open Casual stroll

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby didn't show much reaction back to the griffons, mainly showing slight smugness as she observed the guards' reactions, she enjoyed their discomfort, she liked being able to cause suffering to weaker creatures without doing anything that could cause trouble, and this was one of those times, the guards couldn't do anything to her because ultimately she had just helped Charir to catch a wild animals, a detail in their way of thinking that to Ruby proved even more just how flawed the whole morality thing was.  

Charir moved on top of the wagon in a way that he could see the creature pulling the wagon as the two griffons passed them and took a sniff of air to get an idea of what the creature smelled like, and he would keep following it with his eyes until they reached and angle where the wagon and or griffons blocked the view, at which point he would return to the front of Marley's wagon, still staying on top of it.

"Yes straight to Ponyville, and yes, you are correct that I don't care, though I don't see why you care either." Ruby stated "As far as they are concerned, you're just someone I hired, why would my actions have any effect on their opinion towards you?" "And I know you know your way with words well enough to convince them on that if they are stupid enough to not realize it without." 

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"Though I appreciate the offer of help, I can handle training myself, it goes for more than just kicking things, and I know how I can practice it." Scarecrow responded "And I think we could keep looking around here, I have no hurry anywhere and I can't get tired, besides, this is more important than anything I would do in the forest."

He didn't comment on Lyriel's words about her history, as he didn't know what he could comment, he had offered help before, to which it had been stated there was nothing he could help with, and he lacked the knowledge to effectively comfort someone without solving their problem.
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Trox made a dismissive gesture with his hand "Don't worry about it, it's not a sensitive topic, it has been a while since it happened, and besides, I've been injured both before and after it." Onache's services weren't needed this time, Trox had no trouble talking about these things, and even with the hesitation he had regarding the scars, it was less about it being sensitive to him, and more about him protecting his sister, as he didn't want Sheska to be forced to remember the event's that to them had just happened regardless of how long it may actually have been, time passed differently when you were asleep. "It wasn't just an injury, you almost died." Trox patted his sister in comforting manner "Don't sell yourself short, I was in good hands, even if you were bit rough afterwards." it seemed to work, as Sheska didn't come up anything to argue with before Trox realized they hadn't answered the question "Oh, the answer to your question is no, it wasn't an accident, it was a battle, technically we won but it wasn't really a victory." he turned serious with the last words "May they all rest in peace." 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Catpone Cerberus

Charir would find that the griffons primarily smelled like blood and some sort of chemical, that they had used to cure the skins in before they went on the pile. Weren't much point in gathering all of these, is they ended up getting moldy or stinky before they even got to the market. Though if what he smelled after were the yak, it would more be a rather musty animal smell. Like a sweaty, overly hairy dog, but with more musk and depth to it.

"I care in the sense that I live in this town, and as such, have to interact with the law with some degree of regularity. If they think I am less of a griffon about things, and more towards someone who'd enjoy killing an animal in front of them, it will begin to give me some hesitant glares, and potentially more frequent searches. A minor inconvenience really, but it is still what I would consider to be somewhat annoying. If it comes to pass that is. We will see what time brings.

And for the record, they are likely to find it more believable that I were given out by my current employer, as I do not work for others in general. But I will deal with this in due time. For the time being, our travels goes to Ponyville."

He'd have no more to say on this, as he preened a lose feather on his cheek, and kept going onward. All the while, Leviathan would wander up and take over speaking with Ruby for the time being, as they made their way in good haste towards Ponyville. Though not at first. At first, she'd merely walk next to her friend, and soak in the looks, sounds and smells of the forest, while the stones on the dirt road scattered under their steps.

"Can I ask, why did you chose to have your base in Ponyville? It's known to get a fair share of troublemakers that pops up in the area. Some of them because the bearers of harmony are there. Doesn't it get tough to keep the facade sometimes, when some sort of monsters barges into town?"

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@Catpone Cerberus

"As you wish, though if you ever do need me, remember that you have my favor."

Lyriel would smile warmly at Scarecrow before wandering forward, and seeing what else they might find in this park. Likely something of note, though what exactly that might be, she were not certain off, as this were also mostly new to her.

A few minutes in, they would have some options already though, as they wandered calmly along the path that lead them through the calm place.

One were the gardener that they had seen earlier, sitting and having a lunch break, judging by the hay sandwich that he were consuming, next to his wheelbarrow full of varied tools and weeds.

Another were a loose dog running about, seemingly searching for someone, or something. The tag and collar made it rather apparent that the golden retriever wasn't ownerless, though no one seemed to step forward and claim ownership of it currently.

A third option were another family. A father and a mother, with a young pegasus colt wandering near the two of them, and picking up lose feathers that the varied sparrows, ducks, and so forth had dropped, and putting them in a satchel. Not long since this one had spotted a siren in town, but it remained his secret, and as far as the parents were aware, he were just following his regular hobby now, of collecting feathers around town. It seemed harmless to them, and it gave them a bit of just enjoying the park atmosphere for what it were, just like anyone else here.

There would have also been a potential fourth one, as a pair of foals were looking up into a tree, where a kite were stuck, and they weren't having luck pulling it down by the string in their hooves. It appeared they were getting somewhat distressed over this, but Lyriel had wandered over and put a hoof on the tree, and suddenly, some of the branches would creak and bend, as the tree untangled the kite from itself, and soon let it float back down towards the ground. They'd be on their way soon after, with big smiles returning to their faces, while Lyriel would have come over. It would happen just before they'd see Feather Down pick up a long duck's feather, as he got into view.

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@Catpone Cerberus

Onache raised an eyebrow at what she heard, while Pop frowned, and looked sad. The former did not utter a word though, as she were pondering the information some more, but the latter surely had something to speak up about, even if it may seem a little redundant in all honesty. Yet she still felt like she had to give her sympathies, and express how she had hoped things had been less grave than what the siblings had insinuated.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Trox. I mean, it's good that you made it out of the battle alive, even if you got injured, but it sounds like there sadly were others that weren't so lucky. May the poor things rest in peace."

This were why she did not like ideas of big battles, even if it were for something worthwhile. Somepony would always end up dying, and leave some behind, that had to deal with the memory of their lost ones. She wouldn't know what she would do if Benny went through that, and were suddenly gone. It left a pit in her stomach, and she couldn't imagine it were much different for Trox at times, when he thought of those that he had lost. How could it be? Death were a sad occasion, and especially when it involved those near you.

The bell above the door would ring then, and Pop would look over to see whom might have gone in. A smile would quickly spread on her face as the pony-height dragon - at least he were when wandering on all fours like he did now, and most other times - would walk into the store, and look around on the shelves of deliciousness before shaking his head. Wasn't time for snacks now.

"Benny!"

Hearing his name spoken, he'd focus on their group, and raise a scaled hand to give a wave, with a jovial smile on his face. The hand seemed wrapped in gauze, but it didn't restrict his movement as he wandered over, and met up with the two new faces. Right after nuzzling the side of Pop's cheek, of course, and leaving a good blush there in the process.

"Hey, hope I'm not disturbing anything? I think I left my armor in the back again, and just wanted to check up on it. Really sorry if I interrupted something folks."

He'd scratch his left ear, and look over at Trox and his sister with an increasing curious look on his face.

"Huh... Deep dwellers, right? You look like the sorta creatures my big brother talks about sometimes, I think. He's kinda vague on it."

"Which one of them?"

"The one who likes to tie bells to my tail when I sleep."

"Ah, him."

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@Rising Dusk

The teleportation this time around seemed a good deal more pleasant and familiar to Lily, and it helped her acclimate better as they arrived at their destination. Less of a concern about what were real, and questions regarding what oddities she saw.

Certainly, it wasn't exactly the same, as especially the rainbow coloration were still peculiar to her, considering the color of magic she had known through her life. Yet comparing it to last time, this were a breeze, and she were starting to get slowly used to certain aspects of Dawn's eccentric behavior. Not to a point where she believed that she could predict what the mare would do though. Gods no, that were something that would likely take years to say with any degree of confidence, and in that situation, she got the distinct feeling that the mare would make a point in surprising her, to prove that she were not simply someone that were predictable and easy to grasp.

As for the area they had landed in, it seemed to be a nice, calm area, without too much in the way of ponies or other beings, crowding them. Just seemed like a somewhat simple place, with beings going about their day with not much of a care in the world, and letting them be as they were. Or if they had anything to be concerned about, it were overall not spotted on them. How odd it must be to live in a country such as this, where there were so few that seemed to have much in the way of true worries in their lives. It must be nice, though she still did miss her home. It were a dark, death-infested, dangerous place, but it were her home, and Lily missed the musky smell of swamp and moldy wicker creatures. Though she wouldn't say that this place didn't have its charms, and she could definitely see herself returning for a vacation of sort, sometime in the future.

On 2021-05-16 at 8:59 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"You misunderstand my brother, Lily.  He is very proud of what he has done, for both Equestria and Harrowmark, but you'll never see it.  How many conversations have you had with him?  Stallion of few words, no?" she chuckled.  "Great at listening though.  Rising is a very internally motivated pony.  The polar opposite of me.  I relish in praise and admiration, as you've no doubt guessed.  For Rising, all of this is his reward," she waved her hoof over the blissful happy neighborhood.  "An Equestria no longer under assault from a faraway tyrant.  Protecting who he can from the misuse of magic is its own reward that no statue or medal can beat to him.  That's not to say he'd be rude about what extrinsic rewards he was offered, just don't expect him to go seeking such things."

"I assumed him simply a being of humility, that did not wish for a great deal of attention. It sounds as if I were not far off, though that wish will not be honored with us. We celebrate our heroes, and your brother is not only the first we have had in nearly a millennia, he is also both one of the more impactful ones, and alive. It is often that when our heroes get recognized, it is for momentous action, that left them either dead from that, or soon following it, and most honor given will then be in their name and memory, rather than to them. Rising however, completed a daunting task that many have failed at, and got through it more or less unscathed. The people want to celebrate him, and ensure he is immortalized in our country. In stone depictions and history that is. Most of us would not want to have him bound in some fashion, and those who does, will face repurcussions if they as much as try."

Rising were a living legend. Not just a rare thing for them, but also one they had desperately needed, after Twisted's tyranny. The people felt relieved, and needed to shower their praises upon the one who had freed them from this, and started the long healing process of their nation. It may not be how Rising wanted it to be, but what he had done, could not simple be scribbled down on a note post, ending in *Anyway, what's for dinner?*.

On 2021-05-16 at 8:59 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"The last time I tried teleporting into his room without announcing myself, I bounced off a ward so hard I couldn't walk straight for a week," Dawn shuddered from memories of stumbling down her own halls like some drunkard.  "So we're going to have to capture him the old fashioned way.  And if that doesn't work, we have one more secret weapon."

Dawn gazed upon the area. Seemed to be a gathering point for younger ponies. Perhaps some sort of learning facility, or dating center? It seemed practical to have a place where you could handle either, without needing to chase it down, though she would assume this to be some kind of school, until further notice. There were less coupling there, than she would assume if it were the other. Though she would remain open to the idea. Equestria seemed to have many odd places and ways of doing things. She would not put it past them that this place could be either, or even both.

"I am curious what that secret weapon may be, though I think you are approaching things too complex, when a simple solution would work better. Your brother can deal with magic, so the simplest, functional solution would not be to try and find a more ingenious spell that he cannot stop, to handle him. Twisted failed to realize this too, I can imagine, instead of just keeping it simple and efficient: Just knock on his door, knock him out, and drag him off before he wakes up. Or just give him a sedative of some kind."

Magic users sometimes overthought things too much, and that did tend to be the downfall of many. They'd think of new spells and rituals to deal with an issue that could have been dealt with instantaneously, by usage of a torch, or well thrown rock. Personally, she' wouldn't bother with magic when it came to Rising, and simply just walk up to his door, knock on it, and when he opened it up, hit him in the face and pull him off by his tail. She wouldn't, but if she did have a need to get him away, this would function well.

"So, you know this place of... Learning? Better than I do. Lead the way."

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@EQ_Theta

On 2021-05-15 at 4:39 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Oh! Game’s over, but I’m not sure who took second place back there.” Lin directed her question at the others in the vicinity, including the clerk. Perhaps she might have had a better look at what just happened. “Did anyone see whose balloon popped first? I was only paying attention to mine.”

"Second place were yours, Lin. It were a very close fought battle though, and I praise you all for a good fight. You as well Omen, even if your slow start were sadly not working well for your chance at victory."

"It was funny though. I've had this stall for years, and I've never seen it being used as a watering fountain before."

"Shrimp was thirsty."

A snort escaped the clown of a clerk as she heard this. She'd definitely remember Omen for some time to come, yet in a rather positive way.

"I'd love to hear more from you, but there's other's who want to test their meddle. Have a nice evening, and take care."

She'd give another honk to them, and waved,, as Rosa lead them away, that the others in line might be able to get up and have their turn.

"That was a nice, refreshing game. I had hoped to use it to prove superiority, yet your victory were earned fair and square Sen. Well done. The same to you two as well of course, Lin and Omen. I hope you enjoyed the game?"

Shrimp would let out a pleased sigh in his sleep, right after Rosa had said that.

"Shrimp liked it."

"Heh. Yes, I imagine he might. Though it does remind me that you should perhaps think of getting some sort of water bottle for him to him to use, when you are moving about and he does not have access to a lake? I know you wander with food for him, but as is clear, he also needs to quench his thirst at times. Perhaps a bottle with a straw, so that he can get what he need?"

"Straw and bottle. I understand."

"Good, good. Now wha-"

As he were about to speak up, Rosa stopped dead in his tracks, as a commotion seemed to stir somewhere to the west. One that seemed urgent, seeing how Tomb, and a half dozen other - highly likely - Macabre Clan members, were suddenly going through the crowd to wander that way, whilst traffic towards that area halted some, and began to move more towards this way, rather than away from here.

"...Potential trouble seems to be stirring. What think you? Should we get involved, or let them deal with this their own way?"

He were torn on this, so he'd let it come down to what the others thought. That meaning mostly Sen and Lin, as Omen were not a leader. She followed orders, and would wait for a decision to be made. If she'd ignore that, and then go to look herself, were hard to say though. Rosa though, could easily remain, and just enjoy whatever game came next, rather than get involved. At worst, he'd be curious, and just hope that whatever were going on, wouldn't come this way.

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@abrony-mouse

The path os withering were not grand, so the goats might not be as concerned as she may have hoped for, as only the vegetation that the creature touched would wither, and it rarely touched a tree long enough for it to show. Yet as Fuchsia were pointing towards the forest, it had been wandering slowly around a large tree, touching it for long enough to show the actual tree, once standing majestic, grow darker, as if the very life were being drained from it. Leaves fell, branches grew gnarly and scarce of bark, and in the end, a mere ten seconds after it started, the tree would look as if it were halfway towards death. It might still recover with age, but the rapid deterioration presented, should be worrisome, and likely draw eyes to the other trees that the creature had lingered on for longer than a passing touch, as well as dark trails where no trees covered the ground, and the dark lines of dead grass and flowers were somewhat more evident. Depended again on the route, and time of touch.

Regardless of that, Billowing would be concerned as he heard some less than pleased sounds coming from the goats. He didn't understand it of course, but the tone did not sound overly positive, and if her plan had been to rally them behind her, she may have overestimated things. Though he had wanted for her to take the reigns fully on this, he may have to actually get involved here after all, and raise his voice some, even if his head remained lowered.

"We came to warn you of this thing, which the temple spat out. But there are hope to fight it, and protect your young. Yet we need to divert this creature, to somewhere else that may trap it. A cave, to cave in, or a ravine to let it be crushed by stone. Something to slow it down, whilst you secure your home, and we work on solving this permanently."

He wasn't sure if they got this, but hopefully the gist of it were enough, or Fuchsia could translate. Because it seemed she had plans involving their aid, but they needed to actually get that too.

