open Casual stroll

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
"I'd always be up for fighting something but I'm sure that's not what you mean." Ruby joked, though again one couldn't be fully sure if it was a joke or not "But really, I don't really have any specific suggestions, nothing really happened that I feel is worth bringing up, and I honestly have no idea what there is to do here, besides the casino that is." sure Spicy had pointed few places out but Ruby hadn't really listened enough to remember them that well. "Eating and making profit are always nice if I have to suggest something." 

------------------------------------------------------
"Both, I think." Nada started "We...or well, most of my kind has magic that allows direct mind control, it's fueled by the negativity we feed." "I no longer have that magic, as I stopped feeding on negativity long time ago, this is also most likely why I'm lot smaller than my kind usually is." "That's all I know for sure, but considering that even though I have no magic left to use, my singing still seems to effect creatures...and some plants, I'd say it can be assumed that there's something natural in us too that affects others."  

Nada didn't really have anything to ask from Nerzhei that would be a fitting continuation to her response, as she didn't know enough about them to know what to ask.

(sorry for delay, was busy)

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

"Something is off."

Actually, several things were, in Lily's opinion. With how she had expected things to be after the defeat of Rising, it looked far less like there were a town in celebration, but more like any mundane night, where they hid in their houses, from the things that crept in the shadows. Except for this travel party, for some reason... They were out and ready to move on, with the diamond dog needing a boost of some sort granted, but that were hardly the thing to focus on, far as she were concerned.

"They're leaving while the others are resting early, likely from the high priestess ordering them to head to bed, and they're using this time to try and leave discreetly for Copperhagen. There would be no need for this sort of cloaking around. Unless Thistle already knows."

The thought alone were reason for concern. The high priestess should barely have had time to catch up on the names of those she'd find important in the town, much less have any idea about Wisp or her heritage. As she had clearly seen throughout the years, no one there knew of that secret, including Wisp herself. Lily had only found out because Twisted had liked to boast at times, and had mentioned it. Otherwise, she'd be in the dark on this as well.

And yet, Thistle had to know about her. Why else make her come along, leaving the town with several of its defenders missing, and make sure that there weren't anyone there that knew of their early departure? It wasn't because of the mark, that were for sure. That sort of things didn't require them to be stealthy.

"However, I don't know who could have told her. No one there should have any idea about this yet, but it makes more sense why they are leaving discretely if she at least knows. It doesn't speak of her intentions though, and with Blighteye, infesting my daughter with one of his locked down spells... Those two have some sort of scheme going on here. I just can't tell what.

He just better hope to all the gods of Harrowmark that he keeps her safe until she stops being a carrier, or I am going to- ...Not important."

Uttering a threat here would likely not be smart, but she had been close. Could Rising really blame her though, seeing as it were her own daughter that were used as a carrier down there? Lily knew well Why it had to be her, and she doubted that Blighteye would let any harm come to her, but a mother were usually concerned when she saw her own flesh and blood like this, and despite her years of tutelage and introduction in the deeper levels of malice, Lily were no different from seeing this with Sickle.

If Rising were able to tune in a little on the spells going on down there, he might be able to find that whilst the spell underneath it were hidden, the one going over Blighteye's eye, and the rune on Sickle, would be a containment field kind of magic. She were basically being used as a living carrier to transport another spell.

As for what Thistle used, it were primordial in nature, signalling it being the goddess allowing some of her magic to be used to boost up the diamond dog for at least the time being. It didn't seem to affect him in any other way to to replenish, and potentially even improve upon, his energy levels.

"And then there's Caramel... I could see them tell her to bring ration for them, but why take her along? And why does she suddenly have weapons? I've known her since she were born, and that mare have always been terrified of battle. Why, the only weapons I've ever seen her raise are knives, and that's primarily in that kitchen she hides away in. I mean, even the sickle on her tail's only there so that she can harvest herbs and spices.

And that's not even mentioning why she can spot me in the first place. I am no beginner of this, and she barely knows how to conjure a small ember. This should be far beyond her.

Something about this whole thing reeks. I just don't know What yet."

She were going to find out though. It didn't matter if she had to stay awake for the entire trip they were on, Lily were not moving from this spot and her scry until she had answers. Of course, if the ones down there would say something instead of travelling mostly in silence, with only Wisp saying something as she tried to get through to Sickle, to tell her that she'd be okay, it would help. But seemingly, this were not meant to be easy.

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@EQ_Theta

They wouldn't have to worry about Shrimp waking up from the little rise in noise. It'd take more than that after he had tucked himself our the way he had since the others took off on their errand. If he'd react on the lack of pressure from Lin moving at some point were hard to say, but at least this minor amount of extra sound had done nothing to even make him flicker his tail in annoyance.

As for Rosa, he'd drag the crate over to an open spot, and put it down as silently as he could, as to not tempt fate and have an irate dragon-like creature wake up and fire flames at him. Experience told him that the glittering fire were not lethal, but evidence also strongly pointed towards it not being a kind experience to go through regardless, and he'd rather not go through it if possible. Plus, the little one seemed to have done a lot of work, judging by the gem being around halfway cleansed, so Shrimp deserved his rest.

"Some weapons, a few documents, fake passports, that sort of thing. Along with a couple of objects that I *acquired* that were too risky to bring along, though they might have depleted since then. We'll see soon enough."

The crate were actually a whole lot easier to open that it looked. There were a small, flop out handle hidden on the front, right under the lid. He just pulled that out, used a lock pick from his belt, and got the lock sorted in a few seconds so that he could properly pull it out.

The inside of the box had a rough color and soft texture that were surprisingly untouched by the elements. Seemed like it had been sealed up properly, as well as organized, as the varied weapons were stacked and strapped on to individual strings for example, to make it all more manageable.

The documents were rolled up and sealed, whilst the pasports were just laying there, ready for examination by a customs guard, which were something that he needed to have ready back in the day, just in case he had to flee the country, or needed another alias for whatever reason. Infiltration more often than not, with one of the three present ones actually having been used not long before he buried everything.

As for the weapons, there'd be a few daggers, a grappling hook, a rather nasty looking serrated long dagger, two things wrapped up in brown cloth, a leather whip with a suspiciously glowing end piece that were noticeable darker than the rest too, and a single, silver-tipped arrow, without a bow.

Beyond that, there were a few assorted vials full of unknown substances, be it powder or some sort of liquid, a few smoke pellets, a few needles that seemed to be made to throw at others to inject them with something that could be poured into their midst, a small leather pouch, a dragon scale around the size of his hoof with a green rune inscribed into it, and oddly enough, a folded piece of paper.

That last one were something that Rosa picked up with curiosity.

"...I did not place this in here."

He'd unfold it, and start to read aloud of what seemed to be a letter.

"*I had need of what you stole from the narrow tower, and the scorched bone of the sleeper. As a compensation, I leave this amulet in their stead, and ask of you to keep it close. The one whom were destined for destruction, will know you by its gleam, and thread the path that you never saw.

With regards, Zhu.*"

Rosa studied the letter some more, before turning it to show to the others, revealing that beneath the written equine, something else were scribbled down, that Rosa couldn't translate. They should likely be able to though, seeing as it were written in a code/language that were used by their kind.

*Darkness comes in waves of three. Two have passed, the third will come with the long shadows of what were. Beware the prisoner who wanders in chains of flesh, and fear his coming. You have not felt the last of his presence.*

"I don't know what this bottom part means, but sadly, I am aware of the name placed where I can read it. It seems like I have to exclude a few of the worse examples of what can be out in the world after all though. *sigh* No worries. There is still plenty to work with."

He'd also raise the amulet after speaking, and putting down the letter (in case the siblings didn't take it from him before it were put down) and just looked at the seemingly plain, silver amulet in the interwoven chain of some sort of gnarled wood.

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@Sekel

"Former Queen Chrysalis. The only changeling queen whom I know that is likely worse than Onache."

Thorax wrinkled his nose as the unpleasant thoughts of his former queen came to the forefront of his mind.

"She never cared for us, just power, so she had too many eggs, then started to take over other, smaller hives to add more to her numbers. It just left all of us starved to near mindlessness, and... Not everyone were fortunate enough to only be *almost*..."

