open Casual stroll

Windy Breeze · July 17, 2021

“I was the checking if there are still some ships that sails to the Fillyphines” Razor, at first planned to go sightseeing, having not seen the outside world due to the influence of his wife's wrath in their home and the surrounding areas, the place now trashed with debris of houses and business that once stood. He already have forgiven her for all the pain and misery she brought upon the innocent. He also went out to see the movement of his gang as there is no doubt Sorrow and Windy are still being searched, “There is only two left docked at the port. You two should better get out of here”

”Fillyphines?" Tepe had no idea about the archipelago, giving hints of limited knowledge in his tribe. He turned to the mares, “Are you girls adventurers or something?”

EQ_Theta · July 17, 2021

@Blitz Boom

Rosa’s reply to Lin’s concern wasn’t quite as easy in practice. Not thinking about a question that has no answer wouldn’t sit well with the longma, who was comfortable with having an answer at the ready. But this was one of those questions that didn’t have an easy answer even if she gave herself the time to think about it. It was easy to see the world in black and white within nothing complicating matters. She wouldn’t know what to do with the grey area in between, though she hoped she could learn to at least live with it.

Once Sen brought the conversation in another direction, she would use that as a distraction from thinking about Scarcity’s motives. For now, that seemed to get her worrying less, though it may not last until nightfall. Rosa was right, after all. Only Scarcity would know her intentions better than anyone.

“It was scary at first. Finding an empty building was tough, and being caught trespassing wasn’t something I wanted to happen. I guess being run in for vagrancy sounded more preferable, but I decided I wasn’t going to let that happen a second time. After getting caught once, I found myself living in Canterlot’s slums, the kind of place where someone would go to be forgotten. At least no one would try to turn me in to the authorities there, even if I had to fight for my next meal.”

“I suppose if ponies didn’t move away from this part of town, it would’ve turned out differently. It does have a nice, old town fell that… just works. Ah, that doesn’t sound right when the whole point was to preserve how the town was like back then. Still, this place is pretty nice when the sun is out. Maybe living in a place like this won’t be so bad.”

“Nothing can capture the feeling of living within nature. The Moonlit Thicket was the closest to matching the simple life in forest. Now that is a place I wouldn’t mind visiting again and again. But I agree with Rosa; let’s find his home. I admit, I’m curious about what his place looks like.”

The siblings would let Rosa take the lead and see where his home could be. This part of Canterlot was quite pretty and it had a nice feel to it. Omen probably wandered off to some place that caught her attention, though the whole place was so eye-catching that they could reasonable find themselves wanting to go sightseeing. Once the group found themselves at a renovated home, they could imagine this one to be one of those quaint homes that had its simple charms. That, however, wasn’t what caught their attention, and Lin would see a familiar creature by the door.

“Hey, it’s Hammond! Still cute as ever…” The little creature’s presence was still a soft spot for Lin, though the realization would catch up to her soon as she recognized him. “Wait… if he’s here, then Scarcity is here too. You ready, Rosa? To find out what Scarcity wants of you?”

FanOfManyShows · July 17, 2021

@Blitz Boom
A shimmering form watched from the trees, at some point Skall leapt out of the way of Chariot and hid, but he strained at the element in his claws as these illusions performed their acts.
Soon Shade could spot a shimmer, as if a tear had revealed Skall lurking in the trees, Obscured however.

He grinned as he watched a still unconscious Tirek be dragged away from the area by
"Wake up."

With that one word he awoke the tyrant with a spell, before leaping in to strike Screecher with flaming daggers in hands

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

Rose stepped out on a hill on the other side of the portal, the group could see the battle ensuing in the treeline, smoke starting to billow out
"Steel Beak?"

She looked as he was nowhere to see, before spotting him soaring into the battle
"Great, already after Skall aren't you?"
She flew after, holding this faux element.

As if the timing couldn't be any worse, Skall would be impacted by Steel Beak flying right into him,
smashing him through the trees, several trees as all the illusions vanished simultaneously as the impact knocked him out,
but that didn't stop Steel from beating his face in as he dragged his body across the dirt.

with only one left, Shade could see who to lock onto, but this new figure would need to be stopped too, seeming to be wreaking of necromancy.

Rising Dusk · July 18, 2021

@Blitz Boom

Grace settled herself into the hot bubbling mud bath until just her head was above the surface. Letting her wings slowly sink into the mud as well. A relaxed sigh escaped her lips again. Resting the back of her head against the edge of the bath. "It is difficult to truly comprehend for those that do not have it. We can only guess what it might be like and whether our minds could handle it. A curse? A gift? A bit of both? Hard to tell. With any oddity one is born with however, the body adapts, or in this case the mind. Rising has always had it. He doesn't know any different. If anything, he might find the rest of us odd for not having such perfect memory," the mare chuckled in her relaxed stated. Rising of course did not such things about others. Well, at least not after exiting his foal years. "Every child is different. We tend to look to our own upbringing and parents as guides. In the end though, we aren't always prepared are we? I'm a pegasus. My parents were pegasi. I was raised a pegasus. I didn't know a thing about unicorns or how to raise them. We're more concerned with foals finding their way into storm clouds unprepared than whether your foal is causing the dinner dishes to dance above the table," Grace's head lazily turned to the side pointily at Dawn who was slipping from her fluffy robe to slide into the roiling pool of herbal mixtures.

Dawn was either too distracted or had no real interest in the stroll down memory lane as mothers seem to like downing when together with their children.

"While difficult to bring Rising the same level of joy a mother hopes for their children, it was a blessing that he only needed to learn lessons once," she admitted. "Dawn was always larger than life. The perfect contrast to her brother. Life was still just as interesting in the Soaring Echo household as any other family's unique twist to the world." Wanting to get herself set on a better timeline, she inquired of those gathered, "When are we expecting this travel to Harrowmark?"

"Too many things need to align themselves mother. When those things do align though, it will happen quickly," Dawn said simply but cryptically. Now fully submerged into her own pool of relaxation with herbal delights. "Please, Lily. Were you not listening? Of course you're all puppets on strings dancing to my whims. I'm larger than life after all," the mare smirked, showing her hoof that she was in fact listening the whole time. "The water is amazing though, do join me."

Octavian · July 18, 2021

@Blitz Boom

Fuchsia explores the rooms, feeling a pang of homesickness as she sees the family painting. She wondered how own mom and dad and brother were – all the way back on the farm. Maybe she would stop in on them once they had learned how to defeat the monster they had trapped… Fuchsia would admire any keepsakes from adventures – no doubt impressed by the amassed objects of a life of exploring and the purchasing power of such a rich pony.

Having now had a moment to consider, Fuchsa was also generally awed by the scale of the house. She had never thought she would end up in any home as grand as Mr Phantom’s, the Talomeno rancher she had stayed with a couple of months ago, but this place put it to shame – and it was in Canterlot! She muses again on how they met in the wilds – finding it almost inconceivable that the grubby adventure-pony she met was the owner of such a palatial abode.

When Grim returned with Topaz and the couch she thanked him and also explained about the lurking terror that followed them, “We should sleep in shifts. If you see anything unusual – wake me up and I will do the same for you.” She says. “You take the first shifts – I will take the second.”

If they agree, Fuchsia readies herself to sleep on the couch, but before jumping in – she holds herself back from the inviting, brilliant clean and soft-looking bed-linen. She was absolutely filthy! Dried swamp mud was ingrained in her fur, mud and no doubt dung matted her mane and tail. Only a few patches of pink fur even showed through and her cutie mark was barely visible under the grime. She asked Topaz about the location of the bathroom and decided to clean herself up.

After extensive scrubbing and drying a familiar fluffy vibrant pink pony with a luscious and full two tone pink and red mane rappeared in the bathroom mirror – she scowled at the image. Billowing had seen an adventure-hardened mare in the wilds but now she looked more like a ‘primary school teacher’ as Mr Phantom had called her… Smiling happy suns gleamed from her now spotless flanks. She was tempted to adjust them with her paints, but decided against being so frivolous. She hoped that Billowing would still take her seriously as an adventurer in the morning.

She hurried back to the bedroom and as long as nothing goes amiss in the night will sleep and keep watch intermittently until the morning.

Blitz Boom · July 19, 2021

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-07-18 at 7:47 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"It is difficult to truly comprehend for those that do not have it. We can only guess what it might be like and whether our minds could handle it. A curse? A gift? A bit of both? Hard to tell. With any oddity one is born with however, the body adapts, or in this case the mind. Rising has always had it. He doesn't know any different. If anything, he might find the rest of us odd for not having such perfect memory," the mare chuckled in her relaxed stated. Rising of course did not such things about others. Well, at least not after exiting his foal years. "Every child is different. We tend to look to our own upbringing and parents as guides. In the end though, we aren't always prepared are we? I'm a pegasus. My parents were pegasi. I was raised a pegasus. I didn't know a thing about unicorns or how to raise them. We're more concerned with foals finding their way into storm clouds unprepared than whether your foal is causing the dinner dishes to dance above the table,"

"You're right. We're never truly prepared for what can happen. A memory like his is nothing I could imagine being easy to deal with, for him or yourself. I can imagine a lot of trial and error had to be done there, as it must be a rare thing to have happen to you.

At least when it comes to raising a unicorn, you would have others you could ask. Books to read, friends to rely on, things such as that. Even if you weren't prepared for their antics, you could find knowledge in some way, and adapt quickly. They both seem to be have raised well, so I can't imagine it were a task beyond your capabilities, nor that of your husband.

My daughter is an earth pony, yet in Harrowmark, things are not as simple as what variant of pony you are. There's so much magic festering everywhere, that all of us are able to use it. Even the diamond dogs needs to prepare for their pups accidentally teleporting out of their bed, or sprouting vines from the ground. Unicorns are stronger, but there are always something, so we prepare for it as best we can.

*Sickle is not actively using much magic, beyond what she needs in the fields. Mostly she helps to bind life into the scarecrows, and nourish the dirt. She's average, which in Harrowmark under Twisted's rule, were just a good thing. Most I had to prepare for, where showing her how to properly handle the scarecrows, and that I had enough experience with to do. Blighteye, that devious scoundrel, kept claiming there were something more, but I never wanted to heed his words. Not on this."

Funny how in a way, she were more fortunate, since she at least knew somewhat what to expect, and had experience with what it turned out to be, that Sickle could do. Though in most other aspects, it wasn't really in her favor. But things would change now. That were a fortunate thing.

On 2021-07-18 at 7:47 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"While difficult to bring Rising the same level of joy a mother hopes for their children, it was a blessing that he only needed to learn lessons once," she admitted. "Dawn was always larger than life. The perfect contrast to her brother. Life was still just as interesting in the Soaring Echo household as any other family's unique twist to the world." Wanting to get herself set on a better timeline, she inquired of those gathered, "When are we expecting this travel to Harrowmark?"

"Seems like that aspect were good with Rising at least. Sickle had to be taught things many times, and seeing how early in her life my husband died, I had to deal with it mostly on my own. It were hard to juggle everything some days, but our community stood together, as much as were reasonable. Long as I helped them in turn, there were some I could rely on. Even that... Charlatan.

*sigh* You ask when we go to Harrowmark? I can't say for sure. First they will need to arrive in town, and after they do that, I can imagine the first thing they do, is to go to the old portal room, and anchor the magic there. I can't say if they'll try and make contact first, or the queen and the high priestess will make preparations first, but my best estimate, judging on where they are... 10-40 hours. Thistle is progressing fast, and with the announcement already made, I can't think it will be several days before things are set in motion anymore."

On 2021-07-18 at 7:47 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Too many things need to align themselves mother. When those things do align though, it will happen quickly," Dawn said simply but cryptically. Now fully submerged into her own pool of relaxation with herbal delights. "Please, Lily. Were you not listening? Of course you're all puppets on strings dancing to my whims. I'm larger than life after all," the mare smirked, showing her hoof that she was in fact listening the whole time. "The water is amazing though, do join me."

"I've been a puppet for longer than you've been alive, young lady. And frankly, I'm not afraid of you holding the strings now. You might be capable of a lot of things, but you don't have it in you, to tell me to do the things he commanded me to. Whatever comes from your pulls, can never be worse than that, so I'll gladly dance along."

She'd give examples, but unless asked for them, she wouldn't want to spoil the mood here. The details were... Grizzly, to put it mildly. Instead, she'd rise up, and go over to join Dawn in this odd, herbal bath. An odd thing, but after being submerged for a time, she would admit that it felt oddly relaxing.

"*long, drawn out sigh* Mmm. Not bad. Such an odd thing, to be so relaxing... Perhaps you're on to something with this."

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

@FanOfManyShows

On 2021-07-17 at 11:50 PM, FanOfManyShows said:

He grinned as he watched a still unconscious Tirek be dragged away from the area by
"Wake up."

With that one word he awoke the tyrant with a spell, before leaping in to strike Screecher with flaming daggers in hands

As Tirek awakened, he did so to the sight of magic soaring through the air, and ponies fighting. A dragon too, taking off to try and fight a thestral, that were far from this scene, along with a bunch of others. Following her, were a shadow that reeked of necromancy, and several other sources of magic too. Including one that suddenly came ramming in from nowhere, and began tearing through illusions of the dragon.

A lot of tasty magi to feed on, yet Tirek had learned a few things from his brazen approach before, and so, he'd take advantage of them having not seen him, and skittered away into the forest. He's love to drain all of these of their magic, but he were empty now. Weak, and drained. He could not drain these, unless they put their heads into his mouth and told him to just roll with it. He had to work up through some weaker sources first. And then, in time, he'd come for these, and take them for all they had. Along with that annoying princess...

While he skittered off, Shade would head right for Skall, as he chased his general, and would maifest several shadow daggers around him, that he'd throw towards the dragon. As he could move through shadows, it were not hard to catch up with things, and after throwing these, he's manifest within the general's shadow, and block the path between her, and Skall, with more daggers floating around him, and that singular, white eye, glaring ominously at the element wearer. It would not be this easy for this fiend.

Meanwhile, Emerald would wander out of the portal, look at how things went, and rolled her eyes.

"So not only are we returning here, of all places, but the fool also goes right back into the fray? Not surprised he could make it with that hole in his chest before, when none of that blood ever went to his head.

*sigh* Should we go and separate the children?"

