open Casual stroll

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Speed knitting? You? Given how you look and what you do, I’m surprised you’ve got a talent for that!”

“It is interesting, though. And now we all know something new about Rosa. To be honest, chatting with the young ones wasn’t really a product of foresight. They were just curious, and I couldn’t say no to them, not when they’ve already seen me once.”

Sen felt good about what happened earlier, and Rosa’s praises only made that feeling better and fuzzier. Knowing how simply talking with other creatures might have done a lot more good in the long run was unexpected, but it was welcomed. Lin was taking mental notes, perhaps convinced to drop her more jaded views on the longma in the hopes that the same could work the other way around. 

In some ways, Lin envied Sen, though admitting that openly would take a lot. As much as he had fallen into despair and is slowly finding his way out of that, Lin could only harbor sour emotions. With very few friends back home, there didn’t seem to be much to look forward to. Yet Sen manages to find something that could spark some hope back in his sister. Combine that with her own budding friendships with Rosa, Omen, and Amethyst, and maybe there is some optimism left to take in. 

The siblings would follow Omen’s lead to Abacus. It was fortunate the drake was on the ground, saving Shrimp several minutes of waiting. Though they were ready to say hello, Rosa started a conversation with the odd-looking stallion that quickly turned sour. Seemed like the two have some history. Lin would steer the conversation forward with Banshee, hoping it wouldn’t escalate tensions. 

“Hey, Banshee. Thanks for the introductions. Looks like Abacus is very fond of Soul. We just came by to say hello to Abacus, and it looks like Shrimp is already getting a head start. He was excited to see his new friend again, and we thought we'd humor him.”

Sen hesitated to add, though that was because he was a little more fixated on the little spat that just happened. Whatever happened between Rosa and Soul Prison in the past was pretty ugly if they acted like they did. Might not be a good idea to broach the topic, at least within both stallions’ company. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom @Califorum @Windy Breeze

" Cali.... You know we are in a different dimension or universe right? Sometimes the laws of this world are different. Sometimes you arent allowed to go beyond the atmosphere.... Sometimes something out there is waiting to kill us.... Just saying."

Edited March 12, 2021 by Kujamih

[Neoeryn 196]

@Blitz Boom

Quote

She directed these words to a middle-aged, aquamarine pony. Feeling Blue was not exactly the most happy face in Ponyville, despite Pinkie's best efforts, but he were looking calm and relaxed for once. Unburdened, and with a big, pleased smile under his sizable mustache. It were not much wonder that he nodded, and seemed open for the invitation.

As for how to find her place, Fright would take her hands together again, and when they separated, there would be a small shrine there, growing rapidly in size, and landing harmlessly on the ground. It would emanate a smaller, yet still noticeable aura of peace for a few days, and contain some maps for those curious. Pamphlets too, as they were very handy in informing others of what she did.

Calamity was in awe at the power Fright had. She had never seen Feeling Blue relaxed or calm before now. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she had seen anypony quite this relaxed. It was quite something interesting indeed, and she could start feeling the calm aura take over, with thoughts that everything would turn out alright in the end. She started to believe that perhaps if she was consistent with her learning from a teacher such as wonderful as Fright, she wouldn't have to worry about anything, and those fears of harming ponies unintentionally would be just that; fears. She could now see why everypony had been stuck in a meditating trance, as she could slowly feel it taking over her as well, until Fright's voice had snapped her out of it.

Quote

"Do you see how my powers work here, dear child? In times long gone, I used my powers to sense the fears of others, and made them real. I reveled in horror, and fed on nightmares. Yet as the wise creature who helped me see past this taught me, there are more than one side to everything. My powers still work now. I sense their fears, and I drain them away. Yet I do not make them real. I lift it from their beings, and leave it hanging where it is not seen, while I feast upon the darkness, and leave only peace behind. A time of relief, where these fears do not rest heavily upon them, until they grow strong once more, and there are peace.

In time, if they wish to, I can then help them confront these fears, but this is but one outlet of my power. I wish for you to understand. The constant fear which I carry with me, from beings who need a respite from the worst. This is what I mean, that there are help and salvation for all. IN time, we will find a way like this, in which your powers can manifest too, to give you some relief, rather than a build up pressure without pause."

"Yes, I can see. It's a beautiful thing, being able to turn the worst things into something much more. Into something positive even. I'm starting to believe this may actually be the best for me. If anypony can help me, it's you."

She had to admit, she was going to miss Ponyville. She was going to miss Discord, even if he wasn't exactly helpful in teaching her how to use her magic to help others instead. She was sure everything would be okay.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Califorum

" Fascinated with you?... I'm just worried. True... you're not the Cali i worked and bonded with, but never the less you are still Cali."

Light sighed and continued

"I just don't want to see you regret your  actions. " 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Califorum

".... Im not following you around... Im following Molotov and blitz around.

You having no bearing is entirely up to you though....

And sorry for tryin to "control" you... I just don't want you to make a big mess."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby shrugged "Don't know, never been there and as you may guess, our kind doesn't exactly chat about things." "My information comes from what my mother has told me and from writings of an explorer of unknown species who's last entry told of the plan to explore the inner areas of the homelands." "I personally believe that if they are still around, they are hiding somewhere, with my studies of our kinds magic I have come to believe that our predecessors were powerful beyond comprehension, making the ponies' strongest spells inefficient at best when compared, meaning that they could wipe us out with ease if they wanted, yet they haven't, which leaves only two options, either they are gone, or they are purposely keeping away from us, as anyone like that would have been heard of even at the edges of the homelands." "The appearance of elemental magic with Charir and I does challenge the thought that they are gone, as it is not something our kind in its current form naturally has, meaning that one of them, or a direct relative of theirs has mixed their blood with my bloodline, and with us being so different, that could be as recent as my mother." 

If it hadn't been visible before, this was a good example of Ruby's more intellectual side, she wasn't just a bloodthirsty brute, she just lived like one. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scarecrow was unfazed by the reaction, not that anyone would have been able to tell otherwise. "As stated, you shouldn't feel bad for not being successful, especially since this is the first time I remember feeling any effect, as your scythe clearly tried to do something." "And yes, I have burned myself, sliced myself into pieces, crushed myself, even vaporized myself with few old spells I found, I can't even remember all the ways I have tried to destroy myself." "But two things always happen, one, my skull always remains, I have yet to find a way to damage it, and two, rest of me grow back slowly but surely, it starts as the black growth you can see taking over, but some parts turn back to bone and flesh, though I don't know if it actually changes or if it's like my wings." he lowered his wing so that he could grab it with his hoof "It looks like feathers, feels like feathers. probably smells like one too" he pulled off a feather "If you found this on the ground you would think it is a feather, but it's not." he put it back on his wing and it stuck before disappearing like it was absorbed, while a new feather appeared where he had pulled it from "These wings also don't have any bones." he twisted his wing far beyond the physical limits in several directions, but unlike with his neck, there was no unpleasant sounds of any kind, it just twisted and when he let go, it returned to it's normal position.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Onache's conclusion regarding Trox's cybernetics wasn't fully correct, but to him it was close enough since she wasn't technically wrong either, so he just nodded to confirm her guess, he wasn't really a good at teaching others, so he decided not to even try to explain the science of modern technology to someone who in already under-developed place was considered ignorant of technology. It wasn't an insult towards Onache, it was more acknowledgement of his own lack of ability.

"Regarding Discord, I personally believe that if he or his kind ever existed in our Equestria, they either left or are hiding, mainly because, well, if they would have been captured or killed, we would have seen lot more weaponized chaos magic, something that doesn't....or at least didn't exist, we don't know how long it has been for sure after all." "And we are educated like everyone else, we were kids at one point too, history is one of those things you have to learn." "But if it's the real history, that's a question on its own, the official history tends to be rather...one sided, all good is thanks to Nightmare moon, and all bad is thanks to everyone else." "No doubt the same is true in the Solar Empire, just with the sides reversed." "It's basically propaganda."  "But you're right that we have never heard of any Elements of Harmony." or harmony in general, they of course knew what it meant, but there had been no harmony of any kind during their lifetime. "If anyone knows about them, that would be the Solar guard that visited here, we don't like him, but if we are right about his unit, he would have had an access to lot of classified information." 

 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

“I bump into Razor while I was looking for a place to live” Cimex looks a bit tired as she started her tale, mostly maybe she's hesitant, “We were a bit hostile when we first met, turns out he didn't hear the overthrow of the former changeling queen. He allowed me to stay in his house with his wife pony... Hmm, what was her name again? Anyway that doesn't really matter anymore, She's dead and Razor just vanished from the world. I think it had been a few years when we first met” she was a bit casual as she tells us her tale but she does seem a bit sad as she spoke. I could hear Razor sigh behind me and Sorrow.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Califorum

Luna and Blue had been silent the whole time, having been confused and lost to their confusion by the subject. Sure, they did hear a few subjects about pollutions and technology once or twice, but they were lost and decided to stay silent, continuing eating their pancakes. That is until Light asked Molotov and Luna how he could meet the princesses. Luna quickly swallowed the remains of her piece of a pancake before speaking up, unsure of what to say.

“To be honest, I don't know, I'm just a guard sighed to patrol the castle halls at night. You do might have a high chance of entering the castle if you pretend to be a noble, but you'll be taking the risk of getting arrested and charged with trespassing” she sounds and looks unsure of what she's saying considering she's sounded like she's trying to persuade the alien stallion form doing something illegal which may result of her going to jail along with him.

[Rising Dusk 27,712]

@Blitz Boom

Cork followed by Gold Mane climbed out of the taxi cab now that they reached their destination.  Gold Mane approached the stallion that pulled their cart and dropped a few bits into his hoof.  The stallion nodded his thanks with a smile and put the bits into a pouch on his harness before pulling away to find a new patron that needed his services.  "Understanding our Captain's mind can be quite the chore at times.  Tussle on the other hoof, is a just better target to start then."  A rather true statement.  The mare was still on the more confused side of why Wind Gale was recruited into the O.M.I.  A lovely sweet heart, but no stomach for law enforcement.  Minty just saw things in others that was hard to explain. "If you come by the office tomorrow you might run into Scarlet and ask her advice.  She's our courier though and often out and about when not working a case."

The pair looked in the direction Grave looked at to see the statue she inquired about.  Hardly another either had really thought that much about with how often they've seen it.  "That's Lady Justice, darling.  She doesn't represent any one hero or pony, but all ponies that serve the law.  Past, present and future."  A wonderful symbol at that.  The pony being blind folded to represent the unbias nature of justice and the scales of justice for the balance in society and the self.