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-15 at 4:47 AM, Magnolia said:

"Well what I am seeing there is very interesting there, friend. What are you going to use those vials there for?" Magnolia asked calmly and then another question would cross her mind. "Not going to use that on me, I hope?" Magnolia cocked her head slightly making a bit of a joke there and then would seem to nudge her a bit there. 

"Of course not. I'd use a gold one on you."

Zeehva would taunt back a little, though not wait long before she kept talking, just in case it were seen as being less of a joke, and more ominous.

"Seriously though, I need vials for my magic concoctions. The glass ones are good for selling, but I could really use some that's just for what I need, and crystal is nice and sturdy. If I get some corks for these, they should do nicely there for whatever I'm going to need them for someday."

She'd still need glass ones of course, as she had to make some regular potions to sell, and likely soon, so that she could gather some bits again, but these too were good for her personal use potions, which weren't ones she tended to share. Plus, she liked the slight, multi-colored tint the glass had. It gave them a nice aesthetic.

On 2021-05-15 at 4:47 AM, Magnolia said:

"As for your cinnamon flare idea there, I quite like that idea. No need to worry about the lines. I am a patient mare after all." Magnolia spoke, sort of shaking her hoof a bit there casually upon her words. "I don't wanna make you pay too much for me but hmm, you remember what Gretha would wear? She wore socks. I think we'd look good in socks, wouldn't we? Maybe some scarfs too. I guess I have an eye for fashion in some sense." Magnolia spoke with interest in her words as she would cutely get a bag of pretzels in her white snoot, holding the bag in her mouth as if asking for permission. Her snoot was just adorable there, the way she was holding the bag.

"I could perhaps use a discreet scarf, but not socks. They won't work with my dress."

She'd point down towards her legs, which as part of the dresses design, had long sleeves and laces, all the way down to a few inches off her hooves. She couldn't wear socks with this, and would have to pick between them. And it weren't even a close call, as her dress had deep, sentimental value. Though she could consider a scarf. It might be nice, and would cover a few of her neck scars.

As they stood in line though, and her thoughts were starting to slowly wander, she'd be dragged back into reality, when Magnolia started to look up towards her with big, eyes, and a bag of pretzels in her muzzle. The sight of this adorable little display couldn't help but make Zeehva smile, and anchor her back into the present, where she'd eventually let out a small giggle.

"Okay okay, there's no need to bring out the big guns. You can have that bag too, but I'll have to go to the forest later and pick up some things then, okay? I have to work some elixirs, to get more bits before long."

It wouldn't be long in the line before they'd get to the front, and the perky stallion running things would face them with a smile, and looking over what he saw them having picked out.

"Nice selection you got there. These necklaces have gone really popular lately, and- Well well, this is a surprise. I never thought we'd get the last of those vial stands sold. Big fad about a year ago, and then a few weeks later, it just stopped. Nice to have the shelf place for something else. Fishbone's gonna be thrilled that we have room for some of her other stuff now."

"The innkeeper makes these?"

"Yeah. She doesn't advertise about it a lot, but she deals with everything you see in here, that's made of bones. Got another who works with glass and gems, but Fishbone likes to sell the results of her hobby. Neat little side business for her, and it helps drag in customers for me, so everypony's happy. Anything else you might want?"

"The pretzels, a spicy cinnamon coffee, and a mango tea please."

"Coming right up. Just gimme a minute or two, and I'll get it sorted. Need to make some fresh tea water, and mix the coffee."

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@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-15 at 3:29 AM, Kujamih said:

well Blitz... A torque shaft is a high level cog. It's doesn't break easily and dosnt take much space... And retains lubrication... plus you won't need so many cogs anymore....

"Ooooh, a super cog? I wanna see that! How does it look? Can we make one? Do you have any with you? How small are they? Are they magic?"

The questions would keep rolling until Light would start to provide a visual example of how they were, or answer things. When Blitz first got started, she weren't stopping until distracted, or some things started to get answered, that'd satisfy her, and her questions would eventually get kinda ludicrous. Like whatever or not you could eat them, and if Light were made partially out of them. And those were questions still within the scope of sanity. Let her keep going, and things would get very weird.

On 2021-05-15 at 4:59 AM, Cali said:

Cali would gently lift Molotov up onto her back and look to Blitz. "Look, I'm not really sure what your doing here but I'd say you should be careful. I'm going to go take Molotov to the hospital and have him looked at. You can come with me or stay here, if you wish. If you stay then just be careful here. I don't think Molotov here would really approve of you blowing things up without supervision blitz. But life is fleeting. Have fun." she said and turned to the hospital and began to carry him off to the hospital. 

"I'm building fun stuff! Hehe. And there's lots of adults to see what I'm doing. Perfectly fine, right? Have fun with big brother."

This were a distraction that'd work momentarily, as Blitz waved goodbye to Cali, her unconsacious brother, and Carmen. Tough the last of those would look conflicted between where to go. Something which would eventually end with her tightening her grip in Molotov. She knew he'd want her to watch out for Blitz, but she had three looking out for her now, and he had one. She did not need more, so she'd stay with him. He could disagree later if he wanted to, but this were her choice.

On the way out, Cali would end up meeting t he local law though, who were about to move into the area. Four guards, all seemingly of the Solar variant, with the one that seemed to be in charge raising a hoof to halt the others, before approaching the mare with concern.

"Ma'am, are you alright? We saw the explosion from further into town, and came rushing as fast as we could. Are there any casualties? Or other injured than your friend there? And is whoever - or whatever - caused this still around? We have to ensure safety here, so anything you can say would be helpful."

They wouldn't hold her if she just moved on to get Molotov away. They'd understood that he were injured, and needed medical attention. The mare were just hoping to have something to work with, before diving right into whatever this thing were.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Starforce Glimmer @Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

Light overheard the conversation Cali and the guards did and panickly tried to cut their conversation! 

" What my friend was trying to say is! They need medical attention. Ahehehe she was also badly hurt and got hit by the head aswell. Please can you assist them to the nearest hospital?"

Then Light went to Cali's side and whispered. 

" We don't want unwanted attention do we? Didn't you want to stay in this dimension?"

" I'm sure you don't want guards guarding you or suspicion floating around you when living in this place right?"

Then Light headed back to the guards and said.

" Oh and we're friends with Luna!.. the guard... Not the princess.... She's a very important person! She works as a royal guard to the princesses."

Light winked at Luna. 

We ain't suspicious... Right friend? Ahehe.." 

Edited May 19, 2021 by Kujamih

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“That was a good game, and I could really feel my chest pounding hard. It was a very close match, I’d say! Let’s not hold up the others in the line. We can talk more on the way to the next thing to do.”

The siblings waved back at the clerk as she wave them goodbye. Despite having no stakes, it was a pretty intense match, with Sen feeling pumped up for another game. He’d calm himself down as the adrenaline rush was starting to fade away, but that little bit that remained had him feeling a little more energetic than earlier. 

“Seeing how second place was a close fight, I’d say you and Lin weren’t doing bad at all, Rosa. You know, I really wanted to win this one, if only to keep things even with everyone. Next game will be played for fun, but I’ll be satisfied with just one win.”

“We probably should try to find one large water bottle for Shrimp while we’re out and about. Though there’s probably a canteen at home we could use as an alternative, there’s a better chance we could find something more fitting here. No way the longma have anything like a straw back home.”

The bottle and straw didn’t faze the siblings, though Rosa mentioning having access to a lake might be more concerning. A stream was more plausible, but that may be a concern as the longma didn’t know how much water a fully grown Shrimp would need to drink on a regular basis. The same could be said for the pond in the hidden sanctuary. It was modestly large and deep enough at certain parts that Sen could comfortably submerge himself, but it might not be a sustainable source of water. Knowing this ahead of time means the siblings could try to find a lake in or near their home forest. 

They would soon be interrupted by the sight of foot traffic moving in the opposite direction of where they intended to go or stopping before being redirected. Tomb and other Macabre clan members moving about likely meant the security would be intensifying for something brewing. It was a curious development, seeing as nothing could be hinting at the nature of the event.

“Something’s going on over there, but we could go the other way. If Tomb’s there, it’s likely a security concern, and we’d do well to steer clear.

“Or it might be worth getting a closer look to see what’s going on. Could be nothing or something interesting. If it does turn out to be something dangerous, we could head in the opposite direction. You can open a gate to another area of the carnival if you want; that would make escaping even faster.”

Lin pondered on this for a moment, and though she was still adamant that walking away from the commotion would be a better idea, she couldn’t really find much of a counterargument to her brother’s option. It’s sound enough that even if they got close to something dangerous, he’s already provided an exit strategy. The only thing that could derail the whole plan was if Sen wanted to step in and help, but nothing suggested that would happen for the moment.

“Alright. If no one objects to getting a closer look at what’s happening, then we’re going towards Tomb. Here’s hoping we aren’t doing something we’ll regret.” 

[Sekel 693]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC & ATZY

"You look suspicious," Karmic told Scarcity, her eyes narrowing. She didn't like how the mare simply walked up and started spouting nonsense.

"Oh come on, Karmic. It's a free meal. Leave her be," Atzy said, tapping her hoof on Karmic's back before pulling her along to the nearby food cart they had seen. Karmic grumbled and looked away from Scarcity to follow Atzy to the, admittedly, delicious-smelling food.

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Thank you very much, Cherish," Twilight smiled at the ghost tiredly and trotted over to a nearby beanbag. "You're proving your worth already. I really hope this ritual works and you can be a more normal ghost pony." She laid down on the beanbag and settled down comfortable. "I'm way too tired to make it to my normal room so this comfiness will have to do."

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"You try keeping level when you run through unknown territory!" Aurora yelled at Happy, some authority coming through in her voice that she didn't intend. She coughed a bit and sighed heavily, knowing this isn't going to do her any good. "Fine, fine, fine, I'll just ... don't let this forest and draconequus get to you, you aren't going to be taken away and eaten, you aren't going to be made into a stuffed bunny, you aren't going to be a plaything," she muttered to herself to keep herself calm. At the very least, it did something to keep her heart rate down as she followed the trio.

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Sekel

Scarcity chuckled some by the comment.

"Your apprehension is quite understandable, but if I may point out something? You are clearly on friendly terms with Enzo here, correct?"

"Yes."

The sphinx would look down, eyes slightly narrowed now, as she spoke on.

"Then ponder what might happen, if I were to try and trick you in some way. Seems awfully foolish to try such a thing, and I do not consider myself a fool. Merely somepony who have eyed a wondrous opportunity to acquire something rather special, and would hate for said thing to instead be merely broken up into simple gold."

"So you are an opportunist, little one?"

"Quite so, though I prefer businessmare. Opportunist have some rather negative notions of being mostly for those taking advantage, without offering much in return. I eye an opportunity, yet I am more than pleased to pay a good price for this. It wouldn't help my reputation, were I to rip off others."

Enzo didn't overly trust anyone really, but this one made sense in her reasonings, so he would give her that. She knew that he could trounce her, if she tried something shady, and that it were unwise to try and make bad deals with a sphinx. They had a rather bad history of retaliation. Came from their immense pride, more than anything really.

As for the vendor, he'd be ready to take the orders of the mares. He had hayburgers, hayfries, potato fries, grilled corn cobs, soydogs, sodas, etc. Regular good, vegetarian street vendor food. They'd just have to say what they wanted, and he'd prep it. And as it were on Scarcity's dime, they wouldn't have to worry about the money involved. Long as they didn't say they wanted all his food. That would be pushing it. But a solid spread of many things? Likely nothing wrong with that.

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

 

@Sekel

Cherish let out a hollow, short laugh at what the princess told her.

"I'm not sure if there is something like a normal ghost pony, but thank you."

Frankly, everything about her were pretty abnormal, seeing as she were dead, and yet still lingered on. Judging by many, many reactions from others over the years, she knew for a fact that ghosts were not normal, and also something which regular - AKA living - ponies thought off as generally scary. Whatever or not she were confined to a space, wouldn't make a big difference. Might even scare others more, as there then wouldn't be boundaries to her, but she supposed, there weren't really anything she could do about that, except for hope that their perception of her over time, would change.

"If you're going to sleep here, then I'll just close the doors. And if your dragon comes around, I'll ask him to please keep it down until you wake up. Same with the other two, though I hope they'll behave for a bit. Sleep well, Twilight."

She'd use her powers to shut the doors, and if there were a blanked of some sort around, she'd have that floated over too, that the princess may lay under it, while she were laying on that odd, squishy ball. A new kind of chair maybe? Cherish didn't know what it were, but it seemed like the princess found it comfortable enough to sleep on, so it were likely something good.

She'd probably be allowed to enjoy a few hours of sleep in peace, provided no surprise visitors, or alarmist came barging in, but surely Ponyville could stop falling over itself for a few hours, right?

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

 

@Sekel

None of the others really reacted on her outburst, except for Lulu, who instinctively had a twitch going over her right eye, as she felt a small urge to follow command, though she subdued it before she acted upon it. She might not have been part of a hive for years, but there were an instinctive part of her that still irritatingly felt drawn to listen to the words of a queen commanding her.

happy on the other hoof, didn't feel it at all. But that were because he were bound to a queen as it were, and honestly couldn't get the same vibe from Aurora, as she were nowhere near as demanding and authoritarian as Onache were, when she put forth an order, rather than a question. Nice attempt though.

"I really doubt she's gonna do that sorta thing to us. If she wanted that, she would've done so already. This here's just toying around, and trying to play us like fiddles. And if we crack, that just means that it's starting to be funny for her. We need to try and keep our cool, and hope that she'll be bored soon, and find someone else to play with. Ain't the noblest I know, but eh. Better them than us."

As for where things would take them, they'd soon be at a crossroads. Literally. It'd go three other ways, with signs pointing in their direction. There were *Boring Place* *Happy Castle* and *Complete Safety. Honest.*. Which now meant that they had to decide on whatever or not they'd trust the signs, or not.

There were of course where they came from, but that route just went *Nuh-uh*, and were still vanishing behind them. It wouldn't work.

"I'm inclined to be thinking the boring place is Ponyville."

"Potentially, but it may also be playing off of our paranoia, and the sign about safety might be the right way to town. The boring place may well be a rock in the forest, and she'll tease us for not taking the obvious way out."

Flaxxy just sniffed around, trying to find clues as to where to go, but not getting anywhere. They'd have to rely on a guess, when it came to which route to take from here.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-05-19 at 4:16 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Seeing how second place was a close fight, I’d say you and Lin weren’t doing bad at all, Rosa. You know, I really wanted to win this one, if only to keep things even with everyone. Next game will be played for fun, but I’ll be satisfied with just one win.”

“We probably should try to find one large water bottle for Shrimp while we’re out and about. Though there’s probably a canteen at home we could use as an alternative, there’s a better chance we could find something more fitting here. No way the longma have anything like a straw back home.”

"It does feel good to know that we have all won at something. A shame we missed seeing Omen shine at her game of choice, but alas, I suppose you also missed the fight between Sen and I, so none have seen the entire picture. I am certain that we shall endure regardless. And judging by this game, I do admit to look forward to how the next one will go, once we decide on which one it will be.

As for the canteen, it isn't bad, but it still wouldn't allow him to learn how things around him work, which is important in my opinion. If he is allowed a flask somewhere, and he can then slither over, and start to drink from that, it will provide him both water as needed, and teach him how to work with the container to get a drink. You can get small boxes of treats in the same manner, where he have to perform a certain action to get food out of it. It functions well to train pets, and while I know he will grow beyond that, at this stage, it might work well to stimulate his early intelligence.

What I am saying Omen, is that Shrimp could use some stuff of his own, that helps him. I'll help you write a list at some point."

He knew he had to make it a good deal simpler for Omen to get, as she were already started to tilt her head, and look increasingly confused, but she seemed to have caught on now. He had to try and find some sort of good way to put things down on a list later, and then have them visit a pet store likely. Yet that would be after they had enjoyed tonight's events. Such things could wait til the morrow, before they had to take off for the court meeting.

