open Casual stroll

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

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.

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Starforce

Light felt sorry for the changeling. To ease it's pain he would absorb some of Blitz radiation of happiness, even Light would feel sick if he absorbs all of blitz radiation.

" I guess the changelings here hasn't learned how to switch off their stomachs when near a radiant being..."

Edited July 27, 2021 by Kujamih

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“I could do that when we’ve got time to spare, though it isn’t the easiest tale to recount. There are still some bad memories attached to that time, some of it personal. It’s okay though; I’d rather recount the tale to good friends than keep it to myself.”

“If it helps give you an idea of what happened, Omen, you really pulled through for us back then. It was difficult, and we didn’t think we’d come out of that nightmarish time if it weren’t for you.”

The siblings still showed signs that they haven’t completely moved on from their encounter with Legion. Sen had to pause himself first, lest he disclosed too much information, but he wouldn’t mind telling Rosa and Omen of the tale. He was in the company of good friends, and he knows he wouldn’t be judged for it. In truth, the events of that moment were still unsetting to him, if only because he was afraid that he was now a prime target should Legion ever return. Seeing him taken by an otherworldly creature gave him comfort, but there was a possibility that he would come back, mostly because he was a creature of magic. Who knows if those types of creatures were bound by the laws that governed reality? 

As for Rosa’s remarks on the whole situation they’d find themselves in with Elder Ghilan, she’d consider the many ways this could backfire on the fledgling elder. In a way, he relied on them to facilitate positive relations with new and unknown creatures. If things go horribly wrong, responsibility would fall to them just as much as Ghilan. Perhaps knowing more about how the elders conducted themselves as a council could help, and even then, they would need to be very careful to not draw any attention from anyone. 

Once out an about, the siblings were just as enamored at the sights, likely not minding the various looks they were getting from the locals. Even here, their odd appearances still attracted the odd look.

“You know, being out in a town like this doesn’t feel too overwhelming, not like a big city. I wouldn’t know what I’d do if I lived in a place like this, but with many folks moving away from here for the large cities, I’d imagine those who stayed would know each other well.”

“I’d imagine we’d be running one of those little stores like a family business. I’d see those back when I moved around a lot. How about it, Rosa? First customer? I’m just fantasizing here; I really wouldn’t know what I’d want to sell, especially when I’m coming in when others would be at it for a long time.”

Sen would playfully nudge the thestral, though it would be a tad odd to see someone without no experience in running a business to own one. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Without that kind of know-how, the longma could find himself needing to look for another line of work. 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Blitz Boom

Windy nodded. She started taking off her uniform with a pity of misery and puppy eyes which made look as if she's about to burst into tears. Tepe raised an eyebrow at this.

“What's wrong with her? Nopony died, so why does she have to cry?” he didn't realized he made himself unintentionally rude.

Razor sighed, ”It's simple, Tepe. Wonderbolts like their self-image”

Hey, I heard that!”

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Starforce

Luna shrugged “I don't know. I think she's born with a high-level of energy inside of her, there's no wonder why she's full of energy” she replied to the changeling, referring to Blitz's emergentic behavior, ”or she probably ate too much sugar and went into sugar rush”

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-07-28 at 5:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I could do that when we’ve got time to spare, though it isn’t the easiest tale to recount. There are still some bad memories attached to that time, some of it personal. It’s okay though; I’d rather recount the tale to good friends than keep it to myself.”

“If it helps give you an idea of what happened, Omen, you really pulled through for us back then. It was difficult, and we didn’t think we’d come out of that nightmarish time if it weren’t for you.”

"I pulled something, to get you out of somewhere? Was it a cart?"

"It's an expression. It just means that you helped them with something difficult. Try not to think about it before they feel ready to tell the story. No rush though. I would not want for you to speak of something you're not ready to go through again. There are plenty other things I can sate my curiosity with."

It seemed that whatever had happened, Omen's memories of it had been more or less erased, whereas for Sen and Lin, they lived with them, yet they were painful in nature. Something told him that it were related to what he knew of their parents, but if that were the case, there were now even further reason for him to not touch this subject again. If they wanted to recant this tale, it would be their choice, and he would wait for them to make that, if they so wished to. If they did not, he were not going to say more about it. They were his friends, and he did not wish for them to recall painful memories against their will.

Instead, he'd direct his focus on their surroundings, and the various, few occupied houses he could see, as they wandered around. Despite how the lawns looked, the streets were kept free of weeds, and generally maintained. one reason fro that had always been that one of the roads into Canterlot, came through here, so they had to use at least some infrastructure spending on this. It weren't much, but it were something, and the rest were slowly following.

Most of whom he could see, where a couple of scattered elderly couples, either taking care of their gardens/minor fixes around the house, or having a spot of tea. They were generally greeted with a risen hoof and a smile by those, with one outlier, instead scurrying into his house again. Some also seemed to have occupants, that were simply inside, or elsewhere, judging on the state of some of them, along with lights and smoke from the chimneys.

Still others seemed to be of a more... Rough exterior. They may also handle the house, and appear either friendly, or indifferent, but judging by the looks of some of these tougher looking ponies and griffon, they were likely other rehabilitated, former prisoners. The knowing glance about half of the four they could find in this area, would indicate that rather clearly, though how they could see he were one... Well, likely had to do with his looks. It appeared that mostly the elderly, and their kind, were staying here thus far.

On 2021-07-28 at 5:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You know, being out in a town like this doesn’t feel too overwhelming, not like a big city. I wouldn’t know what I’d do if I lived in a place like this, but with many folks moving away from here for the large cities, I’d imagine those who stayed would know each other well.”

“I’d imagine we’d be running one of those little stores like a family business. I’d see those back when I moved around a lot. How about it, Rosa? First customer? I’m just fantasizing here; I really wouldn’t know what I’d want to sell, especially when I’m coming in when others would be at it for a long time.”

"I wouldn't be so dismissive of the idea. It could potentially work. Stores went out of this part of town a little by little, but if they want to repopulate it properly, there would need to get some work done in the small stores that used to run in the area. A start up project, that might attract other businesses into the area, could well get you some tax credit, and potential ground floor funding to get you started. I could imagine a simple store of essentials would do best. Considering the age of the locals here, and how those not that high up, would likely prefer to not go into the main parts of towns, due to their former lives, a grocery store of some kind may fair well here. It might be something worth looking into at a later point.

I can imagine that there is some degree of a closely knit community here, yet it can be hard to say. Some who lives here, likely does to for some degree of solitude, or peace, from the noise thee is in town. Cheaper housing prices too perhaps, though I must admit, I haven't looked into whatever or not it is cheaper, or more expensive to live here.

I didn't know you had aspirations such as this though. Would you like to run at store at some point? I'm not much of a clerk, but I can help with various loopholes in the tax laws if it were."

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

 

@Starforce

"Then that's going to be the first step on our journey. There's probably a train that's connected to Canterlot, or near it at least, that we can board and then go from there, to Ponyville. But we'll need bits first, so making these flasks are going to be even more important. I'm gonna have to remember to have enough for testers too. Since I'm not an actual zebra, buyers sometimes wants to know that my wares are real. Too many scam artists out there, sadly. Though it does help having a license."

From her saddlebag, she'd float up a laminated card, showing off her being an honorary, zebrican alchemist. The signatures were even in zebrican, and carried her own name, as that of two of the elders that had approved of her. It would also have some swirling text on the backside, that'd form into more specific words, the more you looked at the lines. That part made it harder to fake. As did the watermark seal from Equestria, which meant that had acknowledged her legitimacy. A surprisingly easy feat, once she showed them a few examples.

"I'll just need a few more things, then we can go back. A shame there doesn't seem to be a graveyard near, but perhaps there's one in town? I guess it can't hurt trying to look at some point."

Zeehva would look up, and then use her horn to light up the tree she were standing next to. Enough that she could see some rather ugle, apple-like fruit further up the twisted tree. Though she wouldn't touch those with a ten hoof pole. They were poisonous, and mostly useless for the kind of elixirs she had in mind. Though what were less so, were the bark of the tree, where she'd tear off a good, head-sized piece, break it up into four pieces, and then wrap it up, before getting into her bag.

"And here I thought there weren't any of those trees in Equestria... Well, I shouldn't question good fortune, I guess."

If there were nothing else, she'd slowly start to make her way back towards town. A place that would be a fair bit easier to traverse here during night, and likely less dangerous.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

"Being a Wonderbolt takes a lot though. Dedication, skill, brutal training- Most who doesn't know a lot about them, just looks at them and see the flair and showing off. I've heard enough to truly believe that they have all the reason in the world to be proud of their uniforms, though right now, we have to do this. Don't worry though, okay Windy? We'll make sure to take good care of it."

As she had an infamous part of the Wonderbolt's history, as part of Legion, she had heard quite a few things. A lot of boasting obviously, but through it all, came a sense of pride, that seemed to be warranted, as it took true skills to become part of the Wonderbolt. It were likely why you rarely, if ever, heard of disgraced ones. They couldn't bear to think about losing these, so boastful and egocentric as some might be, they'd usually stay within whatever lines were set for them. That were what made sense to her at least, and seeing how Windy acted, it weren't going against things. They'd have to take really good care of this uniform, once they had it safely tucked away somewhere. She could likely get a replacement, but Sorrow assumed this one had some history for Windy, beyond just what it signalled she were part of.

"How long have you had it for now, Windy? Maybe they'll get it if the understand a bit of the history you have with the uniform."

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

 

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Starforce

On 2021-07-27 at 9:12 PM, Cali said:

Cali smiles. "I'll consider meeting with the one in Deltor at some point later on! But as for now you should learn more about your leaders origins if it is at all possible. You shouldn't be kept in the dark about that information as it is extremely important. I imagine dragons are quite dangerous with their awesome power when at war but, its good you aren't having wars in this world." Cali spoke, pleased with that. 

"A_Actually, we uhm... We do have wars. Troy and Equestria have a long history of conflict, since Troy want to abolish the monarchy. It's a big mess honestly, and we keep hoping we can find some sort of truce one of these days, but it's not really looking better yet. There's always hope though, right? Least we only have that one, and not one with the dragons. They'd be able to really cause a lot of trouble. Especially if the Elder Dragons joined in. Those are scary.

I'll take your other words to mind too. I'm sure if I go ask around in the library, I'll find a book about their early years. I probably just missed it somehow."

"Or maybe the princesses were made by Discord, since they got wings and a horn, and draconequui mixes creatures!"

Blitz had suddenly snapped out of her trance from before, and spun around to look up at Cloudwatcher with the first thing that popped into her head. Something that made the guard open her muzzle with a small smile, ready to reply to Blitz that this were not possible, yet found that her smile would start to wither away, and worry go over her. Which just made Blitz try and smile bigger to counter it. She were fairly oblivious to how that question had managed to make Cloudwatcher a little concerned, that perhaps this might actually be true, even if... N-No, surely it couldn't be that.

On 2021-07-27 at 11:05 PM, Kujamih said:

Light felt sorry for the changeling. To ease it's pain he would absorb some of Blitz radiation of happiness, even Light would feel sick if he absorbs all of blitz radiation.

" I guess the changelings here hasn't learned how to switch off their stomachs when near a radiant being..."

"Well, we're not all that used to ponies like this. Most are pretty normal, and we tune things accordingly. This here's something unusual. Word of advice: Keep an eye on that kid. Some changelings out there with a lot less scruples, that'd rejoice at a large serving, if you catch my drift. But then, she'd know right? Fascinating look by the way. Would you mind if I took a picture, ma'am? Don't see a lot of these more fun sort of mixtures."

