitly called her out to be a mare, either he dared not say something, or he had been ordered to keep his trap shut. Considering the nervous glance she got, there were a chance that it were just fear.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I have heard of this lake, where the fish are silent and no animals return from, and I were planning to go there and see for myself what may be done. It seems that the mystery of what caused this have now been solved, but it is not an issue. Once I regain my strength, I will reunite it with the rivers, and life will once again flourish, as the Earth Mother wills it.

I wish to know more of how you may have met others of my kind, as I know only of the ones I grew up in, and the animals here have not spoken of ever seeing something truly like me before. It must have been long, as memory does not vanish so easily among the forests creatures. They pass knowledge from generation to generation, and even if details change, some things tend to remain the same. Of dryads they have not a word, yet other things are spoken of in high reverence or fear, such as it were with your lake, where they claim there have always been an unseen creature, luring the unruly and the foolish away, never to be seen again."

Lyriel kept her calm, yet tired gaze upon the siren. It were interesting to be told and shown who it were who resided in the lake that she had yet to have the time to examine for herself, and that it were a being who seemed nice, yet she did wonder how it had come to pass that Nada had become this boogieman of the forest, so to speak. Yet it were best to ask one thing at a time, and she had another one in mind for the siren.

That derailed some as Fah'lina started to squeak and chipper away whilst making a good deal of arm movements to go along with her ramblings. A strange creature most certainly, but ultimately, if you accepted her free spirit, Lyriel had found her to be a delightful, yet mischievous entity. Like here where she were telling the dryad something important, though for some reason, only vaguely went into details, as if she were protecting someone. Perhaps the little thing had finally managed to find someone who earned her respect.

"So there are two of you in the area? How peculiar that I have not heard specifics of either of you, but it sounds as if you sirens are good at hiding away. If it isn't too much to ask though, could you tell me how long you have been hiding within the forest? I find myself curious about how long it must have been for no memory to remain of your presence."

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

 

@Lucid_Nightlight

"Hmmm... Well, he'd need to do something actually evil first that we had to stop, then lots of talk about being good, kind, yada yada. Guess that's easy, right?"

Anomaly's head started shaking like a washing machine on uneven ground, whilst soothing lounge music played from somewhere. Every few seconds, a female voice would claim that they were the next caller, and that they'd be serviced as soon as possible, though it would be several minutes before she were done, and stretched her tongue out towards Lumen. On the end, using her tongue like a pillow, were a golden seed, around the size of a full grown rabbit. It were almost crackling from the highly compact degree of chaos and nature magic that were pressed into the tiny space, just ready to burst out and do something both amazing and horrifying, all at the same time.

"I used these to make the Evergrown. It makes a giant tree grow up, and changes every being from Diamond Dog and above into tree creatures. My friend called them Evergrown, which were only a teensie bit better than *Bark-things with funny flowers* like I suggested. Pretty close call on it, but we had a two being vote, and he had six more than me. I kinda think he cheated.

A-n-y-way, take it, go threaten a big city or something, then we stop you, drag you away, reform you, and go eat cookies. Foolproof plan! Unless you drop it.... Huh, perhaps I should get like a release form for these kinda things just so I don't get blamed for stuff going real bad."

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom @Zephyr / Karou Serenade nods, "To be fair, I wasn't expecting to be outed as a Siren, I just came by to drop something off at Princess Sparkle's Castle, then go visit a friend in hospital."

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

Lumen took the golden seed from Anomaly.

"How about I threaten to use it in the middle of townhall, then you will say a bunch of reforming stuff, then I can be reformed?"

"That's a brilliant idea! But wait, we already reformed someone today."

"So? I didn't get to help because I wasn't there yet! I wanna reform someone too!"

"Yeah! Let Novia has some fun too, Lucid!"

The tank, which has gone unmentioned for a while for whatever reason fell through the roof.

"Everyone in! Let's go to townhall!"

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

"I'll take care of the fire," Sen interrupted, grabbing some of the stones and flint nearby and striking them until a spark lit the loose pieces of wood. It was about as standard as it got, minus the time-consuming nature of traditionally starting a fire with more flammable materials. After about ten or so attempts with no luck, a small fire came about. All that was left was to feed it some fuel and they should be good for the evening. 

