open Casual stroll

Blitz Boom · July 2, 2019

"Yes, thank you. Long as you have that, my area moves with you, so just try to keep that in mind please."

It seemed the princess were set on helping her. A fortunate situation that Cherish were not going to forget anytime soon, and neither would she about the assistance of the guard/royalist mare. Honestly she wasn't entirely sure at this point, but any help to be free from her current tether would be good, be it from Last, or a benevolent princess whom she were still surprised didn't have other things to do. Perhaps she'd understand more in due time, but for now, she'd just follow, and do hers to keep these two safe, if they even needed it.

"Two hour trip at a steady pace. Follow me."

Last would make sure to pass a market stand on the way and get some water, as well as a few apples and an orange for the trip. Not much, but they would potentially need these rations, along with the first aid kit that she had in the small saddlebag opposite her scabbard, and she were not taking the *toughen it up* approach with a princess. Back at the shrine they might've had to go on some long, hungry sessions, but that weren't acceptable to do to a royal.

About an hour and a half into leading them through the forest in a direction that made it clear that she either knew exactly where to go, or were just over-confident, she'd stop to check a tree with some slash marks on it. Fighting had happened here some time ago from the looks of things.

"...We're there within twenty minutes, but they might have expanded. Stay cautious."

She'd move on after that, but keep her eye on things around them, to see if there were any signs of the creatures she had run into the last time she were standing here.

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@Dji

"Good. That may mean she will not simply copy what you are when she holds a form of her own."

It were a somewhat forced grasp on things perhaps, but Enzo honestly considered it a good thing that she wouldn't have to deal with a sort of doppelganger situation, just potentially more twisted. The question would of course come about whose memories were there, as Atzy might hold something far, far worse than a somewhat evil clone, yet that would have to be an issue for another time.

"And we are here seeking a diamond which can be carved into a sizable egg for the ritual. I would think a cluster the size of your torso would be enough, yet we will see."

Enzo took a fallen tree nearby and yanked a suitable part off to use as a torch, then summoned some cloth to wrap the end in. Setting it ablaze took some time, as he were not strong with fire magic, yet a few dozen attempts with a large stone and the side of the rocky surface would finally manage to make enough sparks to do something here, and they'd have some light going in there.

"We should move. Open your inner ear to what Atzy have to say of this place though. It may prove important."

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@Dji

"I ain't forcing you to try it either, so no worries there. Frankly it ain't something I think just about anypony should go meddling with anyway."

Happy gave her a big grin and kept walking with a carefree pace onward, until they'd soon after reach a point where they could exit the forest and be faced with a far reaching stretch of mostly grass, spotty trees, and a few buildings in the horizon.

"Now see, ain't this nice? We got a few kilometers of this sorta thing to go with now before we get anywhere near a forest again. Less of them tree puppies to take their chances here, so I bet that's gonna help ease your head a wee bit, eh?"

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@Moonlit

Fah'lina perked her ears as she offering were made, and turned to face the mare. It were a tempting offer, but she were conflicted. On one paw, she'd really like some good spots to nap, and the treats were always good, yet on the other paw... She really wanted to bite the little dynamo pony for the thing she did before.

Conflicted as she were though, after a few seconds, she'd reach a paw out to shake on it with the pony, and give a confirming squeak. Seemed like the mare had a deal, though if she skimped out on it, there would be teeth to feel.

"You should keep an eye out for her. She likes to cheat on her deals."

Ziggy responded in jest, but she'd get a face full of mimic tail all the same, as Fah'lina would scurry up her back, sit on the mare's head, and wriggle the end half of bushy tail in the zegasus's face a little. From the sounds of it, Ziggy got some hair in her muzzle during this, and weren't all too pleased with it, even if she knew she deserved it.

"Pplrpht. See? I told you.

Okay, okay! You don't have to do it again, I'll stop.

You're right about it being impossible to tame her. She's like... I think you said it best honestly. Yeah, I got nothing there, huh.

A-N-Y-Way, you said those crab thingies were in the rivers? Guess I know where we're going later on then. Perhaps we'll see more mimics there? Or were it somewhere else you ran into one that sorta looked like her? I've been looking everywhere and can't even find a notice in the animal books about her. Just some vague old tales from somepony that passed through Ponyville talking about Discord and ingrained chaos. I dunno. She sounded kinda weird, though she were a nice one. Smelled like grapes."

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@EQ_Theta

Omen would let go of Lin as she heard there were somepony else in the room, and turned to face him.

A male longma from the looks of it, and... Young? He didn't look too old, but Omen usually judged age by wrinkles, or in the case of dragons, size. He didn't look any bigger or more wrinkly than Lin or Sen, so he were probably young, though why then were he redered to as elder? Perhaps it were a longma thing, but there were other things to be curious about with him that made that question fall behind in her mind, and the more he spoke, the more she had to add.

Outwardly, she would just stand silent through it, and look at him with her head tilting slowly from left to right, and her curious, unblinking eyes focusing on looking over the elder like he were a strange statue on a pedestal, meant to draw the eye.

"...Who are you?"

As he had finished, this were the first question that her whispering voice projected to the minds around her. Among the many she had, this seemed the most important to her, as from the sounds of things, this longma knew who she were, but she hadn't a clue who he were. Had Sen and Lin told stories of her whilst she hadn't been in town?

Lin may recall that Omen's memory were cleaned out as she let go off most of her unprocessed thoughts, as part of their fight against the former elder. Which included basically everything regarding this place, and what few, brief glimpses were buried beneath all the new things she had to think off currently, the current elder were not part of.

"Lin told you about me? Maybe. Perhaps that is it?

No trouble here. Others sometimes waved. No attacks. They do, I send them away. Like Mother taught us.

Trouble other places. Strange mare in crystal. Ponies in crystal. Dragon fire with sparkles. Many places to be. Not done yet I think?

My turn now? Why do she call you elder? You look young. You age like dragons, but smaller?"

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Poison bottles? Why those cheeky lil'- That's one nasty trick to pull on somepony. Thanks a bunch for clearing it out Ruby. Really appreciated."

Blind one first, then have them stumble into a pile of poison bottles? What sorta twisted sod had set this up? Urgh, just good that Ruby were here so that she didn't end up stumbling into some sort of necrotic agent, or ancient illness hidden in the vials. Right now, she wouldn't put it past whoever set this place up to have just spiked them with the most nasty stuff that had been possible to get hold off, and then potentially... Set the gold as a trap...

Bloody hay, this might end up being layered traps and cursed coins, weren't it? Darn it, and today were Just starting to look great, no pun intended.

She hadn't a clue what went on right, beyond what sounded like Ruby clearing away some of the glass just in case something were still stuck to 'em that would try to infect anypony getting too close and getting a cut on the shards. However, as she were urged to ahead, Spicy would tentatively start moving, though slowly, in case there'd end up being a trap door or loose rock that would unleash something hellish if stepped down on through the short walk down to the main room. A pretty short trip, but darn it, she didn't wanna get torched or something, so this were gonna be taken slowly and paranoid.

"Not trying to alarm here or anything, but I ain't putting it past the bugger who set this up to not curse the gold or something, so keep your senses sharp. You feel those little hairs on the back of your neck start working overtime, listen to ya instinct and don't start poking until we get it cleansed."

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Alright, I'll lay off you for a while, but I'm telling ya, you ain't got nothing to worry about. The princesses are gonna get you through this, and eventually, everypony's gonna be happy to have you around, just like I am.

And I mean, writing's pretty good to know. Not only for autographs, but for letters, deeds, and bla. bla. bla. You could just have somepony else to do it for ya, but just saying, it doesn't hurt to know. We can look on it some other time, alright?"

Best get moving so they could find the place and see what they needed to get stuff done. Berry were sure that long as they kept this way, they'd find the lake and then work from there in like, 5-10 minutes. Or they'd get horribly lost. They'd see soon enough she supposed.

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@Seamore Sandwich

Seeing that it were a descendant did not make Zhu consider stopping what they were doing. In fact, it brought a little smile to his scaled face to know that the one they would be inconveniencing would be one of these far distant relatives of some of the princesses's old escapades. In his eyes, these creatures did not respect the blood that flowed in their veins, and were a bunch of parasites who only got through the world by riding on old to ancient family ties with the sisters.

There had been one that he had met that stood outside the circle however. A young mare, working for a florist in Deltrot. The way that she looked there were no denying her ancestral ties, yet she did not carry herself on this. She worked hard for what little she had, acted politely around others, and oftentimes went out of her way to brighten the days of others.

He had managed to come around the area once in a while, to try and avert hardships that were to befall the mare's immediate future, as he wished to preserve what goodness he had found in this bloodline, yet he couldn't protect her against time. Eventually, she would have lived past her years, and once her family and friends had mourned, he would stand at her stone throughout the night and do the same, whilst speaking his prayers. He truly hoped that whatever awaited in the next life, she would get the peace she so richly deserved.

He had only been back there a few times since, to see the marker of the spec of goodness that he had actively wanted to stay happy. It reminded him of why he did what he did, and helped him get through some tough situations at times. He did not seek out her offspring however. They had cast aside what their mother had stood for, and been trying to wring their vague ties for all that it were worth. He had no love for them, and would not shed a single tear for the well deserved fate that eventually befell them, though he did at times check in to see if the next ones in line would be better. Some hope were there with this wide-eyed little colt he saw there a few years past, in his own timeline. He seemed to care little for the name or recognition that came from his ilk, and instead actively sought out those who felt down and tried to cheer them.

For him, Zhu had some degree of hope, and perhaps if Celestia could ever forgive him for his actions, he would seek the colt out and tell him of his family ties, and why it were important that he remained on a positive path in the times ahead of him. As for the one who they were seeing now however, he would care as little for his well-being, as he would for Ambrosia's children. Meaning that he would not go to the length of causing him too much harm, but if it happened, he wouldn't care, unless he saw something important in the future of the stallion.

As Gaea slowly made her move, so too would Zhu, who would silently move from his hideout, and land softly on the ground near her.

"How do you wish to do this?"

Whispering like this, a certain slithering tone came over his normally growling voice, as it wasn't easy to maintain that tone in this low a voice, and he did not wish to risk them being heard.

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@Sweet Scoop

8 hours ago, Sweet Scoop said:

"thank you, sir...seems like a shark bite. Or some large marine creature, anyways."

"Three sharks. Shouldn't have risked it during mating season."

There had been some time after he woke up from his ordeal where Chop had hated the sharks. The ones his colleagues used, as well as the ones they just had in the bay in general, and the strays who swam in from time to time. It didn't matter, he wanted to beach them all for his disfigurement.