"Alright darling.  We must part ways for a time.  Head into the Courthouse and walk right up to the immigration window.  There is going to be a lot of paperwork and questions, but nothing too terrible.  After that you'll move down the line and convert your gold or former currency into Bits.  Next they'll get you a temporary living space in a hotel until you can find a more permanent home.  Lastly, you'll visit the job office and look at some options available.  You don't have to decide right away, but if none of them interest you, come on down to the O.M.I. tomorrow.  Just ask a taxi driver, they'll know where."  Probably a lot to take in, but the ponies inside would guide Grave as needed.  Cork could trust in that.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Grave.  Times sure are changing, but we look forward to making new friends in Equestria."  Less for the gushy stuff, Gold Mane gave the more simple farewell of a hoof wave.  Cork was much more willing to move in for a hug though.  The city was big, but Cork believed they'd meet again very soon.

 

There was no echo of hoof steps in the Void of the manor.  The only light offered by the radiant glow from the pony whose hoofs couldn't be heard.  A cabin door appeared in the distance, floating in the realm that made little sense.  The pony approached the door and hoofs were finally heard as Setting Door knocked.

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-03-11 at 11:46 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Speed knitting? You? Given how you look and what you do, I’m surprised you’ve got a talent for that!”

“It is interesting, though. And now we all know something new about Rosa. To be honest, chatting with the young ones wasn’t really a product of foresight. They were just curious, and I couldn’t say no to them, not when they’ve already seen me once.”

"It makes sense if you think on it. Most of my training in weaponry have involved small, precision based weaponry, like throwing daggers, and at times, even needles. shuriken, regular daggers, hoof to hoof combat too, and so forth. In essence, I am trained to use small objects, as well as my hooves. It leads to a sort of natural talent for things that involves nitpicky movements and precise movements, and knitting tends to be one outlet of work stress, along with other crafts. My father had a great liking of crafting necklaces, as an example.

I suppose I found trying a competitive edge to the knitting were just something that happened for me. I didn't win more than once, but I tended to place high regardless. And against the veterans that competed to get the tensions out of their system, after retiring from active duty, that is still quite well, in my opinion.

And regarding the younglings, it may have not been intentional foresight, but it will work in your favor regardless, and shows well how you do among others. So my praise will remain."

On 2021-03-11 at 11:46 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hey, Banshee. Thanks for the introductions. Looks like Abacus is very fond of Soul. We just came by to say hello to Abacus, and it looks like Shrimp is already getting a head start. He was excited to see his new friend again, and we thought we'd humor him.”

Sen hesitated to add, though that was because he was a little more fixated on the little spat that just happened. Whatever happened between Rosa and Soul Prison in the past was pretty ugly if they acted like they did. Might not be a good idea to broach the topic, at least within both stallions’ company. 

"Oh, it's alright. It's always nice to see Abacus making friends, and having two of them here, on the same day? She's the happiest wyvern this world have ever seen. Aren't you?"

Banshee rubbed the side of Abacus's head, whom were nodding, and letting out a few somewhat deep chirps. Their kind didn't show happiness well, as their faces just weren't made for it, but her eyes were shimmering with delight, as her and Shrimp kept talking. The latter doing a little noddle dance, whilst saying a few things, that made Abacus seemingly open her eyes wide in surprise, and then look at Sen briefly. Must have been about the face paint.

"I hope she'll enjoy it. Not gonna happen again anytime soon."

"Oh, stop being such a bleak cloud, Soul."

"You know what she did. Soon as she hears I'm here, it doesn't matter what the general says."

"Hey! Listen here, you dolt."

Banshee went over, and poked Soul on the chest, who focused his eye solely on them, as the nice pony got a sudden hard, stern look in their eyes.

"Grandmother was angry, and you didn't act well either. When she comes back, you two are going to talk this out, if you have to be chained to one another to make it happen."

He mulled over into a corner, averting his eye from Banshee, and generally try to pretend he were just examining one of the toads that were being prepared.

"Sorry about that. Lotta story in our family, and it's not always too perfect. But before we go on, might-"

"I worked for the Ravenshine Consortium. They had general knowledge of Soul's looks, when he wasn't being the leader of General Screecher's covert operations team, but didn't really have any idea what to do with it. From the way he responded, I can only assume that he knows a file on this matter were stolen by the consortium once upon a time. And no, I had no personal involvement in the matter. This is the first time I have laid eyes upon him myself."

"*phew* Awkwaaaaard. You two have some weird friends, Sen and Lin. No offense."

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

 

@abrony-mouse

On 2021-03-11 at 1:18 AM, Fuchsia said:

"Learned that lesson on my first adventure and never forgotten it."

"Always good to have certain things you take to heart, and remembers. This being one of them, along with - in my personal experience - *If you think it moved, it probably did*, and *Learn from the bones*. The former being one I have had a surprisingly numerous amount of encounters with. And I don't only mean in the way of traps, but also mimics. They are not mere figments of a mad pony's imagination, sadly. Much as I would've liked if that was the case. Detestable beings."

Nothing fun about attempting to open a chest, a crate, or something else that seemed a perfectly harmless locker for some kind of item and instead finding that it were a living being, who really wished to know the taste of your flesh. Dreadful encounters all of them thus far.

...Okay, one of them had not been that simple to define as dreadful, but ergh... He'd rather not discuss that one.

On 2021-03-11 at 1:18 AM, Fuchsia said:

Her hoof-steps echo on the spiral staircase, a light breeze blows up from the depths, rustling her fur and making her ears quiver. She draws close to Billowing, just in case something flies out of the dark as they descend.  "Ever been in a place as creepy as this?" Fuchsia small talks in the silence, mainly to take her mind off what might be below.

"Yes. At least this place does not have horrifying things on the walls. There are mere stone here, and not scriptures written in blood, on the hollowed out hides of sacrifices, and maddened cultists missing theirs. Believe me. Cultists are often good in making places scream out that going there, were a very bad decision. Maybe when we are trading stories next, I can tell you of the Cult of Eye Gnasher. A riveting tale, though not with a happy ending, as they are sadly still active. It may well be educational though."

Speaking right now helped him to keep focus, and not delve too much into concern about what they might be diving into. Which so far, did not seem to be so bad. That is, until they got a few meters down and they'd be able to see a piece that had not been obscured. This one depicted a bunch of deer in a circle, with dark lines moving from them, and towards a box of some kind in the center. Above them, the supposed leader stood with a line from him too, shooting from his chest towards this box. This one being green however, and seemingly overlaying the box, where the darkness laid below. Something else were above him, but it had been scorched, with only this small fragment surviving.

"There is a naive, positive side to me, that would like to think that simply depicts some rope and a building block, and this merely being an odd showing of how this temple were build. The realist in me however, think this pointing towards dark magics, and them sealing it away. What did those fools do here?"

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

 

@Silicon Chimera

Orchid seemed to perk up by hearing that name.

"Zecora are near? We must make our way to her then, dear. Long has it been since I heard her wise tongue. A seer exceptional even for our kind, possessing a brilliantly open mind. I should enjoy once more hearing her siren song."

Orchid would wipe his muzzle, and remove the plate from his back. Seemed like Bellarouge had eaten it all, so that were good. No need to waste anything, and if she hadn't been hungry enough, he would have taken some with him in a kitty bag. Fish still worked well within a certain time, as snacks for her, even after cut up and presented like this.

With her curled up and beginning to rest though, it would seem it were now time to ensure they should leave. As he had paid in advance - as were custom - they simply could, and he would not delay by much. only to send a warm smile towards the barista, who looked on them curiously. A big grin from him should tell of the approval of their group, when it came to what they had been served, and it appeared to brighten her up a little more. Always good with happy customers.

Soon enough they'd be outside, and Orchid would correct his shirt a little. He had to look presentable, even if not as traditional as one might expect, when meeting someone of importance.

"I am ready it seems. You know where to our eye gleams? The forest seems her style, yet it could take a while, if we knew not where to look, for her little forest nook."

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

 

@Califorum

On 2021-03-12 at 1:53 AM, Magnolia said:

"I know it hurts...surprising enough I have...not shed tears upon our situation...I don't know how to take it but I truly care for you Zeehva...It feels strange to have someone else be there for you when you need them but I am always here for you...remember that. I know that I am probably not much help but...I am here for you. I have my pain...it eats at me every day...but going forward we shall have better days...or so I hope." she'd force a smile. It was still extremely awkward though, she never was a good smiler.

As the tears got dried away, and the kind words flowed down upon her, Zeehva would finally start smiling again. properly, with warmth, as the last few specks of sadness rolled out from the side of her eyes.

She'd rise up, and take Magnolia in a more firm grip, instead of the one where she had been clinging, and more or less collapsing on the mare's shoulder. Her right front hoof would also start to stroke the mare's mane gently.

"T-Thank you. I'll always be here for you too, i-if you need to get some things off your shoulders. It can be hard to carry sadness around all on your own sometimes."

Magnolia were wrong too. She were a bigger help than she might think here, as sometimes, what a sad pony needed to hear, were sympathy from another who understood. Their losses were not exactly the same, but they both knew how it hurt, and had their own outcomes from life stomping on them, after kicking them to the dirt. They could understand and sympathize enough with one another, and in a way, this would likely help them both moving forward. Even if the helping part, would involve some weeping sessions like this.

"I'm sorry for uhm... T-That. Sometimes it just gets hard to keep it back. I hope your coat didn't get too messy."

She were more in control now, but wouldn't let go of Magnolia just yet. She were a comforting presence, and honestly, reminded her of a large plushie right now. The softness of her coat were both surprising - due to her apparent lifestyle in the wilds - and something that made her extra huggable. As again, a large plushie would be.

On 2021-03-12 at 1:53 AM, Magnolia said:

"The docks in Deltrot? Is there...a specific name of them that we should keep in mind or an address? I wouldn't want to forget that...we'll keep you...in touch. I've never written a letter in so long..." Magnolia would sigh somewhat at that. Patting her friend's back a bit. 

"Dock seven, Deltrot Aquamarine Bay Harbor. And just write it to old Gretha. That is what most calls me there, and they will know to deliver it to one of my little friends there. I am not an easy lady to miss, or forget."

Gretha had once objected to some degree to being called old, rather than referred to with the Elder title that she rightfully had, but she had come to accept it. It was something they did to make her sound more casual, rather than regal, and she frankly preferred it that way as she did not hold any sort of political power that she cared to flaunt.

She did not object to others thinking of her as old in general though. Even for dragons she were old, and she predated this entire kingdom by quite a few millennia. So long as they did not start to call her Ancient Gretha, she would find it fair. That however, would be a little too much. She were still feeling quite well and virile, and fit for several more clutches of eggs. She wasn't some kind of thing you'd find in a dusty old tomb.

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

 

@Neoeryn

On 2021-03-12 at 11:11 PM, Neoeryn said:

"Yes, I can see. It's a beautiful thing, being able to turn the worst things into something much more. Into something positive even. I'm starting to believe this may actually be the best for me. If anypony can help me, it's you."