Definitely a tourist, as the changeling turned to face Cali, with the camera dangling around his neck prepared.

8 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

Luna shrugged “I don't know. I think she's born with a high-level of energy inside of her, there's no wonder why she's full of energy” she replied to the changeling, referring to Blitz's emergentic behavior, ”or she probably ate too much sugar and went into sugar rush”

"Huh? Sugar? Where?! Hehe. Big Bro said I can't have too much sugar, or I get too hyper. I still get my evening snack though! Yummy."

Blitz was bouncing about Luna as she spoke, giving quite a picture, as this were indeed her normal energy level. If she got too hyper on sugar or ideas, things just got proper haywire, and nopony would want that. Especially since as there were a high, so too would there eventually come a crash, and that was why Molotov put all natural, safe sedatives into his lil' sisters evening snack. Was it the most moral things? No, but he knew his sister, and how it'd affect her health if she were allowed to do as she pleased, and stay away for days on end. Sometimes unsupervised. So he had taken the lesser of two evils. Judge him all they wanted to, but he only did what he could, for her sake.

"Everything is joy and happy! Why be sad, when there's a million reasons to smile, right? That's what Pinkie Pie told me, and she's always right. Yep yep, and hoorayh! Hehe."

"...I heard about that mare. Starting to worry she might be a bad influence."

Blitz didn't hear the small side comment from the changeling, and instead began to jump around not just Luna, but Blue too. Silly ones were silent a lot now. They should join in the happiness, and plentiful history all around them.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@Blitz Boom
Steel beak clawed at Skall, tearing through smoky illusions that obscured the location of the element, clawing at it to reveal it's location, eventually grabbing hold.

"YOU BETRAYER! You don't even DESERVE THIS"
He pulled it off with a crack as Skall grabbed at Steel beak, who soared up and away from the impending daggers which hit Skall
He found himself engulfed in magic, Skalls eyes glowed a green hue reaching out to the element and connecting with it for an instance
and in that same moment, Steel saw the elements spirit form before him, with rage and a magic boost from Skall.

All While Warlock threw out glowing red chains to yank Steel Beak to the ground with the enraged element.
"You idiots have so much infighting!"

Rose and Emerald would approach, the battle before them as spells were thrown about.

"This looks bad."
She looks at the element, glowing in response to the events before her.
Rose was suddenly yanked forward as the element tore itself from her grasp

Skall among all that, standing with shadow daggers stabbing him, grinning all the while, reached out his hand and caught the element, which flickered for a moment, before locking in.
As if the real version just appeared, even though Skall was surrounded with Shade by this point, he seemed utterly confident.
"Betrayer you say? You brought it right to me."

[Sekel 694]

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"Here goes nothing," Atzy said with her eyes narrowing at the food held in her magic grip. She was unsure if she could even consume it considering her diet went from channelling love to gnawing on gems. The Gemling took a breath and bit into the food. Chewed. Swallowed. Two minutes passed, then three, then four, and to her surprise she kept it down. "Haha, yes, I have conquered the food and I shall prepare to have more of it!"

"Mmm, yes, yes, this is good," Karmic moaned cheerfully after swallowing down some of her food. She hadn't had a meal in a good long while, probably not since before she ended up in the dungeons of the palace and melded with Atzy. It tasted wonderful to her and sitting on the cobblestones next to Enzo, she eagerly enjoyed it. She did notice Scarcity leaving them though and tilted her head with her ears flicking at seeing her even leave her change. "She left the change ... why would she do that?"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Sleep? Still?" Twilight managed to ask Cherish warily before sighing and flopping back onto her beanbag. She wasn't sure what Last and the manetid were doing but at least they weren't disturbing her anymore. "Okay, I sleep more. I'll cast a spell so I can wake up when I'm fully rested. It .." she paused her talking to yawn and then shut her eyes. "It shouldn't take too long," she mumbled. A dull pink light flashed from her horn and the spell was cast upon herself so she would wake up when the time was right.

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

Aurora was too caught off-guard by the little Pixie's cuteness and couldn't stop looking at her. After a few seconds of not saying anything but taking everything the Pixie said in, she shook herself. "I think that Pixie cast a cute spell on me. I couldn't do anything except stare." her voice did sound stronger and more confident with practically no stutter. Maybe her body had gotten used to the change of suddenly becoming a Changeling Queen and was now forcing her mind to relax and take things in stride rather than be scared by everything. "... either way," Aurora sighed heavily, glancing over her shoulder at the bare wall behind the group. "We're trapped here now. I guess this is my fault for choosing this way."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

conflict, since Troy want to abolish the monarchy. It's a big mess honestly, and we keep hoping we can find some sort of truce one of these days, but it's not really looking better yet. There's always hope though, right? Least we only have that one, and not one with the dragons. They'd be able to really cause a lot of trouble. Especially if the Elder Dragons joined in. Those are scary.

I'll take your other words to mind too. I'm sure if I go ask around in the library, I'll find a book about their early years. I probably just missed it somehow."

"Or maybe the princesses were made by Discord, since they got wings and a horn, and draconequui mixes creatures!"

@Blitz Boom @Starforce @Windy Breeze

"Troy? Elder dragons?" Light pondered.

" So these are some of the deviation this dimension has huh?" Light continued to ponder.

Edited July 30, 2021 by Kujamih

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Blitz Boom

Windy blushed all of a sudden, shyly looking away from them as if she made a mistake “This was my 25th uniform, my friend, Ire...she burned the last one with the chimney of her home” the weight in her words continues to weight her down.

Words received different yet almost similar reactions; Tepe's ears pinned back, frowing as he pondered with disapproval “I think this 'Ire' pony wasn't doing her best to act a 'friend', to you, Windy” he spoke calmly, but with venom in his voice.

Razor simply muttered his own impression of Windy's friend “How rude!"

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Starforce

Luna let out an exasperated sighed as Blitz bounces around her, but remained smiling while Blue chuckled, the latter satisfied with Blitz's lively attitude, “It might, but we shouldn't be stopping them from doing what they enjoy” she replied to the changeling, “except habits that involved reckless acts”

Luna decided to give them a poker face before facing the changeling “I surmise you met the element of laughter in the past, have you?”

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“I’m sure that story will be a good memory in time. Besides, Omen was the hero; that doesn’t sound bad at all, and nothing will ever take away the good that was achieved when things settled down. We had our chance to go back home after years of exile, and we reconnected with familiar faces. Things wouldn’t go back to the way they were, but perhaps this was the time for us to learn how to move forward. Maybe we have to figure out what to do with our lives now.” 

The pain the numerous revelations about the village brought about to the siblings wouldn’t be easy to swallow, but along the way, they made new friends. Hopefully, they could rekindle some old ones. Their grandfather was the first, and the siblings were glad to know someone in the family was still around. Now if only Sen could say the same for a childhood friend. A trip home to put this matter behind him was in order. A lot of things needed closure, and maybe this is a much-needed encounter. Learning about the exile of many other longma from Tomb was another wakeup call, something that the elders back home should hear. 

A walk in the old town was just what the siblings needed, as even Lin couldn’t help but think upon the past. She may seem like she tried to hide just how much it affected her, but the experience in the swamp a while back only proved that she hasn’t let those memories go. They’d see more and more of the locals as they went about, noticing elderly couples to more varied creatures. Seems like this place is a lot more populated than initially expected, seeing as a lot of ponies moved to the newer side of Canterlot. As for Sen, he’d pick up from where his imaginary situation left off, though Lin didn’t mind joining in on the conversation. 

“Honestly? I really wouldn’t know the first thing about running a store. Growing up, everything was a lot simpler. I learned the ways to become a guardian and a forager, not someone who sells things. Then, there’s this possibility that I’d be meeting other creatures on behalf of Elder Ghilan and the longma. I guess… I just haven’t figured out what I want to do now because the future is uncertain, and I don’t think I could go back to wanting to be a hunter.”

“I feel like I’m in the same spot, brother. The only thing different is that you seemed to know what you want to do, especially when you’ve been asking others for guidance on diplomacy. Me? I spent hours learning but never doing anything with what I learned. I suppose I could spend some time back home and learn the same skills father and grandfather knew. Maybe keep some of the family artisan trade going?”

“If things don’t work out, we can either set up a family business or disappear into the wild. Knowing Mother, she wouldn’t want us to take the second option. Maybe running a simple store and earning a humble living is an option. Sorry if this conversation took a depressing turn, Rosa. We just realized that we really don’t have any goals now.”

The siblings had seemingly forgotten about their worries with Scarcity and what it would mean for Rosa. Now it appears they are worrying about their own future. Aimlessly wandering Equestria with little more than a short-term goal didn’t leave the siblings with long-term prospects. Seems like the siblings are in their own search for their metaphorical cutie marks, only they won’t be getting a literal one. 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,599]

@Blitz Boom
"Actually it's not a bat pony, but a pegasus, though as you said, I don't really care, so I don't know much about her, only reason I even know there's someone living in the house is because I see her leaving and coming home now and then." "The other is dragon-pony hybrid, she's bit more social, but she still keeps out of my business." Ruby explained as she lead the others to the door, and put her hoof on it and muttered something, as she had done with the box so many times. "I haven't had the need to dig anything, this house has been build in very convenient spot." "The unused lot also came with this one, so I own it too, I looked it through when I first came here, and there was evidence the there has been a way from its basement to this one's." the door wasn't big enough for a wagon to go through, but Ruby told Marley to head to the backyard with the wagon, in there was the backdoor, which she would open from inside, it was big enough for the wagon, and it seemed like the area inside was purposely made for wagons.

Depending on if Leviathan came with Ruby through the house, which looked like a normal house, or if she went with Marley and Charir around the house, Ruby would continue either while walking towards the back door, or right after opening it "I did need to make few changes to the basement though, the reason why this was even available to buy was because the basement floor had started to crumble, the previous owners worried the house would collapse and wanted to get rid of it before that." 

--------------------------------------------------------------------
"I did confirm it is jester that I remember, as the outfit seems familiar, but that is all." Scarecrow responded, it wasn't much, but he wasn't disappointed, this wasn't only to try to remember his past, but to also remember he had a past, he believed that remembering that there used to be something before his current existence would help him keep himself sane "And I see no reason to not observe the marketplace more, while I may have not chosen to come here if asked, now that we are here, it would be pointless to not use the opportunity." nothing he saw really interested him, mostly because most of them were something to eat and drink, and having no ability to taste anything, Scarecrow didn't get anything out of eating and drinking. 

------------------------------------------------------
The siblings nodded "Yes, we are ready, let's go." "It was nice to meet you and Benny, see you again later." they didn't really have anything to say regarding what had been said about the library and such, it was curious that the previous one had been destroyed and that the castle didn't apparently have any guards, sure, their world's buildings weren't filled with guards either, but that was only because technology allowed lot more effective surveillance, technology that this place didn't seem to have. When they would leave, Sheska would say to nobody in particular "I'm interested to see what sunset looks like, I've heard it's beautiful." 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@Starforce

"The papers are probably sealed, so it could take a while to get them, but you're right. It would help your case if you had official papers like that. I'm sure we'll be able to get them to give us a copy, long as they can remember you. It'd probably get harder if we couldn't prove you lived there once. But I'm sure you were a memorable foal.

And the license, really weren't that hard to get. Becoming an alchemist was the hard part, but after that, the license in itself isn't that bad. Had to get it laminated here though. We don't really have that sort of thing in Zebrica. Or well, not the rural, traditional areas I were in."