The king looked away, whilst scraping into the ground and looking like he were having mixed emotions of anger and sadness.

"Ergh, perhaps I should cover this. See, if a changeling ain't fed enough love, they'll go into a mindless state. Makes 'em all feral and violent, and sadly, there ain't a way back from that. It's especially heartbreaking if there ain't enough to properly feed into the eggs so that they're born that way. That's why some queens have to cull their own eggs, if the batches goes too large, and there ain't enough food. It's a brutal, yet kinder alternative.

As for the ones whose already been around for some time, they pose a threat to the hive in a lot of ways, and again, there ain't a way back, so usually the hive have to go and *deal with them*.

...Onache briefly told me about her having to do that with a few of her own, after her hive were taken over by Chrysalis. It sounded really rough."

"It is, and it's the hardest thing a ruler have to do, but Chrysalis just let others do it. She didn't care.

That's just another reason why more changelings have to accept the new ways. Like this, we never starve, we don't have to hurt anyone, and there's no threat of our young growing into beasts. There are no better alternative for our kind."

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@Sekel

"She is the one who sits on our throne."

The antelope's eyes shifted ever so slightly as it looked down on Atzy, the changeling/not-changeling that had come in here with the sphinx. Such a strange, curious creature to come here and ask these things, and apparently, not one who knew of them. What brought her here then, they wondered.

"Long ago, there were many crystal beasts in the world, roaming, and covering our areas in crystal. The refractions fought us, and when they won, they reduced us to our core. We got hidden in many places. Often buried, never meant to be found again.

Time passed, and one day, dragons found us. We tried to reach out, but they did not want to listen. They left. Collapsed the cave again, and we were alone. Until the changelings came.

Curious little things, we never saw in our day. Took a long time too before they found us, but their queen did, and she listened. They were so desperate then. No prey for them to find, just hunger, and loss of themselves. They needed a solution, and we were it.

She chose to become part of what were, and now we are one. Together, we saved the children, and made new and stronger ones, who doesn't need to feed on others. We are perfect, yet we are stuck after we merged. We cannot leave on our own. For that, we need help.

You help us, and we will reward you. Refuse, and we will trap you in here with us, until you do."

There was not a menacing tone going over the voice, but this were still a threat, nonetheless. They were tired of being stuck in here, whilst the world they had been taken from were out there. They wanted to go back into it, and for that, they'd need some assistance. Forcefully if need be, though willing work would be properly rewarded, in what way they were able.

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@Sekel

"More impressive things than I've seen at the old castle. But uhm... if this came with the castle, then who made the castle? Castles don't just spring out of the ground, right?"

Whilst they talked, Last were scouring the map as best she could, looking over the whole thing with an analytical eye, and seeing if she could spot something of note.

"Two so far, your majesty. One in the north, bordering some kind of rocky wall, and the other seems to be in a large swamp.

Hmph, three. There's one there too."

She pointed towards one in a valley, surrounded by canyons and a seemingly inhospitable environment that wasn't easy to get to without wings.

"I grew up on the other side of that valley. Never even heard anypony talk about there being a tower out there."

There were likely more, but these were the three she could mention so far as having seen. Already it seemed like they'd have some choice options to go to for this annoying task, with no guarantee that any of the places were what they sought.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I can still accommodate that, I believe. Mind if I ask in what ways you like to earn a profit? I take it you are not above hustling, scamming, and generally beating the coins out of others, but let us try and refrain from the violence, so we don't risk an expulsion from the town, hm? Hustling have varied faces that are more interesting, so how do you normally work? Do you gamble them in say, pool? Lure it out of them? Pick pockets? If I know your ways, I can easier advise some potential places we might go to sate your hunger for both food and wealth."

Marley had been in Las Pegasus quite the amount of times, and he more or less knew the town as well as his own flight feathers by this point. Especially the seedier side, as Spicy were not above frequenting such places, or complain about areas with an increased amount of cheaters in many, varied ways. It had started to give him some degree of a picture on what vices Las Pegasus could tend to, and where a needy soul might have to look for it. Food and getting bits out of suckers were honestly a pretty easy one to cover, but he needed more details before he accidentally suggested a place that wouldn't fit Ruby's needs. Couldn't have that happen now, could they?

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Some similarities to dragons then, I see. Fire variants mostly. I hadn't expected there to be other similarities though, like how both the power and body can be stunted by not feeding on your primary food source. For you it is negativity. For us, gems.

Well, to some degree. For earth variants like myself, it only affects growth, which is one of the reasons why I do not eat a lot of gems. I enjoy not being a hulking behemoth. Wind variants can have issues dealing with the wind streams, and fire dragons tend to lose out in both magic and size, which is why they are the most gluttonous. I wish I could say about the water variants, but they are incredibly hostile, even to other dragons, and I don't feel like beating my answers out of them. It's part of my nature I'm trying not to follow."

She most certainly could do that if it were, but Nerzhei considered herself above doing things like that unless it were essential for some important reason, and just learning what happened if a water aligned dragon did not eat enough gems, were not even worth throwing a ball of mud for, much less tormenting the poor things. They just wanted to be left alone in the water, so she'd let them be.

"As to your own singing abilities... Have you considered that perhaps you still have magic, but it is in so small amounts that it can only affect lesser complicated beings, such as animals and plants?

Also, I wonder if you're satisfied about not having this magic anymore. It must make it easier to be around others if you don't have to be concerned about potentially controlling them, yet it can't be good to have lost a defensive ability either. Negativity seems like a strange fuel, but I've read in a book I purchased in Ponyville, that some creatures called changelings have started to trade in gems stored with emotional energy, since they also need that sort for their survival. Could that function as a fuel for your magic too, in theory?"

Nerzhei were a scholar first and foremost, and sought answers to many subjects. In this case, that subject were sirens, and Nada in particular. Quite a different experience from having to meet other dragons, and they'd likely just be rude or try to beat up the siren. A bunch of brutish oafs... Good that this were a more level playing field, with someone using their brain, rather than trying to intimidate others.

Whilst all of this went on, Lyriel were standing with her back turned to them, in the entrance to the cave, talking to a couple of pheasants. It seemed like they had some sort of problem they wanted to bring forth to the dryad, that she were dealing with whilst her friends had a conversation.

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@Moonlit

"No worries. Long as I'm in town, you're gonna get lots of cuddles."

Ziggy started to scratch the grumpy fry's tummy, whilst remembering to use her other front hoof to stroke the enthusiastic Silver. Easy to see which one of these were gonna be the smart, nerdy one who really focused on their studies, though she were sure that the grumpy fry were gonna get through school just fine too. It were just a bit more likely that she'd find her field of interest in something requiring less dusty tomes and offices, and more being outside. Something which Ziggy totally understood. Outside were the best, and being coped up for too long got grating. She couldn't stand it for too long at least.

Hearing the sounds coming from the other room, Ziggy's hooves momentarily stopped cuddling the small cutesies, until she realized what it were she heard and began again, all whilst chuckling. Something which went into a giggle as she heard a smaller hissing sound come not long after, from Fah'lina giving a verbal cue of how displeased she were about such loud noises. Hehe, she bet the mimic had already fled to a high shelf as they sat here.

"Sounds like somepony's wakening up. I wonder if it's Serenade though. Could be some sort of inter-dimensional monster or eldritch god too, with that sort of noise.

Hehe, better hope it's Serenade. She's a tiny bit less likely to nom on us."

 

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom The two fry giggle, and suddenly Ziggy feels movement on her tail just as Serenade drags herself into the kitchen like some Zompony from legend and myth. She yawns, far too wide for a normal pony of her size then she slumps into the kitchen table. Harmony rolls her eyes, "I swear by the Lunar calendar, she gets that from her father." Harmony puts a warm cup of something yummy smelling in front of the sleepy Siren, who eventually opens an eye. "Thanks Mom"

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

Seemed like now with Shrimp soundly sleeping, Lin could join the rest of the group in examining Rosa’s haul of items. The documents didn’t make much sense to the siblings as they didn’t really understand what they were for, or rather, lacking the context needed to know what necessitated those items. The weapons were probably more fascinating to Sen as those seemed to grab his attention more. The dagger, in particular, looked similar to those used by the hunters back home to repel dangerous beasts from approaching the village, especially after nightfall when the light of fires attracted nocturnal predators. 