Time and court ordered therapy had made him look past his hatred though, and realize that it were his own fault. He shouldn't have tried to direct his companion further into the bay from the water itself, but stayed on the surface and used the tools they had available for the task. Instead he got cocky and thought he could save some time, and during mating season, the sharks weren't thinking as rationally and calmly as they tended to normally, so what had happened were just nature.

In due time, he had also had to concede that Crunchy had been the one to get him away from it all before he got torn apart, which is where the largest bite mark on his stomach came from. The shark had tried to protect him as best he could think off, and these days it actually saddened him that the last time he had seen Crunchy, he had been yelling at the shark in furious rage, which scared his old friend away.

Just a month and a half more sober though, and General Tidal Wave had agreed that he could come around and make amends. He weren't getting back into the guard - partially because he knew he hadn't the same drive anymore - even if the general were likely willing to see past his insubordination, considering the circumstances at the time, but he could at least try and see to it that things were right, and have a chance to come by and see old friends now and again. He just had to keep the three years sober mark first.

8 hours ago, Sweet Scoop said:

"You can take some bits from the jar for your time. Thanks for taking me here though."

"Much can be said of Alonsus, but I do not need payment for the common decency of helping somepony home whom have been injured. Seeing you are lucid and not in pain, is more than enough."

He may be pompous and, well, annoying to most because of it, but Alonsus were above all, a good, solid stallion with some healthy morals. What life he may have had before which would prove otherwise were not important to that, as he had put such things behind him a long time ago, yet even then he'd find it unlikely that he could see somepony knocked out and simply wander over them or kick them to the side. Not an innocent bystander at least. That sort of thing had always seemed too... Wrong, basically.

"I'll stay here and make sure she's okay for a bit more. Please tell Chop that I'll be there later, okay?"

Stare took it somewhat easier, but she did not intent to leave just yet, which for one surprised Alonsus, whose eyebrow shot up quite a bit from this remark. he weren't used to this sort of behavior from her, yet, it seemed these two knew one another, so perhaps that were why she were more inclined to be of service here? Ah yes, surely that would be it.

"I shall. Take care, and please, if help is needed, you both know where to find Alonsus."

He'd give them a warm, winning smile, make a bow, and then leave the house as quietly as he could and then make his way back to the shop with some degree of haste. It were not good to have Chop deal with customers for too long at a time.

Last in the meantime, would move over to where she figured that Storm could hear her best, and looked at her with worried eyes.

"I know why you did it, but isn't it too much to hurt yourself like this? You could be seriously injured."

8 hours ago, Sweet Scoop said:

"Hello! Um...what do you recommend? My first time eating here, so...yeah! Um...wow. Is business that slow? No other staff...must be hard.'" She gave him a smile.

"Ginger stew's fresh. Rest you're waiting for."

Chop hardly looked at the mare as he responded, as he were busy cleaning the counter with the cloth he had slung over his neck before. Instead, he just pointed upwards at the signs hanging above and behind him to indicate that she could look there if she weren't peckish for ginger.

"And the others are busy. You want them? Then sit down and wait."

Honestly he weren't a very serviceminded individual, which were why he were so rarely allowed to stay at the register. Usually Straw preferred to take over himself, rather than this, or have Stare there, even if she did creep some ponies out.

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@FanOfManyShows

"Then I'd name a vase after her and throw that. Either way, something's getting thrown."

His input weren't much needed in what went on after that, as Iron seemed to take it on himself to get back here and keep an eye on Misty soon as he had dropped off Chow, and Misty were right on with not jumping into this. Lil' thing shouldn't be running into battle anyway, so this just saved some time telling her to stay here.

Just before they vanished though, Chow would turn to Misty and give her a big grin.

"Don't worry, Astral will get me back here in one piece."

With that being the best he could think off at the moment, they vanished, and soon enough after would end up at the hospital, where they'd witness quite the little scene.

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@FanOfManyShows

"That's the spirit. We'll get you molded into a fine general in no time."

Tidal Wave grinned. Seemed like this one had his reservations about some things, but that were alright. Suggestions were a-okay in her book. It were ordering them to change that'd get backlash rolling. She really had to tell Wings how it worked out the time when general Fahrenheit tried to order them to change the order of succession to be in line with how the Royal Guard did it. Boy howdy, that'd been a nasty sight.

For now, she'd lead them down, around, and eventually down the hallway lined with guards before the bunker. Seemed like they were all ready for trouble. That were good. Might mean this'd be all grand, even in case of some sort of escape attempt.

They'd enter just as Hogweed would hold a pitcher of water carefully towards Warlock, waiting for him to either take a sip, or take it from her hooves and drink it himself. They just missed her saying to him again that it were going to be a harsh road going forward, but that they'd get through it, long as he tried to keep the right mind set and actually showed to wish to change.

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@FanOfManyShows

"It's up your flank if you don't shove off."

Null would respond to the inquiry like she would any other about dangerous materials like this: Snarling, narrowed eyes, and hostility. Honestly how she greeted most, but it always felt like more when it came to dangerous magical items.

"Null, t-there's no need to be r-rude. She's a g-guard after all."

Void were calmer and more against this sorta thing. Equestria were good to them, though... She would lie if she didn't think that something were off with this guard asking about the element. It seemed too dangerous to sent a... Well, *lackey* out for, she guessed were the less polite term.

"I don't care. I ain't forking over anything like that. You want it? Bring the princess, or take a hike."

About then, the others should be able to teleport in, which would make them see the guard snooping around confront a pair of mares, where one of them were visibly growling at her. Not the most exciting, but still, it could escalate.

Moonlit · July 3, 2019

@Blitz Boom "She might, but I don't..and besides a deal is a deal." She smiles at the mimic, "As for Mimics, I know alittle about them, one of my jobs was Archivist at the Royal Archives, and they had....mentions of mimics...including Umbral Mimics" She shivers, "Never want to meet them." The chariot takes less then 10 minutes to land outside a fairly large house, three floors with the top DOMINATED by a pair of large telescopes. The gentle lapping of waves can be heard. "As for meeting other mimics, maybe...it would explain why whenever I leave tacos out they go missing"

EQ_Theta · July 3, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Well… it seems like something must have happened indeed if Omen’s memory is muddled a little. It was good to know some of the villagers have been treating her well, at the very least being friendly with someone they’ve been giving awkward sideways glances back then. That was enough of a good start and hopefully it will carry over if or when someone from the outside would come. Right now, it is time to patiently help out a friend.

“Omen, I am Elder Ghilan. We worked together to stop my predecessor, Solasan, from taking permanent control of the village. Frankly, that might have only been a start and the elders from the other villages are concerned. They’ve since launched an inquiry about that and I am under a lot of scrutiny because they are suspicious. But that is another matter entirely; no need to concern yourself with it.”

“Back to your other question: you are right in thinking elders refer to age but it is also used as a title for someone leading a village. Funnily enough, the other elders are wondering the same thing. I’m too young to be an elder! I chose this mostly because no one else is willing to lead.”

Ghilan remembers the old adage well: those who seek power are not worthy of it. After their debacle with Solasan, that adage keeps him honest. He knows how easily he could be swayed by that kind of power but the responsibility that comes along with it is much greater. There’s no doubt he’s seen enough to remember why he chose to take up the position of elder. More than anything, the village can be better and it has lived in ignorance long enough to know there is much more than they know outside their home.

Lin has, however, noticed the new elder dodging his own concerns in front of them. That inquiry sounds very serious considering how relatively new he is in the position and already having something daunting giving him a lot of pressure. It might not be anything at all but having other elders concerned about it is saying a lot. For now, Lin wouldn’t push the matter and kept silent about it. Perhaps he just needs a lighthearted distraction and the situation might blow over without issue. Even he seems to so as he continued with a playful response to Omen’s question on aging like dragons.

“I’d like to think we have a bit of dragon in our lineage. We longma usually live beyond a hundred years but I suppose dragons live longer than us. You seem to have some interesting adventures while you were away. I take it you won’t be staying here for long?”

Matrix Twang · July 4, 2019

@Blitz Boom

{MATRIX TWANG}

Matrix made a low grumble. She reaches a hoof"That...was rather rude. Anyways. I'll take the ginger stew I suppose." she leans on the counter, waiting for the chef to serve her meal. The place didn't look like the Manehattan buildings she normally ate at. However, she wasn't that picky about the buildings. Matrix despised that sort of prissy attitude.

The injuries were blatantly visible on the chef, but she didn't really care. It was his problem, also she didn't prefer to know somepony's gripes and troubles. From experience it often led to endless babbling on their end and boredom on hers. Thus, she never really spoke to ponies like the chef who looked like they had a long hell of a story to tell.

{BETSY VIOLET}

...huh....Betsy depleted the rest of the stew left in her bowl. Standing up, she walked clmly over to the kitchen sink, and instinctively began to wash any and all dirty dishes and glasses that had been placed inside.It was a task drilled so deep into her subconscious she hardly noticed she did it anymore.

It was such a subconscious act she'd near-forgotten where she was, but felt like the chef couldn't mind. It was work being done for free, after all. She hoped the owner wouldn't mind either.

{STORM BUTTON}

Button was, honestly, surprised they refused the pay. It simply hadn't occurred to her that they were just being nice. She had a new appreciation for the stallion - he'd rubbed her the wrong way in the restaurant. It occurred to her that maybe he was just annoying sometimes, not some self-important douche. She gave a smile. Then heard the question.

"No. Stare, if you know what'd happen..." she sits up on her bed. "...I'd much rather smash my own head in than let THAT happen." She gave her best reassuring smile, holding the expression. The wound on her head bled a bit more due to the second injury. She wiped it from her head. "I'm fine, Stare. Just a bit of blood. Want me to make you anything to eat, since you're here and its getting later into the day?"

Rising Dusk · July 4, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Having one's cutie mark affected in these kinds of ways was always rather interesting. By no means what Rising Dusk would consider bothersome, but impossible to go unnoticed. The feel of a constant poking at his flank as if by a feather. The Captain had gotten the idea from some map in Princess Twilight's castle, but the detective had yet to look further into detail on it. Luckily rarely used except for emergencies, but ultimately at these kinds of distances it was the best way to get the O.M.I.'s attention quickly. The sunset orange magatama and bright star burst fading in and out with a rhythmic pattern.

The attention to his flank didn't go missed, but he couldn't blame her staring at something so beyond what she was use to seeing here in Harrowmark. Her wonderment in just the short time he's been here really reminded him of O.M.I.'s junior officer, and Scarlet wasn't even a unicorn. Their stunted development in this land when it came to magic was most noticeable. "It is," he nodded, not really a whole lot to explain. The Captain can transmit her voice through the cutie marks of O.M.I. agents, but nopony else had the expertise to do it in reverse. Tussle was getting pretty close though. Slipping off the bench to his hoofs he headed for the door of the shack, "Should be a couple of hours befor~"

The air around the town filled with a static energy that made manes stand slightly on end. Rising Dusk managed to put enough energy into pushing the door open into the town in time to follow the flows of arcane magic to the main road that entered the town. Crackles of mint colored energy condensed, a loud thunder clap and a bright green flash of light erupted in an instant.