She would pick up a few more flowers and roots here and there, but they would be moving back towards town, slowly but surely. Within the next half hour, they'd be back at the inn, now with a bag full of ingredients, though Zeehva wasn't going to make anything yet. She'd need to be up bright and early at sunrise for the last few bits and bobs, so she'd be getting some rest before that. Who knew? Perhaps she'd end up lucky enough to find something interesting once she could really see what was out thee too, in the morning? They'd see.

In either case, they'd make it back before the inn closed down for the night, so they could go right to their rooms. It seemed Fishbone were busy elsewhere, as she did not interrupt them on the way back to their room.

"*yawn* Gonna be good with some rest. If I'm not there when you wake up, don't be worried. I'll be careful."

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

 

@FanOfManyShows

On 2021-07-30 at 4:41 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

"YOU BETRAYER! You don't even DESERVE THIS"
He pulled it off with a crack as Skall grabbed at Steel beak, who soared up and away from the impending daggers which hit Skall
He found himself engulfed in magic, Skalls eyes glowed a green hue reaching out to the element and connecting with it for an instance
and in that same moment, Steel saw the elements spirit form before him, with rage and a magic boost from Skall.

"Petulant child. I belong with Skall, and no other!"

Her form were not solid. Shifting as it were, between various shadowy figures, but her anger at being taken from Skall were real. And now that he had given her power, she could not just manifest, but also do something about this overgrown chicken.

She'd raise a clawed hand, and plunge it into his chest, tearing out that new heart of his, and squeezing it hard between her claws. A spiked tail then came, tearing into the open wound, and raging havoc on what other internals he had, leaving several holes clean through him, as everything began to be discarded, and thrown aside.

In reality, nothing were happening to him. Much as she had been given power, she were still not corporeal, but she still had her illusions. And fake or not, unless you were sharp enough to see through the illusions, the pain could be very real.

On 2021-07-30 at 4:41 AM, FanOfManyShows said:

Skall among all that, standing with shadow daggers stabbing him, grinning all the while, reached out his hand and caught the element, which flickered for a moment, before locking in.
As if the real version just appeared, even though Skall was surrounded with Shade by this point, he seemed utterly confident.
"Betrayer you say? You brought it right to me."

Shade didn't say anything. He would simply keep fighting, to keep this vermin away from his general. The whiteness from the eyes, would rise in intensity, as pale lines would escape from there, and go across his form, making it seem as if it were threatening to crack. Then suddenly, the screeches and confused moans of varied forest life beneath them would be heard, before three dozen, shadowy creatures with pale, white eyes, and no iris, would rise up, and join into this fight. Oversized birds, boars running through the air, a bear- There were some various animals, that had been *forcibly recruited* by Shade, and would bring pain down upon Skall. All the while, Shade himself, also would continue to slice away. He hated fighting immortals...

Meanwhile, Emerald rose a eyebrow, and looked at Rose.

"Are you not able to keep hold of that thing? That were far too easy for him."

She'd write a symbol in the dirt, then stomp on it. A red aura would spread into it, filling it up, before the spell would finish, and a cloud of infectious red mist, would float towards Skall. Wouldn't be able to kill him, but it were definitely not going to be pleasant.

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

 

@Sekel

"To show that she is able, and willing, to pay for whatever she pleases. A power move perhaps? You ponies are strange creatures, so how would I know?"

He certainly got the feeling though, that this were no ordinary pony, and that he'd do well in keeping a cautious eye on her. Something about Scarcity made it seem as if she were not just wise beyond her years, but also keenly aware of it, and how to use it to her advantage. Creatures like that were dangerous.

"Strange she were so willing to sign a sphinx deal though. Most would be wary of that, if not praying they would not be asked to do so. Not openly make one themselves. The dice have been thrown now though. The deal is sealed, and I will not defy it. Even we would not fare well against that curse.

But that is currently of no concern to you. Is there other things you want to conquer here, or were the food enough of a challenge? I do not care. I have far too many years to think it's important to see everything. It'd probably go away soon regardless."

Enzo's ears would begin to flop down some, as he felt the familiar malady fall upon him again. Mortal lives were so small and fleeting. In the blink of an eye, they went from birth to death. What was the point in trying to connect with that, or the fleeting trends of these creatures?

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

 

@Sekel

It probably wouldn't take too long, but regardless, Cherish would remain vigilant, and make sure to pop her head out now and again, to see if anyone came around to disturb them. Her last words to the princess before she fell to sleep, being that with all she had been through, and likely still had to do, she were going to need her strength. Plus, she had been rather cranky before, when she didn't get enough sleep, so she probably needed it to be the princess they all cared about.

She kept that last part in her head though. No reason to tell the princess she were a bit of a morning crank, right? Best to just send her off to sleep, and then stand guard. Nothing would happen and if it did, the two outside would likely deal with it. They'd be fine the last few hours the princess would need to get some sleep.

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

 

@Sekel

"Yes. Moth pony got us here, hehe."

Flaxxy liked this nickname that the pixie had given the changeling. She'd probably go and use that for a time, for the fun of it. She wasn't overly worried about the exit being gone either, since she wanted to see what would be in here anyway, and there were no reason to be worried about what you couldn't change, right? She could always smash through a wall perhaps, if things went bad.

"A little more tact, thank you. But regardless, we're stuck here now. We may as well proceed, and see if we can convince these creatures to let us go. I find myself concerned that there seem to be more than one of their kind in the area though. Apparently, there are now three, in close proximity? Ponyville may well end up becoming a very dangerous place."

"Eh, they've survived this far. I'm sure it'll be fine. Now let's stop throwing blame around, and let's see what this ol' shack have to offer. Gotta be taking a wild stab in the dark, and say we have to go forward, and upwards. Just a hunch."

He'd point at a sign near the entry to the next room, going *Residential area on top. Bring smiles*. It didn't seem like it were forgotten here from ages past, as the sign were rather new, and glowing in a few colors. So it were more likely to belong to those who lived here. Which were apparently, a couple of draconequui, if not more. The princesses were gonna be thrilled if they figured out this is what their old home were being used for, heh.

Next room wasn't too impressive. Just some old ruins, still holding surprisingly strong, even after all these years of not being used. A lot of history to look at here, if you cared for it, and several side paths to explore, if they were so inclined. As well as the main one, leading towards a throne room, and further than that, to a staircase going upwards.

"So... We gonna go straight for them, or does anyone wanna see if we can find a thousand year old sandwich, or some other neat things? I'm game for anything. Astral? You seem to have mellowed out finally. What's your take on it?"

Happy wasn't really feeling afraid or anything by this. He had been in weird, dangerous situations enough in his time, to not make him too afraid of things just yet. Though there were still plenty of times to give him the heebie jeebies.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

Wha- Okay., I don't want to be rude here, but the others kind of have a point there. That doesn't seem like the sort of thing a friend would do. Especially not if you were still wearing it at that point.

...Please tell me you weren't. And if you were, that it was an accident."

It wouldn't paint Windy's friend in a good light if it weren't an accident, and it were done deliberately at least. And with nothing really to go on there, she couldn't blame the others for their reaction, even if Tepe's were a bit harsh. He seemed like a very direct sort of ghost.

Sorow were also curious what had happened to the other suits before that then, if she had gone through so many already, but one accident at a time. For all she knew, they had to be recalled due to faults, or the uniform changed slightly, or it didn't fit, etc. Many reasons beyond being clumsy, in battle, and/or having *friends* burn them.

She also had a brief thought, wondering when their hostess came back, but she'd likely be there eventually, when the oven rang, and not before. Patience would be a virtue there.

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

 

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Starforce

On 2021-07-30 at 4:00 AM, Cali said:

Cali looks to the changeling with the camera. "For your knowledge I am not a changeling, I am from another dimension entirely and I can become practically anything I want to be. Take all the photos you want." Cali spoke as her entire left side turned into a car engine suddenly, it was really, really weird to look at.

Her changing further did not discourage the changeling. In fact, it just made him gleefully snap a few extra photos, as he saw the impressive engine display, though some others were starting to send her weird looks again. Blitz among them, though she were more torn between thinking this were awesome, and wondering how that engine part worked. Normally she'd learn by taking it apart, but you didn't do that to your friends. She knew that much.

"Oh man, thanks! The others in the hive are not gonna believe this. Mellow! Don't run too far away. You gotta see this!"

The changeling would rush on to the next room, looking for his friend. This were gonna be a tale he'd tell for a long time. Who would believe him? Probably no one, but that was besides the point.

On 2021-07-30 at 4:00 AM, Cali said:

"I mean if you ask me the idea of a monarchy seems to be against the idea of freedom. But me being me, I follow no laws. I do what I feel is right, I go as I please and do as I wish. But in my eyes from what I am hearing I think Troy has some pretty good ideas." Cali grinned with a toothy grin and looks to Blitz. "From as little I know of your world I can gather that they may be physical incarnations of the Sun and Moon since they can apparently raise the sun and moon in this dimension which doesn't make any sense but it is what it is. They could be created artificially by Discord, as a matter of fact Blitz may be on to something here. The nature of magic rising the sun and moon is silly, it's chaotic." she pats Blitz on the head.

Blitz for some reason, let out a sound somewhere between a purr, and an engine warming up, when she were being patted, but didn't say a word.

"I-I uh... Well, the tomes will answer that. I don't want to make assumptions about their majesties. And I don't say Troy doesn't have some idea that might be good. But they're trying to force the princesses to abdicate, after they kept our country prosperous for thousands of years. They're not tyrants, and everything is going well, so why try and replace them, with a system that might go badly? We hear how the system is in Troy, and it's far from perfect.

But that's for them to eventually get to an agreement with. I just hope it ends soon. The senseless loss of life from both sides, it's... It makes it hard to stay a guard sometimes, if I'm honest. I love helping my home, but that sort is a dark side. B-But that's just my silly worries. Nothing to be concerned about, miss."

On 2021-07-30 at 9:51 AM, Kujamih said:

"Troy? Elder dragons?" Light pondered.

" So these are some of the deviation this dimension has huh?" Light continued to ponder.

"You're also from somewhere else? D-Dear me. And they don't hae dragons or Troy there? Surely you must have some sort of long lived race like them though, right? Or a desert kingdom of some sort. Maybe it's just that it's a different variant, or something, yes? I don't really understand all about how this dimension thing works. S-Sorry."

She wasn't sure what Light was on about now, but Cloudwatcher were starting to feel a little nervous here again.

On 2021-07-30 at 2:04 PM, Windy Breeze said:

Luna let out an exasperated sighed as Blitz bounces around her, but remained smiling while Blue chuckled, the latter satisfied with Blitz's lively attitude, “It might, but we shouldn't be stopping them from doing what they enjoy” she replied to the changeling, “except habits that involved reckless acts”

Luna decided to give them a poker face before facing the changeling “I surmise you met the element of laughter in the past, have you?”

The changeling about to leave, halted, and would stay in the doorway, so that he could answer this. Seemed like his friend had gone even further in anyway, so there weren't a lot to brag to him about. Plus, he'd still need the photo actually out of the machine. Things took time, but he had just been kind of excited.

"Huh? Pinkie Pie? Yeah, she's kinda infamous, since it's impossible for any of us to really copy her, since she can do some really weird stuff. And those who were part of the Canterlot attack, says she's got a real mean kick too, if she puts her effort into it. I went to see her to get a picture too. I think I got it? Things got kinda blurry for a bit after I saw her, and suddenly I just kinda stood there with a party hat, and shiny paper stuck in my legs. It was pretty weird.

And you're right, we shouldn't stop others from expressing themselves, but you know, some foals just kinda have that vibe of *If you leave me alone, something will be set on fire*. And no offense to her, but she kinda looks like that, amped up to 11."