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

@abrony-mouse

23 hours ago, Fuchsia said:

When Grim returned with Topaz and the couch she thanked him and also explained about the lurking terror that followed them, “We should sleep in shifts. If you see anything unusual – wake me up and I will do the same for you.” She says. “You take the first shifts – I will take the second.”

"I will do no such thing, madamme. You're our guest, and you won't be awakened by something like that. I'll have some of the staff help me to keep an eye out for unsavory things, like what you've described, and go prepare a few things in the meantime. Something like this, I do not believe we can wait for him to awaken, before preparations begins. Leave all of that to me though. You simply focus on getting some rest, and get some energy back. And if you wish to clean up first, the nearest bathroom is right over there."

Grim would point at the room across the hall, which would be a luxurious room, with clean marble, a full body mirror, and though spartanic, looked to be pleasant to be in. If it were to use to bidet, the sink, or the spa, or the large bath tub, with oils and salts ready on the side, in case one wanted a long, relaxing bath, there were plenty to pick from. About a dozen clean towels were beneath the sink, and if she looked in the cabinet, she'd find several perfumes to use of, if she so wished to. There'd also be an assortment of pain medication, bandages, and gauze on one shelf, showing that they were prepared for Billowing to come back in a less than perfect condition.

Grim would be gone once she returned, and thus, she could rest soundly, without being interrupted.

Far away, out of sight, the cave entrance would begin to stir ever so slightly, as the morning sun broke through, and shone down on it. Not from something breaking out though. Some more of the close by section mountain outside of the entrance collapsed, after the opening had gotten unstable, and build a little, so the entrance got another meter of stone blocking it. They remained safe, it seemed. For now.

As the morning began, and the sun set its first, stubborn lights through the window, and upon the curtains, a sound of two ponies arguing could be heard getting closer. One being Grim, another being an unknown female of some kind.

"- Irresponsible! I'm gone for two days, and this is what happens?!"

"Keep your voice down, Rose. They're still resting. And you know as well as I do, that holding him back from these things are impossible."

"I just... *sigh* Sometimes, he's just so stupid."

"I know of a certain young lady who have done her fair share of bad decisions too. Must I retell the Plunderseed incident once more?"

"Urgh, not again. The less remembered about that, the better."

"Good. Now go elsewhere for now, Rose. And don't try and think you can sneak in there. The staff keeps their eyes open along with me. Let them rest."

The voices would wander away more after this, and not a few moments later, Billowing would start to stir, and slowly open his eyes.

"...Either I'm home, or the afterlife is not as complicated as I were lead to believe."

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

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-07-17 at 4:26 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It was scary at first. Finding an empty building was tough, and being caught trespassing wasn’t something I wanted to happen. I guess being run in for vagrancy sounded more preferable, but I decided I wasn’t going to let that happen a second time. After getting caught once, I found myself living in Canterlot’s slums, the kind of place where someone would go to be forgotten. At least no one would try to turn me in to the authorities there, even if I had to fight for my next meal.”

“I suppose if ponies didn’t move away from this part of town, it would’ve turned out differently. It does have a nice, old town fell that… just works. Ah, that doesn’t sound right when the whole point was to preserve how the town was like back then. Still, this place is pretty nice when the sun is out. Maybe living in a place like this won’t be so bad.”

“Nothing can capture the feeling of living within nature. The Moonlit Thicket was the closest to matching the simple life in forest. Now that is a place I wouldn’t mind visiting again and again. But I agree with Rosa; let’s find his home. I admit, I’m curious about what his place looks like.”

"Ive lived in various slums at times. I've seen my fair share of things that made me question faith in governing. Some places, vagrants were even chased off, or captured by night patrols. I followed once to see what they did to them, in a place where they were caught... I wish I hadn't."

They could ask him from now, and until the end of all things, and he wouldn't divulge more than that. Certain things tainted your soul just by listening to it, and he refused to taint others with knowledge of what he saw. In a way, he doubted he even could. Some things were simply too horrid to put in words.

"I'm sorry, it seems I diverted some from the conversation. What I meant to say is that slums are an unfortunate thing, that few societies are dealing with correctly. The one here in Canterlot are small, but it is not a perfect system, regardless of big words about helping everyone equally. Seen worse though. Far worse.

The Thicket seemed nice indeed. Though what we saw were the version they wanted us to see, as it was a festival, and it needs to be inviting for tourists, so they'll come and spend bits. I would judge it more by what we see, when next we arrive there, and things are more down to earth. Hopefully I am not simply being pessimistic."

On 2021-07-17 at 4:26 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hey, it’s Hammond! Still cute as ever…” The little creature’s presence was still a soft spot for Lin, though the realization would catch up to her soon as she recognized him. “Wait… if he’s here, then Scarcity is here too. You ready, Rosa? To find out what Scarcity wants of you?”

Hammond would turn around as he heard the others speak, and stood on the doorknob, grasping on with his appendages, and gazing at them silently, with his three, curious eyes taking them in in their entirety. Mostly his eyes focused on Omen though. The sibling he knew the best, as she had been in their realm for a long, long time, before Mother told her to go back to this place, to seek a new path, rather than wait for her master. It were hard not to remember her, as she were not a shapeless one, among the dark sea of the rest of them. Plus, she had lead them here, and as such were in front.

"I do not sense her. Brother, is your master here?"

Hammond would Shake his head, and begin to do his sign language again. Quick movements by his small paws, methodically going away with the language that he had learned. It appeared that he had been hard at learning more of this, since last they saw him, as it were less rudimentary. At least that is what Rosa got from this. As the only one who could somewhat understand this, it were up to him to translate, as best he could.

"...He says she were here, but left. Something about testing something too."

Omen suddenly perked her ears, and looked tot he side. Seemed her eyes were merely focusing on a tree, but no. it were something far further away than that.

"I sense her again. Your master is strange."

Hammond nodded slowly, but were gazing in the same direction as Omen. It seemed they had both located her now.

Rosa made a move to get to the door, and Hammond jumped up, took flight, and landed on Lin. Primarily to get to Shrimp, who's be happy to see his odd friend again. Doubly so as Hammond would start to pat him again. It seemed to work well before, so he'd continue with that.

Inside, they'd find a regular house, by pony standards. Nothing at all stood out, with it being simple and plain. Only thing out of the ordinary, were a beautifully packages fruit basket, standing on the kitchen table. it had no note, but it seemed obvious who had put it there regardless.

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

@Windy Breeze

On 2021-07-17 at 1:11 PM, Windy Breeze said:

”Fillyphines?" Tepe had no idea about the archipelago, giving hints of limited knowledge in his tribe. He turned to the mares, “Are you girls adventurers or something?”

"Well, I do a lot of travelling, but I wouldn't call myself an adventurer. We're headed for the Fillyphines for a personal reason. And to get away from the gang, but the first reason is the most important. Though I can't tell you the reason. It's not my story to tell."

It were about Windy, and her family history. A story she had shared with Sorrow, but Sorrow in turn, had no right to share that with others. It were a deeply personal one, that were likely still rather painful to her, so it were up to her whatever she wanted to share more about this, or not.

"And it's all well as good that there are ships going, but we still need to figure out how to get there, without being spotted. We don't even know how many gang members there are in town, beyond the few goons we ran into. Who can tell how many more their bosses have sent? Did you spot anyone out there?"

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

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2021-07-17 at 7:51 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Why can't ponies learn to just leave others alone, if the filly wants to blow up things in the forest, why drag her away, especially after the first failed attempt, if it poses no threat to you, why get involved." she would prefer if they didn't get involved even if someone did pose a threat, like her, but at least she could understand the reasoning there. She didn't say it out loud, but it should have been obvious she didn't plan on staying to explore.

"Generally speaking, it isn't seen as proper to let foals play with fireworks, much less explosives, as they could get dangerously hurt. With her having memory loss and being alone too, they likely put her through various programs out of kindness, and a worry for her safety. A mere guess though, of course, but it would fall in line with hos Equestrians normally are, and the laws as it pertains to lone foals."

"I'm thinking they also didn't want her to set the forest on fire. Dead filly, burnt down forest, and a pile of ashes where their town used to be then. Of all the things to destroy Ponyville, I don't think this is the one they want to be their legacy. I dunno, Let's just get out of here, before we get tricked more. Getting tired of it."

The rest of the trip - barring a few irritants - were rather quick, and soon enough, they'd get to town. Or at least she thought so. Seemed like the draconequus had one more trick up her sleeve, before the real thing. Or hopefully it were real, and not just a double bluff. The cardboard town were not a bad prank though, that one she kind of liked. It were simple, had fooled some of them, and had vanished in an interesting way. There were something to be said for that. Though if there were two of these, she were gonna start setting something on fire.

On 2021-07-17 at 7:51 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Ruby didn't fully trust the town after the fake was real either, so when they got to area she knew, she focused on her extra sense, she had many times sensed the treasures, weapons and other things of the various buildings around, so she would be able to tell if something was notably off, after all, the draconequui most likely wouldn't get the details inside houses correct, since why would it focus on things its targets couldn't see?

They all seemed tangible unsure if this place were real, as they wandered into *Ponyville*. Marley would focus on greeting a few, and seeing if they did so back, whilst Leviathan would take note of some details that she felt might be too much for the draconequus to care about. Ruby would have the right idea though, and could tell that it were in fact, real. There were treasure about in the buildings, and to varying degrees, on the ones andering around. A few even raised a hoof and gave a friendly wave and a smile to the odd group, with one focusing primarily on Marley. Though he'd wave that pony away elegantly. One who had borrowed money for something, and had feared the due was already there. It wasn't though. This were merely a coincidence.

"I think this is real... I don't see anything yet that would contradict it anyway. Ruby? What do you think?"

Leviathan knew what Ruby could do, so she'd trust the young dragonesses senses on this, more than her own eyes. She hated illusions sometimes...

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"So there's more than one sort of nature based equine race? Funny the things you learn. I'll keep that in mind. Just as you keep in mind-"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Fiddle-Dee suddenly bounced up, landed on his head, and threw ten small bells up into the air, that he started to juggle with, using all four hooves. Whilst somehow, bouncing around on his hat. It must have some sort of spring mechanic in it to do this, but regardless, it looked mighty impressive. Then after he had done this for about twenty seconds, he'd throw them all up high, bounce back on his hooves, and in quick succession, they'd hit his head, roll doing his mane, and right down into his pockets. A small performance that gave him s fair amount of applause from the gathered ponies. Sure they'd easily see something like that with Pinkie, but she were special. It were still something to see another pony able to do it.

"- not to waste your ticket. My troupe knows how to make a show, you won't soon forget. Hope you enjoyed the teaser, Come on Muffin, you must be hungry, right?"

Muffin would bark enthusiastically for a few seconds at this notion, that food were on the way. Something which brought a big grin to the jesters face.

"Hehe, don't need to speak animal to hear that. Again, I really can't thank you enough, but I hope we can help you eventually, and that when we meet again, you'll enjoy the show. Would you mind if wandered off for now though? I wanna make sure Muffin gets something nice to eat."

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"It's a good way to get a feel of the town, that's for sure. And I think you're going about this the right way. pinkie is kinda like a cat. The more you try and avoid her, the more she's just sorta drawn towards you. There's a bigger chance she'll act less uh... Well, Pinkie Pie, if she sees you about. Or she might be hanging out with her friends. Mostly what she does when she's not working, of throwing a party. Or when she and the others deal with some monster attacking town. Hopefully it's gonna be a while before the next one happens."

"I will follow you, as we procure a map, and see where the road then takes us. I know one place I want to go in time, but I am patient, and in no rush. My pampering will commence in due time."

"Honestly, I'd suggest seeing the apple farm when you get the map, and then work inwards. It's a nice, simple place to use as a sort of waypoint, and it's rather pretty there. Just don't harm the apple trees, and you should be good.

Anyway, best and closest place to get a map, it right down the street, and then go into the store with the yellow sign, saying *Hedge Trimmer's Garden*. It's mostly things for the field or gardens, but he also sells some maps, to help tourists along. Though if you want the full experience, a few houses down is Loot Hoarder's place, called *Knick Knacks'N Snaxx*. I know it's kinda stupid, but he have a ton of various things, more focused on new faces around Ponyville. Might be that's more your alley."

They'd both look towards the kobolds, as this were really up to them. Pop had things to do here, so she'd stay behind, whereas Onache were indifferent about the path. She only had a singular place she cared to see eventually, and she'd get there when she did. There were little in the way of a rush for her.

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

@Starforce

Zeehva let out a hollow laugh, as she wiped the last remaining tears from her face.

"I think if we're going to look for those, we should do it when there's light. Let's just keep the stone for now. It's nice and soothing. Thank you."

Fright would give a bow, and skitter back into her home once again.

"Until next we meet, dear children. Take care of yourselves."

With that, the door would close, and then vanish from sight, as if it had never been there.

"That was special. There's still a lot to think about though, but I think I need some time to digest it all. I'll let you know though, Magnolia. Soon as I do.

*sigh* Would it be okay if we went back to picking herbs? I think it'd help to distract from all of this, at least for a little while. I still need to find some Silvervine. It should glow in the moonlight, hanging down the bark of trees."

She didn't know if she really could just get past this, but she'd need tot hink, and for that, she'd need perspective. A distraction would really do some good right now. Least the stone helped keep her fear down, so she had an easier time kind of collecting herself. Even if really, the biggest thing to have helped her with that, were the presence of Magnolia. Blessed be that she were in her life. She honestly didn't know what she would have done, if the mare hadn't been there with her. Probably cralwed into a ball, and whimpered utnil something came along and ate her out of pity.

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

@Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

On 2021-07-17 at 1:14 AM, Cali said:

"I am not normally anything, but my human form. I won't show you as I should normally appear in a public setting. I am not an alicorn, no." to emphasize that point Cali flared her wings and they just poofed away into a red mist and then her wings were just gone. Poof. Gone, just like that. Cali grinned widely. "What you say about wavelengths falls in line with my theory about it too. That when there is a norm, that is what feels "normal" for me, going along with what you said there. At least that's how I think, not sure if that makes much sense." Cali shrugged.

"You say something that Molotov said to me. An infection of some kind, I am convinced that was the case. Whatever it is, its helpful, and I'm certain I saved my friend's life with it. The bow is very strange. Probably something from a long lost civilization, but how it appeared deep in the ground could be it was teleported there by a spell, it could be a whole bunch of things." she said with a smile.

