open Casual stroll

[Props Valroa 22,745]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Cali awkwardly payed up and sat down where she was told to. She did tip the mare somewhat but seemed to be unamused by her...professional character. She sat away from all the others here and waiting for Light, and Molotov to arrive. She was hungry, and really wanted to eat. If there were any ponies here she would call them over to sit at the table and offer them weird trinkets and stuff of that nature. "Ah...I'm kinda thirsty..." she would say and from a red portal she'd pull out a bottle of Bleach. Due to her atomic manipulation and shapeshifting ability, she could do this with no ill effects...she screws the cap off and proceeded to glug down some bleach. "Mhm yeah, thats the stuff." the room started to smell like bleach. She drank down the entire bottle, before then she started to eat the bottle. Although she sprayed some lemon scented air freshner to stop the bleach smell from getting too strong. By the time the ponies would get her food, she would be chomping on the plastic bleach bottle.

[AuroraGlimmer 3,287]

@Blitz Boom

Silica would smile, licking her muzzle at the sound of the stew "That certainly does sound amazing" she;d say to the barista before looking to Orchid and Bellarouge "The kitty sure is well behaved, and friendly too" she'd say, giving the kitty a pet with her hoof before nodding to Orchid and following him to the table "sure, nothing like a freshly cleaned table" she'd say, sitting down. "So, you're a...botanist then?" she would ask Orchid.

[Fuchsia]

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

23 hours ago, abrony-mouse said:

"Thanks Billowing, if we survive this place then I'd love to see your place... and then if you fancied we could go on to Tall Tale."

"Sounds like a plan. And I rarely stay home for long periods of time. There is always something calling out in the great, grand world. Mostly I'm home when I have need of a rest, or in case of family celebration, or issues with them, or my health. For the majority of time, my home is handled by a caretaker I hired, and my cousin Rose. She does wonders with the garden work, and I provide them both with pay and lodging for their work, of course. It's a spacious place, so you needn't worry about a lack of space for us all to gather."It were a mansion, with around a dozen rooms, a large kitchen, several bathrooms, living rooms, a foyer, and so on. He did not really need that much space, but he had grown up in a small, cramped house, with a tightly knit family. When he got his fortune, he wanted someplace with space, for when he'd eventually settle down, and start his own family. He had thought recently that he had found the mare he'd finally settle down with, but... *sigh* Now were not the time to think of his broken heart. There were adventuring to do.

Fuchsia smiles at Billowing's acquiescence, curious to see the place the adventurer calls home. She notices BIllowing lapse into thought as he thinks of home - reminiscent of a moment earlier. She stores the moment away, wondering about its significance.  

Quote

 

23 hours ago, abrony-mouse said:

"Do deer have leaders like the Princesses? Could this be a place built by a deer princess?"

 

"They do not have a singular, overall leader like a princess. They live primarily in tribes, and amongst those, are leaders of said tribes. The largest tribe, have the leader with the most influence, back in their more ancient, secluded forest towns. Though enough pressure from other tribes, can overrule their decree, if I understand things correctly. I have yet to see that capitol of theirs, but one day perhaps, I will have earned their favor enough to have a tour of that place.As for this place... They worship primarily their ancestors, if anything. This may have been build in honor of a leader of great importance to them."

Fuchsia listens with interest to the deer lore, which reminded her rather of the way the buffalo lived. If her thoughts had not had to flit towards danger she would have loved to pick up on this - why would a tribal society who worshipped their ancestors have built a temple? And why in this jungly forest. Perhaps this area was once an important place to the deer?

Quote

 

23 hours ago, abrony-mouse said:

"You ok Billowing?" she whispers in the gloom. "You don't think the snake things might have heard..." she trails off as fur prickles with dread - her perked ears detect a distant noise, a faint rustling and hissing from back up the way they came.

"Quick!" she whispers, grabbing Billowing by his hoof and, if he is willing, hurrying down the passageway through the broken rock, her magical wind-chimes clutched in her mouth.

 

"I'm... I'm fine. Just took more effort than *pant* I anticipated."

The sound of the snake were not comforting to hear right after saying that. Nor that it were some way from them, yet made such a loud hissing? It were not the one he had seen last. This one were likely bigger. Much, much bigger, potentially. It were hard to tell with how sound could be in places like this, but best to be cautious.

He'd wince as he were grabbed, and more or less forced to come along, but he'd bite it in him, and stagger with Fuchsia into the darkness. Hopefully they wouldn't face something horrendous down here.

As they wandered, something would stir again further down. An energy that seemed to pulsate, as the two ponies wandered further than the stone, and made their way into the depths of the temple. What might it be? There were no saying, unless they lived to make it down there, and see for themselves.

As they staggered downwards, the hissing sound grew behind them. Fuchsia's large pony eyes flicked back and she barely suppresses a scream as the source of the hissing becomes apparent - the yellow eyes of numerous snake-monsters flash yellow in the gloomy light of her bauble. They are still a way off but are gaining on her. She has to resist the urge to gallop madly away with fear.. it takes all of her self-control, built up over many adventures, not to go with her instinct. Instead she keeps a hold of Billowing's hoof and canters down into the depths, trying to think what to do to scare them away.

She gets a thought - her hoof goes to her saddlebag for another weapon - something she had actually had with her for years since visiting the alchemists in the Tall Tale coast - a vial of firey oil that explodes when it shatters, creating a mini ball of fire in the vicinity, but it is a dangerous measure in a dry enclosed space like this. She will release it as a last resort if they come close. 

"Thmm oo mmmm! (There's too many)." she squeaks through the dream catcher in her mouth as they plunge downwards into the gloom.

She is too focused on potential traps and the pursuing snake-things to register the pulse, but right now she would take any amount of strange pulsing over the poisonous death behind them D:

[Stygian]

"So this is it."

The unicorn stepped off the train and into Ponyville for the first time.

Stygian had a rough past year or two. It was around that time that he was desiring darkness to consume the world after a thousand year displacement, only to have his life turned around by those he had just declared to destroy, and these six or seven new ponies too, not the least of which was the purple alicorn, Twilight Sparkle. Reconciling with his friends he once vowed to eradicate with darkness was one of the biggest healing moments of his life. Nay, THE biggest.
Looking back at what he wanted, he couldn't help but feel this unavoidable guilt.
...But that was only SORT OF him, right? That wasn't ALL his true desire, was it? Surely the whole "bonding with shadow" thing had something to do with his decisions, too... but it doesn't matter, that was all in the past.
Regardless, his experiences provided plenty of content for books he wrote about himself, which became hot sellers. And since Twilight became the ruler of Equestria, he and his strategic thinking have helped inform the occassional decisions she's had to make. All and all, he was doing better than he ever had.

But he really just had a curiosity to absorb regular life, too, that wasn't just Canterlot. Something... smaller.

This weekend seemed to be the perfect time. No weather was scheduled, he had nothing to do, so he thought he would finally see Ponyville. He had stayed primarily in Canterlot, but was often curious about the town just out of view from there.

It was almost like his village of years ago, just more polished, and less... dirty. He honestly felt at home there.

The stores, the houses, the big school. the impossible-to-miss crystal castle... there was so much he could try first.

[EQ_Theta 329]

@Blitz Boom

“Not you too, Rosa! Balls are fine, maybe rocks, but I don’t know if I could devote time to practice juggling. Not when there’s a lot work to return to back home.”

“Come on, Sen! You’ve already got the clown paint. Go all in and embrace it! If Rosa will play a trumpet, I’ll join in as well. I won a flute earlier, and I’m itching for some practice.”

Sen was beginning to get exasperated by the teasing. He knew it was all for fun, but pushing it any further might just cause him to lose it. These were his friends, though, so he’d try to extend his patience as much as he could, but he could feel himself at his wit’s end. Even so, he’d do his best to laugh it up despite his growing irritation. 

Frankly, this was a somewhat nicer than all the gloom he’d experienced. It’s been a long time since he’d remember a moment quite like this, the fun and good-natured ribbing and teasing. It was probably a during training with a few of the young hunter recruits taking bets on who’d be the first to leave a scratch on the hunt master. That was a tough day of training, but the young ones had fun. 

“Okay! You win. If I can spare the time, I’ll try.”

By then, Sen’s attention was drawn to the elderly stallion in charge of the photo booth. Once it was their turn, Sen and Lin would be moving in to take their places, though Sen was the first to do so. Lin hung back for a bit, wondering how many copies they’d like. Rosa definitely wanted one, and the siblings could share among themselves. Omen’s new frame ought to have something to fill it… Seemed like a simple breakdown.

“Good evening,” Lin bowed and greeted the stallion. “Could we get four copies of our group's photo together?”