On 2021-05-19 at 4:16 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Alright. If no one objects to getting a closer look at what’s happening, then we’re going towards Tomb. Here’s hoping we aren’t doing something we’ll regret.” 

"I admit that I am curious, yet we must all be cautious. Who knows what might have stirred them?"

Omen had already started to walk before he were done, as she had assumed that from what Sen had said, that it meant they were going. Though there wouldn't be much to see for a while. Just several minutes of others walking towards them, rather than away, with them eventually seeing why there wasn't really any traffic from that area anymore, as a line of floating, faintly glowing chains were blocking the path. Seemingly set there by a female pegasus, that had them used to block both the road here, and in a few other directions in a large circle. She must be carrying a lot of chains normally to do this, though the focus on her, nor the other members of the family, were not so much on that. Another were floating papers with ward seplls all over the circle, another planting some small tombstone replicas, that started to glow ominously, and Tomb herself were raising her lantern, and seemingly look around after something. Both her, and five others of the family, also had their weapons raised, against the thing in the center, which were drawing some amount of eyes there. Though not a lot, as it seemed there were some attempts by others to move them further away, even though gawkers were hard to get rid of.

Int he center of the large circle, stood a minotaur. He were a rather regal looking sort for their kind, with somewhat clean fur, silver-covered tips on his horns, a long jacket made of seemingly animal hides, and a pair of small reading glasses on his nose. His eyes though, were cold, and gazed down upon Tomb with a look that just oozed out that he wasn't going to move away because of her. Even if he wasn't the most burly of their kind, the axe on his back - slim and clearly sharp, that appeared to have been made from a single piece of silver, carved into the right shape of a long axe - would mean that he could make his way through if he wanted to. Though, his hands already seemed occupied, by the bundle he were carrying. A filly of all things, seemingly sleeping curled up in his hands, and nuzzling against his slightly greying chest fur. Seemed rather normal in appearance, though with her curled up, and in the position she were in, it were hard to see much else than her size, which put her at somewhere between 7 and 10, and that she were wearing a black dress.

"Get out of here now, Sherwood."

Tomb were in front, and didn't register that the lot of them had come around and were seeing what were happening in front of them.

"No."

His voice were deep, and had a certain degree of both authority and class to it. He weren't a complete brute by the sounds of it, though his response made the ponies just start to grasp their weapon tighter, and for horns to start glowing.

"Then we will kick you out of we must. You know the rules."

His only response to this, were to take his left hand, and slowly reach into his pocket, from which he'd grasp a letter, and throw it towards Tomb. She'd grab hold of it, and unfurl it to read what were there. And whatever it were, seemed to both confuse, and generally frighten her.

"With or without you, I'm going to the mansion, and she's coming with me. Do you want to cause a scene?"

His hand would suddenly move quickly, and he'd quickly have the axe in his hand, and hammer the non-bladed end into the ground. It'd still reach him to about his shoulder-tips, giving an indication of the size of this.

"She won't sleep forever."

"...Let them through."

"Are you mad?! We can't jus-"

The one spreading the numerous wards in the air started to speak, before Tomb overrode her comment, by speaking louder, and clearly not being happy about what she were saying.

"Grandmothers orders! Get them to the mansion quickly, before she wakes up. And keep the wards active. I don't want a casualty list."

Sherwood placed the axe back in its holder on his back, and would start to move along, with the others simply having to follow him, chains, wards, stones and everything. Their travel would take them away from here, towards the west, headed away from the festivities. And understandably enough, others started to look at her confused, and for answers after that, but she just weaved it off, and went over to sit on a stump nearby. Just her, and the letter that she were reading through with a grim look on her face. Might not be the best time to interrupt her, but Rosa would, whereas other guests would just get on with things, and not directly approach her about this.

"Is everything alright?"

"Huh? Oh, you. No. No it's not. Grandmother have seemingly finally lost her mind."

"For giving some sort of order that's letting a minotaur through? Do you have a violent history? Is he perhaps being overly protective of the foal?"

"You don't understand. Mourner's Puppet cannot be he-Aaargh!"

She'd stumble backwards, as Omen got into view. Not so much because of Omen, but more because of what she were carrying in her muzzle. A porcelain doll, looking like an earth pony with clear white features in the smiling face, and a few cracks here and there. The mane and tail appeared to be well brushed, and the black dress on it were a little dusty, yet overall in a pretty good condition. Nothing weird about it, beyond the rarity of these sorts of dolls in the first place, outside of collectors shelves. Still, for some reason, Rosa did feel an odd tingle in his spine as he looked on it, as if something ominous were happening with the seemingly harmless thing.

"She dropped this."

"Go give it back to her. N-Now! Before she wakes up and find it missing."

Tomb sounded actually scared as she said this, and Omen just nodded along, before wandering off to deal with this. They could follow her if they pleased, yet if not. they could also stay here, and ask something of the startled Tomb. Or something else. as it seemed the danger had been averted, whatever it might be.

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-19 at 12:13 AM, Magnolia said:

"Oh? Why gold? Is it because I am special?" she asked with an almost cheeky grin which was rather strange considering her character.  "Best we prepare now, who knows what lies ahead in life. I look forward to you what you have to teach me."

"It was more of a joke really. The container doesn't matter for that many things, except for cases when I need to break it as part of the application. Some stuff gets a better reaction from a big addition of air. Though gold can't add something to certain mixtures. Nothing violent though, far as I have tried so far. Well... Except for the Midas Elixir, but that one's strictly forbidden for anything but educational purposes. Nothing good comes from making things into gold."

The beaker for that had to be gold itself, to contain the liquid properly, but as said, it were not something that were meant to be made and used. She had to swear upon her ancestors to not do it, and she would keep that promise, as she understood their reasonings. If you started to make a lot of gold, it would just end up ruining the economy of basically every country, and start a shortage of whatever else you had before that. Generally copper, or iron. And that was when you didn't include that it could be used on living tissue. That was... Very disturbing. Though thankfully it didn't turn you into gold. It just made all of your hair turn into it, and it were very unpleasant, and potentially rather dangerous, when the heavy hairs would start to fall out, and tear the follicles and all with it.

On 2021-05-19 at 12:13 AM, Magnolia said:

She would calmly look to the stallion who spoke of the elixers being some sort of fad that had gone out, what surprised her the most was that Fishbone was the one who created these necklaces.  "I find it quite impressive she would create these. We should let her know we are thankful. Mostly since...I wanted something that commemorated us and we got it here so easily." she was starting to get thirsty and then picked out a water bottle with her magic.

"I get thirsty sometimes, you know?" she'd ask slyly but really, she was thirsty as can be though. 

"Yeah, she doesn't want to be bothered with requests and all that. She makes things after what she feels like, and doesn't like being given directions all that much. Dragons like being their own bosses and all that, but I ain't complaining. Just means there's always a reason for folks to come around, and these sorta friendship necklaces have been a big thing recently. That she's also happy to make, though with lots of things to it. Last time, there were one split in three, of the siren sisters. Only ended up with the one combined, but man did it sell fast. Hoping she'll find some big bones and try again sometime soon. Got half a mind purchasing the next one myself if it happens. Aaand here's your coffee."

The spiced blend would be put down on the table, before he went back to dealing with the tea next. It had been a fair amount of bits for everything, including the water bottle, but Zeehva had been able to cover it. She didn't have a lot to work with more though, and she still needed vials, so they had to conserve their resources some after this. At least until she could get to work on making some potions for sale.

The coffee would be hot and a little spicy, yet also sweet, and the taste were not overbearingly harsh on any fronts. A rather smooth, pleasant taste. If you liked cinnamon that were, of course.

Zeehva's tea would come close by, and give off a nice, floral smell, which would bring a bit of a larger smile to the mare's face.

"There you go. have a nice evening ladies."

The clerk would fire a large grin towards them as he said this, before going on with the next ones in line. It was a busy night for him too, and as they were done now, the two of them should be going on their way too. Preferably before Magnolia found more things that caught her eye, as Zeehva would have to say no to the next one.

Getting outside (hopefully) they could go to the side, and stand there to enjoy their cups filled with beverage. Zeehva at least enjoyed hers, as it had been far too long in her mind, since she last had a proper cup of tea.

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

 

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-19 at 12:26 AM, Cali said:

Cali would approach the guards, and the guards noticed that she had no cutie mark and alicorn wings. Her orange mane seemed to sparkle and flow with electricity, sort of like a wavy effect. "Long story short, my friend Molotov here was sitting down and some rubble was almost about to crush him so I basically propelled the debris off into the sky and blew it up.  unfortunately he had gotten a little hurt so I want to make sure he is okay." she'd reply.

"And for the record, I'm not from around here. I'm not even from your dimension, you may call me Cali, or Red Thunder, Lightning, whatever suits me I'm fine with it." she'd state informatively but quickly. 

The guards seemed very unsure about what to do with this, as well as the appearance of this being some kind of alicorn. The power shown would fit with it being an actual alicorn if it were, on the lower scale, but this one clearly wasn't a princess. Even in another world, it didn't seem like it, as there were no crown or anything, and they weren't sure if this were even the truth. Alicorns were either coronated, and were one of the stable, seemingly immortal ponies like the princesses, or there were the other sort. The crazed, extremely rare situation, where a random pony stumbled into something, that would cause the extreme surge of uncontrolled magic that would turn them into an alicorn, yet most of the time, also render them completely mad. This one hadn't tried to like, melt them or something yet, but they were apprehensive a bit now, and rather confused.

On 2021-05-19 at 6:09 AM, Kujamih said:

" What my friend was trying to say is! They need medical attention. Ahehehe she was also badly hurt and got hit by the head aswell. Please can you assist them to the nearest hospital?"

Then Light went to Cali's side and whispered. 

" We don't want unwanted attention do we? Didn't you want to stay in this dimension?"

" I'm sure you don't want guards guarding you or suspicion floating around you when living in this place right?"

Then Light headed back to the guards and said.

" Oh and we're friends with Luna!.. the guard... Not the princess.... She's a very important person! She works as a royal guard to the princesses."

Light winked at Luna. 

We ain't suspicious... Right friend? Ahehe.."

This did not help things either, as the confusing situation now just got more crazed, with multiple ways this could be interpreted. They also didn't know Luna by sight, as they hadn't worked the same shifts as her, or had bee in other sections, so it would give some credence that things were okay, but there'd still not be a guarantee that everything were like it should be.

Eventually, the one in charge would raise a hoof, and then slowly lower it again.

"I'm not sure what's going on here, but if there's no civilian, or property damage, there's no need for us to get involved. Please try and not cause a ruckus."

"Ma'am, she's a-"

"I can see that, recruit, and it's none of our business. Long as she isn't crazy, or a changeling with malicious intent, this is above our paygrade.

Cloudwatcher? Get them to the hospital, and have the doctors check them out. Report back if something out of the ordinary happens.

Sorry if this seems a little pushy, but while it's none of my business what your deal is ma'am, I have the citizens to be worried about, and rogue alicorns does not have a good history. I'd be more than happy to meet an exception to the rule though, and if that's the case, or you're a changeling without ill intent, I'm sorry for the added scrutiny. Cloudwatcher will make sure you get to the hospital safely."

The youngest of them - a pegasus - would wander forward, give a nervous salute towards the group, and get ready to guide them on. His boss though, would change her focus towards Light to some extend though, and look him over with a lot of questions going through her mind.

"Are you... A machine of some sort? I heard there's this inventor sort who makes metal beings on the edge of town. And I'm guessing that's this civilian, judging by the wings. Are you one of his machines? You're unnervingly lifelike. Or is that more of a patchwork thing? Where are you from, where they can do that sort of thing?"

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Blunt would come to the alleyway as told by Pop Rock, disinterest in his face, however he wasn't stupid enough to listen to her tiny proposal “You clean and roof and I collect trash. Something I don't really like cleaning but I'll still do this for the benefit of our mission" he said. As they started, he began watching the inn while collecting garbage, he would laugh sarcastically “You just made me an alleyway sweeper” he chuckled to himself before going back to his work. Unaware both to him and Pop, Flinty and Shackles would watch them from afar, satisfied with Blunt's neutral behavior.

...

The next day, Windy would wake up from her bed, stretching out her wings and forelegs as she yawned “What a good day!” she stood up and went out into the living room, wondering what Cimex was up to, however once opening the door, what she met was a fragrance smell of a fruit that would probably bring her up to heaven in her young age: blueberries.

“Mommy's coming for you, my sweet little cheesecake” licking her lips, she went to the kitchen.

***

@Blitz Boom @Starforce Glimmer @Kujamih

Blue would end up staying behind with Blitz to keep an eye on her while Cali, Light, and her friend, Luna take Molotov to the hospital.

...

Luna was not surprised they had run into some guards as the loud boom could have been heard by many nearby, of course especially those who's mission is to keep peace. She hind her anxiety as Cali talks and introduces herself.

Light, however decided to have her involved instead of letting her stay out and not make the situation worsen.

On 2021-05-19 at 12:09 PM, Kujamih said:

Then Light headed back to the guards and said.

" Oh and we're friends with Luna!.. the guard... Not the princess.... She's a very important person! She works as a royal guard to the princesses."

Light winked at Luna. 

We ain't suspicious... Right friend? Ahehe.." 

“Definetely not so suspicious, Light, ” Luna gave him a deadpan, trying to act rational and laid back to assess this confrontation, “unfortunately, none of this guards or myself have met each other as there are thousands or maybe millions of guards throughout Equestria, and the possibility that I might be a rebel changeling imposter doesn't help”

She was so happy they aren't going to jail soon.

Edited May 21, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

On 2021-05-21 at 6:15 AM, Blitz Boom said:

As for the canteen, it isn't bad, but it still wouldn't allow him to learn how things around him work, which is important in my opinion. If he is allowed a flask somewhere, and he can then slither over, and start to drink from that, it will provide him both water as needed, and teach him how to work with the container to get a drink. You can get small boxes of treats in the same manner, where he have to perform a certain action to get food out of it. It functions well to train pets, and while I know he will grow beyond that, at this stage, it might work well to stimulate his early intelligence.

“That’s always worth doing. I know Shrimp is smart, and it will do him a lot of good if he’s able to learn a lot about his surroundings. Although I am unsure about treating him like a pet. It… doesn’t sound right. If he’s really capable of growing and exceeding his seemingly animal-like appearance, then treating him like a pet would be a disservice.”

Going by his interactions with the siblings, Shrimp is already exhibiting signs that he could understand and associate who his caretakers are. He’s close with Lin and Omen, but somewhat unsure around Sen. He can recognize food, drinks, and toys, and is capable of speech. Those were already enough for the siblings to respect his capabilities for learning, and there is no doubt Shrimp will exceed what he’s shown them. 

That discussion would have to wait as the the group moved closer to the commotion. Though there wasn’t much to see, there was a lot more room to move around, and by then, they came to the sight of security, chains, and a minotaur. It was difficult to ascertain what was going on, but the longma were content to observe the standoff. 

Fortunately, all seemed to calm down, though Sen wasn’t sure. Tomb didn’t look relieved, and hearing the conversation between her and Rosa didn’t seem to ease tensions. 

“Tomb? I don’t understand what happened? Who were those two we just saw?”

“And you sounded very spooked when Omen brought up that doll just now. Are we in any danger right now?”

Sen sounded worried, though whether it was for himself, for the group, or for Tomb, he didn’t make it clear. Perhaps it was for everyone in the immediate vicinity. He felt uneasy, like the danger had only been stalled instead of averted. Seeing the minotaur and the filly he was carrying got him and Lin curious, but he’d exercise caution and stay with Tomb for the moment. Going after the source of the commotion was one thing, but following a gut feeling on when not to do something was just as crucial for the longma.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

."......" Light has no words for this. Only shock as he sees no way out of this situation....