At the end of the road stood a tall, regal, pure white unicorn. Draped in an elegant azure dress with gold trim that clung perfectly to form. Mint and pink mane curled with a glistening shine straight out of a salon. She looked ready for the Grand Galloping Gala, but to anypony who knew her, this was battle attire. In her own eccentric twisted philosophy, if she were to do her grand final battle, she was going to look her best. The minor set back from the limited transmitting his cutie mark could send out, the O.M.I. wouldn't know the condition the detective was in. For all they knew, they were coming to battle the dark wizard Rising Dusk was sent after.

Her long horn crackled from the excess of power needed to teleport the distance to Harrowmark. Reaching up with a hoof she tapped her horn, each producing a little zap that made her have to jerk her hoof away until it finally dispersed. "Oh dear, it's been ages since I've traveled this far," The Captain's enchanting voice complained. With her horn taken care of, she was finally able to take in her location. "Sweet Celestia, or time traveled..." she commented on the old condition of town. Her tone though made it sound like it was a more common annoyance than something out of the realm of possibility. A celebration in an old timey village wasn't exactly what she was expecting to come across when she received the beacon from her detective.

The tired detective slowly made his way in her direction before she got any ideas of which ponies may be friend or foe. Oh how he took the gallop for granted when he didn't have the energy to do it.

Edited July 4, 2019 by Rising Dusk

Catpone Cerberus · July 4, 2019

@Widdershins
Cerberus just nodded as response, because he was too focused on trying to understand what Widdershins was saying to have anything to say back, but a friendly cat like smile never left his face. The cat's first tensed up when Widdershins got close, but after some soundless communication between them and Cerberus, they calmed down a bit, though they still stayed on guard in case they needed to run. they tensed up again when they got coiled but didn't run away. "Be careful, they are bit nervous about you, they have never seen your kind." "But that aside, I take it you like cats like I do, are we your favorite animal?" There was again a very noticeable contrast between how Cerberus said his warning and how he said the question, and the change from serious to...not-so-serious was instant.
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@Blitz Boom
"I don't believe whoever did this has cursed it." Ruby said "But I guess it won't hurt to get them to someone who can check, I really wouldn't care for another curse right now." she walked to the gold, there was total of ten boxes, but only five of them had gold in it, and they were here and there on the floor "There is fake boxes, there's ten, only five of them have gold." a sound of hoof hitting wood could be heard "But the fake ones have weight in them too, I have to say, this is a weird way to protect gold." Naturally all the boxes had locks, but they were all thoroughly rusted, explaining why Ruby couldn't sense them.
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Nada just nodded, following Berry, finding the performance place was going to be challenging even with Nada remembering the route, because the forest had changed so much that there wasn't that many things she could recognize, and it was possible that even the place itself was unrecognizable. Nada stayed quiet, only speaking if Berry said something, because she was listening, curious if Lyriel was around, since she had said she was going to check the lake.

Blitz Boom · July 4, 2019

@Moonlit

Fah'lina's ears perked. Food getting stolen when ponies left it unattended? It sure sounded like her kind could be in the area, since that were something that tended to happen when some of them neared settlements enough to sneak in and get supplies for the colony. Back when she had been part of one, she had done much the same thing, and actively been one of the further reaching ones who got her former colony things from houses and trash cans. It weren't always easy or safe, but it had helped.

Still, it could be many kinds of creatures who could've done this. It sorta depended on what this *taco* were that the mare were speaking off. Sounded like food, and well, easy food were hard to pass up. She'd have to sniff around and find some tracks at some point to check it out, and look further up the rivers. With a siren in the area, they wouldn't keep a colony too close to the primary hunting grounds, out of fear that this link further up the food chain might come in and try to eat their young. Their kind might do well as predators in rivers and be able to scare off quite a few things, but as Serenade could attest from the first few meetings with the squirrel-like creature, they were cautious around true apex predators.

"Umbral Mimics? What're those?"

Ziggy made big eyes as she heard this and looked really curiously at Serenade's mom. It sounded like some sorta meaner kind of mimic? Maybe some sorta sea variant? Deep sea mimics did sound like they could be some scary creatures, since basically everything that came from the deep sea were scary and dangerous. That's what she grasped were the biggest truth at least from the biology lessons she had to take when she grew up. A lot of scary pictures and big words basically boiling down to *It will bite you*. She sure were happy that she hadn't decided to take a job as a marine biologist instead of a doctor when those sorts of things were down there.

On their way, she'd feel the buzz that meant she had to take the last of her pills, and would gulp that down as quickly as she could, so that she could continue to enjoy the view. Got a bit easier once she got this actually, so she didn't stand all jittery and on the brink of just flying out and taking a few spins around the chariot.

Once they got to their destination though, tired or not, she'd still flap out and rise up into the air to get up real close to the enormous telescopes and have a good luck at them.

"These are so cool! You gotta be able to see lots of stars with this."

She'd glance into one lense and see if she could see anything. She likely couldn't, but if somepony were down there, the giant eye looking at them might be a little unnerving. Hehe, she might actually be able to have some fun with this further down the line, She just needed some props...

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@EQ_Theta

On 7/3/2019 at 3:04 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Omen, I am Elder Ghilan. We worked together to stop my predecessor, Solasan, from taking permanent control of the village. Frankly, that might have only been a start and the elders from the other villages are concerned. They’ve since launched an inquiry about that and I am under a lot of scrutiny because they are suspicious. But that is another matter entirely; no need to concern yourself with it.”

“Back to your other question: you are right in thinking elders refer to age but it is also used as a title for someone leading a village. Funnily enough, the other elders are wondering the same thing. I’m too young to be an elder! I chose this mostly because no one else is willing to lead.”

"I do not remember you."

It might be a little harsh, yet such a concept were foreign and hard to grasp for Omen, who just thought that it were facts which she needed to state. A truth which while not kind, were ultimately the truth. She hadn't any idea about any sort of connection with the elder that he implied. No grasp of any sort of battle that had been caused, other villages, or the title of elder. It were things she had been through and been told, yet to her, it were as if none of it had ever happened.

And yet, something there did ring a bell. A name which made a few still pictures flash through her head, and caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand taller. She even felt this strange, bubbling warmth in her chest from hearing it, yet it weren't the kind which she could identify as being a possible good thing. This more reminded her of the time when the illusions at the lake had confronted her with images of Sen and Lin broken, and blamed her. Something..,. Unpleasant, which simmered like a low fire.

"Solasan... Sister took him, to the dangerous place?"

Omen's confused gaze landed on Lin as she said this. The memory of a longma had come up once Solasan had been mentioned, and she recalled that same one in Mother's realm, dragged away by tentacles to the dimension which she warned all of them to never peer into. Why he had been taken there she didn't recall though, but that scene stuck with her for some reason. it seemed important somehow.

It made her question why that had been a punishment now though. Omen had been there when a tentacle with eyes on it had passed through the air and strange voices had drawn them all to the immensely powerful energy that had radiated through. She knew something had passed through, but neither her, nor the unformed ones could remember what it were, or what then happened. They only knew that Mother told them not to think of it, and just to know that one of their siblings had found themselves a master. What little else had been mentioned when some wished to hear tales from other worlds, were just Mother looking wrong, and saying that where their sister now were, had no place for sanity, and should never be visited, even in the most dire of situations. Perhaps when she saw Mother next time, she could ask details of this, and why she had opened up there anyway? Perhaps Mother could clear many things up for her.

On 7/3/2019 at 3:04 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’d like to think we have a bit of dragon in our lineage. We longma usually live beyond a hundred years but I suppose dragons live longer than us. You seem to have some interesting adventures while you were away. I take it you won’t be staying here for long?”

"Dragons live long. Not seen one from when Master Discord ruled yet. I think they are gone."

Omen refocused her gaze on Ghilan, the... Friend she couldn't remember? He didn't seem like he were snarling or anything, so they were friends, perhaps? A lot of things seemed to be missing here, and it were making her head itch.

"Lin wanted to show me my room. Not sure how long we are staying. Perhaps she wants us to stay here for a long time?

Long time in the same room... We are grounded?"

She recalled hearing this happen to some foals, but whenever she had gotten closer to the window outside their room and started to ask what it meant, they always started to scream, and sometimes throw things. Then the parents came and it never really went to anywhere but threats, more screams, and sometimes somepony that tried to tackle her. Usually she just left quickly if the foal didn't answer right away, as frankly it were simpler than having to try and understand two or more ponies coming in to make it more confusing.

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@Rising Dusk

1 hour ago, Rising Dusk said:

The air around the town filled with a static energy that made manes stand slightly on end. Rising Dusk managed to put enough energy into pushing the door open into the town in time to follow the flows of arcane magic to the main road that entered the town. Crackles of mint colored energy condensed, a loud thunder clap and a bright green flash of light erupted in an instant.

At the end of the road stood a tall, regal, pure white unicorn. Draped in an elegant azure dress with gold trim that clung perfectly to form. Mint and pink mane curled with a glistening shine straight out of a salon. She looked ready for the Grand Galloping Gala, but to anypony who knew her, this was battle attire. In her own eccentric twisted philosophy, if she were to do her grand final battle, she was going to look her best. The minor set back from the limited transmitting his cutie mark could send out, the O.M.I. wouldn't know the condition the detective was in. For all they knew, they were coming to battle the dark wizard Rising Dusk was sent after.

The festivities gradually started to ebb out as soon as the magical show started to happen. Harrowmark had often required of their citizens a certain degree of paranoia, and weariness of new things that they did not understand, as it were rather common for things they had not seen before to be a new monstrosity, or some wilderness witch trying to lure citizens from the safety of their towns, and into the swamp or forest, where the poor souls who got too curious would be snatched and taken away from prying eyes. What happened from then often didn't end in a happy way, and this new experience were tingling that foreshadowing bone within most of the citizens of Oaksbrook.

They were starting to huddle closer and shield what foals they could grab in time when the magic were shown to condense, yet some of the small ones were transfixed and curious, as young minds so often were, and so they hesitated to return to the safety of their folks.

All three of those would find themselves floating from the ground and being lifted back towards the group by a ghostly aura, as Thistle gathered those up who had not found cover elsewhere, and placed herself in front of them, just as the flash of light occurred.

The mare that arrived were not what she, or any of the citizens had expected. A tall mare, dressed in attire the likes of which they had never gazed upon before, who seemed to almost radiate light to most of the citizens. Were she not without wings, many would have thought this the arrival of Princess Celestia herself, yet as she had no wings, they knew not what to think. They simply stood huddled together as the pyre blazed on, transfixed on her, and waiting silently for what their priestess would say of this.

