open Casual stroll

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@EQ_Theta

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Yes, that’s a manticore. Baring fangs and growling usually means they’re warning anyone to keep away or they’ll help themselves to their next meal. Generally, anyone’s best option is to stay far from it and keep it that way.”

“Still, I suppose that even Mother’s words should be tempered with experience, just like you said. And from that, we learn. If the folks back home would just give meeting other creatures a try, maybe they’ll come around to the idea. It would feel a lot less worrisome if I didn’t feel like I was forcing them, because that’s how I’m seeing it right now. If they meet other creatures on their own terms… maybe things will be different.”

"But if they do not go away from town, how will they meet others? I do not understand."

The part about the manticore made sense. That sort she could understand, and would take that into consideration if she ran into more of the creatures in the future, that also started to growl at her. However, the part about the longma in Sen's village meeting others themselves, when they weren't willing to go out and see others, confused her. How would they get to meet others, if they had to take the first step, but didn't want to? Wouldn't it make more sense to bring others to them, and let them meet that way? Hopefully Sen could explain to her what he meant with that.

Tomb certainly wasn't going to, when she met up with them, whatever she heard it or not. She were just more focused on making sure that everything were okay, so they didn't have to throw one of them in the drunk tank for the night. It were far too festive around them to waste time on that. Why, just look at all the tourists enjoying themselves, the sound of many, many games being played, smells of food being warmed, and cold drinks poured- It were a good evening. Shouldn't be ruined for any of these folks, lest they did something dumb.

Since everything seemed fine, Tomb would happily help them bridge the last little bit of way back to the main group, where just about when they showed up, all of Cheshire's changelings would have wandered off. They had to prepare the stage for the first performance tonight, and set up collector pods beneath the stage, so that they could gather up the excess emotions flowing through the air. No need to let perfectly good emotion food go to waste, right? Especially since they had spotted at least two other changelings thus far in the crowd, and figured they'd be happy to get some rations for the night. Meant less potentially issues from soaking up other emotions in the area, since some folks still got iffy about that.

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I suppose that’s what being a ‘Princess of Friendship’ is supposed to be? I never really understood what that meant but I guess she might just be really good at diplomacy. I wonder what she’d think of the longma if she visited us…”

“Maybe with a sense of wonder and curiosity?” Sen chimed in, keeping a more upbeat tone in his voice. “I’m feeling better now, sister. And Queen Cheshire? I hope there are no hard feelings after what happened earlier. The last thing I wanted was to get your spirits down.”

"It's good to see that you have calmed down, Sen."

Rosa nodded at the longma, but didn't say more, because he knew that Cheshire were going to want to butt in, soon as she could. And as expected, she did. Though she kept her distance. She would not want to risk blowing things once more, in such a short amount of time.

"Don't worry about me one single bit, darling. It is You who need an apology. I am so used to act like a performer, and teasing others with some theatrical tricks, that I did not consider that perhaps, it would leave a bad first impression on someone from a very secluded race, such as yourself. I hope that you can forgive me for that, and know that whatever you might want to know about me, my hive, or our kind in general, you can ask, and I will answer. Anything to help inform you, and get rid of any unwarranted fears about changelings. At least until the performance have to begin, and I will have to break off for a time. You must understand, that the crowd gets eager eventually, and when it happens, the show must go on. I hope that is fine?"

"It is what you came here for, so I cannot see that causing issue. Though speaking of, I do have one issue that I wish to air with you, Sen."

Rosa wandered over, and poked the Longma in the chest, with a stone cold poker face.

"We have a tie that wasn't supposed to happen, so don't use all night talking. We have a score to settle."

He'd go into a smile after that. It were not that he wanted to mess with Sen, but rather trying to ease the tensions some, and redirect it somewhat to himself, and their little pretend feud. It seemed like it might help cleanse the air a little, so to speak.

"Joking aside, it is a lovely festival, and it would be a shame spending it all talking about grave issues, when we'd all likely want to enjoy ourselves tonight. SO let us try to focus on the important, most pressing matters that you might want to raise, Sen. The quicker those are dealt with, the better.

And in regards to Princess Twilight, Lin, it might hold some connection not only to her diplomatic mission, but also her school of magic. Equestria have their majority of magic in several schools, with the primary ones being Light, Harmony, Arcane, and Friendship. With minor, more unused ones in Soul, Dark, and Nature. The dragons of Equestria then have connections to the magical schools of Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. And don't ask me how Friendship works as magic, please. It is a tough one to explain, and is best summed up briefly as focusing on empowering others and yourself. A supportive sort of magic, if you will."

There, that should sort that out, and sate Lin's curiosity for a time. Or amplify it. It were hard to say, but at least now she'd have a baseline idea that Twilight might have her title for more reasons, than her going out and mending burned bridges.

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@FanOfManyShows

"He did not chose to stay here. He were banished here, long, long ago."

"Why are you here, dragon? Come to promise gold and rivers of honey, whilst using me for your own means? Taunt me in my prison, as the ponies so often does?"

Silent as the grave, Grogar suddenly lounged forward, out of the shadows, and glared down on the dragon in mistrust, from a jagged pillar of stone.

"I know what you carry. They were there when I roamed your world too, when dragons and ponies still remembered what they created together. I have seen what they can do, and what they represent. Why would I wander with one who so arrogantly flaunts his allegiance with one, and come offering nothing but empty words? If you want my ear, bring me my belt, that I may use it to break these bonds they put on me. Maybe then, I will humor your request."

The belt were sealed up in Canterlot's magical detainment hall, deep underneath the castle, in well guarded quarters. It would not be easy to get to, but if they wanted help from Grogar, it were required. He still wouldn't trust them, but giving him the power he needed, to regain his freedom, would give him incentive to follow along with their plans. At least for a time.

Without the belt though, why would he bother with them? He could not leave without it on his person, and he had no might to summon the monsters he were known for, with his magic so heavily linked to that artefact. Be it for them or himself, he needed that belt to be of use.

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@FanOfManyShows

"You're not. Just... Just go. All of you. I need to think."

Emerald were still fuming, and went into a corner, back turned to the others, so that she could try and think in peace. Shade sent a glance towards Screecher as she did so, seemingly looking if she wanted them to take actions now, but she did not say a word. Simply turned around, and began to leave with the others.

It would raise some eyebrows more than likely, once they got upstairs. For example by Sapphire's daughter, considering that her mother were now fully alive again, just as had been promised. Sticky and desperately needing a shower though. And likely assaulted by mosquitoes, soon as she exited the building, considering what she were drenched in. The cleaning alone, by the hoofsteppes she left behind... Well, not their issue, supposedly.

"Shade?"

"Yes, my general?"

"Things are becoming troubling, in regards to these elements. I need you to go and ensure that things are still maintained."

"Where?"

They exchanged a look, yet no words, which made Shade cringe ever so slightly. Yet he understood what were asked of him, and that it were not so much a question, as an order. Screecher and him knew one another well enough, for him to understand her more subtle ways of communicating things. Especially when she did not wish to share details, with those who shouldn't be listening.

"...I obey, my general. I will bring word when I can."

With that, he would fall into his generals shadow, and begin to travel away. His presence would soon not be felt anymore, as he took off to somewhere else, where his presence were more needed than here. One of the last places he believed himself to be welcome, but the situation were dire now. He needed to ensure that were prepared, before this all got out of hoof.

"When you are done celebrating, and are cleaned up, we need to form a strategy. Things are starting to move at a fast pace, and I believe us to be a few steps behind, judging by how rapid things have gone within the last hour alone."

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@Windy Breeze 🥧

Oh... Well, guess she got it first then. Sorrow had been reaching out towards the same scroll, but Windy seemed to have thought that she weren't, apparently. No big deal she supposed, but Sorrow had meant that the pegasi should have been looking for something else then this. Maybe she should go and do that instead then, while Windy read out loud from the scroll?

And it were uhm.... Well, it answered whatever or not Autumn's body had been found, which were something at least. But it also seemed to indicate that she might have at first been haunting him, specifically. It could just be his guilt telling him things, after he did such a horrible, pointless thing to poor Autumn, but this were a wide ranging situation. They had to stay alrt to all possibilities.

...Including one that just entered her mind, as she pulled up a shattered, half frame of a picture, that had likely once stood on a night stand. One that had more than likely once held a picture of the two of them together, yet now only held frayed pieces, that were hard, if not impossible, to make anything out from.

As for the thought, it wasn't one she had considered much before, but there were a slight chance that maybe, they had wildly misunderstood things. With so many of these memories, coming from Razor's side, yet with none of them being solely from Autumn's... Could it be that it wasn't her, haunting this place? Maybe in his guilt, he had done something unspeakable, before ending himself, and become damned by the combined actions of what he had done. Trapped in his own misery, and due to his guilt, made it seem as if Autumn were the culprit here. Not on purpose, but more as if the feeling he had, of her haunting him, and wanting him to suffer, were so strong, that things manifested in a way, that focused more on how he believed that she would have reacted to things.

For example, he would think she were furious, and trapped in hatred, and that belief fed off his own emotions. It made his delusions reality.

Hopefully this were not the truth, but things were beginning to appear strange to her. Enough that she'd consider any theory. Even one like this, that were just going to make things complicated, to a point where she'd likely be unable to talk reason with him. Only somehow, force him to stand down.

Or hay, why not make it doubly worse, and think that they both haunted this town together? Because that's what the world needed. Powerful souls, riddled with heavy emotions, feeding one another to create a power loop.

12 hours ago, Windy Breeze 🥧 said:

While she is reading, Razor appeared sittiting in a corner, his mouth moving without any words coming out, as if he was silently chanting to himself.

When Windy took notice of him, she took a step back out of surprise “Sorrow, look!”

Sorrow looked up from the frame, when Windy called her out, and saw that once again, it were Razor that had manifested. Actually him, a memory of him, an illusion- It were hard to say right now. This house were so filled with soul energy, that it were nearly impossible to tell for her.

Yet, she'd wander some steps towards Razor, and clear her throat. This were going to be a gamble, even if she were a few meters away, but she had to try and get his attention.

"Razor? What are you saying?"

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@Lucid_Nightlight

"Peh, the birds they have around here are boring. The weird ones on my isle are far cooler. Besides, I already got a fun little friend made recently, that handles hunting for pests around here. I think you'd like her. She used to be a shark, before I changed her a bit to hunt frog monsters. Bad, bad Princess, didn't listen when I told her that trying to hunt and eat ponies weren't gonna be good for her. They're fun to mess with, but soon as you start seeming evil, then out comes the harmony, and the zapping, and the stone-making. Nuhuh to that."

Anomaly would start to go through her drink. Hopefully, the lot of them would choke on whatever they were throwing down their gullet.

"Heeey, look who's back. Took you long enough, you weird slacker thing."

I tolf you I can't handle snake venom... And for the record, I hate the lot of you. I hope a goat eats you, or something.

"Oooh, I tried that before! I were having a nap in a field, and it thought I were breakfast. Apparently I was tasty."

[Rising Dusk 27,538]

It was more likely that Loona was expressing her confusion of the title Goddess accompanying the moth than concerned about her name.  Having never met a Goddess or really having much of a concept of what one would mean especially in the Dream Realm.  Not something a pony in Equestria wakes up to and his prepared for.  Sure, Dream Wardens have seen... things inside the heads of slumbering ponies, but this was something else.  This probably ruined his chances to get and speak with her too on a more casual level.  A pity.  Dream Wardens weren't restricted to where they need to live in order to work the Dream Realm.  She could be all the way out in Las Pegas for all he knew.

Watching as the moth moved to flutter around in the left over glitter from the spell that took her out of the Dream Realm.  Did she do that because she was a moth or did moths do that because she does.  Oh how the circular thoughts became when it came to primal beings.

"She has beautiful magic," Rising commented in defense of his staring.  She was of course pretty herself, an extension to her magic.  Soft, kind, thoughtful weaves.  A realm in an arcane tapestry that no pony could hide from the detective.  When the avatar brought up a familiar topic, one that her own priestess brought up not a day ago at the banquet, the dream of all three pony tribes working Equestria shimmered.   Rising and the moth were now in a Manehatten coffee house, one just a block over from the detective's apartment.  Sitting at a table against the large coffee shop window was a second Rising Dusk in his general beige hoodie with a hot coffee between his hoofs.  Sitting across from him his sister Dawn.  She didn't look as glamorous as the unicorn Lily had met.  Her mane was down and more casual with a Buck Ball cap sitting firmly on her head.  A generic brown jacket to keep the Fall nip away hugged her top.  This was the Dawn that could walk the city away from the eyes of the high society that expected more of her.  Idly spinning her cup of shop coffee with her hoofs as the two shared a conversation.  Mane and coat colors flipped with inverted cutie marks, it wasn't hard to tell their relation. 

Another event in his life where his sister worked to set him up on another date.  One of many in an ongoing effort between his mother and sister.  Not that they were forcing such things upon him out of spite.  Dawn wasn't married either, but at least she dated.  It was more out of concern that Rising was more interested in his work at this point in his life.  They couldn't understand though what the detective looked for.  "Your Priestess had the same concerns," he chuckled.  Rising, Dawn and the table remained, but the background of the coffee shop shifted to the banquet in Harrowmark.  A third Rising Dusk, tired and dirty form his fight with Twisted, sitting on the bench as Thistle asked the same things about his dating and mating habits.  "A Goddess, a High Priestess, my Mother and Sister, maybe I should pay more attention after all," he shrugged with a grin.

 

"Slow to change, yes... But our Captain is most persuasive," not that Minty had that many plans to leave Canterlot without her agency coming to life.  "The situation is well in hoof and has been handled here.  Even though it did come out of no where.  I was browsing a new selection of hats when suddenly I was called to Manehatten Elementary where I did battle with crystal spiders and a grotesque-" Flare started to go off, upping his tone with excitement from the battle.  Starbright pressed her hoof to his mouth before the tale of glory got out of hoof, "Focus Officer Blitz," she tried to rein him in.  It would still take months to rebuild the school after that attack.  Most of it because of Flare's charging through the walls all the way from the bathroom to the gym.  Jotting down some more notes in her notebook, "This does fall into the purview of the O.M.I.," Starbright concluded, closing her notebook and tapping it against her chin in thought.  "You do specialize in stable magics" the cowboy unicorn offered.  "Not without Rising to see what kind of mess she's in.  I need more information.  I can't Arc Weld two opposing forces trying to live in one body on a whim," she countered.  "Would Rising even be able to see this?  Him NOT seeing anything also provides information.  We need to fill in the alchemy half."