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

 

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-07-30 at 3:53 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I’m sure that story will be a good memory in time. Besides, Omen was the hero; that doesn’t sound bad at all, and nothing will ever take away the good that was achieved when things settled down. We had our chance to go back home after years of exile, and we reconnected with familiar faces. Things wouldn’t go back to the way they were, but perhaps this was the time for us to learn how to move forward. Maybe we have to figure out what to do with our lives now.” 

"It wouldn't be bad to consider options, at the very least. You've been busy in recent times, in great parts due to me, but a time will come when you will need to find out what to do on a day to day basis. Lest you aspire to be explorers or adventurers, doing what we have done thus far, will not be everyday happenstance. There will be quiet times, and in those, you will have to decide on what to do.

I have several ideas as an example, including what you have suggested, Sen, about potentially teaching self defense. Another were to off shoot as a bounty hunter, to keep the blood pumping. Other things will come in time, yet due to what I am going to have to do for a long time now, for both our companion, and Equestria, I have to take into consideration things with flexible hours.

I don't think there is as big a danger of that for you, but there are certainly options. Sen I could see as a tracker, which is a profession with many offshoots into for example hunting, detective work, bounty hunting, botany, to a certain extend, and so forth. Depending on whatever or not you will get involved in the political scene, of course.

As for you, Lin, I find it harder to truly pinpoint something, yet with your gates, I wouldn't rule out a lucrative career as a transporter of important creatures, able to afford your services. It's less disorienting, and risky, than teleportation after all. Beyond that, I am not entirely certain why, but I could see you easily fit into a role as a caretaker, or teacher, of younger individuals. A kindergarten teacher, perhaps? The way you attempted to teach Omen how to read, and have shown care for Shrimp, at least showcases to me that you would likely do well, caring for others."

"Could I be something too?"

"Mailmare. I do not need to think on it, you'd do well in delivering messages. I think you'd have a brief period of time where eating things for others amusement would satisfy you, but it would eventually bore you. Bringing messages to beings far and wide, I don't think would ever truly bore you, as there'd always be something to see too."

Some where easy enough to pin down, like Omen, who seemed narrow in scope. Others like Sen, had options, but a fairly decent amount of things focused in a particular direction. And then there were those line Lin, who were hard to pin down, and you had to just see the few things you knew, and throw some darts, hoping to hit.

On 2021-07-30 at 3:53 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Honestly? I really wouldn’t know the first thing about running a store. Growing up, everything was a lot simpler. I learned the ways to become a guardian and a forager, not someone who sells things. Then, there’s this possibility that I’d be meeting other creatures on behalf of Elder Ghilan and the longma. I guess… I just haven’t figured out what I want to do now because the future is uncertain, and I don’t think I could go back to wanting to be a hunter.”

“I feel like I’m in the same spot, brother. The only thing different is that you seemed to know what you want to do, especially when you’ve been asking others for guidance on diplomacy. Me? I spent hours learning but never doing anything with what I learned. I suppose I could spend some time back home and learn the same skills father and grandfather knew. Maybe keep some of the family artisan trade going?”

“If things don’t work out, we can either set up a family business or disappear into the wild. Knowing Mother, she wouldn’t want us to take the second option. Maybe running a simple store and earning a humble living is an option. Sorry if this conversation took a depressing turn, Rosa. We just realized that we really don’t have any goals now.”

"If you are good at foraging and hunting, perhaps think of yourself less as a shop keeper, and rather the provider of goods to be sold. I have known many who simply resell what they buy, but there are others who maintain getting their own supplies. Be it from their own fields, or crafting things by their own hooves, or as you might do, hunt things. There are not many meat markets in Equestria, yet more and more predators are beginning to arrive, after bridges have been mended by the princess. There will be a market, and as such, you may well function greatly as a supplier for such markets. Doubly so if you are well versed in skinning. I know of three areas where selling hides is a highly profitable business, if you know your craft. Not saying you should though, just simply that there are options, if that would be a yearning of yours someday.

And Lin, crafts are not bad, and if I may, make a small suggestion if you want to pursue artisan work? You are proficient in magic, correct? If so, might I suggest attempting to make enchanted items? It wouldn't have to be anything incredible, but varied charms, statues giving off soothing auras, true dreamcatchers, or protective wards, hidden in knickknacks, tend to be drawing eyes, and it could also function perhaps, as a way to eventually show your kin, that magic does not have to be bad. Once you have accumulated some years of experience, and can prove to them that you have done well, of course.

Still, I wish not to force either of you into anything. The future is full of possibilities, and I wish only to do my part in providing options, and if you then find something you wish to try, perhaps help you achieve it, however I may be able to."

This were going rather far above Omen's head, so she had gone off to bat her hoof against the nearest mailbox instead.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2021-07-31 at 8:56 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Actually it's not a bat pony, but a pegasus, though as you said, I don't really care, so I don't know much about her, only reason I even know there's someone living in the house is because I see her leaving and coming home now and then." "The other is dragon-pony hybrid, she's bit more social, but she still keeps out of my business."

"Wait, there's an actual hybrid in this town? We've all been told those died out millennia ago, and that it couldn't happen anymore."

"I've heard of two, this one included. I do not think it is as simple as impossible, but rather a matter of it being exceedingly rare. Combine that then with the unlikely situation as a dragon and a pony forming a couple, and it could well then be seen as impossible. Also - and I mean only a little offense here - you dragons can be rather dismissive of all other races, and have a history of looking down on equines especially. Pray tell_ Why would any teacher among dragons, be willing to tell others that they actually could end up with a halfbreed? They'd either see them as weak abominations, or as encouragement for this lifestyle."

"...I hate when the bird makes sense..."

It kinda did make sense, really. Why talk about how some of the ponies they felt superior to, had a chance - even if slim - of bearing them offspring? And it wasn't like those would be welcome in dragon society, surely. They'd be relentlessly mocked and chased. The sort who more than any other of dragon blood, would have to know how to fend for themselves. Or have an overly protective, dragon mother, of significant power. She would assume this one didn't have that, as she lived here. Leviathan wanted to go and see if she could meet this one eventually though. This may prove enlightening, if still weird.

On 2021-07-31 at 8:56 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Depending on if Leviathan came with Ruby through the house, which looked like a normal house, or if she went with Marley and Charir around the house, Ruby would continue either while walking towards the back door, or right after opening it "I did need to make few changes to the basement though, the reason why this was even available to buy was because the basement floor had started to crumble, the previous owners worried the house would collapse and wanted to get rid of it before that." 

"Nothing that can't be handled. Not a bad deal to do, to just have to do some repairs yourself, in exchange for this being a fair bit cheaper. It looks interesting. Though the way you make it sound, the other basement isn't currently connected. Did that one crumble fully, or is it just not worth the time right now?"

Leviathan had gone with Ruby, while Marley had followed directions, and gone to the back, where he might finally then, be able to take the wagon off of his shoulders. Due to the enchantments, it weren't heavy per se, but it did get annoying in the long run, and he looked forward to get the gold inside, where it belonged. It might finally bring a smile to Ruby's face to see this in her domain. If not, then he didn't know what might.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"A shame, yet if you have been reminded of at least something once, there may come more in the future. I will remain hopeful of that, rather than sorrowful that little more came of this. But yes, let us see what this place holds. It seems very lively."

There were quite a few things to look at, though they wouldn't get far, before they'd be delayed for a few minutes. This mainly came from them stumbling across a stand selling flowers, where a few of the bundles were starting to look less than fresh, despite the great effort of the florist maintaining them. She even looked rather saw, as she watered her plants, and prepared to remove the withered parts.

That is, until Lyriel came over, and blew some new life into them. Not something she would do to just anything at a market, but she saw the care and love that had gone into caring for these, so she would share in her energy with this pony's wares, as she thought this one deserving. Those who had this compassion and care, were always worthy of a hand, in her opinion.

It would get some eyes on her, and whispers to spread, but she cared not. Let them speak. It were likely not bad things regardless.

There were many, many things to watch, but as mentioned, most were food wares, which were rather typical for this kind of thing. If not food, then drinks, for the weary and thirsty. A few places had some things not as edible, but most of them even, were there for containing, or carrying, food with them. Lyriel would be greatly amused for a time by a bread basket for example, as it were carved out in a swan motif. Perhaps she should collect some of the coins the animals had offered her as gifts, and return to get one of these? It would be a wonderous nest for some of the animals in her grove.

Without a need for food or drinks though, the market would not hold much value, beyond observing the ponies in their normal day to day lives. Shopping selling- Perhaps there may be some facial expressions, or social interactions that Scarecrow may be able to learn from this. Crow on the other hand, didn't really care right now. He had nestled in, and simple looked around, absorbing knowledge like a sponge.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"It was nice meeting you too. See you at Pinkie's party."

Pop would wave them off, as the three of them left the store, to go into the great, big unknown, that were Ponyville. A town of both fame, and infamy, depends on what side of the moral spectrum you stood at. Or if you were a changeling. Especially if you were one from the former Chrysalis hive. She herself knew only vaguely about the element wearers before coming to town, but if Pinkie were any indication, she did not look forward to meeting the others.

"Peculiar meeting to have, but that seems a theme of today. I suppose it could have been worse though."

A compliment of sorts, given by the queen, once they were out of earshot with the candy maker. Onache were not one to say they liked another creature with any degree of haste, but this one seemed... Acceptably tolerable to be around. She'd tentatively put it at that for the time being. Likely far better for the siblings though, as they may end up getting something of value from this. Information that were, which were a currency with quite a bit of weight to it.

"As for the sunset, it have it charms at times, yet I personally do not think the sun itself defines if it is good. It is more what it shines upon, that defines if it holds beauty. Seeing it dwindle across a vast desert, is beauty to me. I doubt it will be the same for you, but we'll see in due time. It should still long until it sets.

I suppose, we may as well wander around, and watch the... Sights..."

Onache would trail off, as not far from them, she'd see a peculiar looking pony, with a shark's tail and thin wings -

- skip joyfully down the street, while dragging a pony's tail in her muzzle. And as were evident by looking at the face of the very confused, lime-green stallion, he hadn't a clue what were going on right now. And whatever protests he were trying to utter, either fell flat, or were ignored.

They seemed to be headed down another route, so they could likely avoid them, by standing on the other side of the street, and remain near the wall. Onache seemed to have that idea at least, as she sent the pair a weary look, and muttered a little.

"What madness drives this place to exist?"

If they stayed at the wall, and went on, they'd soon find themselves near the bakery again. If Pinkie Would be there, were hard to say, but it were a matter of slightly impending doom, in a way. Might be good to avoid that. But then they'd need to wander down the same street as the apparently badly trained ponynapper.

Edited August 1, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Blitz Boom

“Ah, she already ripped the suit from me, the uniform was already ripped to pieces before being tossed into the chimney” Windy replied with an assuring smile, “I think she did that to my first bomber jacket too but I don't remember when. Ire is still a good friend so don't look at her the wrong way!”

Tepe wasn't convinced and tried to learn more about her friend “Tell me. What made your 'friend' do such a barbaric act?”

Finally, a frown appeared on Windy's lips “She did it to teach me 'everything can be destroyed and nothing lasts forever'. I know what she did was wrong, but she's telling me not to stick too much to my 'Wonderbolt stuff'” basically, Windy was trying to say Ire was trying to teach her not to be onsessive which definitely failed judging by her act of firmly clutching her uniform to herself and ears slightly clamped.

”She better be try to be soft if she wants to teach lesson, even my teacher is gentle than her” said Tepe.

...