As for Sen, he gestured the others to join him by the backdrop. He could already see himself pulling Lin, Omen, and Rosa in for a group hug. But that thought was interrupted upon seeing the filly from earlier. Here’s hoping the pictures she took earlier weren’t too… unflattering. The longma was worried he might have looked awkward. 

“If there are no last-minute requests, I think we’re ready.” Lin would take her place among the group before Sen pulled everyone close. “Remember, everyone, big smiles!”

[Blitz Boom 3,916]

@Neoeryn

"There you are, child."

The cloud would stop as it encountered Calamity. As she reached out to touch it, the cloud too would reach gently towards her, but when she were stopped by another, the cloud retracted too.

"Children. You don't have anything to fear. I wouldn't harm this precious sliver of unrefined chaos. I only came to help."

The cloud would coalesce, and the lily pads spread out, before a form would emerge from the dissipating clouds.

Eight spindly, long legs would gently land on the lily pads. Each of them a different color, and leading into a dark-multicolored torso. Behind it, an abdomen, dangled, following the same pattern of darker rainbow colors that the torso did, with a marking on top. One that looked like a cackling, malnourished equine face, which if you looked on it, would move to look at you with its empty eyes. Sockets carrying a sense of malice, yet there were a circle of mint-green clouds dancing around and through it, which radiated the same calm that the cloud had before. It would mean that the more you looked, the more there would be both a duality of fear and peace that would go through you, though which one were noticed the most, would wary by how the viewer felt. If they were balanced, it would be neutrality, and the face would be smiling in their eyes.

As for the rest of the being, the torso would change from the thin, almost bone-like spider beneath, to a risen body of a mare, belly upwards. She'd be thin and much like the face, seeming malnourished, with visible ribs showing. Instead of front legs, she would have no arms or legs, but just free floating dark hands, with clawed, elongated fingers, which were currently gathered together, palm to palm.

Further up the dark-grey equine body, you'd find it ending in an equine head. Malnourished as the one on the back, with the skin seemingly just covering the skull. From her head sprang minty-green, long hair, which despite being clearly rather thin, still somehow managed to spring lusciously and long, and gathering in three formations to the back, and sides of her head. The formations being simple circles, looping perfectly. And within each of those circles, were a small, golden figure. One looking like an open maw, within a maw. Another like the head pictured on her abdomen. And the third of a hand, clutching a coin.

Her teeth were looking like they had been cleaned in mossy water, and as she opened her eyes, you'd find that there were little more than pure darkness, with a small, flickering yellow light deep within each of them.

The whole look of the essentially malnourished, gangly drov-like creature, should be inducing fear to those around her, and yet she radiated only peace and calm. Even in her eyes, one would find only kindness and warmth, though it didn't seem fitting of the creature, which had the height of an alicorn, and floated on the lily pads, a quarter meter above ground

Some other things seemed to be worn by her. Each leg had a golden ring near the *knee*, with three of them inscribed with a name each. *Avarice* *Consumption* and *Fright*. The rest seemed blank for now.

She also had small bowls floating near her, each filled with seeds, or water, which birds would soon land and enjoy merrily of.

There were also floating a somewhat large assortment of ornaments around her body, in varied patterns. They were all no bigger than half a bottlecap, yet several of them seemed to be too complex to have always been said size, and there were seemingly hundreds of them too.

Her eyes would seek Calamity's own, and with a smile on the nearly lipless, darkened face, she'd begin to speak. Which seemed to radiate from her, rather than being spoken with her mouth.

"It is good to meet you, child. I am Fright, though some of my students have come to call me Lily Pad."

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

 

@Califorum

On 2021-02-24 at 9:14 PM, Magnolia said:

"Suffice to say, we are rather lost. It is a long story. Where are we at?"

The dragoness weren't walking, as much as she were still laying down on her stomach, and even leaned down to better face the two ponies.

"A bold soul, I see. You do not fear dragons, but know what we are like, hmm? Heh. You need not worry about old Gretha, young one. My years of needing to challenge those smaller, are long past me.

As for where you are, you are in the middle of the Luna Majora Forest."

"L-Luna Majora? That's the wilderness some kilometers from Deltrot, right?"

The dragoness slowly nodded.

"Yes. A noisy place in my mind, but you ponies seem to like the constant sound of your towns. One should enjoy the calm serenity of nature sometimes. It's nice and peaceful. For me, anyway."

She'd let out a small chuckle. She did not boast, nor show the arrogance or challenging attitude you found with the general perception of dragons around Equestria. Yet she also didn't fear Magnolia. Whatever darkness resided in her eyes, did not rock this creature in any kind of way. She were not used to having much being a threat to her, and a small pony like this, who did not attack her yet? She did not see much to worry about. Besides, if she attempted a spell, it would not take long to crush the pony under her foot. She may be old, but that meant little for dragons, except for size.

"Do you need help getting back to your town, little ones?"

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

 

@Silicon Chimera

Bellarouge purred, as she were getting pet. Like many cats, she enjoyed the attention and affection, which made Silicon one of her favorite new beings she had met recently. Because she lingered, and gave more pets because of it. What wasn't to like there?

As they sat down at the table, and the mare asked Orchid her question, he didn't answer at first. He were brushing the seat first. A small habit that he had gotten over the years, due to less clean places than this. Seemed perfectly fine here though, which brought a smile to his face, and got him to sit with delight.

"A botanist indeed, aiming for no small feat. To find and study every plant that may be, and harvest samples and seeds, that may come home with me. To Zebrica they go, with my knowledge in tow, and in time we plant them, and harvest what may grow. Potent elixirs and enchantments you see, if what makes a zebra's heart, flutter with glee.

You seem like you travel, this I feel is the truth. What brings you to the worlds marvel? The curiosity of youth?"

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

 

@abrony-mouse

On 2021-02-25 at 1:08 AM, Fuchsia said:

As they staggered downwards, the hissing sound grew behind them. Fuchsia's large pony eyes flicked back and she barely suppresses a scream as the source of the hissing becomes apparent - the yellow eyes of numerous snake-monsters flash yellow in the gloomy light of her bauble. They are still a way off but are gaining on her. She has to resist the urge to gallop madly away with fear.. it takes all of her self-control, built up over many adventures, not to go with her instinct. Instead she keeps a hold of Billowing's hoof and canters down into the depths, trying to think what to do to scare them away.

She gets a thought - her hoof goes to her saddlebag for another weapon - something she had actually had with her for years since visiting the alchemists in the Tall Tale coast - a vial of firey oil that explodes when it shatters, creating a mini ball of fire in the vicinity, but it is a dangerous measure in a dry enclosed space like this. She will release it as a last resort if they come close. 

"Thmm oo mmmm! (There's too many)." she squeaks through the dream catcher in her mouth as they plunge downwards into the gloom.

She is too focused on potential traps and the pursuing snake-things to register the pulse, but right now she would take any amount of strange pulsing over the poisonous death behind them D:

Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes? Wouldn't a singular one have been enough? That he felt more comfortable with. One large monster, meant you knew where to keep your eyes. Several of them, spread around and aggressively wanting to bite down on you though, complicated things. There wouldn't be a safe angle for something like that. And worse yet, due to his weakened state after the stunt he pulled earlier, he were slowing them down, which meant that the snakes were gaining on them.

Mostly, he did not see their kind as being overly vindictive, so he had some doubt that this were revenge, for how he treated the last of them. Rather, he's assume this were simply aggression, and that it didn't matter who entered here. It only mattered that some did at all, and the two of them had wandered deep within their domain.

Fuchsia withdrew something which he assumed were a weapon of sorts, though didn't throw it. He assumed it were because it would cause some collateral damage, which may include themselves, yet it were a risk over a guaranteed end by snakes. Frankly sounded better, than being messily eaten and devoured.

He did not have anything that would clear the hall with him, as he did not think it wise to do so, and there were no side ways, so he couldn't distract them with smoke.

Looking around though, he did see something that he could use. An old school trap, usually put in place to punish those whose greed and arrogance made them go too far into the complex the builders wished to protect: A falling stone slab/wall, which would block off the path entirely. Something which were obviously there, as he saw some risen rocks, as well as a long hole in the ceiling, which would fit such a construction perfectly.

Taking a chance on this, he'd clench his teeth, and prepare to do something reckless.

"Brace for impact!"

With that, he'd throw himself and Fuchsia forward, whilst using his magic to press down on the risen stone. And as expected, there would come a rumbling from above, before not ten centimeters from where they had landed, a solid, thick piece of rock fell down, and slid almost perfectly in place, trapping them on one side, and the encroaching snakes on another.