She had to admit, she was going to miss Ponyville. She was going to miss Discord, even if he wasn't exactly helpful in teaching her how to use her magic to help others instead. She was sure everything would be okay.

"I hope I can live up to your expectations."

It were quite a travel to get to Deltrot, but they were draconequui. Which meant that they would cheat when it came to transportation over long distances, and Fright were no exception. She would wander close to where Calamity stood, a nd then, the minty green clouds would engulf them. A feeling of weightlessness would ensue, and the sound of cackling, maniacal laughter, before the clouds would vanish again, and they would be standing on a hill, within a large forest.

"I welcome you to the forest, in which the opening to my home resides, Calamity. Let us-"

Her words were halted, as she glanced up, and saw a large form soaring across the sky.

"A moment please."

@Califorum (purely because they are in the same spot)

Fright would rise up into the air, until she stood on her lily pads, risen above the trees, and would speak with a loud, booming voice, unfitting of her small form.

"Hail Gretha. Were you not planning to rest for a few days?"

The large dragoness would look down on the approaching draconequui, and smile warmly.

"Yes, but a pair of ponies got lost in the woods. Not one of yours though, so I'm helping them to town."

"As gentle a soul as ever, my friend. Travel safely."

"Thank you. You have fun with that little one too."

The dragoness would point at the small form of Calamity below, as she and her passengers would fly past, and Fright return to the ground.

"Gretha is an old friend. I just wanted to hear if everything were okay with her, since she does not usually stop her alone time this early.

Be that as it may, I welcome you to the forest, once more. The task now will be to travel to where the entrance to my temple lies. Are you prepared for a trek, dear child?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"An almost direct descendant of an elder dragon? Quite a lineage you'd have there, but like you said, it would explain a few things. Curious how your mother would have ended up meeting one of them though, and twice at least, no less. It sounds like if they were there, they'd prefer to be left entirely alone."

Very peculiar indeed, but it were fascinating too. To think that Ruby might have a lineage like that? Dragons could generally spawn eggs until they died (the ones she knew of could at least), so it wasn't hard to imagine it being a thing, but the amount of power that could come from it were the really interesting thing. Elders had strong genes, and that could often translate into the hatchlings. Granted, Charir were a small, stunted one, but he had proven to be a tightly packed bundle of power, just waiting to be unleashed. A minor, physical deformity wasn't going against that, and he might still end up having an immense growth spurt one day. Some dragons were rather late bloomers, though he were likely just still gonna be a hefty, compact little thing. Which could be a good deal more dangerous. Large dragons had predictable movements, more often than not. A wrecking ball on legs were something else entirely.

"I suppose it doesn't matter to you how they met. Wouldn't change the way your feelings were towards her, more than likely, and the way they do family relations where you two come from, I would be thinking that even if you did meet your father, it wouldn't be a happy occasion. Though like you said: They're different. Might not just be power wise."

Leviathan stretched her wings, and yawned, while a small spark danced around her teeth. With all the fighting they had done, it were good to just get her muscles worked a little, and she could really feel that it helped. Eased the tension right out of her system. Even though her tail did start to shake in a way that made it look like she were wagging when she did so. She swore, it were just to shake it properly. She wasn't some kind of dog, or influenced by some... *cough*

"And if they haven't been seen, but had powerful magic, maybe they're using illusions to hide away from you? Or made themselves a little pocket dimension, with an entrance for it deep, deep within the heart of your country? For some reason, powerful creatures like their pocket dimensions. And not just the draconequui. Met some really odd ponies too who liked that. Unstable thing one of them. The pony, and the dimension. Ended up collapsing, and spitting him out, right into a field of bees. Heh. It was pretty entertaining to watch actually...

Anyway, if you two are ready, should we move into town?"

Ruby were controlling what way they approached this, and since she were the only one who understood Charir, she were the shot caller on whatever he were ready or not too. he seemed fine, but it were hard to say for Leviathan.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"W-Wait, your skull is indestructible?"

There were plenty to digest from what Scarecrow were telling her. He were apparently nigh impossible to destroy, with any part regrowing, which were most definitely not normal. Neither were the goo, which were not normal necromancy by a long shot, and something a regular undead did? Not even remotely. This reeked of some kind of twisted magic. Not necessarily dark, but influenced by it in a way. Like twisted nature magic, which caused this to grow on him. There were also that with the wing, but she wanted to respond to what got to her first, and that was the mention of the indestructible skull.

"That's definitely not normal. Most undead's weak spot are their heads. Severing it, or crushing it, tends to s-solve things, as it's the easiest place for the necromantic magic to gather.

And this goo... I haven't seen a-anything like it before. It sort of looks like twisted nature magic, m-maybe? like, rot being utilized for regrowing lost parts. Though, it should just be rot, or goo. Turning into real bones just sounds... I d-dunno, that doesn't sound like any sort of undead I e-ever heard about before."

She cringed as she saw the wing twisted, when the time came for that example, while Rusty just looked on in potential fascination. Lyriel did not watch it, as she did not wish to see more bodily harm done here, and Crow were preening twigs from its wings.

"...Wait... I-Indestructible part, with everything else regrowing, and you c-can't die? Are... A-Are you a pagan deity?"

"A deity? I follow a deity with all of my being, Bloody, and I know that Scarecrow is not like her. He does not have the overwhelming power that the Earth Mother radiates."

"Well... I d-don't know who that is, but p-pagan deities are more minor e-entities. Forest gods, f-for example. I read they're pretty much i-immortal, and others tend to start w-worshipping them because they think they're gods. What type of creatures they a-actually are, I don't know. Draconequui c-creations, maybe? It's just... I d-dunno. I didn't read much on t-them, but that might be what's happening here. If that is, I don't know if y-you even can die.

...We n-need to go to my family estate, I think. E-Either this is just a strange strain of u-undeath, or... Something else. We'll have to s-see there. It's uhm... A bit of travel f-from here though."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I were thinking that perhaps, you were bred in pens, and set to work until you eventually died. At least it wasn't as severe as I had begun to believe then."

It had perhaps been a rather bleak outlook. But in fairness, things had sounded bad, so she had started to think it were likely pushing towards as bad as possible, before she were now corrected on her assumptions. Seems like her initial thoughts on them just being captured and worked until they stopped breathing were more accurate, as well as still rather bleak.

"And your *education* sounds lacking, and flawed. No being is perfect like that. We all got something to hide, and dirt under our hooves. And from what I know of Nightmare Moon from this world at least, she were not even remotely close to being perfect. I can imagine we will have to spend some time to properly reeducate you, but if you can read, I would think it simple enough. There is a library in the castle, from what I understand. You can likely find out everything you'd need to know there.

I could also force it into your heads, but if you wanted it to be permanent, I can assure you that it would hurt. You'd be beter off going a slower pace than that. Though, take everything you read wit a grain of salt regardless. The victors write history, and there are always two sides to every tale. The ponies only write their perspectives. You will see that, when you get to read on changelings. It is wildly exaggerated."

On 2021-03-14 at 11:27 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"But you're right that we have never heard of any Elements of Harmony." or harmony in general, they of course knew what it meant, but there had been no harmony of any kind during their lifetime. "If anyone knows about them, that would be the Solar guard that visited here, we don't like him, but if we are right about his unit, he would have had an access to lot of classified information." 

This made her nose wrinkle with a little irritation. As if a nasty smell had gotten to her nostrils, and she were staying dignified, yet highly displeased with what she were smelling.

"I know not of them from your world, but in this, they're a weapon of great power, harnessed by five ponies within this town. I can imagine the way your country worked, there were never any harmony i the first place, so they never showed. Or were impossible to harness, perhaps. It is impossible for me to say, but you can ask that overgrown clockwork on legs if you want, if perhaps they were held someplace secured, where you were all from. I can't see it mattering much, yet it is your own inquiry to make. I am not in a position where I see much of a point in halting you from that. Even if I dislike that creature. He is far too presumptuous for his own good, and I do not trust he does not have an agenda of his own."

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

 

@Rising Dusk

 

On 2021-03-16 at 3:52 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Understanding our Captain's mind can be quite the chore at times.  Tussle on the other hoof, is a just better target to start then."  A rather true statement.  The mare was still on the more confused side of why Wind Gale was recruited into the O.M.I.  A lovely sweet heart, but no stomach for law enforcement.  Minty just saw things in others that was hard to explain. "If you come by the office tomorrow you might run into Scarlet and ask her advice.  She's our courier though and often out and about when not working a case."

"If I'm not busy, I'll be around for sure. Unless I have some sort of work they send me out to check up on. But even then, I don't think it will be all day. Guess we'll see, hehe. Worst case, I'll just leave a message, right?"

Seemed simple enough. Try to find a way to run into Scarlet, and if she wasn't there, leave her a message. And if she then ran into Tussle instead, she could just get to directly address her, and see if there was a chance they may be able to use her there. Apparently, smelling magic was a good thing to have, so that might come in handy. Even if eventually, they'd have to let the illusions go, and just have her wander around like she usually looked. but if she were with them, combined with having done well to integrate, Grave were sure it'd be fine.

Only way it wouldn't be, were if she were told she could only stay in Equestria, if she always had this shimmer up. She liked it here, but ergh... She might have to look some some smaller area that were okay with her not having to hide herself all the time by then instead. Even if this spell wouldn't get itchy, as she had experienced some others saying their kind of camo had ended up being, it still didn't feel right to have to hide herself for the rest of her life. She were aware of how odd she might look to others, but she were comfortable in her own body, and she'd much prefer that eventually, those around her had to decide if they were as well. Those who left, she'd feel sad about, but could understand, as they had believed in a lie. Those who stayed with her though, she'd just be all the more happy about.

On 2021-03-16 at 3:52 AM, Rising Dusk said:

The pair looked in the direction Grave looked at to see the statue she inquired about.  Hardly another either had really thought that much about with how often they've seen it.  "That's Lady Justice, darling.  She doesn't represent any one hero or pony, but all ponies that serve the law.  Past, present and future."  A wonderful symbol at that.  The pony being blind folded to represent the unbias nature of justice and the scales of justice for the balance in society and the self.

This one made Grave wrinkle her nose a little, rather than just be all smiles for miles.

"So you idolize an idea, instead of someone real? Well... Your traditions, but it just seems weird to me. I'm used to the idea that statues are supposed to represent those who have fought hard for your country. Real pillars, that were inspirations to look to. A statue that's just an idea seem a little... I dunno, less inspirational? Oh well. It's still a good looking statue, that's much for sure."

A culture difference here, but really, it was a miniscule, barely noticeable one. It was just a different view on statues, not something like, zoning laws, or something like that. Which she didn't care about, so eh.