Returning from the marketplace, Cimex flew back to her business, shopping bags connected to her saddlebags. She decided to be casual, knowing she won't be in harm's way as no one knew of her guests staying at her room. The changeling was also thinking about asking Sorrow to try communicating with her deceased friends so she could say her goodbyes.

However, oblivious to her, meeting at the front door was Flinty, wearing a very deceiving clothing and a blonde hime styled wig, having told Blunt, Shackles, and Pop to hide in an alley to prepare an surprise attack at the inn manager, “Hello, ma'am. I have been waiting for you"

Cimex raised an eyebrow “Looking for me? What's your name?”

“I'm Miss Paper News, ma'am. From Canterlot” Flinty replied.

***

“Most foals do have that aura, but I have not heard much about troubled or 'house fires' caused by troublesome fillies” Luna replied.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You're also from somewhere else? D-Dear me. And they don't hae dragons or Troy there? Surely you must have some sort of long lived race like them though, right? Or a desert kingdom of some sort. Maybe it's just that it's a different variant, or something, yes? I don't really understand all about how this dimension thing works. S-Sorry."

@Starforce@Windy Breeze@Blitz Boom

"We  do have dragons... Rarely any elder dragons... Troy.... None.... But we have a pinkie pie.... The bad one....." Light said seriously.

Edited July 31, 2021 by Kujamih

[Rising Dusk 27,737]

@Blitz Boom

"When you rule a country for over a thousand years, you pick up a thing or two in efficient ruling," the pegasus chuckled.  It was nice to see the witch of the wilds finally entered a relaxed state and start to enjoy herself.  "Who better to teach magic than an Alicorn?" Dawn pointed out.  "They can use all forms of magic and according to legend, well not such much legend my brother says, Alicorns even have their own magic special to them alone.  Princess Celestia less teaches use of specific magic so much as give use the tools we need to discover those on our own.  Control, Focus and Purpose.  Accidents became meaningful and actually happened when I wanted them too.  Guiding us through study and giving a lot of individual attention.  She taught me how to do proper research, but my particular talent with magic hardly called for such things.  I can tap into all schools of magic, minus the Alicorn one sadly, as I need to.  Mastering them on the other hoof, comes and goes.  If I need a particular task done, I can usually come up with a spell for it."

"Poor brother!?  Poor me!" the younger mare pouted.  "Kill joy, always breaking my spells or 'fixing' them," she air quoted mockingly with her hoofs.  "Mark my words.  Someday I'll make a spell not even the great Detective Rising 'Spell Breaker' Dusk can undo," Dawn pronounced, rainbow colored fire and determination in her eyes.  Sibling rivalries were rather common and this one remained theirs.  A rather one sided rivalry to be honest and more entertainment for the younger twin.  Early in Dawn's youth she did often make a mess of things and Rising was clean up.  After her return from Princess Celestia's school, Dawn had much better control of her magic.  The show off that she was, Rising couldn't help but bring her back down to earth.  It kept them uniquely connected over the years

"Necromancy?  Doesn't sound familiar," the mud soaking pegasus admitted.  Having calmed herself and sank back into the herbal bath, low enough to idly blow bubbles in a fluttered state.  Raising her hoof though, "Necromancy isn't practiced in Equestria and only mentioned in the most ancient of books from travelers long past.  You'll hardly find a unicorn that even knows about it, let alone any of the other creatures.  It's magic over the undead, mother."  "Oh, how gruesome," Grace shuddered.  Equestria had horror books that depicted the concept of the undead.  Ghosts, specters, zombies.  Butsuch things were left to the real of fantasy since they don't roam the land of light for creatures to witness outside of costumes.

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Those are quite the assortment of suggestions, Rosa. A lot to consider, and I don’t want to get ahead of myself just because something matches my skillset or sounds appealing. Maybe I’m just waiting to see how things go with Elder Ghilan and the longma back home before I start considering the future. If things go well, they’ll probably want me to handle all of the communication between different creatures. But, I do agree with you that I would to figure out what I should be doing to help me get by. Many thanks."

“Transporting things or creatures? Or teaching? That’s something to think about. Maybe learning about something and sharing that knowledge with others is something I can do. Although I should correct you about my use of magic. I… only had magic for a while, but I had to give it up because it destroyed my original body, and I was in danger of losing whatever remained. The only magic I have left is being able to open gates. Hmm… maybe charms are still something worth making. I gotta look into this some time.”

The siblings were stuck in deep thought, wondering about their future. There was a lot of uncertainty, and they were unsure how they would fit in it when things move forward. Sen, especially, was worried that his aspirations weren’t really his, only going along with what the longma would need of him. There was still some prospect that he could really push forward with being a diplomat on behalf of the longma, but he hasn’t considered looking into a profession that was just right for him on a personal level. Not yet, anyway.

Frankly, Rosa’s suggestions could be spread across professions that the siblings would be interested in or not as much. Lin certainly was attracted to becoming a teacher, though that skill would need to be honed through sessions with Omen. Knowing Shrimp was also growing up, she might also have another student. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes, maybe it could also tie in to the possibility of teaching the longma back home about Equestria. Then there’s still the matter of possibly wanting to continue the family tradition. Grandfather managed to weave in Omen’s hair into the pieces, making the siblings’ necklace and armlet stand out for its unique looks.

For now, Lin would look onward to Omen as she… did something with a nearby mailbox. Odd, but perhaps she might have found something interesting in it. Or she probably thought it might have something to do with Rosa’s mailmare suggestion. Though seeing this and thinking about Rosa’s suggestion for professions got the longma thinking about one option.

“You know, this just gave me an idea. Omen’s lagging a little bit in her language lessons. If we get a chance, may we get a lesson in? I was just thinking about your suggestion of becoming a teacher. Maybe I could spend a bit of time getting some practice? You teaching us shows that you’re pretty good at it. Perhaps you could give me some pointers? I'm hoping Omen could understand larger words so she won't be as confused when she hears them.” 

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@Rising Dusk

On 2021-08-01 at 6:06 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"When you rule a country for over a thousand years, you pick up a thing or two in efficient ruling," the pegasus chuckled.  It was nice to see the witch of the wilds finally entered a relaxed state and start to enjoy herself.  "Who better to teach magic than an Alicorn?" Dawn pointed out.  "They can use all forms of magic and according to legend, well not such much legend my brother says, Alicorns even have their own magic special to them alone.  Princess Celestia less teaches use of specific magic so much as give use the tools we need to discover those on our own.  Control, Focus and Purpose.  Accidents became meaningful and actually happened when I wanted them too.  Guiding us through study and giving a lot of individual attention.  She taught me how to do proper research, but my particular talent with magic hardly called for such things.  I can tap into all schools of magic, minus the Alicorn one sadly, as I need to.  Mastering them on the other hoof, comes and goes.  If I need a particular task done, I can usually come up with a spell for it."

"Poor brother!?  Poor me!" the younger mare pouted.  "Kill joy, always breaking my spells or 'fixing' them," she air quoted mockingly with her hoofs.  "Mark my words.  Someday I'll make a spell not even the great Detective Rising 'Spell Breaker' Dusk can undo,"

"Their own, special kind of magic, yet able to wander into all schools of magic, and living well past that of a normal being? It's peculiar how much they are seemingly not deities, yet they sound primordial in nature. Akin to avatars in a sense. How odd. But I hear your point. They sound fitting for that school, and have helped you well, Dawn. I'm impressed you can dip into so much varied magic, but at least now your rainbow aura is starting to make more sense. The colors of all you may use, and the ways it could intertwine is likely something special.

Not special enough to fool your brother though, it seems. *siiiigh* But I doubt you would have much luck there. He tangled with primordial magic, and came out the victor. Even if he were aided, it shows he can potentially go against most things. Most, things. I did see him try and tangle with an item, connected to Suusha, the dark god whom Twisted corrupted, and siphoned energy from. He almost got taken down by that, and were unable to change it. Perhaps if you could use primordial magic someday, you could get an upper hand on him. Dangerous stuff though. Don't use it lightly.

I didn't want Rising to know this, but among the tomes I have, that I now need to safeguard, there are Twisted's notes on how to use it. Dark and grotesque, but that is only because of him. A better soul, can do it kinder."

She must really be relaxed, as Lily had no actual intend on speaking about this, away from when it were just Dawn and her. Guess Rising not being in the room, and her overly relaxed state right now, were really making her ease up more than she expected. It were fine though. Everything felt so fine and good right now.

On 2021-08-01 at 6:06 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Necromancy?  Doesn't sound familiar," the mud soaking pegasus admitted.  Having calmed herself and sank back into the herbal bath, low enough to idly blow bubbles in a fluttered state.  Raising her hoof though, "Necromancy isn't practiced in Equestria and only mentioned in the most ancient of books from travelers long past.  You'll hardly find a unicorn that even knows about it, let alone any of the other creatures.  It's magic over the undead, mother."  "Oh, how gruesome,"

"It doesn't have to be. I hear your imagination of a necromancer, is just that of some dark figure, raising the dead to ravage the living? What then of the spiritualist who communicates with the dead, to bring peace to the living? Or the medium that guides them on to the next life? Or what of the healers who can take away grave illness, because they know the magic used to inflict it? Necromancy have many uses.

I know it. Could I raise the dead as shambling corpses? Yes, but I don't. I learned it to deal with infections, and to reattach torn off limbs again. Twisted were not satisfied with just that, but of my own agency, I embrace the better parts. Maybe that is a tome you should try reading, Dawn? It might be enlightening.

But that's all up to you. I doubt you'd need it as much here. Everything seems so light and free of malice. It's strange, seeing everyone this calm and carefree."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2021-08-01 at 3:33 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Those are quite the assortment of suggestions, Rosa. A lot to consider, and I don’t want to get ahead of myself just because something matches my skillset or sounds appealing. Maybe I’m just waiting to see how things go with Elder Ghilan and the longma back home before I start considering the future. If things go well, they’ll probably want me to handle all of the communication between different creatures. But, I do agree with you that I would to figure out what I should be doing to help me get by. Many thanks."

“Transporting things or creatures? Or teaching? That’s something to think about. Maybe learning about something and sharing that knowledge with others is something I can do. Although I should correct you about my use of magic. I… only had magic for a while, but I had to give it up because it destroyed my original body, and I was in danger of losing whatever remained. The only magic I have left is being able to open gates. Hmm… maybe charms are still something worth making. I gotta look into this some time.”

"It doesn't hurt to wait and see how things will work out, before you definitively settle on something, Sen. But there is a reason that an old, wise saying goes that *You don't have a plan, if you don't have a plan B*. It is always worthwhile to think of a backup plan, in case things does not go as you expect them to. So settle on nothing, but do ponder things. Maybe when time comes, you will have an answer. If that answer will really matter, or things goes well, and you need to work on diplomacy, only time can tell.

And I am sorry, Lin. I weren't aware of that. Still, craftmanship of any kind, magical or not, does still hold value in the world. You could still sell trinkets. And quite frankly, you could just set up a stand somewhere, and call it authentic, Longma figurines, or charms. No one would really know better, as you aren't publicly known too well after all. Not saying you need to be underhanded. Just in case you want to go that route, and find there aren't much sale at the start. Creatures tend to love knickknacks that aren't familiar to them."

On 2021-08-01 at 3:33 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You know, this just gave me an idea. Omen’s lagging a little bit in her language lessons. If we get a chance, may we get a lesson in? I was just thinking about your suggestion of becoming a teacher. Maybe I could spend a bit of time getting some practice? You teaching us shows that you’re pretty good at it. Perhaps you could give me some pointers? I'm hoping Omen could understand larger words so she won't be as confused when she hears them.” 