 

Being able to even smell magic is a leap ahead of what most of the O.M.I. could do.  Beyond a tingle of arcane energy in the air, they are just as blind.  Even as Omen described how she didn't believe a being could exist with the ability to both see and manipulate magic, the two officers wondered if Rising was rolling over in his sleep.  The pair glanced at each other, "What a lovely gift," Gold Mane smiled.  No need to set off any 'alarm bells' by telling them about a specific detective in their agency that did all those things.  Even if she didn't believe them, they could let any meeting with Rising work itself out.  By then though, if Omen stayed in Equestria long enough, she'd likely read about eventually in an old newspaper.  Maybe even new newspaper depending how far Minty or Royalty lets the venture with Harrowmark spread.

Cork watched intently as Omen worked her own magic to create a glamour.  Perking her eyebrow when she brought up that she couldn't feel the dress while covered in her glamour.  "Is that really a glamour if you can't feel the dress?  Oh, dear, let me give you a hoof," the older unicorn cooed.  Igniting her horn, her saddlebag flap opened and a tiny vial attached to a silver string floated out.  Her horn glowed brighter and brighter until it rippled along her horn and a small tear drop formed on the tip.  The vial floated up to catch the small tear drop as it fell from her horn.  Putting the stopper on the vial which glowed a pale blue.  "Wear this dear.  An illusion glamour, doesn't affect your physical form, just outside appearance.  It should last a few hours," Cork offered with a smile.  A common short term glamour spell.  Usually used when a pony needed to hide a blemish for a big event, but made a little more advanced by an experienced unicorn.  It'll mimic that same white coat the transparent pony currently wore, if more short term than the spell she currently had, but without the ill side effects.

The pair followed the traveler, not as far as they expected, to the mirror she spoke of.  Gold mane inspected the mirror for any outside markings, sigils or runes.  Igniting her horn to begin a trace spell for any left over energies the mirror may contain.  

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

KARMIC

"Um, General Dew, was it?" Karmic asked in slight confusion, having not heard his name properly when she walked in. Upon him turning if he registered her voice, she quikly bowed and chuckled. She hoped he wasn't one of the generals who may have possibly discovered her escape with Zhu. If so, things would get awkward fast. "Um, Ambassador Golden .. he uh, he gave me this to give to you to let me and my companions wander around Canterlot at our leisure," she said quickly while turning her head to fumble with the messenger back around her barrel.

ATZY

The gemling quickly followed Enzo and landed on top of his back almost out of instinct before trotting up to his shoulder. "All that memory stuff? I'll figure it all out eventually. But. You're chatting with an ex-parsitic Changeling turned Princess Gemling. I think you're well past the point of madness," Atzy smirked at him, looking across to view his face. "Unless I'm an apparition and all this is inside your head and your stuck back in that mine. Alone. With your thoughts. And everything in between to do with loneliness and isolation."

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I once read something long ago that might have mentioned this Madame Macabre," Twilight said nervously, the Manetid's fear and Last's sudden pushiness affecting her mood. Not to mention Cherish's sudden reappearance. "I don't remember much but I do believe she is a part of a family of guards out in Somber Heights. Twilight then shook her head and swallowed thickly. She gazed at the open door before looking at both Last and the Manetid. She spoke to them while checking on the stick within her saddlebags to make sure Cherish was still around. "You two ... please, please play nice until we are away from this place. We need to hopefully find  Marepunzel before Madame Macabre does. Is that clear?"

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Um ... it might be? I just don't like fighting. I want no part of it. I saw too much of it back home," Aurora said in complete confusion, staring at Lulu. She had no idea what Lulu was going on about and attempted to understand some more. "Traits ...? Hives have those? Hives are like ponies and griffins with personalities?"

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

"... hooves?" Dawn blinked at this, not really sure why Kaltrops would ask for hooves in payment for crossing a bridge. Her excitement did dwindle a bit at the mention of it and she leaned forward to better hear him, not really thinking about it when she asked, "Why their hooves? All the metal in them? The studs? The horseshoes? The bone marrow?"

Edited September 19, 2020 by Sekel

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Razor gasped and glanced at Sorrow with dead fish eyes. He began to tremble at their sight and began to speak with words. Windy just noticed how wet he was.

“Honey, no. Don't come any closer!” he shouted in a shaky tone “I'm a filthy monster. Please, just leave me alone!” he took notice of Legion. He screamed and curled into a ball, sobbing to himself ”Please, just go back to your bedroom and forget about me” he pleaded with Sorrow and Legion, who are seen as Autumn in Razor's eyes.

Windy didn't believe he's the source of the curse, for nothing moved when nothing happened. He just cried at the corner, suffering the fate he deserved.

He finally looks at Windy “No, why are you too? Didn't I rescue you from the claws of that embecile dragon!?” he pointed at the door behind her “Please... just get out of here”

Edited September 19, 2020 by Windy Breeze 🥧

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

Though the mood was starting to liven up in the company of good friends in a festive backdrop, the number of conversations happening one after another was rather confusing. Sen could barely keep track of what was happening in the short moment of reprieve he got from chatting with Omen just moments ago. This kind of conversation… one-on-one, temporarily blocking out the world to focus on a tough issue and working through it with a friend… it was sort of relaxing in a strange way. A cyclical mental exercise in finding solutions to problems that reveal more problems, and so on.

Of course, the longma had to actually start answering everyone who got their turn to speak or ask questions. And that was the bigger balancing act he was going to address out of fear of missing out something important. 

“It is a lively evening. You’re right, Rosa; this is a night for fun, games, and enjoying friendly company. I take it we’ll be settling scores through a series of games? I’m looking forward to that! Let me just have a moment with Queen Cheshire. I’d like to bring up something with her.”

Sen chuckled, clearly showing his playful side coming back. He didn’t have plenty of those moments in the bygone years but after that moontag game from earlier, he could just feel like a child again, if only for a while. The whole conversation gymnastics has become a little lighter just as he was going to turn to Cheshire for his own queries but he wouldn’t want to leave Omen out as well. He hasn’t forgotten her question but there may be a way to hit two birds with one stone. 

“Queen Cheshire? I wouldn’t know the first thing about being a performer or being in your place but I forgive you. What happened a while ago was harmless, and well… when the fear subsides, seeing the changelings’ ability to transform up close is amazing. Maybe you could help me and Omen understand something? I heard the changelings didn’t have a good reputation with ponies for a time but your hive is getting along with them now.”

“What was it like back when you first met the ponies? And how did your hive build relations with them?” Sen turned to Omen for a moment to address her concern from earlier. It wasn’t a direct answer from him and it probably didn’t answer her question, but he would use this moment to let her know that he was stumped. “I know you asked me earlier but I don’t know how to answer your question. Maybe we could learn from Cheshire’s experience.”

“Whenever you’re ready, Cheshire.”

As for Lin, she listened to Rosa’s explanation about Princess Twilight. While most of it made sense, she was still perplexed about the whole “Magic of Friendship” thing. Sen had friends back home when he was a child but nothing seemed magical about that. Same thing with the other longma who undoubtedly had friends; it was mundane as far as anything went. 

“That ‘magic’ aspect of friendship that Princess Twilight is probably a pony thing. I mean, I get bringing many creatures together is one thing but I suppose it might just be a flowery embellishment to make the idea sound good. That could be one way to explain Twilight’s role, right, Rosa?”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
"If you can't move, it's hard to use magic or weapons either." Ruby pointed out "And fleeing by itself isn't necessarily cowardice, I would be a hypocrite if I claimed that, it's the reasoning behind you fleeing that determines if you're coward or not." "You also don't need to be physically strong to not to be a weakling, strength is the combination of body and mind, recognizing your weaknesses and turning them into advantages." "This is why I usually overestimate my enemies, even if it may not seem like it, getting too cocky will cause you to make stupid mistakes." 

Charir kept playing with the cloud, it was partly a conscious decision to keep himself distracted so that he didn't need to worry about Ruby. 

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"Sure it's good that there has been creatures to socialize with, but then there's the fact that none of those I have met have been average ponies, no offence of course, so I don't know if it has given the right type of experience." "You are probably the closest to an average pony I have met."  Nada responded, she would wait for Ziggy's response and reply accordingly before heading into the water to go for a hunt.

What came to the fish, it was its lucky day as Nada let it go for now, but if it hanged around too long, it would meet its end. She would stay underwater when she made her way to where she had hunted previously, she didn't want to anger any oversized creatures again.

----------------------------------------
"No need to worry, I have been on fire before, it's not that big of a deal for me." Scarecrow assured in weirdly casual tone when considering the topic "I'll avoid angering them, but then again, it may be the only way to get these cooked if they don't want to help." he said as he took the walnuts and walked into the clearing, looking as non-threatening as someone like he could, and when far enough from Lyriel, he would speak in a friendly-ish tone that was still loud enough for creatures around him to hear assuming they weren't already out observing him "Phoenixes of the area, I mean no harm to any of you, I only wish you could roast these walnuts to help me in a sick game of a draconequus." he wasn't a master with words by any means, but he figured honesty would be the way to go, and if it wasn't, and some of them would attack him, he would put the walnuts between him and the attackers to get them roasted while he was flamed by them. If he was ignored, he would put his hoof under his head in thoughtful manner as he went through his options.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@Rising Dusk

Viz'nay observed yet again, many a scenery change going through the detective's dream. Even though she had seen it multiple times by now, it were still curious to see such a thing done by the young stallion. Especially with such an ease, where it hardly seemed as if it took him any effort. A rare, valuable gift far as she would attest, and judging by how the dream warden had spoken, his case were if not unique, indeed not a common thing.

Something which may end up being in his advantage one day, were he to begin his advanced upon said warden. Viz'nay were not blind, nor unable to understand the hearts desire. She knew well how to spot a longing look towards one, whom you yearned to have in your life, and could empathize with this want. Few were those, who did not wish to have another to share their lives with. And though the detective's longing were yet to bloom into action, she could see that it were not beyond him. A fitting mare he had set his heart upon too. A strong dream walker, would be a suitable mate for one of his potential. Though the question remained, if she would be receptive to his advances. That, she could not tell. Though he certainly made himself stand out among the crowd to her, with his performance before. He had shown her his power over his own dreams, that he could track down others entering it, and had calmly had a visit from a deity. Once his exploits in Harrowmark were made apparent to her, it would be hard to not argue, that he were a stallion worth taking note of. They'd see if that were enough to if not entice her, at least grab her attention.

The first new scene they'd be presented with, included one of Rising's memories, that involved himself, and a mare who carried some family resemblance to him.

On 9/19/2020 at 3:23 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Your Priestess had the same concerns," he chuckled.  Rising, Dawn and the table remained, but the background of the coffee shop shifted to the banquet in Harrowmark.  A third Rising Dusk, tired and dirty form his fight with Twisted, sitting on the bench as Thistle asked the same things about his dating and mating habits.  "A Goddess, a High Priestess, my Mother and Sister, maybe I should pay more attention after all," he shrugged with a grin.

"𝕴 𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖐 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖒, 𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖒𝖞𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋, 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝕴 𝖘𝖆𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖗𝖊𝖌𝖗𝖊𝖙 𝖎𝖙, 𝖎𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖆𝖙 𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖙 𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖒𝖕𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗."

Rising's sister were an interesting sort, and something told her that the apparent casual mare she were presented with, hid something beneath the surface. It may well be that she merely had high expectations, as this mare were from the same blood as Rising, but there were something over the mare, which struck Viz'nay as concealed, in a way.

There were not much time to enjoy the scene before it changed, to the small town of Oaksbrook, in the midst of their celebration for their great, yet dirty savior. And there he stood, being told the same thing by Thistle, that others had seemingly told Rising too. In each their own way, she imagined.

Viz'nay would flutter over, and land on this memory of her priestess. In reality she would not be able to do this, unless Thistle made herself solid enough to be interacted with, yet this were but a dream. Even if the memory would function as incorporeal, it would not matter for Viz'nay, and should not cause any spikes to happen. The effort it would require to do this, compared to the vision she had shown earlier, were laughably low.

"𝕴 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖐 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖔𝖋 𝖜𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖇𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖇𝖊, 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝕴 𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖊𝖓, 𝖜𝖍𝖔𝖒 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖊𝖞𝖊𝖘 𝖋𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖉. 𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖉 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖞 𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋 𝖔𝖑𝖉 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖊, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗 𝖜𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖎𝖙 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊, 𝖍𝖆𝖉 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖉 𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗. 𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖜𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖙𝖍 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖕𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖚𝖗𝖊 𝖎𝖙 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖇𝖗𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊, 𝖜𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖆𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖊𝖊𝖐 𝖆 𝖒𝖆𝖙𝖊."

She fluttered her wings, as she made herself more comfortable, on the head of the memory, of her priestess. It were a fine vantage point, as she gazed upon the sharp contrast, between Rising and Dawn on one side, and the town they were placed in on another. Or rather, two thirds of Rising. The latest variant, caked in swamp muck, seemed more at home in harrowmark, than the other two shown.

"𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖘𝖍𝖊, 𝖉𝖊𝖛𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊, 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖋𝖊𝖑𝖙 𝖆 𝖋𝖑𝖚𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗. 𝕬 𝖘𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖐 𝖜𝖍𝖎𝖈𝖍 𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖉 𝖇𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗, 𝖆𝖘 𝖍𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖞𝖊𝖉 𝖍𝖊𝖗, 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖕𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖗, 𝖞𝖊𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖐 𝖜𝖊 𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖋𝖆𝖈𝖊. 𝕬𝖓𝖉 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖎𝖋 𝖎𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖙 𝖍𝖊𝖗, 𝕴 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖘𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖘𝖆𝖞 𝖘𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖚𝖑𝖑𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖌𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖐 𝖘𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖔𝖔𝖐. 𝕹𝖔𝖙 𝖇𝖊𝖞𝖔𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖎𝖙 𝖈𝖔𝖘𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝖔𝖋 𝕳𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖐, 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖗𝖚𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖔𝖗𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖉.

𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖆 𝖉𝖊𝖛𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖕𝖔𝖓𝖞 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋, 𝕽𝖎𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌. 𝖄𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖕𝖚𝖗𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖒𝖊𝖆𝖓𝖘 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖙𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚, 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝕴 𝖋𝖊𝖊𝖑 𝖈𝖊𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓 𝖔𝖋. 𝖄𝖊𝖙 𝕴 𝖉𝖔 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖐 𝖎𝖙 𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙, 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖆𝖋𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖆𝖘 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖆𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖉𝖎𝖉, 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖘𝖙 𝖜𝖊 𝖒𝖊𝖙, 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖓 𝖙𝖔 𝖆𝖓 𝖊𝖒𝖕𝖙𝖞 𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖘𝖊.