"That was a close one. Fuchsia? Are you okay? I'm sorry for pushing you so, but it was imperative that they and us, were on separate sides of this wall.

I realize we are now trapped here of course, but fret not. We are seasoned adventurers. We will find a way out. Through that wall if we must, though I'm sure there will be a secret passageway somewhere. Olden complexes like this, tended to have a way out, in case of them accidentally setting of a trap, and getting stuck themselves."

A minor setback, but they'd get past it. Which were more than what could be said for the snakes, who'd be unlikely to get through a meter thick, solid stone wall.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-02-25 at 3:10 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Good evening,” Lin bowed and greeted the stallion. “Could we get four copies of our group's photo together?”

"Of course. One for each, I assume?"

"I have this."

Omen wandered forward, with the frame and note that said she had won a picture in this, held in her muzzle.

"Ah, so you're the second of the three, I see."

"The second of the three?"

"That booth have gone on for a long time, but there is always a pattern I find. Three beings every time, choose the frame and free picture as their price. A lovely griffon couple were in earlier to get theirs done, and now this psychic are the second."

Omen would tilt her head, and look cluelessly at Rosa for answers.

"What is a psychic?"

"It's a broad thing, but can include how you project your words into others heads, rather than speak them."

She nodded slowly, and would look back at the seemingly also confused elder stallion. Though he would eventually shrug, and just move past it. Always some odd balls at these things, and these were apparently among those sorts this time around.

On 2021-02-25 at 3:10 PM, EQ_Theta said:

As for Sen, he gestured the others to join him by the backdrop. He could already see himself pulling Lin, Omen, and Rosa in for a group hug. But that thought was interrupted upon seeing the filly from earlier. Here’s hoping the pictures she took earlier weren’t too… unflattering. The longma was worried he might have looked awkward. 

“If there are no last-minute requests, I think we’re ready.” Lin would take her place among the group before Sen pulled everyone close. “Remember, everyone, big smiles!”

Things would proceed after that though, with Sen leading them on to gather up, and prepare for the photo. He got slightly distracted by the young filly, but she hardly seemed to notice, and just went on to work on the roll of pictures she had just gotten handed by her grandpa.

The picture ready, and stage set, the picture would be taken, with Omen looking unblinkingly into the flash, and Shrimp... Acting really confused at the sudden light, which would mean that despite the four pictures being taken quickly after one another, he'd have four different angles, with his face confused every time. After the fourth though, he hid in Omen's mane, as he weren't sure what were going on here, and had gotten kinda spooked.

"Good, good. If you would please go to the waiting area, we should have your picture ready in around... Fifteen-twenty minutes, I think."

He'd direct them to an area were various creatures would be hanging out, doing small talk as they were waiting for their pictures to be finished. One of them - a young diamond dog with a chip in his right ear, that had a build somewhat like a dwarf from any typical fantasy - pointed at Sen with a meaty finger, and a grin on his face. There'd also be a female diamond dog there, about his age, that'd roll her eyes, and slap him on the back of the head for that. Might be she were smaller, but one glare from her told wonders of who were the one in charge of the two.

A couple of griffon females were instead fixated on Lin, and the strangeness of her outlook. Something which they thought might be a kind of costume. Not like the extravagant, feathery dresses they wore though, no no. A more down to earth, dark one, but nonetheless interesting to the pair, who just looked, whilst one of them absentmindedly plucked a loose down from the other one, and let it fall to the ground.

There'd also be one who'd look at Omen. A stallion, with a rather spaced out look, as if he were in kind of a daze. Though even through that, he looked as if the weird mare reminded him of someone, and he were wrecking his brain to find out who.

They could interact with any, or ignore them entirely, and just wait it out as a group. Completely up to them.

As for payment, Omen had handled that before they left the stand, when the elderly stallion had mentioned it. The delivery method were odd, but it'd give him a story for later, to share with others that worked the carnival. Omen and the others may well end up being a talking point of some interest by the vendors, carnies, and locals, in due time.

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

 

@Toastypk

"*gasp* New friend!"

Stygian would find himself suddenly engulfed by a force from above, that grabbed him in an instant, and dragged him in to itself.

IN other words, a rather fast pegasus had flown down from the skies, and were now giving him a big hug. A rather large mare, to be exact, as he were pressed against her chest, despite him standing up tall when she had grabbed him.

After she'd let go - resistance would make her relinquish her grasp - she'd bounce a step back, and look down on the stallion with a happy smile on her face.

It was an odd one for many, but with Pinkie being the way she were, Ziggy had blended in well locally over the last several weeks, and rarely got any odd stares anymore, regardless of how she stood out.

For one, she were a pegasus, but with zebra stripes and traditional rings around her legs, albeit pink. She also wore frames with no glasses in, which just seemed weird in general for some. And it also didn't help her that she were a good head to head and a half taller that most ponies. She wasn't Celestia height, but it were roughly that of Luna. Not a regular thing, but some just grew large. Not a lot around here though, with Big Mac being just about their largest specimen.

"Heyah there. Im Doc Zinger, but most just calls me Ziggy. You looked like you could use a hug."

She'd like to say that she needed more reason than that to tackle somepony like that, but she really didn't. If somepony looked like they needed a hug, she'd swoop in from above, and make it happen. Sometimes she'd then take off right after, nd really confuse folks, but she didn't have a lot to do today, so she'd stick around for a bit at least.

"I haven't seen you in town before. Are you new? You better watch out if you are. Pinkie likes throwing welcome parties, and she'd just itching for another excuse, ehehe."

If she radiated more joy and happiness, she might actually explode into rainbows and kittens. Hopefully that wouldn't be too overwhelming for Stygian. Though on a plus note for him, it didn't seem like she had any idea who he were. Or if she did, she didn't care about the things that had happened with him, and The Darkness. Either way would potentially work in his favor, if he cared to make connections to new ponies in town.

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

 

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Califorum

 

On 2021-02-24 at 8:15 PM, Kujamih said:

"... You can be boring sometimes Molotov..."

 

"I know mate. Safety and procedure can be boring. But when it comes to science, you can't risk the lives of others, only your own. If you start using other folks as test subjects on something woefully untested, you're straying into the realm of madness. Now don't get me wrong, plenty of folks thinks that us Boom's are crazy, but there's limits. Like my wings here. I felt confident they were ready for a test, but I ain't gonna put some poor sap under the knife who doesn't know the full risks, just so that I can grab some credit."

On 2021-02-24 at 8:15 PM, Kujamih said:

" What's Cali up to now?"

"I dunno. She looks a bit miffed though. Lemme try and go talk to her, right after we order some chow. Ain't a point in being here, if you're not gonna eat, eh? And I'm seeing my favorite lass of the employees, right in front of me."

He'd give a grin to the mare who first noted when Blitz and Cali went in, and she gave him a somewhat forced smile.

"Helpful really. The usual for Blitz and I, thanks. Now you go order yours mate. I'll go see what's up with the lady."

On 2021-02-24 at 11:42 PM, Cali said:

"Ah...I'm kinda thirsty..." she would say and from a red portal she'd pull out a bottle of Bleach. Due to her atomic manipulation and shapeshifting ability, she could do this with no ill effects...she screws the cap off and proceeded to glug down some bleach. "Mhm yeah, thats the stuff."

She would've just about drunk the bottle when he showed up, and gotten quite a lot of horrified, and downright scared looks from other folks. Guess he had to try and clean the air then, no pun intended.

"It's alright folks. Just a trick she likes to play on folks. Nothing to worry about here. See? She's perfectly healthy."

It were hard to argue against that, even if she then started to chew on the plastic bottle. Best to just roll with it for most and keep some distance from the mare, just in case. Could be a draconequus in disguise, or really just some performer messing with them via illusions. It happened at times in larger towns like theirs, albeit rarely. And ewell, no pony could just drink bleach and live, so that at least told them that this were likely not what it seemed.

Molotov though, would sit down, and look at Cali with a cheeky little grin on his face.

"Why so glum, chum? Anything your ol' friend Molotov can sort out for ya?"

Edited February 27, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Magnolia]

@Blitz Boom

Magnolia would have raised an eyebrow at the old dragon's reply to her words, and Zeehva's. She stood there for a moment as if unsure what to say for a long while. She hadn't met a creature like this before and deep down she was a bit weirded out by her words. Although she did not seem hostile, thankfully. Magnolia took a step forward looking up at her. 
 

"I must ask though...I've never seen a dragon wear...socks and glasses of all things. I've just...never seen that. I guess you like socks or something? But that is not quite my place to ask, however I will say one thing. I have challenged many, I am one of the most powerful ponies to walk the face of this land. But my...friend here...showed me that I wasn't." she would say somewhat humbly and put a hoof on Zeehva's shoulder with a slight rub. 

