open Casual stroll

Blitz Boom · January 15, 2022

On 2022-01-13 at 10:24 PM, Kujamih said:

" uh that's a big one.... have you killed one of those before." Light worries for shark.

"Soon yes."

The last one of these big ones, Anomaly had taken away. This one however, were still there, and very much fair game this time. Too big to eat though. She liked her meat fresh, and frankly, she were sated for a while now. But she'd still lick herself around the mouth, as she looked up towards this hulking goblin frog, thinking about how well fed she would've gotten, if she were hungry. Enough meat on this thing for like, 6 of her. Yum.

On 2022-01-13 at 10:24 PM, Kujamih said:

Light assumed that killing off the biggest goblin would force the rest to flee, so he charged towards the big guy. he did some summersaults to evade some of the goblin frogs to get to the big one. as he gets near, he released a mean flying kick towards the big one.

"watchaaa!?"

A bit of a good and bad situation here.

Good part? Light managed to avoid both the small ones - Shark were currently tearing out it's larynx - and did get a hit in on the big one.

Bad news however: It were so ineffective to kick the large, slimy thing, that it were just looking down at him with an evil, malicious grin on its face. After which, it would reach down to grab him, as well as launch it's tongue at Light, to try and grab him, one way or another. And if it did, he were going to be shoved into its mouth.

If Shark saw he were getting trapped though, she'd let out a hissing, high pitched shriek - not too unkind what you'd hear from a bat pony - and rush up to its mouth. Had Light been trapped by the tongue, she'd bite into it, and end up getting retracted into its mouth herself instead, as she remained clamped down, though Light would be freed. Were it the hand, she'd rush into it, and bite down hard on the wrist, causing it to give off a loud croak of pain, and letting him go. After which, it would frantically shake it's arm, trying to get Shark off of it, despite her being unwilling to let go. She were not going to let the bad frogs hurt her friend again!

Of course, Light might also just do something himself. Say, make use of the blades he had shown off before. Weren't like these were made of steel. Even the big one, were although durable, still just a creature of thick, leathery skin.

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@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Starlight

On 2022-01-13 at 10:24 PM, Kujamih said:

" urgghhh..." she looks back at the group who has already entered the portal. " Molotov!... Blitz!... is that everyone?.... I can't hold the portal any longer... I think we are missing some pony? I need a head count!" she questioned herself.

"I'll yoink 'em in, if they ain't already."

And Molotov really would. He weren't gonna have a bit of accidental death here on his watch. That weren't very nice to have happen now, was it? So yeah, if Luna and Blue weren't keen on moving their flank on their own, he'd happily help 'em along. Perk of being a unicorn right there. Went well with the disadvantage of easily getting the tar beaten outta you, by the more physical earth ponies, if they managed to get close enough to connect a hoof to his face. And in his life, several had, and most with good reason.

Not all of them though, mind you. Sometimes, he got hit without a fair reason, and in those cases, he weren't just taking it with a shrug. Fair had to be fair here, and all that.

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@EQ_Theta

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Asking the folks at home may be the better option. Uddo… I don’t know. Asking him for his opinion isn’t out of the question, but he left home for a reason. I suspect he wasn’t happy about what happened, and he thought voluntary exile was a preferable alternative to staying. I’ll be the one to ask, but if this is something we want to know more about, we have to be careful.”

"I think you misunderstand me. I am suggesting that Uddo, as a carpenter, would know what would be best for woodwork. And as he likely did this too, back in your village, that means that he would know what of Equestrian items for that craft, would be a fair trade, without going against your traditions. The ones in your village, only knows of things in their area. Uddo however, knows of Equestrian tools for the job, which is what we are talking about for an exchange, yes? A thing from them, for a thing from us.

I have not meant that he will accompany us back, nor that we tell them we even know him. I'm saying his input, as a specialist from both sides of the fence, are valuable, in picking our exchanged item."

Seems like there were a small break in communications here, and he'd have to attempt to baseline it further, to get them back on track. If this did not work, he'd just have to wait until they spoke to Uddo himself later, and then just go through with it, with him directly. Mattered little to him, beyond this starting to get somewhat awkward.

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“That looks good. We can get the piece positioned in a way where the petals form a cross shape. They’ll line up nicely with the larger center panel, and the rest can go up after.”

“I guess we have our plan. Now we just need some tools. We have the tools for a job like this, right?”

"We will, once I find some nails. Improvising something to hit them in with, is not much of an issue, but finding the nails themselves however, might be. I could likely scavenge some from one of the current items in here, but I'd prefer not to do that.

Omen? Have you found something?"

He raised his voice, as he called out to Omen. Yet no answer would come. She were trying, but the lot of them were out of her range, so she just simply couldn't communicate.

After a little while in silence, Rosa would begin to move over towards the basement, when Omen's head would pop out of a portal, opening just above the wall carving's surface. Made it look a little like her head were hung up on the wall. Really not the sort of decoration that he had in mind for this place, and despite him knowing better, it were still a little unnerving to have this visual, along with the thought. He'd been around too many hunter's huts, to not see it at least.

"I found a box. It sounds like metal."

She'd pull her head back, and then push the toolbox through. Which Rosa caught, before it went on the floor and spilled its contents all over the place. It was close though.

"Tools?"

"Oof. Y-Yes, that feels... Possible. Though I'd prefer you didn't drop heavy things like that ion the house."

"Okay."

The sound of Shrimp, hissing behind her, made Omen withdraw her head, and close the portal. The last thing heard, would be Shrimp giving a small roar at something. Probably a spider. Likely wasn't a large thing, for him to be this confident, in his attempt at scaring whatever had caught his interest.

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@Widdershins @Sekel

20 hours ago, Widdershins said:

It's not just a show of pow-..." He halted for a second, noticing a different part of the preceding part of the conversation. He turned to nod at Benny.

"O-oh? Fire, you said? Y-y-you're p-pretty calm for a fire dragon. Would have thought you more the cool headed and watery sort."

Benny would at this point, be gnawing on a caramelized crystal, that was in a goodie bag he'd been given by his marefriend. Pop were always so good to him, just as he were to her, whenever she needed it. Like the last time she had the flu. He'd taken some days off of work, so he could come around, and help her with the shop. As well as tend to her. As a fire dragon, he were rather warm, so curling up around her, were a good way for her to not end up cold. Hadn't helped much with the heat sweats, but that was what the ice were for.

"If I had been water aligned, Pop would currently be locked in the store with me, and the rest of you would have things thrown at you, for trying to enter our territory.

But y'know, it's never a guarantee. I'm fire, and I'm pretty mellow. Sort of. I mean, I don't fly into rage fits for nothing. But there's many ways you can be heated in emotions. I get really flustered when I get embarrassed, I laugh louder at things that others tells me aren't that funny, cry at less- Loads of things.

Mostly it'd not so bad. And the fire part really helps at work. I'm in a forge, so I just run the fire's scorching hot all the time, and can stick my hands straight into the furnace. Helps get the work done quicker, although pretty much everyone who worked with me, had to move out of the forge, since the heat were getting dangerous to them. I only have two left with me, that's handling it well. They're very good at the job, even if they're kiiiiinda crazy.