Honestly, it were weirder to see the wings poof away, than it had been to see them there. It'd be easier for others to deal with her for sure though, as she now just looked like a regular unicorn, but for Cloudwatcher, watching wings just go poof, were pretty weird. As were it to hear that the real form of Cali, were that of a human. She may have been told this before and just forgot about it, but hearing that word now, made her think of it as new and potentially scary news. Maybe?

"Legends says that when you're banished from Equestria, to another dimension, you go where humans are. It's strange to think it can go both ways. Kinda makes sense you'd look more pony here then. At least according to the stories, we turn into humans if we go there. Maybe that have something to do with it for you too?

It's just guessing though. Again. Like with the infection. Though like you say, it's been helpful, so why look a gift dragon in the mouth, yes?

And the bow is not the only thing that's been found. Most have just gotten sent off to Canterlot, for verification and tests. The sort of thing here tends to come up at a certain depth, like it's all been buried, so the professor at least, don't think it's accidental teleports. Not with things being so scattered around. They're certainly interesting though, and we keep hoping one of the digs will suddenly turn up something really peculiar. All that seems to be know for now, is that the things found, weren't just made with one race in mind. Not unlesss they had different limbs.

...Oh dear Celestia, if this turns out to be a long term, elaborate draconequui prank, I think they might genuinely make the professor cry."

On 2021-07-17 at 1:23 AM, Kujamih said:

"Are you guys even sure it's a bow? Or the one who discovered it wants to think it's a bow? Why would you not think for ponies to be able to create this machinery? Do you underestimate pony kind?" Light looked at them both.

" Questions? Am I right?" Then Light looked back at Blitz. He felt the urge to mess blitz hair so he did.

" Hehehe little rascal!"

"Well, with how old it's ben dated, we don't even know for sure if there were even ponies here. And this is the sort of stuff we had engineers look at, and they have no idea how it's been built yet. I'm not sure what they figured out to determine it was a bow, but it had something to do with a string they removed, I think? Apparently, they used that to date it. I dunno where it is now, or if there is even any of it left. Could be unrelated, but I believe the archeologists when they say this is a bow."

Meanwhile, Blitz just stood and took the ruffling of her hair with a little smile on her pleased little face. It's make her soft mane go all haywire, but a flicker of her horn, and a good head shake, and it went back to looking like a stream of fire going off on her head. It was just good he hadn't ruffled her tail over this. Not because it was filled with traps or anything, but stuff got stuck in there constantly, and he might end up getting his hoof stuck as well. Or maybe reach his hoof into the bag of itching powder she carried in there. His hoof were gonna end up being really itchy fr a while if he went deep into that bag.

"Hehe, floof. You sound like you know lots of things about weapons. What do you think this is? Something to throw, like *whoosh* *BONK*, and then prey stuff?"

Evil Pink One · July 20, 2021

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Rising Dusk

"You're right. We're never truly prepared for what can happen. A memory like his is nothing I could imagine being easy to deal with, for him or yourself. I can imagine a lot of trial and error had to be done there, as it must be a rare thing to have happen to you.

At least when it comes to raising a unicorn, you would have others you could ask. Books to read, friends to rely on, things such as that. Even if you weren't prepared for their antics, you could find knowledge in some way, and adapt quickly. They both seem to be have raised well, so I can't imagine it were a task beyond your capabilities, nor that of your husband.

My daughter is an earth pony, yet in Harrowmark, things are not as simple as what variant of pony you are. There's so much magic festering everywhere, that all of us are able to use it. Even the diamond dogs needs to prepare for their pups accidentally teleporting out of their bed, or sprouting vines from the ground. Unicorns are stronger, but there are always something, so we prepare for it as best we can.

*Sickle is not actively using much magic, beyond what she needs in the fields. Mostly she helps to bind life into the scarecrows, and nourish the dirt. She's average, which in Harrowmark under Twisted's rule, were just a good thing. Most I had to prepare for, where showing her how to properly handle the scarecrows, and that I had enough experience with to do. Blighteye, that devious scoundrel, kept claiming there were something more, but I never wanted to heed his words. Not on this."

Funny how in a way, she were more fortunate, since she at least knew somewhat what to expect, and had experience with what it turned out to be, that Sickle could do. Though in most other aspects, it wasn't really in her favor. But things would change now. That were a fortunate thing.

"Seems like that aspect were good with Rising at least. Sickle had to be taught things many times, and seeing how early in her life my husband died, I had to deal with it mostly on my own. It were hard to juggle everything some days, but our community stood together, as much as were reasonable. Long as I helped them in turn, there were some I could rely on. Even that... Charlatan.

*sigh* You ask when we go to Harrowmark? I can't say for sure. First they will need to arrive in town, and after they do that, I can imagine the first thing they do, is to go to the old portal room, and anchor the magic there. I can't say if they'll try and make contact first, or the queen and the high priestess will make preparations first, but my best estimate, judging on where they are... 10-40 hours. Thistle is progressing fast, and with the announcement already made, I can't think it will be several days before things are set in motion anymore."

"I've been a puppet for longer than you've been alive, young lady. And frankly, I'm not afraid of you holding the strings now. You might be capable of a lot of things, but you don't have it in you, to tell me to do the things he commanded me to. Whatever comes from your pulls, can never be worse than that, so I'll gladly dance along."

She'd give examples, but unless asked for them, she wouldn't want to spoil the mood here. The details were... Grizzly, to put it mildly. Instead, she'd rise up, and go over to join Dawn in this odd, herbal bath. An odd thing, but after being submerged for a time, she would admit that it felt oddly relaxing.

"*long, drawn out sigh* Mmm. Not bad. Such an odd thing, to be so relaxing... Perhaps you're on to something with this."

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

@FanOfManyShows

As Tirek awakened, he did so to the sight of magic soaring through the air, and ponies fighting. A dragon too, taking off to try and fight a thestral, that were far from this scene, along with a bunch of others. Following her, were a shadow that reeked of necromancy, and several other sources of magic too. Including one that suddenly came ramming in from nowhere, and began tearing through illusions of the dragon.

A lot of tasty magi to feed on, yet Tirek had learned a few things from his brazen approach before, and so, he'd take advantage of them having not seen him, and skittered away into the forest. He's love to drain all of these of their magic, but he were empty now. Weak, and drained. He could not drain these, unless they put their heads into his mouth and told him to just roll with it. He had to work up through some weaker sources first. And then, in time, he'd come for these, and take them for all they had. Along with that annoying princess...

While he skittered off, Shade would head right for Skall, as he chased his general, and would maifest several shadow daggers around him, that he'd throw towards the dragon. As he could move through shadows, it were not hard to catch up with things, and after throwing these, he's manifest within the general's shadow, and block the path between her, and Skall, with more daggers floating around him, and that singular, white eye, glaring ominously at the element wearer. It would not be this easy for this fiend.

Meanwhile, Emerald would wander out of the portal, look at how things went, and rolled her eyes.

"So not only are we returning here, of all places, but the fool also goes right back into the fray? Not surprised he could make it with that hole in his chest before, when none of that blood ever went to his head.

*sigh* Should we go and separate the children?"

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

@abrony-mouse

"I will do no such thing, madamme. You're our guest, and you won't be awakened by something like that. I'll have some of the staff help me to keep an eye out for unsavory things, like what you've described, and go prepare a few things in the meantime. Something like this, I do not believe we can wait for him to awaken, before preparations begins. Leave all of that to me though. You simply focus on getting some rest, and get some energy back. And if you wish to clean up first, the nearest bathroom is right over there."

Grim would point at the room across the hall, which would be a luxurious room, with clean marble, a full body mirror, and though spartanic, looked to be pleasant to be in. If it were to use to bidet, the sink, or the spa, or the large bath tub, with oils and salts ready on the side, in case one wanted a long, relaxing bath, there were plenty to pick from. About a dozen clean towels were beneath the sink, and if she looked in the cabinet, she'd find several perfumes to use of, if she so wished to. There'd also be an assortment of pain medication, bandages, and gauze on one shelf, showing that they were prepared for Billowing to come back in a less than perfect condition.

Grim would be gone once she returned, and thus, she could rest soundly, without being interrupted.

Far away, out of sight, the cave entrance would begin to stir ever so slightly, as the morning sun broke through, and shone down on it. Not from something breaking out though. Some more of the close by section mountain outside of the entrance collapsed, after the opening had gotten unstable, and build a little, so the entrance got another meter of stone blocking it. They remained safe, it seemed. For now.

As the morning began, and the sun set its first, stubborn lights through the window, and upon the curtains, a sound of two ponies arguing could be heard getting closer. One being Grim, another being an unknown female of some kind.

"- Irresponsible! I'm gone for two days, and this is what happens?!"

"Keep your voice down, Rose. They're still resting. And you know as well as I do, that holding him back from these things are impossible."

"I just... *sigh* Sometimes, he's just so stupid."

"I know of a certain young lady who have done her fair share of bad decisions too. Must I retell the Plunderseed incident once more?"

"Urgh, not again. The less remembered about that, the better."

"Good. Now go elsewhere for now, Rose. And don't try and think you can sneak in there. The staff keeps their eyes open along with me. Let them rest."

The voices would wander away more after this, and not a few moments later, Billowing would start to stir, and slowly open his eyes.

"...Either I'm home, or the afterlife is not as complicated as I were lead to believe."

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

@EQ_Theta

"Ive lived in various slums at times. I've seen my fair share of things that made me question faith in governing. Some places, vagrants were even chased off, or captured by night patrols. I followed once to see what they did to them, in a place where they were caught... I wish I hadn't."

They could ask him from now, and until the end of all things, and he wouldn't divulge more than that. Certain things tainted your soul just by listening to it, and he refused to taint others with knowledge of what he saw. In a way, he doubted he even could. Some things were simply too horrid to put in words.

"I'm sorry, it seems I diverted some from the conversation. What I meant to say is that slums are an unfortunate thing, that few societies are dealing with correctly. The one here in Canterlot are small, but it is not a perfect system, regardless of big words about helping everyone equally. Seen worse though. Far worse.

The Thicket seemed nice indeed. Though what we saw were the version they wanted us to see, as it was a festival, and it needs to be inviting for tourists, so they'll come and spend bits. I would judge it more by what we see, when next we arrive there, and things are more down to earth. Hopefully I am not simply being pessimistic."

Hammond would turn around as he heard the others speak, and stood on the doorknob, grasping on with his appendages, and gazing at them silently, with his three, curious eyes taking them in in their entirety. Mostly his eyes focused on Omen though. The sibling he knew the best, as she had been in their realm for a long, long time, before Mother told her to go back to this place, to seek a new path, rather than wait for her master. It were hard not to remember her, as she were not a shapeless one, among the dark sea of the rest of them. Plus, she had lead them here, and as such were in front.

"I do not sense her. Brother, is your master here?"

Hammond would Shake his head, and begin to do his sign language again. Quick movements by his small paws, methodically going away with the language that he had learned. It appeared that he had been hard at learning more of this, since last they saw him, as it were less rudimentary. At least that is what Rosa got from this. As the only one who could somewhat understand this, it were up to him to translate, as best he could.

"...He says she were here, but left. Something about testing something too."

Omen suddenly perked her ears, and looked tot he side. Seemed her eyes were merely focusing on a tree, but no. it were something far further away than that.

"I sense her again. Your master is strange."

Hammond nodded slowly, but were gazing in the same direction as Omen. It seemed they had both located her now.

Rosa made a move to get to the door, and Hammond jumped up, took flight, and landed on Lin. Primarily to get to Shrimp, who's be happy to see his odd friend again. Doubly so as Hammond would start to pat him again. It seemed to work well before, so he'd continue with that.

Inside, they'd find a regular house, by pony standards. Nothing at all stood out, with it being simple and plain. Only thing out of the ordinary, were a beautifully packages fruit basket, standing on the kitchen table. it had no note, but it seemed obvious who had put it there regardless.

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

@Windy Breeze

"Well, I do a lot of travelling, but I wouldn't call myself an adventurer. We're headed for the Fillyphines for a personal reason. And to get away from the gang, but the first reason is the most important. Though I can't tell you the reason. It's not my story to tell."

It were about Windy, and her family history. A story she had shared with Sorrow, but Sorrow in turn, had no right to share that with others. It were a deeply personal one, that were likely still rather painful to her, so it were up to her whatever she wanted to share more about this, or not.

"And it's all well as good that there are ships going, but we still need to figure out how to get there, without being spotted. We don't even know how many gang members there are in town, beyond the few goons we ran into. Who can tell how many more their bosses have sent? Did you spot anyone out there?"

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"Generally speaking, it isn't seen as proper to let foals play with fireworks, much less explosives, as they could get dangerously hurt. With her having memory loss and being alone too, they likely put her through various programs out of kindness, and a worry for her safety. A mere guess though, of course, but it would fall in line with hos Equestrians normally are, and the laws as it pertains to lone foals."

"I'm thinking they also didn't want her to set the forest on fire. Dead filly, burnt down forest, and a pile of ashes where their town used to be then. Of all the things to destroy Ponyville, I don't think this is the one they want to be their legacy. I dunno, Let's just get out of here, before we get tricked more. Getting tired of it."

The rest of the trip - barring a few irritants - were rather quick, and soon enough, they'd get to town. Or at least she thought so. Seemed like the draconequus had one more trick up her sleeve, before the real thing. Or hopefully it were real, and not just a double bluff. The cardboard town were not a bad prank though, that one she kind of liked. It were simple, had fooled some of them, and had vanished in an interesting way. There were something to be said for that. Though if there were two of these, she were gonna start setting something on fire.

They all seemed tangible unsure if this place were real, as they wandered into *Ponyville*. Marley would focus on greeting a few, and seeing if they did so back, whilst Leviathan would take note of some details that she felt might be too much for the draconequus to care about. Ruby would have the right idea though, and could tell that it were in fact, real. There were treasure about in the buildings, and to varying degrees, on the ones andering around. A few even raised a hoof and gave a friendly wave and a smile to the odd group, with one focusing primarily on Marley. Though he'd wave that pony away elegantly. One who had borrowed money for something, and had feared the due was already there. It wasn't though. This were merely a coincidence.

"I think this is real... I don't see anything yet that would contradict it anyway. Ruby? What do you think?"

Leviathan knew what Ruby could do, so she'd trust the young dragonesses senses on this, more than her own eyes. She hated illusions sometimes...