𝕴𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖍𝖔𝖜 𝖒𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖆𝖓 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖉𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖒𝖘. 𝕴𝖙 𝖎𝖘 𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖚𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕴 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖛𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖉𝖊𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖛𝖊 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙."

She were somewhat sure that she were saying kind, comforting things, but it were hard to say for certain. She were not a flawless being, and communicating with mortals, in a way which might soothe them, could at times be a tough ask for her.

"𝖂𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖘𝖍𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖘, 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒 𝖘𝖊𝖊𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖈𝖑𝖆𝖎𝖒 𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖗𝖚𝖊, 𝖜𝖍𝖞 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖒𝖕𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖈𝖍 𝖔𝖚𝖙? 𝕱𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖎𝖋 𝖘𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖗𝖔𝖔𝖒 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗. 𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖉𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒 𝖙𝖗𝖞𝖎𝖓𝖌?"

On 9/19/2020 at 3:23 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"The situation is well in hoof and has been handled here.  Even though it did come out of no where.  I was browsing a new selection of hats when suddenly I was called to Manehatten Elementary where I did battle with crystal spiders and a grotesque-" Flare started to go off, upping his tone with excitement from the battle.  Starbright pressed her hoof to his mouth before the tale of glory got out of hoof, "Focus Officer Blitz,"

"Does he have to? It sounded like it were getting to the interesting part."

Magma were actually a little saddened, that Flare were not allowed to speak further on this matter. Crystals spiders and some sort of grotesque thing, attacking an elementary school, in the middle of Manehatten? There were surely some kind of riveting tale in that, and she would lie if she said she did not enjoy a good talk of adventure at times. In fact, she once dreamed of becoming one herself, but her parents urged her to use her brain to strive higher. And look were that got her... *sigh*

In any case, it sadly seemed as if history hour were done for the time being, and the subject moved on swiftly. A pity really. Otherwise, she would have interjected with comments regarding both how she wished to hear more - in more persistent tones, perhaps - and inquire why Flare thought it necessary to change hats. This style fitted him well, though... Hmm, perhaps he simply wished a variation in color, or something less used to gaze upon? She supposed that might well be a reason too, in fairness.

Also, the topic at hoof began to set of a few alarm bells, shortly after, so it were not wise for her to dwell on these matters further. At least not for now.

On 9/19/2020 at 3:23 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"You do specialize in stable magics" the cowboy unicorn offered.  "Not without Rising to see what kind of mess she's in.  I need more information.  I can't Arc Weld two opposing forces trying to live in one body on a whim," she countered.  "Would Rising even be able to see this?  Him NOT seeing anything also provides information.  We need to fill in the alchemy half."

"I would like to respectfully ask that I do not get welded together, maybe? I very specifically broke out of Center Zero, a few months before the incident that sadly, took everypony away, to avoid remaining a test subject. I am not suffering, nor have proven to be an immense danger to society, and as such, I would like to not potentially have my internal structure remade against my will. Considering I appear to have a molten core, comparisons between me, and a magma elemental, could be made. And as one who have studied literature of elementals of varied kinds, I would like to inform you that it does not go well, if one are made unstable. It is what brought me into this mess in the first place.

I will not be rejecting it, if you wish to run something akin to a scan, and study me for a time, to ensure things are okay. I can even accept suggestions, if you think there is a path back to normality for me. But I would like to give a formal request, to not attempt anything that might interfere with my internal composition, without authorization from your supperior, and compliance from my side.

Also, who is this Rising you speak of? A colleague of yours, with some expertise in alchemy?"

On 9/19/2020 at 3:23 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Is that really a glamour if you can't feel the dress?  Oh, dear, let me give you a hoof,"

"It's not really a glamour. It's a body modification spell. At least were I'm from, we call it Iron Skin. Real nifty to take a hit, and at least I don't go stiff as a board like most others when they use it, but it's heavy, and feels like I'm suited up in real tight armor. The weight isn't that big of a deal, long as I add another modifier to strength, but the feeling is bad. Can't feel clothes, the breeze on my skin, or even light. Beyond prolonged, direct light anyway. It starts getting real warm the- Oooh, what're you doing now?"

Grave got distracted, once Cork started to really get underway with her magic again. Enjoying both the sight, and the lovely smell that came from it. Once again, being a rather warm, wholesome smell, as the mixture of the helpful spell, and matching feeling behind it, wafted through the air. Seriously, she might not have met many, but Cork were already becoming one of her favorite ponies in this place.

On 9/19/2020 at 3:23 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Wear this dear.  An illusion glamour, doesn't affect your physical form, just outside appearance.  It should last a few hours,"

Grave cautiously took the offered vial, as silent as... Well, you know.

She were simply too awestruck. The smell alone of Cork's magic were pretty, but this little performance, with her horn leaking some sort of liquid into this vial, that were a kind of temporary glamour? She had never seen anything like this, and it were about as beautiful as it smelled.

And as were proven once she made contact with the vial, also very efficient. Grave could well smell that she were wearing this, as if it were some sort of perfume, but she could not see through it. Nor herself. For all intends and purposes, she looked like a normal pony. And the gleeful smile that came on her face as she felt this, were grand. It faltered a tiny bit though, when she went over to give some sort of happy, physical response to this, but she halted just before making contact. She had to fizzle the other spells she had before out first, or it'd be like running into a golem.

Soon as that were done though, Grave would go over, and rub her forehead against the side of Cork's neck.

"Oh, this feel So much better! Thank you a bunch Cork. You're the best."

Hugs weren't the normal sort of way to greet others were she were from, and this were the first thing that instead came to mind. It were likely fine.

On 9/19/2020 at 3:23 PM, Rising Dusk said:

The pair followed the traveler, not as far as they expected, to the mirror she spoke of.  Gold mane inspected the mirror for any outside markings, sigils or runes.  Igniting her horn to begin a trace spell for any left over energies the mirror may contain.  

There'd be a few small, lingering sets of magical traces on the mirror. One belonging to Grave, whilst the other were more foreign. Definitely not local, and seemed to be mostly based around a tracking spell, which had been momentarily anchored to this mirror. Whoever had used it, weren't anymore, but had been looking for someone else.

There were no runes or anything carved into it though. This mirror were simply chosen, as it were the closest one to the actual target. And if the trace were good, they'd find that it were still connected to whoever had cast the spell on it to begin with. Very faintly, but it seemed like there might be a dormant trace on it, to easier reactivate it, if need be. One with a connection that came from far, far away.

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

 

@Sekel

On 9/19/2020 at 3:40 PM, Sekel said:

"Um, Ambassador Golden .. he uh, he gave me this to give to you to let me and my companions wander around Canterlot at our leisure,"

She'd find that not only were he one of the generals who knew that she had escaped with Zhu, he were also the one who were in the garden, about to argue with their group, before Golden had interrupted them.

He looked a good deal calmer now though, as if he had some time to mull over things more rationally. And as for her role in Zhu's escape... Zhu had sold it well, that he had escaped on his own, and had brugt along Karmic against her will. It were going to be another charge to add to his list, whereas she were free of charge.

He didn't acknowledge that right now though, and instead focused on taking, and reading through the paperwork. Ater a few seconds on each, he'd nod slowy, and put reach them back towards Karmic.

"Everything seems to be in order. I will have the word spread, and make sure that there is a public announcement soon as it can happen, to make the citizens less worried about Enzo. If you can stay on palace grounds for about twenty minutes, that should be all the time I'd need.

And apologies for before, miss. It's been a stressed time, but the ambassador is correct: That is no excuse for acting hostile towards you. Please extend my apologies to your friends as well, if it isn't a bother.

Is there anything else I can help with, or should I get to work on this right away?"

"Citizens of Equestria-"

The voice were low, but even down here, the booming voice of Golden, beginning an announcement, were somewhat possible to hear.

"I am going to have words with his medical attache. He is in no health to strain himself this much."

He'd rise from the table, and let out a sigh, before heading towards the door. Today were just one of those days at work, it seemed.

"Follow if you wish, miss. I'm heading up there, and seeing if I can't get hold of him before he is done with this. And if need be, drag him back to the hospital myself."

On 9/19/2020 at 3:40 PM, Sekel said:

"All that memory stuff? I'll figure it all out eventually. But. You're chatting with an ex-parsitic Changeling turned Princess Gemling. I think you're well past the point of madness," Atzy smirked at him, looking across to view his face. "Unless I'm an apparition and all this is inside your head and your stuck back in that mine. Alone. With your thoughts. And everything in between to do with loneliness and isolation."

"If I have finally given in to madness, I will find myself blessed in the fact, that my insanity seems kind in nature."

He did not think that he were past that point, and did mostly believe that he were free of his long, torturous prison. Yet he could not rule out that maybe, that were just what he wanted to think, as he languished on the cold floor of the temple, with a mind that finally broke due to the deafening silence. At least if that were then, his final days, before his body finally followed suit, would be spend in a kind delusion. Still a better fate than what he had been left to suffer.

He'd wander silently over the garden grass, with Atzy standing on his back, and doing his best to avoid hitting any of the citizens in the area. The gemling barely registered as sitting on him, and though it were undignified, he did not mind when it were her, or Karmic. They had been with him for a time now, and he considered them to have earned this privilege. He would not be as forgiving, if just about anyone else, tried to do so out of nowhere though.

"Citizens of Equestria-"

That is when the loud voice of Golden came into focus, and he turned around, to gaze up upon a balcony, which seemed generally suited for addressing crowds. Of which there were not much of one right now, but eyes and ears were quickly drawn in, to both the sights, and the amplified voice of the pony.

"- today I bring you joyous news. A new breed of changelings have emerged from the edges of our lands, and due to your diligent efforts, to show acceptance and kindness to their other brethren, have sought us out, with peace in their hearts. A princess of theirs wanders this great town now, adorned in the diamonds emerging from their home.

Yet even this, is not all I have to bring you of news. As many of you have also seen, a sphinx stands in our royal garden. I am sure many have been concerned with this. Yet I can with great delight inform you, that not only does he not come here, bearing demands for sacrifice, he have also willingly allied himself with the great nation of Equestria.

This marks a historic day for Equestria. The beginning of the end to the hostilities, between sphinx and equines. As well as the knowledge that Princess Twilight's tireless efforts, to make strong connections to whom were once our enemies, bears a bounty stronger than we had hoped would happen this soon.

So rejoice everypony, and make these new allies of ours, feel welcome amongst us. May the sun guide our path."

With that, he would go away, as cheers would begin to spread through the streets. Lowly at first, but it always started with a few, and then others would begin to follow troop. Seemed like things were looking up, all things considered.

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

 

@Sekel

On 9/19/2020 at 3:40 PM, Sekel said:

"I don't remember much but I do believe she is a part of a family of guards out in Somber Heights.

None of the others had any idea where this were, so they just nodded in agreement, whilst keeping their focus on the split door.

Cherish had been in the castle for longer than Somber Heights had been around, and both Last and the Manetid, had just about zero exposure to the world at large. They were both born and raised in this valley, and the only places besides Ponyville that Last had seen on the outside, were whatever might lay between it, and here. So as little as Twilight knew, it were still more than any of them did. Well, except that the manetid appeared to have seen her before, when she took down her queen, judging by what were said before.

On 9/19/2020 at 3:40 PM, Sekel said:

"You two ... please, please play nice until we are away from this place. We need to hopefully find  Marepunzel before Madame Macabre does. Is that clear?"

"You have my word that I will not strike first, your majesty."

"Kkkxxhtr. If she does not, neither will I."

As a ceasefire of sort seemed to be sorted between them, they'd follow Princess Twilight as she went on, with Cherish floating as far back as she could. The mare were incredibly dangerous to her kind. She could feel it, and did not wish to get anywhere near that scythe of hers.

They wouldn't have a hard time reaching Madame Macabre either. She were walking calmly and cautiously up the spiralled staircase that seemed to mark the first trek of the way to the top.

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@Sekel

"Every creature have a personality. It is merely that for us changelings, some of said personalities are shared n the hive. Your hive might well inherit your preference for pacifism. In which case, I'd suggest taking contact to Queen Cheshire of Las Pegasus. As another queen with that trait, she could likely guide you on that.

Though as you put it, you have made a conscious choice, rather than be compelled, or feel specially connected to this sort of thing. In which case, it could be something else. As said, it varies from queen to queen, and you'll have to discover yourself what your trait and specialty might be. Perhaps the preference to present yourself as a griffon, will end being it? It would be rather unusual for a hive. As would be living in higher air space, as you'd perhaps prefer to. Maybe a hive dug out of a cliffside, up a mountain?"

The forest did not seem to hold any immediate danger as they crossed into it. So that were good so far. At worst it seemed, that a few squirrels ran away from them. What a riveting experience so far.

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@Windy Breeze 🥧

So he Were dead, yet not the source of all of this, it seemed. Not enough were happening here, to make it seem so at least.

Sorrow would be hard pressed to not think that on some level, he deserved this fate. Yet as she had been taught time and time again, it were their duty to help spirits move on, and leave the judging to whatever forces decided where the spirits would go to, in their afterlives. That part were not up to mere mortals like them. Theirs were the path of mercy, and any spirit deserved that they helped them to move on. What came next, were out of their hooves.

So with that n mind, Sorrow would move over to Windy, and pat her on the shoulder. Afterwards, she'd signal that she were going to need Legion for what were to come, and would help her get the chain off of Windy's neck, if it were troubling for her.

Once Legion were returned to Sorrow's possession, she would adorn them, and wander towards Razor.

"You've done something bad, Razor. Something which have ended up hurting not just you and her, but many others, who now partake in Autumn's fury. But that doesn't mean you should languish here."

"Come with us, Razor. Tell us of your sorrows and your pains. Let us help you reclaim your mind, and find peace."

Legion spoke too, as she went closer. Though as she no longer held Legion, Windy would not be able to hear them anymore. She just hear Razor, Sorrow, and hopefully not Autumn, coming in to interrupting the mare reaching out to Razor. He might well think that this were Autumn, but Sorrow still needed to try. If this were the real Razor, she couldn't just sit back and do nothing, right? It were not her place to decide which souls deserved peace, and which didn't.

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@EQ_Theta

On 9/19/2020 at 4:57 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It is a lively evening. You’re right, Rosa; this is a night for fun, games, and enjoying friendly company. I take it we’ll be settling scores through a series of games? I’m looking forward to that! Let me just have a moment with Queen Cheshire. I’d like to bring up something with her.”

"It would hardly be fair if we tried to settle our score via actual combat, so games are preferable. I wouldn't want you to get hurt after all."