Anyway, I dunno really how to respond to what you said, if I was supposed to. I don't hunt prey, so I never ate a bird out of the sky. I tried some rabbit before. Wasn't a big fan. I prefer just eating crystals. Got all the vitamins and nutrients, a healthy dragon needs. Plus I don't get a beak stuck in my throat. That sounds really uncomfortable."

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@Widdershins

21 hours ago, Widdershins said:

"Really? That's one among many stories us kirin tell! Of one particularly angered squirrel that took down the biggest Dragonlord ever just for burning down his tree! That channeling your energies, using what skills you do have and the wisdom to know where & when to strike can move mountains!

I, uh-... but as for my family." Whett Kindle fidgeted where he sat. "I dunno, a guy kinda... loses faith after so many attempts at trying to be around some. I guess one could, like the story, take some time to plan a way around.... confronting some personalities you meet."

"So you too have stories of grandeur and destruction? least we have that in common, sir. Our tales are a lot around the fabled heroes of Harrowmark. Several individuals, over millennia, who truly put a mark on our stories. Like Hammertail. The greatest Diamond Dog who ever roamed Harrowmark, whom took on the invaders of Hayden, and not only demolished their ships, but returned to the throne with the spoils of victory. He is the only diamond dog of our fabled heroes, and they especially, revere his name. Though his descendants tends to let his legacy get to their heads, and end up dying to something dumb. The curse of glory, yes?

As for your family... It isn't my place to say what's right for you, sir. But I hope that after some time, you will be able to have a nice, calm time around one another. I can't imagine what it must be like, to know that you have family left, and then not want to see them. But who know how the future goes, yes? There are still chances. I think. I uhm... D-Don't know how long kirin live."

Or his age for that matter, but one way to shove his hoof down his throat at a time here.

22 hours ago, Widdershins said:

"But that's what i'm here for! I'm just out exploring! Seeing the amazing possiblities of what Nature can provide! Find a nice, comfy, pretty Glade to rest & meditate in! ....see what its like inside those buildings you ponies have! For some reason, ponies start sweating whenever i'm IN a place.

....What's a Princess? I know we had a Queen, but I don't know nothing about your leaders."

"I think sir, they might be nervous because of the fire. There is a lot of things in a pony's home. Many memories, and their whole life. Seeing you set yourself ablaze, it makes them scared you're going to burn the house down. Maybe even to a point, where it gets fatal. I think if you got better at not flaring up, they'd be happy to let you inside their homes for a chat. Uhm, o-once you get to know them better, of course. That's what they said at the friendship school at least. I tried going there, but it... I g-guess it wasn't the right time.

A-Anyway, the princesses, yes. I guess it's easier to just show you."

Harnessing his trusty brush and ink, Cover Up would draw some of the princesses on the ground. Three of them, to be exact.

"This is Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. They're sisters, and they rule Equestria. I don't know why their titles are princess. In Harrowmark, we have a queen too. It seems weird to just go with princesses... B-But I'm sure it's a culture thing. And this last one is new, from what I understand. Princess Twilight. She's s-strong, and local. She lives in the crystal palace, you have probably seen in Ponyville. Apparently the Princess of Friendship. Strange title, but just another cultural thing, I guess.

There's also another one, but I don't know what she looks like. I just know her name is Princess Cadence, and she rules the Crystal Kingdom.

They're uhm, all alicorn. Horns, wings, and are apparently ageless. And grow really tall."

Evil Pink One · January 16, 2022

@Blitz Boom

Light after being dropped by the frog thanks to shark would quickly bounce up on his hoof. he noticed that if he left shark alone with big frog, she might get in big trouble.

" crap.... shark don't get yourself in trouble because of me!"

Light quickly released 2 long blades from his hoof and dashed towards the giant frog. he spun multiple times to gain momentum and slicing some of the frog's on his way.

*SLASH!*

he went between it's legs and sliced both of it's feet, tooling the giant creature down.

light would look back and attempt to catch the falling shark if she needed it.

Catpone Cerberus · January 16, 2022

@Blitz Boom
"Well, I tried" Ruby said dismissively, leaving Charir and climbing on one of the seats, laying down, this didn't involve her, and since Marley was indeed right, she saw no reason to stay tense, besides, she could go from full rest to full combat in seconds if need came. Charir meanwhile was curious and slightly confused, though Leviathan's actions got him to understand the situation slightly better, and Ruby's calmness helped him to stay calm too.

Ruby got back on her feet to see who they were dealing with, but her dismissive demeanor didn't change "One of them, how lovely." she only stated, before returning to laying down "So tell me Marley, why should we not just leave you to deal with this?" "I mean, you said it yourself, she has no reason to bother with us, and I'd rather not get involved with her kind, they are annoying to deal with." "Why wouldn't I just go and invite her in?" Marley may have been an useful ally, but he was still disposable, Ruby wouldn't take a bullet for him so to speak "Granted, I'm ready to wait, Charir and I can manage some time without food and water, and if ponies don't eventually come to check what's with the weird weather, it'll most likely be you who's first to wither away, at which point we can just leave anyway." this may have seemed odd that she from all creatures suggested what was basically surrender, but she was about done with all the magical nonsense, and if the easiest way to get past this was to sacrifice a business relationship, so be it, though she was also considering to just go out and talk to the creature herself, after all, Marley wasn't that open about the situation, and she had to admit she was getting slightly curious about what he had mixed himself into in the past. "If you want to use the door, just kick it once, the lock will explode."

Charir also had looked through the hole, and he looked mainly annoyed regarding it, he was more worried about the situation than Ruby, having no context for it, but having the history he had, he too was more annoyed towards the magic than threatened, he did ask Ruby about it, and whatever the short answer Ruby gave was, got him look at Marley for a second before sitting down in about middle point of the cart, he may have not felt direct threat, but he still wanted to be in as optimal spot as possible just in case.

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"I appreciate the offer and will keep it in mind, but I called it inconvenience for a reason, even if it gets bad enough for me to get truly trapped, the time is merely a blink in my endless existence." he didn't remember how many times or to what extend such had happened, as to him it was like yesterday's weather, it didn't matter, he didn't even feel it happening, since he felt no pain or cold, so he just sometimes noticed it was harder to move than before, and the realization was usually followed by the sound of breaking ice, since the only real limit to his strength was the durability of his bones, and he had yet to be in a situation where the ice was strong enough to break his bones, though he also wasn't sure just how many of his bones were actual bone at this point, and how much of it was the black growth pretending to be bones.

"Do not worry about bringing the mood down, as my mood is stagnant, you cannot worsen it, nor make it better." "And I don't have preferences, I have no need for accessories, and don't know enough to want a specific place, but maybe we could leave the crowds of the inner city behind? and see what else ponies do besides exchanging money for things?"

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Both Chega and Sear thought about it before responding Onache's question, they had been travelling a quite a while now, and Sear especially also had a long time of lone travelling even before that, so it took a moment to remember all the places they had been, though luckily areas like the mentioned one had details to be remembered "I know the place, and have briefly visited the edge, but we haven't, and don't plan to go there, preferring to go around it." "The environment isn't really to our taste." for Sear it wasn't as big of a problem, having grown up in the dragonlands, which wasn't exactly the lushest and most humid place, but Chega came from underground, so even a sunny day could be unpleasant for her, not to mention a desert. "You from there?" it didn't really take a genius to come to that conclusion, since there was no other obvious reason for why Onache would bring it up like that.