Wisp had not been floated towards them, as both her and Rising were too far from the others to safely get them there in time, yet Wisp too had her eyes nearly glued towards the mare.

Such an elegant sight were something to behold, and she would have likely stayed there, slack-jawed in awe (even as the mare started to moan about the travel and area she had gotten towards) had Chirpy not flapped down and started to poke her with his beak to try and snap her out of it. Beyond that, he would grab her mane with one of his feet, and redirect her gaze towards the outsider, who had started to move towards the unknown mare, as his way to signal that she should do something. He wasn't sure what, but Wisp would frantically stumble forward as she saw this, and attempt to think of something off the top of her head.

This mare were... She mentioned Celestia, a long travel, and she looked important. After what Rising had done, this meant... Y-Yes, of course!

"H-High Priestess! This is one whom the great one called upon to help his travels. She is a companion of our savior."

Light had started to flicker around Thistle as she were preparing a spell to keep the citizens from this outsider, until Wisp spoke her words and things halted.

Looking it over, she could see Rising go towards the mare willingly, and whoever this were, had not entered their town with rising weapons or spells of destruction at her ready. Considered too what words she had spoken...

"𝔸 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕣, 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕜."

The lights faded, and Thistle would start to float towards this new arrival herself, with a curious, yet analytical look going over her somewhat hardened face. This may be one with Rising, yet she would approach her and see for herself what this mare were like. Powerful for one, that were certain. She could almost taste the power frizzling through the air, even from this distance, and it only got stronger the closer she came.

Wisp in the meantime, would have staggered over to Rising's side as they moved, Chirpy still on her back, and support him as best she could to help him move along. He were still clearly weakened, and trying to get to this white mare as fast as he could, might cause him to fall. Wisp would not risk that, and hopefully her actions would be pervieved as such, as she wandered alongside Rising with a gaze switching rapidly between the mare and their savior.

"Please thread slowly, Dusk. You are still weakened from your ordeals."

As or the townsfolk, they were tentatively going back towards the pyre, and what they had been doing before they had gotten a surprise visitor, yet it would take them a few minutes to gain traction in the festivities again. And several pairs of eyes would certainly still go towards the captain. Mainly curiosity the more time passed though. Someone like her were difficult to not draw the eye after all.

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@Sweet Scoop

3 hours ago, Sweet Scoop said:

"That...was rather rude. Anyways. I'll take the ginger stew I suppose."

Chop didn't care about whatever or not his approach had been rude. She wanted something to eat, that ere something he handled. Customer service were for others like Berry, Alonsus, or-

"Now now Chop, you know that's not how to treat our costumers."

The chef halted briefly as he looked to the side, at the small stallion who had just spoken to him in his regular, jovial tone.

Single Straw were a strange sight to some, in parts because of the hat which his wife had made him, yet compared to most who worked here, he were downright normal and a calming sight amidst all the strange stallions and mares whom he had given the chance for work, where no others would risk it.

He would go to the counter and stand there whilst Chop went to get the bowl of stew that he had been asked for.

"Chop is a great cook miss, but he's not exactly our best in dealing with customers. Please, allow me to welcome you to Sloppy Joe's. I'm Single Straw, the owner of the establishment."

He gave her a friendly smile beneath his bushy mustache.

"It were one ginger stew, right? That will be three bits please."

Chop came out with the bowl and put it on the table in silence, before moving on with a damp cloth to scrub the stain off the floor. A small window of opportunity where Betsy would have had the chance to slip past and into the clean, methodically set up kitchen room, yet not unnoticed.

"Excuse me, young lady? I appreciate the gesture, but please leave the plate and come back out here. The kitchen is meant for staff only."

Even with his back turned, it were clear that Chop tensed up as he heard somepony were in his kitchen. He did not like others to interfere on his territory, and potentially mess up his system. It's the very reason they didn't have a kitchen assistant anymore, as the one who had been there said it were too stressful to try and have everything be as exact as Chop wanted it to be. Stare were the only one who regularly went out there anymore, and helped with the dishes or fixing up a few things after work. For actual repairs, Alonsus's presence were tolerated, but he too knew that it were best to not try and change things around, even if he thought some things might be better elsewhere in there.

4 hours ago, Sweet Scoop said:

"I'm fine, Stare. Just a bit of blood. Want me to make you anything to eat, since you're here and its getting later into the day?"

"I know about the weather. Not how you do it, but I keep seeing it happen."

She might as well just flat out take a leap and say it then. Worst case, she'd be told she were crazy, and something else had to be thought off as the reason for the incredibly unlikely situation that the strange weather and Storm's moods were not connected somehow.

"And thanks, but I'm eating with somepony later, so I don't need it. Hold on a moment please."

She would go and grab a piece of cloth in the nearest room she could find it, moist it in the sink, and then come back so that Storm could use it to better clean the wound on her head. It weren't too bad, but it still looked like it hurt, and it wasn't good to have blood spread around the place.

"Here. Now please, tell me what were taken? It's not good to just sit and be scared or angry because somepony broke in. It have to be dealt with, and I want to help. I... Might know somepony that could find whoever did this, if you don't want to tell the new guard."

Officer Stargazer had moved into town less than a week ago, and not everypony were thrilled about bat ponies, or dealing with the law in general, so in case Storm didn't want to go that route, Stare had some idea about what could be done. It might be kinda risky, but Storm needed help, and whilst the two of them had never formally been friends, Stare still wanted to help Storm right now. She seemed like a nice mare saddled with something horrendous, and she didn't need more things piling up on her beyond that.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Actually, that might be a pretty low key trap. Fake chests filled with some sort of spring mechanism and poison or some sort of explosive. The unwary grave robber can get themselves one last lesson about being careless with those sorta things, and others who then stumbles over them gets to learn from their example."

What could she say? This wasn't an easy life. Most who buried treasure of had it entombed with them, didn't want it to be stolen, so all sorts of things came into use. From elaborate mazes, curses, and guardians, to more low key stuff like rope traps, fake chests, and wall spikes. An oldie, yet classic method that frankly didn't get enough cred. Scary stuff to run into, especially if they were hidden and weren't placed with any sort of pattern.

"Or... I mean, this place doesn't seem high enough profile for it, but I guess they could've infiltrated the place at some point...

Look, I ain't saying this is likely, but five empty chests, but still with something in it, amidst 5 there is? You know what a mimic are, right? Those monsters who looks like innocent objects to lure prey in, then start chomping? Well, chest mimics are some pretty classic variants, and I mean, it's more likely to just be some sorta trapping in 'em, but we might've also run over a nest of 'em.

Shame I didn't bring a torch. They get all angsty 'round fire, so it's a convenient way to test it out..."

Spicy would scratch her chin and think this over, still unable to see anything but total darkness. Granted here, if this place had been buried a long time, there were a chance any mimic that might've been here weren't alive anymore, but there'd been reports of those creatures in all sorts of ancient tombs, still ready to chomp the first careless adventurer who got too close. Who knew how long they could actually last without food?

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@Catpone Cerberus

The further they went on, the less animal life were in the immediate area. Normally a disturbing sight, yet with how the lake had been, prey animals had been less inclined to go there, so with life ebbing out in the area, it likely meant that the lake were near. Seemed like they had taken the right road after all.

Then all of a sudden, the voices of several animals could be heard ahead. Bear growls, some sorta low chattering, birds of varied kinds and... Well, all sorts, and usually not the sort who lived alongside one another.

There weren't just the voice of animals though. As they got even closer, another one would also mix in. One whom Nada likely would recognize with ease.

"- know that, yet it have to be done. Things functions better that way."

Lyriel would be standing at the river with a variable number of animals that had gathered with her for some strange reason, as she had come to overlook the barren lake. They would find her on her knees, one hoof into the water and shaking her head as she spoke, clearly not thrilled about the state of this secluded body of water.

Moonlit · July 4, 2019

@Blitz Boom "Also know as Shadow Eaters, Umbra Mimics were.....twisted evil creations of Grogar. They lived in a place called Tambelon". As soon as Harmony said, a chill wind blows past. "Trust me, I'd rather have to feed this little puffball" She looks over at Fah'lina "Until the end of time then have to face one of those...things again."

As soon as Ziggy looks down, she hears a high-pitched shriek followed by a clatter of hooves. Harmony facehooves "Please don't scare my husbands interns....he does that already. I'm surprised this one has lasted this long" Sunrise giggles.

EQ_Theta · July 5, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Ouch! That remark really stung the elder. He wouldn’t know exactly how to respond to it but in their short time spent, he did consider Omen a friend. Maybe he might have been overstepping his boundaries and perhaps she didn’t see him as anyone but another face in the village. A helpful and accommodating one but not so much as a friend. She probably needs time to remember the gaps in her memories or someone could offer to give her a recap. Either way, he didn’t dwell on that right now as he had other issues to worry about.

“She’s right about wanting to show her the new additions to our home. Thanks for rounding up everyone who could help out with the room. They did great work here.”

“I’m sure they’ll be pleased to know you and Omen are happy with their efforts. And if this is like the last visit, I’m sure you’ll be needing supplies. There’s a new harvest of berries and vegetables you can get by the riverbank. I should go back to my duties. Keep safe you two, and send my regards to Sen and your mother.”

Elder Ghilan bowed before the two of them and left their home. With all the commotion Solasan has been stirring up, the other villages’ elders have been curious and concerned with the turn of events leading up to Ghilan being left in charge. Though his choice was a selfless one, the others seem to believe this to be another power play. Perhaps there will come a time for all those concerned to see what it truly is but there is much to do right now. As for Lin, she led Omen back to the common room and sat by the fire pit, her back against the entryway to her parents’ quarters.

“You really don’t remember a lot about your last visit here, huh? I suppose Sen and I can help you remember what happened. And you’re not grounded; you didn’t do anything wrong. You’re not being forced to stay here against your will; feel free to come and go as you like.”

Catpone Cerberus · July 5, 2019

@Blitz Boom

"Well, they have pretty slow reactions if they are monsters, considering I just kicked one of them." Ruby didn't know what mimics were, so she didn't know if she could sense them, but currently she couldn't sense any hidden creatures, and she assumed she could sense the threat if there was one. "Besides, I know exactly where the gold is, so even if they are monsters or traps, we don't need to touch them." she checked the gold chests to see if there was any obvious traps.

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It slightly bothered Nada that the wildlife got notably less when they got closer to the lake, not because it was disturbing, but because she knew she was big part of it. She was just going to ask Berry what was going on when she heard the oddly conversation like animal noises, but she then heard Lyriel's voice, and visibly lighted up. When they got close enough to Lyrier, Nada spoke quietly trying avoid scaring any creature "Hello again Lyriel."