"I've been to Deltrot a hand full of times. It's a busy place, yet it has...lots of interesting ponies with all different types of magic. It's rather...tasty I must say in one aspect but what are you doing in these parts? I've never really been out in these parts before. However yes, getting there will put us on track to...wherever we need to be. I'm not sure where we are going. But being there will help. My name is Magnolia, and my friend here is Zeehva." she spoke rather awkwardly if anything. She was not one to talk much previously. 

[Props Valroa 22,745]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Cali were almost finishing up with the bleach bottle once Molotov had came in. She looked at the other ponies in the room but didn't say anything. She swallows the plastic bottle and looks to Molotov as he asked the question. "Still waiting on food. So I just decided to drink bleach and eat plastic, as any sane person would. Want some kerosene?" she would ask pulling out a small can of kerosene but wasted no time. She gulped that down and the can too and then burped loudly. It smelled like kerosene/fuel oil around now. "I really can't help myself. Sometimes I can't stop....but I'm just so hungry for normal food...you know kerosene and bleach will hold me over but I want something actually, supposed to be edible. I ordered my food so, still waiting." 

[Kujamih 10,516]

At the counter light just replied to the cashier, " I'll just get what their havin." So he could quickly join up with them.

As he sits with the group, he could see Cali chuggin up kerosene.... Light some how knows that Cali is bored at this moment and instinctly put out his front left hoof revealed his claws and casted a whicker of flame to burn down the belched kerosene Cali is about to perform.

" Cali you know i hate that smell... Oh .. sorry different Cali.... Im starting to appreciate my dimension Cali now..."

[AuroraGlimmer 3,287]

@Blitz Boom

Silica would smile as she'd watch Orchid do his thing and then listen to him "That sounds really nice" she would say "I read in one of my creator's books, that botany is a science, as is alchemy" she'd smile at him "My creator was a scientist" she then thinks for a moment "I suppose...I'm just trying to find my place in this world"

[Fuchsia]

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes? Wouldn't a singular one have been enough? That he felt more comfortable with. One large monster, meant you knew where to keep your eyes. Several of them, spread around and aggressively wanting to bite down on you though, complicated things. There wouldn't be a safe angle for something like that. And worse yet, due to his weakened state after the stunt he pulled earlier, he were slowing them down, which meant that the snakes were gaining on them.

Mostly, he did not see their kind as being overly vindictive, so he had some doubt that this were revenge, for how he treated the last of them. Rather, he's assume this were simply aggression, and that it didn't matter who entered here. It only mattered that some did at all, and the two of them had wandered deep within their domain.

Fuchsia withdrew something which he assumed were a weapon of sorts, though didn't throw it. He assumed it were because it would cause some collateral damage, which may include themselves, yet it were a risk over a guaranteed end by snakes. Frankly sounded better, than being messily eaten and devoured.

He did not have anything that would clear the hall with him, as he did not think it wise to do so, and there were no side ways, so he couldn't distract them with smoke.

Looking around though, he did see something that he could use. An old school trap, usually put in place to punish those whose greed and arrogance made them go too far into the complex the builders wished to protect: A falling stone slab/wall, which would block off the path entirely. Something which were obviously there, as he saw some risen rocks, as well as a long hole in the ceiling, which would fit such a construction perfectly.

Taking a chance on this, he'd clench his teeth, and prepare to do something reckless.

"Brace for impact!"

With that, he'd throw himself and Fuchsia forward, whilst using his magic to press down on the risen stone. And as expected, there would come a rumbling from above, before not ten centimeters from where they had landed, a solid, thick piece of rock fell down, and slid almost perfectly in place, trapping them on one side, and the encroaching snakes on another.

"That was a close one. Fuchsia? Are you okay? I'm sorry for pushing you so, but it was imperative that they and us, were on separate sides of this wall.

I realize we are now trapped here of course, but fret not. We are seasoned adventurers. We will find a way out. Through that wall if we must, though I'm sure there will be a secret passageway somewhere. Olden complexes like this, tended to have a way out, in case of them accidentally setting of a trap, and getting stuck themselves."

A minor setback, but they'd get past it. Which were more than what could be said for the snakes, who'd be unlikely to get through a meter thick, solid stone wall.

Fuchsia wails as the stone falls into place behind her and she skids along the smooth dusty rocks of the temple before coming to a halt. As the stone crashes down behind them the hissing is abruptly cut off and an eerie silence descends.

Fuchsia whimpers in fear - she hated being trapped inside - but Billowing's words are encouraging and she thinks it is true -there will be a way out from here. At least they are safe from the snakes  "Thought we were gonnas..." she says and then giggles, a little hysterically before bursting into tears.

She will wave him off if he makes a move towards her, and she quickly shakes her head to clear it. "I',m ok. Let's find a way out or some way up where the walls are thinner." she manages a grim smile, determined to pull herself together and not think too much about being trapped. 

She raises a bauble to the walls to see how deep and thick they are and she taps them with a hoof. The sound and damp feel to the air suggest they are now underground. The light shows that the walls are painted here, as they were above. These painting similarly show deer kind but are less eroded. In the picture the deer are travelling into a forest, led by a might stag. The painting shows something behind the deer, but the painting is smudged - Billowing can barely make out the strangely sinister presence of a few creatures that looks vaguely cat-like that seem to be following or... hunting... the deer herd.

[Catpone Cerberus 22,934]

@Blitz Boom
"It's true that you couldn't sense me, but our kind shares a connection that goes beyond normal senses, that's why we don't bother trying to sneak on each other, we can feel each other's presence without sensing anything." Ruby explained "And yes, that was the plan, since I need to transform before there's risk of curious creatures being around." They also needed to go through the 'story' so that there wouldn't be contradictions if they ended up telling it while separate.

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

"I appreciate the support, but do not feel pressure to follow me if you have better things to do, this is my problem, and I don't want to force anyone else to deal with it." Scarecrow stated, mainly talking to Lyriel, since Crow was stuck with him so to speak "And the plans for the next hours, I promised I would hang around, so we shouldn't go too far from the farm, but other than that, I don't know, was there something you wanted to show me here? If not, I guess wandering and observing is it then." "Though it could be practical to use this moment to see how domesticated creatures react to me, this farm does have animals right?"

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

Sheska looked at her brother with questioning look when Onache mentioned the part about being a colorful monstrosity, to which he just nodded to indicate it was true what was said, Sheska had been out cold that whole time so this form was the only one she had seen from Onache. "You don't need to explain yourself to us, we have worked with plenty of worse creatures." "We are both heroes and terrorists depending on who you ask." "Though the honesty is appreciated, and if there's something you want to ask us, go ahead, it's only fair." "There's something I'm curious about though, you mentioned you don't like how you look, can't you change it? or does it take energy to keep up a different form?" 

 

[EQ_Theta 329]

@Blitz Boom

“Well… I didn’t expect the photo frames to be a common prize, but I guess that something some carnival visitors like.” 

Once they had their pictures taken, they siblings would go off to the side to where the other visitors are. There was some time to pass before getting their pictures, and the siblings would take this time to observe their surroundings. Sen wasn’t sensing danger, but he’d be a lot more alert than usual as he watched and looked on at the other creatures in their midst. Griffons, diamond dogs, other ponies… It felt like home again, if everyone else was fixated on the odd looks and the sudden changes in someone familiar. The longma siblings would try to look friendly for now, seeing how they seemed to be attracting attention.

Frankly, Lin would have an inkling on why this may be the case. Among longma, this would be about as normal as looks could get, but knowing just what comprises their physical appearance was enough to get her to a conclusion. Having pony and dragon parts on a single body? Someone must’ve been experimenting because there’s no way the two species could be genetically compatible. After some time, the odd looks were getting uncomfortable.

“This is starting to feel awkward… I understand getting the odd look here and there, but this is feels like having a hundred eyes looking at me.”

“Yeah. Kind of like you’re expected to do something, but you just freeze up and hope something draws your attention away from the thought.” The siblings found themselves thinking, or overthinking, this and finding themselves stumped. As much as they’ve been in a situation like this before, having it happen in an unfamiliar environment had them feel like they were reliving the earlier days of their exile.

“Omen, Rosa, I don’t suppose you have some advice for handling a situation where you’re being stared at? It’s a lot different than seeing it happen to someone else.”

"It's not something we noticed back then, what with us being more preoccupied with trying to survive." 