"Honestly, I think the best approach is to simply take it slow. Pick the short words, and then try to go on them, towards larger ones. Like teach her to read and write Some, and Thing. Then you can go there, to have her learn Something. Or use half of it later on, to learn for example Someone, or Somehow. I think once she gets hold of combination words, it can help her to jump up to learn larger words in general.

Though before everything else, she needs to learn the alphabet. It will be easier at that point, and it's baseline enough that Shrimp might be able to follow it too. At least to some degree."

He'd observe Omen too, as she were... Having fun, he assumed, with the mailbox. It were in reality just because she wondered how to open it, and had missed the hatch on the other side of it. But she stopped trying eventually, and instead wandered into a large patch of rather tall grass, and out of sight. From the sounds of things, she had found a stone within, as a dull thud would emergy every once in a while. As if she were batting it around.

"I truly wish you luck teaching Omen, as that would entail to some degree understanding her, so you can work from that. And I'm never truly sure if I do understand her."

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

 

@Starforce

On 2021-07-31 at 8:38 PM, Magnolia said:

"If I uh...sleep for too long just wake me up, okay? I don't want to oversleep but then again I am really tired...so I might need it. We'll look for my papers somewhere but if you want, you can um, join me. I think I might be pretty soft." she pats her mane to emphasize how soft it was. She wanted Zeehva to sleep with her, if she was okay with it.

"I guess, after all that happened out there, it couldn't hurt. I remember doing this when I were little, and worried of nightmares."

A mixture of tiredness, and the little statue dulling her fear about implications and whatnot, meant that Zeehva might have agreed to what Magnolia were suggesting, but didn't catch the subtext. Probably good Fishbone hadn't heard it, as she were likely to have just written a giant note, and hang with it from the ceiling, going *Just kiss already!*. Wind aligned dragons were some strange creatures sometimes, but it might have been the sort of direct approach that were actually needed, to get this moving along.

As it were though, Zeehva would comply, and with a large yawn, would join Magnolia in her bed, and lay with her belly against Magnolia's back, in a hug. It were the way she recalled feeling the most comforted back in her time, and she had to admit, it giving access to Magnolia's indeed soft mane, were very relaxing. She herself were somewhat well groomed, but she couldn't hold a candle to the shadow user.

As for how it would feel for Magnolia... Well, Zeehva were still wearing her dress, so she'd feel the sturdy cloth mostly, along with perhaps the outline of some of the scars that Zeehva had on her head. If there were nothing else - and Magnolia were okay with laying like this - Zeehva would fall asleep in this position, and not wake up before the first ray of sun began to sift into the room. If that did not wake up Magnolia, she'd rise up, and go to the bathroom to apply her ointment.

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

 

@Starforce  @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-07-31 at 2:51 PM, Windy Breeze said:

“Most foals do have that aura, but I have not heard much about troubled or 'house fires' caused by troublesome fillies” Luna replied.

"I almost set fire to the Everfree Forest! 4- No, 3 times. The second didn't count. The fire birdie started it. Accidents, promise. I'd never set fire to the forest on purpose. That's where all the fun stuff, and the animals are.

And the third time wouldn't have happened if the silly box just worked. But the thunder got out, and Zap! Tree went whoosh."

Blitz said all of this with the same big, innocent grin on her face. Sure she knew it wasn't good to have a fire in the forest, but they had all been handled before it went bad, so it wasn't bad. Just small accidents. Sometimes working with kaboomies, and whirly things, just made fire. Just how things were sometimes, right? Right.

The changeling sent Luna a look that pretty much just said *See what I mean?* and it were somewhat hard to argue, when Blitz openly admitted to have caused fires. Considering she had also only spend three months in the Everfree, it wasn't like it were a one in a million time thing either.

On 2021-07-31 at 8:58 PM, Cali said:

Cali didn't mind the photo snaps and shrugs it off as she looks back to Cloudwatcher. "Well, why be a guard? You have the world at your hoof...tips? But yeah, my point is, why hold yourself to any loyalty? The trouble with being loyal to a cause is that will always betray you at some point in the future. But yeah, I'm thinking Troy sounds better merely because I don't like dirty monarchs hogging up the attention." Cali said with a laugh.

"It's uh... W-Well, it's complicated... A friend of mine kinda s-saved me in the forest a few years back, and then I heard he wanted to join the guards, and uh... I j-just wanted to make sure he d-didn't feel lonely, is all. I owed him that... A-And it's nice to help others. Honest."

It were rather clear from the way she spoke, and the large blush on her face, that it was a little more than that. But everypony had their own reason for joining the guards. Most did it either out of a feeling ob obligation, or because they wanted to protect their homeland, and uphold order. Cloudwatcher still wanted to do that too, but she had some other reasons too. Weren't a bad thing. Though the second they'd ask her to go and fight Troy, she were going to leave the guards. She wanted to protect her home, not get sent into a senseless warzone.

"*clears throat* Your ideals are uh... F-Fair. Some kingdoms aren't all that nice. F-From what I heard anyway. I've never really been anywhere else."

On 2021-08-01 at 12:43 AM, Kujamih said:

"We  do have dragons... Rarely any elder dragons... Troy.... None.... But we have a pinkie pie.... The bad one....." Light said seriously.

"...Bad Pinkie Pie? I get the feeling I'm gonna regret not just moving along right now, and asking this instead, but... What's that even like?"

Sure, no Troy were what it were, and some dragon difference were what it were. But that evil Pinkie Pie? That sounded fairly disturbing.

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

 

@Windy Breeze

On 2021-07-31 at 2:51 PM, Windy Breeze said:

”She better be try to be soft if she wants to teach lesson, even my teacher is gentle than her” said Tepe.

"Reminds me of my aunt Wailing Willow. She believes in tough love too. Guess that's why Soul Prison ended up the way he did though... It's a tough one. I don't really approve this kind of way of teaching, but like, I kinda get the angle. Sort of like somepony who doesn't listen when you tell them it's dangerous to wander too close to a muddy river bank, so you give them a push so they slip and get all dirty. It's perhaps not the best way, but when somepony never listens, they at times need to learn that actions have consequences.

That being said, burning your suit seems excessive. She could have just hidden it well, or something other than tearing it up, and burning it. But she's your friend. You probably see her in a light we don't, just from this small little tidbit. I'm sure she's a better pony than this example sets off, and that'd soften the story a little.

Could you perhaps tell us a little about what she's like normally, when she's not burning clothes?"

That was a sentence Sorrow honestly never thought she'd have to say, about a live creature. Such a strange, weird conversation this had become. One that were hopefully going somewhere better though. The clothes burning seemed a little off putting, so she hoped there were some better part to this, than that.

On 2021-07-31 at 2:51 PM, Windy Breeze said:

However, oblivious to her, meeting at the front door was Flinty, wearing a very deceiving clothing and a blonde hime styled wig, having told Blunt, Shackles, and Pop to hide in an alley to prepare an surprise attack at the inn manager, “Hello, ma'am. I have been waiting for you"

Pop were an obedient doggo. She wanted to do good, and make her mistress proud of her. Which meant that she should do as asked, and be helpful wherever she could, in a way Needle would like.

That being said, Pop refused to attack others. She'd be happy to track them, spy around, and even lure them into traps, but she neither could, nor would, partake in a physical brawl. She was a scrawny sort, so her build just wasn't for those things. Plus, she didn't like getting hurt, and that would happen in a fight. And she might get guards after her if she began causing issues this way.

She could still help in the attack though, if it were. Mostly by holding the sack and rope they'd drag Cimex away in, if that were the plan.. Or potentially keeping an eye out, in case there might be others watching them. Witnesses were bad.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Sure, no Troy were what it were, and some dragon difference were what it were. But that evil Pinkie Pie? That sounded fairly disturbing.

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

 

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Starforce

Light smirked.

" Not even discord could stop her."

Light then gave a sad face...

" No one can stop a grieving mother."

"Her only release....was death...."

Light said while staring at his hooves.

Edited August 3, 2021 by Kujamih

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Heh, understanding Omen? She is a mystery, I’ll give her that, but I would like to know what makes her tick. Discord taught her what she probably needed to know, the kind of lessons that could help her get by the world. Her goals are simple, and I guess that’s a start. Maybe one day she can also discover what she wants to do for herself."

Lin observed Omen, looking fondly at the Ki’Nathar’s rather innocent outlook as she played around with a stone in a nearby patch of grass. Perhaps that kind of curiosity could drive her into greater pursuits. Omen did say she wanted to help her friends. The longma ought to do her part in ensuring the Ki’Nathar could explore avenues beyond her own personal goals, and that meant starting with teaching the basics. 

Now that would be challenge. Omen could get the idea with enough practice, but getting figurative could be troublesome. That meant being straightforward and avoiding big ideas. Seems like the longma would need to figure out her own approach first before putting it into action. As for own goals, she’d consider picking up a new skill while she figured out what’s next for her. Creating little trinkets may be good for a side gig, and there was definitely someone who could teach her that. 

“There’s no need to apologize, Rosa. If anything, I should’ve been more careful. Maybe I could’ve had an edge if I still had some magic left. Now if only the other longma aren’t busy trying to keep their trinkets to themselves…”

While everyone was out, Sen would take note of the surroundings now that he has a chance to see how things are like in this part of town. A couple of homes were the most prominent, though there was the occasional shop. One by a distant street corner caught his eye. A curious place that didn’t seem to advertise its own curios by the windows, only that there was a much larger workshop next to it. It appeared like the work was being done in view of passers-by, possibly hoping that someone would come by, take a look, and leave with a new piece of furniture.  

“Hey, Rosa, is it normal for artisans or builders to work in view of the public? I always thought they keep to themselves in a workshop so no one would disturb them or figure out how they make their goods. You want to take a closer look at that place over there by the corner? Looks like we can pass the time, even for a little while. Maybe you might find something you’d like to put in your new home.” 

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@EQ_Theta

19 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Heh, understanding Omen? She is a mystery, I’ll give her that, but I would like to know what makes her tick. Discord taught her what she probably needed to know, the kind of lessons that could help her get by the world. Her goals are simple, and I guess that’s a start. Maybe one day she can also discover what she wants to do for herself."

"From what I understand, he taught her what she needed in his world. One of chaos and a lack of reason. This isn't that reality anymore, and I think she needs as much help as she can to live properly in it. And from what I recall further, from the kitsune, she seems to not really have anything that makes her tick. Unless we count that kitten with the yarn ball. Though I suppose you mean in a less literal, and more drive-based way. In which case, her drive currently, seems to be us, and taking care of Shrimp. I don't think she knows what she truly wants, beyond assisting others.

And I stand by my assertion, that she would be a good mailmare. Provided she can read who a letter is to, but that is a think I'm sure she will learn. She have a good tutor after all."

Discord were... Well, the draconequus were many things, but a good teacher to his subject, had not been one back in the day. If he were, Omen would not have been so clueless, as to more or less approach everything with the mind set of a ten year old at best, and would instead have been prepared to learn from life without him. That responsibility had now fallen to them, and they would each play their own role in ensuring that it went well.

Omen seemed contend for now to simple have her own fun in the bushes, with the thud of the stone being the only thing heard every now and again. Although after a particular loud thud, her tongue would eventually come out, carrying a rusty rake, that she deposited on the ground. It seemed like she had likely stepped on it, and bonked her head into it. Judging by the mark in the tree, Omen's head were thicker than the weathered wood had been.