He had underestimated Sen once, and it had shown on the scoreboard, so his retort were not laced with as much overconfidence as he had before. That being said, he were still somewhat sure that he could win over Sen. Partially due to the fact that he Sen were trained as a hunter, and he himself, were trained to fight unfairly.

Jesting aside, he did intent to end the night, having beaten Sen at more games, than Sen beat him at. But they'd see. For the time being though, he had a talk with Queen Cheshire he wished to finish, and Rosa would not stop that. Merely observe, and butt in only in case something seemed to go awry. Which were unlikely, as they seemed to have reached a peaceful, neutral ground to begin on this time, rather than the first one.

On 9/19/2020 at 4:57 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“What was it like back when you first met the ponies? And how did your hive build relations with them?” Sen turned to Omen for a moment to address her concern from earlier. It wasn’t a direct answer from him and it probably didn’t answer her question, but he would use this moment to let her know that he was stumped. “I know you asked me earlier but I don’t know how to answer your question. Maybe we could learn from Cheshire’s experience.”

“Whenever you’re ready, Cheshire.”

"There are wildly varied answers to that first question, Sen. One part being the first time I actually met them, and the second, how it were, when I met them as my true self.

The very first meeting, I had barely left the nursery. My mother, Queen Radiance, were a caring, loving queen, who wanted us to remain nothing more than fairy tales for the ponies. As such, she understood the need for us to blend in, and never do something so reckless, that it caused us to be exposed. Such as kidnapping ponies, which less moral queens like Chrysalis adored to do.

In any case, soon as I knew how to run with a stable transformation, she took myself and my elder sister, to visit one of the smaller, local towns, to see up close what our prey were like, and how they lived. She believed it to be best, that we would understand them at an early age, so that we'd in time to ready to branch out ourselves. My sister are a... Tough, yet intelligent changeling, and looked at it in how best to approach them as prey.

Me though? I were mostly focused on a street performer. A simple magician, playing tricks and sleight of hoof. Small scale things really, but I simply couldn't look away from the performance. The joy the crowd were feeling were radiating, and it only increased, the more he performed. In that act, I saw my calling, and the first of many things, that I would come to adore about ponies, whereas he simply saw a small foal, nearing the crowd, before her mother grabbed hold of her.

In time, when our mother passed on, the line of succession came into effect, and what were left of the hive, were taken over by my sister, Queen Aluria. We sadly lost contact some years ago, but she are one of the few queens who accepts the way my hive runs, and does not look down upon us.

But I digress, I suppose.

The first time I met the ponies as I am in truth, were the day that it went public, that due to King Thorax rising, with the help of Princess Twilight, changelings would be protected under the Equestrian law too. Provided that we did not impersonate others without permission, and went open about who we were. Eyeing a chance, I took my entire hive to the mayor's office, and once we were given time, revealed ourselves, and spoke of our intentions.

I will admit that things were somewhat strained the first half hour or so, but mayor Coin Flip respects honesty, so he gave us a chance to present our case. Which were basically us admitting to everything we had been part of in town over the years, speak of what we wished to do, and agreeing to every precaution he wanted to take. Including that we went away from our hive, and into a residency in town, so that it were easier to keep an eye on us. Ah, and when we saw the place... Sure the theater were a ruin, barely fit for habitation, but changelings are good at fortifying such things. It's all in the bile, though we try not to advertise that part too much. Some folks gets a little iffy knowing that. It is great at keeping rock together though. Insulating against the cold too. Were it not for that, we wouldn't have been able to return the theater to its former glory. And to think that the mayor believed it would only be needed to house us for a few days, until he could clear a storage unit. Heh. The dear stallion could not tear me from that place after first letting me step hoof in it, even if the roof would threaten to fall down upon us."

"Yes. I can imagine that being handed a theater, held far more value to performers, than a storage unit."

A little waft of magic, and a shimmering, golden star would float from Cheshire's horn, and patch itself to Rosa's chest. It were more showing off, but this were very, very low brow. Cheshire were sure this would not cause alarm.

"True. And I think this leaves me to have answered both your first questions, Sen. Though I'm curious: What were the question that you say Omen asked before?"

"I asked if they do not go away from town, how will they meet others? It sounded like bring others to them, was not the right way."

"Ah, a curious question with a tough to find answer. How intriguing."

While they were focusing on this, Rosa would take a few steps to the side, to get closer to Lin, before answering the questiion that she had.

"Equines are the only known creatures, to be able to naturally wield the magic school of friendship. Or rather, ponies. Thestrals are generally speaking, not magical. As for zebra... They make use of their own type of magic, which are unwieldly by other races, as far as I am aware. They call it voodoo, if I remember correct. And I could sooner tell you how the sun were made, than how this particular school of magic functions. Every time I think I have a grasp on it, a curveball are added. Only constant there seems to be, is that clairvoyance, and a degree of alchemy, are involved.

And Twilight's role is an ambassador, of sorts, yes. But she also does wield the mentioned school of magic, to often powerful effects. When she is with her companions that is. Friendship is amplified and refined by close bonds. A lone pony with no connections, are not able to do much with that."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I'd argue it's easier to cast magic, than it is to punch someone in the face, if you are locked in place. But I'd agree, that it doesn't exactly help.

And you're right. There is a difference in why you run off, that determines cowardice. I thought you considered all kinds of fleeing from battle to be that, but it seemed I were wrong. I'm sorry for that, Ruby."

Yeah yeah, draconic pride and all that. Didn't matter when it were between dragons so much, to apologize. It were mostly an issue when it came to saying sorry, and genuinely meaning it, to the lesser races. That were a bit more taxing for their kind, including Leviathan. She might be soft on some points, but she were still a dragon, despite what Ruby had once claimed. She had her pride.

"As for combat itself, I won't say I'm perfect either. I'm highly emotional. It can strengthen my blows, and harden my resolve, but it also clouds my judgement. If one is good at pushing my buttons, I start getting reckless, and then I usually get trounced.

Funny how even knowing our own flaws, it isn't that hard to make us fall into the same traps, huh? But I suppose, the most important thing is to acknowledge it. Means we can work on it at least, which is more than I can say about those who're too arrogant, and think they're flawless. Never ends well with those types."

She rose a finger, and swirled it around a little, while a pale blue spark dances on the tip of it. Not something that did much, beyond directing the cloud to swing around in a large bow, and start moving back again, before it hit a wall. Charir seemed to have fun with it, so she didn't want to have him play himself into a corner, or accidentally have the small cloud leave the room. Who could tell what would happen, if he tried to walk out there, with that hunter on the loose? Though sooner or later, they had to leave this cave, and potentially confront the one(s) hunting them. Couldn't huddle in here forever, like a bunch of cowards.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I'm the most normal pony you've met? Hehehe. That's not something I often hear. Most folks think I'm one of the weirder folks."

A young doctor, grown up in a hospital, wearing frames without glasses, and being of mixed blood, were already enough to make most lift an eyebrow. Then came the other stuff. Like how she flew, the occasional rhyming, her tendency for tackle-hugging folks- The list sorta went on. And yet she were considered the most normal, by Nada? Man. This siren sure had some weird friends, if that were the case. Ziggy would argue the foal she met were likely the most normal. He were just kinda... Young and didn't know better.

Still, she'd take the compliment, no doubt about that.

Ziggy would wave at Nada as she took off to go fishing, whilst Agni would fly up to a shelf, and have a seat there. He still felt a little drowsy, so he'd grab a short nap, and then later on, return to the forest for a time.

Going around, and getting to her hunting grounds, Nada would find that she wasn't getting approached this time. However, a little further ahead, where the river bend, there would be a disturbance in the water. Something making quite a lot of splashing, as if they were a bad swimmer, or were wrestling something in the water. There were no yelp for help or anything, so it might be nothing, but she had the option to check it out, if she so chose.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Scarecrow wouldn't get much of a response at first. Then suddenly, one of the birds would rise up and look down on him, before jumping out of the nest. Then another one did exactly the same, and would begin to fly around in a seemingly random pattern. And so on and so forth, until around two dozen phoenixes were flying around like this.

The weird thing though, were that they had all come out of the same nest. As if the one who started there, hadd shadows following it. Or more specifically, illusions, which were there to confuse him. It seemed as if Anomaly, were still playing her games with them.

Suddenly, the varied birds would all at once, breath a thin column of fire down from above, and hitting the ground. This would keep happening every so often, with intervals of twenty seconds, so he could time it right, to try and get some walnuts into the fire.

Here were the kicker though: If he hit the wrong fire, the walnuts would be turned into mushrooms. And seeing as there were only one real phoenix, he had to figure out which one that were, and keep track of that, if he didn't want them to go back and capture some new walnuts.

He got one clue on this That being that the real phoenix, would slightly scorch the ground where it hit. If he could track the one who did that, he could differentiate between the real fire, and the majority, that spewed off harmless waves of cozy warmth. Which only had a weird interaction, if they hit walnuts.

He might also consider that said walnuts should be cracked open, to allowed them to be roasted, rather than baked.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Windy understands the signal and gave Legion back to Sorrow. Even though she could stand against ghosts, she also has limits.

Razor cracked open his eyes and gaze at Sorrow with fear. He whimpered as she go close to him, and all he could do is squirm against the corner. As she got more closer to him, he cries out “Autumn, I'm so sorry, please forgive, please!” he begged as he now lean on the wall, no longer able to back away, tears continue to stream down his face. He did not try to defend himself, he was not the brave and desperate Razor when he was alive. No, it all changed because he made huge weight, that same weight he had to carry.

[Widdershins 9,959]

@Sekel's Dawn Streak

 An excited blush began creeping across his muzzle as Kaltrop darted his eyes away for a moment before suddenly slouching to her side and lifting her nearest hoof over the kitchen table. There was a lighter air abound as that sarcastic, defensive tone lifted for once and gave way to an excited heat that came around being too close to somebeing who was going off about their hobby. The sort of hobby that one tended to assume involved rows of display shelves in a dark, poorly ventilated room that at least showed some real, genuine passion as a light in a soul that clearly shut alot of other things out. Sure, most ponies did get heated about their favored topics and dragons took that fairly more literally and that was more evident by how he held her close, chest to her side and nearly cradling her as he hovered one claw above her hoof and neatly diagramming it.

And did he talk.

"That's actually a misconception, you know! The growing line of a hoof is all the way up here, and you can drive pretty much a two or three inch nail, depending of course on condition of hoof, before your produce much pain. In fact, especially in certain rather severe hoof diseases, you can loose a few good inches before you actually get to "leg." That's why peghooves were once in fashion after iron, nailed-in shoes fell out of fashion due to health concerns. Most creatures can trim small parts of their claws off but no other species quite has so much and unique of a foot covering as ponies do! Durable enough to pound building steel and yet soft & supple enough to bend around even the lightest, gentlest of things to pick up! Hooves are nearly the focus of anypony's magic! These days though, with advances in Hooficure Technology & Culture, hooves have gotten even softer and thinner and show alot more wear than older generations of hoofwear. Stories tell how a travelling gypsy pony could read a mare's whole life and even future just by looking at the cracks and curves of her hoof! See, pegasai hooves have a lot less prominant of a frontward curve here and shows a mare of virility and strength, while the bottomhoof has a much more smooth surface here due to what is theorized to be due to the cloudwalking ability usually inherited in....."

His genuine care & happiness came out to Dawn as he held her, his muzzle of hot breath right by her side as he gently caressed and poked her with what was clearly an evident studied motion. His claws might be sharp, but he certainly knew his way around a mare's leg.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

“Sounds like there was a good deal of compromise between you and the mayor. He gave you and your hive a chance, and seeing how you are faring today, things turned out well. I suppose that’s what’s necessary… taking a chance no matter what comes.”

Sen turned to listen to Omen relay her question to the queen. As much as he could begin to see where his realization could come in, there was still some uncertainty in the air. The longma had an inkling of an answer but Cheshire’s experience would likely not be the longma’s experience. 

“Allow me to provide some context, Cheshire. You know that the longma are isolationists, and they refuse to leave our forest home to meet other creatures. Omen is wondering about that. If the longma don’t leave their homes, how would they meet others? When I ran off earlier, I thought about how I was going about resolving that question, on top of being frightened.”

“I was scared that bringing other creatures to meet them instead of doing it on their terms was not the right idea. When I ran, I understood how some of them felt. They weren’t certain about meeting another creature that might harm them, and that uncertainty scared them. Combine that with our history and you can see how it compounded their fears. What's your take on the matter?” 

Lin stood and listened, seeing the pieces come together. Although she was still fairly dismissive of the folks back home, she couldn’t help but begin to feel her stance soften. Some concerns from the longma came from a genuine place of fear and worry. They didn’t have any experience meeting new creatures aside from Omen, and they were hesitant to do so despite the Ki’Nathar having effectively free rein to go about and mingle with everyone in the village. After hearing about Cheshire’s experience, the siblings were eager to hear more from the changeling queen and her thoughts on the question.

As for what Rosa had to say on Lin’s comment about Twilight’s magic of friendship still didn’t make much sense. If it works for Twilight then there really isn’t much to argue about. If other creatures had their own forms of unique magic that could be understood to some degree. The longma didn’t seem to have one and they are averse to the idea of wielding magic, but not utilizing it through items like the blue messenger flowers or the forest wards. A little ironic, now that she thought about it, but Lin wouldn’t comment further.

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@EQ_Theta

21 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Sounds like there was a good deal of compromise between you and the mayor. He gave you and your hive a chance, and seeing how you are faring today, things turned out well. I suppose that’s what’s necessary… taking a chance no matter what comes.”

"Absolutely. Considering the time we arrived, when tensions were still rather high between our kinds, he might well have thought more on his reelection, and very publicly, rat us out, without assistance. Legally speaking he couldn't do much to harm us, but there is always the option to refuse helping. A little hole in the law, that less kind creatures have taken advantage off. Not so much in las Pegasus anymore though, at least. Not since we started to arrive at the places acting like that, and messed around with the owners. Nothing harmful of course, just a little teasing and confusion, to let them know that it's easier to accept us, since they are not getting rid of us."

There were one that they had been rather severely after, but that were still not technically in a violent way. They just scared him senseless, and kept him running around in the same area for a time, until the guards could come and get him. They did not overly enjoy this, but the being in question had shown up to their theater in the middle of the night, with several bottles of gas and some torches. He claimed he were just aiming to rattle them a little, by setting fire to the dumpster behind the theater, but she didn't buy it. Especially not after learning that his wife had been severely hurt in the changeling attack on Canterlot, that started this whole mess.