“This is quite the collection, Rosa,” Sen said as he ogled at the silver-tipped arrow. “You’d leave the folks back at my village feeling jealous about these weapons.” 

But that wasn’t all. The suspicious note and Rosa’s reaction to it drew their attention away from the contents of the crate and the two listened intently as the thestral read the letter. Cryptic end with an equally ambiguous item stashed together. Only upon seeing the scribbles did the two look hard and attempted to piece something out of it.

Lin wasn’t quite sure what to make of the text. Drawing her own scribbles and making gestures out of her digits in the air, something was surely off about it. And confusing to add. 

“Hmm, I’m not familiar with this language.”

“You think maybe we can find someone with more knowledge on ancient or obscure languages?”

Something clicked in Lin’s mind, having lit an imaginary bulb above her head. “You’re on to something. I can’t read this but I know who might. Be right back!” 

Sen paused for a moment as Lin opened a gate and left without another word. It didn’t really amount to much but something in their past was coming back. Or rather, a group of someones. The former turned to Rosa and looked at him with confusion about the rest of the letter’s content. No doubt a thing or two piqued is interest.

“Rosa, what is with the amulet? And what did you meant when you mentioned having to exclude some examples?”

Edited December 22, 2019 by EQ_Theta

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

“If that’s the case then ...” Aurora trailed off and she sighed heavily. She pawed at the ground and then stared Thorax in the eye. “My parents kept mentioning Chrysalis and kept pointing to me. I don’t know why. I’ve got a different mane colour from, I guess, regular drones? Is that what you were, King Thorax? What would that make me?”

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

”It doesn’t sound like we have much of a choice,” Atzy sighed. She ignored Karmic protesting in the back of her mind and gave a nod. She pushed Karmic as far down into her mind as possible, along with the fear of the gemlings. For the moment, they were not hurting her. Most likely at this Queen’s request. “The pony I share bodies with, she is protesting. I’m ignoring in favour of keeping both of us alive. You asked how we share a body, I’m not entirely a changeling. I’m more of a changeling symbiote. It’s kind of hard to explain. But, I am ... willing to help in any way I can.”

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

“The tower near where you grew up is most likely shielded by magic. That’s probably why no one talked about it,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “I think it’s our best bet. Most versions of the Marepunzel story mention it being nestled in some kind of va;ley, hidden away from prying eyes,” she added, pointing with a wing at the tower Past had pointed out. “As for the castle, it ... technically, it did spring out of the ground. By the Tree of Harmony.”

[Azure Acrylic 24]

@Blitz Boom @Dreadmare

Azure giggles while rolling around in Thunder’s mane.

“Well yeah, but only that he can’t see me, cause I’m so small. And I don’t know how he’ll reply when he sees Shell.”

“And Shell, thanks, I’ll make sure to keep some knowledge about that whenever I see sharks.”

Edited December 22, 2019 by Rainbows2424

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Sekel

"One of our siblings it sounds like. But specifically... I can't say for sure. Perhaps one of the rare ones who have a mane, or a royal changeling who didn't receive the royal jelly they needed early in development. I could see Chrysalis refusing to share that. Wouldn't want to compete with a potential new queen, though I'm not she'd stop at just withholding the jelly..."

"Yeeeah, with what you're saying, I think you should be fortunate you were spirited away, Aurora. Just in case, y'know?"

"I will be honest. I am not sure what happens if a mature changeling eats this. I know regular drones can't even swallow it, but beyond that, I couldn't say. But I suppose.. We could figure it out, maybe? We still don't have a new royal nymph born, so we have a surplus of prepared jelly ready in the hive, if it were."

Honestly, he didn't mind this sort of distraction right now, as it gave him some more time to think on what to do with the Onache situation. *sigh* If only Rosa hadn't needed to take off due to family related reasons for a while, this would have been easier. The exile had such a better grasp on these sorts of things than him, and even if he had been open about why he had those sorts of experiences and that were a concern to some degree, Rosa so far had done nothing but be helpful, and learn him about politics and the like.

*sigh* But he couldn't rely on Rosa all the time, and he had to make a decision on whatever or not he were actually going to try and proceed with Onache. Perhaps a distraction in finding out what to do with Aurora would give him time to think of a way to get through this on his own.

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@Sekel

"We know well how it is like to rely on the body of others. Perhaps we can reward you with unity, once we are free."

The changeling inside were not doing anything to indicate she were even still alive, underneath the layers upon layers of diamond, but somehow, the antilope head remained somewhat animated, and seemed to be the voice of the two, if not sole mind, with the body just being a vessel at this point. It were hard to say currently.

A small glow went over the eyes of the antilope, and a loud, chorus of hissing went through the caves, as the gemlings began to retract from looking over and attempting to delay Enzo, who kept on his way, thundering through the caves as fast as were possible, without breaking his head open on a stalagmite or something similar, whilst under assault.

"The guardian will follow our children, and find us. He holds the bones of ancient dragons, and the vessel for great power. Convince him to release that power, and take what seals us here, and we will be free. Your reward will come after that. Perhaps unity. Unless you do not want to be one? Our children are many. Some slumbers to wait for their time. We could gift you one who were never meant to wake, and you could become them? Free of this cave. A body, relinquished of our control. Separation from this pony, who does not think as you do.

Tell us, what do you wish for? Unity? Independence? Or does your borrowed heart flutter for something else?"

They'd have a few minutes to go with before Enzo would show, so Atzy would have a bit of time to decide on this, if she were willing to take one of the offered choices from the entity. There'd be time to ask too, if she had concerns about what these things might entail for example. The entity so far seemed willing to talk, and answer the questions brought before her.

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@Sekel

8 hours ago, Sekel said:

“The tower near where you grew up is most likely shielded by magic. That’s probably why no one talked about it,”

"...Maybe."

Last were not so sure about this. Sure, it being shielded would mean that they didn't see it perhaps, but at the same time, the only ones who wandered this far from their shrine were suicidal, and rarely came back. And when they did, they had never spoken of a tower, or anything like that. More of monsters roaming the fields, or manetids patrolling, looking for strays to take back to their lair and do unspeakable things to. That sort of thing. Not any sort of building.

8 hours ago, Sekel said:

“As for the castle, it ... technically, it did spring out of the ground. By the Tree of Harmony.”

"The Tree of Harmony is real? And... T-This castle were sprouted from it? Dear Celestia, what must you not have done to earn such a gift?"

Whilst Last looked thoughtfully at the tower near her old shrine - which were depicted on the map too, just with no roads leading there - Cherish looked at Twilight with wonder and amazement. Sure she knew that the princess were special, what with her being an alicorn and a seemingly very young ruler, but to be gifted an entire castle by the Tree of Harmony itself? One that were apparently infused with enough magic to cause a map of the entire country to actually spring from a table within it? That were something that she just didn't know how to respond to, as that were far beyond anything she could remember hearing or reading about before. Even the actual rulers of Equestria had to have their own castles built after all, and then suddenly...

There sure were a lot of layers to this princess. Hopefully as the centuries would pass on, she'd be able to personally see much of the greatness that Twilight were sure to achieve later on in life too, as if what she had already done were not bound to be enough. Which it comfortably were, she bet.

"...Your majesty? While I'd strongly advice you against setting hoof in that valley, or any of the nearby canyons, if we are going, I need you to understand that if we meet any enemies there, you can't try and reason with them. I've lived there for most of my life, as have all of my family for the last thousand years, and I can tell you that the only thing the monsters there listens to, are brute force. Especially the manetids. You let one of their scouts go, and ten minutes later, they will return in the hundreds.

I will need you to trust my judgement if we go there, and run into the things that I have seen. Some creatures there cannot be shown mercy, or we will not leave the valley alive."

"...*gulp* Your home sounds h-horrifying."

"We were meant to keep something safe that Princess Luna herself deemed too important to ever be taken out. I trust that whatever the reason she put it there, it were the best place for it."

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@EQ_Theta

"I mean that there are now two things missing, which I cannot present whilst talking of the outside world, and the importance of not only relying on yourself. As for the amulet... I see nothing special about it, but I get the feeling it is for the best if I keep it on me, for if and when the situation comes where that prediction comes true."