22 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“There’s no need to apologize, Rosa. If anything, I should’ve been more careful. Maybe I could’ve had an edge if I still had some magic left. Now if only the other longma aren’t busy trying to keep their trinkets to themselves…”

"Are you contemplating stealing some of them perhaps? Why Lin, I didn't think you had it in you."

He were merely jesting of course, but it did sound somewhat like he were contemplating how to help her. If he actually would... Hmm, that were a good question, yes? Would he lure her down a dark path?

On 2021-08-03 at 5:07 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hey, Rosa, is it normal for artisans or builders to work in view of the public? I always thought they keep to themselves in a workshop so no one would disturb them or figure out how they make their goods. You want to take a closer look at that place over there by the corner? Looks like we can pass the time, even for a little while. Maybe you might find something you’d like to put in your new home.” 

"It's somewhat unusual, but some like to show their craftsmanship as they go along. Most tend to not do so, so they won't be disturbed, but for those who doesn't mind, or likes showing off, it does function as a minor, yet effective kind of advertisement. Cheap too, as they don't need to pay for it. If they are good, and can present stellar work, word of mouth will spread all by itself.

Of course, there is also as you say, the chance of others figuring out how they do things. I find it tends to wary between beings, and by what work they do. A wood carver is nor afraid others see how they do things for example, as that is purely down to skill. An inventor however, is another thing, as that might mean they cannot patent things that they're doing, because some onlooker took advantage of the situation first. There's always eccentrics though.

I wouldn't mind having a look, and seeing what we're dealing with. Worst case, at least I would get to meet another local this way. Best case, there may be a lovely piece of furniture for me to acquire.

Omen? Would you like to join us?"

Omen would wander out of the tall grass as she were called upon, dragging the stone she had been entertaining herself with, via her tongue. She also had a good deal of grass stuck to her, that sat around in tatters. Especially on her back, where a lot of it had covered Shrimp, though he didn't care. He were still napping. He wouldn't wake up when the grass were cleared off of them, when Omen started to use the rock and tongue to clean herself down. They'd be ready to move after that, though Omen would put the rock back into the grass. For now.

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

 

@Starforce

After applying her ointment, Zheeva would look out, and see that Magnolia were still sleeping. She looked so peaceful and carefree like this. It seemed a shame to end this, just because she were going out to gather up some things... Maybe it were best to just sneak out, and let her be. She had said that she might go out by herself if it were, so Magnolia were warned. Though perhaps, she should leave a note, just in case.

If she did not wake up from anything, Zeehva would leave a note saying she would go to where they had been last night, in the forest, to gather up dew and a few added things, and that she would be back as soon as she could. If instead Magnolia woke up, she'd greet the mare with a goodmorning, and tell her what her plan were for this morning, yet again. If she then woke up later though, and wanted to come find her, she could just go to the forest, and find that Zeehva were using a large water pouch to slowly transfer dew over into. It might not be the best thing in the world, but it worked, and it would hold a few full cauldrons, of the small size she tended to carry with her.

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

 

@Starforce @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-08-03 at 2:08 AM, Cali said:

Cali huffed slightly at her response and nods. "If there is anything I've noticed its that ponies here seem to put an emphasis on friendship thing..." Cali's eyes narrowed slightly. "But not that there is a problem with that...I can see why you would say that." Cali also would blush slightly in realization of what other reasons Cloudwatcher could have meant for. "Well its not only kingdoms...whatever it is no matter where it is, isn't always good. I like Troy, but some places like Troy where I am from are not as good as they say it is."

"Well, friendship is important in Equestria. Not just because of the various ways it makes us all closer, but because it is also one of our strongest magical forces. Though please, don't try and make me answer how it works. I honestly still don't get it myself. I know unicorns who can't really explain it either, but friendship magic is a real thing."

Cloudwatcher were trying to distract away from what she had actually meant, though from the blush, it seemed like Cali had still caught on to it, which just made her blush and avoid her eyes even more.

"T-Troy is uhm... Yes. M-Maybe we should go to the next room? It have cave paintings. Very distra- Inspiring stuff."

On 2021-08-03 at 1:10 PM, Kujamih said:

Light smirked.

" Not even discord could stop her."

Light then gave a sad face...

" No one can stop a grieving mother."

"Her only release....was death...."

Light said while staring at his hooves.

"Aaawh. Poor Pinkie Pie. Good that ours is made of happy. Don't be sad Light, you're in a better, funner place now!"

Blitz went over nad hugged Light, trying to get his mood to rise but showing him some heartfelt, positive attention. And because he was very huggable, and looked like he needed it. Meanwhile the changeling with visibly cringe.

"Yup... Definitely regret asking that question alright. You uh... Sound like you had a rough time with her. Sorry I dug into that. Didn't mean to bring you down."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Aaawh. Poor Pinkie Pie. Good that ours is made of happy. Don't be sad Light, you're in a better, funner place now!"

Blitz went over nad hugged Light, trying to get his mood to rise but showing him some heartfelt, positive attention. And because he was very huggable, and looked like he needed it. Meanwhile the changeling with visibly cringe.

"Yup... Definitely regret asking that question alright. You uh... Sound like you had a rough time with her. Sorry I dug into that. Didn't mean to bring you down

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze@Starforce

Light would pat Blitz's head, and reply to the changeling.

" Don't worry, it motivates me to focus. and also, that's the reason why I do this job...fixing the time lines."

Edited August 4, 2021 by Kujamih

[EQ_Theta 459]

@Blitz Boom

“Steal trinkets so I can learn how to make them? Never! I’d much rather learn from someone who knows how to construct those. It’ll be a good way for me to get my claws busy.” 

Lin playfully replied, though the idea was never really going to work anyway. She didn’t want to abuse her friendship with Elder Ghilan, and it’ll look bad to the rest of the village. A creature with an off-putting appearance and unbecoming behavior would never get the villagers to look positively on her. Ghilan might not even find it easy to defend her without getting the rest of the village suspicious. 

As for Sen, he would lead the way to the furniture shop, though he’d stop to take a look at Omen to see if anything looked wrong. She didn’t look like she reacted to the impact, even if the mark in the nearby tree said otherwise. But back to the shop, the longma saw more of it, and by the time they reached the storefront, he’d see that the workshop was really where his attention should be. Going by the sound of someone hammering from inside, there would probably someone inside the greet them. They’d have to walk past an assortment of custom-made tables and bookcases with ornate tree or branch-like designs, the kind of style evocative of the forest, though Sen would begin to notice something about them. They seemed a little familiar, like he’d seen them from somewhere. 

He wouldn’t think about it for too long, only focusing on finding the source of the sound. Maybe he might be able to watch someone work, though the odds of that are low, especially if whoever was working in the workshop handled everything in the store. 

“Uh… hello? Anyone here?”

There wouldn’t be an immediate reply, though the sounds would stop, and the first thing to greet the group would be a floating shadow-like creature with only its eyes visible. Whatever this creature is, it seemed intent to observe the longma, staring at it and seeing what it would do. In response, Sen would immediately take a defensive stance as he didn’t expect to be greeted like this. Strangely enough, the atmosphere in the workshop would remain tense for a minute, with the shadow creature continue to stare down the longma and the rest of the group, and the silence didn’t help.

“We… aren’t here to cause any trouble. We are just… looking around. Is the owner here?”

“Shade? I hope you aren’t scaring off the customers. I’ll take it from here. Now, how can I… I… no… C-could it be? This far away?”

Sen and Lin would be just as speechless and awestruck as someone, who they presumed to be the storeowner, came into view once the shadowy creature moved to the side. The siblings couldn’t believe what they were seeing. So far from home, yet they never expected to see another longma, especially in a place like this. The longma had a somewhat toned physique, though he was slightly shorter than both the siblings and was clearly younger if the higher-pitched voice hinted at anything. 

“I… um… I’m sorry. I didn't expect to see someone like you. Allow me to welcome you to Uddo’s Custom Furniture. I'm Kiba, and I help run the workshop when my father isn't around. How can I help you?” 

It was at this point that the shadow creature would move away from the group, and the young longma would look to the siblings, Omen, and Rosa if they saw anything that caught their interest. In a way, this meeting was that, and the siblings were doubtful that another piece of furniture could get them to stop thinking about how a longma ended up living so far away from the forest.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Blitz Boom

“Ire was very...problematic with her temper” Windy sheepishly grinned, looking very nervous as if Ire was with them in the kitchen, “She doesn't get along with everyone, and it's difficult to gain her trust, especially for stallions. The only friends she has is me, Writer Rhyme, Moonlight; and her foalhood friend, Stormlight” seeing as no one decided to say anything, she continued “Writer is Ire's only friend who is male and he gets the worse treatment of all of three is us” there was sympathy in her voice, “He regularly gets beat up almost every single day but he doesn't seem to mind”

“But if you pay close attention to her, she is a guardian to her Stormlight. I only heard from her and Stormlighr is that they met each other at the empty frozen north as fillies. Ire got lost from her parents during a strong blizzard and almost succumbed to the harsh cold, but Stormlight found her and took her to safety. Ire decided to repay her by letting her live in the family mansion-”

“Hold on there for a second” Razor interrupted, “Mansion? This Ire is born from a wealthy family?”

“Yeah, she does. Unfortunately, the family lost large percentage of their bits because of an disaster Ire likes to call 'the worst ever failure of the Heaven Skylark family', but she said wealth has no value for her but she can use her family's remaining wealth in case of an emergency”

***

@Blitz Boom @Starforce @Kujamih

Hearing Blitz's not-so-innocent confession seems to have caused an error in Luna's system judging by a slight twitch on one of her eyes.

“Geez, you are such a cloudcuckoolander, Blitz” meanwhile, Blue seems to take very well as if she did not pay much attention or simply didn't care, not noticing Luna taking a few steps away from the Blitz, the destroyer of the Everfree, “back at Richville, i create paths with my head during my morning daily practice. I remember ending up at the local hospital a couple of times, but at least it was worth it” she said, referring to her large number of crashes that would make Trouble Shoes, Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts proud.

“You almost lost your life at one point, Blue” Luna gave her a 'are you serious?' deadpan.

[Blitz Boom 4,628]

@EQ_Theta

23 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Steal trinkets so I can learn how to make them? Never! I’d much rather learn from someone who knows how to construct those. It’ll be a good way for me to get my claws busy.” 

"If you are to steal effectively, you'd need busy claws too. I don't see a reason why those things couldn't coincide with one another."

Seemed Lin were with him on going about this harmless bit of fun, talking about potentially stealing something, which of course, they'd never do. Or rather, Lin would never do. He had done so often, and something told him this were one of the skillsets he wouldn't get to simply put away, anytime soon. That wasn't to say however, that he'd use them on an endeavor such as this, but it were fun to have a small bit of harmless, innocent back and forth such as this.

23 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

He wouldn’t think about it for too long, only focusing on finding the source of the sound. Maybe he might be able to watch someone work, though the odds of that are low, especially if whoever was working in the workshop handled everything in the store. 

He had yet seen the owner(s), nor all the work that could come out of this place, but so far, Rosa saw a good deal of skill in the woodwork, and had to admit of being a fan of the type of carvings he were seeing. A nice, simple focus on a natural presentation, making it seem less like someone had put pieces together, and rather like they had carved something out of a tree, without compromising the aesthetics of a tree. He could imagine getting quite a few pieces from in here over time, to make a themed interior of his new home. But they'd need to see how the owner were first, and find out prices. Custom pieces were understandably more expensive, but there were a certain limit where it went from expensive, to ludicrous.