"What about you?" Chega suddenly asked, looking towards Sheska and Trox, she wasn't too loud, so Onache and Sear would have a chance to continue between each other if they so wished, she also finally let go of Sear's hand, stepping closer towards the two kobolds, still keeping her tail wrapped with Sear's "You don't seem to miss your community as much as one would expect." Trox nodded "Circumstances caused us to live separate from them, and while we did visit them, everyone we were close to were...lost, in way or another." "It should be mentioned we lived on the surface, where we are from, our kind was forced out of the caves many generations ago." Chega seemed momentarily feel sad but it faded faster than one could say sadness "So that's why you are so....hardened." "Does that mean I..." Sheska put her hand on Chega's shoulder "Not quite, but it's better you don't think about it." one could probably guess what the implications were, with Trox specifying 'lost' instead of dead, with the statement that their Chega was not dead, , and them not 'having had the chance' to meet their version of Sear, the pieces were there. Though if Onache got curious enough to just read their minds, she'd learn the Sheska's and Trox's version of Chega was not the happy one they had here, and instead someone who had fallen into deep and destructive depression after loss of certain loved one. This was also part of the reason why they were so happy to see her happy.

Rising Dusk · January 17, 2022

@Blitz Boom

Intrigued once again by the presentation of the bauble seen before holding a scry spell on a traveling party in Harrowmark that had been serving as their clock to event to come. Dawn would gaze upon it bauble to see how far long they are and a good place where they might have gotten themselves with the massage and tailoring. The scry spell doesn't appear to be following the party from earlier however. Where they were now was less interesting to the unicorn than the fact the scry spell had been moved. That takes... talent. A pony first needs to know they are even being watched, then to detach it and place it on something else. Of course, that was comparing it in the context of the average Equestrian unicorn.

Brief memories of Dawn's first discoveries into scrying and having them yanked to look upon folded paper animals from her twin. Or a poke in the eye. The thoughts drifted from her mind and the environment took greater hold. Moths? Sacred creature? Moths were terrible little pests that ate cloths and other fabrics. Now, of course not usually this large, but images of just whole dresses being devoured tainted her mind. These moths appeared to have a different appetite. Dawn had no interest in the content of the cauldron and adverted her gaze. "Charming," the unicorn smiled. Smiled a fake smile but in her position, she'd gotten quite good at doing so. Such sights were more up her brother's alley, likely who it was intended for to begin with, but it make her stomach turn. An important note in their visit to Harrowmark, she could already tell her week stomach wasn't going to fair the best in their land long term.

Turning about as if to walk out, but instead gack a little out of sight before casting the rainbow aura about the two and teleporting them away in a flash of light.

The dull thud of hoof now on wooden floors. A single long room stretched before them. Thick log pillars and decorated, carved arches and trusses stretched into dark ceilings. Only the light of gilded braziers kept the darkness at bay, casting shadows into corners. Plush rugs dotted the long wooden floor. Rustic chairs and couches circled each other in small areas for gatherings of good tales and merry making. The center was plunged a shimmering pool of tranquil waters and reflected the lights of the braziers in a dazzling display. Closer looks would so the decorated etchings on the pillars were laid in gold. Old wooden doors lined the walls with large heavy bronze knockers. At the far end of the long room was a massive bed, raised on easily a ten foot tall platform with wooden steps leading up to it on all sides. The bed could easily fit a dozen ponies with thick rustic furred blankets and two dozen furred pillows. On either side of the bed, massive stone hearths with decorative mantles blazed to life with large fires. The pair could have easily entered an ancient longhouse, fitted to be a bedroom. Out of the place things would appear here and there. Modern posters, fixtures, plushies and a dress or two from modern times draped over a chair or so.

When Dawn took a step, rainbow ripples pulsed along the wood from under her hoofs. "Only my brother could make one be so exhausted after a massage," the mare sighed. She fell forward. An old couch that matched the esthetic across the room instantly sank into the floor and reappeared under the home's Mistress. Laying out on the newly located couch, she placed the back of her hoof across her forehead in dramatic fashion.

EQ_Theta · January 17, 2022

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-01-16 at 6:36 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I think you misunderstand me. I am suggesting that Uddo, as a carpenter, would know what would be best for woodwork. And as he likely did this too, back in your village, that means that he would know what of Equestrian items for that craft, would be a fair trade, without going against your traditions. The ones in your village, only knows of things in their area. Uddo however, knows of Equestrian tools for the job, which is what we are talking about for an exchange, yes? A thing from them, for a thing from us.

I have not meant that he will accompany us back, nor that we tell them we even know him. I'm saying his input, as a specialist from both sides of the fence, are valuable, in picking our exchanged item."

"I get what you mean, and I do think it’s worth asking if it’s only about woodworking. I just read too much into your answer and got carried away with thinking about something else. My mistake.”

Sen was cautious about bringing up anything that could mention home. As much as it was a valid take on their predicament and line of questioning, it was likely bordering on something that could derail the conversation into what either Sen or Uddo would call a “sensitive topic.” As hard as it was to believe, there were some questions could bring up old memories that would be better spoken about in private.

For now, he and Lin would focus on getting the wooden panels set up. Or that would be the case, but Omen popping out from the wall and dropping a tool box before them. Pretty good timing, but the clanging of metal hitting the floor rang with a painful screech. It wasn’t a pleasant sound, and it caused the siblings to recoil from the wall before they composed themselves once more. Lin proceeded to pick up the contents of the tool box and arrange them neatly around the floor.

“Well, we know Omen can hear us from... somewhere in the house. Now then, let’s get this thing set up.”

"Just tell us what we need to do, and we’ll… figure out how to work with these tools. Huh, can’t say I’ve handled these kinds of things before, but we’ll help out however we can.”

Working with tools wasn’t an unfamiliar endeavor, but modern tools used by ponies was a little different compared to those back home. The ones here looked simple enough, and Sen hoped the process of getting the wood panels up was just as simple. Hammering some nails into a wall and hanging the panels didn’t seem to complicated.

Edited January 17, 2022 by EQ_Theta

Blitz Boom · January 17, 2022

@Rising Dusk

1 hour ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Charming,"

"I see you're not overly delighted by the sight. They may seem large, but they should be mostly harmless, and the few who spawns, are supposed to be kept at the temples. Many would in fact think of this an honor, as you're gazing upon the favored creations of the goddess Viz'nay, Even if not demigods, they are still important to her, and in rituals of her priests. Though such knowledge have long gone missing, due to Twisted doing what he could to destroy story around her. As such, I don't know exactly what their purpose is. I have my guesses, but as you seem... Distraught enough as is. I will let the High Priestess tell fact from fiction when eventually you get to meet her.

...Do tell, you're not worried about your clothes, are you? They should be enough akin to regular moths, that only the larvae eat fabric. And they're too young to begin depositing eggs yet. You shouldn't have to worry about that either."

It were clear that Dawn were not overly pleased with watching these moths, even from this distance. Which were a pity really. They were such beauties even now. And then just imagine, when they were fully grown, and not a bundle of hungry, wet-winged little things. And the hunger would be helped with. With Thistle back, she'd ensure they were fed the plant matter they needed to remain healthy, and sated.