When Omen asked about their ways, both Sen and Lin didn't quite know how to answer. Maybe a faint idea on what they should say but they were uncertain if those were the right way to go about it. They know about how things are done back home but the antiquated methods of the longma are foreign to the Equestrian justice system. What little Lin knew of it was mostly picked up from listening to other talk about it. And that is before getting into the possibility about someone digging up her past, even if it is about as minor as trespassing. 

"I'm not sure if it is as simple as you put it, Omen. Discord is free, yes, but the courts didn't give him that freedom. From what I learned, Fluttershy and her friends gave him that opportunity. I figure Princess Twilight and Princess Celestia might have been lenient on him. We don't have the luxury of calling on a princess to offer the same thing to Rosa."

"The Longma see things differently when it comes to delivering justice. The village council meets and discusses the crimes of the accused, then gathers the village to give their verdict. Most are sentenced to serve the village as a laborer, often to the individual or group that was wronged. It is meant to serve as an example to others about the consequences of our actions and to make things up to those who are affected. 

Sen just finished setting up the camp fire at this point and joined in on the conversation. He sat next to Omen and began passing around the food Lin brought from home, mostly a mixture of dried fruits and vegetables. 

"The worst offenders are exiled and struck out of the village's records. They lose their property, their home, even their name. To them, the exiled is just another wild animal who should be wary about ever coming back, lest the hunters relentlessly pursue them. Anyone would be a fool to try their luck against the village's trained protectors." 

There was a tone of bitterness oozing from the way Sen said his piece. He didn't look at Omen at that time, only at the embers sputtering out of the fire. Lin knew this much as well, knows the weight this had on their conscience. Their first visit back after so many years on the road, the scornful looks they received as they were tidying up their family home... it all made sense. No one ever had their status of exile reversed because all who were condemned to that fate deserved it. No one was quite sure how to handle such radical changes. 

"It's all about how anyone understands this, Omen. We're not saying either side is right or wrong. The longma's and ponies' methods are just different."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby looked at the tiny dragon that had came in, she didn't really think anything about his way of speaking or nervousness and smell of fear, because she knew that he could see right through her pony form, being able to not only tell that she was a dragon, but also assume her age. She also knew that seeing the eye of an dragon lot older than both of them combined on her neck would also have effect on weak dragon like him. "Ruby Shine, but yes." she replied correcting the meaningless mistake of leaving out her made up second name, she didn't care about the mistake, but why she had replied was because with her words she sent a warning only her fellow dragon would notice, warning that he would lose his head if he said anything about her real form.

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

Nada listened patiently, and didn't interrupt even Fah'lina, because though she had no idea what the creature was doing, it seemed important. Thus she hadn't replied anything yet when Lyrier asked her second question, and she decided that she should first reply to said latter question, as she saw it to be important for Lyrier to know how long time ago it was she had met the one of her kind. "I'll answer the latter first." she said "And to be fully honest, I'm not sure, because I lost track of time quite a long time ago." "But according to the pony who found me, it has been at least a millennium since the event that drove me into hiding." "And when it comes to your first question, it's like I said, I don't remember that much, it was some time, maybe years before I went to hiding, I remember meeting a weird creature who talked like you and I remember hearing about Earth Mother or something similar." "Sadly that's all I remember."

 

[Rising Dusk 27,514]

@Blitz Boom

Oof, it doesn't seem Molotov knows the finer points of dealing with mares.  Weight is a big no no outside the occasional doctor visit.  One of those fun little lessons Rising Dusk only had to learn once, also luckily at a younger age where it was easier to get away with just a slap on the hoof.  Base on what he'd learned about the lower life expectancy of the citizen of Center Zero, probably a fine detail not as present as it was with the rest of Equestria.  Which with that point, it couldn't be guarantee the same social rules applied to Troy either.  Rising Dusk might be the odd pony out on this one.  Death stares were normally a good way to tell, but coming from Null it was more the default look, so it was hard to tell.

This was going to be a good chance for the two to get to know each other though.  Maybe Molotov can learn a few more minor points on manners and maybe Null can learn that not everypony is out to get her.  Hopefully she can keep imagines of her flying soon to help temper that, well temper.  With Rising Dusk's added wards to the workshop, along with the physical defenses that it already has, leaving these two be to take Void out and collect a few artifacts shouldn't be an issue.  Well, the only issue seeming to be separating the two sisters of Troy.  The work that Molotov had planned with Null from the sounds of it was going to take quite a while.  Plenty of time for the other two to step out of the workshop.  "I'll escort her myself.  We'll be back in a jiffy," he assured the pegasus with his head held high.