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"So there's more than one sort of nature based equine race? Funny the things you learn. I'll keep that in mind. Just as you keep in mind-"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Fiddle-Dee suddenly bounced up, landed on his head, and threw ten small bells up into the air, that he started to juggle with, using all four hooves. Whilst somehow, bouncing around on his hat. It must have some sort of spring mechanic in it to do this, but regardless, it looked mighty impressive. Then after he had done this for about twenty seconds, he'd throw them all up high, bounce back on his hooves, and in quick succession, they'd hit his head, roll doing his mane, and right down into his pockets. A small performance that gave him s fair amount of applause from the gathered ponies. Sure they'd easily see something like that with Pinkie, but she were special. It were still something to see another pony able to do it.

"- not to waste your ticket. My troupe knows how to make a show, you won't soon forget. Hope you enjoyed the teaser, Come on Muffin, you must be hungry, right?"

Muffin would bark enthusiastically for a few seconds at this notion, that food were on the way. Something which brought a big grin to the jesters face.

"Hehe, don't need to speak animal to hear that. Again, I really can't thank you enough, but I hope we can help you eventually, and that when we meet again, you'll enjoy the show. Would you mind if wandered off for now though? I wanna make sure Muffin gets something nice to eat."

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"It's a good way to get a feel of the town, that's for sure. And I think you're going about this the right way. pinkie is kinda like a cat. The more you try and avoid her, the more she's just sorta drawn towards you. There's a bigger chance she'll act less uh... Well, Pinkie Pie, if she sees you about. Or she might be hanging out with her friends. Mostly what she does when she's not working, of throwing a party. Or when she and the others deal with some monster attacking town. Hopefully it's gonna be a while before the next one happens."

"I will follow you, as we procure a map, and see where the road then takes us. I know one place I want to go in time, but I am patient, and in no rush. My pampering will commence in due time."

"Honestly, I'd suggest seeing the apple farm when you get the map, and then work inwards. It's a nice, simple place to use as a sort of waypoint, and it's rather pretty there. Just don't harm the apple trees, and you should be good.

Anyway, best and closest place to get a map, it right down the street, and then go into the store with the yellow sign, saying *Hedge Trimmer's Garden*. It's mostly things for the field or gardens, but he also sells some maps, to help tourists along. Though if you want the full experience, a few houses down is Loot Hoarder's place, called *Knick Knacks'N Snaxx*. I know it's kinda stupid, but he have a ton of various things, more focused on new faces around Ponyville. Might be that's more your alley."

They'd both look towards the kobolds, as this were really up to them. Pop had things to do here, so she'd stay behind, whereas Onache were indifferent about the path. She only had a singular place she cared to see eventually, and she'd get there when she did. There were little in the way of a rush for her.

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

@Starforce

Zeehva let out a hollow laugh, as she wiped the last remaining tears from her face.

"I think if we're going to look for those, we should do it when there's light. Let's just keep the stone for now. It's nice and soothing. Thank you."

Fright would give a bow, and skitter back into her home once again.

"Until next we meet, dear children. Take care of yourselves."

With that, the door would close, and then vanish from sight, as if it had never been there.

"That was special. There's still a lot to think about though, but I think I need some time to digest it all. I'll let you know though, Magnolia. Soon as I do.

*sigh* Would it be okay if we went back to picking herbs? I think it'd help to distract from all of this, at least for a little while. I still need to find some Silvervine. It should glow in the moonlight, hanging down the bark of trees."

She didn't know if she really could just get past this, but she'd need tot hink, and for that, she'd need perspective. A distraction would really do some good right now. Least the stone helped keep her fear down, so she had an easier time kind of collecting herself. Even if really, the biggest thing to have helped her with that, were the presence of Magnolia. Blessed be that she were in her life. She honestly didn't know what she would have done, if the mare hadn't been there with her. Probably cralwed into a ball, and whimpered utnil something came along and ate her out of pity.

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

@Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Honestly, it were weirder to see the wings poof away, than it had been to see them there. It'd be easier for others to deal with her for sure though, as she now just looked like a regular unicorn, but for Cloudwatcher, watching wings just go poof, were pretty weird. As were it to hear that the real form of Cali, were that of a human. She may have been told this before and just forgot about it, but hearing that word now, made her think of it as new and potentially scary news. Maybe?

"Legends says that when you're banished from Equestria, to another dimension, you go where humans are. It's strange to think it can go both ways. Kinda makes sense you'd look more pony here then. At least according to the stories, we turn into humans if we go there. Maybe that have something to do with it for you too?

It's just guessing though. Again. Like with the infection. Though like you say, it's been helpful, so why look a gift dragon in the mouth, yes?

And the bow is not the only thing that's been found. Most have just gotten sent off to Canterlot, for verification and tests. The sort of thing here tends to come up at a certain depth, like it's all been buried, so the professor at least, don't think it's accidental teleports. Not with things being so scattered around. They're certainly interesting though, and we keep hoping one of the digs will suddenly turn up something really peculiar. All that seems to be know for now, is that the things found, weren't just made with one race in mind. Not unlesss they had different limbs.

...Oh dear Celestia, if this turns out to be a long term, elaborate draconequui prank, I think they might genuinely make the professor cry."

"Well, with how old it's ben dated, we don't even know for sure if there were even ponies here. And this is the sort of stuff we had engineers look at, and they have no idea how it's been built yet. I'm not sure what they figured out to determine it was a bow, but it had something to do with a string they removed, I think? Apparently, they used that to date it. I dunno where it is now, or if there is even any of it left. Could be unrelated, but I believe the archeologists when they say this is a bow."

Meanwhile, Blitz just stood and took the ruffling of her hair with a little smile on her pleased little face. It's make her soft mane go all haywire, but a flicker of her horn, and a good head shake, and it went back to looking like a stream of fire going off on her head. It was just good he hadn't ruffled her tail over this. Not because it was filled with traps or anything, but stuff got stuck in there constantly, and he might end up getting his hoof stuck as well. Or maybe reach his hoof into the bag of itching powder she carried in there. His hoof were gonna end up being really itchy fr a while if he went deep into that bag.

"Hehe, floof. You sound like you know lots of things about weapons. What do you think this is? Something to throw, like *whoosh* *BONK*, and then prey stuff?"

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Starforce

" Well one thing I can say is... That's one impressive string to survive the harsh elements... Or a very good way of preserving an insignificant weapon... Who in their right mind would preserve a bow?.... Unless it has magical or ancient mystical voodoo or curse and what not on it."

Windy Breeze · July 20, 2021

@Blitz Boom

That's when Razor smile turned grim “I don't see any of the members of the gang, however, I have to tell you most of the members are great at blending in crowded places”

Windy raised a brow, “Are you telling us they're good at stealth?"

“Correct” he replied, “and they can be anypony. Simply interacting with a random pony can be a mistake”

***

@Blitz Boom @Starforce @Kujamih

Luna lifts an eyebrow at Light before listening to Blitz

On 2021-07-10 at 8:59 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Noooo, diamonds are pretty clear gems. I sometimes found them when I blasted rocks, but they're not good for fireworks. Rarity likes them though. Lots of shiny with her, so I gave them to her. She's happy to get them. Sometimes, Spike comes to munch on them too. Hehe, silly dragons, eating gems.

Pretty blue ones are uhm... Sapphires? No wait, Rarity said those weren't sapphires! Just some sorta weird glass thing. Still nice and shiny. Blue in a silver collar. *giggle* I think it would look pretty. You sure you don't want a collar? I've seen other ponies with it before. Lots of biiiiiig, spiky manes in many colors too though. Really big. Dunno why they look like that."

She gave her an innocent clueless, pondering pose “I don't have any idea what they are or what these collars are about. There's a new kind of fashion out there?" She wasn't really into fashion. In Richville, beauty is considered, an act to hide 'true self'. It was a tradition that was recently found itself climbing down the most important act in her hometown.

On 2021-07-11 at 12:26 AM, Kujamih said:

"... Well Luna do you like wearing collars? Or do you like making others wear them?" Light smirked.

Luna frowned. She did not like the way he say those words, his smirk not helping “Are you asking I have a fetish with accessories that look uncomfy? No, I don't” she tried her best to hide her disgust. Lucky for her, Blitz lightened up the mood with a more innocent statement. She snorted, a picture of Blitz feeding a pony with a hay formed in her mind.

Going to the topic of weapons raised interest in Luna, “Where was bow found?"

Edited July 20, 2021 by Windy Breeze

Evil Pink One · July 20, 2021

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Starforce

Light noticed the irritation on Luna, but it didn't give him the feeling of guilt but more of a confusion.

"....."

Light could only give a confused expression to Luna.

"... Sorry. And no that wasn't what I meant at all.... I guess the joke and hiding it's meaning so the kid won't know what I mean fly by you aswell?"

"Anyway maybe we should get off that topic." Light said with a hint of blush on his cheeks.

EQ_Theta · July 20, 2021

@Blitz Boom

“If Canterlot’s slums are small, I hate to wonder what others are like. Come to think of it, I’m not even sure Celestia or Luna know about the slums here. Ah, if they even see it, they’ll probably clear everyone out, though I don’t think that’s a real solution.”

“And as for the Thicket, it may have been a festival, but I still have a good feeling about it. Having homes in trees and getting a feel of being close to nature, even without the decorations, is already giving me feelings of familiarity. You should come have a look at our forest some day, Rosa. It may not have much going for it, but the Thicket is already looking a lot better than an isolated village.”

Sen let out a hearty chuckle to lighten the mood, but growing up isolated compared to a more developed place like the Moonlit Thicket would illicit some comparisons favoring the latter. No doubt the comforts of home couldn’t match a carnival, but the longma could imagine a longma village with a similar atmosphere, minus the carnival. Rosa was right, however, that he would need to see the Thicket without the carnival in the background to really see the place as it is.

When they were closer to the house, Lin would approach Hammond to greet him, though it would seem he was communicating with Omen. Fortunately, Rosa was able to understand sign language, and based on what she heard, Scarcity weren’t here at the moment. Whatever this test of hers got her attention elsewhere, though it may not be so for long. Of course, she would be distracted by the little creature flying up and landing on her to meet Shrimp, and they were getting along just fine. In a way, even she was comforted by just seeing him. Perhaps it was because she was familiar, in a sense, by being related to Omen.

“Hey, Hammond! It’s good to see you again. How are you doing?”

Once inside the house, the siblings didn’t see anything that would grab their attention. It was, by all means, an average-looking home. It still got them to quietly compare this to their own hut back in the village. A living room in this house would already be enough to fit their equivalent of two private rooms and common room where families would normally gather for meals. Food was prepared outside the home, and anything that would be dried for future use was kept inside.

“This place feels… cozy. There’s definitely a lot more room here than what I’m used to having back home. I wouldn’t know what to do with this much space. I guess this is what normal pony homes are like, right?”

Blitz Boom · July 21, 2021

@EQ_Theta

Hammond wouldn't respond in words, but rather, once they had gotten in, and he had sufficiently said hello to Shrimp (far as he knew) he'd spread the large ears, connected to below his feet, and fly over on the table. Where he would again, begin to make sign language.

"He says he's okay. And what I assume is him asking if you are too, though I must be interpreting it wrong. Seems almost like he's asking... Nevermind."

It was nonsense what he imagined, and it were likely just him, not reading this right. It would be a good deal easier if he would only respond in words, yet for some reason, he remained as silent as the grave. Considering how often Omen spoke, it were somewhat unnerving, frankly. He were still communicating in some fashion though. If he had simply sat around, and stared without trying something, it would have legit creeped him out. There was just something about unblinking entities, who'd do nothing but follow you with their eyes, that got to him.

"And this seems like a regular, basic comfort kind of home. It leaves space around to have room for pictures or the like. Although... Something seems off..."

That thing in his mind, were a small, framed picture on a bookshelf. Nothing special by all accounts. Even the picture itself were simply of a meadow, but it seemed out of place. It did not match the colors of other things, and seeing how it were generally barebones in here, it appeared out of place, to have a picture of a meadow here.

So Rose would go over, and grab hold of it, and then turn it around. He'd slowly remove the backside, and slide out the picture, then shake his head with a bemused smile on his face.

"Well played, Scarcity. Well played indeed."

He'd go over and show them what he had found. The backside of the picture, having been exposed to reveal a note.

"Paranoid, are we? Silly colt, go and enjoy your gift basket. I assure you the oranges are fresh.

Your friend."

The text were flowing and elegant, and it were rather clear who it were from, and that she were openly messing with him. As well as showing that she knew him more than he might think. Or at least the sort of pony that he were, since she knew he were going to check up on this.

"I suppose, we may as well see what's in the basket. It appears to be various types of fruit. Oranges, apples, melon, raspberries, strawberries- Several things, where it appears they're all fresh. I suppose it can't hurt trying."

He's get the wrapper off of the basket, and would pull out a ripe orange. He were tempted to eat it, but a small whimper reached his ears, and he'd be able to see that Shrimp were looking up at him with big, pleading eyes. Little scamp was clearly just faking it, as he knew that the refraction were not as starving and sad that he tried to appear, now that he wanted food. He was probably not even that hungry, but this were food, and he wanted his share too.

While not saying a word, Hammond looked at what were going on, and would put himself in a similar stance. He thought this was a learning experience of sorts, and something that should be mimicked, though he did a rather terrible job at it.

"Alright, alright. But you two are gonna have to share."

He'd wander over to the drawers, having both of them follow him with their eyes. As he got there, he'd open up, and withdraw a knife, then cut right down the middle of the orange, and would return again to give each of them a half. Hammond took it calmly, whilst Shrimp were reaching out with his small arms, and snapping a little at the air as the edge of the fruit got near him. Funny how he suddenly didn't seem like he had so many woes in life anymore now, weren't it? Silly little thing.

"Now that the demons have been appeased, shall we try something too? No need to let it go to waste."

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

@Windy Breeze

"*sigh* Well, we just have to assume that they're everywhere then, and take that into consideration. We need to find some way to get there without being seen. Or to try and blend in so well we're not spotted either. Were probably gonna have to hide Legion from view. As well as your outfit, Windy. I heard you Wonderbolts gets really attached to that thing, but it makes you stand out a lot.

Maybe some sort of coating dye too? I'm not used to have to hide. I don't really know what to do here. Do you have sort of idea how they might be fooled, Razor? Or how to hide well? Any of you? I'm pretty out of my element here."