Lucid_Nightlight · July 6, 2019

@Blitz Boom

"The strange writings should be a rant about clear nail polish."

"What is the point in clear nail polish? What next, clear paint?"

"Yeah, why do we need that?"

Lucid picked up a weird hamster thing walking by.

"Take us to the pony."

Would the hamster understand? He wasn't too sure, he didn't know much about the hamster.

Sekel · July 6, 2019

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

"I CAN'T FLY BECAUSE OF TRAUMA PROBLEMS!" Dawn yelled at Kaltrops to be heard over the wind. She kept a tight grip on the spine she was hanging onto and kept watch to see when her house popped up. "AND I'M GOING TO LEAVE IT AT THAT!"

@FanOfManyShows

WATTS MECHANO

"Well, I do plan on heading home via the train to work on this contraption if that's what you mean," Watts replied, turning to face Zealous. Her saddlebags were full of the items she had bought and she tilted her head. "You look very uncomfortable though. Is something the matter?"

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

Karmic was silent for a time when she followed Enzo towards the cave. When they approached it, she took in a shuddering breath and her eyes glowed white. In her mind, Atzy was surprised at seeing something pop up in front of her. It was a monochrome vision of the cave, but it looked like a foal-sized changeling was playfully running in and out of the cave's entrance. 'Wha... wh-what is this?'

"I ... I don'... is that you, Atzy?" Karmic said in plain shock, not paying attention at all to where she was going and went off course, looking like she was heading directly into some protruding stalagmites; all while she watched the past vision.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Alright, we're getting close, apparently," Twilight mumbled to herself and went into a cautionary mode, following Last's lead. "I only remember seeing the Tatzlwurm once but I don't quite remember what they look like. So, I'm going to get a good reminder of what they look like when we run into one."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"AHA! WE'RE OUT OF THE FOREST!" Aurora cheered when they emerged and she began flapping her wings, soaring in small circles ahead of Happy. "YES! NO CLAUSTROPHOBIA AND NO WOODEN DOGS! WOOHOO!"

Blitz Boom · July 6, 2019

@Moonlit

On 7/5/2019 at 1:12 AM, Moonlit said:

"Also know as Shadow Eaters, Umbra Mimics were.....twisted evil creations of Grogar. They lived in a place called Tambelon". As soon as Harmony said, a chill wind blows past. "Trust me, I'd rather have to feed this little puffball" She looks over at Fah'lina "Until the end of time then have to face one of those...things again."

Ziggy's eyes went big an curious by what she heard. Shadow eaters, made by some creature named Grogar, in a place she had never heard off? It surely sounded important and something worth knowing for future reference, but the way that Harmony looked like when she said this, made her just keep it to herself for now. Another time perhaps, she could ask more about this, or find some books that would explain a few of the things she had just heard, though for the time being, it seemed like prodding would just make things kinda tense, so her and Fah'lina would have to wait.

On 7/5/2019 at 1:12 AM, Moonlit said:

As soon as Ziggy looks down, she hears a high-pitched shriek followed by a clatter of hooves. Harmony facehooves "Please don't scare my husbands interns....he does that already. I'm surprised this one has lasted this long" Sunrise giggles

"I didn't think anypony were actually there. Hello? Do you need medical help?"

Ziggy would look down but without being able to see anything from this angle, she fluttered down and got ready for them to enter the building, so that she could quickly go in and find whomever she might have given the shock of a lifetime.

The mimic on the other hoof, saw what happened, snickered with a mischievous grin over her face, and flew up near the lens, though she wouldn't go fully into frame before she had opened up her big maw full of the several rows of sharp teeth. If anypony were still watching, it might look like they were all about to be eaten by some sort of space shark.

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@EQ_Theta

So Ghilan had met Mother too? This whole situation were starting to confuse Omen quite a bit, since she were used to not having memories of everything from the past, but that were more in regards to things that happened when Discord were ruling the lands, several millennia ago. This sounded like it was recent, and yet, she had no recollection of this longma elder, or most of what he were going on about. Only the brief few glimpses of some other longma who made her feel wrong.

She tried to stand and scour her memories for a bit, and sift through the myriad of things she had yet to think about that had happened ever since she woke up outside the mine, but she didn't find much from before that which she didn't already knew the context off. A few glimpses of longma, a cave, some strange orb, and then of course, when Mother had sent the evil elder away to the world where none should thread. Nothing that connected to make any sort of sense, and as Lin took charge and lead her outside this room, and into one with a fire pit, it just kept on swirling around as she attempted to make sense of all of this.

On 7/5/2019 at 7:33 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“You really don’t remember a lot about your last visit here, huh? I suppose Sen and I can help you remember what happened. And you’re not grounded; you didn’t do anything wrong. You’re not being forced to stay here against your will; feel free to come and go as you like.”

"Grounded means something bad. I understand. Not all of this. Other longma name, I remember somepony. Mother did bad things to him. Makes me feel wrong. Bubbly, and warm.

Something there. A cave. Strange orb. Few longma walking. Pictures without context. Confusing. Help please?"

Omen truly needed to hear what had transpired if she were to get at least this headache off her shoulders. Lin might not know the entire thing, but she would know the majority of information, and long as in broad strokes things were covered, it should suffice. It weren't small inconsistencies that tended to make Omen almost dizzy with confusion after all. It were these larger spaces in her memories with nothing in them. Far as she knew, ponies called this feeling *Unnerving*, though she had heard other phrases, like *Frustrating*, *Infuriating* and *Who are you? Get away from me!*. Though that last one were the response to many more of her questions, and she had grasped that it were likely not an answer, as much as an order.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"You kicked 'em? Then it's probably just traps. Leave 'em be and let's nick the other ones."

Ruby wouldn't be able to find any sort of traps on or around the chests, including a pressure one, yet there were no saying if there were something within the chests themselves that might count as some sorta trap, though considering everything else here, it might have more or less been ruined by time too. One could only hope at least, since it were a grand pain in the rear to open up something just to find that you got tricked, but hey, on the bright side, Ruby's abilities had made 'em miss out on the fake chests, so that were some traps avoided right there.

"Lob one on my back, would ya? Still can't see diddly squat, but I can't let ya take all the heavy lifting on your own, so I'll help going a few rounds until we got 'em all. Safer to check what might be in 'em outside."

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@Catpone Cerberus

Trying as she might, the animals around - especially the small critters - had a reaction that mainly boiled down to varying kinds of fear, and either hiding behind Lyriel as she turned to face them, or stand in front to try and keep her safe. Though the second group were mostly just the bear and a regular wolf, who had some size to them.

"Everyone, please be at ease. I will guarantee you that no harm will come to any of us."

The animals seemed less than enthusiastic about trusting this, but the two in front of her did part way when she motioned to go through and approach the pony and siren whom were getting nearer.

"It is good to see you again Nada. I hold questions of your well being, but first I must ask for your word that you will uphold a degree of restraint here, and do not attempt to harm the creatures you see in front of you, long as they do not strike at you either. They are not your enemies, and for the time being, no creature's lunch."

She gave a glance towards Berry who were trailing behind and looking around very suspiciously. She would have to address this one soon enough, though right now, she needed to keep her focus on Nada, to ease tensions with the animals a little further. It would not be a good environment to be in if this were not resolved early on.

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@Dji

Karmic would find that she bumped into a large, soft paw, rather than the jagged stalagmite she had been headed towards on her disoriented path.

"Something troubles you, Karmic. Tell me, what is it that you see her do?"

A tinge of actual worry were to be found in his voice, and somewhat in the prideful eyes that stared down upon her. He would not be one to admit it most of the time, but he had grown somewhat fond of this particular pony, and the situation were evolving rapidly in a direction only she could see. It were troubling to him, as it may mean that she would be headed straight for danger, just as she had been when he had heard her shocked words before, and turned around to her her stagger towards a large stalagmite. A small collision would likely do little to truly harm her, even with how weak the framework of a pony always seemed to be, yet he had still instinctively reached over to stop her from impacting the rock.

Something strange were going on right now with her, and he needed to try and keep his dignity on this, even though he truly wished to ask *Did she do anything to you? Are you okay?*. A less than dignified question which he would likely have to hit one of his depressed streaks to say out loud. He had less care for appearance when that situation arose.

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@Dji @Widdershins

"Snakelike plants with large maws. They won't be easy to miss if they are above ground, but be careful if the dirt rumbles. I learned that the hard way."

It had been one of the ambush ones that had caused Last to have to jump away quickly to avoid getting eaten, which had resulted in her stomach wound prior to first entering Ponyville. After she had collapsed near one of the carts at the outskirts of the market, she had been rushed to the hospital where the doctors had done what they could to fix her up, though because of the extend of the damages and blood loss from the long walk to town, it had been a little uncertain how it ended.

They had been adamant in keeping her at least a week in the hospital once she had woken up, yet she had refused and worked against them at every step of the way, and eventually they had only managed to keep her for three hours, before she had staggered out of the door with a bottle of prescribed painkillers on her, and yells about her coming back the second anything even seemed remotely wrong. And she did come back when the stitches started to go up that first time, so they had thought that she at least listened to their warnings.

After the attack on Ponyville though, where she had helped fight back the dark entity, the stitched had almost ruptured in their entirety, and this time, as she were rushed in among the other injured, they both chained her down to her bed, and kept her under forced sedation to at least give her a day to be properly worked on. She had been none too thrilled about it once she woke up, but had begrudgingly accepted that it had been needed, and thanked them before joining the meeting the princesses had at Twilight's castle to determine what to do next. She might've not been able to lift things, but she could supervise the whole rebuilding effort, and once the princesses assigned her the job, she did so too. The buildings that were there should be solid now, though testing still needed to be done. Hopefully once this were all over, there were time for that. Among other things.

As for the area they were in, the ground did not rumble currently, and no large, out of place plant were spotted so far, but there were still some trees to cross. It were once they hit the clearing that she expected things to begin, though it never hurt to be wary beforehoof.

"When you see something, do not go over and check yourself. Speak up about it."

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

@Dji

Happy couldn't help but laugh as he saw Aurora loudly and excitingly express her joy over them not being in the forest any. There was just something over this expression of relief and joy that just made him feel all giddy and happy, just by watching it. Heh, perhaps her mood were just infectious? Like how you'd sometimes feel down if you saw somepony sad, but just cranked up to 11.

"That's the spirit Aurora. Lookit all this open plains and open skies. Ain't it a beauty?"

He considered telling her that they'd have to go back into the forest eventually, but he just couldn't get himself to do so right now. She looked so happy and free of worries. Who were he to take this from her already?

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

@Lucid_Nightlight

The hamster looked like a regular hamster, except that it had fluffy red wings, and wore a small tuxedo, cane on his back, top hat, and monocle. He squeaked as he were picked up, and stared at the creature who had picked him up as he had tried to scurry past them.