Edited February 27, 2021 by EQ_Theta

[Rising Dusk 22,982]

@Blitz Boom

Many Moons would be required to get a foreign pony acquainted enough with all the little details of everyday pony life in Equestria, let alone Manehattan.  Most ponies in Equestria itself weren't even prepared for the big city life.  "This we're riding in is a taxi.  It holds about six ponies," Gold Mane explained, pointing down at the taxi's floor.  Each seat, forward and back, was large enough to fix six full grown ponies easily.  Things only got complicated when larger creatures wanted to use the taxi service like that dragon they just saw.  Luckily most of them can fly on their own for longer distances.  "A train is much larger and can transport anywhere from fifty to a hundred ponies depending on how many cars are attached.  Think of them as a bunch of taxis tied together.  Powered by steam and magic that ride along tracks instead of roads," that was a little more difficult to explain.  "One of those things better seen than explained, darling," Cork interjected.  "The bottom line is getting around Equestria can be rather quick and convenient," she added with a bit of pride.

"The creatures in and around for most part for all their own reasons.  Over the last few Moons a lot has happened and many creatures started interacting again.  Not that we got along well with many, and even more had been forgotten.  It was a lot of hard work, but I think our land has become all the better for it," Gold Mane finished just as the taxi moved from its halted state at an intersection.  The closer and closer the trio got to downtown Manehattan, the larger and more extravagant the building became.  Older buildings rebuilt over and over to stand the test of time.

"Converting that much amount of gold into Bits would provide you a decent start at life here in Equestria.  After registering as a citizen of Equestria, you can stop by the employment office and they can get you started with some work too," Cork was rather excited about the prospect.  "Although," Gold Mane brought up while staring out the window, "Talking to The Captain might not be a bad idea.  Another magic sensor in the O.M.I. wouldn't hurt.  We can't always expect Rising to do all the work forever," she chuckled.  All the Unicorns in the O.M.I. had a degree of magic sense through some training but only enough to feel a presence of magic.  Rising and Grave were in a whole other league and having a second on board could be most helpful for whenever their expansion happened.  "That could be an option too, but we're getting ahead of ourselves.  One step at a time ladies."

[Widdershins 9,938]

@Catpone Cerberus

The Earth elemental glared down with smoldering magic eye-holes at the cathorse patient as if waiting.

 In the meantime, the sprite companion still thusly unnamed, chimed in. Who said this was wish-granting? I said it was magical, that's all i'm going on! Do I look like some kind of expert on this-

Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh!!!

A torrent of winds plummented down, buckling Cerberus's knees and flattening the poor, small, complaining sprite to the ground in a bustle of breezes every which way. Not altogether rare for wind to do as any pegasus could tell you, but the light, unharming but frequent blows felt like a dozen small hands frantically pummeling in search of something they were too small to grasp. It might have been just sharp gusts but they hit like an entire flock of pigeons flying into you and for as fast it was going it was all but hard to see the tiny pair of sharp, seething angry eyes fly past in the nearly invisible Air Elemental assaulting the group. Up until now, it had been up on that mountain top, the artifact serving as its heart. But of course, being air, it didn't have the ability to shield the Muffin McGuffin that was now currently buried in the other Elemental's chest.

 That rocky sentinel hadn't noticed the flurry as it stood there. As chunks started crumbling off it in a dirty shower of clumps from the now sudden wind, it grew to acknowledge in its burgeoning existence that its form needed to be sustained. And in an act of self-preservation... Rose both its hefty, yard-long arms of rock over Cerberus's head.

 Once rock decides to fall...

 

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

@Sekel

 "Well, If my Lady insists, then who am I to disobey an Order?" the rather sarcastic dragon replied following Dawn Streak to the door.

 "I am going to be With you, that doesn't mean that if I have to deal with ponies, that i'm going to be any civil about it than they are.     ...um, thank you for making a meal for me... by the way." Kaltrop ended his sentence in lower tones as he padded quietly after her.

 

[Blitz Boom 3,916]

@Catpone Cerberus

"Peculiar sense, but seems useful to have. Especially considering how *friendly* your branch of dragons are with one another. I'd say it were unlikely we'd run into more from there, but the last time I thought that, your little brother stumbled upon us, more or less. It may come in handy eventually.

Should we land then, and go over things? And is there anything specifically you need me to do, or say, that might help the process? I know Charir don't understand my words, but he seems to be getting used to some facial expressions. And maybe other positive signs too, though you understand him more than me. Both literally, and culturally. Whatever you say I need to do during this, I will."

That included giving them some privacy, in case Ruby needed that. She wouldn't like it, but whatever would make Charir feel the best during what were no doubt going to be a very confusing episode, she would. Though it might be she had to do absolutely nothing as well. Ruby were the one who had all the cards, and knowledge about this, so her judgement on the situation were what counted. She just hoped the younger dragoness wouldn't use it as an excuse to try and ditch her. Leviathan felt like they were building a good connection, but with what she knew of their kind, from Ruby herself, she may want to instinctively back away from that, as it were clashing too much with her world view, or something else. A silly fear maybe, but one that were certainly present.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2021-02-27 at 11:52 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I appreciate the support, but do not feel pressure to follow me if you have better things to do, this is my problem, and I don't want to force anyone else to deal with it."

"I just need to prepare things, and it will be fine. You are my friend after all, Scarecrow. And I do not intent to leave such a heavy task upon your shoulders, all by your lonesome."

Crow would shriek lowly at that comment, and puff up its chest. Something which made Lyriel smile, and bow her head towards it.

"I didn't mean to imply that you were not there too, Crow. I just mean that there is much on his shoulders, and he could use the help he could get to lift it. And two helping him with this task, is better than one, or none."

This the bird seemed to accept, and calmed down to neutral again.

On 2021-02-27 at 11:52 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"And the plans for the next hours, I promised I would hang around, so we shouldn't go too far from the farm, but other than that, I don't know, was there something you wanted to show me here? If not, I guess wandering and observing is it then." "Though it could be practical to use this moment to see how domesticated creatures react to me, this farm does have animals right?"

"Merely the splendor of the orchard itself, which you have already seen some of. If you wish to interact with their livestock, I say we should go and do so. Please follow me."

Lyriel had been there before, and though brief, her visit had included speaking with some of the farm animals, so she knew were they were. If they would welcome her, she had no doubt of, yet Crow and Scarecrow were another matter entirely, though it might not be due to what were beneath their exterior.

For example: once they reached closer to the farm, and they reached some houses wherein there were chickens, they would cluck and retreat to their homes, though she doubted that had much to do with Scarecrow. In fact, she could say so for certain.

"They were clucking about keeping the chicklets safe from the predator. What they react upon here, is Crow. A bird of pray, far as any would know."

He puffed up proudly from that. A little vain potentially, but one were allowed some pride.

And things seemed easier once they reached a few cows, who looked up, and came slowly wandering over to them. Mostly to moo at Lyriel, who'd pat them gently, and explain something to them in the whispering, wind-through-grass sort of tone she had other times in the forest.

"Last they saw me, I had not this shape, so they are somewhat confused. And don't be alarmed from them examining you. You are made og vegetation after all. It draws their attention, but I asked them to please not nibble on you."

Which they would not. Though yes, they would start sniffing him, completely unaware that he were undead.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Changelings are creatures of manipulation. Thought manipulation takes practice, and hard work, but the more mundane things such as form changing, we can all do. What you see here, is the disguise I wear when wandering among ponies. Most drones, and some queens, will chose more bland personas, as to not stand out. I however, find it beneath me."

A purplish flame would engulf her momentarily, and in her place, would be a typical changeling queen. With a short mane and tail, cheese legs, a purple underbelly, and matching, fluttering wings.

"This is how I once were, after I had grown to full, and left my mothers hive to make my own. For years, this is the one that were known as The Slaver Queen. Until those pesky ponies and that sphinx lured me to make deals I had not thought through, which lead to one way: That of the Reformed Changelings. At least, that is what they call themselves now. This, is how I am now."

The flames would engulf her again, and this time, she'd end up looking as her current self. Neck fluff and everything, which still baffled her some. Why did Thorax and his ilk not have these, and yet she were growing her own, personal fur scarf. It were frankly somewhat irritating, though at least her colors were more uniform. She supposed there were something to be said for that.

The others may realize that consistently throughout these three forms, would be her height. That she refused to change, and it made it hard to blend in as well as one might otherwise. Didn't matter anymore though now, she supposed, though she were still vain, and unsure if wandering long in her true form were all that wise. Changelings had a stigma for a reason after all, and it would no change this easily.