Making his way over to the main door of the workshop and punching the button that popped the cork to let the pair out.  Casting his senses out for anything that might be lying in wait for the group.  While it might have seen nice to have kept the pocket watch with him to make this quicker, it sadly only worked on the pony using it.  It was times like this he wished he could actually cast a teleportation spell on his own, rather than preventing them from happening.  Oh well, walking the city was good exercise. With the coast clean, he offered Void to follow him out to navigate them out of the East side of the city and to the inn they were staying at.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

"W-We'll hurry sis. Just... P-Please try and not do s-something crazy here."

"If you want crazy, how about you and I have a stroll down the market to get some tools and a bite to eat, eh?"

Molotov managed a single eye wiggle before he got a hoof right in his chest, which made him keel over a bit to catch his breath.

"Totally... Worth it."

"If he keeps opening his yap like this, I guarantee nothing."

Void didn't say anything more to that, nor the funny look she got from Null before turning around and head for the door. Null would send some glances more that way, but also one towards the officer, which seemed to just say *What? He asked for it.*. Something which Molotov rightly knew, but had considered well worth it. Especially since he had gotten himself a neat little reaction from this. No, not from Null, though he'd give the pegasus credit for having a better right hook than he'd have thought. No, that one he liked were from Void, who he saw had gotten herself a look of shock at the suggestion, but also a bit of a red hue on her cheeks.

Leaving the two behind, Void would stand and wait at the door for Rising - partially because she didn't know how to open it - and would follow him as he started to leave. Once outside, she'd let out a sigh of relief and try to gather herself again after what had gone on in there, as well as what were to happen once  they started to make their way. Here, away from the city, things wouldn't be so bad with her aversion to others, but that were going to change soon as they got near the crowds, and she were well aware of it. The thoughts alone made her hunch down a little already, though she didn't notice it herself.

They wouldn't find anything wrong happening outside. There weren't even any beings there, including birds or curious critters. if he would seek around, Rising wouldn't find anything magical going on here either, which likely meant that they were still here before Twisted could find out where they had gone, and before he could get his hooves in Molotov. Considering the wards set up and the regular, physical fortitude of the workshop, things should be safe around here when it would eventually happen then.

"I g-guess we should m-make haste then. I'm k-kind of afraid what she'll d-do to him if they a-are left alone for t-too long.

And uhm... I-I'm sorry in advanced if t-things get weird in town. I'm not u-used to being w-without my sister. Y-You have family too, r-right? Have to be w-weird being away from them for y-you too sometimes."

She'd follow close by if he lead, standing generally behind and to the left of where he wandered.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"...Master Discord was right. Rules are hard."

Omen had stood silently and just stared at the siblings for several minutes after they were done talking, trying to turn what she heard around in her already well filled head, but it just couldn't stick. basic rules like *don't cause harm* she understood. It were easy, and a plain thing to do. But this whole system sounded like gibberish to her. prisons, courts, exiles and forgotten names... There were too much in them that she didn't understand to even attempt to gather it up to be mulled over later. Kind of like magic, though her master had fully endorsed that as a thing, whereas rules were seen as something horrible to him, that needed to be uprooted and removed.

Were it any better? Most beings would likely say no, and she had come to eventually understand that a little, but it were much simpler. Instead of having to find out what you were or weren't allowed to do, and then try to avoid doing wrong, it were just trying to get through the day and adapt to what happened around you. It was simpler to understand, because there were no reason or logic in it. Even Discord himself often got surprised with what happened around him, and often thought it hilarious. Omen might have not seen the fun in it, but it were something she could understand and adapt to well enough compared to this stale world with their complicated systems and rules.

"I think I understand Longma rules more. Ponies make too many long words and strange rules. Both are dumb.

Ponies put bad people in boxes and statues. Longma throw them away and forget. Why not help them be better? Statues break, chaos comes out. Being forgotten makes you... Angry? Sen makes strange faces when talking about it. Said nothing nice about it when looking for you."

She could see he were making them again when the talk about exile came up again.l From what she understood, he had been exiled due to going after Lin, and though she couldn't remember their trip to the longma village, she guessed something were still wrong when he made the same face. Happy beings tended to smile, not look like they had bitten into something weird. She were somewhat sure about that at least, though not on how to deal with it if it were. Emotions made beings do strange things.