"Good sir, I must ask that you show some degree of mannerism. If you wish to be lead somewhere, follow proper etiquette and ask, rather than make it an order. It is astoundingly rude to do so towards one whom you have never even met, and with hardly any information to go by either."

The small hamster corrected his monocle and poked at Lucid with the bend end of it, whilst looking decisively annoyed.

"Wait, Reginald? Hah, it Is you! Awesome! I thought you got eaten three months ago."

The furry creature seemed to be relieved and put on a smile, once Anomaly got into view.

"Yes, it were quite the situation, yet both I and the family made it through. I do apologize for not informing you actually, but we've both been so dreadfully busy that it were hard to meet up again. Perhaps you could come for tea tonight?"

"Not yet, I'm gonna be married today."

"Is that so? Hah, how marvelous, though I hope it is not with this... Ruffian."

He indicated Lucid, with a dignified wave of his paw.

"Nah, this feral boy's taken by Novia over there. I'm with this guy."

Reginald would raise his hat towards Lumen, and bow as best he could towards Novia.

"A pleasure to meet you both. Now, could I perhaps be freed? One always have things to do after all."

"Actually, we're looking for our guests, but they got scrambled all over. You've seen any of them?"

"I believe that I have seen some of them, yes. In fact, I passed one just before meet you. It seemed that Datt Mamon were trying to drag her out of a clutch of needle shrimp, if I am not mistaken. If this one would release his grip in me, I can lead you towards her, and potentially others too, if you wouldn't mind?"

Rising Dusk · July 6, 2019

@Blitz Boom

She didn't have to tell him twice. The detective's movements not all that dissimilar to the muddled feeling of treading through water one has when trying to run in their dreams. Will power only got a pony so far though. The assurance of the aid was appreciated though, giving Wisp a thankful smile. His haste was necessary though, needing to get The Captain's attention before she was able to~

The amplified TAP TAP TAP of a microphone resounded throughout the town, produced by The Captain tapping at her newly lit horn. Darkness descended upon the town, the flames of torches and braziers still danced ablaze and the sun still beamed above but could no longer produce light. A solitary spotlight that was impossible to miss shown brightly down upon the tall unicorn, causing her dress to glitter in sparkles of azure and gold. A quick clearing of her voice and she pointed out over the olden town with her hoof. Her face became serious and her enchanting voice amplified by her spell, "BEHOLD DARK WIZARD OF HARROWMARK! THE LADY MINTY LIS SNOW DELICE, CAPTAIN OF THE OFFICE OF MAGICAL INVESTIGATION, HAS ARRIVED! I HAVE ANSWERED THE CALL AND DEMAND YOU RETURN MY DARLING DETECTIVE TO ME THIS INSTANT OR~"

There was a pop and a fizzle. The spotlight over the mare went out and all the sources of light returned to the town. The Captain glanced up at her horn confused and mildly annoyed that she wasn't able to finish her introduction. Only one pony she knew was capable of that. Quickly looking around.

The light revealed Rising Dusk's own horn aglow with a healthy swirl of black wisps. Having gotten close enough to put an end to her ridiculous introduction spell. The theatrical antics of his captain wasn't something the ponies of Oaksbrook really needed in their lives right now. His appearance though made The Captain's face light up and before he knew it, he was levitated off the ground and zapped over to her waiting hooves. She had taken a seat and embraced the lost detective. Being nearly half her size he was basically a rag doll as she hugged and squeezed him. "Oh my dear Rising Dusk, I'm so happy to see you in one piece!" she exclaimed. "What would your sister do to me? Or your mother? Oh sweet Celestia your mother... I'd lose my box seats at the theater!" He rolled his eyes, oh the horror.

Pulling him back from her chest to examine the detective and find out she spoke too soon. "Oh dear, what happened?" she inquired. Sticking a hoof under his chin and turning his head side to side, up and down. Her maternal nature to her agents was a bit over the top at times, like the rest of her, but they've just learned to roll with it over the years. Before she could even ask, he stuck out his tongue for examination. "To force my detective into using a power pill, must have been quite the foe," she concluded before setting the unicorn down on the ground.

It wasn't hard for him to notice her own ordeal though. She hid it well, but the bags under her eyes could be detected with a glance. It was likely she hasn't slept since he departed to battle Twisted Gears. Keeping an eye on the map and waiting for any sigh of his success into the wee hours of the morning. That would also explain her quick arrival since he figured his beacon would go unnoticed for a least a couple of hours.

"Case 1016D, closed," he informed The Captain with a smile. Oh it was going to be one long report.

Moonlit · July 6, 2019

@Blitz Boom Another shriek, this one higher pitched, followed by a pony screaming "Carcharodons Astra! Carcharodons Astra!" Followed by a slate grey Unicorn mare with a silver mane coming running out the front door, grab Sunrise in a armlock "SIR! SPACE SHARKS!!!" Sunrise is about to speak when he's picked up by her magic, and she runs back into the house.

Harmony shakes her head, "Ah, that might be why. She's as crazy as my husband....So....you girls hungry?"

Widdershins · July 6, 2019

@Dji

"Well... maybe you should actually say these things then..."

Kaltrop quietly mutters to himself outloud. His wingbeats slow down as he lowers closer to the ground as they reach the outskirts of Ponyville.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

A long smile spreads eerily lengthwise across Widdershins's elongated face, friendly but disconcerting in its near-crocodilian stretch of exaggerated expression.

Oh, I dunno about favorite! Hard for me to figure what counts as "animal." But I do love something functionally fun! Like a Tentacle, Kitty!

An' whattaya worried about, Kitty? Thought cats loved something to be curious about!

Widdershins purses what counts for his lips in his attempt at a scrunchface as he wiggles his bigger tail like a big fish, some few feet away behind the catpony and the accompanying housecat he's ogling at.

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

And, someways (and possibly somewhen else!) with @Dji & @Blitz Boom :

Some few yards away from a cliffside jutting out of sight in a few minutes walk away from where Last Stand & Twilight Sparkle venture into the forest, there is a dense, mostly impenetrable & unremarkable line of shrubbery between two old growth, immense trees of equal unremarkability. The hedge of unkempt bramble bushes are much higher than most ponies would dare to wade into, even if they could muster up a strong enough leap to engulf themselves fully headfirst in the effort it would take to do aforesaid wading. Though there would be not much call to do so anyway, except for what did spring up between the two trees on either side who's tops blotted out most of the sky part from the single beam of a rather unnecessarily dramatic ray of sunlight filtering down from above.

For basking in that sole ray of glittering sunlight... as if lit up for some quest's objective, stands a gargantuan magenta flower of clearly magical origin!

Your primary textbook on flower determination (which would happen to be the actual title to almost every book it was labeled in. Scholars tend to care more for accuracy in detail, rather than creative titles.) would surely denote this as your usual Tatzelwurm flower. With a few noticeable mutations.

For one, what counted as its purplish green stem that jutted out unwaveringly still from the thick brush came close more so to an actual trunk. Thick enough around to surely take the better part of a day's worth of axework to chop down. From that stood the thick, fleshy, three petals of attractive, vibrant magenta arranged evenly in a circle that matched its picture in books. Tightly closed into its massive bud easily twice as big as the torso of most anypony alive, it stands soaking in sunlight that would be better suited for a plant one fifth its size.

But more odd was one small, easily missed detail. One that only experts devoted fully in talent & life's work in the field of plant identification would notice after hours of scrutiny to be a telltale sign of alarm. A small, black bead towards the base of each of the three "petals" that lie just past the curvature of the immense, pony-sized bud.

For most flowers tend to NOT HAVE EYES.

Matrix Twang · July 6, 2019

@Blitz Boom

{BETSY VIOLET}

Betsy was confused. Suddenly, it seemed, everypony was telling her to stop working. With a confused shrug, she left the kitchen wordlessly. She only spoke when she was outside of the kitchen. "Thank you. Although, sir. You're the owner. I do question the no extra bits policy." She gives Straw an asking look.

{MATRIX TWANG}

Matrix gave Straw a smile. "Oh, it's fine. I don't care a whole lot. Here's your bits." She gives Straw three counterfeit bits. She was skilled in forgery, which was how she had gotten the spa's ownership transferred to her. Thus, it was definitely difficult to notice the difference. "May I take it to go? I am in a bit of a hurry. I need to go see my girl, Storm Button!"

Just visible in her mane was a small bottle, which fell out. She hastily picked it up. "Sorry! I put sugar in my food for medical reasons. I'll put some in my stew when I'm home."

[STORM BUTTON}

Storm accepted the cloth, holding it to her head, rubbing it around to wash the wounded area. It now bled more due to the blunt trauma she gave herself. She wasn't surprised Stare had figured it out easily. "You're right, Stare. It has to do with my emotions...a different weather pattern for each emotion that affects roughly a third of Ponyville. So when I'm in pain like earlier, a hurricane spawns very close to me."

She ponders the rest of what Stare said. "Let's see. My wallet contents. So my ID, money...yeah." She thought on the subject for a moment. "Can I meet this pony who can help beforehand?" as she poses the question, she rummages around a bit more to see if any other items are absent.

Catpone Cerberus · July 7, 2019

@Blitz Boom
Ruby didn't say anything and just did as Spicy asked, taking one of the boxes and putting it on Spicy's back, they weren't too heavy, but Ruby knew that since Marley usually did the heavy lifting, Spicy probably wasn't the strongest pony out there. She then took two boxes herself and started making her way out, she could have carried more when it came to the weight, but it was hard enough to carry two of them and her own box without dropping the gold, so she decided to make it easier to herself since they were not in a hurry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Don't worry, I'm not here to hunt." Nada assured calmly, hoping that her calmness would help keeping the animals calm do "We are just using the lake to help with navigation to a specific place where I used to sing to ponies before the whole hiding thing." "I want to see if it's still there or if the forest and time has destroyed it."
---------------------------------------------------------

@Widdershins
The cat paid attention to the tail first, and after careful observation it hit it few times, and if Widdershins didn't jerk it away or do something else that would scare the cat, it started playing with it. Though Cerberus didn't seem to pay any attention to the movement at first, he had indeed noticed it and was fighting the urge to do exactly what his smaller friend had done, and if it continued, he would eventually turn towards it and follow it with his glance before looking at Widdershins with a expression that looked like he was asking him a permission to attack his tail, though regardless of he got answer or not, if the tail was still moving, he would pounce at it.