So were she with the baked goods, who'd probably be done soon. And when that happened, their hostess would return, and could perhaps illuminate things. Because as it looked right now, Sorrow were starting to feel a little bit like they were trapped here, with no way out. Except for Razor and Tepe, but that was cheating, since they were ghosts. And no, she were not gonna entertain dying to get out of here. There were limits to what she were willing to do in this situation, and this fell faaaaar on the line of what she weren't. It'd really defeat the whole point of this ordeal, as the gang wanted them dead.

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

@Starforce

Zeehva would not get farm before she stopped up, and wandered off the beaten path. There, in front of her, stood a large oak tree. Covering parts of it, were a bunch of sturdy, pale vines slithering up on it, with it's small roots anchored in the bark at certain points, as it had grown. In the pale moonlight, they glowed somewhat eerie, as if they were pale and ghostly, but it were but a strange effect. Nothing more than that. Unless you were an insect, as the plant were sticky, and would keep them stuck, until they rotted away and became food for the plant. It was utterly harmless to ponies though. Just mildly sticky, and actually did well with some broth.

She'd use her horn ot gather some from the top, and peel it off the bark, along with some of the bark. She'd then use that, to wrap the vine with, so that it wouldn't get sticky in her bag.

"A bit of sweat, and a pint of water, thricely swirled, and this could be a good ingredient for a glamour potion. It have attractive qualities to it. Not love potion material though. Things like that doesn't exist. Only obsession and lust mixtures, and those are forbidden. Maybe I can tell you a story about it later, when I'm a little more uh... Adjusted, I guess? This is relaxing, but there's a lot to think about. *sigh* I wouldn't even know where to start with my life now..."

She'd turn and stumble, as her hoof went over a mushroom, and her face went into a pile of leaves. Without raising her head yet, or even a hoof, she'd then ask something with a slightly muffled voice.

"If that is striped, rip it out of the ground before it disappears. No sudden movements."

The mushroom indeed were that, and hadn't been there before. A sort of ambush plant, with an uncertain origin. Though what was known, were the the places it grew, it tended to pop up to stumble various creatures that didn't pay attention, and then when they tried to go see what had done it, bury back down. If Magnolia were quick though, she could get it before it went away, and take what actually came out of the ground up. Not the whole thing though. She'd find it appeared it had broken off this part if she looked at the bottom. Likely from the larger root the mushrooms tended to come from.

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

@Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

"From what I were told, there wasn't a complete string. Just some frayed line left at the ends, that were barely any good, but there were enough for their tests I guess. The professor likes saying these sorta things to me, since I'm usually here enough, and he knows me, so when he needs to rattle off excited about something, he sometimes comes right towards me. He gets really into his job.

I think you'd have to ask him yourself where he found it though. I'm sure he'd say it, if you seemed genuinely interested in the topic. All I know is that it were done in some dig to the west of town. Where exactly, I sadly have no idea, and it's not on the sign yet because he's still testing stuff. He's sort of a perfectionist with these things. He might be in here somewhere actually, checking to make sure everything's in order. He's pretty easy to spot. He's green and grey, pretty lanky, and have buckteeth. Short mane and tail too, along with freckles... Honestly the large, round glasses and the ratty blazer isn't helping him blend in either, but that's just how Professor Nitpicker are.

...I'd ask in return why you're talking about collars so much, but I think I don't want to know."

"That's because they're gonna be my pets, and I'll love them, and braid their manes, and feed them only the prettiest pears."

Blitz had answered that, but couldn't keep her composure after that, and just fell back, laying on the floor, laughing at the silliness of it all. These ponies, and Cali, were fun creatures. Lots of strange things and actions that came out of them.

"Heh, little rascal... Anyway, I guess uh... That's all I really know about this bow. I mean, we don't know how it really works, or why it was there, so it's all a strange, fun mystery so far. Just still hoping it's not a draconequui thing, but one haven't popped up and laughed yet, so it's probably not that. They're not usually know for planning a prank and just let others simmer ,over laqughing right in their faces.

But there's other civilisations too. In the next room, there's statues of old creatures too. Maybe you can point some out, and we can see if there's something we can chat about with them?"

She were starting to become a glorified tour guide right now, but Cloudwatcher didn't really mind. It was fun to help like this too, and a good deal less nerve-wracking than the guard could sometimes be.

Windy Breeze · July 22, 2021

@Blitz Boom

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

*sigh* Well, we just have to assume that they're everywhere then, and take that into consideration. We need to find some way to get there without being seen. Or to try and blend in so well we're not spotted either. Were probably gonna have to hide Legion from view. As well as your outfit, Windy. I heard you Wonderbolts gets really attached to that thing, but it makes you stand out a lot.

Windy grabbed hold onto her uniform and let out a dejected sigh, knowing she couldn't do anything to get to the port wearing her precious uniform. Tepe, who was looking at her reminds him of his little sister when the little young siblings was about to bawl into tears.

Ironically, Razor, who was a griffon rolled his eyes before replying to Sorrow “Blending into crowds can help, but that's just a short-term solution. The only way we can get to the port without getting their attention is to not talk with anypony in any circumstances, and dress up as somepony else. That way, they won't even know you were 'that pony'. In simple term, you have to make up a disguise”

Tepe raised an eyebrow “What's a disguise?”

***

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Starforce

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"From what I were told, there wasn't a complete string. Just some frayed line left at the ends, that were barely any good, but there were enough for their tests I guess. The professor likes saying these sorta things to me, since I'm usually here enough, and he knows me, so when he needs to rattle off excited about something, he sometimes comes right towards me. He gets really into his job.

I think you'd have to ask him yourself where he found it though. I'm sure he'd say it, if you seemed genuinely interested in the topic. All I know is that it were done in some dig to the west of town. Where exactly, I sadly have no idea, and it's not on the sign yet because he's still testing stuff. He's sort of a perfectionist with these things. He might be in here somewhere actually, checking to make sure everything's in order. He's pretty easy to spot. He's green and grey, pretty lanky, and have buckteeth. Short mane and tail too, along with freckles... Honestly the large, round glasses and the ratty blazer isn't helping him blend in either, but that's just how Professor Nitpicker are.

...I'd ask in return why you're talking about collars so much, but I think I don't want to know."

“...” Luna wordlessly replied. Professor Nitpicker was...well, a bit of a too professional. She decided to talk to him when he's no longer busy.

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

But there's other civilisations too. In the next room, there's statues of old creatures too. Maybe you can point some out, and we can see if there's something we can chat about with them?"

Blue and Luna found themselves interested at the notion of seeing ancient creatures from the distant past.

Edited July 22, 2021 by Windy Breeze

Evil Pink One · July 22, 2021

@Starforce @Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

10 hours ago, Cali said:

Cali smiles at Blitz. "If that would make you happy I'll wear a collar and I'll be your "pet", that's just amusing if I am honest. I don't mind." she chuckles, before listening to Cloudwatcher speak more.

..... Seriously Cali.... :yeahno:

Edited July 22, 2021 by Kujamih

EQ_Theta · July 23, 2021

@Blitz Boom

Lin would take the little creatures inside as she talked, and with Hammond moving down to the table to “speak” with her, she’d get a better view of him. Frankly, the longma got the impression that Hammond was a fast learner, being able to utilize sign language well while still understanding vocal communication. Perhaps that could be attributed to living with Mother and picking up on spoken language first before moving to sign language. Whatever the case may be, Lin considered learning a new skill. Her on Scarcity may have changed, but having to work with her may have a benefit: she’d likely get to see Hammond more often.

The longma would watch the little creature gesture, though she was very unsure about what it meant. Rosa’s translation helped, though his uncertain response wasn’t quite reassuring. In any case, she’d take his approximations and answer in kind.

“I’m doing fine, Hammond. A little tense, but I'm trying to get myself more relaxed. Maybe you ought to teach me some sign language someday? I’m sure we’d have lots to talk about!”

Meanwhile, Sen would pace around the room, still getting used to the open space. Living in smaller homes already got him used to living with only the necessities. If he were hypothetically given a house like this, he’d probably only stay in the kitchen and use the rest of the house for storage. It made sense that he’d choose the place where he’d get immediate access to food, and he could just use a bedroll and sleep on the floor. His room back home only had enough room for a small wooden desk and a mat for sleeping, but he did muse on the possibility of having more room to move about.

His attention would then turn to Rosa when he showed them Scarcity’s letter concerning the fruit basket. Fresh fruit just left here as a welcoming present? It still seemed suspicious, but Shrimp and Hammond now begging for food and eating the orange without any noticeable side effects got the siblings to lower their guard, if only somewhat.

“I’ll have an apple, though I suspect our little friends will want some more to eat.” Lin would then go to Shrimp and Hammond and have them at eye level. “Hope you two aren’t getting used to that behavior, especially you, Shrimp. I’ve caught on to your tricks, and you won’t fool me.” She’d playfully speak with them in a sing-song tone of voice, though she was serious about not falling for the refraction’s wily methods.

“If everyone’s grabbing some food, I’ll settle for the raspberries. I think it’ll do me some good if I stick to something familiar. I am still rather full from breakfast. Guess this means we’re just waiting for Scarcity, right? I wonder what she’s got planned for us after the golems...”

Sen paused for a moment to look at the coins he were shown earlier. They are clearly important, and he was still excited to see the scholars’ new bodies, but he still couldn’t shake his suspicions for Scarcity.

GingerLightning · July 23, 2021

@Blitz Boom

"Yeah, it really upset me that I didn't have many friends, and the few I did have I wasn't allowed to spend time with outside of school. Many parents didn't want their kid anywhere near anything changeling, even if I was only half changeling. I wouldn't blame them, my parents didn't want me interacting with Changelings either. And my mother was a changeling. " Ginger chuckled.

"It's kinda funny.... My big brother is a full blooded changeling, we have different dads you see. But he had friends who were also changelings, but he also didn't introduce me to them. Said something like "They'd find a halfbreed weird."and "You'd probably embarrass me somehow." and all sorts of other ridiculous nonsense. And yet here I am, among real, full blooded changelings! Nothing strange, no embarrassment, no bullying, nothing! I think I'll write him a letter and tell him how wrong he was... " her voice had changed temporarily without her realizing it. It was probably her brother's voice based on context...

"it's been a while since I saw my brother... could he visit? " she asked

Blitz Boom · July 23, 2021

@EQ_Theta

13 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m doing fine, Hammond. A little tense, but I'm trying to get myself more relaxed. Maybe you ought to teach me some sign language someday? I’m sure we’d have lots to talk about!”

Hammond would nod slowly, as an answer to the question. It were funny how he seemed to be getting smart enough to comprehend and learn quite a lo of things, despite being only given form and entry into this world a few days ago. Yet compared to Omen, he had more resources to learn from too. Scarcity were a mare of considerable wealth, which meant that she could ensure him proper teachers at every hour of the day. And since he didn't sleep, that meant that he could have nonstop tutoring, feeding his mind, and rocket his progression level. Compare this to Omen, who had a world she were brought into without stability, and a master who figured experiencing were enough. She had enough of a hard time adjusting to the world being stable, before learning even came in.

That being said, he were still an unexperienced mind, who had to learn some things as they came for now. Reflective surfaces were thus far, one of his main source of interest, and bafflement. As were grasping that not everyone knew how to do sign language, but he'd be able to communicate in other ways eventually likely, when he would learn how to write, rather than try to eat the paper. Or that one time he had instead licked it, and sent it to Mother's realm.

14 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“I’ll have an apple, though I suspect our little friends will want some more to eat.” Lin would then go to Shrimp and Hammond and have them at eye level. “Hope you two aren’t getting used to that behavior, especially you, Shrimp. I’ve caught on to your tricks, and you won’t fool me.” She’d playfully speak with them in a sing-song tone of voice, though she was serious about not falling for the refraction’s wily methods.

“If everyone’s grabbing some food, I’ll settle for the raspberries. I think it’ll do me some good if I stick to something familiar. I am still rather full from breakfast. Guess this means we’re just waiting for Scarcity, right? I wonder what she’s got planned for us after the golems...”

"It is hard to say, but I can imagine it might be related. She did say she would be required to go and get hold of a lot of various things they would need for the golems. Perhaps we're needed to extract some of those? That, or it may well be completely unrelated. Might even simply be gloating. I used to think I had some idea how that mare worked, but now, I am starting to realize that I never truly knew anything. Only what she wants me to know. An approach I think holds true for everyone."

Rosa would hand out the varied fruits that were desired, as well as leaving the basket open for them to take whatever they wanted to otherwise. Himself, would take another orange, and observe Shrimp as he responded to Lin's chatter. He'd do so by taking the massive half orange - compared to his own size - out of his mouth for the time being, and send her an innocent, cheery smile, whilst letting out a few happy chirps. He'd then reach over and rub his head on Lin's face, if she were close enough. If not, he'd simply return to his orange. Also, if she were that close, she'd get the orange juices all over her face.

Hammond would also follow troop, observing what Shrimp did, and copy it as best he could. He wouldn't have juices all over his face since he nibbled quickly, yet more carefully. She'd also find that he were extremely soft, with Scarcity apparently wanting him to have some rather magnificent fur for petting purposes. Or more than likely, since this wasn't the same as last time, she were starting to treat him with special products whilst ensuring he took baths.

"There are several hours to go, and I frankly do not find it entertaining to simply sit about, and wonder what she may have planned. Surely there's something more constructive we might be able to do? What of your elder? Perhaps you could inform him, that I may be able to help directly, rather than through you after all? I'd go myself, but with the tracker, I can imagine I will need some sort of permission slip for this endeavor first."

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

@GingerLightning

"Of course he can. In Hive Cheshire, we welcome any and every changeling to come around and enjoy some company. It really confused the hiveless once we had that message spread around, and even written on some posters. At least at first. Some hives are really rude and dismissive of the hiveless. Sad, sad times.

It sounds like you could relate with them, since you've tried to be sorta swooped into a corner. It's tragic that some of our kin are like that, and especially to others of our kind, but what can we do to change them? We're a small hive of pacifists, without any sort of power in the council. We can't make anypony do something they don't want to. But we can still try and sway others over with word and actions, showing there is a better way, and especially let the poor, down-throdden hiveless, know they'll always have somepony to speak with, and help them.