On 2021-03-16 at 3:52 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Alright darling.  We must part ways for a time.  Head into the Courthouse and walk right up to the immigration window.  There is going to be a lot of paperwork and questions, but nothing too terrible.  After that you'll move down the line and convert your gold or former currency into Bits.  Next they'll get you a temporary living space in a hotel until you can find a more permanent home.  Lastly, you'll visit the job office and look at some options available.  You don't have to decide right away, but if none of them interest you, come on down to the O.M.I. tomorrow.  Just ask a taxi driver, they'll know where."  Probably a lot to take in, but the ponies inside would guide Grave as needed.  Cork could trust in that.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Grave.  Times sure are changing, but we look forward to making new friends in Equestria."  Less for the gushy stuff, Gold Mane gave the more simple farewell of a hoof wave.  Cork was much more willing to move in for a hug though.  The city was big, but Cork believed they'd meet again very soon.

Grave went in close to Cork, and gave her a small embrace. Not a full on, Equestrian hug, but she'd need some time to figure out the inns and outs of when it were supposed to be done. She'd make an effort here at least,. though short, as the long ones were nice, but clashed some with how her culture viewed it. She'd get around on the whole concept soon enough more than likely.

As Gold seemed to prefer a wave instead, she'd turn to that one afterwards, and give a nice smile, and a small wave in return. A more relaxed one than the hug, as this she were more familiar with, as a farewell gesture, than a personal thing such as hugs.

"Thank you both. I mean it. I dunno what might've happened if you hadn't found me, and helped me get on the right track here. You're both wonderful ponies, and I'm gonna do my best to not disappoint you. Starting with getting worked on a citizenship, and working hard to make sure I get through it without too many problems, hopefully, and I can come around to tell you all about it tomorrow. As well as maybe run into the important ponies where you work, and see if I can't talk my case there. It'd be nice to be able to help others, and yo u two have been nothing but kind and helpful. If there's anything to strive to be, it'd be one of your team for sure.

But that's tomorrow, right? I'll get to work on seeing what I can do here, and you two go and do your best with your work. Hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of one another, Gold and Cork."

She'd send them both a last, warm, friendly grin, before lowering her hoof, and giving them both a bow of the neck.

"Safe travels, friends. Don't die out there."

With that, she'd turn around, and march into the building, prepared to take on the first test of inclusion: The immigration office. Surely it coldn't be all that bad, right?

On 2021-03-16 at 3:52 AM, Rising Dusk said:

There was no echo of hoof steps in the Void of the manor.  The only light offered by the radiant glow from the pony whose hoofs couldn't be heard.  A cabin door appeared in the distance, floating in the realm that made little sense.  The pony approached the door and hoofs were finally heard as Setting Door knocked.

"I'm awake."

Lily hadn't been sleeping for long either. She had rested her head for at least an hour, as she got here, but she had eventually roused up. With how much rest she had gotten earlier, as part of Rising's sleep spell, it wasn't as if she wasn't rested to some extend after all, so she hadn't needed much. Plus, she were used to requiring small naps, rather than long rests. It wasn't safe to indulge in the latter where she were from. At least not where Rising had placed her, to keep her on her hooves.

So for a while now or so, she had kept an eye on the travels she were still spying on, in the bauble, and otherwise sitting in the middle of the cozy room, and focused her magic. She had taken a blanket down to the floor with her, but beyond being wrapped in that, she sat as she had been delivered here, and chanted lowly to herself. Small flickers of dark magic oozed from her being every now and again, as she were refocusing here, and it wouldn't all have stopped, by the time she would have a visitor with her once more. Maybe not the most nice things, but it could have been worse, yes? She hadn't scrawled runes into the surfaces of this room, and worked on getting a focal point of sort done. Which would have helped this tracking more, but also looked like she were trying to corrupt the entire room. Likely not a good thing, and one of many reasons she had not done so. She were just... Meditating, more or less.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

"...I'm sorry to have to be the one to say it, but Razor didn't just vanish. He's dead. He got caught up in something way above his head, and it ended up claiming both him, and his wife. I can't say for sure, but I think the ones who did that, are the same that were chasing us before we came here. A gang of some sort, though I don't know the name of it."

Razor hadn't marked anything he wanted them to say or hold back, so Sorrow were going to be honest to his friend here. She did not deserve to be left in the dark, and think he just bailed on her, after his wife died. He had been dead, and very much unable t do anything. Though it did bring up that in time, they had to find his body, and give him a proper burial. When he were ready for it, and could tell them where it were, of course. She couldn't say for sure which beach he had been at, in the visions they had experienced in that part of town earlier. Nor if it were were even real, or just made up madness.

"I know it's not an easy thing to hear about someone that mattered to you, but as his friend, you deserve to know it."

Razor's actions were still not something she condoned, but that were between him and Aurora at this point. Her role in all of this, were to try and help them both. And she didn't see it helping, that Cimex didn't know what had happened. Though she wouldn't share the details on what he did, out of respect. The matter of him being a ghost though, were something she could deal with after. She'd give Razor a chance more to stop her, before she went that far.

And when it came to the others, and how especially the zebra looked on the revelations about death... *sigh* She'd have to handle this, one issue at a time.

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

 

@Califorum @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

On 2021-03-12 at 3:01 AM, Cali said:

"Could say the same for my world, if your magic was shown to my world. It would destroy everything and people would have no idea how to handle it." she'd cackle slightly at that, slyly. 

Then Cali would think about what was said about the princesses. "I don't know what your talking about. Moving the sun and moon...? What are you on about...? That makes absolutely no sense! The Sun is the center of the solar system. The moon orbits the Earth...everything orbits and moves according to the laws of physics and mass...drag...angles...all that stuff." she'd seem confused at that. Then she'd smile.

"I have an alternative then. I turn into a rocket disguised as a bird or a dragon. Then we fly into space. Yes, I can do that. I've done it a few times before. Won't be able to break into orbit or anything but at the very least we'd be able to see whats up there. Or how about some high altitude flight? Maybe like, 20 miles? 30 miles? Above the clouds? Above the karmen line?" Cali would smirk. 

"Yeah, probably one of those cases were whatever runs one, could end up messing it up big time for the other. Probably best not to mix and match too much, eh? Otherwise, you'd end up with magical rockets, raining down on folks or something. Messy stuff.

And moving the sun and mon around, is what the princesses does. Well, in theory. Most back home theorized that the sun and moon going on above Equestria, isn't the real ones, and that we're shielded from the real one. These surrogate celestial bodies of magic, needs to be raised up to give us a proper day and night cycle. That's the most popular one anyway. Another goes that the magic above Equestria are so strong that it slows the rotation down, and the princesses helps nudging the rotation on, so it doesn't end up getting stuck. It's working with the theory that most of what they show when ponies see them raise the sun and moon, are more for show, than actually needed.

Myself, and most in my family though, we partake in the discussions, but out of respect to Princess Celestia, we chose to believe she's playing an integral part in the cycle, and we're better off not knowing the grander details, and should just trust her.

The offer you're having about turning into a rocket is a mighty interesting one though, but all due respect: I see technology fail all the time, and seen you shape around multiple times too. I'd be worried that there'd be a leak somewhere, or you shaped around again, and I'd end up more or less getting digested. Can't get myself eaten, when I have to take care of Blitz, right? Sides, you'd get tired of hearing my comments about riding around you like a magical tapeworm. My muzzle ain't always good at shutting up."

On 2021-03-11 at 12:28 PM, Kujamih said:

" Hey Luna, Molotov, is there anyway to meet and talk to princess Twilight? Blitz comments intrigued me."

"She lives in Ponyville, so you walk around enough, she'll see you. And if you're real special looking, she's totally gonna come looking for you. You're a special, gear pony. I bet she'd come look for you real fast, and ask lots of questions. Everypony keeps saying she's real curious, and likes to poke at things. Then sometimes, friendship beam to the face! Hehehe."

Blitz answered this one, between chomping down her meal with the enthusiasm of a ravenous squirrel. Twilight were a known egghead, and would go look for weird things pretty quickly, even if you'd think she had lots of princess things to take care of all the time. Frankly pretty easy to just lure her into paying attention to you, if you knew what to poke at.

After that, it seemed like Cali and Light had another one of their little feuds on words, where it started to look like they were kind of, sort of, maybe enemies?

"Why are you two arguing so much? Wouldn't it be nicer to be friends?"

"Some folks are just bound to clash, Blitz. And these two got a tentative, dimensional story going from one half, so it makes things a little extra tense for Cali here to deal with. Ain't easy, but I think they're dealing with it best they can right now."

On 2021-03-15 at 1:50 PM, Windy Breeze said:

“To be honest, I don't know, I'm just a guard sighed to patrol the castle halls at night. You do might have a high chance of entering the castle if you pretend to be a noble, but you'll be taking the risk of getting arrested and charged with trespassing” she sounds and looks unsure of what she's saying considering she's sounded like she's trying to persuade the alien stallion form doing something illegal which may result of her going to jail along with him.

"I've seen lots of creatures go to the pretty crystal palace, a bunch of times. Most of them I've seen around Ponyville too, like Mayor Mare, or Granny Smith. The coffee ponies too, who comes around with stuff to her sometimes. Don't think I've seen a noble before, or anypony needing to sneak be sneaky."

"Outta curiosity sis, what do you think a noble looks like?"

"Grumpy, with big hats, and dumb dresses."

"...Aight, can't say that's wrong honestly."

It were pretty spot on really, right? At least those he met, and oh boy, did those folks seriously not like him. Granted, he had called one of them out he saw being a mighty twonk to a street sweeper, and been rather colorful in calling 'em out, but even then, they kept looking on him like he were some sort of dirt stain. Honestly, all the excuse he tended to need to get at 'em, since frankly, he weren't gonna take being looked down upon by anypony. He had some pride, and knew his worth, and some snob in a tall hat weren't gonna dissuade him from that, and accept being their lesser. He'd accept them at best as equals, and that'd be once one of them could prove they'd done anything of worth, and knew what it were like to actually have the dirt of a worker under their hooves.

Edited March 18, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

Silica would smile and nod "I am ready as well, and I heard that Zecora's hut is not far into the forest, but we must be wary, as it is near a patch of rather nasty poison joke" she would say to him, waving to the mare who served them as she walked out of the cafe next to Orchid.

[Sekel 693]

@Blitz Boom

ATZY & KARMIC

"Nope, nothing to see from me," Karmic told Enzo. It was honestly exhausting for her to actually focus on things. Most of the time she would just not care what others think and do her own thing while her head was up in the clouds. But since she appears to be stuck with Enzo through Atzy, it seemed best to focus on keeping her head straight. "I don't pay attention to my surroundings so I never know what's good to see anyway."