Omen were quiet after that again for a little while, and sat down next to the fire. A glance were given to the dried fruit that were offered, but instead of eating it, she pushed it over towards Shrimp who weren't done with the one he already had, but regardless still wrapped his tail around it a little, to add to his food hoard. Seeing as Omen didn't need food, it didn't really matter to her, but she understood that he liked it. Besides, if she were to chew on things, she preferred rocks. They had a fun, crunchy texture and a funny taste.

"...You said master Discord got free because yellow mare knew the princesses? Master Discord knows them too. Says he is friend with magic princess. Can we ask him to help Rosa?"

This part she had muddled over a little, as that kinda made sense in her mind after a while. Fluttershy knew the princesses, so she asked them to not put Discord in prison. Well, Discord were friends with Twilight, and Omen knew him. If she asked, wouldn't that be the same thing? He were one of the good ones now, so it made sense to her at least.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Ah, the paperwork must be in disorder. Sorry."

Using the pen, he quickly scribbled in the final lacking last name of Ruby, and then left a check mark next to her name. She seemed to be in the clear, though the others remained to be seen, and they were well aware of it, as Marley and Spicy stepped closer, which made him give a quick glance to them, then back at Ruby. It were hard to get away from what he were sensing to be the truth here with the *mare*, as well as the presence of the elder dragon eye, which weren't making his job any easier.

"Alright, let's get it over with. Run the dang scan and let's get out and into the main room."

"Yes, of course. Just a moment."

Morrow lifted the rock and held it towards the three of them with varied results. Towards Marley nothing happened, and frankly it just looked somewhat silly, yet it earned him a check mark on the papers. Towards Spicy though, a mixture of yellow and faintly violet hues danced over it, which made the mare roll her eyes and pull out one of the cards from her wing, which she held out towards the dragon. A peculiar indigo hue would glaze over his glasses briefly at the sight, but there didn't seem to be a problem there, as Spicy too got a pass.

Hesitantly, he then directed it towards Ruby, and cringed somewhat as the stone more or less got engulfed in a bright, onyx shade, with small swirls of red flourishing over it every now and again.

"Expected results from the necklace, yes. Nothing special there.

Does any of you carry any concealed weapons?"

"Nope."

Marley nodded and showed off the dagger, which Morrow could help sending a longing look after. He were still a dragon after all, and the item were clearly valuable. It were to be expected that on some level, he'd enjoy adding that to a hoard.

"And you uhm... Don't seem to have anywhere to conceal anything, so I guess that's it then."

That comment were directed towards Ruby, whom he glanced at with the same hue going over his glasses a couple of times, whilst some more things were quickly scribbled down and he turned around towards the door, nervously correcting his tie.

"The auction will commence in a half hour. Until then, feel free to wander the premise, but don't leave the area. Security measures are high tonight."

With that, he would leave the room with a sigh of relief. There were still so many things to do now, but at least this were over with for now. Dealing with Ruby and her jewelry were testing his conviction, and Mrs Scarcity would not be pleased if she knew that. Neither would she if he ignored their other arrivals though, so he needed to get a move on.

Back in the arrival room, the griffon and mare straightened themselves out again, and looked towards Ruby in more or less unison.

"Guard checks, am I right? Anyway, let's get a move on. We might as well have a look around, and see who else is here. Might be I have the time to get a few games going."

If they wandered out of the room, it would be into a hallway, roughly 40 meters in length, before ending at a wooden door. It seemed there were at least four more rooms behind them, and two in front, but the doors of them all were closed. A rather quiet beginning to things so far.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Well, whoever they may have been, I pray they have found peace the the Earth Mother's loving embrace, as all that lives eventually must.

I feel saddened for you though, that you have been isolated for so long. Even if time is eternal for you, much must have happened in that span which you should not have missed. I take it now then that you are trying to return to the world? it is not an easy thing to try and enter a world which you were not born into. I hope you will believe me when I say that I can wholly understand, though only that part, as the pain which drove you away is a thing that only you can truly know."

Lyriel slowly raised a hoof towards the water, and the roots making up her hooves grew out and touched down upon the surface so that she could get a small drink. Fah'lina in the meantime, had taken to wandering over to the lake and diving in again, though she stuck near the edge of the lake, and peeked out of the water with her large ears, not wanting to miss a thing going on.

"Perhaps I can help you with a better living arrangement, while you stay in this forest? My powers are weakened now, from a day of pains I had not wished to experience, yet the land is well known to me. I could find a place to suit you, and then arrange it better, once my powers return. If I ask kindly, perhaps my draconic friend can one day help too, though she too have suffered under the same thing which brought so many other beings here pain. We will both need some time.