I don't know if you had that issue, since you say you're half changeling, but you know how our kind are general social beings, right? That's why it's such a harsh punishment to be made hiveless. It removes you from that sort, and leaves you to deal with the world all by yourself. Sometimes with other changelings turning their back on you. Tragic, right? But that's just how some of them are.

...Oooh, wait, by the way. I forgot to mention who I am, didn't I? Hehe, silly me. I'm Jelly Rancher, but everypony just calls me Goop.

And what's your brother like, by the way? I mean, him saying you'd probably embarrass him, sounds like just any older brother, but the rest makes him seem kind of mean. Is he, or were he just, y'know, trying to keep his own image up with his peers? Could be he's older and smarter now. Though as said, either way, he's more than welcome. So are your other friends too. Changeling or not, we always love meeting new faces."

Wouldn't be long until some faces would show up, looking for their jelly breakfast. Wasn't just Ginger and her pup that were hungry after all, with the latter currently through half of his bowl.

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

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Starforce

On 2021-07-22 at 5:07 AM, Cali said:

Cali smiles at Blitz. "If that would make you happy I'll wear a collar and I'll be your "pet", that's just amusing if I am honest. I don't mind." she chuckles, before listening to Cloudwatcher speak more.

"Awh, special friend doesn't need a collar. Nuhuh. Big hat instead. Like, biiiiiiig."

She wasn't sure why, but the mental image of Cali in a large, extravagant hat of some kind, were kinda perfect to her. And also hilarious, which were just extra points in favor, as far as she were concerned. It were like Luna with a collar, or Light with a yellow and black, striped necktie. Some things were just about silly enough to be perfect. At least through her eyes.

Blitz were too innocent of mind to understand what Cali had been talking about, but that sorta comment wasn't mean t for her either. It seemed specifically to be meant to poke at Light in some fashion, whilst sounding completely different for the young inventor.

As the vconversation went along, and seemed to focus more on what might be in the next locale, Cloudwatcher would personally lead them in there, to show them a room dedicated to something a little more eerie perhaps: Skeletons. Set up properly in montres, there were bones of ponies, of dragons, diamond dogs, various local animals from different points in time, and a few that seemed like mistakes. As if they were mixtures of various creatures.

She'd lead them first towards a small one, with a picture and description next to it, looking sort of like a typical squirrel. However, it had webbed feet and hands on the picture, and large ears, that seemed connected down to a point below the feet.

188347540_FahLina.jpg.3b2e66c34d6eaac9b9e5491177a68367.jpg

According to the words in the description, it appeared to be able to fly, and were given a few names, such as Knight Squirrels, though the common name for them, were Mimics. Or the scientific name: Discordian Pond Squirrels. The reason for that came down to the fact that they were also predators, and had jaws that could extend far beyond what you might be able to think, when you saw the little form. It had three rows of small, needle-sharp teeth turning inwards, and gills for breathing underwater, yet still lungs for the surface world as well. As were written, prey that went into their mouths - generally fish - were swallowed whole, and did not come out again.

The bones showed that better, with odd, folded bones that made up for the jaws, and most of the small teeth in the jaws too.

"I always liked this one. Came about when Discord ruled Equestria,a nd meddled with snimal life. Through generations of breeding, they kept their strange, chaotic traits, and it got ingrained so much, that when he were defeated, and chaos went out of the world, the loss to their oddities were negligeble. They apparently used to be able to go invisible in water too back then, but any magical application were lost, leaving just their odd physique. They were actually thought extinct for several centuries, but some of them have been spotted around a particularly nasty forest, that's been turned into a reservation for their kind. There's some reports of them popping up other places too, but it's infrequent, and mostly about them stealing food."

"Oh! Oh! I've seen one in Ponyville! She was with the pretty doctor zebra."

"R-Really? The professor would like to hear that I think. He's been wanting to see a live one for years.

...R-Right, I almost forgot. Carbon Dating. That's what he's doing on the string, miss Cali. At least he said that's what it's called. It sounded sorta experimental or something. DUnno why they wouldn't just run a magic trace, but perhaps they do both? I think only he might know that."

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

@Windy Breeze

On 2021-07-22 at 1:43 PM, Windy Breeze said:

Windy grabbed hold onto her uniform and let out a dejected sigh, knowing she couldn't do anything to get to the port wearing her precious uniform. Tepe, who was looking at her reminds him of his little sister when the little young siblings was about to bawl into tears.

Ironically, Razor, who was a griffon rolled his eyes before replying to Sorrow “Blending into crowds can help, but that's just a short-term solution. The only way we can get to the port without getting their attention is to not talk with anypony in any circumstances, and dress up as somepony else. That way, they won't even know you were 'that pony'. In simple term, you have to make up a disguise”

Tepe raised an eyebrow “What's a disguise?”

"It's uh... Camouflage, sort of. Just with clothes and dyes, instead of hiding in the wild. I think you'll see it when we're actually doing it, though you don't have to worry. They don't know what you look like in the first place, so you don't need to hide yourself.

And I'll take your word and advice on this entirely, Razor. As I said, it's not really my specialty, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Knowing that I have to keep quiet and not chatter with anyone, is a nice start to things. Though I still hope she comes back soon. Both so that we can talk this over with her, and because I worry that Windy is gonna try and tackle the oven again, out of sadness that she can't wear her outfit.

I know you can wear other stuff over clothes, Windy, but that suit covers a lot. That's a ton of stuff to drape you in to shield that, and that have got to garner some attention, right? I'd certainly look an extra time if I saw somepony wander around with half a clothing store on them. Don't worry, we'll make sure to take good care of it so you don't lose it, okay?"

Sorrow understood Windy's perspective here. That uniform meant a lot to her, and it were something you really had to earn as well. They didn't just give authentic ones out to posers after all. But it were made to do the one thing they couldn't risk when they got outside, and that were standing out. Excellent when you wanted to show off, but horrible when trying to hide from crooks.

Hopefully they'd soon be able to be out of town, and Windy could get her suit back on, just as Sorrow could get Legion back too, who'd have to e hidden as well. And she didn't like not carrying the skull. It felt wrong. Like a part of her were missing.

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

@Starforce

"I'm still broken up and torn about all of this. The stone helps to keep the fear down, so I'm not getting into a spiral, but... If I didn't have experience hiding my pain, I'd be incoherent now. Well, that, and because of you. It really helps knowing I have you here, to see me through it. And remind me there's good, kind things and beings in this world.

I won't lie though. I'm not doing as well as I look. But hopefully I'll find some more light in the darkness soon."

The talk would be better, if she hadn't started it by spitting out some leaves that had gotten stuck in her muzzle, as she had fallen into the leaves. But it was all worth it, when she saw the mushroom before her. More than worth it, in fact.

"This one have plenty of good uses, and you got a big piece of it. I'm impressed, Magnolia. Considering what else is around here... If we can find even a thimbleful of Grave Lily, I could make some Fortune Elixirs. It's not fortune like, lots of bits, technically. Although it does sell for a lot normally. It's fortune as in seeing good tides ahead. It's a limited vision-based elixir. Doesn't show you everything, but it will give you an inkling about what to do, to make your future better. At least temporarily. Could be showing you where to go to find some treasure, or just an image of someone you should visit, that will make a difference in your life to take contact with. It's an advanced one, but filling the small vials with samples of that, should do pretty well.

Same if I just find a fraction of Pixie Weed. Then I could make a few different things. Vitality enhancer is a great one, but mixed differently, adding a bit of magic, could make for an invisibility potion. Or an energy booster. We'll have to see if we can find either, but this one's definitely the rarer thing to get hold of.

Grave Lillies only grow on well cared for gravestones, but the Pixie Weed is this odd looking, almost shriveled in bush. It kinda looks like a blackberry bush during autumn, but the fruits are more orange tinted, and tends to be used as part of itching powder. But there's other things too. Let's just walk around, and see what we can find. If you see any strange plant, please say so. Especially if it looks like it have teeth. Just uhm... Don't try and touch it."

Catpone Cerberus · July 24, 2021

@Blitz Boom
"I can tell that certain things are as they should be, and considering that a perfect faking of them would require either omniscience beyond even Discord, or effort so great I don't believe their kind to be patient enough, I'd say it's safe to assume this is the actual town." Ruby stated, if nothing else, she would know for absolute certainty when they'd reach her house, because she knew the exact location of every single nail in the walls, the position of every coin in her treasure, and so on. "I'm glad we got past with relative ease, I've got enough exposure to magical tricksters for a long while." if nothing else happened, Ruby would lead them to a neighborhood on the edge of the town, it was a normal neighborhood, in the end of which there was three houses, two on the sides and one in the middle, ending the street.

The house on the left from them was a normal house, it had a two-ponies high fence around it to block most of the yard from view, but other than that there was nothing of note, this was the one Ruby would lead them to. Next to it was an overgrown lot with the remains of a house, from looks of it it had rotted rather than been burned or anything. The middle house was perfectly normal, as in, almost too normal, the yard was empty, there was no fence either, just a boring, perfectly normal house with nothing to hide. The right house, or the opposite from Ruby's house depending on choice of words, was bit more eye-catching, or well the house wasn't, looking the same as the two others, and rather the yard was, with trees located close to each window in a way that for whole day there would be a shadow on every window.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scarecrow also gave a short applause to Dee's little show, though it was mostly out of feeling of obligation and blending in, other that that there was no visible reaction, as to be expected. "You're welcome, and go ahead, see you again sometime." he then said, sure it was unlikely he would meet a jester again in any time soon, but he didn't really think this one could help him anymore currently, as he had gotten to know all about jesters he knew to ask, sure there was a possibility that it had been this one, or someone who he knew that was floating in Scarecrow's memory, it was unlikely but possible, but the problem was that Scarecrow couldn't really ask about it, since he didn't know what he himself used to look like, it was hard to ask if someone knew someone if you didn't know who you were looking for.

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

The twins didn't comment on it, but they gave each other 'a look' when monster attacks were mentioned , it seemed that some things didn't change regardless of how evil the rulers were.

They thought about it for a moment, and Sheska was first in voice "The latter sounds better in my opinion, I'm interested on seeing what kind of stuff there is." "And I don't really have a preference, so Knick Kna....whatever it is." "Maybe after that we could head somewhere with books, then you ladies could go to that spa while I'll study a bit about this place somewhere close by?" Sheska looked bit unsure about the suggestion but Trox put his hand on her shoulder and spoke quietly to her "You need the relaxation..." the rest was too quiet to hear, but Sheska seemed to hesitantly agree.

EQ_Theta · July 25, 2021

@Blitz Boom

Lin would see the two creatures nibbling on their fruits, though not without getting some affectionate retorts to her statements. It seemed like Shrimp was getting a lot more use out of his charms and stature because he was being a lot cuter than normal. Or he might be catching on to Lin’s more careful approach. She ought to try introducing the concept of “no” and how Shrimp would need to get used to not having his way. Maybe another time, as this may not really be a good time for it. Plus, the longma couldn’t say no to getting rubbed on the face from the little creatures.

The siblings then turned to their own food and took some bites. Sen would only eat a little bit and leave the rest of the fruits; he wasn’t hungry, and eating didn’t really sound like a good way to work out his insecurities. He’d watch Hammond and Shrimp eat their food and take in the sight of two cute creatures just going about their meals. Watching them seemed to be good enough for a distraction before turning his attention back to Rosa.

“Things are going a little slow for Elder Ghilan back home, but I’m sure he’ll appreciate your help. The bigger concern here is when will he be summoned by the council. It doesn’t sound like a good idea for you come in and speak with them, and it will take days for the elders to convene if they decide to meet.”

“I can head back and inform him, but whether or not anything will come of it is another matter. Not to mention you requiring permission to go wherever you wish because of your tracker. If anything, that is going to make things complicated.”

The longma elders won’t take kindly to the idea that an outsider is being tracked by someone else. The other elders would immediately say no if that were the case. Being untrustworthy by default is already a difficult starting position, and the elders couldn’t simply trust one of their own kind.

“This is going to take some thought. Maybe we ought to sit here for a while and think about how we’ll go about this? I don’t mind relaying a message to Elder Ghilan, but he’s definitely going to have some questions. That, and the longma in general won’t see you as truthful or trustworthy; even if Ghilan knows you, he still has his responsibilities to the village and to the other longma. I don’t think he could treat you like a familiar ally because it will raise lots of suspicions, and he is already under a lot of suspicion.”

Blitz Boom · July 25, 2021

@EQ_Theta

It were not going to be easy to teach Shrimp that he couldn't get what he wanted, since Omen were rather easy to manipulate, so she would likely go and fetch him what it were that he needed. These days, that wasn't so bad. He mostly just wanted food when he was hungry, and water when he were thirsty. Along with beings to lay upon for safety and comfort. The worst he did currently were begging for food, as he were testing the boundaries. If they didn't get it in check before he grew older, and had other things in sight, that might cause issues though.

The real question really were less if they could teach him no, and more if they could teach Omen to say no to him. If it would steal it from others, she wouldn't get it of course, but if she could retrieve it without stealing, such as purchasing, or finding it in the wild, she could probably be lured in to do it.

9 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“This is going to take some thought. Maybe we ought to sit here for a while and think about how we’ll go about this? I don’t mind relaying a message to Elder Ghilan, but he’s definitely going to have some questions. That, and the longma in general won’t see you as truthful or trustworthy; even if Ghilan knows you, he still has his responsibilities to the village and to the other longma. I don’t think he could treat you like a familiar ally because it will raise lots of suspicions, and he is already under a lot of suspicion.”

"Good. I want him to be and act suspicious, and not take everything at face value. It wouldn't give him confidence from the other elders, if he went into this with full trust. Quite honestly, I would strongly suggest having me guarded, and potentially even chained, so they feel less worry about this being a potential hit. If they feel they have control, they may be more inclined to listen. I don't expect they will take everything in, and doubt my words, but with the example proofs I have provided, and now time to retrieve more, perhaps I can at least make them accept that things are not as simple as they think. Still, it is likely I will be judged by them, and have to show through action that my words hold meaning. A long process, but it appears I now have time at least.

Perhaps Ghilan can handle the first, by reciting what I told him, when I gave him the items earlier. We'll have to see how he feels about this. Were I more callous, I'd also suggest directing a threat towards your village to show what could happen, but I'm not a monster. Not of that caliber.