Rosa would carefully put the necklace on, expecting something bad to happen, and being ready to take/cut it off instantly if it were deemed risky, but still, nothing happened. Perhaps this were more of a signal to some other being, than something that had any magic of its own within it? It were hard to say when it came to the individual who put this there.

"I'll try and explain what I can here, but know that a lot of what I am going to say now, is based on second-hoof accounts and speculation. I have never personally encountered Zhu, even if it appears that he have apparently kept an eye on me at some point.

The one who broke into my crate and buried it again, are called Zhu. At times, also referred to as *The Stranger*. He's a serpanther. A creature with parts of snake and feline with a story so bizarre that I still don't believe their origins to be true. I honestly find it more likely that Discord had a paw in creating them somehow.

Be that as it may, this one is a special case. For starters, judging by the reports I've read, he's at least eight centuries old, which far surpasses their normal life expectancy. Beyond that, he also appears to be the only known serpanther seer, and I don't mean your fairground variants who can predict what will happen in a few days or so from meeting you and forward. While I am hesitant to believe everything I've read of him, he does appear to have what is called *True sight*. The vision to see every possible outcome of what could happen, rather than a linear claim at a guaranteed future.

As said, I am not sure how true that is, but he does have some future sight for sure, as we have evidence of his meddling in things that carries consequences far down the line, even as long as centuries ahead of something happening, that can then be connected to his appearance several other places. According to an old teacher of mine, who claims to have met him, Zhu allegedly fancies himself someone who does what he does for the sake of balance. What balance, on whose order, and under which of several factions who claims it, is unknown. He might also just be crazy, it's hard to say.

What I can say for sure is that wherever he meddles, something is bound to eventually happen, even if what warnings there is sometimes given are vague. Which is why I am hesitant to not think that is in my best interest to keep this necklace, just in case, even if I don't know who he's writing about."

Whilst talking, Rosa went over what were in the crate to make sure the rest still matched what he remembered, though he didn't unpack the two wrapped up things. Those were left alone, whilst he took a few things to inspect, and looked over the documents and pasports that had been collecting dust in there for the past few years. Some of them were probably still valid though, so they were probably best to keep, just in case.

There seemed to be something else potentially hidden within as well, if Sen took notice of the depth of the crate, and compared it to the outside proportions. Unless the bottom were a good ten centimeter thicker than the top, there might be a false bottom in this.

"I loathe seers... All whom I ever talked to, claimed to see so much, and yet they never warned me what were happening with my father. I know it's not their fault, but it's just... It's easier to put the blame on others, including myself, rather than just accept that there weren't anything that could be done for him. Not that I don't deserve blame, but still."

Whilst talking on these things, Rosa hadn't taken notice in Omen having seemingly left at some point. Sen might not have either, as it were pretty sudden, though if he had, he would've seen her wander back into the gate she set up before closing it. Perhaps she had been called off on an errand for Discord again, or called on by Mother. It were hard to say, when she hadn't told them.

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

 

@Moonlit

¨Ziggy looks at her tail, as something more or less tugs in it, and sees Serenade drag herself into the kitchen. This were not the first time she had seen her friends legendary refusal to truly wake up, though as Harmony gave her part, it just got a bit funnier for some reason. Likely the whole *Mother is half scolding her* thing, hehe.

There'd be another entry into the room however. A certain mimic who crawled across the floor, following the siren into the room where all the good smells came from, up until they were past the treshold. At that point, Fah'lina would speed up towards Serenade, and crawl up her back, to eventually sit down on her head again, as she were so used to for a better view of the room. She'd pick Ziggy, but the zegasus were currently dealing with the weird foals, and she didn't want to start arguing with them over whose spot the zegasus's head belonged to. That'd count as trouble, and then her food would be cut off. That wasn't any good.

She wrinkled her nose as the smell of something overly sweet came to her nose, which were a few degree's too far for her taste, but no matter. She still had a crab claw in her mouth to gnaw through like it were a big piece of pork scratching. Crunch very much included.

"Hehe, somepony's still in a sleepy mood. Wakey wakey, Serenade."

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

 

@Rainbows2424 @Dreadmare

"If he gets spooked, I'm gonna chase him and say I'm there to make him a mummy."

Shell giggled at the thought. Sure sure, she wasn't supposed to find things like that funny, but how couldn't she? Besides, until weapons were drawn, it were totally harmless. That would be a great sign that it were time to stop though.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
"I usually decide what I do based on the location, not vice versa." Ruby stated "But the most entertaining and least risky way is to make them trust you and then take what you want, in way or another." "I usually go unnecessarily far with it, as it's delightful to see when the poor souls realize I wasn't the love of their life after all." 

---------------------------------------------------
Nada listened curiously as he learned things about dragons she hadn't known before, but it still didn't raise any specific questions. 

"I have though about us having certain amount of magic we generate ourselves, but I have never actually considered it would work without me purposely using it." Nada responded thoughtfully "And I don't know if crystals would work, though I don't see why they wouldn't, since it would still be the same energy, just stored in different way." even though she had a gem on/in her chest like all sirens, she wasn't really knowledgeable about gems and crystals. "And for my satisfaction...let's just say that I don't necessarily miss it, but that if I was to go back in time, I would hang on to my magic for bit longer." 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Catpone Cerberus

"Pardon, are you saying that you are Not the love of my life?"

Marley looked theatrically offended, clearly just having fun at the whole situation.

"Heh, I jest. I am well aware that love is not in the equation here, and that you mainly endure our delightful company because of the gains that it provides.

As for the establishment that is best suited for your... Professional needs, I would usually advise the Diamond Brigade Club. The kind who frequents that gets no sympathy from my point of view, so whatever happens there, is of no concern to me.

However, they have a certain standard to the clientele that can frequent it, and you do not look like either a rich individual, or a high end... Companion.

A more realistic place with some degrees of pity not being warranted would potentially be the Swivel Regalia. It's a dual establishment, with a colorful and friendly side meant for foals parties and the like. Quite popular even I might say. As is the other side of it, which is mainly focused on pool tables and a quiet place to run bets on varied things. The owner allows everyone to attend there, but she does also keep tabs on what sorts are in there, and if they are... Less than desirable, she let it slip to whoever asks, and they are then free to do what they please to some extend, depending on who have gotten in.

I believe the correct term would be *Street justice*, but I believe they use it for something else. I know not, as I haven't been there before. I know only of the reputation, and location.

Of course, if you simply want to rip off the rich, I can completely understand that. Have you considered spiking some drinks and lifting wallets? Oftentimes, you'd find the rich are too embarrassed that they got taken advantage of to report it. Especially if you leave them in a compromised situation. Blackmail is such a wondrous thing really."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Magic is a precious thing to have. If I were you, I would not cast it aside, but try and regain it if need be, just without the potential side effects.

Although, I am curious. You say that you feed on negativity, yes? Is there any particular reason why you could not work as a kind of therapist? Taking away the bad feelings that plagues others, whilst empowering you in the process? Or is it based on the level of negativity around you instead? A gem might work better in that case, if these emotional jewelry I've read about are worth anything. Even among ponies it shouldn't be hard to find negative emotions to charge it with and keep close as your power source.

Hmph, I almost think that I could personally feed you for centuries with the things that rises when I think of my own kin. There is plenty of negativity going around there."

Her eyes narrowed, and fingers on her damaged arms clenched, which apparently hurt quite a bit, as her eyes closed fully, and she had to bite down hard to not scream.

"Rrrr, accursed wound...

I do not mean to try and force anything here. If you don't want to try and regain your magic, that's your choice. I am simply stating the fact that magic is something precious that shouldn't be wasted. I've seen far too much of that, and having such potential, but being relegated to either not being able to do anything, or limited to passive effects, are an irritating waste. In my opinion."

The last bit were tagged on by Nerzhei, as the pain from her arm slowly started to fade away again. She were still getting used to being a bit more diplomatic and state less facts, and more opinions. Being around imbeciles for most of her life had clouded her judgement some on what opinions mattered beyond her own, but all in all, she considered herself to be doing marginally okay. It wasn't as big a struggle as it had been the first few times she had met ponies. Likely helped that the ones who met her had proven to be rather tolerable.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom @Rainbows2424

Thunder just chuckles as he would trot away from the library steps and wave to ponies he knew "I'd love to see the day that Zephyr takes something seriously, and that being turned into a mummy, that'd be hilarious" he'd chuckle a little "Well, we're nearly there, it's that house over there" he says, pointing to a house just a few blocks away.