"Now I want to know something. Your magic, what schools of it have you access to? is it personal, or dependent on either consumption, or what lies in the land you traverse? With how you describe your world, it does not sound as if there would be much harmony magic left there, at the very least, though what might have replaced it? Something dark in nature, perhaps? I would like to know. Not to use it though. I have my own, and no interest in dark arts. Though it never hurts to know what might linger in your arsenal."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-02-27 at 2:25 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Omen, Rosa, I don’t suppose you have some advice for handling a situation where you’re being stared at? It’s a lot different than seeing it happen to someone else.”

"It's not something we noticed back then, what with us being more preoccupied with trying to survive." 

"Some would suggest that you simply ignore the stares, and in time, they will get bored and look elsewhere.

Personally though, I am more in favor of a distraction. Omen? Why don't you go say hello to these nice creatures?"

Omen would be curious about this, as she were not normally asked to go and speak with others all that much, by Rosa. Yet these groups seemed like they were interested in things, so she did move forward, and not stop until she were standing right in front of the larger diamond dog. As in, she were basically touching him, which certainly got the attention of both him, and his lady friend.

They started to seem rather spooked at Omen as she just stared up, with that curious, unblinking gaze of hers.

"I am Omen."

"I'm... Brox, and she's uhm... Mangy? Little help?"

It did not help things for him when the words were projected into his head, with whispering voices. Nor did it do well, that Omen started to sniff him. Almost as if she were mocking him, but he didn't get angry, as much as creeped out.

"Is her name Little Help?"

"No, it's Mangy. Just... Leave us alone. We don't want any trouble. He were just saying that he though that one over there lost a bet. Come on you dolt."

the female would drag him backwards, while Omen's gaze followed them. They wouldn't be much more interested in Sen from here on out, but rather just keep their gaze on her, until their photos were done.

Her next targets were the one who looked like he were trying to wrack her brain around who she were. And when she then finally did get within a hoof's width, his eyes suddenly went wide, and he'd jump back a step. It seemed like he was... Afraid of her?

"H-Hey, I remember you now. Stay back, you hear me?"

"Why?"

"Wh- You bit me!"

He'd point at a piece of fur near his right shoulder, while his tone got more accusing and loud. No mark were there, but it would be the principle of things.

"You told me to bite you."

"That was an expression, crazy lady!"

He'd stagger further away, and eventually go into a corner, due to Omen continuing to follow him. She'd literally have him pressing his back against the wall to this area, before she finally stopped, and changed over to the griffons. It had taken a bit before she understood that he apparently didn't want to talk. Maybe the two griffons wanted to?

Which they did. Why, soon as she were there, they ran their talons - on the softer side - down her fur, and leaned in to examine her spot pattern closer.

"Uuuh, such a complex pattern."

"A marvelous sight. Far too widespread to be a paint job. Too natural too, obviously."

"Of course. Maybe it is a costume though? Or are your coat naturally colored like this?"

"I am not wearing a costume."

"Exquisite. Why, just imagine the designs that could be made by magically printing this pattern."

"Or designing an outfit for it. Not a dress though, obviously."

"Obviously."

The two of them would focus on Omen for the time being. First her coat, then on to her mane and tail, up to and including touching it, to get a feeling for how it were feeling.

Things got a little worse when that happened though, as Shrimp would bite the talon of the first one of them that did that, and dangle from her claw in an attempt to be fierce. Which had about the same effect as a chihuahua biting at your ankle. Confusion, with not a hint of fear, until Shrimp eventually let go.

They'd be the first one to get a stack of pictures. Twenty of them to be exact, and would gently pat the filly delivering them to them on the head, before going on their way into the crowd. Omen would return after that, with a business card in her muzzle. It were likely the griffons that had placed it there.

An interesting view into the varied ways that Omen's presence could affect others, and as the siblings had wanted, no eyes were really on them anymore. Not beyond the usual occasional side looks, from curious folks passing by.

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

 

@Silicon Chimera

Orchid rose an eyebrow at the comment from his new companion.

"A creator you say? You were made in some way? I just assumed your stitching, had a different meaning. Perhaps a tattoo? Though asking tends to be taboo.

Could i ask what you meant? Maybe just a small hint? Though of course if it bothers, it can wait til there are no others."

He were definitely curious about this one now, but it might not be one he'd get much from, in a crowded room like this. Though now that she had piqued his interest, he'd keep bringing it up at random times, to see if there were something to learn, as it were obvious to him that there were a story to be told here.

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

 

@abrony-mouse

On 2021-02-27 at 12:51 AM, Fuchsia said:

"Thought we were gonnas..." she says and then giggles, a little hysterically before bursting into tears.

She will wave him off if he makes a move towards her, and she quickly shakes her head to clear it. "I',m ok. Let's find a way out or some way up where the walls are thinner." she manages a grim smile, determined to pull herself together and not think too much about being trapped. 

Billowing had indeed made a move. Towards going over and putting a hoof on her shoulder, that were. Seeing somepony burst into tears like this, meant they needed support in his mind. Something he still thought, even if she waved him off currently.  Yet if she did not want this sort of attention, he could not force it upon her. Not unless the situation were far more dire at least. With her as a pony that were. Not the situation they found themselves in, regarding the temple they were seemingly trapped in for a time now.

"From what I can see, there is only one way to traverse for now, and that still goes down a little. I assume it may be leading to the central chamber, though we will just have to walk and see for ourselves.

On the bright side, the lights stil work, and the temple appears to still be letting in air. Combined with the rations, I say we have a good week to find a way out of here, before we run out. That should be plenty enough time."

Rule number four of adventuring: Always bring extra rations. You can't predict what's going to happen.

On 2021-02-27 at 12:51 AM, Fuchsia said:

She raises a bauble to the walls to see how deep and thick they are and she taps them with a hoof. The sound and damp feel to the air suggest they are now underground. The light shows that the walls are painted here, as they were above. These painting similarly show deer kind but are less eroded. In the picture the deer are travelling into a forest, led by a might stag. The painting shows something behind the deer, but the painting is smudged - Billowing can barely make out the strangely sinister presence of a few creatures that looks vaguely cat-like that seem to be following or... hunting... the deer herd.

Looking around, there were something of interest here. Depictions, less eroded than the ones upstairs. These showing some kind of leader for the deer, followed by odd, feline creatures. Though depictions like these were not exactly perfect, given the time period they were from. Which mean tthat there were several feline entities this may be.

"Hmm... This temple may have been here before the deer, and they took over. Or it were a place for them to make a stand against something chasing them? A dispute perhaps? The depictions of the attackers are sadly too vague for me to get much, though... It may sound mad, as they have not historically gone this far into Equestria, but... It may be sphinx. These sorts of temples have been favored by their kind in the past, and if the deer attempted to run from a deal perhaps, they would be hunted down. For their sake, I hope it were just the sphinx wanting to enslave them, if it truly were them. There is a reason why no sane being attempts to break a sphinx deal, including themselves. It have consequences."

He'd move on, and found a small section of wall that seemed scorched once, though a small part were still visible. Depicting an altar, with a dark-furred deer on top, with something headed down to it. It were too darkened to tell, but he felt it were reasonable to assume some sort of blade might have been part of it.

"I think this temple have more than one story to tell. If not, the stag that lead the deer, may not have been the true enemy depicted on this other section... Most peculiar.

Let us go further in. Doesn't seem like there are more of these here, but I get the feeling that we will see more incriminating things, the closer we get to the main chamber. This place may hold history that the deer would rather be forgotten. Exciting, isn't it?"

He felt rather giddy honestly. Forgotten history tended to be the best kind, and this may be a sliver of that, even if it were not as well presented anymore, as it once were.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

10 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"A train is much larger and can transport anywhere from fifty to a hundred ponies depending on how many cars are attached.  Think of them as a bunch of taxis tied together.  Powered by steam and magic that ride along tracks instead of roads," that was a little more difficult to explain.  "One of those things better seen than explained, darling," Cork interjected.  "The bottom line is getting around Equestria can be rather quick and convenient," she added with a bit of pride.

"Woooah. That's crazy."

She were baffled, and rightly so, couldn't imagine what a train might even look like. When they said like several of these tied together, she were thinking something at first, which in no way would make sense here, as they did not seem keen on necromancy, or horrendous stitching work in general. She tried to imagine it then without the pony dragging it along, and it still didn't make much sense to her. This were one of those things she had to see for herself to believe, but she were certainly awestruck by the thought alone, of transport like that.

"Is it safe to travel with too? harrowmark isn't a huge country, but I bet that Queen Magnolia would love something that could get folks a long way, with less dangers than regular wagons. It can get really dangerous some places you know? Some wards, and patrols helping this, might really be a good idea. And just another thing on the huge pile of stuff we could learn from here! I can't even imagine things like this *train* thing, and that's the stuff you have that's normal for you. The things you find extraordinary must be utterly mind-blowing."