EQ_Theta · July 7, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Seems like the gaps in Omen’s memories are a lot bigger than expected. Not quite the leap Lin thought she’d see considering the entire experiences in the village were apparently wiped from her mind. Maybe they need a tour of the village again, see the sights and get acquainted with some of the folks who are on friendly terms with them. It’ll be good to meet the villagers who’ve opened up a little and want to meet someone they can personally extend their thanks to. Frankly, there are several of them in the village who knew Sen and Lin’s parents who can offer more than platitudes, same ones who can do likewise for the Ki’Nathar. The place needs to feel more than a home, make things a little easier for Omen to navigate. A few friendly faces ought to smoothen that out. Maybe some other time as they still have a few things to attend to in the short term.

“I think the word is boiling. That feeling is you boiling with anger. Elder Solasan… we brought him before Mother and she sent him away to a place where he won’t come after us anymore. You found a cave with an orb that gave him wide knowledge of magic, the kind that he used on the village, on me and Sen, to go after you.”

There was a pause between each sentence. Lin’s anger was growing with each word as she was speaking slower and slower until she finished. Those memories stirred in her mind, remembering everything she was forced to do to hurt Omen and Mother. Sen hated remembering those as much as she did, reeling in from one tragedy only to be made complicit in another. It is fortunate it didn’t spread beyond the village; who knows how that could have escalated if that threat was ever let loose. The longma calmed herself down for a moment before continuing in a more collected tone.

“When we brought Solasan to Mother, Elder Ghilan was with us. He helped us stop the former elder. He said he talked with Mother, told me she wanted him to be better than Solasan. Now he’s doing what he can to live up to her words. If you’re still unsure, we could always ask Mother.”

This was a lot to process even if it is about as concise as Lin could get it. Omen would need time to take this all in and she would give her their downtime to go over the information she provided. There is time to go for the supplies a little later and if Omen needed more time, there is always the evenings. Might have to postpone the next language lesson in the meantime.

Edited July 7, 2019 by EQ_Theta

Lucid_Nightlight · July 8, 2019

@Blitz Boom

The yellow one let the hamster go, letting him be a hamster.

"What is a ruffian?"

"I have no idea."

"Does it involve ruffians?"

Pringle didn't know what to think about the hamster. Lucid was suddenly standing by a water cooler with a business suit and tie.

Blitz Boom · July 8, 2019

@Lucid_Nightlight

Reginald fluttered up into the air soon as he were let go off, and corrected his suit.

He's basically saying you're an uncultured brute..

"Hehe, fits like a glove."

"Pardon?"

"Weird voice that tries to tell us what to do, speaks fun stuff."

"...It seems best that I do not ask. Now then, follow me please."

Both him and Anomaly went past Lucid, not giving him much of a response on his attire, although Reginald did regard him briefly with a scrutinizing look, whilst Anomaly appeared about ready to laugh. It were hard to get respect around this place, truly.

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

@Rising Dusk

Wisp had wandered over as quickly as she could once the mare had snatched Rising away and taken him into her embrace. She may be an ally of his, but with what she had just done before that... At best one could think of her as crazy, and at worst, as if she were another invader who had come to shroud them in darkness. Literally in this case.

She tried to think the best, and perhaps this mare were just somewhat crazy and theatrical. Self centered. Egoistical. Full of herself, just uhm... Things in that manner, yet she might not be a danger to them.

Unfortunately, that still didn't make things right. The locals were spooked at the start once the darkness had fallen over them, and as the light focusing on the mare had gone on, and her boastful words started, there had been cries of *Save us great one!*, *What torment awaits us now?* and *High Priestess, what should we do?* all mixed together from varied ponies. Things softened a little as the words she spoke did reach the point where she mentioned that the detective were hers though, and as the darkness dispersed, and they saw him being embraced by her without him struggling, it eased the tensions some. At least among those who weren't in too high spirits from the drinks and festive vibe beforehoof to have more or less just ignored it and kept drinking, feeling instinctively safe, since both their savior and the high priestess were here to protect them.

Still, they did not approach this outsider for now, waiting to see what would happen, and letting their savior deal with her for the time being. It seemed the safest option until they knew differently. In case Minty appeared to be a threat to him or them though, pitchforks, sickles, and such were never far from hoof in this town, both for work and in case something came shambling into town that wasn't supposed to go here.

"This is... The one who sent you, Dusk?"

"𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕒𝕜𝕖, 𝕀 𝕙𝕠𝕡𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤. 𝕆𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕖, 𝕞𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕤."

Thistle had landed on the dirt and walked over to them, looking none too thrilled with this... Boastful mare that had just sent a scare through the town with her little tricks.

"High Priestess, I besiege you to please forgive her. Equestria's ways of life are different then ours. She wouldn't know the effect of her actions."

Wisp would try to speak on behalf of the mare before she accidentally opened her muzzle and spouted something foolish towards Thistle, like a challenge. It might be that Viz'nay's might were still weakened, but the mare did not think it wise to try and get her herald aggravated regardless of that. It were unlikely to go well. no matter who would win a potential confrontation.

As for Thistle, she acknowledged the sentiment, and after a few seconds of giving Wisp a hard, scrutinizing look, she nodded slightly and refocused her attention fully on Minty again, though she had kept most of her focus on this outsider during that regardless, in case she were to try something. She did not trust this over-sized pale mare enough to not think that, regardless of who Minty knew. It weren't as if she had earned anything resembling trust from Harrowmark, like Dusk had.

"𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕣, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕥."

"Y-Yes high priestess.

Outsider- I mean, Captain Minty, yes? My name is Will-O Wisp, and this is the High Priestess Thistle. What she wants you to understand is that here in Harrowmark, the darkness of Twisted have just been lifted by our great savior, who also returned the light of the goddess to us. Blocking out the sun and the light of the pyres, makes many worried that you were trying to be the next one to do what he once did, and the high priestess doesn't want that to happen again. Please understand, things are still a little tense here."

Wisp did what she could to seem friendly and open-minded towards this mare, but a nervous fear over what the response from Minty might be were certainly present, because this could still escalate. Rising would know how much, considering the ancient magic of the goddess were clinging to Thistle, as she had harnessed it, ready to make use of this ghostly light. Mainly from before when she had to stand ready to protect the townsfolk as the darkness had settled, though she did not let go, as she were still unsure of whatever or not she were to eventually make use of it to protect her country members. Potentially through fighting this theatrical outsider.

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

@Moonlit

Ziggy and Fah'lina had the same response to seeing the mare rushing out and screaming about space sharks: More or less falling down laughing.

The zegasus hit the ground with her hooves in front of her muzzle to try and stop the laughter from escaping, but it weren't keeping it all back. A good lot of giggling managed to slide its way out between,and as for Fah'lina... Well, her laughter weren't as loud, seeing as she weren't that big, but the way she stumbled down as she were laughing her head off spoke of far more enjoyment and with no shame over what she had just done. She had to grab the nearest thing she could with her tail not to fall down to the ground, since one of her paws were on her stomach, and the others were batting at the nearest surface, like if somepony were hammering on a table laughing.

"Sorry, sorry, i-it just looked real funny. Space shark lady is just... Mwehehe."

They'd follow if Harmony went inside, but there were still giggles on both sides that had to get out of their system from seeing the crazed mare before. This were gonna be a somewhat chaotic visit from the looks of things.

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

@Sweet Scoop

On 7/6/2019 at 6:25 PM, Sweet Scoop said:

"Oh, it's fine. I don't care a whole lot. Here's your bits." She gives Straw three counterfeit bits. She was skilled in forgery, which was how she had gotten the spa's ownership transferred to her. Thus, it was definitely difficult to notice the difference. "May I take it to go? I am in a bit of a hurry. I need to go see my girl, Storm Button!"

Just visible in her mane was a small bottle, which fell out. She hastily picked it up. "Sorry! I put sugar in my food for medical reasons. I'll put some in my stew when I'm home."

"Ah yes, our delivery mare from the bakery. How nice to meet an acquaintance of hers."

Straw didn't know much about forgeries, so he took the bits and put them into the register all the same, before bowing down behind the register and retrieving a thick foam bowl with a lid, a plastic spoon, and a small bag. All of the items were biodegradable, as per the law of Equestria. Couldn't have plastic and stuff sit around and pollute the area for years to come after all, right? So these either started to dissolve a week after use, or could be safely burned. in this area, the trash collector mostly burned them. It were easier in the long run.

"A few of my employees helped her home before, you will properly find her there instead of at the bakery right now. Please, give her my best, and be careful not losing your flask again. There are a lot of placed in Ponyville where it could roll under and be hard to retrieve."

Straw handed her the small bag with a smile on his face, before turning towards Betsy, who did need to be addressed too, however, he had a customer to deal with first. Had to run that sort of priority on answering questions or making sure the line got moving in this line of work if he wanted to stay in business, which he hoped that she would understand.

"As for your question, it's for my own employees best to have that rule set up. Most of my workers throughout the years are some who have fallen on hard times, those social or mental issues, or others who have been through the criminal system, and have trouble finding work after their rehabilitation. I open my doors to give the downtrodden a chance, and after a former employee who were struggling with gambling issues came through, I had to institute the rule as a safety for them. I could have lifted it after, but same rules applies for them all, and it seems better to keep it in place."

He were never going to reveal who were what, as for example it wouldn't be fair to rat out Alonsus, who had done extremely well in his rehabilitation program, and didn't want to be hit over the head with a past he felt constant remorse for. This were a place for folks who wanted to have a fresh chance at things, and though not all succeeded, Straw took pride in keeping it open to the unfortunate who still had bills to pay after all. Why, just a few years ago, he had even been officially commended by the official rehabilitation program of Equestria for his efforts, and started getting government funding to expand so that he could have more unfortunate souls working for him. It reinforced his belief in what he did were right, and honestly, it were rather humbling too to be summoned to Canterlot and stand there alongside others who worked as hard to reintroduce especially criminals and changelings to society, given praise by the sitting generals.

On 7/6/2019 at 6:25 PM, Sweet Scoop said:

"Let's see. My wallet contents. So my ID, money...yeah." She thought on the subject for a moment. "Can I meet this pony who can help beforehand?"

"She should be in my home right now, so... Yes?"

Stare did not invite many - or well, anypony at all to be honest - to her home, but the pony in question were a special case that were actually likely waiting for her right now, as her shift were supposed to end in about fifteen minutes. Straw would surely understand if she were focused on helping their delivery mare from the bakery as the last parts of her shift, until she had to come in later tonight. She just had to stay there a bit longer, or show up a little beforehoof, so that she could make up for the lost time. Long as she were there during closing hours at least. The kitchen got the most busy during the evening, and Chop relied on her to make sure that food got out and around. With the rebuilding being seemingly done in Ponyville, she could imagine that after the workers in town had cleared up the remaining debris and checked up on their work just to make sure, there were going to be a whole lot of hungry mouths looking for any place in town where they could get something to eat. Among them, dragons, griffons and minotaurs, and since this place had the highest ceiling of the diners in town, they were prime candidates for the dragons and minotaurs for certain. It also helped that Chop had no issues preparing and cooking meat, which were a big plus to some of those creatures out there.