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

There seems to still be something for Rosa to work with when they meet with the elders back home but while that is all well and good, Sen was more distracted by the note and the new bits of knowledge he picked up just now. Frankly, it’s been a rollercoaster of events and there is more to come tomorrow. Something was telling him the trial will be the least of his worries because if that warning was saying anything, it could come at any time. He had to be ready. Here’s to hoping Lin could find that someone soon so they get the scribbled text translated. 

“So this Zhu, a seer with deft paws from what I gather. Being able to see every possible outcome from a situation sounds like a double-edged blade. You see everything that could be but someone has to steer the future to the favorable option. But, if he is writing to you about a warning, I guess that means you’ll factor into it somehow. He must have seen it in those futures and you’d probably be playing a big part in it. Could that be why he left that note there, and why he’s been following you in secret?

I wonder if he saw the rest of us in it as well…. Huh? Hey, where’s Omen?”

The gate that Lin opened took her to Mother’s realm. Hopefully she’d be able to find a familiar object still within the place but she couldn’t fault them for leaving if they wanted to. Unfortunately, that would very much complicate things if the warning added in Rosa’s letter was for something happening in the foreseeable future. Might as well make it a priority, right?

“Hello, Mother! It’s Lin! I’m wondering if the golden orb from before is still here?”

Though there is a time element Lin is working with to get the text translated, she just couldn’t see herself stopping by and leaving immediately. Maybe she could spend a little bit of time catching up with Mother and letting her know what’s been going on. There’s quite a bit to go through but this has been something she considered making a regular routine every now and again, keeping in touch with family and all.

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Royal jelly?" Aurora repeated in confusion before shaking her head. "I've never heard of it... but," she mumbled and sighed. "I do remember my parents mentioning another name. The one of the changeling who managed to get me away from Chrysalis. Her name was Rosa if that sounds at all familiar to you."

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"Independence," Atzy answered almost immediately, her hoof stamping on the diamond she sat upon. She was determined and continued to quash Karmic's voice until it was an echo in her mind. "I never wanted to be chained to anypony. This body I'm in, it was only a freak accident. I want my own body that I can move freely in without any voice in my head! But if ... if helping you is what it takes, you have to explain what you mean. I'm not used to hearing cryptic messages. If this guardian you're referring to is the Sphynx I'm with, then how am I going to convince him?"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Being the Element Bearer of Magic has it's perks, apparently," Twilight mumbled, blushing a bit at Cherish's praise but that soon vanished when Last spoke of her home.

"Everypony, no, everycreature in this case deserves a chance to be heard, Last," Twilight said stubbornly. "I know this is your home and you have your own way of doing things, but this is a part of Equestria. Every creature in this land needs a chance to be heard, even if it's one of these creatures you detest so much," she added, looking Last straight in the eyes with unwavering conviction.

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom Serenade yawns, smacks her lips and sips her juice. Harmony smiles, "Don't wake her up too fast, she get's grumpy...and nopony wants a grumpy Siren." She walks over and offer's Fah'lina what looks like a bone. "May I see your teeth please?" She speaks softly, well aware of the mimic's large ears.

[Rising Dusk 27,510]

@Blitz Boom

Something being off when it came to Harrowmark was starting to be what Rising considered normal when it came to these lands.  Using a living pony as a carrier spell was rather barbaric in the eyes of this Equestrian.  While he knows not what spell was hidden beneath without the haze caused by the scry spell from long distances, it was hard to tell for whose benefit it was.  The detective could easily guess that Thistle knew plenty more what went on around her while she was imprisoned.  Or possibly, the goddess simply told her about the connection between Twisted and Wisp.  Concerns that needed to be put on the back burner.  What was important now was that there were those who, appeared at least, to know who Wisp was and they were taking her to the capital. 

Note two they bringing one of the town guards along on the journey.  "She's one of the town guards now," Rising informed Lily.  Caramel may have at one time been simply a town sweets maker, but who knows all that has changed when Lily departed.  Minty seemed impressed with the pegasi's performance on their little trip into the swamp, Wisp was likely in good hoofs.  The scribe on Sickle were not conjured by Thistle or Caramel, leading the most likely suspect being the older stallion.  Although fuzzy, Rising took note of his signature in the weave.  The sigil had no thread of pain, but he couldn't speak for whatever she had contained inside of her.  His skill was good and if Caramel could sense their scry spell, it likely would be that he could in time as well.  Rising could augment her spell further, but now was not the time for that.

"I suggest we check in later, when they've moved further on," the detective offered.  Although if he could guess on the distress Lily had for her daughter and whatever need she may have to be to her side immediately.  "Care to get a bite to eat?" he asked.  A chance to get some fresh air and away from prison food. 

 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
"Been there done that." Ruby stated with a shrug "Like I said, I usually decide my actions based on the situation, so there's lot of things I have done." "The best result is when they give their things themselves for you to 'look' at them or when they give you money to get them a drink or something." "Ultimately the choice is yours on where we go though." 

(sorry for quality, really hitting blank for some reason)

---------------------------------------------------------
Nada had noticed that Lyriel had been talking to her animals, she just hadn't paid too much attention to it as even if she didn't understand what the animals said, she didn't want to eavesdrop. 

"As a way to feed, what you suggest could work, but considering that we can use same creatures as the feeding source for several times without draining them from negativity, it wouldn't necessarily work as a way to take away bad feelings." Nada replied thoughtfully "And even if it does work like that, wouldn't it just leave the creature feeling passive or indifferent? since removing negativity doesn't mean happiness, it just means you don't feel negatively." 

Nada looked sympathetic when Nerzhei was hurt, but other than that she didn't react to it knowing that the dragon didn't necessarily want her sympathy.

"I understand fully where you are coming from, and I also agree that not using one's potential is waste of said potential, but at the moment my goals don't need my magic, and in fact, having my magic could make fulfilling them harder. And really, with my long life I can try gain and then lose my magic again several times over if I wished, so in my opinion there is no hurry." 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Catpone Cerberus

"Seems as if you predominantly deal with suckers. May as well go and see if there are ones where I suggested then."

Marley would start to lead the way, though this particular establishment were at the other side of town, so it would be some time to get there.

"The establishment is on the other side of town, due to less competition with similar places. Please, try and enjoy the sights on the way there."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Ah, so your kind also lives for a long time it sounds like. Us dragons can live for thousands of years, with the term *Elder Dragon* being applied after we reach ten thousand years. How long are your kind able to live, provided that something doesn't happen to you?"

Curious how many similarities were between dragons and sirens from what she had heard already, and yet she had never found story of their kind meeting, nor any other dragons speak of it.

Then again... Her kind were prideful and reluctant to accept others. Might well be that they had an early disagreement, and both sides refused to get past it. It would sadly not be the first example she had found of stubborn pride resulting in an ageless grudge. Whatever happened between the ponies and dragons in ages past were bound to be more of that.

"As for the emotional state, I honestly don't know. I barely know anything of emotion feeders, so I just assumed you actually took it all, not just drained some, nor what the consequences would be. It sounds like I weren't entirely correct."

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

 

@Rising Dusk

On 12/24/2019 at 11:32 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"She's one of the town guards now," 

"I must have missed something then."

To Rising, it would be easy to explain why Caramel were not watched in general to show this kind of thing: The cloaking spell in that spike of hers. It would keep her away from being directly observed, and as she seemed able to discern when she were being watched, it was just a matter of being clever with what she showed of herself when eyes were upon the town to just fall in with the background beings of Oaksbrook, and not stand out. There were likely many things that Lily were simply not aware of when it came to this mare, even if they'd be obvious to those who saw her in the flesh, though it still sounded as if Caramel had changed quite a bit since they knew one another.

On 12/24/2019 at 11:32 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Care to get a bite to eat?"

Lily did not even turn her head when the suggestion came, but merely kept starring into the bauble to see what went on as the group started their trek towards Copperhagen.

"My daughter is down there, unconscious and carrying Suushan knows what. How could I think of food in this situation?