Although, here too, might be a place you would like? Fah'lina seem to have a fondness for your kind, so perhaps she will welcome you in her domain."

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

 

@Zephyr / Karou @Moonlit

"I had hoped for some degree of resolution to have come in the time it took for us to arrive. Alas, one must look on the bright side, and seeing that nothing have happened is still better than things having soured.

Though, I will give my best wishes to your friend, Miss Serenade. May whoever he or she are have a speedy recovery."

Of course, it might be something worse that were not so immediately treatable, but he would rather not think of the worst option as being it right off the bat. She did not sound as if it were potentially lethal either, or as if the lot of them were keeping her away from something incredibly dangerous, so the odds were not in favor of it being something too horrid.

"It hardly seems fair for us to take your time if your friend is awaiting you. Please, wander to his or her side, and rest assured that I for one promise to uphold your secret unless dire circumstances forces me to act against this. I cannot vouch for my esteemed companions, but hopefully they too will consider to do so.

In any case, I believe we should be on our way regardless as well. There is still much to be seen of the town, and the moon's light will soon fall upon us. Please, say what you wish here, Song and Zephyr, and I shall guide us onward. Unless you wish to accompany Miss Serenade to the hospital?"

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

 

@Lucid_Nightlight

"Yeah, this is totally gonna work! Come on snuggles, let's get driving and get this done with so we can start having loads of Real fun!"

Anomaly jumped straight for the barrel and dove in, swirling through the tube like a flushed toilet and eventually getting herself loaded into the bullet chamber. Seemed like as perfect a place to ride this out as ever, right? A bit snug, but hey, single room. The rest had to share their space.

"Hey, if Novia is reforming Lumen, and Sen's helping her, what am I gonna do? Steal their doughnuts and change their law papers? Uh! I could write in huge tax breaks for draconequui! We pay taxes, right?"

They better, otherwise there were a bunch of sea ponies where she lived that she needed to have a chat with about the monthly payments in food stuff they said she had to pay. Sometimes more, if she didn't give them enough according to their fancy papers. Surely somepony who wandered around with that sorta business-looking things were legit. They even wore ties for Celestia's sake! Who'd adorn that dork look if it wasn't because of work?

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

They all climbed into the tank.

"No, you're going to reform him! And then you will marry him or something!"

"Yeah! You better start choosing a brides maid!"

"Hmm... that would prove my point against the ducks."

Lucid started driving while Pringle stood on top of Lucid's head.

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

"Heh heh, you might be on to something there, Omen!" Sen chuckled upon hearing Omen's suggestion, much to his current emotional state already making him glum. 

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves but I like the way you think! We'll hold off on deciding anything until after the trial tomorrow. We should at least see how things will pan out for Rosa and Stargazer once the matter with Filigree is settled. Maybe even ask Fluttershy to speak to Princess Twilight about it."

Sometimes, it really astounds Lin how a simple approach to understanding seemingly difficult and convoluted topics really changes the way one looks at problems. Omen's simplistic views may make it seem like she'll get stuck trying to wrap around confusing things but the simplest way of seeing them may be the better way. It was quite flattering for her to hear how the Longma's rules on handling criminal activity were more understandable to Omen but that isn't saying much when exile, when misused, still doesn't bring closure to their already conflicted family history. For now, seeing Sen's spirits uplifted was enough to get her to smile along. Discord may have laid the foundation for Omen's early growth and understanding but it is undeniable that he did a few things right. 

Lin had initially intended to ask Omen a followup question that neatly summed up the discussion on laws and what the right thing to do would be, but she held off. It was enough for her to already grasp some tangible understanding on the matter without shutting down in confusion.

"Being exiled unjustly is what made Sen angry. We both understood the reason behind exile, why some would be sentenced to it, but he wasn't happy about being exiled for a very flimsy reason. We all know things worked out in the end, so let's try to put the past behind us and look forward to a better future. Besides, if we weren't exiled, we wouldn't have met you. That's one good thing we wouldn't forget."

Sen nodded and smiled wide, almost grinning. Their paths intersecting the way it did, both Sen and Lin didn't expect that to ever happen but they were grateful it did. Lin extended several rocks towards Omen and placed them at her hooves. 

"I haven't forgotten you asking about eating rocks. I admit it is strange but if you like it, who am I to judge? You enjoy what you like!"