"We can go and see her when you want, but we should make sure your wound have stopped bleeding first. Do you perhaps have some bandages?"

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

@EQ_Theta

On 7/7/2019 at 12:10 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I think the word is boiling. That feeling is you boiling with anger. Elder Solasan… we brought him before Mother and she sent him away to a place where he won’t come after us anymore. You found a cave with an orb that gave him wide knowledge of magic, the kind that he used on the village, on me and Sen, to go after you.”

"So that is anger?"

Of what she were told, this were the most important part for Omen if she were to be honest. Being reminded of events that had seemingly vanished from her own memory were good, and important to be aware of, but the concept of anger, and hatred, were one she had struggled with for millennia.

Discord had tried to explain to her what it were like, but couldn't do it unless he made her feel anger, and none of what he did made her feel anything resembling this boiling sensation. Even when he pretended to hurt a copy of Mother, Omen just watched on, as she knew it wasn't real and were curious about what he were doing more than be disgusted by the actions themselves. He had been her master after all, and she were supposed to learn from him, yet this negative emotion were something which had proven to be either impossible for him to teach, or he had simply given up before he ended up doing something that might break his shiny new servant.

During the years after Omen had been told to return to Equestria, she had heard others talk of rage, anger, and the like, yet she didn't understand what it were. The only grasp of it she had were that those who had a lot of it were rude to others, and would try to hit them, but if it had been that simple, how come Discord had not been able to teach it to her? It hadn't seemed simple, and even now, thinking on it in context, she couldn't match it with such simple ideas. She didn't feel like punching anypony, including Solasan, nor yell. Yet apparently, she were still angry, and that is where this wrong feeling came from. Knowing this were going to be of help to her in the times ahead for varied reasons, with one being that now she would know that if this feeling started, it meant that whoever evoked it were not somepony she should blindly follow the word of, like her naive self tended to do. Lin may well have saved Omen from a few future traps alone, as well as expand her understanding of the only thing as complex as magic in her mind. That being emotions.

"I do not like it. Feels wrong."

Something were wrong with how Lin were talking too. She seemed to pause, and her face looked strange. Were this also anger? Salosan were bad, so... Yes? If she hated him, Lin properly did too, so it made sense. Perhaps she would ask later.

On 7/7/2019 at 12:10 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“When we brought Solasan to Mother, Elder Ghilan was with us. He helped us stop the former elder. He said he talked with Mother, told me she wanted him to be better than Solasan. Now he’s doing what he can to live up to her words. If you’re still unsure, we could always ask Mother.”

"Many things you talk about, Lin. I remember an orb. Mother sending one to the bad place. No village. No elder who is not old. Not Mother speaking with not old longma. Also nothing used on you or Sen. I see why Mother sent him to the bad place now. You are family. Mother does not like those who hurts us.

If Mother trust Ghilan, he is a good longma. Yes? He is not going to hurt you? Can ask Mother, but you always tells the truth sister. I trust you too."

Helping, giving her a home, calling her a friend... Lin had really done everything and beyond to make Omen feel welcome and loved, and as far as the Ki'Nathar cared, Lin - and Sen of course - were about as trustworthy as Mother herself. If they told her something, she regarded that as truth, and wouldn't question if they were trying to lie to her. If they said that this whole situation had occurred, it had, and Omen would have to try and make it fit with the scattered images she had, and just remember what she had just been told now. Whatever connection she had with Ghilan though, would have to be relearned, but if Mother, Sen and Lin trusted him, he had to be good, yes? And good beings needed help. Perhaps she could help him sometimes.

"Also, quiet in home. Very. Mother is not talking I think. Helping new siblings meet old ones perhaps? All go to see them."

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Urgh, times like this, Spicy sure missed the oaf of a griffon. At least they didn't have to split these profits with him, since he hadn't been part of it, so there was something there at least. Still, this wasn't exactly gonna do wonders for her back.

Getting the first batch out of the place, the pegasus stumbled a little getting the chest down since she still couldn't see anything, but it got down without much of a hitch. Didn't even fall down and just open up or nothing. Not bad for somepony in this situation she'd say.

"Alright, let's get the rest of 'em, and then figure out what sorta gain we're talking here. Some chests are all nice and fine after all, but what're life without some jingling coin, eh?"

Spicy had tracked her path up again to be able to wander down herself now, though slowly, as to avoid missing a step. She sure didn't want to fall down the stairs. No way were she gonna leave all the dough to Ruby that easily.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

The varied critters were still on high alarm and stayed far away from Nada, but some of the larger creatures would look towards the dryad and her calmness, and utter some growls, chirps, and such, seemingly wanting to hear what she thought on this.

"Yes, I believe you can trust her word on this. Though, it sounds as if they are looking for something within the forest, which will lead them far from here regardless. Please, let me accompany you, and help you find this place. My friends here can finish the task at hand without me."

The wolf barked a few times, stepped forward and placed itself next to her, whilst a mean looking hawk landed on his head and gave a small shriek to accompany the four legged furball's statement. They didn't seem intent on leaving the dryad alone with these two.

"I understand, but please, behave yourselves.

Now this place you talk about, wh-"

"Uuuuh... What's going on here, and who are ya?"

Lyriel shook her head and chuckled slightly. Yes, she should perhaps address this quickly and get it over with.

"I brought some of the animals of the forest to help return life to this lake. As for whom I am, we have met before, though then I wandered on two legs and apparently gave you a slight scare. I'm sorry for that too, but I needed to stretch my roots and the timing ended up being a little unfortunate."

Berry looked back, somewhat baffled, until a grimace went across her face.

"The tree lady."

"Yes, though my kind are called dryads. Now please, let us walk together in peace, and let me hear a little more about what you seek. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me, Nada? I have wandered though much of the forest, and may have seen it, if I could be told a few details."

Moonlit · July 8, 2019

@Blitz Boom Harmony rolls her eyes, Serenade is on the ground as well. "Serenade, go and untangle your father from his intern." She looks at pair, "Come on, you two loons, dinner should be about ready." As soon as the pair step inside, the smells are almost overwhelming. Coming from the kitchen is the smell of fresh bread, veggies, and ...hayburgers. From the basement, probably only Fah'lina would pick it up, depending on how good Ziggy's nose is, the smell of oiled steel, worn leather and a few other smells.

Seamore Sandwich · July 9, 2019

@Blitz Boom

Continued from page 350

Tock stared at Scarcity for a moment as if entranced while she approached, but quickly came to his senses before she got close enough to notice. This almost made Penny laugh, but she did well to keep her composure, even if Tock couldn’t. “Thank you,” he said to Scarcity for her compliments. “I’m always looking to add new skills to my repertoire. I’ve been told I have an eye for the intricate,” he said with his eyes following along the swirling patterns of yellow in Scarcity’s coat then making their way up to meet hers as if trying to tell her she’s beautiful without using the words, “so I figured I would try my hoof at making a charger box.” “Ooh, I’ve heard of those before. They’re meant to strengthen old enchantments on smaller artifacts, right? I suppose that would make sense if you wanted to get into restoring magical items as well as the usual antiques.” Penny sounded excited to talk magic. It was the one part of her life her parents couldn’t take part in, being Earth Ponies, so now even after having been in Canterlot schools and living in a place full of Unicorns for so long, the excitement of learning the things her parents couldn’t teach her was still there. “Simpler ones can be used to recharge some watch batteries as well, but ultimately the goal is to work my way up to enchanted items. There seems to be a market for them here, but not enough ponies that can do a proper restoration on them. I actually have a shipment of Everwood coming today for it.” “I could probably use some of the sap in my cooking if you wouldn’t mind extracting some for me.” “Well, you need special permits to work with Everwood, but I’m not sure if that also applies to the sap. I might not be legally allowed to give any to you without one.” The Everwood sap could be a great help to the griffon chocolate project, so Penny was willing to take any course she needed to get that permit.

(Marcus is still behind on page 349, Gaea is on page 351, and Charlie is on page 350)

Edited August 13, 2019 by Seamore Sandwich

Sekel · July 9, 2019

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE

"Running, in and out of the cave, and laughing. She sounds happy," Karmic said in a revered tone, barely even acknowledging Enzo stopping her other than turning on the spot and walking into the cave after her vision. Her voice then echoed around the cave wall when she entered it. "She ... she looks happy. Very happy."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Yes! Now I can fly around without restriction!" Aurora whooped and did just that, flying into the air above Happy and performed a couple of loop-de-loops. She landed back near the cart and shook her head before laughing giddily. "Now ... Now we have to find Thorax," she managed to add through her mirth.

@Blitz Boom, @Widdershins

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"That certainly isn't suspicious," Twilight muttered, nodding to Last as an acknowledgement to what she said. She pointed with a wing towards the giant purple flower in the sunlight. "I vaguely recall my last Tatzlwurm encounter with a similar flower. Think this is one, Last? Cherish?"

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

"And why should I? So you can share my pain? Huh? Is that it!?" Dawn yelled in a heightened state, completely unfocused, and was doing her best to not fall off at the same time. It took her a few moments but she recognised where they were. She took in a few breaths and was meek in directing him towards her home.

EQ_Theta · July 9, 2019

@Blitz Boom

“Thank you. I… I’ll try my best to always be straightforward with you.”

Lin paused at that moment, then turned to face the entryway into her parents’ room. It wasn’t much to look at but something resonated within her. Their home was abandoned for so long it was a testament to the consequences of order to the point of fault. That room even more so as grief was the last thing that took the only remaining occupant away, snuffing out any semblance of hope. Eventually, time would eat away at the rest. That first night she spent in this very room after twelve years gone, it was a reminder that only memories would ever make this place feel alive again and even she couldn’t afford that. She envied Sen despite the nightmares; at least he could still see and be reminded of what father and mother looked and sounded like.

The sound of anger slowly left her, Omen’s word reminded her why she always tries. Perhaps now there is a little spark of hope that this home needed, or at the very least the drive to start letting go of what was and look forward to the things that can be. Lin looked back at Omen with a smile, wiping away a single tear brought about by joy.

“It’s the least Sen and I will do, make the best of what we have and help you out every way we can. And don’t worry about the other villagers. A few have come around and will assist you with what you need in case Sen and I can’t provide it.”

The longma rummaged through her saddle bag and took out the strands of Omen’s mane, the same ones she pulled off back when they were camping just before heading to the temple. Lin didn’t really get an answer to what Omen wanted to do with them but she wasn’t going to prod.

“For example, the strands of hair from your mane. Not sure what you wanted to do when you pulled them off but someone in the village could help you come up with something. I can show you where or we could just go out and grab our supplies. It’s your choice.”

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