Unless you are wanting to use more force, I am not stopping my scry for that. I've lived through starvation periods in my time perfectly fine several times, and I can do that again. Far as I am concerned, there is nothing more important for me than to observe and see what will happen."

If she were given no choice, Lily would float the bauble with her and keep the scry going whilst slowly following the detective, as to not stumble over something, what with her split focus here. Though he might agree to some extend that it might be wiser to have her just keep observing. Something important might happen that would be wise to have eyes on.

So unless he were willing to force her along, he'd probably be better off locking her in her, or trap her in some sort of magical barrier/chain that kept her pretty much locked down, and then just check in on her once in a while. At least for the next day or so, until the party reached Copperhagen, at which point he might need to be more active in this again. No saying whatever he'd need to step in to stop something bad from happening, and he'd be better off sorting some things and get rested/showered before that.

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

 

@Moonlit

"I've woken her up early before. Never run into a cloud that fast before."

Ziggy had learned that Serenade were sorta unpredictable in the morning, along with varied other things through experience. Usually by messing it up, so... Whoops? Anyway, she just figured Serenade had been woken enough now, but seemed like she had been off there again. She had to keep this sort of thing in mind for the future.

As for Fah'lina, she listened to the request, and shrugged her shoulders. Didn't seem like that big of a deal, so she did as asked, and opened wide, showing the surprisingly massive maw of the mimic, aling with the three rows of small, needle-sharp teeth that were pointed backwards to better ensure that whatever came in there, wouldn't have an easy time getting out again. The only flat teeth the mimic had were the two buck teeth up front, along with a few down the side of that both top and bottom, that were a remnant of the squirrels her kind had once been. It also helped them to chew things, which the sharp teeth were not good at.

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

 

@Sekel

"I'm afraid that the only Rosa I know off, is a male bat pony called Sub Rosa. Though, it could be any female drone I've known that you might have remembered. Drones usually don't get names, so we make up our own sometimes. We could ask around if any of the others know one called that who is here, or were here at some point in the past?"

"Hold the phone, there's a bat pony here? Seems pretty wonky."

Thorax looked puzzled at Happy for a moment, likely trying to discern what a phone were, before answering things somewhat.

"He's helping me understand politics, in exchange for shelter. He's... Down on his luck."

Happy didn't buy this were the full story one bit, but eh, this wasn't his turf, so he wouldn't poke too much into it.

"Anyway, Aurora? Would you be okay coming into the hive with us? We could ask around about the Rosa you heard about, and look into the royal jelly. Though... I should probably ask how old you are first. Just to know who to ask. Not everyone here is all that old."

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

 

@Sekel

"How you talk him into it, is for you to find out. We never talked with him before. We just knew of his presence. Heard his voice echo through the ground. He sought to be free, just like we do.

As for what we will do to you, we will take the essence from her, and infuse it into our spawn. We are ancient. Far older than your race, and we know many secrets. Things that can help separate you, and leave your vessel behind as good as it ever were.

Unless, you do not like it? We could find use for a vessel like that, if you do not want her to leave."

A bit ominous, but the entity had not been explicitly told whatever Atzy wanted Karmic to leave or not. And now, she sat with the decision on whatever or not she wanted that, or if the two of them were getting along fine enough that Atzy wished for the both of them to leave unscathed, as well as separated.

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

 

@Sekel

Last looked back with a steely, unblinking gaze. She did not avert her eyes easily, not even when a princess glared at her in the way that Twilight did.

"Have you ever seen somepony you love, die in front of you? Because I have, and many of them were because of the manetids. Including my closest foalhood friend, and my parents. Struck down right before me and my sisters eyes, by these merciless monsters, and dragged away to stars know where. None of them were ever seen again.

And now you tell me that these things who assaulted us for generations, killing and torturing hundreds, if not thousands of Shrine Maidens with gleeful enthusiasm, should be given mercy? Be bartered with? You know who else thought that? One of our old leaders, and they sent him raining down on the shrine from up high once they were done with him."

Perhaps this were gruesome to say, and potentially rude to speak aloud in a low, somewhat growling tone, but Last needed the princess to understand the gravitas in this situation, and why she did not want to take risks with having this open-minded ideallist think she could deal with them, like she had so many others.

"Their queen reigns eternal, and she wished for what we guarded, damned be who were in the way, and they never stray from her word."

"P-Please relax? I can... *gulp* I can shield us from being seen. T-Then we don't have to do anything about them, r-right?"

A few things started to shake around the nervous ghost, who weren't sure how this minor confrontation of wills would go, but sure didn't expect the best, seeing how it looked right now.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"Your guess is as good as mine. Whatever he is planning though, I would not be surprised if it somehow involved one or more of you. He'd surely know that you might have wandered with me, and planned for the ocassion, just in case. I could imagine this is why he did not take all of the other things in this crate too, but just what he needed. There is usage in some of these things if you know what you are doing.

*sigh* Hopefully whatever happens, it will not throw us into disarray. The results of his meddling tends to have as good a chance of being bad as good, which makes it extremely difficult to predict his pattern."

As it were brought up that Omen were missing  Rosa looked up and around, surprised to find that Sen had been right in his assessment. Something which the thestral had not thought at first, seeing as he were so used to Omen just standing around, completely silent more often than not. A little unnerving of a behavior at first, but surprisingly easy to get used to, it turned out.

"Peculiar... Perhaps Discord called for her? Or this *Mother* you have spoken off before? It sounds as if she'd go to either if called upon without much, if any hesitation.

Whomever called, or whatever the reason, I'm sure she's fine though. She seems quite literally build to be impervious to any real sort of damage, and have an easy out of things. If ever she found the will to be aggressive, I'd shed a tear of sympathy for whomever managed to stir her ire."

Meanwhile, in Mother's realm, Lin wouldn't get much of a response for several minutes, beyond some of the formless siblings gathering around at times to look curiously at her, or say something that were likely a greeting of sorts, before moving on again.

Then suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a faint breeze flew by, carrying the belated words of a creature whom Lin knew well, but sounded ever so tired.

"They are with me, my child. Come to them, at pillar 19. Your siblings will lead the way."

A few formless would flock over and eagerly try to show the way for Lin to go, which would in this case be a short one, ending with an encased, multicolored cactus of some sort, that seemed to sway towards Lin with it's needles as she got close, but being unable to touch her from with its confinement.

Next to it, door would be present, showing the way into Mother's inner sanctum, where the large, tired reaper would lay on her bed with closed eyes, facing towards the hallway that Lin would enter from.

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

 

@Dreadmare @Rainbows2424

"Hehe, I can't wait. I know it's a little unprofessional,  but this is like, a really special family, what with it being the bloodline of an element bearer. That's really impressive, and kinda nervewracking. Just a little though, I'll be fine."

She rambled a bit, but Shell really did look forward to seeing Thunder's family, and sincerely hoped that they'd be okay with his want to join the Coastal Guard. He'd make a fine, decorated guard some day, she just knew it, but he'd need to be willing to take the jump. Being told by his parents it were a bad idea might throw a spanner in that.

And also, she were kinda nervous that she wouldn't personally help with things, seeing how she looked pretty badly injured. Might not be the best first impression of her particular branch of the guards.

[Moonlit 593]

@Blitz Boom Harmony takes a good look, "Thank you" Then smiles, "I take it you like crab?" She turns back to Serenade and Ziggy, "Yeah, Serey here isn't a morning pony. Unlike her father, who survives by coffee, she can't stand the stuff, so she has to wake up normally"

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

“Shame… I wouldn’t mind speaking with this Zhu. At the very least, we ought to know what’s up with this warning he sent through the letter. If we got some idea of what kind of language this is, it ought to make things a little easier for us. What good is a warning if we don’t know what we are being warned about to begin with?”

“Ah, I supposed Omen is fine wherever she is. You’re right, and I trust she knows what she’s doing.”

Rosa’s summation of Omen’s disappearance put the longma at ease. If it was like the case with Lin, she might have been off on her own looking for a translation guide to this strange language. Omen might have had something to attend to, probably nothing to be worried about. Maybe she might have gone to Mother’s realm? That would be quite the coincidence…. Still, her worldly knowledge would likely give her an idea about what can help the rest of them with the scribbled text. 