She'd forgiven him though. His rehabilitation were going well, and considering what he had been through, she did not blame him for carrying a grudge at the time. After getting some help from the right ponies, and going through the programs the guard set up, to help those committing crime to reenter society properly, he had also gotten to a more neutral state, which stopped him from doing things like that again. There were still ways to go until he liked changelings, but that were understandable. It were a process after all, not a flipped switch, so tolerance for now, were a good start.

21 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Allow me to provide some context, Cheshire. You know that the longma are isolationists, and they refuse to leave our forest home to meet other creatures. Omen is wondering about that. If the longma don’t leave their homes, how would they meet others? When I ran off earlier, I thought about how I was going about resolving that question, on top of being frightened.”

“I was scared that bringing other creatures to meet them instead of doing it on their terms was not the right idea. When I ran, I understood how some of them felt. They weren’t certain about meeting another creature that might harm them, and that uncertainty scared them. Combine that with our history and you can see how it compounded their fears. What's your take on the matter?” 

"You ever considered these wild, newfangled thing called *letters*? I hear you can use them to do all sorts of things, like say, interact with other beings, and learn about them, without ever having to meet face to face. I know, it's a crazy new world, isn't it?"

Her answer were said with a teasing, somewhat sarcastic tone, as this seemed like such a simple thing to do. They wanted to learn, but had no interest in actually meeting others? Start with letters. That way, you could do a little back and forth, in complete safety. Well, somewhat. Some might track the letters back, but there were ways to avoid that, if you had a little smarts. And if these folks were isolated for as long as they were, surely they could figure out how to not get tracked, when picking up a letter somewhere.

"Seriously though, just try going over with a bestiary, let them brose through and see what sorta creatures muddles around Equestria, and then set them up with a few pen pals. I'd be more than happy to personally offer myself for that role, from the perspective of a changeling, to have an open safe dialogue between us. That way they can learn, and still be in control of when - if ever - they wish to meet us, or anypony else. You just need to make for a safe route to transport letters, that can't be tracked. Any good with teleports, maybe?"

"I can make gates. And Master Discord had me help him with letters many times."

Omen opened three gates quickly around Cheshire, giving the changeling a quick glimpse into the strange world she came from, where several eyes began to go over and gawk at her, before the gates closed again.

"Well, that's not something you see every day... But yes, that's looking like a safe enough option. Gives you a degree of separation, and the option to learn about beings both from literature, and personal words, without having to go through a risk. Not until you feel like it's right to try."

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

 

@Windy Breeze 🥧

Whereas anger had overtaken her earlier, Sorrow felt nothing but pity for Razor now, as she saw him huddling and begging for mercy.

He were a bad guy for what he had done, that much were sure. Even if he had seen it as the only option, he had still done something unforgivable, and because of that, Autumn were suffering. Yet because of his guilt over it, he had taken himself down too, and ended up as stuck and miserable as she were. Trapped by not anger, but guilt... He deserved a punishment for his actions, yet far as she were concerned, he had suffered enough. It were time for him to get help, and work on eventually doing what he needed to do, more than anything else: Forgive himself. A slow process that might take years, but as long as he were bound by this guilt, she doubted he'd find the peace of mind needed, to eventually ascend to the next plane by himself.

But for that to start, he needed to be part of something bigger, that could help his fragile mind through it. Maybe then, he'd be able to see some sort of reason eventually, and get the courage to beg Autumn for forgiveness to her face. Which would maybe not go well at first, due to her anger, but maybe she'd be able to see reason, if they could somehow show her that he were already suffering for what he did, and regretting it all.

Yet they'd see when it came to her. For now, she had to help Razor. And as he wasn't phasing through a wall, it wouldn't be too hard likely, as she slowly moved forward. She would be gently shushing him, as you did a crying foal, needing the comfort of its mother or father. The gentle look in her eyes, and the way she reached out wit her hoof, carried the same kind of motherly vibe to it, as she aimed to help this poor, wayward soul.

"You've both been suffering, Razor. Trapped and blinded, by anger and guilt. But it have to end now, okay? Come with us, and let us give you clarity back. We will hold your hooves, and help you to seek forgiveness for what happened."

She'd close the distance, and go over to embrace him loosely. If he were an incorporeal ghost, she couldn't touch him, and had to resort to this. Though if he had mass, she would embrace it tenderly, whilst Legion began working their own magic. Not something which were normally watchable, but with all the spirit energy in the air around here, Windy would be able to see vague, see-through representations of a little over a dozen ponies, manifest around them. Mostly ponies, yet a few diamond dogs, a dragon, and a few griffons, were also present. All of them (that wore clothes) showing signs of coming from varied ages, and from different settings. Including the Wonderbolt that had first told her some facts about Windy's crew, with his attention-grabbing outfit swaying in unseen winds.

They'd reach out and put their hands, hooves, or claws, on Razor, and looking on him with silent voices, and sad smiles. They were understanding of his situation, but they didn't shun him. They beckoned to him, and welcomed him to join them, and the spirit that yet remained in the necklace, who did not seem to manifest. Perhaps the one who started it all. The core of Legion, whom even Razor wouldn't able to see. He's just see the light in the sockets, giving off a warm, beckoning glow, as the spirits invited him to come and join them, in a place where others who understood him, were there, and could help.

One of the pased ones - a small colt, wearing a big scarf that dragged across the ground - would tug in his wings as they did so, and look up at him with a big smile. Though Windy would not be able to hear it, the colt would tell Razor that there were nothing to be afraid off, and that he were looking forward to trying to help their new friend.

Sorrow wasn't like say, her grandmother. She could not force spirits to move on, or make them get into Legion against their will. They had to come willingly, so she would have to try and make Razor accept them. Though really, it were mostly Legion doing the talking now. All parts of it, offering their kind words. Including the dragon, whom were gruff in it, but the time that Gnarltooth had spent in Legion, had started to learn him humility, and embracing a warmer, kinder side, than he had been able to in life. One day when his pride finally let go of their ties in him, Sorrow had no doubt that he'd move on, and rejoin his long lost family on the other side. Yet before that, she still had to go and find his descendants, so that he could tell them how sorry he were for everything, and ask them of forgiveness.A tough ask for any dragon. Just as it would be for Razor, when he needed to confront Autumn.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Windy felt she's about to tear up, if the tears welling up into her eyes were to indicate. Then something happened.

Several ghosts, most of them ponies along with some griffons, a dragon, and a few diamond dogs appeared around Sorrow and a distressed Razor, whimpered like a scared dog. Windy gaped her mouth in awe.

Then she saw him.

She silently gasped at the sight of a long-dead Wonderbolt among the group, putting his hooves at Razor's body with a sad smile.Windy swore her heart stopped beating for a second. She looked at Autumn and glared playfully at her.

You lucky mare she thought

Razor didn't seem to notice the dozens of spirits surrounding him, even when they made contact with him. That is until he heard a voice. A very young voice.

He lifted his head to see a foal tugging at his large wings. He wore a long scarf. A flashback was triggered inside his mind.

“You must go, and remember, don't tell anycreature about us. Just tell them that you were foalnapped and saved by somepony”

His cursed vision was immediately shattered, and after several months of seeing nothing other than Autumn has ended along with his weighting guilt and despair. He was now able to see Sorrow, Windy, and the spirits as themselves and not his wife. He stopped crying and looked down at the foal.

Not only Razor was affected by this change, but also someone else. He finally popped into their location.

Windy smiled as Razor seemed to calm down. That is until she heard a crazed, maniacal voice behind her.

“I FOUND YOU, RAAAAZOOOOOOOOOR!”

Windy glanced behind her to see a spirit of a light yellow pegasus mare with glowing red eyes, and orange mane tail standing in the doorway with a bone jutting out of her neck, hinting she had a broken neck. Her face was twisted into a look mixed with relief, joy, anger, and hatred. The mare let out another laugh.

Razor screamed in horror at the sight of his wife. He cowered and put his claws over his head, his eyes tightly shut as he started begging for forgiveness.

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

“Letters? Between ourselves and our kinds?”

“It’s a good start, Sen! And what have we got to lose? Think about it. A controlled setup where we can slowly introduce the longma back home to the changelings, exchange information we are comfortable with sharing, and start out with a friend already on the other side with Queen Cheshire. Omen and I could be the go-betweens because of the gates.”

"Already on board with this idea, sister?"

"Of course! It's sensible and it could convince the folks back home to give this a try. You can even bring it up with the council back home because it's likely we'd be summoned with Elder Ghilan."

It is true that Lin would have a more direct way of moving back and forth from the village to the changelings home, although it had its own disadvantages. Lin would need to know exactly where to drop off the messages, but that wouldn’t be too big of a hurdle to surpass. Frankly, they just need a system all parties agree with before the messages can go through. Even those blue messenger flowers could see more widespread use; the changelings could probably grow their own. 

Sen felt himself giving a much more relaxed and natural smile, feeling a lot better now. And there was a hint of surprise that Lin was excited at the proposition, seemingly working out the logic behind the idea. 

“It’s a good idea, and our elder, Ghilan, is open to meeting new creatures and learn from them. He met Rosa recently and I’m sure he’d like to meet you, too, Cheshire. I’d like to propose this idea to him first and maybe we can work something out with you, if that’s alright?”

Meanwhile, Lin approached Omen with a question of her own, having understood the context of the whole conversation and Sen’s actions from earlier. “Was Queen Cheshire’s response the answer you were looking for?”

[Lucid_Nightlight 923]

@Blitz Boom

"Why you angry? Why so angry? The snake was only capable of killing like, dragons."

"Yeah, what's the big deal? Are you allergic."

Maybe your mom is allergic.

"My mom is a nice woman, thank you."

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@EQ_Theta

Cheshire were enthused to see that her suggestion were being welcomed. And with such fervor too, out of Lin. It seemed she had hit a suggestion that hit the right accords with the longma.

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“It’s a good idea, and our elder, Ghilan, is open to meeting new creatures and learn from them. He met Rosa recently and I’m sure he’d like to meet you, too, Cheshire. I’d like to propose this idea to him first and maybe we can work something out with you, if that’s alright?”

"Well of course! I set up the suggestion, so it'd hardly seem fair that I backed out now. Just know that whenever you are ready, I will make the time to speak with you, in Las Pegasus. Our theater is situated on Cumulonimbus Lane 12. Believe me, you won't be able to miss it. Do you need further direction on how to get there?"

"I can find you."

Omen looked at Cheshire, as well as Lin, as this all went on. It were a little hasty, but she were somewhat sure, that they were going to need letters posted between one another then. Just like Cheshire had suggested. In which case, they'd need the letters sent between others. And while Omen were not good at many things, given her inexperience with most things, without supervision to direct her on how to do things right, she did do deliveries well.

"I'm not saying you can't, but wouldn't it be easier if you knew were to turn, until you got te location more in mind?"

"Queen Cheshire, if I may? Omen saying that she can find you, is more complex than you might think. She does not mean that she can find the building you are in on her own. Her tracking is instead, focusing directly on you, and your energy pattern. Once she have caught your *scent*, so to speak, she will be able to find you wherever you are."

"...Pardon?"

Cheshire looked confused. Which did not change much, once Omen began to sniff the air around her. That were, beyond giving her a look of mild disturbance, at the thought that maybe she were being marked in some way, that she hadn't thought possible before.

"I will find you."

Cheshire opened her muzzle to say something, once Omen looked up and at her, whilst these words whispered around her head. Yet no word came out. She were quite literally, baffled and speechless, for the first time in a long time. Also, rather disturbed at Omen, as even though she spoke with great neutrality, Cheshire found her wording to be rather ominous.

"If it helps, she can't see you, wherever you are. Merely sense you, and use that to track you down, if need be. Think of her as an advanced, multi-dimensional bloodhound. Just without the capability of biting."

It did not seem to be as comforting for her as he had hoped, but Rosa did not have the chance to say more, before Omen responded to what Lin asked her.

20 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Was Queen Cheshire’s response the answer you were looking for?”

"Yes. I can understand finding them, and make sure they get letters. Before were confusing."

Omen would look right at Lin as she said that, with her big, curious eyes starring unblinkingly, on her sister. She weren't sure what were going on with everything else that Cheshire were doing right now, but this first one, she understood at least. There were a simple answer, rather than a question that even a smart one like Lin, hadn't been able to figure out. And if she couldn't, what chance did Omen then have?

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

 

@Windy Breeze 🥧

On 9/24/2020 at 4:06 AM, Windy Breeze 🥧 said:

“I FOUND YOU, RAAAAZOOOOOOOOOR!”

Windy glanced behind her to see a spirit of a light yellow pegasus mare with glowing red eyes, and orange mane tail standing in the doorway with a bone jutting out of her neck, hinting she had a broken neck. Her face was twisted into a look mixed with relief, joy, anger, and hatred. The mare let out another laugh.

Razor screamed in horror at the sight of his wife. He cowered and put his claws over his head, his eyes tightly shut as he started begging for forgiveness.

It had been good to see that they had managed to break through to him. She weren't sure why it weren't until Sock Bundle came out, and made contact, that he seemed to register it, but it might have something to do with the foal napping. A question for the ages, but at least he had been able to find some degree of connection there, and it seemed, begun to calm down.

Don't get her wrong though. Sorrow were happy that Sock were there with Legion, to help them get through to Razor, but she still didn't like that he had been among the spirits she had picked up. It were never easy when it came to spirits of the young, and poor Sock here had plenty of reason to be stuck in this world. Poor thing had not had an easy life, nor even death, and she suspected it were going to be years, if not decades, before he'd feel ready to move on. Even with many parts of Legion helping, he were a tough case, though at least not as horrified of others anymore, as when she had first found him.

Yet all the progress made, were null and void, once Autumn arrived, and Razor one more returned to being horrified, and covering before her wrath. It wouldn't be possible for her to make more contact to him like this. Not until they had dealt with the main spirit in this place. The one who had taken over this large part of the town, and caused havoc, now finally  standing near them herself.

Sorrow would turn around, with the spirits inhabiting Legion gathered around her, and the one left in the skull, focusing intensely on Autumn. With Windy too looking at her, there were no doubt who had the spotlight in the room.

"Autumn, that's enough."

Sorrow's tone were firm, and she held a leg to the side, blocking passage to Razor. A symbolic gesture at most really, as they could both pass through her if it were, but it didn't matter. It were the intention that had to be shown.

"You have to stop this. The town, and everypony in it, are being driven mad and seriously hurt, because of this. Can't you see that you already had your vengeance? Look at him. He's dead, and horrified of what you'll do to him, as well as guilty enough to think he deserves it. He's already suffered enough, Autumn. And so have you. It's time for you to try and let go. Or would you rather end up like he were? Because you are doing that now. Slowly polluting, and killing your own friends and neighbors, as they're trapped in your hatred. Your want for retribution. They're not listening to reason, and just going around, getting more and more hurt. Either that will kill them, or starvation will. Do you want That to be your legacy, Autumn?"