" Why Luna?.....you could've just said yes... Why confuse them more..... You're no help too Cali..... And why is everyone saying I look like a robot!?"

Light checked himself and noticed that he forgot to retract the protruding artifacts attached to his body.

"... Ohh...".

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@EQ_Theta

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“That’s always worth doing. I know Shrimp is smart, and it will do him a lot of good if he’s able to learn a lot about his surroundings. Although I am unsure about treating him like a pet. It… doesn’t sound right. If he’s really capable of growing and exceeding his seemingly animal-like appearance, then treating him like a pet would be a disservice.”

Shrimp weren't a pet per se, and they were right. He had the capability for learning, and understood them to a certain degree. Yet at the same time, he were still a tiny little hatchling. Grown a few inches from being fed a lot of gems in his early days, which made sure to keep him healthy, but still an infant. He needed to be taught things slowly, and as if you were dealing with a pet, since he had less intelligence than instinct now. Like a dog, but with greater potential, and the ability to speak a tiny amount.

So far they were doing it well. He were being played with, given food and water when he needed it, along with non-clear gems. They were also making sure to wander around with him, which exposed him to a lot of new things, and crowds in general, so that he got more accustomed to new surroundings, and didn't get spooked in a crowd, which would be two good traits to make sure he got ingrained early on, before he turned into a hoarding loner, hurdled up in some cave.

But more than anything, they showed him that he could trust them. Sen had taken some more time, as Shrimp had smelled Omen first as he hatched, and as such, saw her kind as his family first and foremost. Lin had that kind of that smell too, but Sen did not, so he had to earn it with patience, and had gotten it. Rosa were a trial one still, but Shrimp saw that his caretakers trusted him, and as he had seen how they made sure to keep him safe, and happy, he would trust that whoever they were nice to, were safe for him as well. To a point, of course. A sudden wrong movement, or harsh glare, and he'd start covering and hissing, but that came with being a tiny thing in a world full of bigger ones. His instinct would be to not leave himself open for attack, though his caretakers had emboldened him enough that he'd be willing to expend his energy on for example the glittering flame, if he felt like they were trying to harm them. They'd have to remember to teach him how to differentiate who should be dealt with forcefully, when he grew up, and his brain could handle more complex things.

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Tomb? I don’t understand what happened? Who were those two we just saw?”

“And you sounded very spooked when Omen brought up that doll just now. Are we in any danger right now?”

"Not long as she gets that doll to Puppet, before she wakes up. We should be able to contain things at the mansion then, if we're lucky."

"You're dodging the question again. What is the deal here, Tomb?"

Tomb remained silent after that, and gazed to the side, hoping to avoid talking more on this. She had been about to earlier, before the doll got brought up, but she were in duress. It just came out then. Yet as she now didn't seem to wish to talk, Rosa would instead, and leaving it open for her to start talking at any point, during his presumptions.

"Then why don't I try? Of the two that showed up, you're not afraid of the minotaur, but the filly. Mourners Puppet, as you called her. Considering the mansion is likely your base, and her name, I am guessing that she is family. And not a well liked one, which makes me think that she is dangerous. Your reactions thus far seem to confirm that. To what degree? Since you mentioned a casualty list, I will guess she have killed before. Accidentally I'd assume, as one her age shouldn't know mali-"

"You don't understand what she's capable of. None of us know.

We're not born with our curse fully active. We mature into it, and learn how to deal, before the powers and sights filters in. It leaves time to prepare, and get us ready for what's ahead of us, while we slowly grow stronger.

Mourners Puppet is the worst possible outcome for our family curse. She were born fully attuned, and the very first those close by knew of her, were seeing her mother bolt out of the room shortly after she were born, screaming to keep the demon filly away from her. I were there when we rushed into the room. I saw the doctor being tossed around by the dark spirits, and saw Puppet just lay there in the bed, looking up towards them, and laughing. She were enjoying it, and the spirits just kept going on with it, to please her.

That were just her first day, and it's only gotten worse. Twisted, malice-filled spirits are drawn to her, and will do bad things to those around them, if they get an inkling that there is a threat to Puppet, or that it would amuse her. And it does. She were too young to understand how others were getting hurt, and use her control of them to stop it. She just saw them play with others, like they were toys that sometimes got broken. Grandmother had to give her to Sherwood, and tell him to stay away from any town, before more got hurt because of her antics."

"Couldn't you banish the spirits?"

"We tried everything, but they kept coming back, and she kept getting stronger. We couldn't contain them, and the few who tried to get to Puppet, to stop her somehow..."

She trailed off, and look away with a grimace. It did not speak well of what may be the case with this one.

"I haven't seen her in five years, but we all either seen, or heard things that makes us worried what would happen if she came back. And especially if she got angry. That's why I had to send that doll to her before she woke up. It is the only thing she have from her mother, as she ran, and never came back after Puppet were born. The doll were something she had bought, and wanted her daughter to have, and Puppet thinks of it like that too. It's important to her. Last one I saw trying to take it from her, ended up in a full cast for four months. He's lucky we got him out of there alive.

And now, grandmother have called for her to come back to town...

*sigh* Sorry, sorry. You opened the vaults. I don't want to sour your evening. Whatever's going to happen with her, will be at the mansion. It's far enough away from town that it shouldn't reach you, or any of the civilians. At least we hope so."

Tomb sat more straight by now, and seemed to have gotten herself under control as she talked, though she remained weary, and looked frankly drained. Seemed like not all were paradise in this family, but with their size, what were the odds of that ever realistically happening as it were anyway?

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

 

@Windy Breeze

22 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“You clean and roof and I collect trash. Something I don't really like cleaning but I'll still do this for the benefit of our mission" he said. As they started, he began watching the inn while collecting garbage, he would laugh sarcastically “You just made me an alleyway sweeper”

"Ponies do not think bad things, when they see cleaners. Many ignore. Good way to see things. Sometimes with treats."

It wasn't all the time, but sometimes, others got happy that she were helping around, and would offer her something. A treat like a bun, or perhaps a doughnut. She didn't aim to get that, or beg for it, but she were happy when it came on occasion, though she didn't starve. She were just lanky by nature and age. In time, she might beef up some, though Needle made sure she were fed. It might not look like it, but she did a lot for Pop Rock.

"We can see much here. Help us note if odd ones try to leave. Not pretty work, but angle is good, yes?"

She'd clean the roof methodically and thoroughly, as though this may just be a cover, she still wanted to do things right. Why do a job, if you weren't willing to try and do it right, yes?

On 2021-05-21 at 2:07 PM, Windy Breeze said:

The next day, Windy would wake up from her bed, stretching out her wings and forelegs as she yawned “What a good day!” she stood up and went out into the living room, wondering what Cimex was up to, however once opening the door, what she met was a fragrance smell of a fruit that would probably bring her up to heaven in her young age: blueberries.

“Mommy's coming for you, my sweet little cheesecake” licking her lips, she went to the kitchen.

Whereas Windy would wake up simply enough, and be on her hooves, Sorrow would still be laying down flat, with her face into the pillow. It weren't regular for her to have a bed to rest in, instead of simply napping on a cloud, so she tended to take good advantage of it when she did have a bed to use. And with last day being pretty bad, and hurting her wing, she had needed some good sleep.

Sadly, soon as Windy were up, the voices from Legion would stir her. She'd try to ignore it, as she were floated out of dream land, and into the grim reality, but they were persistent. They knew that she couldn't ignore them, and that she were awake, so eventually she had to cave in, and move her head so that she could look up, and towards the door Windy were about to pass through.

"Morning. I think."

She'd start to rouse and get up on her legs again, and then start to stretch her wing out, to see what it were like. It felt a good deal better today actually, so that was a plus, but she were still feeling rather sore, and as she looked around, were reminded that they were still on lockdown. What she could see at least. She needed to find a comb for her unruly mane eventually, but as that thought were drizzling through her mind, there came a smell of food, and her tummy started to rumble. Had Windy... No, she had just woken up. Maybe this was from the inn itself, and were just wafting down here? Either way, she were hungry, and if there were something or not prepared, they could make something happen soon enough. Just had to get out there, and get started.

So she'd begin to waddle forth, and follow after Windy, who had probably gotten into the kitchen before she were done stretching her wing.

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-21 at 2:20 AM, Magnolia said:

As they walked, she would definitely be sure to enjoy the coffee's taste as they strode. "Hey, maybe you should pick out where we go next? Perhaps a restaurant, or do you wanna look at something more scenic? I'll let you choose." she said in a nervous, yet also casual sort of manner as her magenta eyes looked to her friend with an almost calm look within their beauty. 

"Well, it's important to eat, but we should think a little more simple. It had been some time since I last made potions for sale before we met, and I'm getting low on bits. Still need to get some glass vials to use for them too, so let's try and be a little cautious with spending for now. Maybe we can find a food stand somewhere. B-But we can eat at a restaurant another day, promise. Maybe I can harvest something from the forest tonight, and make something out of that for the morning. Depends what I can find. Alchemy on the road requires some inventiveness, and flexibility."

She'd take a large gulp of the warm herbal tea. It wasn't as good as what she had gotten used to in Zebrica, but she still enjoyed it a good deal. It wouldn't be fair to set this against the stuff from home either. They took great care, and used vibrant, fresh herbs, to make good tea. You couldn't expect the same here. Though she found it good for what it were. Better than what she had expected honestly.

She'd look around as they wandered down the street. Happy ponies wandering on each side of the street talking, with the random griffon, smaller dragon, or otherwise mixed in here and there, illuminated by the streetlights turning on. The majority of business fronts showed the store to either be closed, or in the process of shutting down, whilst others were just about to open. Including a bar and a modest night club from the looks of things. A big town like this, there couldn't just be business during day time, as some residents didn't sleep in the night hours. or at least not until late.

Then there were others such as the bat ponies that would start to flutter into town, or out of a few houses here and there, where they had been resting through the day. Now that night time had arrived, it were their time to go out and enjoy themselves, as their kind were prone to i the late hours. One of the stallions that fluttered down, even sent a long stare towards the two ladies, and waved as Zeehva's looked up and caught a glance at him. The light shone in his sharp teeth, but though that were somewhat predatory, that seemed to be all that were that, as the rest were fairly friendly. Though she could see, as she waved back, that his eyes were more looking towards Magnolia. Quite a few here and there looked at the beautiful mare with an extra long gaze really. She wondered how her friend felt being so wanted, by males and females of several races, but didn't think it was okay to ask. Seemed inappropriate somehow. Could be worse though, yes? It could be looks of fear.

"Never saw a bat pony before I cane to Canterlot, you know. There aren't any in Zebrica, and where I grew up, we never saw any. Too cold I guess. It was odd to meet the first one. I thought it was a pegasus that had been in some kind of accident. Thankfully she took it pretty well.

*sigh* But where to go... Well, if we could find some sort of place with vials, that'd be good. We could see what's left to eat with after that. See if you can spot a used goods shop. I often find some vials or flasks there that just need a wash to be perfectly fine again. A good way to save some bits here and there."

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

On 2021-05-21 at 2:34 AM, Cali said:

"Yeah, I am from another world and I ended up here. I am not even the same species as you, I am just masquerading as a pony so I can fit in. Now please, my friend is hurt and I want him to get looked at."

"Understood. Cloudchaser, make your way there with them post haste."

The pegasus would nod, and lead the way on right away towards the large hospital building. it were hard to miss really, but he were there more just to keep an eye on things, and ease tensions, as others noted the small alicorn, and got confused/scared, depending on whatever or not they had heard of the stories regarding rogue alicorns before.

The guard mare would have spend some time to stand and inform this potential other worldly being some ground rules, but Cloudchaser should be able to deal with this if it were, and the stallion had seemed like he did indeed need help. As such, it seemed wiser to simply let them through, and have him deal with what might be an issue, and what might just be somepony fibbing them. She didn't know, and didn't have the time to test things.

When they arrived at the hospital, they'd be able to find that a pair of nurses with a gurney were looking around, and when their eyes fell on the alicorn and her carryon, they looked genuinely surprised. As well as confused, as they glanced up towards the clocktower.

"No way... He was right then. Even down to the minute."

"It's Molotov Boom, right? The one you're carryign? Doctor Septic are ready for him in room 27, and have prepared the equipment."

"Uhm... Did you expect him?"

"I didn't think you'd get here, but the doctor said the prediction would be legit. Even... Even down to having a fake alicorn carrying him. S-Sorry if that sound offensive miss."

"Look, we don't have the time for this. Please put him on the gurney, and we will transport him to the room. The doctor have cleared you to follow too if you want, ma'am."

Provided that she would set down Molotov on the gurney, they'd be able to get on and through the hospital, which seemed to medium-filled right now. Not a rushed day today thankfully, but there would of course be the regulars that needed check ups, medication, and the few oddds and ends. Most of them, would look on as Cali passed them, on their way towards room 27. Which would be a regular hospital room with a bed ready, and an elderly stallion in a doctor's outfit, scribbling down some things in preparation for his patient.

On 2021-05-21 at 2:07 PM, Windy Breeze said:

“Definetely not so suspicious, Light, ” Luna gave him a deadpan, trying to act rational and laid back to assess this confrontation, “unfortunately, none of this guards or myself have met each other as there are thousands or maybe millions of guards throughout Equestria, and the possibility that I might be a rebel changeling imposter doesn't help”

She was so happy they aren't going to jail soon.

 

16 hours ago, Kujamih said:

."......" Light has no words for this. Only shock as he sees no way out of this situation....

" Why Luna?.....you could've just said yes... Why confuse them more..... You're no help too Cali..... And why is everyone saying I look like a robot!?"

Light checked himself and noticed that he forgot to retract the protruding artifacts attached to his body.

"... Ohh...".

Meanwhile, back with the others on the edge of the scrapyard, the guard leader of the small group, would turn back to Light and Luna, and keep some focus on the two as the talk went on.

"Millions of guards are exaggerating. But there are enough all over the kingdom, in various time slots, that we don't always meet one other. And the changeling part seems unlikely. After the Canterlot attack, we have been running random checks via scouring stones and anti magic rings. Few that's been noted, are just ones who wants to help, and have been started on the guard education properly. It's not something all agrees on, but the princesses orders are clear: Changelings are to be welcomed now, no matter what hive they are from, until they prove untrustworthy in some fashion."

This info were mostly for Light, as Luna would surely know this, if she were a guard. The memo had been sent around when Twilight and Thorax made friends after all, to make sure they all knew that the changelings were also protected by the law now. Not everypony were happy about this, but most had too much respect to their position and the princesses to still try something. Those who didn't, would be reprimanded accordingly, depending on the severity of what they did. Three so far she had heard off, had even been expelled after overly abhorrent behavior.

"As for you... If you're not a machine, what are you then? Is this some weird kind of prosthetics, or damaged part solution from another country? It must be advanced if they can do this. Even more so than Troy. Can you share anything about this, or is it considered a secret?"

On 2021-05-21 at 2:07 PM, Windy Breeze said:

Blue would end up staying behind with Blitz to keep an eye on her while Cali, Light, and her friend, Luna take Molotov to the hospital.

Blitz would bounce around, looking for parts to work with, now that she had gotten the former oven stripped of parts, and opened the door to prep it for something to be inserted here. She'd hum as screws, plates, springs and so on, would be drawn from the piles via her horn, and got gathered up in front of her. She seemed to be building something, or trying parts for it at least, but it were looking more like a mess than anything. Though when she added a part of a clock, and twirled a few pieces, the clock began running again, behind the cracked glass.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Starforce Glimmer @Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze

"hey Luna.... How come your info's do not match with this royal guards?... Is there a chance you're from another dimension and you didn't noticed that you jumped here?" Light said with doubt of Luna's story.