Meanwhile, Lin followed the formless, eagerly anticipating her meeting with Mother. After passing the cactus-shaped pillar and into the door to the sanctum, the longma would see a familiar face that always filled her with warmth and safety.

“Mother! It’s so good to see you again!” Lin excitedly greeted though it would become apparent that her tone changed from happy to concerned after getting a closer look. “Are you alright, Mother? Is there something wrong? Anything I can help you with?”

[Widdershins 9,959]

@Sekel

  Pointedly putting his claw slowly back down, Kaltrop bobs his head back again as he talks. A motion evident from habit due to a practiced look of puffing his chest out.

 "Well, a good number of dragons would say that some fighting is the customary way to interact. Some male drakes would even say they prefer a bit of clawing... not that I know anything about that, of course! Being a bit combative shows you acknowledge your companions prowess... not that I consider you any where an equal to a dragon, of course. Being pony and all.

  ...and,uhm, yes... th-thank you for inviting me in, too. Th-... you didn't need to."

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

@Catpone Cerberus

 The kitten ontop his head, flops on its side, batting at the top of an ear crook and causing it to wobble wildly along its curtain-sized length. This going unnoticed by the draconequus; obliviousness being a  clear trait of his.

Magic does indeed have its reputation for being fickle. The minor trip-ups that can happen when you're not sorely acquainted with it really does allow those of us in the Upper Echelons of our Magic Schools to truly act all superior & snobbish!

 Really, why would you practice magic if you can't be a snob about it? It really is a constant throughout the multiverse that wizards enjoy being full of themselves! I know I do!

[Azure Acrylic 24]

@Blitz Boom @Dreadmare

Azure giggles silently as she rolls about in Thunder‘s mane.

“That definitely sounds fun Shell, chasing Zephyr saying you’re gonna turn him into a mummy, but he may rage when he finds out its a prank.”

Azure looks on and sees Thunder’s family house.

”That must be your family home, right Thunder? It looks small and cozy. Also, darn, your mane is so soft! I could roll around in it for hours!”

She giggles again as she plays with Thunder’s mane.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Rainbows2424 @Blitz Boom

Thunder just chuckles "Oh no, no, no. Zephyr doesn't rage, he may pout for a bit at having a joke pulled on him, but it won't last long and he'll realise the hilarity of the joke and laugh about it" he'd say, nodding as they neared the house "It is, and yes it's very cozy. Fluttershy doesn't live there anymore, as she's got her cottage in Ponyville, but she does visit when she can" he'd say and smile "And thank you Azure, I do try to keep a healthy mane, coat and tail. Can't have a scruffy stallion appearance while being in the Coastal Guard, now can we?"

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

“O-oh, I’m sixteen,” Aurora answered, a bit taken aback by the question. She then nodded and even smiled. “Y-yeah, I’m sixteen, Mister Thorax. I w-wouldn’t mind seeing the hive and Royal Jelly i-if it isn’t too much trouble.”

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

“Thing is, I’ve grown fond of Karmic Fate. That is my, mmm, vessel. I’ll use your word for it. My vessel’s name is Karmic Fate. We Kinda have a connection and I don’t want her harmed,” Atzy said in a clear voice. She had to think things through for whenever Enzo arrived but at the very least, she can try to get the pony that saved her out of this cave system alive.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

”One of the most chaotic beings known to Equestria, Discord, is one of my friends,” Twilight sighed heavily. She glanced down at the crystal floor and flicked her ear. She glanced at Cherish when the ghost piped up and snorted, too wrapped up in trying to get Last to see things her way. She frowned to herself and turned back to Last, lashing her tail. “Yes, Fluttershy helped with most of the rehabilitation but we got there in the end. Since Discord can be reformed, I wholeheartedly believe these manetids as you call them, can at the very least be talked to.”

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

”I did, if only to have company for a change,” Dawn told him, wilting and letting her breath go. She laid down in the floor and stared at the empty hearth of the fireplace. “Just try to be here tomorrow if we fall asleep here.”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
"There isn't really much to enjoy." Ruby muttered "Places like this overwhelm my special sense and it isn't that enjoyable." she looked around, watching as creatures went into the brightly lit buildings to waste their riches "Such unintelligent fools, following lights like moths..." she let out amused exhale "...for some of them even fate is a that of a moth, unnecessary pain or even death." she wasn't talking to Marley as much as she was muttering to herself, but it was loud enough that Marley would be able to hear it.
--------------------------------

"I don't actually know for sure." Nada admitted "I haven't really interacted with my kind that much, and the little I have, oldest I have met has been around few thousand years." "We also don't have that much literature as far as I know, so all my knowledge comes from experience and the songs my parents and other sirens have taught me." she explained "But based on what I do know, I'd say our lifespan is either the same or at least close to your kind." "I myself am between thousand and two thousand and I still feel quite young." 

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@Widdershins
"It's not good to be full of oneself, it may cause leaks." Cerberus stated, while on background a cat had found a leek from somewhere and started playing with it "It also makes other like you less, though the opposite isn't great either." the cat that had been on Cerberus's head decided to jump off and go on a great adventure into a nearby bush, it was never seen again "I'd argue that it's not that magic users tend to become snobbish, but instead snobs tend to become magic users." 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Moonlit

Fah'lina nodded enthusiastically, and went back to hnawing through the half crab leg she had left. It weren't something she had the chance to hunt dor herself, considering how far inland she lived, and Ponyville were not exactly known as a thriving industry for shellfish, or animal meat in general. Coming here were her first experience with the food source, but it had instantly become her favorite, after the very first taste. Ziggy would likely have to deal with demands of regular crab hunting trips when they'd eventually have to go back home again.

And speaking of the zegasus, she rummaged around her vest pockets and withdrew a small linen pouch, around the size of a thumb joint, and dangled it in the thread holding it closed.

"I made something that might help a few days ago, but I haven't tried it out yet. It's an old zebra remedy that sorta works like smelling salt. I'm sorta bad at making my own elixirs, but my dad lend me a book with some stuff he knows that I can copy. Pretty sure I did it just like he wrote."

Currently, said book were in a shelf back at Serenade's place, as it were the safest for it, but sometimes on travels, she had hid it in trees and stuff. Worked more often than not, and as she were a traveller, it made more sense before she sorta settled down in Ponyville.

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@EQ_Theta

"It's likely something cryptic. For some reason, he seems reluctant to just flat out tell others what the meaning in his meddling are. Presumably, it could be so that no one tries to change things the way that he wants them, but I simply can't say with any certainty. I lack data, and it frankly annoys me."

The thestral were used to dealing with facts and things that were tangible. Guesswork were not a tool that he enjoyed employing without having more facts to work with, so that he could make more educated assessments. With how little he knew of Zhu though, it were possible that everything he knew were wrong, and that were a frustration when he were now inadvertently being used in some capacity by this creature.

"Still, there is little I can do about it now, except see if Lin finds answers. It might be better to focus on other things.

So... Do you have anything troubling you, Sen? I feel as if we haven't focused much on what issues or help you might need us for, but have asked you to help us quite a bit. Me especially, which I apologize for."

Not something Rosa did often, but these were his friends, as strange as it still sounded to him. Taking advantage of their willingness to help him felt wrong, and it seemed like that had happened quite a bit now that he started to think about it.

On 12/27/2019 at 4:32 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Are you alright, Mother? Is there something wrong? Anything I can help you with?”

Mother slowly reached a large claw forth and gently ran the side of it down Lin's face, as a tired smile spread on her face.

"You being here, helps more than words can describe, my child. It reminds me what is, and always will be important. After what Mortimer told me..."

She stopped herself from saying more, and with a vague waft of her large hand, made a large, comfy chair appear beneath Lin, giving her ample seating for their meeting.

If the longma remembered back to some of their first talks, she may recall that Mother had mentioned Mortimer before. One whom she claimed were the leader of all reapers, who most would know only as Death.

"But you did not come here to listen to me. Here my child, the ones whom you seek."

A thought were all it took for a pedestal to rise, on which the orb laid as pristine as when it had been brought to this realm.

"They are still there. I knew not what to do with them, so I kept them hidden, until you or Sen could come to take them home, or help me convince them to move on.