On 2021-08-05 at 5:05 PM, EQ_Theta said:

There wouldn’t be an immediate reply, though the sounds would stop, and the first thing to greet the group would be a floating shadow-like creature with only its eyes visible. Whatever this creature is, it seemed intent to observe the longma, staring at it and seeing what it would do. In response, Sen would immediately take a defensive stance as he didn’t expect to be greeted like this. Strangely enough, the atmosphere in the workshop would remain tense for a minute, with the shadow creature continue to stare down the longma and the rest of the group, and the silence didn’t help.

“We… aren’t here to cause any trouble. We are just… looking around. Is the owner here?”

“Shade? I hope you aren’t scaring off the customers. I’ll take it from here. Now, how can I… I… no… C-could it be? This far away?”

When the shadowy creature suddenly showed up, Rosa would go into a more aggressive stance. His muscles tensing up as he prepared to fight. He wasn't entirely sure how to fight something seemingly made out of shadows, but surely there had to be some way. If only he still had a flash grenade of some sort, he could have done something. In hindsight, it was not good that he gave all of his things to Ghilan after all. He'd need to restock on these things for situations like this. Though in fairness, how were he to guess something like this were going to happen?

Omen though, would just calmly walk forward, and go over to poke at the shadow, without thinking much about it beyond this. Hammond would fly over too, on a nearby surface, and look curious up towards the shadow. Primarily because they were both thinking that this might be a sibling. Formles shadows with eyes, were pretty much what they were, before given form, but neither of them were sure about this one. So their curiosity drew them closer, to try and examine, and connect with the odd creature. Something which would not change, despite the surprising owner soon showing up, though it sure got Rosa's divided attention.

On 2021-08-05 at 5:05 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I… um… I’m sorry. I didn't expect to see someone like you. Allow me to welcome you to Uddo’s Custom Furniture. I'm Kiba, and I help run the workshop when my father isn't around. How can I help you?” 

"There are two of you, within the borders of Canterlot? This... Is surprising, yet in a way, it explains things. I did wonder why there weren't more of the commonfolk that battered too much of an eye over these two, despite Equestria being notorious for having sometimes scared, unwelcome responses to seeing creatures they've never met before. They've already seen longma, even if rarely.

Although this is not normal. This shadow that wanders of its own.

...Also, my name is Sub Rosa. I just moved in a few houses down. These are my friends, Sen and Lin, and that over there is another of our friends, Omen. With her close associate, Hammond. Omen is the one currently trying to poke through Shade, I think you said the name was?

As for how you can help, as said, I'm new, so we were wandering around and getting a feel for the area. This store caught our eyes, and hence we came to witness things in more details. The craftsmanship is impressive, if I may say so."

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

 

@Starforce

On 2021-08-04 at 10:37 PM, Magnolia said:

"Getting ready to leave? I'll come with you." she stated with a tired blink of her eyes and a yawn. A good stretch of her legs, and a walk outside would likely do her some good in waking up. Magnolia was looking forward to seeing what kind of alchemy Zeehva could teach her today. "If you need me to clean your beakers I can do that for you." she winked. 

"Goodmorning. I thought  maybe I should let you sleep, since you might need it, but you're welcome to come along. Nothing terribly exciting for this morning yet though. First I need dew, then regular water, before preparing all the ingredients for the cauldron. Then it's gonna become a little more interesting. Shouldn't be too long we'd need to gather water. A little hour or so should do it, I think. Depends on how the weather have been during the night.

I'm curious about the beakers, actually. You spoke about it, but we didn't really get further than that. Want to try and show me what you meant, please?"

Zeehva would come out of the bathroom, and with her horn, float one of the crystal beakers towards Magnolia. She didn't want to pressure anything here, but the mare has asked if she could do it, and it were honestly something she were a little curious about. Might as well take her up on her offer, and see how it'd look, right?

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

 

@Windy Breeze

"Your friend sounds like she's got a lot of anger in her. It'd probably be good for her if she either found another outlet than your poor other friend, or maybe talked to a professional. I hear going to gyms and kicking around those large sandbags are a great way to get that sort of thing out of your system? It couldn't hurt anyway, and perhaps Writer would end up less bruised?"

Unless of course, he were *in* to this sort of thing, but she'd rather not pose the question, nor think about it. She didn't understand beings like that, and honestly would prefer not to, as that were their own business.  And it made her feel a little icky, so... Maybe best to not focus on Writer all that much here.

"At least it sounds like you're loyal to the few of you that's close to her. I mean no offense, but I don't think I'd be able to keep it going like you have. It seems like there's a good chance to be yelled at, or kicked, when you're friends with her. Beyond that though, she sounds like a troubled, but lovely pony, all things considered.

It sounds like wealth have some value to her. Gotta cost to keep the mansion functional, and looked after. Same with taxes, and other things, I'm sure. I don't know the details, but the ones who handles all of those sorts of paperwork back at my family's home, says it's tedious, annoying work to make everything work smoothly, when you have a large household.

I'm still curious though, about something. You told us how Ire and Stormlight met up, and I can totally see that being something that'd make them close friends. But what about you two? How did you two start to hang out? Are you also from the more frozen parts of Equestria?"

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

 

@Starforce @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-08-04 at 10:41 PM, Cali said:

"Hmph, friendship magic. I can't say I really believe in that. I'll believe in it when I see it." she said with a slight grunt as they entered into the room with cave paintings. "You know on Earth we have these, lots of them, they go back hundreds of thousands of years." she states. "I wonder if its possible to just...." Cali went over the wall and suddenly turned into a canvas with a cave painting on it. "This cave painting was made...several seconds ago! Gee, how about that?" she joked. 

"Well... You're a very attractive wall painting, miss, but I don't think it's good that you mingle in with the exhibits like that. Others are getting get confused. More than they already are."

Cloudwatcher could look around and see there were already two others, beyond the changeling that had now halted, to look at her odd changing around, and observe her in somewhat awe. A bit of fear and concern too, since what were she going to do, right? But mostly it were curious awe. And the camera, flashing some more times, as the changeling enjoyed immortalizing the whole show. What a strange, strange day this were. Definitely not something he'd want to miss out on. Cloudwatcher though, seemed to be getting too used to this, to really be affected. Beyond worrying about how there might come accidental damage to the real exhibits, or how it were gonna spook others to see a canvas speaking.

On 2021-08-04 at 11:45 PM, Kujamih said:

Light would pat Blitz's head, and reply to the changeling.

" Don't worry, it motivates me to focus. and also, that's the reason why I do this job...fixing the time lines."

"Fixing Pinkie Pie can only lead to more happy. she the most amazing pony in all of Equestria, and someday, I'm gonna make her the most impressive party kaboomie she's ever used. It'll be fun, just like her cannon is. Have you seen it? It shoots confetti and party hats! I replicated after looking reeeeeeeeeally hard at it, lots of times, so I'd get it right, but I still dunno how she makes it fire that. I tried, and the party hats turned into ash. The confetti is easy though. Just gotta use the right boom, but not too much boom! Mayor Mare had my friend and me wash it all off when one went off in Ponyville. It was an accident, and a prototype. Much safer now. and less sticky. Hehe, I was sparkly for two weeks. It was lots of fun.

How do you fix time? Do you use a special wrench? Lots of tape? Oooh, does time have springs? Or cogs?"

The changeling were focused some on the oddity of Cali, but not to worry, Blitz were more than happy to ramble off on a tangent for Light.

3 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“Geez, you are such a cloudcuckoolander, Blitz” meanwhile, Blue seems to take very well as if she did not pay much attention or simply didn't care, not noticing Luna taking a few steps away from the Blitz, the destroyer of the Everfree, “back at Richville, i create paths with my head during my morning daily practice. I remember ending up at the local hospital a couple of times, but at least it was worth it” she said, referring to her large number of crashes that would make Trouble Shoes, Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts proud.

“You almost lost your life at one point, Blue” Luna gave her a 'are you serious?' deadpan.

"I'm a cloud... Cuckoo... Sky chicken? Hehe, silly silly, I haven't made good enough wings yet. But one day I will, and then imma go fly aaaaaaall the way up to the Wonderbolt place, and hug all the funny looking ponies, in their silly clothes.

*gasp* You went to the hospital too? It happened to me lots of times. Work, work, and work for days and days, then it suddenly goes dark, and I wake up in the hospital, and they say I need more sleep. But there's just too many funny inventions to make! Who has ime to sleep every day? Why were you there? Did you run into things when you did practice things? *gasp* Did you run off a cliff, and that's why you got really, really badly hurt? Or fly into a weird cloud? I've seen it happen! Pegasus goes right up to a cloud, and then *bonk!*, they go right down again. THey say sneaky things sometimes hide there, play tricks on pegasi."

Blitz wasn't grasping the finer points of what Blue were on about, but she were not exactly thinking about death and damnation all that much. She were just a foal after all. A dangerous, likely unstable one, but a foal regardless.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

5 minutes ago, Cali said:

"What do ya think?" she asks with an accent nobody here had heard before.

@Blitz Boom @Starforce @Windy Breeze

The crowd was shocked and amazed at the transformation of Cali that the crowd grew silent.

But light shouted at the background and broke the silence.

"You look like a hairless chimp!" 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Blitz Boom

On 2021-08-07 at 3:02 AM, Blitz Boom said:

then imma go fly aaaaaaall the way up to the Wonderbolt place, and hug all the funny-looking ponies, in their silly clothes.

Tepe and Razor are concerned when they saw Windy suddenly shudder, her ears pinned down hinting negative emotion. “Are you okay, Windy?” Razor asked.

“Ah, I'm fine” Windy told them, “I...just felt a disturbance. Dunno what it is about, but whatever it was, it's scary” Windy wondered what it really was. It sounded pretty far away from them, she didn't want to know as her mind registered it a threat. Last she checked, Spike threw them at a mountain and covered them in a giant water tank.

On 2021-08-07 at 3:02 AM, Blitz Boom said:

I'm still curious though, about something. You told us how Ire and Stormlight met up, and I can totally see that being something that'd make them close friends. But what about you two? How did you two start to hang out? Are you also from the more frozen parts of Equestria?"

“I'm not from the Frozen North. I first met Stormlight when we were both living at Cloudsdale. She urged me to move to Ponyville after a tornado ruined our homes so we went there and found Ire at the earth pony village. Needless to say, her first impression with me wasn't too bad- I mean, you'll be alarmed if you saw a stranger walking with your friend, right?”

Razor and Tepe glanced at each other, then at Sorrow before beckoning Windy to continue.

“Also, I first met Writer Rhyme of the three of them. I met him at Coltagan when we were both young, he and his parents are visiting my mom's resort to stay in her hotel. I got the chance to talk to them because I worked as a receptionist. The mother? Well, she was super kind and we even hang out a bit to talk about a few stuff, the dad? ...not so much. He was pretty rude and he would often complain about our customer service and even wanted to sue one of my co-workers for accidentally spilling iced tea at him”

As she was talking, the oven suddenly made a ding, marking the end of the baking of Cimex's tarts.

***

Speaking of Cimex, she wasn't pleased to hear a member of the Canterlot Press is here, “What does a mere journalist want from me? There are about twenty-six changelings out in the city and they have a lot of speak than me”

“Ah, there were?” Flinty feinted surprise and stumble back a little, “I didn't know that. This was actually one of my first time in the newspapers and my first time going into Fillydelphia. I want out meeting to be a low-key profile, so can you follow me to the alley? We won't be taking long”

***

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Starforce

“I'm bad at the landing and I always ended up crashing” Blue felt the urge to rub her face, “Entering the Wonderbolts Academy was my goal ever since knowing who they are, to know they can perform amazing acrobatic tricks, zooming into the sky like lightning during a storm!”

Edited August 8, 2021 by Windy Breeze