[Rising Dusk 27,721]

@Blitz Boom

Dawn could understand where Lily and her fellow Harrowmark citizens were coming from.  Rising had done something thought impossible and even broke the preserved status quo of remaining alive after his did.  Marking him an oddity among the already rare in a death infused culture.  "By all means.  Feel free to shower him in praise, gifts and carve him in stone for Harrowmark's history.  Just don't be too disappointed when you don't find him glowing with ambition, boastful or oozing with pride while you do.  In the back of his mind I'm sure he understands the importance it would be to diplomacy, and if doesn't the Princesses sure will make it so he does.  There will be no binding of my brother, magic or otherwise.  And no arranged marriages.  Vastly too archaic and I won't approve," Dawn tried to make her point clear.  There was no telling how old fashioned this centuries behind nation could be.  Last thing she wanted was a diplomatic binding to go with the other ones.  Not that she actually had any true business in her brother's love life, or lack of for that matter, but that didn't stop her from trying.  It's only a bigger sister's responsibility to look after the younger twin after all.

The younger mare could take notice in the attention Lily gave to the building across the street with the other younger ponies coming to and from.  "That is called a Dormitory.  A couple blocks down this main road," she indicated with her hoof the road heading off to the left that ended in a T shape.  A row blocked all but the top few floors of the campus hidden just beyond the end of the street.  "Is the Manehatten University.  Young students seeking higher learning come from all over Equestria to attend this school.  However, some come from such long distances it's to practical for them to go home everyday.  So these Dormitories serve as dwellings for them to live in temporarily during the school semester.  Most of them are actually at the University, but a few are sprinkled around like that one just a little ways away.  Our father actually teaches the University," she ended on that note as the pair came up to the apartment complex across the street from the dormitory. 

A few stone steps lead them to the heavy wooden double doors that Dawn pushed open into the small entry way.  "Simple she says," the mare chuckled.  Simple had no flair, no gusto, that hardly seemed fun or Dawn's style.  "Using magic around Rising can be dangerous, but he's not helpless without it either," as a pony in law enforcement he's received some training in taking down ponies not using magic.  On the left was a door with a fogged window with the word 'Office' written simply on them.  Moving to the back of the entryway was a set of creaky old wooden stairs that gave the inside a nice rustic feel.  A deep contrast to the polished marble of Dawn's manor.  Climbing the stairs would bring them to a landing that opened up into a hall going right and a hall going left.  On either side of the hall were four doors, two on the left and two on the right.  Leaving each floor with a total of eight rooms.  Their destination wasn't on the first or second floors though as the duo had to journey to the third floor for their target.  Climbing the stairs seemed the safest option.  There was no telling if Rising had put wards elsewhere outside his apartment.  Likely there were other unicorns living in this building so that wouldn't be nice of their detective neighbor to do so, but she didn't quite know all of Rising's own neighbors well enough to be sure.

On the third floor Dawn took a left and walked to the last door on the left of this hall.  "Let us try not harming the Hero of Harrowmark.  And I'd prefer him on good speaking terms.  This is going to require charm and if all else fails..." Dawn reached up and knocked three times on the solid wood door, "A good deal of begging and pleading in dramatic fashion."

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
"I didn't choose it necessarily, I just ended up there and decided to stay." Ruby explained "My original plan wasn't to blend in and live peacefully as you know, and the Everfree forest provided a good temporary base while I gathered information for my planned attack due to most ponies avoiding it. But as I learned more, I abandoned that plan, and since I had gotten to know Ponyville well during that time, it was the easiest place for me to blend in in." "The lack of guards was also a good thing, though dealing with that joyful pink pony almost caused me to snap." 

"The attacks were never a problem for me, as I can sense them coming before anyone else in town realizes anything. At the start I simply avoided them, retreating in the forest if it seemed like I couldn't avoid them otherwise, but later when I no longer were seen as a new face in town, I started using the disorder they cause in my advantage."

---------------------------------------------------------------
Scarecrow observed things as Lyriel helped the foals to get their kite out of the tree, he noticed the gardener, but since it had seemed that he was busy earlier, he didn't think much about it, after all, wouldn't want to bother a busy pony. The feather collecting colt was the next thing he noticed, though his first thought wasn't to interact with him and his family, and rather he notified Crow that it should be ready to refuse a potential request for a feather, since it was unlikely that a feather taken from it would stay a feather for long after. 

The dog was the one Scarecrow opened his mouth about "I don't know much about dogs but that one looks like it's looking for something, maybe you could see if it needs help? just in case." there shouldn't be any harm if Lyriel made sure, in fact, as he saw it, the potential worst case scenarios were lot worse for not checking the situation than they were for there no being anything wrong, angry owner was better than dead owner after all, not that he thought it to be that bad, his guess was the owner and pet had either lost each other, or there was an item that had been lost, but one couldn't dismiss the worst case scenario as totally impossible. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trox and Sheska didn't really think about their fallen allies that often, mostly because they didn't really have time to get close to them, but they kept them in their memory because they knew nobody else would, the reality was that most rebels didn't have anyone left to miss them, not because they were rebels, but because only those with nothing to lose became rebels.

Neither of them would have time to respond before Benny appeared, as they kept a small moment of silence now that their lost allies had come up.

Trox made a 'don't worry about it' gesture when Benny worried about interrupting them, it was for better that he did, since while the kobolds didn't mind the topic, it was clear Pop wasn't big fan of it, very understandable considering this place didn't seem to be familiar with war, but it would take some time for the siblings to remember that their history was the exception here rather than the norm. Sheska meanwhile had a smile on her face after seeing the show of affection in front of her, and while she didn't make any sound, it was clear that her thoughts were something along the lines of 'aww'.

"Deep dwellers? maybe, I haven't heard our kind to be called that before, but then again, where we come from we are lot more widely known than here." "Did your brother happen to say where he has seen these creatures?" "You see, long and complicated story short, we're not from around here, and we aren't sure if our kind even exist here, but if these 'Deep dwellers' are really kobolds, we would like to know where they may be." 

 

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Maybe your grandmother has an idea about what’s really happening here? If she wanted Mourners Puppet back in their home, perhaps there is something more to this than it seems.”

“I feel bad about Mourner and her mother. It sound rough the way you described it, Tomb. Dark spirit drawn to a child…. That wouldn’t calm my nerves no matter how I try to think about it. This looks like a tough situation, but thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.”

This whole idea of unfortunate circumstances surrounding a child wasn’t really a good way to keep the evening’s festivities going. Sen and Lin just wanted this night to be one for fun, but it wouldn’t always be happy days moving forward. Sometimes, responsibility and duty comes knocking. Still, the siblings could only imagine what Tomb’s family must’ve had to do when this whole situation started; Sen couldn’t find anything to say that would calm the mare’s nerves. A show of support? That one would only scream of naïveté or stupidity, especially after already being told what happened. 

As for Lin, she sat by and pondered on what was told and what she could extrapolate. A child with dark spirits drawn to her, the kind that would take advantage of a situation and possibly work on base impulses. The sprits can’t be banished or contained, and taking the porcelain doll away would aggravate things. The longma initially had an idea involving the focal orb from the scholars, but that might not be such a good idea. She knew containing the spirits might be possible with the right approach, but that meant whoever was being contained would do so willingly. Trick the sprits into sealing themselves? And if that succeeded, what would happen to the child? There were plenty of unknown variables that made suggesting anything difficult. 

“I’m still not getting the full picture, though. If those malevolent spirits are actively hurting those around Mourners Puppet, then who is Sherwood and how does he fit here? Does he have something that could keep the spirits at bay?”

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Going inside the kitchen, Sorrow would find the most hilarious scene she would see.

There was Cimex, still in her chnageling form wearing an apron, one hoof up to the air with a tray of what it seems to be tiny cupcakes as Windy sat on her rump, wagging her tail as ahe gave the irrate changeling the puppy eyes.

“I told you, Windy the tarts are not baked yet. Be patient!”

“But...blueberry...”

@Blitz Boom @Starforce Glimmer @Kujamih

“Sometimes, being honest is the right answer” Luna was a bit irrate with Light as he could been doing short-term thinking instead of analyzing how many guards does one large kingdom needs, she did not show her annoyance though and kept her composture when the guard leader.

On 2021-05-23 at 1:45 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Millions of guards are exaggerating. But there are enough all over the kingdom, in various time slots, that we don't always meet one other. And the changeling part seems unlikely. After the Canterlot attack, we have been running random checks via scouring stones and anti magic rings. Few that's been noted, are just ones who wants to help, and have been started on the guard education properly. It's not something all agrees on, but the princesses orders are clear: Changelings are to be welcomed now, no matter what hive they are from, until they prove untrustworthy in some fashion."

This info were mostly for Light, as Luna would surely know this, if she were a guard. The memo had been sent around when Twilight and Thorax made friends after all, to make sure they all knew that the changelings were also protected by the law now. Not everypony were happy about this, but most had too much respect to their position and the princesses to still try something. Those who didn't, would be reprimanded accordingly, depending on the severity of what they did. Three so far she had heard off, had even been expelled after overly abhorrent behavior.

Luna knew this information was mostly for Light as she already knew the new developed peace between Equestria and the Changeling Kingdom and she respected that considering her town was one of the largest hotspot for changelings but that soon changed when King Thorax came to the throne, she heard a few are punished for being against this newfound peace however, she paid only little attention to it.

Even her patience can ran out as the guard asked if Light is a robot. Respect was the major option when interacting with seniors so she did not say anything.

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-22 at 9:31 PM, Magnolia said:

"I'll keep my eyes peeled for anything of a good shop, or something of that nature. We don't have to eat a fancy restaurant. Like I said, we can eat wherever you'd like. I have no preferences since I rarely ever had the chance to eat in a restaurant, if at all if memory serves me correctly. On your topic of bat ponies, I wish I could be one. Fits my interest of the night, and I'd have both wings and a horn too if I could find some sort of...transformation spell to turn me into a baticorn, a bat pony with both wings, and a horn. I am not sure if that is possible, but if it is, I would like to become one." she'd state with a musing, almost high strung look.

"I've seen and heard of a lot of things. A bat pony turning into an alicorn wouldn't be the weirdest of them. Maybe not unique either? It gets kinda hard to tell what's real, and what's not, when you hear stories about places that had a draconequui control it for a while. What's real, what's mutations, did it even happen in the first place, or were it just erased from the timeline- Nothing. Though I wouldn't be surprised if one of them could at least make you look the part. They can change pretty much all creatures to fit a look that fancies their ideas."

Personally, she'd prefer to stay clear of them, as they were crazy creatures, but ergh... Maybe that one that Gretha had spoken with as they flew out of the forest might be possible to get a dialogue with? The old dragon seemed to know her well, so that could be an entry point. Something for Magnolia to think about though, not her. It was her life after all, even if it would seem a little... Crazy, she supposed? But she wouldn't stand in the way of ambition.

On 2021-05-22 at 9:31 PM, Magnolia said:

Upon seeing that stallion of a predatory look, Magnolia would feel something snap inside of her. She was not one to be chased after by mares and stallions, she did not like the attention she was receiving. But at the same time, a rather devious idea crossed her mind. Magnolia wanted to show them all what they'd be desiring, in truth. She'd look to the stallion and the others as they walked passed and shot them a rather deadpanning glare. "I find your gazing upon my features to be rather imprudent!" she'd suddenly snap to them as a viel of shadows came across her eyes, and swirled up her legs in passive rage.

The varied creatures looked confused at Magnolia as she seemed to be getting some sort of reaction from the stares, with most of them backing off. Less because of the shadows than ran up her legs, and more because they sorta assumed they were being rude here, and that it was time to back off. Or well, some of them did look away due to the shadows. Hard to see here, considering the lighting, but those who did, figured there might be something going on. Zeehva were one of them, but she did not back down, but rather just went in closer, wanting to take this on before it got worse.

"It's okay, Magnolia. Please? Eyes are just drawn to everything pretty, and we're strangers here. There's many reasons why they could be looking at us., and if it bothers you, just please try and focus on me, instead of them. Whatever it takes to just ignore them. They'll stop eventually. But if you lash out, there'll just come more. And not a good kind of attention. I don't want that for you."

On the roof, the bat pony would speak up too, before leaving.

"Sorry. I just like waving at new faces. Most tourists are day folks only."

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

 

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-22 at 10:59 PM, Kujamih said:

"hey Luna.... How come your info's do not match with this royal guards?... Is there a chance you're from another dimension and you didn't noticed that you jumped here?" Light said with doubt of Luna's story.

"There's two royal guard branches, the Coastal Guards, and various law enforcement agencies through the entirety of Equestria. And we're a big country, sir. She might have just gotten some other variation of what's been told around, or gotten contradictory information from biased guards. It's not something we're proud of, but these sorts of things will happen, with larger, somewhat fractured agencies. Just be thankful this isn't years and years back, before the Coastal Guard and Night Guard got a proper say in things. Tensions back then were making things truly troubled."

8 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“Sometimes, being honest is the right answer” Luna was a bit irrate with Light as he could been doing short-term thinking instead of analyzing how many guards does one large kingdom needs, she did not show her annoyance though and kept her composture when the guard leader.

"Honesty is a valued trait, though I get the feeling that I have somehow caused offense here... Did I somehow imply that you weren't good at your job? If so, that weren't my intention. I'm just trying to explain what's going on with the guards to him.

...Or were it me implying he were somehow a machine? I'm not wise to technology, so I just made an assumption, based on what I saw. Perhaps I should've been less direct about that. My apologies, sir."

She felt a tension brewing at least. She wasn't a changeling or anything, but there were just something with Luna being silent, that made her think that she had stepped in something, and these two were the only subjects she could think about as being it. Since causing offense weren't something she aimed for, she'd at least try to make things right here, though if it didn't work there sadly wasn't much she could do about it.

On 2021-05-23 at 7:20 AM, Cali said:

"Excuse me, fake? That is extremely rude of you to say that. So many things are fake, and you don't ever question it. But when I am here, you suddenly do? Be advised that there are others out there who would do far worse to you for simply saying the word fake in reference to them, then simply speaking." she'd huff to the nurses rather rudely and then would sigh. "I was fast enough to save his life, or at the very least save him from more harm. I hope he will be okay." she stated and would put him down on the gurney. 

"I'm sorry for that miss. That were word for word what we were told, and somepony forgot their manners back home."

She sent her colleague a hard glare, that made him squirm a little, as they were able to put Molotov on the gurney. This were unprofessional, and he should know far better. Weird or not, they had a duty to be kind to those that needed help, lest they gave them reason to be otherwise. And his comment had been rude, and clearly caused offense. One more like that from him, and she'd end up reporting him to HR, but she would give him once chance here to just shut up, and do his job, before his hoof had to be dislodged from his muzzle.

On 2021-05-23 at 7:20 AM, Cali said:

"Molotov Boom, for sure. His friends and sister are in the scrap yard. Hopefully they will stay out of trouble. None of them even piped up to bring him off to the hospital, and none of them wanted to follow me here. I suppose they don't care about him. I sure do. If you want me to explain who I am, I can, but for the time being my friend's health is more important." with that said she would follow off into room 27. She strode in a somewhat concerned manner. 

"Don't worry, he's gonna be fine. We'll get him to the doctor straight away."

Carmen would scurry iinto view then, as she needed another position to not be squashed between Molotov and the gurney. The male nurse looked as if he were about to say something, but another, even colder glare from his coworker, made him close his open muzzle, and just get on with the job.

Once they got to the doctor's room, he'd point them towards the bed, where the two nurses would put Molotov gently down, and then leave the room. They had lots of other patients to help.

"Hmm, yes. Molotov Boom, I presume, and you are his companions. I were informed about you. I thought it outlandish, but there seems to be merit to his words. Hmm... Now let's have a look here."

The doctor would be completely neutral, and just give the large spider, and Cali, a passing glance, before getting on with examining the unconscious Molotov. Primarily on his head, from a few different angles, as well as using some of his tools to check general things. Like heartbeat, pulse, breath, and of course, if his eyes or ears were bleeding, or his skull felt fractured. Which were a tripple negative, thankfully.