10 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"The creatures in and around for most part for all their own reasons.  Over the last few Moons a lot has happened and many creatures started interacting again.  Not that we got along well with many, and even more had been forgotten.  It was a lot of hard work, but I think our land has become all the better for it,"

"It sounds like your princess are really busy making good with others. That's real smart of her. You don't get far if you have lots of enemies, and no friends to help you. What if something really bad happened? Then you could be in real trouble. Sounds like your princess is doing a lot of good things to prepare for that, and small stuff like... I dunno. The big, pretty dragons chasing you around for lunch."

She suddenly got an even more gleeful look on her face, and nearly glued her face to the window, as she saw another dragon. This one wearing ornaments, and portraying itself as very galant. Maybe one of some means, that were less feral than some others were? Every race had their higher standing ones after all. It just varied how they presented themselves.

Though for Grave, it were more just a fascination she already had with dragons. She definitely wouldn't want one in Harrowmark - like, ever - but here, she really wanted to go over and talk to one someday, and learn more. Maybe even befriend one of them! They looked so strong and pretty.

"They're so pret- Vaaauw. That one looks really special. Is that a temple?"

She'd point at a building that looked older than the others, even if it were likely one rebuild as well. What were in it, she didn't know, but the older architecture, compared to the things around it, made her think it was a place that hadn't been meddles with before, due it it carrying some serious, religious importance. Though in reality, it were likely a library, or some sort of museum.

10 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Converting that much amount of gold into Bits would provide you a decent start at life here in Equestria.  After registering as a citizen of Equestria, you can stop by the employment office and they can get you started with some work too," Cork was rather excited about the prospect.  "Although," Gold Mane brought up while staring out the window, "Talking to The Captain might not be a bad idea.  Another magic sensor in the O.M.I. wouldn't hurt.  We can't always expect Rising to do all the work forever," she chuckled.  All the Unicorns in the O.M.I. had a degree of magic sense through some training but only enough to feel a presence of magic.  Rising and Grave were in a whole other league and having a second on board could be most helpful for whenever their expansion happened.  "That could be an option too, but we're getting ahead of ourselves.  One step at a time ladies."

"Working with you? Eeee! That'd be amazing!"

Grave had turned to look at her companions, as they talked her through what to do, and were about to give her word that she'd make sure to go right away to find some work. She wanted to show that she were an aset to the country, and not disappoint Gold and Cork by being lazy. Besides, she had not had much to do for years now, and could really use some routine work of some kind, rather than scavenge. It sounded way safer, and far less boring.

As the conversation went over on though and Gold bringing up the suggestion that she could apply to work with them, at the O.M.I. however, her interest piqued, as well as her mood and grin.

"I'm definitely going there and... I dunno, fill an application, or run some sort of test, or whatever it takes then. You already know how I really look like, so I don't have to try and explain that, and you sound like you do really important work, that helps a lot of creatures. I'd like to help others too! Do you need to fight sometimes? I can do that. I'll prove it too, if you want. Not in here though. Nonono,. I don't wanna harm this pretty taxi.

How does anyone apply to work with you? Do I have to talk directly to Rising? Or does he have some sort of assistant?"

She knew it were getting some way ahead, but the thought were just so tantalizing and delicious. Friendly ponies, who worked to improve things, by dealing with dangerous magic. She could totally do that! With some guidance. She still didn't know the laws, but she'd guess body harm needed to be minimized, and you should try talking out things first? Something like that.

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

 

@Califorum

"I just came into the forest to rest a little. The city is a lovely place, but sometimes, an old dragon like me need some space to clear her head. Normally though, I help the little ones at the dock, or fly around with some other dragons, who are smaller than myself. You small ones have been mostly kind to me, since my exile, so I try and repay that.

And heed an old dragons words, Magnolia. The very same I once said to the Dragon Lord, when he were hardly able to carry that little scepter of his: No one is truly powerful, if they are alone. Never forget that true strength, comes from the bond of those closest to you.

I then called him a rash whelpling, though he had thought of starting his rule, by attacking you ponies. So I stand by my words."

"Is... Is that why you got exiled?"

"No, it were just heated words between friends. His daughter though, is a rash little child, much like her father. She did not like it when I called her unfit to rule. A poorly chosen set of words, to a young ruler I wanted to see improve things, by motivating her with spite. I erred, it seems.

Ah, but it isn't so bad. A few decades, and I will return and apologize to her. She just needs a little time to calm herself."

For dragons, time were relative. A little, short feud between beings who said something awkward to one another, would to a pony, likely be over in a few days. Dragons however, were long lived, and stubborn, so they would need more time. A few decades were hardly any time for them, and she were sure that when that time came, they could settle this, with her explaining herself, and apologizing. It were a small thing, and Ember were surely not brazen enough to properly challenge an elder dragon like Gretha. She may be meek and calm, but for dragons, age meant power. It were not wise to get on the bad side of one like her. Even if it were hard, and she'd likely just fall back on telling Ember that she should respect her elders.

"And you ask of my socks? How kind of you, little one. They are gifts. Woven in magical cotton, so they don't wear and tear. Something given by a trusted friend, from far, far away. I like how they warm my legs, even if they do not cover my feet.."

As she got up, she'd better show how she did not in fact, have hooves, but just had her clawed feet curled up beneath her when she laid down. So these socks would reach to her ankles, and then stop, leavign her space to still thread on the dirt.

"The saddle and blanket is for work, and the glasses are for my eyesight. My eyes have never been the strongest, but these helps well."

She'd then turn her front right hand around, and show it to them, palm up, inviting them to step on.

"Come now children. Step up, and I will give you a lift. We can talk more while I stretch my legs."

Zeehva were hesitant, but she wanted to show Magnolia that you could trust others, so she would wander on first, and then turn around, urging her to follow. If Magnolia had no done so already, of course. In which case, she'd cling to her with one hoof, and gulp down. You never knew with large creatures, but this one seemed friendly so far, right?

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

 

@Califorum @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

While Light seemed to not like that smell coming off from Cali, Molotov took the smell in like it were a sweet perfume.

"Mmmm. Reminds me of home."

They were a weird bunch, who toyed with explosives. This were basically the same as the smell of freshly baked cookies in many other homes. Pure delight and nostalgia. Especially now, when he were so far from his actual home, as his workshop still didn't feel like it was home, per se. It lacked all the crazy, wonderful folks of Center Zero. Even if he were far less often pushed into a dumpster since moving out here.

And speaking of good smells - Cali's dinner would arrive right after she were done talking. The waitress would set it, and her drink of choice down, and then wish her a good day. Then said waitress excused herself, and went off, as the smell were nearly sickening her.

"Heh, seems like you were indeed pretty hungry. Lemme help with the smell though. Gotta use this more times than you might think."

He'd reach into his belt, and pull out a small steel ball on a wire, and then start swinging it around. Soon enough, the smell coming from their area, would vanish, unless more were added.

"Often I come right from work, and smell of some kind of powder. This sorta thing helps cleansing the air. If I load it up with vanilla, it gets real sweet smelling too, though if i twirl too many times then, it'll catch fire. Risky business, but eh, science ain't perfect, am I right?

Now, mind me asking something? You claim you know A Cali, right Light? So does that mean the multiverse is a real thing? Or are we talking clones here? Kept meaning to ask, but never got 'round to it."

[Magnolia]

@Blitz Boom

Magnolia would hesitate as she watched Zeehva get up onto Gretha. Magnolia would slowly take Zeehva's hoof and help herself up, and then sit down next to Zeehva rather closely clinging to her somewhat as well. She was not one to trust others of course, let alone a big, and likely powerful dragon of sorts. She stayed quiet for a bit as if unsure what to say exactly to what Gretha had spoke of. However should Gretha do anything, Magnolia would have been able to get her and Zeehva away from the area should she prove to be hostile.

"I find what you say to be rather interesting. I have not been to the Dragon Lands before, although I have been all over searching for my own power if you will. True Strength...is probably what you say it is. Before I had met my friend here, I was not strong, yet I was stronger at the same time. It is a long story. But I am not sure if it would be wise to speak it at this moment." she didn't really know what to say but was interested in how dragons perceived time.

"Decades to you...are but a short time but to us, it is a very long time. Do you remember your days less since you experience more of them? My days were all the same...blending together as I'd hunt like a predator for what I wanted." she spoke rather honestly at that. And then Magnolia thought about the socks thing.

"I-I think you would look good in socks, Zeehva. Maybe myself as well. I haven't felt comfy in well...ever." Magnolia had frowned. 
 