Sorrow would walk forward, slowly, and the spirits of Legion would follow, and begin to sift into the necklace again. They could not move far from this, so sadly, staying behind with Razor were not an option. Unless Autumn lounged out before Sorrow got far, or even whilst she were speaking. In that case, they'd still be able to stand near him, and try to do theirs, to stop this from escalating too far.

"You know what it's like to be trapped here. You don't want them to suffer through that too, right? Let us help you, and it can all end. We can still save everpony. Including you."

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

 

@Lucid_Nightlight

I told you the last time, I had allergies. If you send more snakes, or ruin another of my homes, I am going to do bad things to the lot of you, in retaliation. Starting by erasing Henry.

"What!? You leave him out of this, you mean, under-evolved primate!"

Then consider that incentive to pester someone else. As for your little couple over there, I am going to do far, far worse to you. A little something called *The silent treatment*. How well are your adventures gonna go I wonder, if all records of what you're saying, gets erased? What's the point of mayhem, without witnesses?

"Geez. We're just having fun. You're taking this Way out of proportion."

Leave me alone, and nothing will happen. Pester that other one or something. Hell, go to ponyville and have fun with the frog monsters. Please, I insist.

...I'm going out to apply more salve, before my leg starts to swell up again.

"Well phooey, this is a damper on the fun. But hey, at least we can to Ponyville now, and play with monsters. I wanna get one for my island. I bet you'd love one for Pringle too. They might be tasty. Frogs are sorta like crickets, right? If you just squint at it real hard, and don't think about it."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Autumn's expression suddenly soften, much to Windy's surprise and relief, who was expecting the mare to be more difficult.

“You are right,” she agreed to Sorrow with a small smile “we have end this” she looked at Razor, who began to calm down. She looked back at Sorrow, chuckling “But...”

Before Windy could comprehend what was happening, she found herself thrown to a wall behind her. She let out a yelp of pain and surprise when she crashed into the wall, creating a small hole. She fell to her side as Autumn laughed gleefully, who was now standing at where Windy once stood.

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TALKING TO, FOOLISH MARE!?” Autumn yelled at Sorrow “ALL OF YOU RULED OUT MY DEATH AS AN ACCIDENT AND NOT MURDER. NOT ANY OF YOU TRIED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE, NOT EVEN TELL MY PARENTS ABOUT MY DEATH. DO YOU ALL BELIEVE THINK I WILL BELIEVE ANY OF YOU? NO, ALL YOU SAY ARE LIES, JUST NASTY LIES TO GET GET PASS ME” she glanced at Windy “and because the authorities are so useless, I WILL TAKE ONE OF THEM WITH ME!”

“It hurts...my back....” Windy groaned. She looked up to see Autumn, glaring at her, as if she was the source of all pain she had suffered. She did not hear what Autumn said, who was now intending to murder her, who lunged at her.

Razor, in the other hand screamed in fear “No, please enough! No more, please!!”

Edited September 26, 2020 by NeighingMare

[Sekel 692]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

KARMIC

Karmic was listening while she stuffed the papers back in her satchel. Her ears flicked in response and when she looked back up, the general was gone. She blinked a couple of times and quickly looked around before turning to run and catch up to the general. "Sorry, I'll come with. I feel like you'll need more than yourself to get the ambassador back under suitable care."

ATZY

"I was not expecting the Ambassador to speak so highly of us. I guess Karmic made it to the correct pony relatively quickly," Atzy told Enzo in a stunned tone. Not only wasn't she expecting the Ambassador to speak out for them, but for herself and Enzo to be cheered at the same time. "Maybe there's some merit to this friendship thing the ponies go on about?"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"This tower is suprisingly tall," Twilight commented. She was satisfied the Manetid and Last had made up for the time being. However, when it came to Madame Macabre when they caught up, she was no less scared of her. She did not show fear though. It could possibly harm her judgement along with causing Last some paranoia as well. However, she did clear her throat to try and speak to the tall mare. "Why are you here for Marepunzel, Madame Macabre? She's meant to be an old mare's tale about dangerous stepmothers."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"All this is going over my head, Lulu," Aurora admitted in complete confusion. "All I wanted to do was some sightseeing and then head back home. Now I discover I'm a royal changeling and we're off to discover whoever threw that glitter bomb," she added, looking around them. She was searching for some kind of danger to rear its head. It usually does at some point and in a dark forest with only a few companions? Definitely a recipe for some disaster to strike.

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

Dawn was blushing furiously despite all Kaltrops did was talk about her hoof and what it was all about. Maybe it was the sudden close proximity to the dragon? Who knows but what she did figure out, was that he truly cared about hooves. "Maybe," Dawn said before coughing to clear her throat and kept her leg within Kaltrops' grip. "Maybe you should go into hooficure yourself. You certainly have a mind for this sort of thing," she ended up mumbling, unsure of what to say in this situation.

[Rising Dusk 27,538]

The detective watched as the avatar moth fluttered over to the specter priestess and simply land upon her.  There didn't appear to be a quake in the dream even though the act was fighting against the details his subconscious had set for the specter.  From what he could tell anyways, it wasn't in the same vein as when she pulled at the fabric of his dream.  Hopefully with the lack of a quake in his own dream, his neighbors would be without one too.  That is how it worked, right?  Did Rising really have neighbors inside the Dream Realm like he does in his own apartment?  Princess Luna and the Dream Wardens weren't the most forthcoming when it came to information about the Dream Realm, or have published any books on the subject.  This wasn't his territory though, so he had no reason to complain.  His job was in the Real World and Rising knew the complications of stepping on another pony's turf.

"I can't say I've really been alone," the unicorn commented, rubbing the back of his head in contemplation.  The remark from the avatar struck true though and he understood what she meant.  As a goddess of ultimately light and the afterlife in Harrowmark, she'd easily be counted as among the experts.  Not that she knew much about Equestrian culture, but the fundamental aspects of the core in a pony were probably most sound.  What did he have to lose?  Not a whole lot, but this definitely wasn't the kind of place the books or his sister had set up as a typical meeting location to find a date.  Loona Dew was technically on duty down here in the Dream Realm.  Plus all he really knew about her was what he'd learned from reading the tapestry of her magic.  One could learn about a pony by how they weave their spells.  If she didn't live in Manehatten that wasn't too big an issue now that he had the upgraded Pocket Watch from his sister.  "As long as we didn't scare her off, could be worth a shot," the colt concluded.

 

Flare Blitz also appeared rather disappointed his story got cut short, just as the adrenaline was starting to set in.  Starbright had a point though, professionalism.  They were on a case for the Solar Guard and he needed to focus.  That doesn't mean story time couldn't continue, off duty.   "Oh, no no no you misunderstand ma'am!  Test subjects are part of what we fight against at the O.M.I.  Using ponies as test subjects falls under Section Seven of Magical Abuse," quickly retorted as the alarm bells gave off a panicked expression from the fiery mare.  "Ma'am, we're not even sure at this point what kind of solution would be the most appropriate.  You have presented good character and no desire for harm others and don't appear to be suffering.  However, we'd like to prevent more of... that," he offered, casting his hoof to the melted sidewalk she stood upon.  Heat like that could set a building on fire if she were in the wrong store.  "That isn't how my Arc Weld works.  My Arc Weld, as it has been dubbed, is simply attaching spells to things. My particular set of magics would be more along the lines of affixing you a barrier to aid in keeping the heat from escaping while you perform your breathing exercise.  In the form of perhaps a bracelet or amulet," the mare tried to explain, hopefully with a reassuring smile.  "But with an elemental and pony fighting for the same body, I wouldn't even know where to begin with what kind of barrier to create," she sighed.  "We'd never do anything as such without consent, as long as their was no immediate danger to yourself or others, of course," Flare made sure to clear up and Starbright quickly nodded.

"No, Detective Rising Dusk is more of a..." the cowboy pony twirled his hoof trying to come up with a good term.  "Magic specialist, we'll go with magic specialist.  Fair enough.  But we do have an alchemist in our ranks.  He could help fill in that second half.  A tonic to sooth elementals?  Hey, Bash once made a potion that turned me into a butterfly for day, I'm not doubting anything Sir Grunts-a-lot can make," Flare visibly shudder at the memory.

 

Cork was a little surprised when Omen approached her and simply started rubbing her forehead against her check.  "Oh, my," she snorted a giggle and looked over at Gold Mane.  "It's been quite a few Moons since I've had a nuzzle," she chuckled a courtly laugh and pat the newly glamoured mare on the head.  "There's a store on the corner of 7th and Mane, called Mystic's Magics.  They sell these kinds of glamour vials on the regular," Cork smiled.  

Gold Mane was more fixated on the mirror outside of the shop though.  Her tracing spell having found the mirror had indeed been used with magic, but the connection itself traced far away.  Too far without having the appropriate kind of back up and not knowing what she was heading into.  A bright idea struck her though and she levitated the mirror from its location.  The caster had left a trace on it to quickly locate the mirror to use again, so she'd just take it with them and catch the pony in the act!  "The caster is too far away to do much right now, but we'll keep an eye on the mirror.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention Ms Omen," Gold Mane expressed her thanks.

Edited September 26, 2020 by Rising Dusk

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

The stunned and silenced expression on Cheshire’s face got Sen worried. He quickly chimed in the conversation, hoping it could put the changeling queen at ease. 

“Queen Cheshire, I know that came out a little blunt but Omen means well. Coming from personal experience, it can be a little surprising but Omen popping in is ultimately harmless. If you’d like, we could set some ground rules so everyone will know what to expect. Does that sound good?”

“We could probably have One and Lin alternate deliveries or use those, uh… mailbox… things. You know, where ponies put their messages without disturbing whoever will receive the messages?”

In the meantime, Lin couldn’t help but try to smooth things over with Cheshire, though Sen seems to have the situation under control. He’s slowly coming around to the idea, even quickly jumping to suggestions. If Ghilan and the folks back home would agree to this, perhaps the transition to open-mindedness might actually come true. Seems like Sen is getting the hang of it at the moment.

“That’s good to know," Lin turned to Omen, smiling as an idea came to her in the heat of the moment. "Seems like it’s really happening, meeting new creatures and introducing them to the folks back home. You know, you could also try your hoof and writing letters. Maybe you could have a pen pal like Cheshire suggested.”

It sounded like a good idea to Lin, anyway. If the longma were getting in on the idea, what’s to stop Omen from also partaking in the task? It wasn’t set in stone yet and there are some kinks to work out but once that’s up and running, there’s really nothing holding anyone back from conversing with someone new through letters. 

Edited September 26, 2020 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
"Cowardice of fleeing is very simple to figure out, do you run away from the whole fight planning to never return, or are you just backing up from that battle so that you can finish it later." "My situation is the latter as you know, and it doesn't matter if it is in months, years or even millennia until I return, the important part is that I will." Ruby stated, she didn't pay much attention to the apology, not because she saw dragons to be above it, but because it didn't mean anything to her, words were just words.

"What you describe as your weakness is part of the reason for our harsh upbringing." "Anger and hate were the only allowed emotions to rise up, and after they did, we needed to learn to use them instead of getting controlled by them." "Some manage it better than others, but those who don't usually die first." this was also why they were so merciless, they had learned to hate anyone who opposed them, that being everyone, and nothing felt better than the suffering of those who you hate, but on the flip-side, it made them addicted, gave them an insatiable hunger for the feeling of power it gave, and for those like Ruby it was even worse, because having been humiliated in the past, she needed the feeling of power to cope, that was why she did as she did with prey, what better way to cope with hit on one's self-respect than show yourself that other creatures still fear you.

-----------------------------------------------------
Nada stayed underwater as she went to investigate the source of the disturbance, she wasn't really concerned about it, since there were plenty of reasons for splashing, but she wanted to make sure it wasn't any of the worst case scenarios.
Her actions would depend on what the situation looked like, if it looked like a struggle between two creatures that weren't ponies, she would ignore them, as it wasn't her place to intervene with nature and she was done with eating anything that wasn't covered in scales. If it was something that could be a threat to her, she would stay away too, but if it was a creature that clearly didn't belong to water trying to get out, she would help. If it was none of those but was something unusual, she would observe from a distance.

 

---------------------------------------------
Scarecrow had seen enough weird things to know that this was weird enough to be Anomaly's hoofwork, but he needed to figure out what exactly was going on, so he would sacrifice one or two walnuts to see what the fake fire did if anything. He was honestly surprised that it only turned to them into mushrooms, he had expected lot worse. He was a patient thing, so he took his time figuring out what was the real bird, he could have tried grabbing it with his magic but he figured Lyriel wouldn't be too pleased about that since it wouldn't be exactly nice for the animal. 

After he had figured out what was the real bird, tracking it wasn't really that hard, because he lacked many physical limits a living creature would have, firstly his vision, while he could pinpoint it to certain areas like normal eyes, his vision was in theory 360°, part of it just was blocked by his own skull, second, his head, while he couldn't see all around himself all the time, he could easily move his head in ways that allowed him to quickly see the whole area, because not only did he not get dizzy from moving his head too quickly to different directions, he could also twist it beyond the normal limits of a pony, though this would be accompanied by unpleasant sounding crackle and equally unpleasant visual.

He would patiently observe the real bird until there was a change for him to put the opened walnuts into its fire using his magic.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom

"Your belt? An interesting request but I can provide it."

A sword formed in his hands as he looked at it

"However this portal will still let you leave, if you desire to join me on this quest."

He smiled wide and stabbed the sword in front of the portal as it glowed brightly, the portal seeming to be linked to the sword now as he exited it, leaving back into the cave

"Do not worry dear" He held the element up, looking into it
"I don't intend to release Tirek now, once the old fool opens Tartarus for me, I am unleashing every monster within, and then-"

He clutched the element in his hands as an illusion conjured around him, him standing on a thrown, every pony bowing to him, every creature, even the alicorns.
Skall let the element float into the air as he stood tall looking toward everyone.

"They will all have to follow me, I will be their only savour!"

He looked to her as he gestured to a smoky form resembling their real form
"and you will be by my side on the throne over Equestria itself."

The illusion dissipated as he collapsed down, the element clattered on the floor as he struggle to maintain the illusion now.

He grabbed the element, bringing it to him shaking intensely
"We will be gods..."

He looked up and around the cave, before looking back down at the element.

"Now, how do we get into that detainment hall?"