"Yes, I see. Perfectly healthy this one. A little beaten up, but a good rest and some painkillers will do him good. Still best that you brought him in. Head injuries... Hmm. Potentially very dangerous."

The mustached unicorn seemed to chew on his words thoughtfully sometimes, but the report he gave were positive. Seemed like Molotov had just gotten a serious few too many bonks, and the fuse had shortened. Might be there were other issues, but he had to wait for the patient to wake up, before he could say more.

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

 

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-05-23 at 6:41 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"By all means.  Feel free to shower him in praise, gifts and carve him in stone for Harrowmark's history.  Just don't be too disappointed when you don't find him glowing with ambition, boastful or oozing with pride while you do.  In the back of his mind I'm sure he understands the importance it would be to diplomacy, and if doesn't the Princesses sure will make it so he does.  There will be no binding of my brother, magic or otherwise.  And no arranged marriages.  Vastly too archaic and I won't approve,"

"Hmph. We may be backwater compared to Equestria, but we moved away from arranged marriages long, long ago. Offering the hooves or paws of our young to another family, is only rarely done, and mostly due to the parents thinking the kids will do well with another. And even then, it's only as a suggestion to begin dating. Which isn't something that takes long for us to catch interest in as it is anyway. With the how sudden we might die, most will seek out a compatible partner, and have foals when they are able. one of the things Twisted encouraged too, though his reasons were less about keeping bloodlines, and more towards ensuring there'd be more bodies for him later on.

I had my husband for three years only, and didn't find another since then. I couldn't find the interest for a long time, and he did give me a daughter. Who in turn, more or less adopted another, when she needed the help. You will likely see her soon enough.

As for your brother, he doesn't have to be prideful. All we ask, is that he is present, when the celebration happens. Some time to get through the main celebration, and then a few hours of his life one day every year, should not be a large ask, and we can be flexible on what time of day it might be, if he is reasonable as well. Worry not, we won't claim his corpse in due time, or force him to get hitched. We respect our heroes."

She'd follow Dawn through this odd area, and listen to what it were. A place of learning after all then. Interesting. Maybe if they had some degree of interest, students from Harrowmark might one day come here, to try and learn from the more advanced country, and when that happened, this place might be worth remembering.

"Your father sounds wise. A family of potential from many angles it sounds like. I wonder what your foals may one day become. Perhaps I will be able to see for myself one day, though I hope the word that will come to mind, will not be spoiled. Those who does little, and yet get all, appreciates nothing. Though my upbringing and experiences were likely very different to yours, so it may not be the same for you.

What does your mother do? And are there more siblings than you and him?"

On 2021-05-23 at 6:41 AM, Rising Dusk said:

On the third floor Dawn took a left and walked to the last door on the left of this hall.  "Let us try not harming the Hero of Harrowmark.  And I'd prefer him on good speaking terms.  This is going to require charm and if all else fails..." Dawn reached up and knocked three times on the solid wood door, "A good deal of begging and pleading in dramatic fashion."

Lily had remained silent, and mostly just observed, rather than respond to things before this, even if Dawn had been outspoken.

"I have been around for a long time, Dawn. I am not without my own tricks, magic or not. But I'll refrain from hitting him with a brick. It were merely a jest. I'd be exiled if they heard I did something like that back home.

Also, I don't beg. If he does not want to come willingly, I'll let him know what will happen if he simply tries to push this away. Because Harrowmark is coming, with or without his approval. And if he's wise, he will let that happen under controlled circumstances, rather than having them cause an accidental scare."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Somewhat surprised that you did not simply pre-emptively wander into the forest, and tear apart what were approaching, to save time. And yes, I encountered the pink one. She's... How do I put this gently... Incapable of understanding the concept of personal space."

Other words he had in mind would also include crazy, but Marley were attempting to not badmouth one of the element users here, as they wandered towards the infamous town, in which among others, Pinkie Pie and her party-crazed ways were to be found.

"I do think they should invest in some guards though. With the amount of attacks on that place, and how they have a princess there now, no less, it seems foolish to not have proper defenses, but just rely on their cooperation, and rebuilding. How that place does not have a casualty list a mile long is somewhat incredible."

"From what I hear, they use powerful relics to fight others off. Still have to agree with the bird here. There should be guards. If for nothing else, then to have someone to rile up.

It's your home Ruby, so how should we approach it, in your opinion? Just wander in, and deposit everything at your dwelling?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Lyriel had nodded as her attention had been brought towards the dog, by Scarecrow. It did indeed seem like it were searching for something, and as she leaned down and started to talk with it, she would give a warm little smile towards the canine, and make sure to stroke its soft fur.

"His name is Muffin. He got separated from his owner, and went here to see if he could find him again. Apparently they are not locals, so there is no home for him to look first."

The dog would pant pleased, and wag his tail, as she scratched under his chin. Something which might have been the sort of thing that should make Crow jealous, or annoyed, as the attention would not be towards it, but it didn't care in the least. It knew it were better than this simplistic little beast, so what were there to be envious about? The attention? Please. If it wanted attention, it would get it. And not just from the colt looking at the bird, though it did bask some in that, and puffed up to look more regal. The colt would eventually go elsewhere, as he noted that the bird did not seem to be about to preen a feather off, but he'd look around later, and see if he could find one. It would not be as prized as the phoenix feather he had found, but still. He'd take all that he could find.

"He mentions they got separated near the train station. Perhaps there would be a good place to start the search. I'm sure the master seeks the dog, as much as Muffin looks for him."

She did not like that the dog were talking about owners and masters, as she believed that animals should be more free than that, but it were not her place to be crude, or rude against the dog. He had other things that filled his mind, and were now happily wagging around, barking with delight over getting help from someone.

"Though perhaps the market would function too. Many beings are there. Maybe one of them have spotted the pony. What think you, Scarecrow?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2021-05-23 at 9:55 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Deep dwellers? maybe, I haven't heard our kind to be called that before, but then again, where we come from we are lot more widely known than here." "Did your brother happen to say where he has seen these creatures?" "You see, long and complicated story short, we're not from around here, and we aren't sure if our kind even exist here, but if these 'Deep dwellers' are really kobolds, we would like to know where they may be." 

"Sorry, but he never said that much. Just that he ran into some creatures that he described as looking sorta like you. He's a digger, and goes all over the place, so it's hard to say exactly where he met these. I could ask him for sure though. Last I heard, he were digging somewhere up north. I could probably go up and ask him."

"Are you sure? I know you're the baby brother, and they're all after you, but he sounded like he really liked to get on your case."

"He doesn't mean anything bad with it. Just sibling stuff, right? I've survived it this far. And just listen to these two. They'd really like to meet up with their kind, and I could help them."

She'd like to argue against this, since he needed rest, and she'd like to have him around more, but she knew him. Once Benny saw he could help, he'd go ahead and do it if he could. She wasn't sure if it were just because of the guard training, or just how he were from the very start, but it wasn't as if she hated this part of him. It showed his good intentions, and he weren't wrong. It'd be nice to have these two get some help.

"If you're going to take off, it's not gonna be on an empty stomach. I'll prepare you a snack pack."

She'd go to the back room, whilst Benny stayed back, and looked after her with a big, goofy grin on his face. When she were out of sight though, he'd look over on Sheska and Trox. Not so much Onache, who were remaining silent, and just observing for now. This might prove informative.

"We'll get you two helped out, don't worry. Oh right, introductions, right? My name's Benny. Or well, it's something a lot harsher sounding really, but I never really liked that. Mom thought I'd grow up differently when she named me. Anyway, I run the forge for the Royal Guards in Canterlot, but had a bit of a mishap with a thrown sword, so I were put on medical leave for a time. Who're you nice folks?"

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"Only grandmother knows the full scope of it all. What she told us, is that Sherwood is an old friend of hers, from her younger days, when she went out into the world to seek clarity, and that she gave Puppet to him so that he might raise her right, and make sure she learns discipline. We don't know the finer details, but wherever he she goes, he's there too, and supposedly makes sure that she grows up better, or dies trying. Though I don't think she'd let him go, even if he died.

In theory it could work. She's the strongest medium we've had since grandmother herself, and even back when she could barely walk, she had them cater to her every whim. Childish and simple as they were. If she wanted them to behave, or begone, she could maybe make it happen, and it would be an asset if that could someday work. Those things aren't like regular spirits, or poltergeists. They're pure malevolence, that gets joy and energy from suffering. They're very hard to deal with, even for us.

But it's not been that many years, and the stories we've heard have not been encouraging."

"You do understand the concept of rumors and exaggeration, yes?"

"Yes. Do you understand the concept of being a town guard? We can't afford the luxury of guesswork. We have to go by what we know."

The two of them would glare at one another silently for a moment, with it eventually ending with Rosa lowering his gaze, and admitting defeat in this.

*sigh* But I suppose, perhaps there is merit to what you have to say. It doesn't mean I am going to take chances though. Because whatever she's become more disciplined or not, she's still dangerous. Maybe even more so, if she have gotten full control over her potential...

But this isn't for you to suffer through. I should be on my way again, and I wouldn't worry about your friend. The others will make sure that she isn't harmed in some fashion."

Lest there were anything else, Tomb would excuse herself, and make her way towards the others at the mansion, somewhere some distance from this town.

"It seems the family is not as... Idyllic, as first impressions assumed. I hear regular unicorns that peak early can be quite the hoofful as well, so combined with this... Hmm, troubling indeed.

That being said, perhaps we should go and somehow find a way to distract ourselves from this? I'm sure when eventually you meet up with Banshee at some point in the future, they will tell you what happened later on. As for Omen, I feel certain that she is perfectly safe. If being set on fire won't do her much harm, I don't think getting tossed around for a bit will do much, even if it comes to that."

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

 

@Windy Breeze

Sorrow's snorting laughter would be stopped, but not before a few seconds off it had escaped her muzzle, over essentially seeing Windy acting like a dog, begging for treats. It was utterly adorable to look at, and definitely something she were going to remember for a good, long time. It were also making it hard to think of the Wonderbolt as having much authority. That just weren't easy to maintain, after being seen like this.

"S-Sorry, I didn't mean to, but... This is just adorable."

She'd walk over and giggle a little, as she patted Windy's mane.

"Good Wonderbolt, stay there."

She'd smirk a little, as the wisps in the skull on her neck, bopped up and down some.

"Legion's having a great time too, hehe.

But anyway. *clears throat* Goodmorning. Or evening. I'm not sure really. It smells lovely in here, Cimex."

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“I’m sorry to hear that, and I wish you and your family the best in this situation. I hope you can find the answers you’re looking for.”

Sen paused himself from saying anything more and watched Tomb walk away. He hoped there would’ve been just a little more time for her to answer some questions, but even she might not have the answers. The longma hoped he could’ve offered something that would help. Ultimately, he relented knowing it would’ve been a waste. No point trying to offer help if he had no tangible solutions. Lin may have chimed in, but she already knew how much she didn’t know. 

“Didn’t think it would sound that bad, but I guess that just goes to show how much we don’t know about unicorns or magic. I wonder how the longma would’ve handled that in the past.”

“I don’t think that matters. The longma back home don’t have magic, and given the way the tell the stories, they sound glad to not have it anymore. It might be our burden now because we’re the only ones who can use some form of magic, voluntarily or otherwise.”

“If unicorns can already demonstrate the use of magic early on, I can only imagine how the parents must feel. Or maybe it’s because of the magical discharges? A young unicorn still learning to master their abilities without the slightest hint of control would be very difficult.”

Lin sighed at the thought, somehow feeling relieved that she got her magic-based powers after she was born. Yet, she still didn’t like all of the things that came with it. The one caveat that her powers got her made her live more like Omen. She wasn’t sure if all Ki’Nathar didn’t need sleep, but she sometimes wished she could find some way to do just that. Maybe that was a kind of punishment for meddling with dark magic. It wouldn’t be long before she’d have her mind stray away from that topic and finding something to distract herself.

“Discord made Omen tough, that’s true, but I’m not sure if resilient against angry, malevolent spirits also applies,” Sen continued, turning to Rosa and Lin. He also waved at Omen to come and regroup so they could plan their next activity. “Let’s find something to do. If something fun could distract us from this, we could find another game to play.”

“How about that dancing game, Rosa? I’m curious to see you and Sen have a go at that. If there’s room for more, I think I’ll join in.”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
"I had no reason to bother with dealing with the attacking creatures, they are mild inconveniences at worst." Ruby pointed out "And I disagree with adding guards being a good thing, not only do I dislike the nosy tin cans, but from the casualty point of view, they would probably add to that list, they're absolutely useless in a real fight, not that I personally care if they die, but implying they would be any actual help is in my opinion just ridiculous." 

"And the approach is like you said, we just walk in, when we get the things inside the house, I'll take it from there." "There's only two neighbors who could see us, and with both of them we share a silent agreement that what we do isn't the others' business, it's a mutual interest that we don't bring attention to each other." She didn't know what the two others had to hide, and they didn't know what she was hiding, but all of them knew that all of them had something to hide, and any one of them getting too much attention would risk them all getting too much attention.

-----------------------------------------------------
"I'd say the station is the more logical destination to start with, as it is likely the pony would first look from where the dog was last seen, then if there's no sign of him, market would be the next." Scarecrow responded  "It is also more likely for the dog to catch his owner's scent at the station rather than the market, since while both have numerous crowds, the market most likely has lot more smells to distract his nose." he may have not been able to smell anything himself, but he still had a vague idea on what caused smells.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trox offered his non-metal hand for a shake, though regardless of if Benny took it or not, he spoke "I'm Trox, this is my twin sister Sheska. That's Onache." he pointed at who he was talking about "It's nice to meet you, please don't feel pressured to help us, seeking out our own kind isn't exactly the first thing on our list." "Yeah, our future is pretty much open at the moment, we barely know where we are." "You two are cute together by the way, I'm kinda envious." the twins were close to each other as they spoke, their gestures and body language working together, that combined with their habit of continuing from each other's words was pretty clear show of their relationship, they had only had each other for big part of their life, and that connection showed "Yeah, it's nice to see a happy couple, haven't seen one of those for a long while." they were getting more relaxed due to the generally relaxed environment they were in, sure they were prepared for surprises, but they didn't feel the need to be all serious like. 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Catpone Cerberus

"I've seen some of them that can put up a fight, but mostly the higher ups or the Coastal Guard. I think the Royal Guard branches have gone complacent in their duty, being mostly wandering and dealing with petty criminals. The Coastal Guards are more fun. They train and fight sharks, and have to deal with sea monsters. Not as cozy for them.

Been meaning to go and see their headquarters for myself, and get a feel if it's just the few odd ones I've seen around that have been worth some degree of time to listen in on, but I'm not in a large rush."

"Perhaps you should make a certain degree of effort for it. We've been there some times, and know from mingling with the locals, that there are seemingly a band of dragons living somewhat nearby, they are trying to get in talk with."

"Is that so? Maybe I should pay a visit after all then. Haven't heard of water aligned ones migrating here. Might be fun to swing around and see how they are someday."

"I'm sure it would be appreciated by the locals if they had a link. Regardless, as to what you said Ruby, I do agree to a certain extend, though it does depend on the guard force in question. If they were transferred from the castle, I wouldn't have much hope for their usability. As for your second point, it is good that you have some mutual understanding with those living closest to you. Though really, I find that everyone have something to hide. Some more than others perhaps, but I don't truly distrust those who hide things. It is those whom seem like they don't, that I would narrow my eyes towards. Just imagine what things they're working so hard to keep concealed...

In any case, provided we do not meet some kind of resistance, we should be in Ponyville within the next few hours. Not as fast as flying, I know, but your belongings adds travel time. Though on the bright side, there is plenty of time then, to enjoy the view of the forest in all its questionable splendor."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"You make good points. Come with us, Muffin. We will help you find your wayward friend."