[Props Valroa 22,745]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Cali had thanked the waitress for the food and she would eat as they talked. "Good god this is pretty good food. They say that what you smell also determines what you taste, and my god this is good." she chomps on her food as she looks to Molotov and Light. "I can tell you and I will get along nicely. Blitz is over with the other foals in the ball pit or something. I hope they don't find rotten pizza at the bottom of it like at the disgusting ball bits of my world." Cali laughed. 

Then she'd look over to where Blitz was and back to the others. "Another Cali? I've heard that one before. I've seen clones of myself running around before, you know. One with blue eyes, one turning into Dr. Eggman of all things but still, its something that I have seen."

[AuroraGlimmer 3,287]

@Blitz Boom

Silica would smile and nod "It is a bit of a complex matter" she'd say to Orchid, and then getting out a small plushie of herself from her bunny backpack "This is what I originally was, a simple plushie" She'd tell him. "See, my creator had a little filly, but she was deathly ill, so he created me, a plushie with a AI chip in it to keep her company" she'd say, putting the replica plush back in her backpack "Unfortunately, as you can probably guess, the filly passed away." she would smile softly but it was a sad smile, "and it would seem her spirit now inhabits me, which had caused my chip to short circuit. I learned the magic to become like a real pony to travel and help others"

[Windy Breeze]

@Blitz Boom

I frowned. These are clear signs Cimex suffered discrimination. While it is unheard of here in Equestria, it sometimes happens in the Griffon Empire. I'm heavily against it. Even as Sorrow tried to tell her she trust changeling, Cimex only scoffed.

“Pfft, yeah whatever. It doesn't matter, everypony in this jolly country still has ice in their hearts for changelings” she opened the door, going inside first without even checking if we are following her or not. I gave Sorrow a side-glance before going inside.

I found inside a smaller storage room with two shelves and a cabinet that seemed have to be moved aside to reveal another door. It was open, allowing me to see what's inside this other room.

The floor is painted with beautiful velvet red, and the walls are gloomy grey-blue. There wasn't much inside other than two shelves lining on the wall, one small tan table with a flower base on top and one cushion on the floor, and few paintings on the wall. There was doorless doorway on the front, showing a few furnitures of what I would expect to see in a kitchen.

“This is the door to your bedroom” entering, I saw her standing next to a brown door.

Edited March 1, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Kujamih 10,516]

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom @Califorum

"thrut be told... Both your theories are correct.... There are many different Dimensions. Each controlled by a superior being or shared... Some dormant, some active, some... Down right evil. And in a way we are cloned by this beings into their dimension if they want us there to exist. I on the other hand work with the superior being on my dimension... And is sending me to other dimensions to fix em... Because once one dimension gets out of control it chains and affects the other..... For example..... Princess Twilight sparkle's coronation.... Yes it's a big deal...but do you know how big of a deal it really is? Millions of superior beings took notice of this.... For that day all the dimensions shook. Some woke up...some enraged... Some took delight... But mostly... All took action....

Fun fact.... Your dimension... actually.... Our dimension existed because of her."

 

 

 

Edited March 1, 2021 by Kujamih

[Windy Breeze 15,089]

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Califorum

Luna and Blue openly shared their thoughts of Cali drinking oil. Luna looked away but her eyes remained on the pony-not-from-their world, both curious, and revolted “How can your stomach digest that?”

However, Blue is even more extreme- no, she was outright disgusted “Eww, that's what you drink daily?” she had her wings cover her nose to block the smell. Turning to the counter, she said “I want five stacks of pancakes please”

 

Edited March 1, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Windy Breeze 15,089]

13 minutes ago, Kujamih said:

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom @Califorum

"thrut be told... Both your theories are correct.... There are many different Dimensions. Each controlled by a superior beings... Some dormant, some active, some... Down right evil. And in a way we are cloned by this beings into their dimension if they want us there to exist. I on the other hand work with the superior being on my dimension... And is sending me to other dimensions to fix em... Because once one dimension gets out of control it chains and affects the other..... For example..... Princess Twilight sparkle's coronation.... Yes it's a big deal...but do you know how big of a deal it really is? Millions of superior beings took notice of this.... For that day all the dimensions shook. Some woke up...some enraged... Some took delight... But mostly... All took action....

Fun fact.... Your dimension... actually.... Our dimension existed because of her."

“Are there any different version of us- the dimension's own Molotov or Luna Light?” Luna asked Kujamih.

[Props Valroa 22,745]

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

Cali looked to Luna and Blue. "Simple. I alter my internal parts to be entirely made of metal and have better absorption. I can actually drink off of gasoline and fuel and be almost like am achene, using it to fuel me. It tastes really good. It smells good, it is good! You shouldn't try it but I love it. If you have any weird fuels or oils, give them to me and I'll drink it. My favorite is break cleaner and hexane." Cali giggled as she ate. 

[Catpone Cerberus 22,934]

@Blitz Boom
"Just stay close, Charir may look for your input on how he should react, so you being there and not reacting too strongly should help him to realize it's not something to be concerned about." Ruby explained as she started to land "I doubt there will be much trouble as he's not stupid, just young, and even with my kind's view on magic, the concept isn't too hard to understand." "The main concern is that he gets cocky and thinks I'm easy target in my other form, unlikely but possible outcome." 

If there was nothing else, they would land and Ruby would explain the situation to Charir before transforming to her pony form, and assuming Leviathan didn't react in a weird way, it went relatively well, Charir being mostly curious, if bit uncomfortable, he could indeed feel Ruby through the necklace's magic, so the contradiction between his other senses and that was unpleasant. Ruby also showed the dragon's eye that was hidden behind the zebra necklace, which was both intriguing and slightly scary to Charir.

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

Scarecrow just nodded at most things Lyriel said, and for the chickens, he had expected such explanation, not because he necessary knew anything about how chickens acted, but because they simply ran and hid, instead of some of them keeping an eye on him, a small detail he had noticed during his interactions with animals, they didn't simply run away from him like he was a predator, instead they were visibly uncomfortable and kept their eyes on him, as if he wasn't a mere predator, but something worse...well, some animals, some animals just fled, and some tried to kill him. 

He didn't mind the cows investigating him, after all, that was why he was here, he even tried to carefully pet them if they let him "That does make me curious of what I taste like, if a animal was to bite me, would they taste plant or the taste of my true form." not necessarily important thing to know, but it was interesting thought nonetheless. Regardless of if the cows let him pet them or not, Scarecrow would stay close to them until they lost interest or something or someone else gave him reason to leave them, it felt kinda nice to have a trust of an animal like this.

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

Onache didn't really answer the question but her response was interesting nonetheless, since the siblings learned about a species they had never seen before and it also made Trox realize something he would possibly bring up later. "Before we get to the answer, I must say that I can understand your dislike of your new look, especially if you want to be intimidating or really anything that's not harmless and cute." Sheska mentioned, mostly in neutral tone, but it wasn't hard to tell that she found it bit amusing, though could anyone really blame her, Onache's real look was such that if someone looking like that came to threaten her, she would have hard time taking it seriously.

"For our magic..." Trox started quickly trying to avoid any possible anger from Onache due to Sheska's comment "...don't really know what to say for schools, we just call it magic, but then again, our access to official studying material has been very limited, so what we have learned has mostly been in form of journals and other kobolds teaching us, so we don't really know what it would be called by those who are more educated about it." "It is fueled mostly by magic that we naturally have in us, thus being affected by our physical state, but we can also harvest the magic in the surrounding world to certain extend." "Something that's more effective with technology." Trox pointed at his metal arm as he said it "And then there's of course enchanted items, magical artifacts, crystals and other such stuff." 

"For dark arts, besides Sombra I don't know anyone who would have ever used true dark magic, but the magic in Nightmare Moon's dark forest that covers the Night Realm can get very twisted if you don't know what you are doing, so I guess it could be considered a sort of dark magic." "There's also artificial magic." to showcase this he put his metal hand in front of him and after few moments, effect similar but not exactly alike to that of changelings form changing happened and the metal arm now looked like biological arm, though it returned back to its metal look the moment he moved it, with the same effect going over it "My arm and leg are old models and that part of them is faulty, but you get the point."

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

@Widdershins
.....They somehow miss, there was no movement from Cerberus yet somehow he had moved just enough to avoid getting crushed, he dusted himself off and fixed the positioning of the glasses that had suddenly appeared on his face without explanation "Yeah I think letting it go free is the right thing to do, I don't get paid enough for this....or paid at all really." he half muttered half said, not knowing if the sprite was still there to listen "I am slightly curious what would happen if instead of element this thing gathered something like fur, a fur-elemental? Felemental?" "But I'm no fighter, and bombing this thing would just be mean."