"Is there actual food around?" Atzy asked curiously. She had gotten accustomed to eating gems, as evidenced by the bag hanging around her neck full of them, but some actual food she's never tried before and wondered if she could actually eat it. "Like hay or some such pony food item?"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"I'm glad you're staying, Cherish," Twilight sighed in relief. She smiled gratefully at the ghost pony before magicking out the vial of hair from Marepunzel. She placed it next to the vial of Tatzlwurm nectar on the coffee table in the library with the map of Equestria and ritual spread out over it. "We just need to get one more ingredient which I wish I could remember," she sighed as she trotted over and looked the ritual over for the umpteenth time, ignoring the Manetid and Last for now. "My head's swimming from all the magic I used, I can't think straight," she said in frustration upon feeling a headache come on.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"Eep!" Aurora shrieked at seeing the monstrous nightmare in front of them. She stood frozen stiff and could only stare at it in all its hideous glory. Whatever this thing was chilled her to the bone and she couldn't stop gazing at the smile almost cutting its face in half. "M-M-Maybe we sh-sh-should uuuuhhh ..." she tried to speak but was at a very obvious loss for words.

@Widdershins

DAWN STREAK

"Oh, you want more orders huh?" Dawn chuckled, looking over her shoulder at him before slipping through the front door and leaving it open for him. "Well I can't think of any at the moment other than looking for that pony-dragon couple I've heard about in town. Maybe they've seen your mother? They could give us tips!?" she gasped, not even realising what she said and blushed heavily in embarrassment nonetheless.

[Neoeryn 196]

@Blitz Boom

Quote

It were quite a travel to get to Deltrot, but they were draconequui. Which meant that they would cheat when it came to transportation over long distances, and Fright were no exception. She would wander close to where Calamity stood, and then, the minty green clouds would engulf them. A feeling of weightlessness would ensue, and the sound of cackling, maniacal laughter, before the clouds would vanish again, and they would be standing on a hill, within a large forest.

"Goodness... It's such a wonderful sight! I've never actually been in a forest like this, aside from the Everfree. But that was to retrieve something for a tes-"

Quote

"A moment please."

Fright would rise up into the air, until she stood on her lily pads, risen above the trees, and would speak with a loud, booming voice, unfitting of her small form.

Calamity would watch, faintly hearing their conversation. She looked around the spot they had landed in, taking notice of the strange plants that grew in place of what anypony would consider regular flowers. She reached out to touch one of the strange plants, only for it to shy away and wither. 

"Oh! Uh, I don't think I was the cause of that... sorry lil guy. Huh, this place isn't anything like the Everfree... instead of trying to hurt others, these plants act as if it's the other way around.."

She glanced back up at the forms of Fright and the dragoness, wondering how many other non-pony kind Fright has helped. The humorous thought of Fright trying to teach the Smooze popped into her mind, causing her to giggle a bit, until she had noticed Fright had returned.

Quote

"Gretha is an old friend. I just wanted to hear if everything were okay with her, since she does not usually stop her alone time this early.

Be that as it may, I welcome you to the forest, once more. The task now will be to travel to where the entrance to my temple lies. Are you prepared for a trek, dear child?"

"I think I'm ready.

While we're heading there, you don't mind telling me about what you know about Discord, do you? He's told me he was redeemed after trying to take over Ponyville, but he's never told me anything else about what he's done.. You don't happen to know about Catrina's amulet... right? It was the one Tirek had used, but I'm not sure how he got a hold of it. Even Twilight was stumped. Discord seemed to know quite a bit about it, and it seemed to look familiar to me.. but I'm not sure why. I don't even know how Dis knew about it, as he never tells me anything. Always speaking in stupid jokes and nonsense phras-"

Realizing she was talking too much, she shut her snout. She didn't actually mean any of that. She enjoyed his jokes and pranks. Sometimes. She didn't exactly enjoy them much, but sometimes he would always find a way to cheer her up when she was feeling down.
She believed if she could finally find some answers, whether it be through others, or regaining her forgotten memory, then maybe she would know what to do with her magic, and to pay attention to how she would use it.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

Tepe would look at Razor with a questioning look, which the griffon did not notice.

If Sorrow is expecting Cimex to sound horrified and surprised Razor and Autumn died, she instead let out a long sigh of disappointment, and her face turn dark “I didn't know that. So all that Autumn's accidental death is actually a cover-up, huh? And that very same gang happens to be looking out for the two of you? I'm not surprised the griffon and his sweetie wife are dead. I always thought those who had been missing for months are most likely already dead”

“before you judge me for my choice of words, it pretty much happened to me just after the failed changeling invasion on Canterlot. I once had a dorky but greedy changeing who got separated from when we were blasted away to kingdom come. Hours of searching came up with a tragic result"

I don't like where this story is going Windy thought.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Califorum @Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

Cali was telling everyone how impossible to move the sun, and Light smirked at Cali and said.

"... I don't know Cali... I mean you are able to do much more impossible things than raising the sun or moon. You are able to transform into something bigger or smaller than you. You can change your elemental structures into different things like turn into wood metal tungsten etc. You yourself can turn into a very powerful bomb and still live... Well it has a very bad side effect for you BUT still live. I even saw you once turn some of your dead skin into shurikens...."

Edited March 19, 2021 by Kujamih
Leave -> live

[Octavian 5,421]

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

On 2021-03-11 at 12:18 AM, Fuchsia said:

"Learned that lesson on my first adventure and never forgotten it."

"Always good to have certain things you take to heart, and remembers. This being one of them, along with - in my personal experience - *If you think it moved, it probably did*, and *Learn from the bones*. The former being one I have had a surprisingly numerous amount of encounters with. And I don't only mean in the way of traps, but also mimics. They are not mere figments of a mad pony's imagination, sadly. Much as I would've liked if that was the case. Detestable beings."

Nothing fun about attempting to open a chest, a crate, or something else that seemed a perfectly harmless locker for some kind of item and instead finding that it were a living being, who really wished to know the taste of your flesh. Dreadful encounters all of them thus far....Okay, one of them had not been that simple to define as dreadful, but ergh... He'd rather not discuss that one.

 

Fuchsia instinctively gazed around for any bones. It was true though - like the poor thing they saw earlier - you learn from the misfortune of others. Not being a dungeon pony she assumes Mimics are like changelings and agrees - when changelings were evil they were a pain. "So true! Also webs. I once trotted through a forest near Tall Tale which was strangely quiet - out of the corner of my eye I saw a few webs and thought nothing of it. No bones to be seen... at first. My companions stepped on something and boom... webs shot out from everywhere and they were struggling like crazy but got stuck in place. The spiders were everywhere. Only me and Clairvoyance got out of that one." she shudders at the memory. "We found the bones later. So many bones, both critters and ponies." 

Quote

 

On 2021-03-11 at 12:18 AM, Fuchsia said:

Her hoof-steps echo on the spiral staircase, a light breeze blows up from the depths, rustling her fur and making her ears quiver. She draws close to Billowing, just in case something flies out of the dark as they descend.  "Ever been in a place as creepy as this?" Fuchsia small talks in the silence, mainly to take her mind off what might be below.

 

"Yes. At least this place does not have horrifying things on the walls. There are mere stone here, and not scriptures written in blood, on the hollowed out hides of sacrifices, and maddened cultists missing theirs. Believe me. Cultists are often good in making places scream out that going there, were a very bad decision. Maybe when we are trading stories next, I can tell you of the Cult of Eye Gnasher. A riveting tale, though not with a happy ending, as they are sadly still active. It may well be educational though."

Speaking right now helped him to keep focus, and not delve too much into concern about what they might be diving into. Which so far, did not seem to be so bad.

 

"Eye gnasher! Why do cultists always go for things like that." she shakes her head, also benefitting from the talk, feeling more herself after the fright of being trapped inside. "Silliest cultists I met all worshipped a great big rat in a sewer." she smiles, lightening up even as they descend into the bowels of the temple.

Quote

That is, until they got a few meters down and they'd be able to see a piece that had not been obscured. This one depicted a bunch of deer in a circle, with dark lines moving from them, and towards a box of some kind in the center. Above them, the supposed leader stood with a line from him too, shooting from his chest towards this box. This one being green however, and seemingly overlaying the box, where the darkness laid below. Something else were above him, but it had been scorched, with only this small fragment surviving.

"There is a naive, positive side to me, that would like to think that simply depicts some rope and a building block, and this merely being an odd showing of how this temple were build. The realist in me however, think this pointing towards dark magics, and them sealing it away. What did those fools do here?"

Fuchsia takes a deep breath and, holding out her spirit catcher, approaches the stag picture, but there is no chime as before in the water chamber. She inspects the picture, and especially the scorched area above the stag. "Me too... maybe they set traps to stop critters getting in." Fuchsia chuckles weakly. "Deer always seemed peaceful to me... to think that this ancient group are delving in dark magic. I wonder what they had hoped to do with the magic?"  

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

Rosa’s words resonated with Lin, remembering that her grandfather is an artisan who created the special necklace she was wearing at that moment. She wouldn’t bring up a conversation about Rosa’s father, though she imaged he could likely trade techniques with her grandfather if they ever had a chance to meet. Alas, it was not meant to be. Knowing Rosa’s line of work made more sense when he was able to tie that in with speed knitting. Still strange knowing he was into that.

But the conversation was starting to turn sour again, now with Banshee stepping in to tell Soul off. No way to tell if this is normal, but this conversation was likely going to be a more private matter. Sen and Lin knew this might not bode well if they started asking about it, and they were content to leave it be. Fortunately, between Rosa stepping in and Banshee cooling off, it may be better to stay off that topic. 

“None taken, Banshee,” Sen raised one claw in reassurance. “I like to think of our friends as interesting. There’s never a dull moment with them. Lin and I don’t have many friends back home; meeting and making friends, especially with Omen and Rosa… helped put things in perspective. Like realizing what we are missing out on.”

“Based on our looks, we’d probably be called weird too, not that that's a bad thing... You sounded like you were about to ask us something?”

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Sekel

Enzo paused, as he were questioned on whatever there were food to be found here. He didn't come from this area at all, so he were needing to rely on precedence, and smells for this. He did not know what hay smelled like, nor the various ways it were cooked, or how a building making those things looked like. Hence, he could not say. Which left the more direct approach, which were asking someone. So he leaned down, and simply asked the only one who didn't seem to care about getting out of his sight: An elderly stallion who seemed to just view it as if this were their end, that would be completely fine. They were content with what they had gotten through life.

"I travel with a hungry equine, who wish to find hay. Where may we find this?"

"Hay & Drinks is right over there. That should work well, yes?"

He'd point at a minor, local grill, run by a couple of stallions, that seemed to be serving a line, and so far, not really biting notice in what happened around them.

"Sufficient. Your help is appreciated."

As he had done with Karmic once upon a time, he would craft a quick equine figure out of parchment, and gift to the pony, as a token of his appreciation. A weird thing, but hey, free souvenir. The stallion wasn't gonna complain about that, and went along his way with a thanks.

"You hold your answer now, Atzy. Let us hope you can eat what you seek."