The dog barked excitedly, and ran around them two times, before leading them on to the station. He'd come back around some times and bark some more to speed them up when he felt they were being too slow, but he stopped the barking, once Crow sent him a sharp look. Muffin might not normally have much to fear from, when it came to birds of prey, but there were something in the way that Crow looked at him, that made him genuinely afraid for a moment, before the bird let up. The message was clear in the dog's mind: They'd help him, but don't be obnoxious, or else. So after that, he'd be patient, as they followed along, and only whimper a little if they stopped up, though at least Lyriel would attempt not to.

If Scarecrow sent a message to Crow that it should calm down, it would send a message back to him that emotionally made clear, that it did not care. It just wanted the dog to stop being annoying, and it had done what it wanted. Wasn't like it were going to hunt the dog. Bit large for a meal, and frankly, it wasn't hungry. Wouldn't be for days, if not weeks more, as it digested slowly.

When they got to the station, there'd be varied ponies and even a few griffons around. Yet as the dog didn't run directly for one, but instead began to try sniffing around, it seemed that the owner were not that easily spotted.

"He mentioned that the pony had an odd hat, glasses, and were green in color. Perhaps some of the bystanders have spotted him?"

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

6 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Trox offered his non-metal hand for a shake, though regardless of if Benny took it or not, he spoke "I'm Trox, this is my twin sister Sheska. That's Onache." he pointed at who he was talking about "It's nice to meet you, please don't feel pressured to help us, seeking out our own kind isn't exactly the first thing on our list." "Yeah, our future is pretty much open at the moment, we barely know where we are." "You two are cute together by the way, I'm kinda envious."

Benny took the outstretched hand and gave it a firm shake, with a pleased smile on his scaled face.

"It's nice to meet you all. And don't sweat it. I took an oath to help, and y'know, it's just nice in general to lend a hand. Might be I can get my brother around to meeting Pop too then. Only a few of the family have so far, with pretty mixed results. Though at least none of those who disagrees with it, outright attacks her, or tries to scare her off. So it's nice of them to be mostly decent about it.

Heh, sorry, went on a tangent I guess. But yeah, I'll try and help, and it ain't no bother. Always happy to help folks who need it, and if you aren't even sure where you are, you definitely need a few helping hands. And thank you for the nice words, Sheska. I know it's not exactly normal, but love is a strange, irrational thing."

"And the age issue?"

"We talked about that, and accept that's how things will go. It's sad, but life isn't always perfect, and it doesn't diminish things for me one bit."

Onache nodded. This she could at least approve, as she sensed his genuine care for the pony, and knew that he were honest now, when he said that he knew what were happening, and had come to terms with it. She imagined it would become a painful issue in tie, but long as he were not delusional about it, she did not find it overly disagreeable.

7 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Yeah, it's nice to see a happy couple, haven't seen one of those for a long while."

"Thank you. I'm sure that one day, you're gonna end up finding yourself someone to cherish too.

Where did you come from, if you don't know where you are though? Did you get into a freak portal accident? I've heard that a few times, with some coming from waaaaaay off the grid. Had a really confused, quite scared unicorn pop right into my forge, and- Wait, not like that. I mean like, into the building we that is a forge, not the actual forge itself. That'd be a nasty story. Anyway, really confused, and nearly passed out from the scorching heat. Had to throw him into a through of water to help cool him off. Pretty weird day."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-05-25 at 4:40 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Didn’t think it would sound that bad, but I guess that just goes to show how much we don’t know about unicorns or magic. I wonder how the longma would’ve handled that in the past.”

“I don’t think that matters. The longma back home don’t have magic, and given the way the tell the stories, they sound glad to not have it anymore. It might be our burden now because we’re the only ones who can use some form of magic, voluntarily or otherwise.”

“If unicorns can already demonstrate the use of magic early on, I can only imagine how the parents must feel. Or maybe it’s because of the magical discharges? A young unicorn still learning to master their abilities without the slightest hint of control would be very difficult.”

"Unicorn foals usually have a standard path: They reach a certain age, and suddenly, they let out a burst of magic. That is usually how their powers activate at first, yet to varying degrees.

Most of the time, it's something harmless. They end up coloring something wrong, or blast a vase with pure energy, make a flower grow- Small things really. It's celebrated, and they start getting proper training, but the worst is the burst itself. It tends to align better after that, and be more mellow.

Sometimes, there are oddities though. Accidental mind read, freak teleport, setting a full shed ablaze- Things such as that. It is generally something that can cause some degree of harm, but it will still align afterwards, and are usually a sign that the foal have great potential. I hear Princess Twilight were one such as this, where she showed a great burst of magic when her time came, and caused quite a ruckus in Celestia's school for the privileged.

And then of course, there are the outliers. We're talking a very, very low chance, but sometimes, the spells can come out as curses. Mostly sleep spells, or paralysis spells. Sometimes random transformation stuff, or outright having things seemingly try and hit you, as you accumulate a severe case of bad luck. These things are very, very rare, but when it happens, usually they get some help, and things just goes on like normal after that.

Foals having their magic active at birth though, is also a chance, but we're talking one in a million, more or less. Infants like that are usually sent specialty tutors straight away, that will assist the parents through what can be a troubling development.

...It was an elective at school to learn about these sorts of things, okay? I figured General Equine Studies would be more riveting than History and Importance of Agriculture. That subject just seemed dry to me. Would have helped a few times later on, but so did this, so I don't regret it overly much.

As for your kind, who knows what will happen now? In time, I can only assume that you would both want to procreate, yes? There is a chance that the magic will pass along your bloodline too now, and change how at least a branch of the longma will be, going forward. The more ingrained it is, the more it is likely to become part of the next generation. In theory at least, yet it is something worth thinking of perhaps."

a question for the future, yet one he'd imagine would come up eventually. Sen and Lin seemed like longma at a good age, and he imagined that they would like to eventually bond and procreate with others of their kind. The potential of magic being passed down would have to be considered, even if of course, he couldn't say for sure if it would work.

On 2021-05-25 at 4:40 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Discord made Omen tough, that’s true, but I’m not sure if resilient against angry, malevolent spirits also applies,” Sen continued, turning to Rosa and Lin. He also waved at Omen to come and regroup so they could plan their next activity. “Let’s find something to do. If something fun could distract us from this, we could find another game to play.”

“How about that dancing game, Rosa? I’m curious to see you and Sen have a go at that. If there’s room for more, I think I’ll join in.”

They'd be able to see a line for the game in question from here, actually. A rather long one, and it seemed to be an upwards of four player game. Though three would be perfectly fine too, as the group on it right now showed. Seemed like there were some skill to this, with coordination needed, and you would look a little silly, but the laughter also spoke for itself. Sometimes because another almost tripped over themselves. A minor detail, surely.

One thing they could not see, would be Omen, who were likely still following the others that walked towards the mansion, so that she could deliver the doll. Apparently, they moved faster than her.

"A bit of a line, but perhaps Omen returns in time then, and you can get a chance to observe, and see what you think of it. Don't mind the occasional snickering they utter at faults. I'm sure it's just crown enthusiasm, and a light fondness for slapstick comedy.

And I think we should have faith in Omen. She have plenty in us, so should it not go both ways?"

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-24 at 9:07 PM, Magnolia said:

"Then by that description it means that it is not impossible, but probable. Sounds like a lot of work but given time I could eventually find a way to meet one. What did you say about erasing from the timeline? That gives me the impression that they can change the timeline to make it seem like you always had those mutations. At least that's the impression that I get from your description." Magnolia said with a nod.

"It's just a rumor I've heard. It might just be exaggeration, but when it comes to those creatures, I really couldn't tell. Though it would make you question why Discord wouldn't have done so to not be overthrown then... Perhaps they can't do it when it directly affect their lives? Or it's just a story. I don't know a lot about draconequui. You'd probably be better off asking Gretha if it were, since she knows one directly."

On 2021-05-24 at 9:07 PM, Magnolia said:

"I-I am sorry Zeehva...I have a hard time controlling myself and the looks of ponies I never met just gives me the impression that they are out for me, or looking to start something with me. I recognize that I am a...pretty mare and for that I get a lot of looks of stallions and mares who would fancy me but as of this moment the only one that I...fancy in some regard is you. Nobody else would like or respect me as far as I am concerned...I-I'll keep what you said in mind..." 

The way she spoke indicated she felt guilty, and sorry for lashing out like that. It was more of for Zeehva's sake rather than that of the other ponies. She couldn't care less about anyone else currently.

"It's okay. You're just starting to change and bloom, Magnolia. You need time and support to integrate into this sort of life. And I promise you, that I will make sure to help you every step of the way."

Zeehva would hug Magnolia, and stroke her mane a little again to calm her down. Though she'd have a slight twitch going over her eye as she did this, due to what Magnolia had just essentially revealed. Something that she'd like to discuss with the mare, but Zeehva would have to time it carefully, and think hard on her words. Likely also go through it somewhere more isolated, in case magnolia would take the kind rejection well.

It were not that Magnolia wasn't a pretty mare, and Zeehva had nothing against that kind of preference. Yet it wasn't something that she could see herself as being part of, even if she'd fully support Magnolia in this, if her fancy fell on another mare that'd enthrall her. Nothing she ever even thought about either, honestly.

Folks around them kept moving on, but there were some increased smile saw this, as they figured the display were a nice look. With the majority also thinking that they were a couple, which really didn't help Zeehva, but it would at least Magnolia. There would be less looks of interest, when they thought her taken.

"How about we find ourselves something to eat first instead, and I'll look into the vials later? It might help calm things down again if we get something to energize on."

She'd lean out of the hug, if Magnolia were ready for it, and look on her friend with a calm smile. Sure were a lot of thoughts in her head, but there would be a time and a place for going through them, and right now, wasn't it She had to try and focus herself in the here and now, while the background started to sort itself through, and get ready a little by little.

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

"Hmm, yes, sounds lie a good plan. If he wakes up before that, I will be spending some time examining him regardless. So... Hmm... Indeed, I would say three hours at least, would be a fair bit of time to give him."

Carmen seemed to wish to stay there, as she crawled up and remained on his person. The doctor would raise an eyebrow, but not really remark much, before leaning in and having a closer look.

"...A mechanical pet? Hmm, fascinating... Must be a new fad."

He had been thrown off by the fur, but the legs gave it away, now that he were closer. Carmen did not seem to mind much, though her eyes did focus on him, just in case he'd try something. Though he seemed content with simply observing her, and scribbling down a few things. If she were to look, Cali would find that the note said that he had to ask the local toy store about this, and a sub-note about color variations, for colts and fillies. Seemed like he were eyeing a potential gift idea, without knowing full details here.

"Have a good time until you return, miss. I will make sure your friend is taken well care of."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Windy would give Sorrow a proud playful pout for her adorable performance.

Windy and Cimex will not see Legion's wisps from the rodent skull... Speaking of Cimex.

“I'm making blueberry tarts for today's breakfast” Cimex replied as she quickly put the tray of tarts into the oven, “Have you taste blueberries?”

* * *

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Starforce Glimmer

Luna was just trying to be respectful, not wanting to annoy someone who is above her rank. That would be the last thing she would ever want to happen.

“No, ma'am, I did not find your statement offensive as it is true honesty is one of the most good values a guard must had and to all species of intelligence" Luna finally broke her silence with a soft smile.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Windy Breeze @Starforce Glimmer @Blitz Boom

Light was a bit confused at what's happening so he'd just shut up to avoid causing more trouble for  them and observed instead.

.....................

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Interesting. Unicorns having a magic burst would be like a youngling saying their first words in a sense. I suppose the magic burst would be something to celebrate, though it may become expensive depending on what broke. Sounds scary if it gets a little too destructive, in that case.”

“And Rosa? We aren’t exactly in a position to judge what you studied in school. I mean, the longma don’t have schools; we learn what we know from those who pass down their knowledge to us. Basics from our parents, general longma traditions from storytellers, and specialized tasks from whoever chooses to take the young as apprentices. No schools means we must learn from those who can pass down their knowledge to us.”

“Which might get tricky with magic…. Maybe it might not be so bad if it was contained within the family.” Sen paused and recalled a similar conversation with Omen about the siblings starting their own families. The longma smiled at the prospect, finding himself wondering if he could settle down one day and have children of his own. Even Lin did this upon hearing Rosa speak of passing down magic-based talents. It’ll be a sight to see what else gets passed down to the next generation. 

“Ah, I guess it’ll be interesting to see how magic develops in longma younglings. Might be something to look forward to if we ever find the chance.” 

Once the dancing game was in sight, Sen would observe the participants going at it. Looked like coordination was key, but speed might be just as important. Having the two work in tandem with each other might be a daunting thing, but there was always taking things slow and catching up. What got his stomach turning was the possibility of tripping over himself at the worst possible time. 

At the same time, Lin was looking for Omen before guessing she was still back at the mansion. Though she may follow her brother’s example and watch the other carnival visitors play the game, the longma preferred to keep an eye out for the Ki’nathar. 

“I know Omen is capable, and I’m sure she can find her way,” Lin smiled as she answered Rosa, speaking with fondness. “Having faith in her is the least I could do. Did you know Omen once talked me out of throwing my life away?"

“Back before I got this body, we were fighting against the malevolent spirit who gave me my powers. We beat it, but only barely; I was clinging on to life. I wanted to use the last bits of magic I had to ease Sen out of years of terrible nightmares, but doing so would take everything I had left. I asked Omen to help me do that, but she firmly told me no and what I wanted to do wouldn’t help Sen. He spent all those years looking for me, but he’d wake up learning it was for nothing if I went through with my plan. She knew what I needed to hear when it mattered.”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
"While it is true that everyone has something to hide, it ranges from having a crush on someone to having the keys to destroy Equestria, so some secrets are quite a lot less meaningful than others." Ruby pointed out, the conversation regarding the guards she left behind as it had gone into such that she had nothing to add, she didn't care to argue about the capabilities of a specific branches she didn't know much about, in her experience none of the guards she had met had any potential, and what came for the coastal guard, something was missing there too considering how easily she had gotten in Equestria unnoticed, in fact, she hadn't even noticed they had any kind of coastal protection.

"Important to a working mutual understanding is that the secret of each are around the same worth for each individual, if someone was to see theirs as less problematic, they may sacrifice their secret to ruin the others." "In my case I am that risk, because while i don't know what the others are hiding, things going wrong would be inconvenience at worst for me." "It gives me bit more extra security." ultimately her 'secret' wasn't that big of deal, at worst case scenario she would need to retreat for few years if she got revealed, but since being a dragon was not illegal, it would be unlikely to go that far, and what came for her more illegal actions, good luck trying to prove that before she was too far gone for anyone to do anything.

She didn't comment regarding time, if that would have been something she was worried about, she would fly the treasure home by herself.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scarecrow didn't send any messages to Crow because he didn't really care as long as Crow stayed put, and he lacked the true emotional empathy to feel bad for the dog so that didn't play into it either, though he was glad Muffin did quiet down since barking brought attention to him and as extension to Lyriel and Scarecrow. 

"Members of station staff could be the best ones to start with since they have most likely been here longer than the passengers, and thus have higher chance to have seen him." "And can you get any more specifics besides 'odd hat and glasses'? Green ponies with hat and glasses isn't necessarily rare thing by itself, and I don't know what kind of hat a dog considers odd." 

----------------------------------------------
Before Benny's question was answered, Sheska addressed the previous point "I really find it curious how your relationship is looked at here, everything else seems so...nice, I mean, sure dragons didn't often get together with ponies where we come from either, but if they did, the worst that happened was that the parents may have avoided the topic, can't say I ever heard anyone attacking the partner." "Though I guess when everyone's life sucks, they don't have the time to worry about what ultimately is pretty insignificant problem." 

Trox used this as a good hopping off point for him to answer the question "Which brings me to our home, like I said, it's bit complicated, but simply put, we are from Equestria, just not this one, and how we got here....no idea, it's one of those, fell asleep and woke up here stories, though her basement..." she pointed at Onache"....is the exact place where we woke up in." 