Of course, as said, she had some speculations about what the moths were used to, beyond just being seen as sacred, but she'd keep that to herself, unless asked. No need to - potentially unfounded - rattle Dawn further.

She might not get the chance to speak her mind fully though, before Dawn transported them. Which meant that some of what she said, would be left to where they were headed. But it would be mentioned, if possible, before she addressed where they had now gone.

It were... Quite a sight, honestly. Rustic and homely in some ways, childish in others, and yet had some modern flair, and seemed unfit, for regular pony habitation. Unless they were a pegasus she supposed, but the bed really did seem odd. Why have it so high? As she could only guess what this place were, she'd assume the answer were a mixture of flair, and privacy. Unlikely as it were though, that one could even get to this room, without being escorted in here.

The witch would cautiously take some steps forth, on the wooden floor, but would elect to not touch anything currently. Which included furniture. She did not wish to cause ire, within this place.

"I'm sure it will come to pass. You're not a fragile mare. It must just seem briefly overwhelming. I assume that is why you have transported us to your... Bedroom? I am uncertain what this is."

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@Starlight

Soul just turned and looked at her, as if she were making fun of him.

"It's called the Moonlit Thicket, because the town doesn't get lit up properly, before the moon rises. The crowns keeps out most of the sun, to not disturb the bat ponies in their slumber."

He assumed she were baiting him, and didn't respond further on her mentioning something with her name. Instead, he'd simply move on.

They'd move down calm paths in the forest, with him at times look around, at seemingly nothing. Magnolia did not have the connection with death, to see the spirits that he did without assistance, and he didn't see a reason to open her eyes briefly, just for this. Just a few spirits that recognized him, that gave off a greeting of some kind, that he'd then respond to with silent nods.

After about what, twenty minutes, they'd be able to see where they were going for. A large estate, surrounded by a wall of thorny bushes, where light did not poke through. It were more clear here, than in the Moonlit Thicket, so the sun bathed down upon the estate, and really put the largest of the visible three towers into view. Though the bushes still covered much of the estate, due to them going in from the side, rather than the main entry way. But they'd get there soon enough, as he'd shift direction before they'd try to enter. So they'd get a look at how large this place actually were, before too long.

A brief moment would occur however, where he gazed upon the pointy middle spire, reaching up above the trees, towards the skies, with it's pale-brick construction hard to miss. Even more so during the night, where the spire would become luminescent, but right now, it just seemed like slightly chalky bricks, that made this one. Rather bonelike in color actually. The other two spires were a good deal shorter, as well as not being made of the same sort of bricks. It appeared from a distance, like regular dark bricks thus far.

"...Is today the day, grandmother? Or will you shun me again?"

He seemed wistful for a moment, and for once, had a calm, thoughtful expression over his face. Yet unless she said something, Soul would soon after lead then to the west, following the wall of thorns along the way.

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@Kujamih

Shark wasn't in any danger. She were latched on well, and could handle the way she were being shaken around well. Wasn't so different from her, shaking something around to make sure it was dead, before she ate it. The slapping of the frog goblin trying to scrape her off were annoying though, but she were waiting for a good chance to let go, and hit another area. Wasn't like she had thought this through anyway. She had just wanted it to let go of Light, and it had. The rest were just pure improv.

As Light slashed at the creatures feet, it would let out a loud croak of pain, and start to fall to the ground. The others barely avoided getting squashed. As did Shark, who finally let go, and buzzed off to the side. She were moving in after that, to do a more fatal bite, when suddenly, a reverberating snap were heard, and she'd bite down into empty air. It'd honestly confuse her a great deal, and she looked around, trying to find out where it went. Which turned out to be a nearby tree, where it were tied up with vines, alongside the others that had crawled from its back so far.

"I swear, these things are really starting to get hard to keep track of."

A shape would rise up from the ground, as if unearthed, and shake the worst of the dirt from themselves.

"Special one?"

"Aaah. How's my favorite new predator doing?"

The pumpkin-headed creature would wander over, and nuzzle Shark behind the ear.

"Love to talk, but I just gotta sort this. Never thought Princess and her ilk were gonna cause this much trouble, and y'know, it's funny and all, but this is all just gonna end the same way. *Waa, waa, we're ponies, and we don't like creatures snacking on us. Turn the mean draconequui to stone!*. Uuuuurgh. So annoying.

Anyway, let's nuke these things down a few thousand evolutionary steps again."

She'd snap, using the hairs on her tail, and the frog goblins would shrink and twist, until they eventually turned into something more like regular toads. Still with the spiked tongue and ability to lob off goo though, just nothing as vile as before. Had to let them have Some sort of evolution after all.

"Less fun, but they'll do. Now off you go, and don't cause trouble again.

Think this is the third batch I've found of them today. Have to have found all of them sooner or later though, right? Anyway, who's this chipper little outsider? Not a poacher I hope."

Sure she knew who he were to some extend, as she could see past the wall, but it was just sooo much effort to look back and read it all, she couldn't be bothered. Sides, mortals always got all uppity about that, and there had been enough of a hassle here already.

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@Catpone Cerberus

"Also, if we're stuck in here for too long, and grow hungry, you do realize what's on the menu, right?"

The math was pretty simple really. Three dragons, one griffon. If they got stuck in here, one of them had to be eaten for sustenance, and it wouldn't be one of the dragons. Probably wouldn't be for a few days at least though, and there'd definitely end up popping someone in here before that, to check up on where the cart had gone. Or why the weather were all messed up around this area. But the point still stood, and were just something Leviathan said to add on to the pressure.

"*sigh* Fine, fine. Might as well get this over with then... But I swear, if you start talking to others about this."

There were an implied threat, but he knew well that none of them were actually going to care about that. Why would they? Dragons were so high and mighty, they thought nothing could bring them down. Most didn't fear anything. Foolish overgrown lizards...

He'd take a deep breath, then go over and open the door. Violently it turned out, and he'd be faced with the raging storm outside. Leviathan personally liked the dramatic look it gave to things, but she'd wave her hands, and the storm would subside. Not worth the magic to keep it running anyway she supposed.

"Ashta."

"Brother Mah'rey."

The vulpine creature didn't seem to move much as she spoke, beyond the gentle up and down, as she sat in the air. Her eyes seemingly not even on him.

"I'm not-"

"Loss of will, without her light. A mother mourns, for the favored third."

"I'm not proud of that, but it isn't as if you couldn't function without me. You just refused to try."

"The sorrow eats at an elden heart. Death will come, in waves of two."

"...What?"

Marley seemed confused for a moment, yet also disturbed. Something she said made him think that something rather bad, had brought her here.

"Death will come, in waves of two."

"...She's dying?"

"The will a spark, buried with your coffin."

She'd calmly get back in a standing position, whilst Marley began looking pale and distraught, and would jump down to him. It looked as if the air itself were solid around her paws, odd as it seemed.

As she hit the ground, she'd wander closer to Marley, and pull back the hood on her robe. The face beneath were serene, with pale, pink eyes, sitting in the sockets of the snow-white kitsune, gazing at him.

"It is time to come home, Brother Mah'rey. Before the heart you broke, stops beating."

"..."

Meanwhile, back with the dragons, Leviathan considered doing something, but she heard talks of a mother dying, and that was a touchy thing, she weren't gonna poke at. She herself knew the feeling of seeing that, and didn't much care for it. To put it mildly. Instead, she'd move closer to Ruby, and utter a few words of her own.