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

 

@Sekel

"Kkrkhthxx. A Mourner's Lily. The scourge said this were what you needed. That it grew near well tended graves."

The manetid were not pleased with how things were going, nor having to deal with associates of that elderly mare, who had taken down their queen, but she would do what were best for the hive. She judged that to be helping these ponies, and try to make some meaningful connection in time, which she could bring back to her queen. Plus, it would likely make her less likely to be cut in half by the shrine maiden, who were only being stopped from doing that thus far, by order alone. If she felt the manetid became a thread, this would change.

"It's right. We need to find an old grave, that's been shown a lot of affection, or something like that. I'm assuming cremated bodies doesn't count, since I've never seen any flowers near where I'm from, and we respect our ancestors. So, do you have a graveyard near here? We can go there when you in time, are ready to do so. And if you think I should go and find it, I'm sorry to say that I will deny it, your highness. Following orders are the second highest priority I have in life, but the first goes before it: I have to keep you safe. So I'm not leaving you alone with this... Creature."

"Tzshreeeex. Feeling paranoid, maiden?"

"H-Hey. You two stop bickering, o-okay? Princess Twilight had a long day, and she doesn't need this. She needs rest. You two can talk your issues out, and I'll keep watch on her while she gets a nap. Please, Twilight? You really look like you need it. If uhm... T-That's okay to say?"

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

 

@Sekel

"What? You never seen a draconequus before? Or am I really that spooky? Hmm... How about now?"

A snap came from somewhere, and the pumpkin got covered in orange, fuzzy hair, with the mouth and eyes morphing to look like some sort of anime cat, gleefully looking down upon them.

"Strange thing, what you want? Flaxxy no like you already."

The diamond dog beefed up, and moved forward, which were met with a giggling laughter, from the now bouncing fuzzball.

"Silly puppy, you can't kill me. And I'm just here to have fun. That's what this entire forest is for, right? Loads and loads of fun! So much strangeness, just begging to be given that tiny little bit of a nudge more, hehe."

"Does that include smashing me in the head with a sparkling ball? Cause that wasn't funny?"

"That thing? I was just using it like a signal flare to my other playmates, who won their game, and got fun prizes. I thought it'd just sorta vanish before it hit anyone. Hehe, whoopsie."

At this point, Flaxxy went up, and smashed the ball around. Something which only caused more pleased giggling to happen, and not much else.

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

 

 

@EQ_Theta

10 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“None taken, Banshee,” Sen raised one claw in reassurance. “I like to think of our friends as interesting. There’s never a dull moment with them. Lin and I don’t have many friends back home; meeting and making friends, especially with Omen and Rosa… helped put things in perspective. Like realizing what we are missing out on.”

“Based on our looks, we’d probably be called weird too, not that that's a bad thing... You sounded like you were about to ask us something?”

"We were just going to ask what the big deal were between our cousin and Rosa. We got a lot more of an answer than we thought. Grandmother is going to have a lot to deal with when she gets home, which hopefully shouldn't be too long. She loves these parties. And she better not try and get miffed because Soul is back. She's a stubborn old mare, but she knows he only did what was best for us, and she had times to let the fumes out. I just hope they don't start playing *You owe me an apology first*. I swear, Soul is every tiny biut as stubborn as she is."

"Would it be too much to ask for some details, on what seems to be the issue?"

Soul seemed prepared to say something to that, but Banshee shushed him before he had the chance.

"Well, we died. Almost, anyway, and Soul decided to use some of the really forbidden stuff to save us. We're talking high end necromancy, and some stitchwork. That's why we have these scars, though they're healing a lot better. A few years more, and we're sure nopony can even tell anymore.

Grandma doesn't like us taking up actual necromancy to this sort of degree, so she and him had a big fight, and he kind of got banished from town. It was a stupid thing, in a heated moment, and I can tell she regrets it. If she didn't, she wouldn't have made sure to keep tabs on Soul, and would've just ignored him. I'm sure in her heart, she's actually proud of him. It's pretty rare for the stallions in our family to have much of a knack for the undead arts, but even before delving in deeper, Soul had a real knack for it. It just got a tiny little bit out of hoof, all started by a dumb accident.

We've always been his favorites though, so I'm not surprised he did that. Grew up pretty much alongside us, after... Well, y'know, private reasons. I think that'd be going too far to tell. But yeah, some tensions there."

While they were talking, Shrimp had moved over to Omen, who were now closer to Abacus, and would use her as a stepping stone to get up and touch the ethereal wyvern. A pretty strange experience, but he'd acclimate, and rub his head as best he could against the large female's face, who in turn would poke him softly with her beak, when she had the chance. Seemed like a good, solid friendship were at least happening, amongst all the drama.

"But if you do want me to ask questions: How're you enjoying the festival so far? You're pretty new here, so I'm hoping it's special, and that you're feeling welcomed. You might think you're weird, but we got a lot of weirdness around here, so it's sorta hard to judge what's weird anymore, y'know? "

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

 

@abrony-mouse

17 hours ago, abrony-mouse said:

"So true! Also webs. I once trotted through a forest near Tall Tale which was strangely quiet - out of the corner of my eye I saw a few webs and thought nothing of it. No bones to be seen... at first. My companions stepped on something and boom... webs shot out from everywhere and they were struggling like crazy but got stuck in place. The spiders were everywhere. Only me and Clairvoyance got out of that one." she shudders at the memory. "We found the bones later. So many bones, both critters and ponies." 

Billowing let out a deep sigh, and hang his head in sorrow at what he were told.

"We lose too many adventurers and wilderness groups to giant spiders, sadly. I am sorry for the loss of those you travelled with."

He knew not an adventurer himself with over three years of experience in the field, who did not have their own variation of the tale that Fuchsia came with now. Giant spiders were a strangely prevalent thing to find out in the unseen corners of the world, that beings such as them chose to quest to find, and sadly, they then had to deal with losses to monsters. Giant spiders being among the more common, and with several variants. He himself had lost a dear companion before, due to a volcano spider, which were every bad thing about elementals, and spiders, combined into one, aggressive hunting machine. Thankfully that one were dead, though the loss were still there, which were perhaps an adventure he would share in due time. Not now though. It would seem disrespectful to compare now, when the topic came on a somber thing such as what Fuchsia had described.

17 hours ago, abrony-mouse said:

"Eye gnasher! Why do cultists always go for things like that." she shakes her head, also benefitting from the talk, feeling more herself after the fright of being trapped inside. "Silliest cultists I met all worshipped a great big rat in a sewer." she smiles, lightening up even as they descend into the bowels of the temple.

"There's a few of those cults that sorship seemingly simplistic, yet overgrown animals. Usually the crazed and desperate, who would latch on to anything they'd consider able to show them a path. I've met a primarily griffon based one, who worshipped a turtle, after it brought them a fish to eat when they were starving in a cave.

It's mostly harmless... To a certain extend. The issue becomes if the beliefs overtake, and the flock goes fanatic. Worship is what powers gods, and though animals are not that, they can evolve to being rather vindictive little pagan gods, if they are given enough of it. Making them stronger, and mostly, striving for more power. Usually through more worship, and blood. Depends on the animal really. Turtles, sloths, rabbits- That kind rarely goes to the deep end, even if they are risen far. Bats, canines, and especially snakes though, are a different matter entirely.

The one I described, were not one of those. They were worshipping something far older, and I would imagine, still do so, to this day."

17 hours ago, abrony-mouse said:

Fuchsia takes a deep breath and, holding out her spirit catcher, approaches the stag picture, but there is no chime as before in the water chamber. She inspects the picture, and especially the scorched area above the stag. "Me too... maybe they set traps to stop critters getting in." Fuchsia chuckles weakly. "Deer always seemed peaceful to me... to think that this ancient group are delving in dark magic. I wonder what they had hoped to do with the magic?"  

"Modern deer tends to be calm, friendly sorts, who might be tentative around others, but are as friendly as most aloof ponies, at worst.

Then sadly, are the tribal traditionalists. Highly isolated, does not tolerate outsiders, and generally are best left as alone, as they wish to be. It is hard to say what happens with those, as they are rarely tolerant of outsiders of any kind - including modern deer, who have been out in the world - but I would not be surprised if certain dark practices have been practices by at least some tribes. Especially in the olden days, when it were less well known, the amount of incredible price those things often took. I highly doubt even their most traditional tribes would care much about what we're seeing here, beyond wanting it destroyed. Which may have been what happened here? It is hard to say. The scorching seems rather old."

They'd soon enough be able to find themselves at the bottom of the trip down, yet for now, there were still more to traverse, as it seemed they were headed rather far down rigt now. How deep did this thing go?

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

 

@Windy Breeze

"Sadly, once somepony's been missing for a while, you'll have to assume the worst. The odds that they're still alive at that point is slimming down more and more, to a point where it almost never happens. Still doesn't mean it isn't sad to find that somepony have died. No matter the race. I'm sorry you had to experience this a second time, Cimex."

The attack on Canterlot were quite a sore spot for both sides, far as Sorrow were aware.

For some ponies, it represented the exact reason why they should invite these predators to live in their society, but hunt them all down, before they did so to them. Others were less extreme, but the attack had sown a great deal of mistrust, that were going to take a lot of time to get over. And for some, there were nothing any changeling could do or say, that would suddenly make it all okay again. Those were often found among those who had lost loved ones, due to the attack. Either by them getting downed in the attack itself, or dragged off to who knew where?

Far as she knew though, the changelings broadly speaking, were not fond of it either. It were a huge gamble, by an overambitious hive, and when it failed, they had been forced into the spotlight. No more were changelings just this thing that you warned your foals about, so they wouldn't wander off on their own, and getting themselves turned into dinner for the horrible, holed equines. They were there, and they were real. Which meant that it became a lot harder for their kind to hide, and blend in properly. There were suddenly detectors and wards, along with standing orders to arrest any of them found. From the scouts, to those who were actually just trying to live in pony society, it messed up everything.

Twilight had opened a path forward for them, but it were still a tense subject, since it either led some of them to think of worse times, when they had taken part in it, or they were ripped away from their chance at a cozy life, and were now having to rebuild entirely from scratch.

Frankly, it had been a bad idea, where no side had really gotten out of it feeling like winners. Worse for the changelings though, of course.

"And just for the record, I am not judging you for having taken part in the attack on Canterlot. I've heard from others who met former members of Chrysalis' hive before, and it sounds like you were all more or less just following orders from your leader. The fault is with her, not any of you. And I'm sorry for any member you might have lost that day."

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

 

@Califorum

On 2021-03-18 at 4:12 AM, Magnolia said:

"Well the good thing is...we are no longer alone. No need to be sorry, good friend...hopefully we won't have to cry anymore in the future but...just be prepared for what might lie within that folder you have there. You should read it when you are...stable." Magnolia spoke somewhat wisely. They say practice what you preach, and Magnolia certainly didn't. Still, she hoped her words had meaning. Perhaps they did, she would hope.