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

They would all leave, exiting outside as Sapphire stepped behind Astral "Hey dear, I'm alive now, properly this time, heh."

Astral turned to look to her, smiling
"Like for real?"

Sapphire smiled back at her

"Yep, hopefully we can get my sisters body back too."

"It'd be nice to get this whole mess done with."

"Definitely"

She sits down next to Astral as they look over the forest
"I'm sorry you had to be put through this."

Astral look over to her, putting a hoof on her shoulder
"Mom, None of us knew about any of this."

"Right."

"and you should really go wash that off."

She wiped her hoof clean as Sapphire chuckled

"I'll take a quick dip in the river then."
She walked over to the river as Astral sat there, taking it in.

[Blitz Boom 4,621]

@Rising Dusk

22 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"I can't say I've really been alone,"

"𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖆𝖓 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖞 𝖋𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖘, 𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖎𝖙 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖆𝖒𝖊, 𝖆𝖘 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖜𝖍𝖔𝖒 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖍 𝖆𝖇𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖊𝖑𝖘𝖊."

Viz'nay could tell that he were coming around to the idea, albeit there still seemed to be some reluctance. Perhaps it were merely the fear of rejection. Yet with his having as much control over his dreams as he did, she could not see his subconscious changing in some way, to reflect how he were feeling now. It were all down to guessing, based on what she assumed about him.

22 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"As long as we didn't scare her off, could be worth a shot,"

The moth would flutter off from Thistle's head, once she had the confirmation that she needed, that Rising would try. Of course, there'd still be some way from attempt to success, but it'd be a start, and even if he faced rejection here, he'd likely begin to have the courage, to try with others. It were just a matter of taking this first step. Or at least she assumed so. It had been how she most often saw it with others, so she would assume that this would hold merit too, when it came to Rising. Though mortals were fickle, so it were hard to say for sure.

"𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖒𝖞 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉, 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖎𝖓 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖜𝖆𝖞. 𝕴 𝖈𝖆𝖓 𝖆𝖑𝖜𝖆𝖞𝖘 𝖜𝖆𝖎𝖙, 𝖜𝖍𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖊."

Now the question would be, how long it'd be before the mare returned, if she did at all. Might be she just went to hear a confirmation on what she had been told, and then stayed away. Or perhaps, she'd rush back, to clear this matter up. It could be it'd take longer than this round of sleep alone, due to the accessibility of the information too. Though she somewhat suspected that due to Rising's actions, and the fact that he had an avatar of a goddess in his dreams, someone would show soon enough. Optimally it'd be her, but they'd see soon enough.

22 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

 "Oh, no no no you misunderstand ma'am!  Test subjects are part of what we fight against at the O.M.I.  Using ponies as test subjects falls under Section Seven of Magical Abuse," quickly retorted as the alarm bells gave off a panicked expression from the fiery mare.  "Ma'am, we're not even sure at this point what kind of solution would be the most appropriate.  You have presented good character and no desire for harm others and don't appear to be suffering.  However, we'd like to prevent more of... that,"

"In that case, I consent in following you, and undergo further evaluation. Believe me, I do not want to harm others, even by accident. It is why I have been focusing extensively these last few months, on figuring out what exactly prompts outbursts. So far, that appears mainly to be a spike in stress, or rigorous focus. Most of the time, the natural state of me is more this, which does not cause any amount of trouble. Well, not any direct trouble at least, though there tend to be plenty of sideway glances, and others doing what they can, to avoid wandering too near me. That seems to be more of a cautious reaction though. An understandable one too, of course."

Well, it were good to hear that she wasn't gonna end up being tested on, jus for the sake of testing then. If they wished to do so, to determine how volatile she were, more or her current composition, a magical check and such, they were free to do that. That were things with purpose. Whereas her old boss had shifted his purpose rather quickly, from wanting to help her, to just find her a fascinating study. That sort, she did not much care for, which were also why she had escaped there. A situation were being able to melt quite a few things, were a substantial boon for Magma.

22 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"But with an elemental and pony fighting for the same body, I wouldn't even know where to begin with what kind of barrier to create," she sighed.  "We'd never do anything as such without consent, as long as their was no immediate danger to yourself or others, of course,

"I may have explained myself incorrectly then. There are not two essences fighting for control over this body. There is just me. And for all intents and purposes, there is not much pony left of me, beyond taking the form of one, and thinking as one too. I have done enough testing on myself, to determine that at least physically, my body appears to be entirely that of an elemental now. And the barrier craft I mentioned, were my former specialty. As I do not currently know if I can even access any equine magic anymore though, that have become tough to determine, if I can still do. I can't access it myself at least, which is why I am unsure if it have been removed, the outlet have changed from needing to be focused around my horn, or perhaps are somewhat locked down, for some reason.

I assure you that at least far as I can tell, barriers have nothing to do with my form being stable or volatile. There are other factors at work there, though I'd be more than happy to inform you further on what cases I have tried, that can trigger a reaction. It's somewhat fascinating too, what sort of reaction can come, and how it can at times be utilized actually.

But I suppose, that's neither here, nor there. If you say you have a magical expert, I assume you'd want him to examine me then. Though this alchemist of yours, sounds like he might understand more of this side of my situation. If he is able to utilize physical alteration elixirs, he would likely be able to understand to some degree at least, what I could explain of my current situation.

And I find it rather intriguing, that you say he were able to turn you into a butterfly. Changing another's form is one thing, but converting mass, to a point where they can make the subject lighter, or heavier, is a more difficult ask. Did he convert your extra mass into something else, or were it perhaps converted into pure energy, and used as fuel, and once you returned to your previous form, you felt extremely tired? Perhaps the extra mass were gained over time again, and you felt heavy during the final stages of the process?"

Of course, magic could explain how it worked, bt she were a scientist. More tangible reasons than *Because magic*, were more her forte. Besides, there tended to be some method to any madness. If not, then what were the point of beings like her, studying it?

22 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"It's been quite a few Moons since I've had a nuzzle," she chuckled a courtly laugh and pat the newly glamoured mare on the head.  "There's a store on the corner of 7th and Mane, called Mystic's Magics.  They sell these kinds of glamour vials on the regular,

"I considered hugging you, but that's very intimate, so it felt a little pushy.

And I appreciate the news about where I can find more of these glamours, but I'm not gonna keep using them forever. A couple more or something shouldn't be an issue, but I'd rather just let everyone know what's happening, and not end up hiding myself all the time. I know I look weird for a lot of folks, but if I had to keep that hidden all the time, I might as well wear a big blanket everywhere, with holes for the eyes. But I'll be nice, and wait until I figure out the right way to do it. I don't wanna cause trouble."

It were simple in her mind. The more she complied, the less the chance were of her getting run out of town. The old school, *mob wielding torches* sort of way. She'd really prefer it not going that far, since she already liked this place. It were warm, sunny, and filled with all sorts of strange creatures, and sights she would've never dreamed off before. She'd have things to discover for years on end, she'd imagine. And that were just in this town! Who knew what other sights might be outside of the city walls? Grave would like to find out. Just again, not because she were run out of town by a mob.

22 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"The caster is too far away to do much right now, but we'll keep an eye on the mirror.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention Ms Omen," Gold Mane expressed her thanks.

"Awh. Anything I can do to help, Cork. You two seem like you're doing important work, and I don't blame you that you had to check up on this. I mean, me walking through is one thing, but if an actual portal came up out of it, there'd be all sorts of problems. Trust me. I'm nice and friendly, but there's a looooooot of other things in Harrowmark that most definitely aren't. We're talking risen, geists, wilderness witches, tar amalgamations, wicker creatures, or any sort of deep wood horrors. There's a reason why I say that there's no way, you're making me go back there. Which I can't without that link they set up earlier anyway. Geistwalking usually don't work on a distance this big. or at least I haven't tried it this far between before, and I feel like it were a really long way. I dunno for sure though. You have a big map maybe? I might be able to point you towards it."

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

 

@NeighingMare

"Legion!"

Autumn would have a chance to get to Windy again, before the threat that had been wavered for some time, came to fruition, and Legion let out their *scream*.

It would not be something which Windy would be able to hear. Though for Autumn, and also in this case, Razor, it would be as a shockwave, pummeling into them. A rather noisy, multi-voiced one at that, containing the combined effort of the spirits that lingered in Legion's focus.

While this went on, Sorrow would cringe, but also run forth, and put herself between her hurt friend, and Autumn. Once more trying to block this deranged spirit from hurting somepony. Though hopefully, she'd have better luck doing that this time, tan before, when Autumn had throw her away. And it had seemingly hurt too, judging by what Windy said about her back.

"Can you hear them now, Autumn? The many voices of others who suffered, crying out to stop you from doing more damage. We all want you to stop this, and bring to light what happened. Do you understand that? We were not here when he did this to you, but we are now, and we are going to make this right.

And if you want the truth out so badly, then stop fighting, and instead share what happened to you. Show it to me, Autumn. All of it."

It were a risky thing, to try and confront her with this, but if she were so hellbent on getting the truth out, it might be the only thing there really were to do here. Perhaps if they could convince her that they were going to set things right, by bringing everything to those who needed to know, they'd be able to get through to her. And if so, she'd maybe be able to bring up the point that she could make sure to bring Autumn to her parents, so that she had the chance to properly say goodbye. It seemed like that weighed heavily on her tormented soul as well.

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

 

@Sekel

On 9/26/2020 at 8:49 AM, Sekel said:

"Sorry, I'll come with. I feel like you'll need more than yourself to get the ambassador back under suitable care."

"If need be, I will tie him up, and drag him to the hospital myself. He should know better than this."

Dew were irritated, but it were not because he disliked Golden. Far from it in fact. It were because he didn't want the fool to get himself hurt further, by ignoring the doctors orders anymore, and think that a medical attendant alone, meant that he had the option to go about things like he usually could. Which were not how things worked. Especially not after the damaged he had incurred.

They'd be able to get up to where Golden stood within a few minutes, as he had moved back down again, into a more sensible position in the meeting parlor, where he had feasted with Karmic and the others earlier. He were sitting on a couch when it were, watched over like a hawk by the medical attendant, who were examining the ambassador. He weren't visibly hurt, but the raspy breaths made it clear that he wasn't exactly at his best.

"General Dew? You needn't worry, I have ensured that things have been handl-"

"Enough!"

Dew cut him off, with a firm, authoritarian voice, that he used when he wanted to make sure that folks knew that he meant business.

"I let you go through the trial this morning, as well as this meeting, as it seemed like you could do it with little effort, but you are clearly unable to grasp that you are not fit for the job right now.

Ambassador Golden Sun: In my power as general of the Solar Guard, I order you to return to the hospital, until your treatment is ready. If I hear you move outside of there until that is over, or lifting anything heavier than a pen and paper, I Will have you chained to a gurney, and a repression ring added to your horn. Am I making myself clear?"

The attendant stood silently, and just looked over things, but did make a point of his own, by pushing lightly on Golden's mid section, which made him the ambassador wince.

"I... Concede to your point. Unless there is more, I will relocate to the hospital until further notice."

This were Karmic's window to say something, if she had something to say.

On 9/26/2020 at 8:49 AM, Sekel said:

"I was not expecting the Ambassador to speak so highly of us. I guess Karmic made it to the correct pony relatively quickly,"

"He's efficient, I suppose. Though I think it have some to do too, with wanting to ease the mind of their own first. I am not possible to simply hide, and many of them have already seen me. So it were needed to make a statement soon. I did not expect it to be this fast, but I suppose, it holds merit to get it over with, with some haste.

Though he does embellish things. I haven't had contact with any sphinx beyond myself, since I were a kitten. I doubt they'd listen to me. And especially not now, when I have allied myself with this lesser race, as they refer to ponies as. Though I could have used the word servant instead. Or slave, but I doubted that would be welcomed. I would suggest you didn't call them that either, to ease things as much as possible. We have gotten a respite now, and an opening to traverse town freely. But we should not squander it by causing potential havoc, nor grumble at the attention we'd both undoubtedly get."

And attention would come, though not for him, as a reformed changeling of all things, came flying in close, and looked at Atzy with big, blue eyes. A simple female drone it seemed like, with no sign of her king anywhere nearby.

"Vauw, a new breed of changeling? I thought there were only two variants of us.

Are you with the Council of Queens, or are you also an outsider, like King Thorax? I'm uh... Mind Reaper, by the way. Still thinking about a new name to change it to."

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

 

@Sekel

"So I thought too, until some of the spirits on the battlefield, claimed that they had seen somepony like her, in this tower beyond the forest. Due to her importance to some spirits, I believed it were worth checking in, and if required, release her of her bonds.

I am not a cruel mare, princess. I did not come here to harm anypony. Yet if she is real, and still lives, her hair could be of great importance, to certain spirits. It would entitle her to protection, yet perhaps also a better living place, than some tower, protected by a forest of horrors. What happen will depend on what is found, if anything. The spirits who claimed to have seen her, were centuries old. It is hard to say what might have changed in the time since then."

"Krrhhtx. You claim to not be cruel, yet our queen would disagree."

Madamme Macabre sent the manetid a stern look, which made the insectoid creature tense up.

"Your queen had the blood of countless being on her claws. They cried out for vengeance when she arrived. I merely provided them the opportunity."

They'd soon enough get to the top of the toer, likely. Or well, eventually at least, and the elderly mare didn't seem to tire from it. She just paced herself, and took this in calm strides, without trying to rush or anything. They'd get up there when they did, and not a second before. There were no need to run and lose your breath for this.

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

 

@Sekel

"Worry not, you'll learn it all in due time. I merely wished to provide you with a little understanding, that you could keep in mind for the future. I'm sure that when you get your own nymphs one day, you will start to understand."

It were hard to discern what your trait really were, before you began to see the big picture, and for a new queen, that picture wouldn't come forth, until she started to settle down with a hive of her own. When that time came, she'd be able to find some things the small ones had in common with herself, and hence discover the truth via them. At least Lulu would assume so. It seemed like the sort of thing that naturally came about that way.

As for things attacking them in the woods, Aurora would sadly be right about that, as they wouldn't get far, before a rather large, female manticore came wandering out of a bush, and growled at them. Apparently, judging by her mood and temper, she wanted them to leave, or to eat them. The roar that came a little after, made it hard to tell which one it were.

"Dibs on the kitty. Come and play, cat thing!"

Lulu would flutter off from Flaxxy, just as the later lounged towards the suddenly surprised manticore. She were used to others leaving when she warned them, not fight back. And she were most definitely not ready for some overeveloped dog to grab hold of her, and rise her over her head, like some sort of pet, or trophy.