"I'll be honest, I figured he were being hunted for murdering someone."

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"I suppose we've had enough excitement in here for the time being. Another day will come, where I can gaze upon the work of pony kind.

As for what else you said, my offer remains. If not for help with your situation, then at least think of me as companionship. Eternity seems a lonely thing to face on your own."

She did not believe herself that anything, nor anyone, truly lasted forever. In the end, they'd all die, and return to nature. Including the Earth Mother herself, one dreadful day. Yet as trees rose from the lowly acorns, so too would she one day rise up again. Everything were in the cycle, or would eventually return to it. Even Scarecrow, as unlikely as it might seem.

That were her belief at least. And regardless of the truth in that, she still thought that it would be best, if he did not grow lonely, over the years. He were a kind creature, and should have others around him, that could make his long existence, at least somewhat more tolerable. Even if perhaps, he did not think that he needed it, as he claimed to not feel a thing. Lyriel were sure he truly appreciated being around others though, and have a friend. Several in fact, if you included Crow for example. Though their relationship were more symbiotic, she were certain they had a kinship as well.

As she speculated, she'd lead them towards the closest edge to town she could see, which lead them to run into a field of flowers, where many a bee buzzed around, to gather the last nectar of the season. The lines of boxes they flew to, indicated this to be a honey farm of some sort. One were a singular pony would wander around, though he stayed clear of the boxes for now, and just watered the flowers.

"This looks like a pleasing place."

"Huh? Oh, uh... Hello there. Nice to meet you, yes?"

The pony would awkwardly raise a hoof, and wave at them. Didn't seem like he were used to guests. Or didn't expect them at least.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2022-01-16 at 1:37 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Both Chega and Sear thought about it before responding Onache's question, they had been travelling a quite a while now, and Sear especially also had a long time of lone travelling even before that, so it took a moment to remember all the places they had been, though luckily areas like the mentioned one had details to be remembered "I know the place, and have briefly visited the edge, but we haven't, and don't plan to go there, preferring to go around it." "The environment isn't really to our taste." for Sear it wasn't as big of a problem, having grown up in the dragonlands, which wasn't exactly the lushest and most humid place, but Chega came from underground, so even a sunny day could be unpleasant for her, not to mention a desert. "You from there?" it didn't really take a genius to come to that conclusion, since there was no other obvious reason for why Onache would bring it up like that.

"I am well known in the area, yes. I know the population, and safe areas better than most."

Granted, she had been taking the best safe areas for herself, and kept them safe, due to her migrating hive, dealing with outsiders trying to trespass, but best not to dwell on details such as that.

"I were forced to relocate however, and came here later. A part of the Everfree Forest have turned to desert, and so, I make my home there. A matter of preference, when it comes to the habitation one prefers I suppose. I personally prefer the dry, hot air of a desert, and the sand in my hooves. Swampy forestlands are less ideal for me. Same goes for cold. A thing which will inevitably fall, though my fondness for it, can be found on a very small level.

But I digress. You do well in staying outside of the main desert, of my former home. Those who aren't good at handling themselves in the dunes, will only end up adding to them. Going around the edges, are generally safer, and you can avoid most of the issues. Except for the Ghosttail Scorpions. Avoid them at all cost. They're aggressive, highly venomous little things. It is better to get out of their reach, than attempt to deal with them hooves on."

On 2022-01-16 at 1:37 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Though if Onache got curious enough to just read their minds, she'd learn the Sheska's and Trox's version of Chega was not the happy one they had here, and instead someone who had fallen into deep and destructive depression after loss of certain loved one. This was also part of the reason why they were so happy to see her happy.

Onache had given her word, that she wasn't going to poke into their minds. So she'd keep her word, though there were two sides to this story that she were curious about. Trox and Sheska had been telling in no small terms, that the Chega they knew, had not fared well. But what of the other way around? This she were curious about, and seemed to be fair game, if you would.

"What of Sheska and Trox of this world? Have you any knowledge of them? Might be this world were kinder to them, than their own were. And it would serve as a distraction, from what sounds like a particularly uncomfortable subject."

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

@EQ_Theta

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

"I get what you mean, and I do think it’s worth asking if it’s only about woodworking. I just read too much into your answer and got carried away with thinking about something else. My mistake.”

"Miscommunication is a common thing, and I apparently did not explain myself well enough, if there were confusion. You have my apologies for that.

Regardless, it is a touchy subject to push him on the old home perhaps, but I'm sure we can find a tasteful way, of asking him what might work good. For instance, we could ask what tools of the trade he have found, since starting here in Equestria, that differs from his old methods, and how it might have influenced him. There might be something to read into an answer for that. Though it is merely off the top of my head. We can brainstorm another one if it is, certainly."

8 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Well, we know Omen can hear us from... somewhere in the house. Now then, let’s get this thing set up.”

"Just tell us what we need to do, and we’ll… figure out how to work with these tools. Huh, can’t say I’ve handled these kinds of things before, but we’ll help out however we can.”

Working with tools wasn’t an unfamiliar endeavor, but modern tools used by ponies was a little different compared to those back home. The ones here looked simple enough, and Sen hoped the process of getting the wood panels up was just as simple. Hammering some nails into a wall and hanging the panels didn’t seem to complicated.

Rosa visibly grinded his teeth, as he narrowly missed the toolbox, as it rattled down on the floor. His ears were rather sensitive, and this noisy sound of the metal box, hitting another hard surface, and causing a ruckus inside it too... It were honestly rather painful. But he'd endure, and keep his calm with Omen. He did not want her to think that helping them finding things were bad. He'd just have to ask her later, to please put down things more gently, and avoid this sort of thing happening again.

"I'll handle the nails, worry not. Just need you to help me guide where to put them in for the side ones, to center it all as best as possible, with as few tries as needed."

Rosa would put the nail in for the center piece fine. Then the one that were supposed to make for the second part of the inner ornament, would come next, and require him two tries. The first nail in, caused it to hand a little crooked. Only slightly, but he wanted this perfectly, and the second one seemed to have done the trick. Now came the side parts though, and he'd have to count on Sen and Lin, to coordinate with him, so they could get through this, with as few holes in the wall as possible.

It should be done fairly simply though, and soon, they should be able to gaze upon the work, in all its majesty.

"It is still a beauty to behold. It already feels more homely in this room now, from this little taste of personally, imprinted upon it now.

And I didn't even hammer my own hoof. I'd say we did a fairly good job, in all honesty."

Evil Pink One · January 18, 2022

@Blitz Boom

" a poacher? true... but I hunt mischievous higher beings... such as ourselves." Light replied.

" introductions... my name is Light... White Light... I came to this dimension to fix the tangled plot lines."

" perhaps you can fill me In with your plot? seeing that you're putting efforts on correcting your mistake.... why did you even make this frogs?"

Edited January 18, 2022 by Kujamih

EQ_Theta · January 19, 2022

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-01-18 at 6:30 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Regardless, it is a touchy subject to push him on the old home perhaps, but I'm sure we can find a tasteful way, of asking him what might work good. For instance, we could ask what tools of the trade he have found, since starting here in Equestria, that differs from his old methods, and how it might have influenced him. There might be something to read into an answer for that. Though it is merely off the top of my head. We can brainstorm another one if it is, certainly."