It really were great how fine Magnolia's coat were. Zeehva considered herself well groomed, and especially for one who were wandering the wilds as much as she did, but her coat were usually on the finer side of normal. This were like stroking a fluffy alpaca down the back. It were far superior of a feel to her own, that was for certain.

"There will always be more tears, but let's try and space it out. Uhm... Or something that sounded wiser. I can't really think of anything right now, beyond how soft you are. You have an amazing coat quality, Magnolia."

She did bite note in what were going on beyond them, but didn't speak of it yet, before the embrace had to end. Which she were somewhat reluctant to do, but it had to be done. She couldn't just stand here on Gretha back, and stroke Magnolia like some sort of pet all day. Regardless of how nice of a thought it seemed to be.

So after she had let go, Zeehva would dry her eyes a little more with her sleeve. Mostly out of habit, as there were not much wetness left in her puffy eyes. A state which really made the scars around her eye sockets stand out more, which showed in a few more details, how dangerous her wounds had been back in the day, after the incident that had her home crash down on her.

On 2021-03-18 at 4:12 AM, Magnolia said:

"Acknowledged. How did you get involved with Deltrot? I wonder what there is to do there...It's a big city with lots of things to possibly do."

"I stumbled on it some years past, on one of my flights, and saw they needed a little help. I didn't see the harm in doing so, and I've had good talks with some of the workers since then. After my little tussle with Ember, I just went here on a more permanent basis, for the time being. They like the help, and I enjoy the fresh breeze in the harbor. Other dragons have come to the area over time too, and sometimes, I'm going there to help them. Can't leave my own kin in the midst of a bad situation."

"It's good how helpful you are, Gretha. But can I ask, who - or what - were that you were talking to before?"

"That would be Fright. She's a draconequus, that lives in these woods. I will admit, her living here were part of why I went here too. I've known her for millennia, so it's nice to be near her for a time. And don't be afraid of her, little ones. She have long since stopped horrifying others for her own amusement, and now helps those who needs peace of mind."

"You uhm... Have some interesting friends."

The dragon seemed amused by this, as they flew on. They were now about 2/3's of the way to Deltrot, with the city starting to really shine in the horizon.

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

 

@Silicon Chimera

Poison Joke? A special plant, yet not one that he feared for certain. In fact, he'd pull forth the small bag of seeds he had been wandering with as they met, and rattled them a little in their containment.

"Seeds of Poison Joke in bloom, harvested under a crescent moon. A potent plant of chaos and trickery, yet one when used right, will result in harmony. One day perhaps, I can show you one such recipe?

For now our travels to to forest goes. Through hardships and wonder, and many woes. Hehe. Or rather a simple stroll, as I doubt treachery are part of this travel, or goal."

With that, he'd start to make his way out, and towards the forest at a calm pace. Wouldn't want to wake up his sleeping, purring passenger after all.

Their little group got a few curious looks, but nothing major, so hopefully Chimera wouldn't feel like she were being ogled or something, for what she were. Which in fairness, seemed subtle. Orchid hadn't really bitten note in it at first, and he considered himself rather keen on studying things closely, and noting things of interest.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

Silica would smile as she listened, she was W bit wary of Orchid at first, but over the short time they've known each other for, she had begun to like him more and more. "Well I certainly hope that there won't be any danger going to Zecora's, imagine if I turned up with seams undone, I am sure there would be questions"

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“I recall you mentioning necromancy when we met earlier and the… unfortunate implications that came with it.”

“Sounds like he cared a lot if he was willing to resort to that. I wouldn’t know if I could make the same choice in his place."

Lin looked to her brother in that moment, taking in his response. She still remembers the day they were reunited. As happy as Sen was, there was a more than a hint of disappointment in him when he learned of her dabbling in forbidden tomes and dark magic. She knows it got her into a messy situation, and was fortunate that her harrowing road to recovery actually turned out for the better.

Somehow, her brother’s remark felt like a light sting. She understood his caution with dangerous magic, but to her, using that may be worth the risk if it were channeled properly for a good purpose. She may have nearly lost her life trying to harness Malvernis’s dark magic, but she accepted Sen’s disappointment because she was careless. Perhaps it would’ve gone better if she took more precautions, things would’ve been different. Thankfully, Banshee and Sen moved the conversation to another topic. Lin didn’t want to think on the subject any more than she needed. 

“We enjoyed spending our time here. It’s great just having fun and experiencing a lot of what the carnival has to offer!”

“Seeing a longma in clown makeup is pretty weird, and funny. Sen lost a bet, and he had to honor the agreement. It was rather heartwarming that some young ponies approached him, thinking he was a clown. Here, we’ve got pictures!”

Sen had a mortified look on his face, embarrassed but resigned to just let Banshee see the photo. To be fair, it was really just some fillies and colts lining up and taking turns honking the gag nose. Even Sen looked like he was enjoying it, crouching down and obliging the young ones’ request. Lin was having a good laugh as she showed Banshee some pictures.

“You do have a point about seeing a lot of weird things, though. See enough of it, and it starts becoming normal. But what about someone whose current body isn’t their original body? What you see here is actually my third. Since you’ve seen and heard a lot of weirdness, does that count as weirder than usual for a visitor?”

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@EQ_Theta

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I recall you mentioning necromancy when we met earlier and the… unfortunate implications that came with it.”

“Sounds like he cared a lot if he was willing to resort to that. I wouldn’t know if I could make the same choice in his place."

"Necromancy has a lot of stigma for a reason. It's dark art, that more often than not, causes horrendous things. In our family, it's extra touchy, since we're focused on respecting the dead, and necromancy often just use them as tools.

But like with everything else, there are ways to use it well, and Soul had been working towards proving that he knew that, before the accident happened. He didn't have a choice but to break in and steal the knowledge then. Not beyond letting us die, and he'd never do that. I'm just hoping that when grandmother next sees him, he'll be able to prove to her that he have made a good, healthy use out of what he gained."

"I can't say for sure how ethical it is, but he have been an efficient worker for the general of the Night Guard, and a true pain in the flank to deal with, for most of those in my former circle of colleagues. It isn't my place to judge, but you can take that for what it is worth."

Rosa frankly didn't like him, but eh. These two clearly had history, so he'd abstain from making comments that might show that personal bias, when it came to this. banshee seemed like a nice pony, so he saw no reason to berate their close cousin currently. Especially since it wasn't as if the things he knew, included horrible, inequine acts. More like he were a royal pain in the flank, due to how effective at his work he were, and were not well liked where Rosa came from, due to having stopped some otherwise well planned out infiltration attempts.

10 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“We enjoyed spending our time here. It’s great just having fun and experiencing a lot of what the carnival has to offer!”

“Seeing a longma in clown makeup is pretty weird, and funny. Sen lost a bet, and he had to honor the agreement. It was rather heartwarming that some young ponies approached him, thinking he was a clown. Here, we’ve got pictures!”

Sen had a mortified look on his face, embarrassed but resigned to just let Banshee see the photo. To be fair, it was really just some fillies and colts lining up and taking turns honking the gag nose. Even Sen looked like he was enjoying it, crouching down and obliging the young ones’ request. Lin was having a good laugh as she showed Banshee some pictures.

Were Banshee the sort of pony who'd revel in Sen's embarrassment?

...Yes, yes they were, and they gladly went over to look at every picture in detail, and had a good giggle at what they were seeing.

"Awh. Well ain't that the most special little clown you've ever seen?"

She's ask Soul to come over, but he were focused over near Abacus, where very weirdly, it seemed like he were socializing? It appeared that Abacus had nudged him closer to Shrimp, where he had then slowly risen a hoof towards the odd little noddle dragon. His eyes were tentatively on that, yet also to some extend on Omen, whom he seemed to expect would do something, but didn't. She just observed him, with that curious, unblinking gaze that were almost constantly gleaming in her pale eyes.

When he hoof came up enough, Shrimp would sniff it a little, then look up at Abacus, who chirped something his way. And after that, Shrimp would start to rub himself against Soul's hoof, and allowed himself to be pet. Not a single word came from either Omen, nor Soul, but it seemed like they were doing something alright there, and Banshee didn't want to ruin that by bringing him over here. She knew how bad he were at socializing.

"It's nice to see that the younglings seemed to like you in that outfit, even if it wasn't complete. You'd still need a striped, floppy shoes, and a silly outfit, but you got the most important part down it looks like: Entertaining the foals. Pretty sure they're going to be remembering you with a smile for a long time, Sen. A pity you already washed it off again."

The picture of him getting his nose honked for the first time, really were the best of the bunch they'd say. There were a certain degree of not knowing what to expect that seemed to be on his face then. Or maybe they were just imagining it? Either way, it were delightful.

10 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“You do have a point about seeing a lot of weird things, though. See enough of it, and it starts becoming normal. But what about someone whose current body isn’t their original body? What you see here is actually my third. Since you’ve seen and heard a lot of weirdness, does that count as weirder than usual for a visitor?”

Banshee raised an eyebrow in surprise, but would soon ease up, and shrug their shoulders.

"It's weird, but hard for us to judge, seeing as we're two bodies in one. Can I see the one with Sen looking like he were surprised at the picture being taken, one more time? It was lovely."

"Wait, two in one?"

"We told you, there were an accident. We used to be near identical twins. Banshee the filly, and Spooky Boo to colt. We were always so close when we grew up, you know? Having fun with Abacus and the other animals, and working on their harnesses between school work. It was a great time, full of happiness. Until the malignant spirit came by ,and possessed somepony who got to us really, really badly. They could barely keep us together when they got hold of us again. Too many parts missing, or badly damaged. We wouldn't have made it more than a day or two more.

Soul didn't want to see us go, so he broke the rules, knocked out the guards, and brought the tools and forbidden tomes to us. All to give us a chance, that grandmother wouldn't have offered us.

Apart, we'd never survive. but there were enough parts for the whole, if you were able to do the grizzly, horrifying work, and Soul is very determined, when he believes in something.

It is a risky thing, giving that little space to two souls, but us? We didn't mind. We were already so close. So we adapted. Focused on how we were still still alive instead of struggling against each other. And just look at us now. We are going to be together forever. How couldn't we be happy about that?

There's still many scars, and they heal slowly, with what were done, but it's almost done now. Soon enough, nopony can tell we were ever apart.

How did your body get through what happened to you, Lin? Repairing a body is one thing, but it sounds like you have switched out your old shells instead? Are you a body snatcher?"

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

 

@Silicon Chimera

"Zecora is a powerful seer, so worry not if that happens when we go there. She will be standing with needle and thread, as her sight mostly puts her ahead. It is what I know of at least, from the tales spoken during a feast. Tales of the seer who left home with purpose in mind, though where she went, all I knew were unaware, and blind. This place must be important to have her settle, and it sounds as if this town have already felt her meddle. Perhaps not in ways they understand, as one like her always have the upper hand."