Please, speak with them. And when you are done, ask if they wish to go home. I don't want to keep them against their will, if they feel their descendants needs them."

She were tired, and wished to stay in the room to preserve her energy, but she could block herself off from hearing what went on in here for a few minutes if it were asked of her. Whatever made Lin most comfortable.

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@Rainbows2424 @Dreadmare

Hehe, seemed like Azure were really taking a liking to riding around on Thunder, and just roam around his admittedly soft looking mane. She'd make a comment about how she doubted it were gonna last, since the salty wind and water required some real effort to not mess up your mane and tail a lot. Shell had to make that effort since she were also roaming the shallows of the clam fields, so she might be able to give him some tips on the best products. She'd have to try and remember that for later.

"Being good at the job is more important than how you look, but we can talk lots about this another day. Come on, knock the door, and let's say hello."

Shell would take a deep breath, slowly exhale, and give her best dead stare whilst her stance slacked. She were getting into character, just in case she'd have the opportunity to mess with whoever opened up just a tiny bit.

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@Sekel

"16 isn't so bad, there should be enough to ask. Hopefully someone will remember something. Now then, please follow me. Both of you."

"Roger that. Though, mind telling your guards to not ruin my cart? I need it for work."

Happy would offer up the chain and key dangling from his horn to Thorax, which would open the door to said cart, so that they could have a look around and examine that if wasn't a trap of sorts.

"And they should probably not snoop into the bottles too much. We're talking hard liquor that I'm guessing isn'g something most ofm'em have tried. Though hey, I'm open for a celebration that things have gone off fairly well, so if they can handle it, give it a go. Just don't smash the bottles."

Thorax nodded and took the key, and once they got outside, would hand it to a few of the nearby guards. He'd tell them to look around, but not drink anything. It seemed best to be cautious.

A dozen other guards would follow them as their king, Aurora, and the human changeling would wander down into the hive beneath the ground as a whole.

It would be pretty much as a regular hive down there, though it seemed that there were some attempts at painting the walls to make the hive seem a little more lively and friendly. It were spotty so far, but perhaps in a few months, with proper training, they'd have a grasp on how to get this done.

The upper levels they stepped into would not have anything special beyond that, though there'd be plenty of eyes from the varied alcoves and holes where changelings of the hive had their beds and still prefered to rest and sleep. Getting used to the surface took time.

"Don't be afraid. They won't hurt you, but... Many have heard now. They might not be as open to the company you keep."

"Don't sweat it. I don't blame 'em, so let 'em talk and shout to their hearts content. Long as they act good to Aurora here. She's a good kid who doesn't have anything to do with our old story."

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@Sekel

The antelope seemed to almost nod in their confinement, at the respond they got.

"We understand. Most of our siblings care not for their vessels as more than carriers, but we are in harmony. We are together, and neither would wish for the other part of us to be hurt anymore."

The entity remembered the lives both parts had, when they were individuals, and were aware who each belonged to, but neither part that made the whole were concerned about that sort of thing anymore. To them, they were as one, with the best from both sides merged to be the better being. A harmony lost on many of the crystal beasts, who they knew would care only to be dominant, and control their host. A pity that they could not see reason, but perhaps they might one day understand.

"Still, we wished to hear your answer, and that you have given. You have our word that we will let her leave unscathed, just as you and the guardian can, when our deal are completed."

And speaking of the guardian, Enzo would stomp into the room with haste, followed by dozens of gemlings hiding on the ceiling, though he cared little about that. His focus were on Atzy, whom he looked briefly upon with relief, until the sight of the crystalized entity came into view, and his demeanor turned aggressive and hostile again.

"I do not know who you are, but you will release her this instance, or I will demolish your entire hive."

"We are Dia'thiz, guardian, and we have not harmed them. We have only spoken, and asked them for help."

"...Atzy?"

Enzo were confused, and angry, so he looked to whom he had at first thought were Karmic for help. The eyes spoke otherwise though, so the looming, agitated feline would have to ask her what were going on here, and answer if she were in danger.

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@Sekel

Last turned her face from the princess, and scoffed slightly to herself.

"Far as I know, Discord never killed anypony...

But if that is your orders, your majesty, then so be it. I have given my assessment on those things, and think nothing good will come from meeting them. I only pray that if it ends as history have shown, I can distract them long enough for you to get away."

A grim prospect, but so were dealing with the manetids in any capacity, and she wouldn't put her hopes in things going as rosy as the princess hoped it would. She had far too much evidence of the opposite.

Last could point out that the princess never answered her first question though, and from that, just further prove that she were too sheltered from the gritty sides of life to have a meaningful opinion on this, but it seemed she would not be swayed from her path. In that case, all she could do were to follow Twilight, and be ready to do whatever she could to get her out safely.

"Could we uhm... P-Please be less grim about a-all of this? I'm sure we can g-get through this without something horrible happening, if we try.

So uhm... H-How do we get there, again? I don't see any roads on the map. Just small mountain paths that doesn't look too safe."

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@Catpone Cerberus

Seemed like Ruby were in a rare, philosophical mood. One that spouted off something rather fitting too, as the tourists around them flocked in to varied places ro spend their hard earned bits on whatever they desired.

"You are more right than you might think.

These places live and die by their tourists. Without them, this town would go back to being nothing but a few shacks and some pegasi who liked the view.

So they cater to them to draw them in. From the spinning lights and sounds of the casinos, to the street magicians, performing tricks for a few bits to get by with. All of them want to be that little speck of light that draws in tourists like - as you so delicately put it - moths, and more often than not, they find a way to succeed here in Las Pegasus.

The city of dreams indeed, just not for the ones most think the slogan would be for."

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@Catpone Cerberus

"I'm only 436 years old, so you're certainly older than me. Still, for beings like us, age is not something to focus on i suppose. The number means more to the short lived races, such as ponies, and I for one remember relations to those important around me, far more than an ever expanding number which I might lose track of in another few millennia anyway."

A sad reality were that long living creatures like them, were bound to outlive the other races substantially. Nerzhei had gotten to terms with knowing that Lotus, Blitz Boom, and others that she knewz would be dead long before her, though at least when if came to Lotus, it were still a tough prospect to have in mind. Losing a friend to old age, whilst you looked not a day older, were not going to be an easy thing to go through when the time eventually came.

The dragoness shook her head slightly as the grim thoughts started to swirl, to try and remove the sad fog that she had started to settle on her brain. It were not helpful, nor constructive, to think about things like this. Especially not when she had visitors.

"Be that as if may, it saddens me to hear how little value your race have in keeping your history. It reflects how I find most dragons feels too, and it really is a travesty. History shouldn't be forgotten. If we don't learn from it, we are doomed to repeat it, and the world shod not go stagnant like that.

*sigh* At least the ponies seems to respect their history. Plenty to read and learn from them.

Speaking of which, with how it sounds like zirens and ponies doesn't have the most stellar history, have you made any thoughts on if, and how, you'd interact with them, and let it be known you're out here? Or are things still far to tense to even briefly consider this?"

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Are we going to be put in a dungeon?" Aurora blurted out, reacting nervously to the guards behind them. She did manage to glance at the surroundings and noticed the splotches of colour. She gulped and panic began leaking into her voice. "Umm ... what ... where are we? This is ... why are we here? Are we under the village right now. What's happening!?"

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"D-Dia'thiz ... that ... that ... that really sounds familiar and I can't point out why," Atzy said in a confused tone. She had vague memories of a something called that but she didn't know what it meant. She did look at Enzo though, her ears flicking when he barreled through. "Y-Yeah, it's m-" her words got caught in her throat as Karmic suddenly got strength, forcing herself to take control of her own body. Her eyes changed back to being a cloudy white but they had a definite green tinge surrounding them. A lot more than before this latest switch.

"Enzo, they want to be released and Atzy is helping them!" Karmic cried, not caring for what the gemlings would do and if Dia'thiz would bring down her wrath.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Having been brought out of the small argument with her captain, Twilight coughed to clear her throat and pointedly looked at the tower. She inspected it from all sides, a soft glow of her magic causing the map to zoom in and focus only on the tower and surrounds. "I don't even know how it could get constructed here, Cherish. Last would probably know where the roads are. They appear to be hidden from the map itself."