Sen nodded in agreement, seeing as there was still some benefit in properly wording a question. Whether or not Uddo would go on a tangent about home was another matter. If they could steer clear of the topic, or at the very least never initiate a conversation by broaching the topic, they were in the clear. Some folks back home may not like the idea of welcoming outsiders, or entertaining the idea, they weren’t all hostile if they were carefully introduced to it.

For now, the siblings helped with lifting the pieces of the wooden panels up against the wall, first on ground level, then up where the nails were hammered. The central piece wasn’t too bad, but the heaver outer piece needed to fit just right, lining up where the petals of the carved flower would meet the bud. As for the side panels, they’d go where they needed to go without too much difficulty. It was more straightforward than making sure four separate petals would be aligned just right. When everything was up, Sen and Lin stepped back to admire the sight. A simple thing, but seeing their friend happy about this addition was enough.

On 2022-01-18 at 6:30 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"It is still a beauty to behold. It already feels more homely in this room now, from this little taste of personally, imprinted upon it now.

And I didn't even hammer my own hoof. I'd say we did a fairly good job, in all honesty."

“I couldn’t imagine this going in to another’s home, not even our simple hut. Decorations don’t get this big at home unless its used for decorating a hut used for village gatherings. That was the one place with room enough for a piece like this. I’m glad to know it’s here, a place where it is appreciated.”

“Not gonna lie, Rosa, I could stare at this wall a little longer with something beautiful on it. I wonder…. Omen? We got the wooden panels up! I think you’ll want to have a look at this!”

There were still a few more decorations lying about, but those could wait. Compared to those, the wall and its new decoration is the main attraction, and the siblings were content to admire it a little longer. Maybe Omen might like it.

Sekel · January 21, 2022

@Widdershins & @Blitz Boom

DAWN STREAK & DAZZLE GLEAM

"I'm not that great at flying," Dawn grumbled. She didn't like that Kaltrops was acting all hoity-toity in front of the other dragons. WHile the hybrid mare did intrigue her, it wasn't enough to make her disdain fade away from Kaltrops' actions. "You, Kaltrops, are the one that banged me in the air."

"Oh, look at the egotistic one," Dazzle giggled as she took in what Kaltrops was talking about it. All she got from him was a fancy air that made him think he was better than everyone else and she had no trouble in going telling him so. She glanced at Long Stare to make sure she was still with them and then went back to taunting the big bad fire dragon. "Did mama drop ya out of the cave you lived in when you were a baby or are you just a mama's drake?"

@Blitz Boom

AURORA LIGHTS

"What are those for?" Aurora asked the draconequus curiously, pointing up at the lights in the rocks and dodged a beam that came across her back. "Are they going to do something weird to us or is it just for show?"

@Blitz Boom

KARMIC FATE & ATZY

"A ba-bump ba-bump? Like a beating heart? Is that even possible?" Atzy asked in complete shock after swallowing the gem. Maybe it had somethign to do with magic being trapped inside it or something of that nature. "That sounds like a very interesting piece of rock you found, my new friend. Maybe we could see what it's like up close if we ever get to your workshop," she added with a giggle.

"I don't think I've heard of a pulsating gem like that," Karmic said out of curiosity. "Where did you find it, little one?"

@Blitz Boom

TWILIGHT SPARKLE

"Oh wow, this Macabre mare is something else. She has a mansion in the middle of three different towns that gather leaders to discuss problems. We've got nothing like that here in Ponyville so I guess we should pay Willow Heart a visit. That's if we can find it on a map," Twilight said in pure interest after reading over the information. She had calmed down after managing to find the book and had pored over the contents about Macabre, hoping for something to stick out at her. But then she looked at Cherish on the far corner of the room and felt bad for her. "I'm sorry this has happened to you, Cherish. But here. You can read on Madamme Macabre. Maybe there's something I missed," she told the ghost and levitated the book over to her, before letting it hover in front of her eyes.

Blitz Boom · January 21, 2022

@Sekel

Long Stare was indeed still there, but she were used to just stay quiet, and out of sight, when others started to speak. More than once, this had resulted in her giving others a scare, once they were done talking, and turned to find she were still there. She had a certain unnerving quality, to be utterly silent, and out of sight. Had she a wish to ever learn so, she would've made for a pretty good spy. Wasn't all who were this good at just hiding out in broad daylight, listening in to what others said, without being noticed, lest looked directly upon.

She would start to do something though, once the taunting began. In fact, she'd go over and poke Dazzle with her muzzle.

"Please stop taunting him. It'll only end up with a fight, and I don't want you to get in trouble."

Not saying Dazzle were going to lose, per se. It were more that if she started a fight, things, and creatures, might be hurt. And the law would be called on her. It wasn't gonna help her case, either way.

She considered saying something to Atzy about her choice of words too, but ergh... She really didn't want to. And it seemed like Pop were trying not to interfere either, as she were smirking, and almost laughing, as she heard the mare dig herself in deeper. Quite a situation this were.

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

@Sekel

"Nah, it's just spotlights to make it look kinda good."

Anomaly would jump up on one of the rocks, and spin around. In the process, switching colors, and growing three legs that she'd then stand and balance on.

"See? Nothing to be worried about. Not gonna mutate you folks, unless you want me to? Ever wonder what it'd be like if you could breath fire, and grow spikes?"

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

@Sekel

"I was testing a new fun kaboomie. Made a huuuuuge hole in the mountain, and then when I was cleaning up, I found all sorts of pretty gems. This one was in the middle of it all. Dunno what to do with it, so I just kept it in a box. It's not so noisy when you get used to it."

"Sounds suspicious. Maybe some sort of creature is trapped inside it?"

"No idea. I tried getting a piece off, but it's reeeeeeeeally hard."

It wouldn't be long until they actually got to the workshop. A cobbled together, very rural looking thing, of stone and melted metal, next to a well weathered, wooden hut. The door on the hut were closed, whereas on the workshop, it were creaking slightly. Might just be due to said door not fitting the place entirely. She had just picked it from the trash after all, although it seemed to still be closed. Could just be the hinges had gotten loose.

The ground in front of the hut, were completely barren of plant life, with scorch marks and craters of varying sizes, marking the dirt. Several of the surrounding trees, also seemed to have some scorch marks, and oddly colored patches on them.

"We're here! It's pretty, right? I made it myself. After I woke up in the crater, all woozy and stuff, I used all the scattered parts around me, and lots of stone, to make this. Hehe, the ponies in Ponyville were so surprised when they came by. Shame they didn't knew who I were. That would've been kinda nice to know, but oh well. Big bro found me now, and he's trying to teach me all sorts of things."

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

@Sekel

Cherish could take over the book with her own magic, when it came over, but she appreciated the gesture.

"It's not s-so bad, I guess. We're linked, so I can travel around near you. I just gotta make sure not to touch you. B-But I'm sure it can be fixed, and it could be worse, right? Least you're not hurt."

She'd open the book and read about the Macabre clan some more. A good distraction, though she'd soon get more than she bargained for.

"That's uhm... W-Wauv. That's an old clan, who does a lot with death. I wonder if... M-Maybe I should ask them about the one, who helped my friend to move on. Maybe they know her.