As for me being tracked, I assume this means you also haven't told them what Omen can do? Anyone she have met there, she will know how to find. With a far better accuracy than what will happen to me. So really, why not approach this the way you do with her, and simply not tell them? I'll get my formal requests for time in advance, and just tell them I'm having a trip with you two, to go through some basic survivalist practices.

Perhaps it would be best to push these things back a little, until things have heated down for Ghilan though, and simply prepare for it, in advance. Gather more things and evidence of what can happen, that will make it harder to dispute. Perhaps even get hold of a dryad, to introduce them to one who can help you, whilst still showing great respect for the forest."

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

@Catpone Cerberus

23 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"I can tell that certain things are as they should be, and considering that a perfect faking of them would require either omniscience beyond even Discord, or effort so great I don't believe their kind to be patient enough, I'd say it's safe to assume this is the actual town." Ruby stated, if nothing else, she would know for absolute certainty when they'd reach her house, because she knew the exact location of every single nail in the walls, the position of every coin in her treasure, and so on. "I'm glad we got past with relative ease, I've got enough exposure to magical tricksters for a long while." if nothing else happened, Ruby would lead them to a neighborhood on the edge of the town, it was a normal neighborhood, in the end of which there was three houses, two on the sides and one in the middle, ending the street.

"I wouldn't call what their kind tend to do low effort, but yes, this might be too much to put in just for a small gag. Besides, how would that one even know what you can sense? It seems we're actually here then, finally.."

Levithan eased up as she heard this confirmation from Ruby. There might still be some chaotic influences around, but long as the town was real, that's what mattered right now. She too were getting a bit tired of dealing with those creatures right now. Both the kitsune, and the draconequui, as it were. In some ways, more or les the same thing, as they were both tricksters. There were just a power and usage gap that separated their meddle, most of all.

There wouldn't happen anything out of the ordinary for Ponyville on their way, so really, just the regular, slow moving day. Pinkie Pie came by, running on a large ball that she were rolling down the main street, whilst doing full spins every now and again. So yeah... Nothing unusual for Ponyville.

On 2021-07-24 at 3:37 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

The house on the left from them was a normal house, it had a two-ponies high fence around it to block most of the yard from view, but other than that there was nothing of note, this was the one Ruby would lead them to. Next to it was an overgrown lot with the remains of a house, from looks of it it had rotted rather than been burned or anything. The middle house was perfectly normal, as in, almost too normal, the yard was empty, there was no fence either, just a boring, perfectly normal house with nothing to hide. The right house, or the opposite from Ruby's house depending on choice of words, was bit more eye-catching, or well the house wasn't, looking the same as the two others, and rather the yard was, with trees located close to each window in a way that for whole day there would be a shadow on every window.

"Charming. Your neighbors though, seem rather... Peculiar. One left abandoned, and another seemingly from one who are not a great fan of light. A bat pony perhaps? Though I suppose, you don't really care, long as they keep their noses to themselves."

"I like it. Not too big, inconspicuous Yes, I can see the merit in this place as your base. I wonder though, the lot that isn't used: Have you dug into that, to make more room for your own things? You're still young, so your hoard shouldn't be incredibly large, but I'd think it would strain a few of these rooms if you tried to keep it all here."

The two of them wandered past the bushes, and towards the door. They'd soak it all in if they could, but there really weren't anything to focus on here, It was just a standard house, no bells, no fuss.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Lyriel watched as the jester and Muffin, went on their merry way through the town, to destinations unknown. It must be nice at times, to hold no need to be at one specific place for long, and go see the world and all its splendors. *sigh* Perhaps someday, as her years had been spend well, she could wander far and wide too, and see where there may be need of her, and what the world at large had to hold. Danger were obvious, but kindness seemed abundant too. As did wonder and peculiarities.

"Such a strange world this is, with so many varied creatures to behold... Did you learn from this, Scarecrow? Any memories that may have been rustled through this? I suppose it may be too much to hope for, yet hope is a treasured thing, one should not cast aside.

Perhaps this too would be a time to wander and see more of this marketplace? It seems we may as well take in the sights as we are here, yes?"

It were rather standard what you'd find here. The Apple Family carriage, currently manned by Big Mac, the regular local veggie stands, places selling coffee and small sandwiches, a pear vendor, doing their best to stay far off the APple Cart, as that family did not like to be close to him, some stallion in a flowery shirt, selling coconuts, with the option to have them opened and ready to drink- A lot of things basically. It wasn't the biggest town in Equestria, but with the tourists that came in due to the castle being here, and the stories floating about, the market had diversified some to accommodate that. Mostly it was still stuff the locals bought and sold on a daily basis though.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

Onache could listen in if she wished to, but it seemed of lesser concern for her to do so, so she would give them their privacy, for the time being. It didn't seem like it would negatively affect her to do so, so why not indulge this, and let them be?

"It's not a bad place either, even ig Loot is a little odd. Not Pinkie Pie odd though. Far less energy, so nothing to worry about there.

And if you want somewhere with a lot of books, you could go to the library and read there then. There is tons of books. Not as many as before the old one got destroyed, but still many, and more are added there often. It's up in the castle though, so you're gonna have to go through the entrance for that when it is. No worries, it's not filled with guards and rough types. Honestly, I think I've only seen one who I could see being a guard. She didn't have a uniform or anything, but her whole demeanor just radiated the sort of tough aura for it. Haven't seen her since the rebuilding though. Hope she's okay...

Anyway, the public library part ois through the west wing of the castle. And don't mind the weird garden. Things are apparently harmless, and I'm guessing, meant as a sort of gift from some draconequus? You'll see."

"If that is where knowledge are hidden, that would be good to examine too in due time for me. There may be some prudent local information to gather from there, if there are some order in things. The spa treatment can wait until a later point."

"How would it sound like to go there in an hour? I should be done with work then. Come on, it'd be fun. I haven't run out with a royal changeling in months."

"Months?"

"That's a story you're just gonna have to loo forward to."

"... I will take your invitation into consideration. For the time being, are you two ready? There is much to do still, before the sun settles."

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

@Starforce

"It's okay, you'll learn the names and properties in due time. Probably from tomorrow, once I collected some morning dew. I know it sounds odd, but it have some properties that's just different from regular rain, or well water. Would still be okay to find some of that in due time, but I guess I'm going a little ahead of myself here."

She'd gather upt he plants found, and wrap them up properly in her bag, including the trickery mushroom. Might be it had caused her to fall, but it were well worth that little whoopsie, to get such a rare ingredient. Still much that might be gathered, and some things it could turn into, but they'd get there in due time. for now, she'd just try and explain things as best she could.

Wandering on, she'd point to a few other plants and tell what they were, and what they might be able to be used in. Though she didn't gather many sorts right now, as she were honing in on the kind of things she wanted to make, and that narrowed the ingredients she would need for the future. She did pick one thing that made her chuckle a little. Not because she were happy though, it were just an affect of the pollen it gave off, whenever it were touched. A Chuckle Toggle. Weird little red bundle of flowers, that tended to draw nutrients in small amount from other, nearby plants to thrive. Could be a menace, if it wasn't because it rarely spread away from where they started, and had a rather short lifespan. Great for a few kind of potions she were considering right now, such as a particular one that would help to cheer you up.

"It's really helping on things. Not the flowers, I mean, but having you here, talking about all of this- It's good at grounding me. Thank you for being here, Magnolia. I hope that when you have to confront your demons, I can be every bit as stedfast of a pillar for you, as you are for me.

Have you thought about when, and how to do that, if it's okay to ask? I know that it's a lot to confront, and with how I've been... I don't blame you if you haven't thought about it. And I'm sorry if it's been too much focused on me. I didn't intend that."

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

@Starforce @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

On 2021-07-24 at 12:01 AM, Cali said:

Cali laughs at Blitz's comment about the hat and leaned her head forward and from Cali's head a hat seemed to 'grow' over her head. It was directly attached so Cali could manipulate it's ability. It turned white, and a big buckle on it appeared and it's size was absurdly large. What Blitz wanted, Cali hoped. "How about this?" she asked with a sly stance.

Blitz jumps in place, looking so happy that she actually made a changeling that wandered by, get momentarily queasy, and send her a weary side glance, before hurrying along. Sure they liked emotions, but there were limits to how much they could stomach. Especially when they weren't hungry, and he'd prefer if his food stayed down.

"Yeeeeeey! Big hat. That looked so cool! Can you make any sorta fun things grow on you? Hehe, you could look like a draconequui."

On 2021-07-24 at 12:01 AM, Cali said:

"Fascinating creatures. On my world we had creatures called dinosaurs, imagine giant lizards that roamed the earth before mammals. Discord from what you say sounds like some sort of chaos god, and that impacted the evolution of these creatures. Is it possible for this to have affected ponies?" Cali asked.

"We have giant lizards that roamed the world, long before Ponies. We call them dragons though. And Discord... Well, you pretty much hit the hammer on the nail there. He's the Lord of Chaos. The spirit of one of the most fundamental things in the world, and he sure lives up to it, with the stuff he does. Both before and after he got reformed. Changing shapes and stuff of other creatures can be done with a mere snap of his fingers, but it normally doesn't affect it like these mimics.

Best guess the story books have, is that because they breed so frequently, a bit of chaos became an integral part of their beings, that just can't be removed with any sort of ease.

Far as we know, it didn't affect ponies. Our lives aren't as small and rapid, and well, I think our own integrated magic might have sort of made us a little more resistance to the lingering effects? Can't say for sure, but it's the best idea I have. There's a lot of theories on this though, including a few where they think that some species might have started off as ponies, and then been mutated irreversally, and that's why we have some many equine variants. Bat ponies, mermaids, kirin, etc. It's heavily debated, but I dunno. I think it wouldn't be so bad if it were true. We'd just be one big, varied sort of family then."

Rising Dusk · July 25, 2021

@Blitz Boom

"Capable we were and wholly adapted as a family. Most unicorns, even my husband, hardly develop past the use of levitation and light magic. Few pursue further into the arts or have the talent to do. Things became much simpler when Rising developed the ability to undo his sister's mishaps," Grace explained. "Unappreciated Creativity," Dawn scoffed in dramatic fashion, bringing her hoof out of the roiling herbal water to the sky. "Of course sweetie," the older mare gave that motherly sarcastic response. "Then at a young age she was accepted into Princess Celestia's School of Gifted Unicorns where she leaned to better control and use her magic," she proudly beamed. "A school created and taught by our ruler."

"Only several days to prepare? My my, no wonder you were rushing your brother along," the mud soaking pegasus expressed from her bath. "Better to prepare early for when it happens. The last thing we need is for the portals to start appearing and THEN going to get him appropriate attire, making Harrowmark have to wait even longer for their hero," Dawn sank back into the herbal bath. "Oh my. I'll have to go home and prod your father along then. Although, he is already much better prepared for such occasions," having to attend many of Grace's performances, the older unicorn was already equipped with a wardrobe more presentable than the everyday casual wear. It was a pity Minty never required uniforms or a dress code for her agents. Maybe something to come later down the line when the agency was a fully fledged one instead of in a beta test phase. This allowed her son far too much freedom to just keep his hoodie style casual wear even on duty. If he had his way, he'd probably find some sort of 'dress hoodie', how absurd. Dawn recruiting their mother in was extra power to make sure Rising wasn't going to make a fool of himself in front of a whole country. Worse, make Equestria look foolish.

"If there is one other thing I know how to do Lily, it's relax and be pampered," the youngest of the mares sighed. Letting the roiling waters act as a mini-massage and the herbal mixes relax her muscles and ease away the stresses in her mind.

GingerLightning · July 26, 2021

@Blitz Boom

"He's tall and honestly kind of scary. He's always had really high expectations of me." Ginger said with a sigh.

"He always said he wanted what was best for me. But he often seemed really cruel. My mom always said that he loved me but couldn't figure out how to show it. Seems like he still hasn't figured it out sometimes... Why do big Brothers have to be so weird?" she asked picking a few crumbs out of her mane.

Evil Pink One · July 26, 2021

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Starforce

Light would just watch them both and just enjoy their playful side. A bit of fun can remove stress and calm one's self... Who knows this might be Light's only time to relax from his hectic life.

EQ_Theta · July 26, 2021

@Blitz Boom

“Uh… Rosa? I think the longma villagers are going to tolerate Omen a little more. She did save the village, and us, a while back. They still think she’s unnerving, but they’re willing to put up with her more because of what she did. You’re an unknown, but I guess we could go with not telling Ghilan about you being tracked by whoever will watch you.”

“Ghilan wouldn’t know if, or when, he’d be summoned to explain himself. Communicating with the elders in different villages takes time, and the best he could do is get ready. You know… I think there’s a way this could still work. If Ghilan is ever summoned by the other elders, I could just send us all through a gate. Maybe there’s a way to stall the convening elders until you arrive?”

“They’ll be suspicious regardless, Lin. Best thing to do is to let the proceedings go on our terms. The more of the situation we can control, the more it will likely go in our favor. If you’ll inform Ghilan about the change in situation, lets leave out the specifics until we are sure of those. Maybe you could ask him if there are ways to get the other elders to meet in one place. There's got to be something we could do.”

Lin nodded in agreement, though she would hold off on heading out for now and choose to remain with the rest of the group. She still had to finish her meal, and she would need to figure out how to word her message. Ghilan would appreciate having a more direct form of assistance, but with the situation being a delicate one, he’d prefer to have some assurance that he isn’t going to make a fool of himself. As for the siblings, there was an urge to explore the neighborhood. A bit of sightseeing to learn what the old town of Canterlot is like, maybe there might something interesting for them to see. They might possibly run into Scarcity while out and about, which may or may not be a good thing depending on how she’d respond to them not being at the house. Frankly, Sen had something else in mind, a little thing that he remembered from his days training as a hunter.

“So, uh… you want to have a look at the surroundings, Rosa? Maybe get ourselves familiar with what’s nearby? Like you said, we could do something other than sit around.”

Windy Breeze · July 26, 2021

On 2021-07-25 at 11:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Blitz jumps in place, looking so happy that she actually made a changeling that wandered by, get momentarily queasy, and send her a weary side glance, before hurrying along. Sure they liked emotions, but there were limits to how much they could stomach. Especially when they weren't hungry, and he'd prefer if his food stayed down.

”So, sorry for that” Luna apologizes to the changeling.