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-05-28 at 1:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Interesting. Unicorns having a magic burst would be like a youngling saying their first words in a sense. I suppose the magic burst would be something to celebrate, though it may become expensive depending on what broke. Sounds scary if it gets a little too destructive, in that case.”

“And Rosa? We aren’t exactly in a position to judge what you studied in school. I mean, the longma don’t have schools; we learn what we know from those who pass down their knowledge to us. Basics from our parents, general longma traditions from storytellers, and specialized tasks from whoever chooses to take the young as apprentices. No schools means we must learn from those who can pass down their knowledge to us.”

"Saying your first words, and when you can walk, does tend to be big things for the family itself with equines of all kinds too. Less so with changelings, but their culture can be substantially different, depending on the hive, and variation. Though there are two major ones for the general three variations of ponies.

The first being the manifestation of your racial ability. For unicorns, it is their first spell. Pegasi have the first time they are able to fly, and for earth ponies it varies, but are usually either when they grow their first plant, or show a feat of strength. It kind of depend with them, as farming communities tend to have different standards for their earth ponies, due to their skills in tending to the soil.

Regardless, the second one is them getting their cutie mark. A strange thing, that you can see on their flanks. Generally speaking, it is seen as a mark of maturity, of sort. It comes when they find their talent, so to speak. Some will never gain it, as they never do find their talent, but the majority will during their pre-teen years. Some around their teens, or early adulthood. Getting it is seen as important to foals, which is why you see so many of them try varied things in their early age, to try and obtain it. Trueblood thestrals such as I, do not have that, but as were evident by my niece, half-bloods do carry the potential for it.

Why it is that ponies, or those with equine blood have this quality, is not something I know for sure. It is speculated in the books I saw, to be a kind of magical outlet, which would explain why zebras have them as well, but there are many, many theories. Maybe some answered, but not in the literature I have stumbled across.

And my comment regarding my studies, were mostly because I had doubts you'd think it all that usable for one of my profession. I did not mean to make it sound defensive.

Your way of studying are very... How do I put this... Traditional. It have merit, as I can see it helping with keeping things closely knit in a given village, rather than somewhat cli9nical. Though I would say that perhaps in due time, I might wish to try and bring up the merits of books with your elders. Not saying I wish to break your traditions. They are clearly important to you. But if say, someone with extraordinary talents are present, and then dies, what then happens with their knowledge? There is value in not only dotting down history, but manuals from your best craftsmen as well. It could help assist early age learning, and allow for development upon that foundation, from the next generations. It's how various equine societies have done things as well. Including the zebra, whom are likely the most tribal traditionalists there are, rivalled only by the deer."

Another thing to add to the list of things to discuss with the longma perhaps. Though he had to try and word things carefully when it were, to not imply he wished to change traditions. That would likely get his words stopped immediately, when speaking to those, if ever he got the chance to do so.

On 2021-05-28 at 1:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Ah, I guess it’ll be interesting to see how magic develops in longma younglings. Might be something to look forward to if we ever find the chance.”

"I'm sure that you will. You're a fine longma at his best age, Sen, and so are you, Lin. Perhaps not entirely one, but from what I have gathered from Omen, you're still able to procreate if formed correctly, and I doubt that like Omen, you are internally chaotic in nature. It is just a matter of finding partners, but that time will surely come for you both. I have confidence in that."

He'd briefly get an image in his head of Omen having foals, and felt the small hairs on the back of his neck shiver. Something about there being more of her, were somehow unnerving.

On 2021-05-28 at 1:04 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I know Omen is capable, and I’m sure she can find her way,” Lin smiled as she answered Rosa, speaking with fondness. “Having faith in her is the least I could do. Did you know Omen once talked me out of throwing my life away?"

“Back before I got this body, we were fighting against the malevolent spirit who gave me my powers. We beat it, but only barely; I was clinging on to life. I wanted to use the last bits of magic I had to ease Sen out of years of terrible nightmares, but doing so would take everything I had left. I asked Omen to help me do that, but she firmly told me no and what I wanted to do wouldn’t help Sen. He spent all those years looking for me, but he’d wake up learning it was for nothing if I went through with my plan. She knew what I needed to hear when it mattered.”

This story caught Rosa by surprise, quite honestly, and he'd raise an eyebrow accordingly.

"That's... Grim, but praise the night that you were talked out of doing such a thing, as I can only agree with Omen there. Sen would have been devastated, and as one with nightmares of his own, I can assure you that taking away one source, does not mean that you take that away forever. When he had found out you were lost, that would have begun to haunt him instead.

I am somewhat surprised Omen helped you through that, but I suppose, she have a very basic view on the world. It can help cut through things the rest of us overthink."

The machine would soon be ready, as more got through the line, but Omen were still nowhere to be seen. She were cutting it a little short here, if she were to join them in this game.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

Sorrow would giggle a little at Windy's response to her action. It were nice that even with all the bad things happening, there were still room for these little interactions. it helped to ease tensions.

"I've tried blueberries a lot of time. The area where my family is from, is mostly a forest area, so we have a lot of trees, bushes, and stuff like that. One of my uncles and his husband likes to take care of a large area of fruit plants, so we've tried lots of stuff. Never tried a tart before though. What's that? Some kind of brownie?"

She wasn't a stranger to sweets, and various baking, but Sorrow were a pretty regular, down to earth pegasus. She had only been part of fancy things really one time, and that were when her father's boss had invited her for a fabulous night out, no expenses too high. And as he were a rich pony, it had been the whole shebang. A fancy dinner, dancing, theater, and all with a pretty dress he had bought her. His way of thanking her for helping him with a nasty ghost that had started to haunt him, and something which were definitely not a date. He was a good stallion for sure, and sure he were about her age, but they didn't have that spark, and they both knew it. They were good friends though, and she knew that he treated her father right.

She still had the dress too, tucked away neatly in a lockbox, in his vault. He wasn't holding it hostage or anything. She had literally asked him to hide it for her, as she treasured it greatly, and didn't want it to get ruined. She kept it ready there for special ocassions, and he made sure that it were not getting attacked by moth larvae or the like.

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

 

@Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-26 at 10:27 PM, Magnolia said:

"Y-yes and in due time I'll learn and change more but for now...I am just pleased and calmed by your company. A good thing to eat would go really good, right now actually." she'd smile calmly, seeming to have regained her calm. She'd slowly pull away from the hug and gave Zeehva a reassuring head pat. 

Zeehva would return the head pat, and try and keep up the smile for Magnolia. She didn't think everything were puppies and sunshine now, but at least it were calm again for the time being. The bigger issues they'd sort through over time, and get done with when there were something to work with.

And speaking of things to work with, Magnolia may notice that Zeehva were starting to draw out magic residue from the area. Small puffs of near mist, or specks in the air, gathering up to small droplets, that she'd put in the various vials she had in her bag before the crystal ones. Among them, a single, dark, wispy droplet, that were made og Magnolia's magic. This were the residue that came from her beginning to flaunt her magic. Nothing more than that, which should tell more about how little the mare were actually able to harvest from any one source at a time. As for why she gathered them? She'd need to make flasks later. A bit of magic added in, tended to make them better, so maybe there were something here for her to work with, in the various types.

On 2021-05-26 at 10:27 PM, Magnolia said:

"How about that? Seems good to me. If you don't like it, we can find another." Magnolia would say with a calm smile. She didn't really mind where she went, just as long as she was with her companion. 

"That doesn't look bad. Let's see what the sign says."

A tourist place certainly, but that didn't mean that the prices were hiked up. In fact, it were often not the case, as tourists wanted to spend bits on many, varied things. Not blow it all on one expensive dinner. And looking over prices here, it seemed to be reasonable, provided that they did not order something extremely expensive.

"This could work okay, yes. You see anything you'd like? It's easier for me to deduct things if I know what you want first."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"An argument with merit, certainly. Being what you are are not technically illegal, nor are hiding as you do, as it could be argued by you if you were questioned, that you simply did that because you wanted to blend in, and not cause a fuss. As well as the size difference being rather substantial, and causing issues for you to live in a town if you were your true self. Not that you really care about being part of things, but they'd accept such reasons, long as you did not eat or torch someone.

As for the other things, that is quite the worse thing, yes. Though you'd have to be rather brazen to carry a weapon of magnitude in Ponyville, considering how close it is to the element bearers. Though i suppose, they'd never expect that, and it may be a matter of securing it... Hmm, but that is hardly important. You have given good reasons for your stance on things, and the weight of certain secrets against one another, so I'll concede the point."

"You really like listening to your own voice, don't you?"

Marley would meet the snarky comment from Leviathan with a tussle of his head feathers, and an almost annoyingly glamorous stance, whilst giving an answer in a cooing voice. Just to get on her nerves slightly.

"Can I help it, that it is simply divine?"

She'd roll her eyes at him, whilst he let out a chuckle. Silly dragons sometimes.

There were some tussling in a nearby bush soon after, that'd make Leviathan pause and look to the side, expecting to find some sort of prey animal, or unaware predator popping after them, but finding nothing. The bush that had rustled were just sitting there, without a thing else going on. She'd try to blow some frozen air towards it, and... Nothing. Must've been the wind. And if Ruby felt out around them, she wouldn't be able to tell differently. Everything seemed calm and normal.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

Lyriel would ask the dog, but didn't get much further before a pony in a conductor's hat came wandering over towards them, with a funny look on his face.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but... Are you interrogating your dog?"

"No. I am merely asking him a question. I would never try and force an answer from him. We're trying to find his pony friend."

"...Sorta lanky, green pony, with a jesters hat and bells stuck in his tail?"

The dog seemed to get really excited as he heard that, and would bark enthusiastically, before remembering the gaze before, and toning it down again. He'd still look really expectantly towards the conductor though, with big, pleading eyes.

"Yes. Muffin says that sounds like him. Have you seen him?"

"He were around here 'bout twenty minutes ago, looking for a dog called Muffin. Said I hadn't seen one, but he could try to ask the guard if somepony brought one in. He's probably still in the mayor's office, waiting for news on what to do after the house he had been stationed in were destroyed. Messy stuff I hear, but thankfully nopony got hurt."

"Praise the Earth Mother for that. And thank you for your answers. We will go and see if we can find him."

"Well, good luck with it. If you do, you can't miss him. Ain't a lot of jesters around anymore these days. Stands out like a sore hoof."

Sounded like they had a destination more to go to now. Lest Scarecrow had something to say, they'd be on their way, through the bustling, lively town of Ponyville, towards the large building containing the mayor's office.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

10 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Before Benny's question was answered, Sheska addressed the previous point "I really find it curious how your relationship is looked at here, everything else seems so...nice, I mean, sure dragons didn't often get together with ponies where we come from either, but if they did, the worst that happened was that the parents may have avoided the topic, can't say I ever heard anyone attacking the partner." "Though I guess when everyone's life sucks, they don't have the time to worry about what ultimately is pretty insignificant problem."

"Most would never do something as horrendous as attacking her outright, since there's strict rules from Dragon Lord's going back thousands of years, that we're not allowed to inflict lethal harm, nor kill ponies, and well... Some are pretty strong, so most just throw insults, or pokes about of it is. Sometimes fly up with them, and drop them into haystacks or large pools of water. Some dragons are sadly jerks like that. Just good the few rules set in place to not flare up the war again is still honored most of the time. Sounds like wherever you are from, they keep that up too, so that's good.

My siblings can be a little brutish and rude in it sometimes, and some are really not fans of ponies, out of stubborn tradition, but I'd never think any of them would physically harm her. I'm more worried about verbal abuse, and using her as a ball of sorts. And for random dragons... Well, mixed results. We're in a weird spot now that Dragon Lord Ember have come to power, and are pushing through more cooperation with ponies and dragons, so things are a bit up in the air, with the more stubborn one acting out in protest, and getting really nasty.

But anyway, most are just disapproving, and we just ignore them, if we can't change their minds. Some like mom I know aren't' happy with it, but she's nice enough to just state her opinion on it once, and then keep it to herself after that. And her issue is mostly about kids. Her and dad have had a lot of clutches, and she expects her kids to have a lot too, so she just gets a little annoyed when it doesn't go that way. She's a good dragon though. Honestly."

Well, she were a bit of a... Yeah, but dad helped to ground her down a lot, and take the edge of the worst of her pride. But that's just how it were. She were the largest, and oldest of the two of them, and came from a really proud line. Dad had to do a lot to impress her, and after he did, she weren't letting anyone else take him from her. She were a little possessive of him, but she did care for him. You could see it. Especially these days, when he were suffering from insomnia, and she were dotting around him, trying to help him the best she could.

10 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

Trox used this as a good hopping off point for him to answer the question "Which brings me to our home, like I said, it's bit complicated, but simply put, we are from Equestria, just not this one, and how we got here....no idea, it's one of those, fell asleep and woke up here stories, though her basement..." she pointed at Onache"....is the exact place where we woke up in." 

Benny scratched his head over what he were being told now, confused as to how this sorta worked.

"You're from Equestria, but not this one? There's more than one out there?"

"Different reality. With evil princesses."

Benny had a twitch going over his right eye as he heard that bit.

"E-Evil princesses? That sounds really bad. And you definitely need help then, so that you can see that this Equestria is a good place. As said earlier, I work for the Royal Guard branches in Canterlot, so I'm kind of a representative, I guess? And most aren't bad. A bit dumb sometimes, but not Bad."

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

 

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Starforce Glimmer

On 2021-05-26 at 10:39 PM, Cali said:

"That all sounds good to me. By the way, that little Spider is one of Molotov's contraptions. Her name is Carmen. She'll be here to keep you company. Good luck with examining and keeping a watch over my friend here as he heals."

"And here I thought it a toy. Hmm, strange indeed. But we'll keep an eye on them both. Have a good day for now."

The doctor would go back to scribbling down things, while Carmen skittered up and laid down on Molotov's head. She'd make sure he were safe and sound, and wouldn't cause issue, lest they did something stupid. Like trying to poke him with something sharp, or bring in a hospital clown. A minor side effect of the ways that Molotov had tested for true sentience, when developing an AI, were that Carmen were rather anti-clown. To a point where she'd angrily assault one if they came near her. An unintentional hatred that had gotten instilled in her, that Molotov hoped to address some day, but there just hadn't been time yet.

As she took off, she'd surely catch some stares, but nopony seemed like they were trying to stop her, as she shot off towards the scrap yard. More confused, and uncertain about what to even think. She'd probably end up being the talk of the town for a bit, when the gossip started to spread later on, but such were the price of standing out as much as she did.

On 2021-05-27 at 9:55 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“No, ma'am, I did not find your statement offensive as it is true honesty is one of the most good values a guard must had and to all species of intelligence" Luna finally broke her silence with a soft smile.

"Depends on what role you have, but overall, I agree that it's best to be respectfully honest."

She didn't need to be worried at all really. Luna were not going to be in problems, mostly regardless of what she said. She weren't under the direct command of this slight superior, who were only so within her own minor squad. Unless they were part of the higher ups with proper ranks, or it were Shade Stealer's group of Night Guard specialty forces, they were technically on equal hoofing. And seeing how all of Shade's members were shadowy, well covered in dark clothes, and never spoke, they were easy to tell from the regular guards. They were overall not liked either, but that were okay. The impression were that it were wholly mutual.

The guard were about to say more, when the other one crashed back in though, and startled her a little.

"By Celestia! *clears throat* Sorry ma'am, you just... Surprised me."

The other guard she had with her were much the same, though he stayed silent. He didn't know what he were going to say here either. It really seemed like something above where he had much to add to things, and he knew the value of knowing his place in this whole thing.

"Is your friend safely at the hospital?"

Edited May 30, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom @Starforce Glimmer

"..." Light was amused at the weird interaction between Luna and the guards.

He still kept silent because he knew that he was the reason why Luna was in this kind of a mess to begin with. 

Light could only mime to Luna that he is sorry for the trouble.

Edited May 30, 2021 by Kujamih