A-Anyway! I mean uhm... Right. It says where they live, and they have a lot of female mediums in their family. Some references to persecution too, and uh... Independent of the Throne of Equestria, though known to assist if approached. Seems like it's a little scarce on details, but we'd have a chance to find them."

Wasn't hard to find the towns either. Sort of. Three of the four towns, were readily available on most modern maps, as The Moonlit Thicket, held a lot of events, like carnivals and such, to keep up a strong revenue. Only the breezie village were omitted from view, and just assumed to be somewhere in the uncharted forest areas. A conscious decision, as they wanted their peace from others, in their sanctuary. Too many that had historically wanted to capture them as pets, as as some sort of exotic ingredient, to make them willing to just point straight to where they were.

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

@Kujamih

"I found princess wounded at a pond, begrudging she were too weak to defend herself. So I asked her if she wanted to get a boost, and when she said yes, I accelerated her evolution by around... Oh, I dunno, hundred and fifty million years or so? It's just one option. That's the fun thing about evolution, you know. There's never any certainty. I just nudge things towards what I think seems cool, or good, and let nature take its course.

Aaand then I found out Princess let power get to her head, and wanted to take over Equestria. Guess I pushed her a lil' too far up the ladder. Nerfed her down again, like with her kids, but they keep popping up. Tenacious little things, right? Times like this, I sure wish I could just *poof* and make them all vanish, but I'm a creator. I can't destroy, just change.

That's why I made Shark here. And it worked really good, since from the looks of things, she might've hunted the last ones now."

"Please no send me back, special one. Air world is full of... W-oooonder. Wonder. Is full of wonder."

Shark were hesitant in saying this, and looked as if she were ready to bail, but Anomaly just laughed loud, with her big, pumpkin grin opening wide. Inside her mouth, they'd be able to see a small cricket of some sort, seemingly juggle a pair of lettuce, on a small stage.

"Send you back? Why would I? Just look at you. You're strong, stable, and weirds ponies out. You're perfect. Why would I ruin a perfectly good evolution like that?"

"*gasp* You hear friend? Is safe! Is safe!"

Shark would fly around Light with haste a few times, before landing on the ground, and bouncing with glee.

"Awh, ain't it precious to see the kids being happy?

Anyway, you say you're here to fix plots? You mean like, stories, pieces of land, oooor, are you hunting for a little marefriend? I can't help with that. Well, not personally, anyway. I'm a married draconequus. So yeah, Anomaly 1, Discord, 0."

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

@Starlight

"She's can't hear you, in the geist tower. Looking through the library as always, I'd imagine."

Soul wouldn't ask more into this. He knew this one were supposed to be kin, and frankly, it didn't matter to him. Let her and Alluria talk it out, if Moonlight could get through to her, that were.

Moving on, it wouldn't be too far before they found the main entrance. A gate, guarded by two stoic, silent guards. Guess it were fair they didn't talk, seeing as they were skeletons though. Dressed in armor, and engulfed in ghastly, spectral energy, the light in their eyes would follow the two as they approached. They would move over, and open the large, metal gate for them, as they knew who Soul were, and as such, knew he belonged here. Most got through regardless though. They were just there, to deal with troublemakers. Most of the undead guards here were.

The area behind the gate, were rather vast. At least two dozen houses, in what looked like a rural, farming community, just without the amount of crops one would associate with it. Ponies of many kinds - though mostly unicorns, and mares in particular - wandering around, each with their own indicator, that they were connected with death. Their cutie marks, attire, chains, etc. would show as much.

Various areas seemed to show the ponies chatting with one another, partaking in some variations of weaving cloth, making trinkets, or casting spells, all whilst talking with one another, like it were a regular day. It looked a little ghoulish at times, due to the appearance of more skeletal guards - mostly ponies, but with some exceptions - but it were overall, a nice little community.

As they were passing into this place though, one of the guards would lower his spear in front of Soul, who turned to look at it.

~~"Your mother have asked for you."~~

The voice sounded as if it drifted on a frozen breeze, through the trees, but Soul would nod. The message were received, and the spear would be lifted again.

"This is the Macabre Estate. Home and birthplace, of the greatest collections of mediums in Equestria, if not the whole world. If there's anything about death worth knowing, you'll find it here."

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

@EQ_Theta

Omen would listen, and after a few seconds, would make a gate nearby, that she'd walk through. She were currently covered from head to hoof in cobwebs, with several spiders frantically running off of her, to avoid the hissing, and snapping, Shrimp. The refraction were none too happy about these unwanted guests, even if Omen didn't mind. Best Shrimp didn't eat any though, since his stomach wouldn't be able to handle the meat. Didn't mean he wouldn't try, if they didn't get off his territory.

Omen meanwhile, would wander over to the wall ornament, and slowly, cautiously poke at it with the tip of her tongue.

"What do you think?"

"It is made of wood."

"In regards to how it looks."

"It looks like wood."

Okay, he only had himself to blame for that one, and he knew it as soon as the words had escaped his mouth.

"Do you think it looks pretty?"

Omen would stare at the wall ornament, turning her head from side to side, thinking over this. A minute or so would pass in fact, before an answer escaped her.

"...Yes."

It reminded her of the olden times, with Discord, with it were like a tree split in parts, with strange forms upon it, standing in the air. It were not exactly like that, but it reminded her of those things. And to her, chaos were pretty, even if she didn't see a reason to try and spread it herself. That were her masters job, and he had decided to not let it take over.

"That's that settled then. Broad approval by everyone.

I am curious though, about what you said about this being usually meant for a gathering hut. It's appropriate, as I'd like for others to gather here, yet I'm curious about what kind of things you would normally gather for. I had an assumption that most important things, were decided in privacy, by your elders. So are they mostly for festive gatherings, perhaps? Or do you all have a voice in at least things?"

Evil Pink One · January 22, 2022

@Blitz Boom

" you say you let nature take it's course, and yet you pushed someone's evolution to Celestia knows how many years you actually did. that's pretty careless if you ask me. and now you wanted to fix things? why I wonder? because you felt guilty... or because someone told you too? a dangerous draconicous is the one who doesn't learn they say.

"something discord has and you lacking?

"1 point for discord and none from you I guess?

" then you made shark. I will admit that she is one of your successful choices... you where able to guide her and watch over her. luckily you chose a kind and beautiful subject and didn't become one of your previous mistakes. I guess you do learn.

"and here you say you could only create and not destroy? yet you can nerf someone down? you sure you can't destroy? was not shark your creation? her purpose is to destroy your mistake? in some way I feel sorry for shark for your selfish acts... and 1 point for discord I guess? although he is still selfish... but now more aware more than you..."

"don't worry you seem to be no threat to this world...yet. and you are very redeemable. you are more approachable than the before discord."

Light notices the worry and fear of shark towards Anomaly.

" so that's it for Shark's quest I pressume? here to great her congratulations on her success? or did you do something again that requires Shark's assistance?"

" in any case I already introduced my self as a plot fixer... and it seems yours needs fixing? I wouldn't mind helping you out if that's the case... as long as you keep the order of this realm, and not tangle up the plot lines."