Technically it should have been hoof he said, but it were a cultural thing, to keep things rhyming, if possible. Hence, he'd follow tradition, and just be a little creative with this. Hardly a big issue, in his opinion.

Their trip to the forest were calm and seemed to go without a hitch, though as they neared the edge, they'd be able to hear howling from deeper inside the woods. Just the usual, not so friendly reminder, that there were predators lurking out there.

"Worry not of them, we will perservere my friend. If something does happen though, I have a few potions to throw."

He'd pat his saddleback, and keep wandering into the forest. He felt fairly sure they could deal with a few of these creatures, frankly. He wouldn't be much of a traversing scholar if it didn't take more than that at least.

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

 

@Califorum

On 2021-03-20 at 4:09 AM, Magnolia said:

"When I shift form, my mane and tail are automatically cleaned since any dust or dirt...just falls right off. I haven't had to bathe like this, really. My fur and coat never gets dirty or smells. Since when I change form, it just goes right off." she did some sort of pose to emphasize that and appreciated Zeehva's comments with a small thank you.

"Really? That's an amazing side effect. Imagine if you could do apply that to others, but without the shifting part. You would probably be the most highly sought after beauty specialist in the known world. It would be intensely valuable to have that for even a short while, and get a good, deep cleanse of your coat, mane and tail. Maybe this is something we should try and work with someday? It could be a good way to show others that you are there, and that you're a good pony to know. Of course not just because of this, but it'd be a good start, right?"

It might not be the route she had started to want, but this could be a good way for her friends to get noticed, and integrated well into a wider society, as well as make a tremendously good living from selling these services to others who might really need this sort of thing for a time. Models being obvious ones, but vanity were a thing in many places, and for many reasons.

On 2021-03-20 at 4:09 AM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia looks at the gleaming skyline of Deltrot coming up. It was really interesting to see. All of those high rise buildings. "Fright? Let me guess, she is the Spirit of Fear or something of that nature? Interesting friends in need...you refer to a millennia as a time. I guess that shows how much you have seen...do you remember Nightmare Moon?" Magnolia asked, Nightmare Moon was someone deep down...Magnolia felt and understood. 

"She used to be, yes. Centuries upon centuries ago though, she met someone who helped her see there was another way, than scaring the daylight out of other creatures. One with more purpose and drive.

She were never a bad creature, but you know draconequui. They follow their nature. This one showing her she could do that, but be kinder, changed her life. Made her into a self proclaimed spirit of meditation. She is actually well liked, and very stable, for one of their kind. Even if you ponies might still think she looks horrifying. I asked her why se didn't change her form before, but she says that it is important to be open and honest for her, so she won't hide whom she is. I can respect that, as I have respected her through fear and back.

And Nightmare Moon... I never met her myself, but I heard the stories. She weren't around for long before getting sent to the moon though, so not much impact she had on things. And when she came back, I were busy elsewhere, for the brief stint that took. It's good that they managed to get her back to becoming your dream princess again. Such a nice young lady that one.

Where you here when she returned? Nightmare Moon, that is. I heard she were quite a sight to behold."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Blitz Boom

Silica would nod softly "That us true, from what I have heard, Zecora is something of a legend' she'd say, trotting alongside him, wincing at the howls of the timber wolves, glancing over to Bellarouse to see if she was ok.

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby said something to Charir, and based on it being only few words combined with Charir's body language, it could be assumed to be something along the lines of 'stay close'.
"Let's go." she then said before continuing with the previous topic as they went "You are correct that it does not change anything between me and my mother, her actions have still happened, and I don't see why I should look past them for any reason." "It also may be that she is not aware of it herself, since I don't find it unlikely that they can disguise themselves as one of us with enough perfection to fool us." "My only wonder is why her from all dragons, certainly there was stronger and all the way better options out there, yet she has been the one at least twice now." she didn't believe it was a coincidence, because in her eyes, regardless of if it was an actual elder or a direct relative, it was unlikely that they would just randomly go around spreading their bloodline among a species like hers instead of picking and choosing.

For Leviathan's suggestion of illusion and pocket dimensions Ruby just nodded since she didn't have anything to comment regarding it, after all, she had expressed already her believe that if the elders are around, they are most likely hiding, and with that came the possibility of dimensional magic, since a dragon that age would be huge assuming their growth never stopped like was the case for Ruby's kind, and the homelands wasn't a big enough place to hide many dragons that size without some kind of magical shenanigans.

Leviathan's tail shake went seemingly ignored by Ruby like her head burying had, but Charir observed the situation curiously, though he wasn't judging her in any way, hay, he didn't even know what a dog was, he just figured it was either a cramp of some sort, or something that this species of dragons just did. 

Charir would stay close to the two older dragons the hole time, walking between them as much as he could, still preferring to be bit closer to Leviathan rather than Ruby, regardless of Ruby's new look, his part of the whole act was pretty easy, just be yourself and don't cause trouble, because he acted very much like a hatchling would in that situation anyway, since he was one. 

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

Scarecrow shrugged at the question of his skulls indestructibility, he only knew that certain spells and a rock many times bigger than him wasn't enough to damage it, that didn't necessary mean total indestructibility, only that destroying it would take lot more than a skull normally would. But because he didn't know what was true regarding that, he didn't comment either way.

"If I'm a deity, I'm doing quite a bad job." he said sounding almost amused, though there was no real joy in that amusement "I have no powers, I don't know my own purpose, most living beings either run away or want to destroy me...." "Whatever that black growth is, it isn't spreading outside my body, so I'm not even a threat to anything until I decide so." "But ultimately I can't refute your suggestion, I don't know what I am, I only know I haven't always been this, but I also don't know for sure what or when I was." 

"And  travel is no trouble, though it may have to wait for some time, as I don't feel it would be a good idea for me to travel among the living before I master my disguise, mostly because I don't wish to cause unnecessary distress to anyone." it would also get old very quick if there would be trouble constantly with guards or any other creatures that may want to deal with a monster, he was a patient being, but even he got tired of things. 

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

There was lot of things the siblings wanted to say, so they addressed the things in order, even though it caused the conversation to break apart a bit. 

"Few generations ago you wouldn't have been far from the truth, our kind was very popular as slaves, because while we are small, we are known to be very industrious and we can do more with less food and rest." "But now machines have replaced slaves in most things, as they do more faster and need no rest or food, though it was never outlawed" "That doesn't mean it's great, the comment about ending up as your slave was not a joke." not being owned by someone didn't mean you were necessarily free

"And yes, our education may be lacking from your point of view, but our parents and others from our community taught us exactly what we needed to know, we never saw the history we were taught as a correct one, it was just something you needed to know, in fact, the official story had false information about our species too, so it was very clear there was some....rewording of things." "And no mind tricks, I rather read for rest of my life tha...just no." There was strong emotion behind Sheska's declaration before she forced herself to calm down as she cut her words short, Trox looked momentarily worried before he continued to get attention away from that "While it is true that our knowledge of many things is limited, comparing your Nightmare Moon to ours is not necessarily the correct way to look at things, because while I won't claim her to be perfect, everyone knows that's not true, she didn't get defeated, that already makes them different." "And as Sheska said, we rather read the information ourselves, and don't worry, you don't need to tell us to be critical of written history, you don't become a rebel by trusting your rulers." he was interested in getting to read some of this places history just to compare it to theirs.

"Lastly, we have no reason to ask the guard about these elements, it matter to us none if they exist or not, the point mainly was that regardless of how much we dislike him, from us three he knows the most, we are mere civilians in that regard, even if we know bit more than the average civilian." 

 

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Banshee, please don’t give my sister ideas. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Sen was playing along, if only because he didn’t want to come off as a spoilsport. Then again, him asking Banshee not to give Lin anymore clown imagery probably didn’t help. Lin could only chuckle and playfully stick her tongue out to tell her brother that she already has some ideas. Nothing might come of it, but she’d likely want to keep him in suspense. 

But as the conversation then moved along to the more… macabre topic, knowing just who Banshee is, or was, really turned the mood more serious. The levity in Lin’s behavior just dissipated, even more so the more she listened to Banshee’s history and what really went on. A difficult topic, but something about it just clicked with her. 

“That’s quite a story, Banshee. Really, I didn’t think it was going to turn out like that.”

“As for your question, no I’m not a body snatcher. I don’t even have that kind of power. My first one was destroyed when I tried messing with forbidden magic. At first, I thought the process could be undone, but I was stuck as an ethereal being in the Everfree Forest until Sen found me.”

“The second body is, well… actually standing right here with us. It’s my brother’s. For a while, we shared the same body, but unlike stitching two bodies and souls together into single form, Sen and I would take turns. One consciousness is suppressed, while the other is active. I guess you can say Sen and I have some idea of what it’s like to share a body.”

“My current one has seen the most wear and tear. We got some help from Omen’s mother, separating us, and she gave me a new body. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t last unless something powerful were to purge the remnants of the forbidden magic from me. I can’t get into details of that place because parts of my memory were wiped. Let’s just say that what you see right now is what came out of that place: a hybrid.”

Lin would twirl in place, showing how things changed from her old self to what she is now. She even flared up her smoke-like webbing, causing her to appear larger than normal. Frankly, it has been a long time since she last did that, barely even remember the last time she tried it. Even if she was relieved at how things turned out, there was a hint of regret on her face, knowing that this could’ve been avoided, at least to some degree. 

[Rising Dusk 27,712]

@Blitz Boom

Waiting patiently was not something the Mare of the Manor was all that accustom to, but guest of this caliber were rare.  As soon as the reply came from behind the cabin door, the wooden barrier was enveloped in the rainbow aura glow of the hostess' magic and thrown open.  "GOOD MORRRRRRRNING!" the mare sang her greeting as she sprang through the doorway with hoof raised in a far too bright and chipper mood.  Through the cabin windows the Sun rose over the tree tops and birds landed on the window seal to sing another with her to emphasis her point.  The Setting Dawn standing before the Witch of the Wilds was not the one she met the night before.  Save for the overnight remnants left over from the curls in her stylized mane, the sister of the Savor could be described as dressed down.  No makeup adorned her face, her jewelry no longer present and the polish of her hoofs had gone.  She wore a simple brown jacket and a violet string woven bracelet on her raised hoof.

"I hope you found your accommodations to your liking," Dawn smiled and skipped away from the doorway to join the witch where she watched intently at the bauble Dawn had seen them with yesterday.  The rainbow ripples were gone from her steps now along with that grace and glow she radiated previously.  Waving her hoof toward the window to dismiss the birds that had joined her good morning chorus.  The quickly complied and disappeared into the visage of the forest outside the cabin's window.  "Would you care for any breakfast before we begin our day?" Dawn inquired while dropping down to sit with Lily while she played with her bauble.