Blitz Boom · July 27, 2021

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-07-25 at 7:24 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Capable we were and wholly adapted as a family. Most unicorns, even my husband, hardly develop past the use of levitation and light magic. Few pursue further into the arts or have the talent to do. Things became much simpler when Rising developed the ability to undo his sister's mishaps," Grace explained. "Unappreciated Creativity," Dawn scoffed in dramatic fashion, bringing her hoof out of the roiling herbal water to the sky. "Of course sweetie," the older mare gave that motherly sarcastic response. "Then at a young age she was accepted into Princess Celestia's School of Gifted Unicorns where she leaned to better control and use her magic," she proudly beamed. "A school created and taught by our ruler."

"By your ruler? Such a *siiiiiigh* Peculiar thing."

Lily were starting to feel pretty relaxed by now, as the water were beginning to feel like the best bath she ever had in her life. Which were likely not untrue. It weren't as if she had been born into wealth after all, even by their village's low standards. She never thought it could feel this relaxing though. Such an odd, yet enriching experience. She'd have to try and see if she could not find a way to convince some places back home to run places like this over the years. It would do wonders for many a Harrowish creature.

"And here I would think your ruler would be too busy to be able to do this. She must delegate her power well. Powerful too, if she is the one whom helped Dawn reach such levels of control. Such grand potential... *yawn* Perhaps she will be willing to meet with some of our mages, and share knowledge sometime? Such a nice thought that is.

Can I ask, what did they teach you at that school, Dawn? I'm curious what such a young, bright mind went through, after being picked for such an honorable position. How many schools of magic you must master now. Aaah, the hoofful you must have been for your poor brother, when you began testing on him. The way he responds to you, it seems like you have tried many, many things anyway. Trying to surpass what he can unravel, yes?"

She were just running her muzzle now a little, as she enjoyed her soak. Might be she were just speaking nonsense, but she could think of that later. Right now, she were enjoying herself.

On 2021-07-25 at 7:24 PM, Rising Dusk said:

"Only several days to prepare? My my, no wonder you were rushing your brother along," the mud soaking pegasus expressed from her bath. "Better to prepare early for when it happens. The last thing we need is for the portals to start appearing and THEN going to get him appropriate attire, making Harrowmark have to wait even longer for their hero," Dawn sank back into the herbal bath. "Oh my. I'll have to go home and prod your father along then. Although, he is already much better prepared for such occasions,"

"Her majesty, Queen Magnolia the Second, will not wait long, once there have come a connection. She's a stubborn old mare, but we can ill afford looking like invaders. The portal will be opened, and her envoy will ask to be brought before your ruler, to establish proper contact. After that... Hehe, your son's going to be celebrated, and they won't care if he's covered in mud, or clean as a whistle. Long as he's there, and the high priestess acknowledges it is him, that will be all that matters to them, to start their praises. I get the feeling he's about to feel uncomfortable.

Aaah, but that's then. We'll keep an eye, and see how things goes. You should focus on your own preparations. Make sure he understands to never walk anywhere alone, and follow what else directions the guards gives him. As a scholar, perhaps he would like the library. With who his son is, I'm sure he could be given access to all kinds of things.

I'd like to know what preparations you might have in mind, but first, might I ask you something? What are your experiences, with necromancy? I may have to prepare you all a little more, if you know little of it."

A grave topic, yet one she'd take with a relaxed voice and mind, as it were rather hard to get worked up currently. If only she had access to this place, when she were older, and her muscles often were sore.

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

@Starforce

On 2021-07-25 at 8:48 PM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia listens intently upon the knowledge of the plants being revealed to her. "Yes, there is so much to learn about this sort of thing. I am willing...to learn." she said somewhat hesitantly, bearing a small smile on her lips. "I'm curious about the water...as far as I know, water is just water, right? Unless there is a special kind that has some sort of property to it..." she spoke, drawing her hoof in a circle on the grass.

"It's more than just water. Swamp water and river water have different properties, due to what runs through that water. Same with that in pipes, or wells. What rains down from the clouds, of clings to leaves in the brisk morning light. To most, water is simply clean, or dirty. For an alchemist, you have to think of the minerals and varied impurities in said water. Unless you're dealing with purified water, which have nothing like that.

Morning Dew if preferable when a lot of varied things goes into the potions, because it's clean, yet full of natural minerals. It gives a nice result, even if I could also just boil some river water. It's close. Not perfect though, and some things have to be done to the letter, or it goes horribly wrong."

On 2021-07-25 at 8:48 PM, Magnolia said:

Too Zeehva's next comment Magnolia blushed innocently at it and nervously smiles. "Its okay, you can ask me any time...I um, hmm, the best guess I think would be to pursue my sister and her family...however far they are or where they are I haven't got much of a clue. I haven't said much about it as I don't know where to go or what to do with it...but its okay that you've said your part about your own demons and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saying that you'd always be there for me..." she was quite touched by those words, for sure.

"Well, Princess Twilight lives in Ponyville, and Captain Shining Armor lives in the Crystal Empire. Both in castles. So I guess going to one of the castles is the simplest way to go about this. I think I heard something about Shining Armor having a daughter too, so you're gonna have a niece to visit too when you decide to go to him. Maybe we should bring her a gift when that is? I can save a few things, and maybe put something on the simmer when it's time. Some things can be enchanted, kind of, if they're dipped in the right concoctions."

Wasn't any specifically nice plants for her to go and find right here, though she were still hoping to find a Grave Lily. Magnolia might be able to help there, if she had her eyes with her, as to their right, some way off where they stood now, there's be the outlines of what might well be headstones. Old, overgrown ones, but at least the one closest too them, definitely was one of those. Zeehva hadn't seen a thing though, so unless Magnolia did, they would miss this entirely.

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

@GingerLightning

"Family can be complicated. For him, have you thought that perhaps he figured that as a halfling, and seeing how others treated you, he figured his job as the big brother, was to help you get strong? Toughen up, so that you could stand up for yourself, and not take whatever were thrown at you, laying down? I've known creatures like that. Really looks out for their family, but think it's all about toughening up. They don't know how to show that love they feel for their sibling in any other way.

I think he cares more about you than he knows how to show, and fears that if he goes soft on you, the world is gonna gobble you up. Maybe if he sees you're tough enough to hold your ground now, he'll be able to ease up around you? It's hard to say, but I like to think the best of others.

And speaking of others, the rest of the hive is gonna come in not too long from now. Wanna sit and enjoy the morning with us, or do you wanna go and explore a little? I promise, I won't tell them that you're sneaking around to have a better look, heh."

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

@EQ_Theta

23 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Uh… Rosa? I think the longma villagers are going to tolerate Omen a little more. She did save the village, and us, a while back. They still think she’s unnerving, but they’re willing to put up with her more because of what she did. You’re an unknown, but I guess we could go with not telling Ghilan about you being tracked by whoever will watch you.”

“Ghilan wouldn’t know if, or when, he’d be summoned to explain himself. Communicating with the elders in different villages takes time, and the best he could do is get ready. You know… I think there’s a way this could still work. If Ghilan is ever summoned by the other elders, I could just send us all through a gate. Maybe there’s a way to stall the convening elders until you arrive?”

“They’ll be suspicious regardless, Lin. Best thing to do is to let the proceedings go on our terms. The more of the situation we can control, the more it will likely go in our favor. If you’ll inform Ghilan about the change in situation, lets leave out the specifics until we are sure of those. Maybe you could ask him if there are ways to get the other elders to meet in one place. There's got to be something we could do.”

"You've alluded to that before, yes. Perhaps sometime, you can tell me of what happened in more details?"

"I would like to know too."

"...You're at, or near, the center of that story. Should you not know it?"

"No memories. Just fragments. Strange things."

Rosa didn't know that Omen had to clear her head, as she tried to help them, and as such, had to lose most of the memories she hadn't sorted through yet from her time in the village. She had practically nothing to work with, beyond what others said about her. And as she hadn't spend a lot of time in the village, most of what she heard, came from Lin and Sen. Which were still bits and pieces, here and there. It might be good for her to try and hear the whole story eventually. It may give her some context to the confusing images in her head.

"I see. Be that as it may however, there are many ways to stall individuals, but let us try to not think about drastic measures yet. Anything out of the ordinary that may happen during a meeting, could be weighed against Ghilan, as it might be seen as him attempting to interfere. Whatever would be done, would need to be done with extreme caution, and with no trace left behind.

No matter what we may end up doing, or preparing for, Ghilan would be the only one who'd really know how it would go with the other elders. During a meeting, when they might call upon him, how to get them to gather if need be, what sort of thing might convince them to listen, and on what terms. From what I understand of them so far, they may well dismiss anything said by us, and outright use our presence as something to hold against Ghilan, if we are not careful with how we proceed on things. His input would be vital in figuring out how we may get through this unscathed, and with some modicum of success."

They'd have to think of a meet up space too of course, but one worry at a time here. To begin with, they should merely focus on setting the meeting with Ghilan, and then try and get as much preparation work done during that, as they could. Once the summons from the other elders would come, they would likely need to move fast.

On 2021-07-26 at 5:00 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“So, uh… you want to have a look at the surroundings, Rosa? Maybe get ourselves familiar with what’s nearby? Like you said, we could do something other than sit around.”

"I suppose, it couldn't hurt getting to know the area. Perhaps the fresh air will help the thinking progress too."

He'd go and wrap up the rest of the fruit, and put it in the fridge for later consumption, then go over and put the various parts left behind in the trash can. Or he would, if Omen hadn't eaten the scraps left behind. Including parts that were generally not considered proper food. Sometimes he wondered if this were Discord's way of making sure he always had a trash can near him, yet there weren't answers to find on that topic from Omen, and likely not Discord either. Considered everything, it were likely less thought out, and more in the vein of him thinking it would be fun at the time.

Once they got outside, and he locked the door, he'd look around to try and pick a target. The area were not populated much after all, and no shops would open here, before it started to happen, so if he wanted to see others, they'd need to move further in town. Though there were other things to see here. Might as well wander, and see if one of the areas became interesting. So he'd just pick a random direction, and begin moving, whilst Hammond rode his head. Shrimp had wanted some alone time on Omen after eating, so he could have a nap, so the little three eyed creature would have latched on to the nearest thing to a regular pony he could see, and would tag along for now.

Their random direction would likely soon enough take them near some of the neighbors, though if it were one that wanted to make themselves known, were hard to say. Those willing to live in this part of town currently, tended to be a weird mix of all sorts of ponies, plus a few outliers.

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

@Starforce @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-07-25 at 8:57 PM, Cali said:

Cali was well aware of the strange looks the group was getting and was entertained by that. "Of course I can. I can do all sorts of things!" she reaches her hoof out and it morphs into a peg leg, and then the back of Cali's legs turn into wheels and her horn turns into a long broom pole. She leaves it like that for now, laughing a bit at Blitz. Cali would find herself entertained by Blitz's reactions here, but she too was entertained by her own actions too.

Blitz didn't say a word, but the way her eyes just stared up at Cali, with lights twinkling therein, should tell long tales of it's own. She were caught in a moment of pure glee at seeing what fantastical, loopy things Cali was able to do with herself. It were like watching a changeling, but way cooler.

In the next room, a voice could be barely heard, speaking in a halfway pained manner "M-My poor stomach..." It seemed the changeling were feeling this increasing wave even in there, and it were making him nauseous. He would move away even quicker, and hoping they wouldn't be following him anytime soon. Interesting how Blitz could apparently be weaponized against changelings, though it probably wouldn't be a good idea to phrase it like that. Much as she liked explosions, she didn't want to make weapons.

On 2021-07-25 at 8:57 PM, Cali said:

can't affect the world around me and I don't need to snap any fingers when I can just think of it and it happens, you know?" Cali shrugged, showing off her wheels to Cloudwatcher. "If you all evolved from one common ancestor it wouldn't surprise me all equines and similar ones to them would have that. However, I don't know how evolution would work with magic involved. Perhaps you all were created by some sort of god or goddess, maybe Celestia or Luna and they are secretly hiding that, but do you actually know where your rulers come from? What their pasts were? I'd be interested to know all about that if you do." she smiles.

"Dragons in my world are very part of the mythology of some cultures in my world. A common theme is that inside each person is a good and evil dragon, the yin and the yang, that creates balance and it's up to the person to decide which one wins or whether to balance it."

"I uh... Huh, now that you mention it, I don't really know where the princesses came from to begin with. Not Luna and Celestia at least. The story pretty much starts when they get the elements of harmony, and defeated Discord, around three thousand years ago. B-But I'm sure it's nothing. Just a history book I haven't read yet, I'm sure.

And uh... D-Dragons, yes. There's good and bad dragons in our world, but it varies a lot who's what. Mostly we just have to hope the elder dragons and the dragon lord, doesn't think too harshly of us. The previous dragon lord just kept to the rules of pony killing being forbidden, due to a treaty with the princesses. The elder dragons usually don't really care about us, or about going to war, so they tend to sorta just either ignore us, or keep the regular dragons in check. The elder they are, the stronger they usually are after all.

I know of one that goes around... What was the name again... Deltror. There's an elder dragon who frequents that area, and helps at the docks. You could probably speak with her if you're curious about dragons. She's called Gretha, I think. Rumor has it there's a strong, really scary looking draconequus in the forest too. I guess you're strong enough though, that you could ask that one things too, and it couldn't mess with you too much. Their kind is mostly pretty old, so you'd probably get more from talking to one, than from asking us."

On 2021-07-26 at 6:54 PM, Windy Breeze said:

”So, sorry for that” Luna apologizes to the changeling.

"Don't mind him, miss. He just about ate, so this much at once is uh... Well, queasy. Gotta admit, it's a bit much for me too. This kid here's emanating more joy than a full school group being told that there's free candy instead of math. What'd you do to her?"

Another that had come near them, got engulfed in sapphire-like flames, and would turn into a regular changeling drone. Though with the chitin on his belly being sapphire blue, along with the eyes, and he'd be wearing an outfit of a t-shirt going *I saw Ponyville and survived*, along with a cap, formed like a half apple. Tourist attire likely. The fanny pack seemed to confirm that too, as no sensible creature walked with those, if they were not sightseeing.

He also kept a fair distance from Blitz. He might not be as topped off as the other one, but this were still pretty overwhelming. This sorta emotional overdrive were the sorta thing that'd be considered a *family pack meal* back in the sorta hives that chased down folks to drain them.

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