The manticore were put down again a little after that, and Flaxxy looked into the face of the cat with a big grin on her face.

"You be a good kitty now. Go find other cats."

To which she got an angry roar, right to the face. The manticore did not appreciate that one being thrown right back in her face though, and frankly, Flaxxy were a lot more deep and threatening in her roar than she were, so she'd scamper off after that, with the hair on her back standing straight.

"hehe. They is funny things."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

21 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Queen Cheshire, I know that came out a little blunt but Omen means well. Coming from personal experience, it can be a little surprising but Omen popping in is ultimately harmless. If you’d like, we could set some ground rules so everyone will know what to expect. Does that sound good?”

“We could probably have One and Lin alternate deliveries or use those, uh… mailbox… things. You know, where ponies put their messages without disturbing whoever will receive the messages?”

"Boxes are harder to find than her."

"I... *clears throat* Let me just test something, okay?"

Cheshire would split herself up again, though this time, just into another model of herself. Then this kept going until about a dozen of her stood there, which then mingled in, before gathering around Omen. At this point, it should be impossible to tell which one of them were the real one, even if you tried tracking them before. Which Rosa had, and he couldn't even tell for sure. This sort of high end illusionary, wasn't something he were used to having to deal with. Even from Changelings. They were usually only changing their own forms, not make replica illusions.

"If you can really track me, who's the real one?"

Omen wouldn't say a word, but just wander straight at one to her left- And right through her, before looking down on a colt big with glasses, and a butterfly net cutie mark.

"You are."

"...No offense, but that's one creepy performance."

The colt changed into Cheshire, as the copies fizzled out. She had assumed it were all talk, and nothing else, but this were great at convincing her otherwise. There hadn't even been any sort of hesitation. It were just straight away, over to where she stood.

"It's fine though, it's fine. I just need to get used to this. She does look pretty harmless really, I guess. You don't fight a lot or anything, right?"

"Mother says we are not supposed to hurt others. We listen to her."

"I like your mother already. Sounds like a lady with the same ideals as I have.

As for Omen having a more personal pen pal, I guess I could ask around, and see if I could find some volunteers? I'd have to come back with an answer to that one later, after hearing back. Hay of an ability she have though, that's for sure. And you can do that too, Lin? Must come in handy if you're looking for somepony specific. I know plenty of guards who'd love to be able to do that sort of thing at least.

But maybe that's something to talk about later. We're babbling away, while the festival is going on. Wouldn't you like to spend a little time, exploring what the town have to offer?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I suppose that's fair. It still doesn't make me agree with the way your society is build up, but I can understand the reasoning at least. Not that I think we'd ever agree on one side being right anyway. We both have our own views on how things should be, colored in part due to how we were raised. It's bound to be hard to align those fully.

Your choice to retreat to sight another day though, is not debatable really. I don't think that's cowardice at all, since you do intend on coming back and finishing it later. It's merely knowing what you're able to do right now, and understanding that you're not ready for it. I have known of far too many, who did not think like this, and who ended up meeting their end because of it. Draconic pride can be a dangerous thing sometimes, and those who hunts our kind, knows it well.

Or rather, most does. I don't know for sure about those currently on the hunt for us. They're sending some oddly mixed signals. I can imagine if you caught there, there'd be nothing but a very direct one though. Can't say I wouldn't agree there, depending on how they act. Some of these mongrels shouldn't be allowed a second chance to try again. And especially not it it's one like the hide hunter, Ludvig. Cursed be his name, and his entire bloodline."

She'd spit on the ground to cement her opinion on this one, but she tried not to rile up the little one, as as Charir merely played with his pet cloud. It was rather adorable really, and so far at least, seemed to be completely safe. Not often a dragon playing, were combined with the word safe. Tended to be some rougher ones she knew of, when they grew up, and Ruby's variant... Well, what had to be said there, that she hadn't already, to make it more clear that they had it far rougher?

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Looking towards the splashing, she'd find that it were a rather peculiar sight that's meet her. One that might though, ring a few bells, considering what Ziggy had said earlier.

The shark-tailed pony were currently swimming about with a big fish in her muzzle, shaking it vigorously from side to side, before chomping down properly. It were too big for her to swallow all at once, so she had to go for chunks. And since it had been a lively one, she had to try and make it stop moving first. Roughing it up a little, tended to work, up until she could get a good grip in it with her teeth. At least in her experience.

She wouldn't notice Nada at first, and instead just happily enjoy her meal, as she chomped down the fish bite by tearing bite. Definitely a strange one, since ponies did usually not eat meat. And in quantities like this? Unheard of. Beyond that though, she seemed relatively harmless. Didn't even do anything as a turtle swam past, beyond just following it a little with her eyes.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

It certainly wasn't a pretty sight, nor sound, that came about when Scarecrow cracked his neck around to follow the bird. Even if the trickster with him, had some idea about him not supposed to react like a normal creature, it still sounded wrong to it. One of the reasons why it stopped trying to track the real bird, to swoop it out of the sky, and instead kept its gaze primarily on Scarecrow. Just in case say, his head were gonna fall off, or something like that.

It would almost get hit by a fake fire doing that though, which caused it to coo in surprise, and flutter over to the side, to find some cover. It'd keep watch though. Just somewhere less flammable. Or judging by the fake fire's effect, less transformative. It had been changed enough as it were, in its own opinion.

As for Scarecrow, his keen sight and tracking would bear fruit. The real bird were the one he were focused on, and as he eventually got the walnuts thrown into the line of the real fire, it would hit, and roast four of them with a nice, sizzling sound. The smell weren't bad either. Nice and nutty, wafting through the air, as the fake birds started to fade into nothing, and the real one returned to its nest. He were no longer riled up by an unseen force, and were currently confused and tired. He needed to lay down for a bit.

"It smells as if you were successful. You aren't hurt, are you? I heard some unpleasant sounds, and your companion flew away with some degree of haste. I guess you do not normally have to worry, but it is hard to say what is normal, in this torturous game."

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

The element nearly shivered in pure delight, at what she were told. Every creature bowing their neck for Skall, as he forced them into making him their sole savior, and give him the power to rule the country, on a silver platter. And there, next to him on his throne, would she be. Together with him forever. God and goddess, over the nation once known as Equestria.

His ambition were always an impressive sight, and one thing that made him stand so far above the other element wearers. They might have some limited goal s in their meager, empty heads, but they had no real plans. No drive, beyond just wanting power. But Skall did. He had the cunning and foresight to make his vision into reality. And since she were to be part of that reality, sitting lovingly by his side, she were as determined as him, to make it all come to fruition.

She gazed over on herself. A form resembling what Skall had long since seen, of a shadowy, lean dragoness, with fiery purple eyes, and onyx scales, that nearly glittered, even in the meager light the illusion had cast on itself. A majestic form, befitting of sitting next to the greatest dragon, the kingdom would ever get to know.

Her power over the masses would not be on equal terms as Skall's, of course, but what did that matter? He wished for power, and to rule over these weak fools. She wished for him. Whatever hold over them, that he deemed her worthy to have, were plenty enough for her. As long as he were hers, it did not matter. And from what she could see, that were the plan. Oh, she could hardly wait for this to come to fruition.

The old goat looked on himself, from his side of the portal, but did not make a move to exit his realm. He'd stay there until the belt would arrive, and not leave a moment before that. At least not if he were to help this dimvit.

He did not get to see much of his little performance, nor hear the words he said, but he only trusted Skall less from what he saw. He carried the Element of Lies. What trust could there be, between the carrier, and the element, when their connection were built on that power? His only question really, were who were being deceived, though he supposed, it didn't matter much. In time, if they succeeded in getting his belt, they'd both be deceived by him. As if he were going to leave this kingdom that he so detested, to the sniveling lizard and his pet. It would bow to Him, and him alone. He did not need these fools, for more than releasing him. At least not for long.

4 hours ago, FanOfManyShows said:

"Now, how do we get into that detainment hall?"

"Maybe if we told them the truth, they'd give it to us?"

The element gave off a laughter at this prospect. How quaint it would be, for them to simply tell it as it were, and for the ponies to just accept it, and give them the belt. Maybe with a little dance and song number to go along with it? The equines seemed to like these frivolous acts quite a lot.

"But I know of a way. The one who carried me before, went chasing after many things. Among those times, I heard there were a seer in the hospital, whom had been down there. If he found a way, all we have to do, is make him tell us how. It should be easier to deal with a bunch of doctors, and a lone seer, than the army of Equestria. Even if it'd be more fun to turn them against one another."

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

Screecher didn't say a word as the exchange happened. She merely observed how they acted. Quite honestly, she expected a more emotional meeting than this, but she supposed, they were an odd family. That their meetings were bizarre, should have been something to expect.

Once Sapphire had wandered off though, to cleanse the blood from her being - preferably before an even bigger swarm of bugs began to close in on her - the general would stand herself next to Astral, and gaze down on the young mare.

"You have an... Interesting family, Astral. One with a great deal of potential, for both good, and evil. For the sake of yourself and Equestria, I hope for the former to be true. And I can see that as being it for you, and potentially her as well.

I have less trust in your aunt though. Her parasitic ways does not please me, and she seems to carry a great deal of anger around with her. Esoecially towards your mother. I have seen evil rise from less than this before.

Still. I do not know the relationship you two have. It seemed strained, but it is hard to say, from such a short meeting. I would claim to have seen you conflicted though, were I asked to put it in a report.

Yet I wonder, is that because of her, or the one she possesses now? I do not get the feeling that things are simple as they might appear here, and I would like to know more. About all three of them."

With that, she meant Sapphire, Emerald, and Chow. In what order, did not really matter. The general were just looking for information, so that she could maintain a proper file on these individual. Witches were generally not tolerated, so when they made an arrangement with a coven of them, like they did now, they needed to be supervised, and continiously evaluated. Information were one such way, that she could maintain a more completed file right now.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Autumn grimaced when the 'cries' of legion hit her like a wall of brick. However her grin came “That was beautiful, especially when Razor also sang in that majestic music” she 'commented', referring to Razor's screams of agony after when the shockwave hit him “But, I no longer hold any values for anycreature. Dead or alive, THEY ARE ALL JUST THE SAAAAAME!!!” 

Suddenly, the wall behind her broke apart “If the dead are joining reinforcements because of their master, THEN I HAVE TO KILL BOTH HER AND HER FRIEND!” She let out a deranged laugh as debris flew past her and towards Sorrow and Windy, who was just trying to part open her eyes as she lay on the floor.

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Edited September 27, 2020 by NeighingMare

[EQ_Theta 458]

@Blitz Boom

Lin welcomed the sight of Cheshire’s interesting experiment and being able to see more of the changelings’ abilities in action. The transformation was already expected but simultaneously duplicating and transforming in to multiple forms at once probably wouldn’t get old. Despite the queen doing the same thing to a smaller scale earlier, the longma could only hazard a guess that this is not something all changelings could do, owing to the accounts that only speak of their transformation abilities.

Sen, meanwhile, needed a double-take to make sure he wouldn’t go running off again. This time, however, it wasn’t as unnerving, having seen someone take his appearance and voice but acting rather differently. Taken at face value, Cheshire’s talents are remarkable, and he slowly began to feel a more at ease with the display, even if the experiment got him confused about which Cheshire was the real one. 

Omen’s sense of smell was powerful, that much is undeniable, especially when she could nonchalantly pick the real Cheshire. The siblings were impressed no matter how much they can see that in action. Of course, when they could be seeing more of the carnival, they were just entertained by what was happening at the moment. 

“Oh, yes. You’re right, though I think I should make a distinction before we get carried away,” Lin chimed as she stepped forward. “When I mentioned Omen and I could open gates earlier, they don’t work the same way. My gates can open straight to my destination but I need to know exactly where I need to go. And without Omen’s powerful sense of smell, I’d need a mental image to travel this way. Don’t worry though, when I figure out where Cumulonimbus Way 12 is, travel will be much faster!”

“We’d like to explore the town some more, and we shouldn’t be keeping you when you’ve got a show coming up. Thank you for the opportunity to meet and learn about you, Queen Cheshire. We’re looking forward to seeing you again!”

Sen’s bowed as he bid the changeling queen farewell, and Lin quickly joined in as well. This was an interesting experience, no longer as conflicting as it was a little earlier. There was more to see and with the festival starting, there was more to do, including settling a little friendly rivalry. 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,591]

@Blitz Boom
"I do hope he makes the mistake of hunting me." Ruby stated "Not because I don't think it could be a challenge, quite opposite actually, it has been a while since I have hunted someone worth my effort." "And I don't count instinctual creatures like that overgrown worm." Ruby added the last part to make sure Leviathan didn't point it out. "I'm also curious to see how exactly he does it." She didn't share Leviathan's hate towards Ludvig, sure she despised him like she did everyone else, but weaker creatures who managed to not only kill, but hunt dragons, were interesting. "Would be lot more entertaining than the one or ones currently after us."

Charir was staring to get bit bored with the cloud, sure he still didn't fully understand how Leviathan had created it, but it was still just a cloud, so he wanted to see if he could break it into smaller clouds with his claws. Their kind didn't have magic that allowed them to handle clouds like pegasus did, so his claws would interact with it like any non-pegasus would when he moved one claw inside it, but to everyone's surprise, including him, a spark was created by his claw which caused a tiny lighting bolt to strike inside the cloud. He pulled his claw out and stared at confused. Ruby too looked bit puzzled before looking at Leviathan with questioning look, asking with her glance if it had been her doing.

--------------------------------
Nada tilted her head at the weird creature, she did connect the dots and assumed this was the one on the door, but it was still hard to believe what she was seeing. She waited quietly until the shark-pony finished her meal, eating few fish that were stupid enough to swim in front of her, stupid things were too afraid of the pony to notice the bigger predator. After the shark-pony was done, if she didn't notice Nada, Nada would say in as friendly and harmless sounding tone as she could muster "Hi? I'm Nada, who are you?". If she did notice Nada, Nada would do the same, but she would also wave. 

She knew this wasn't necessarily a good idea, but she had to try right? .

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"Normal is bit of a strong word." Scarecrow said as he offered/gave half of the walnuts to Lyriel, he could only assume they were roasted right since he couldn't smell anything "But it is expected, I did twist my neck beyond its physical limits after all." "I'm not hurt, as in, I didn't feel pain, but I'm sure something broke, not that it matters, my spine is one of the most useless things in my body." his head was held up by something else, he didn't know exactly what, probably the same thing that held all of his bones in place, but since there was only bone left from his spine, it wasn't able to do its job correctly by itself.

If there was nothing else, Scarecrow would say the magic words.