Edited January 22, 2022 by Kujamih

Catpone Cerberus · January 23, 2022

@Blitz Boom
Marley's thoughts on dragons were of course mainly accurate, but in Ruby's case there was slight difference, it wasn't that she thought herself as unbeatable, she just had already had a meeting with death, and it didn't scare her, and while the trauma left on her was unarguably a negative, it was also quite freeing, when one goes through what to them is the worst thing they can imagine, small problems like death and pain become inconveniences at worst.

She observed what was happening, and was actually slightly disappointed, she had hoped to see a fight or something, but well. not everything was good entertainment. "He did make it sound like that, but turns out he just used to be a part of a cult, how underwhelming." why cult? well, it was pretty clear these two were not biological siblings, so the only conclusion Ruby came to from the way Ashta spoke, was, a religious cult...granted she would have come to same conclusion even if the two were identical twins, since only individuals she knew to speak in such manner were either religious nutcases or some powerful beings, both of which tended to either be a part or create a cult. "Don't really get what's the big worry about it coming out though, age brings wisdom and so on." she too had things in her past she wasn't proud of, like actually believing her mother cared about her, but she didn't see the reason to hide them, such things only showed how much smarter she had become.

Charir calmed down as the events unfolded, he didn't know what was going on, but he didn't feel threatened at all anymore, this clearly didn't involve him.

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

"Hello." Scarecrow simply responded in the friendliest tone he could muster while giving a small greeting nod, he also signaled to Crow to please avoid eating the bees, though this time it was lot less direct and more a wish, he still wasn't sure how much bird was in Crow's mind, so he felt it necessary to at least tell it what he hoped it to not do, but he also didn't want to constantly command it around, since it was not a pet or servant, and rather a companion. "Are you the beekeeper? Don't worry, we're just looking around."

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

Sear gave a knowing nod "Yeah, I've seen them, annoying little critters." and that was all she had to say about that, she acknowledged the statement about the new desert and Onache's response in general, but that was the only thing she had a verbal response for.

"Well, like I mentioned, I grew up with them." Chega started "I was almost like older sister to them, not that they are that much younger." "They're happy, and doing well, though, they haven't avoided tragedy, their parents died early..." as Chega spoke, Trox quietly said to Sheska "I guess we're destined to not have more siblings." "...their mother was taken by illness, inspiring Sheska to study medicine and healing, and their father was lost in a cave collapse, a collapse where Trox was also injured, his arm and leg..." Chega paused for fraction of a second as a realization happened in her head, she changed glances with Sheska and Trox, who also looked at each other, quite the eery coincidence "...while still functional, suffered permanent damage stopping him from taking part in the more physically draining work, and instead he focuses on tinkering and coming up with tools and other things to help the community in various ways." "Last I saw them, they were quickly becoming experts in their crafts, and their contributions will be a big help for the community, and will certainly be remembered for generations to come." while a sad matter, Chega was very casual about the mention of the parents, and that was because the Sheska and Trox she knew had taken their death relatively well, there had of course been grief, but they had used their own tragedy to inspire themselves to help the community, and if they didn't dwell on it, why would she?

Blitz Boom · January 23, 2022

@Catpone Cerberus

"The loner fears his life. A family sought, a family left."

"*sigh* She means I left them to find my own life. One where I had others in it, then merely them.

I could tell you up and down of what the truth is, but I doubt you have much interest in hearing a long-winded tale. Though I resent the notion of being in a cult. My life had more dignity than that."

A parchment would float out from Ashta's robes, and towards the others. Leviathan would snatch it out of the air, and unfold it, to see what were within. Likely nothing massive, and potentially an illusion, but she'd see. She'd see.

What she saw were an old picture of a griffon. Beefy, with dark grey feathers, and spattered with something that might be blood. It were hard to tell, as this were made in seemingly charcoal sticks, which did not give many actual color nuances, beyond the dark and grey ones. Pretty detailed though. The muscle tones and everything had a pretty artistic tone to it, as did the leather wraps around the ankles, and chain around the neck. Seemed like whomever this were, were rather feral too, standing somewhat hunched over, and looking like any minute, he'd charge at someone, and beat the feathers off their face. And speaking of the feathers, they sold it well too, with them being all ruffled up. Even on the face, where the griffon would seemingly be wearing a kind of mask made of bone, that went over his face, and ended in smooth *drips* down the sides of his beak. Each side of the elongated bone mask, having something embedded in it. A medallion, or charm of some kind, with the symbol of a mountain.

The look in the eyes too. Oh man, that right there looked like someone who did not have a kind thought in life about anyone. Thunderous rage and primal wrath, almost seemed to burn from the carefully sketched eyes.

Honestly, this were some good work. Whoever had drawn this, had talent. Even the name written below had some good detail, looking like the letters were made out of cracked bones, giving the title *The Primal Third* a pretty music band cover look. A great picture, and had this been a half hour ago, Leviathan wouldn't have guessed who this were. But now that she had seen that glare before, it made it pretty hard not to guess.

"No. Way."

Marley rolled his eyes.

"Oh, spare me the judgement. I think I look quite dashing in that picture.

Look, I will not ask you to do me a favor, so let me put it like this: Go to Spicy, tell her that I will be taking an undisclosed amount of personal time, and that she can open up the folder I told her not to touch, if she valued her life. You do that, and you can have my last paycheck. It's been a lucrative month, so it will not be pocket change.

Do we have a deal?"

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"Yes, I suppose I am. Sorry, I'm not used to visitors here, until it's time to actually sell the honey. It's not so hard to do really. Long as I respect the bees, and keep the garden well, they'll do their thing, as I do mine. Just have to remember to not take too much of the honey. They need some themselves, you know? I think... Yes, I'm positive that's wh6y some have to wear suits, to not get stung. Bees doesn't respect thieves. Providers though, is another matter."

"Bees are fickle creatures, but they sound pleased There is a healthy humming, and your flowers are vibrant and healthy."

"Oh? Well uhm... Thank you. I make sure to take good care of them, when I'm not at the orphanage.

I guess my manners are uhm... Well, anyway. My name's Honey Dew. Nice to meet you."

"Earth Mother's blessing upon you, Honey Dew. I am Lyriel, and this is Scarecrow, and his companion, Crow."

"It's ah uhm.... Pleasure, yes. Are you perhaps... What did he call them... Evergrown?"

"He is. I am a dryad. It seems you know of his kind though."

"Little. Very very little, I'm afraid. Met one two days ago though. Curious. Very curious one. Sharp teeth, made of all kinds of plants. He used the same greeting you did. It uhm... Yes. It reminded me of him. Are you with him? I think he said he lives in the forest. A cave... Somewhere. He didn't specify. I think? I can't remember exactly. Sorry."

"I haven't met him. But that sounds intriguing. Had he a name?"

"Briar... Something... Jaw? Something with Jaw, yes. It didn't last long. The uh, bees didn't like him. They seem okay with you. Just... The bird is trained, yes? It'd cause a ruckus if it started to eat them."

Crow had absolutely zero interest in the bees. Lest they came over and tried to sting it, it could hardly care less. They were simple, pitiful little creations. They weren't interested in it, as it weren't in them, as it stood right now. Which included as food. Crow didn't eat small stuff like this. It needed more substantial prey.

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

@Catpone Cerberus

"So there are some pleasant news, amongst all the doom and gloom. And yes, I am aware how that might sound, but the alternatives thus far, have been simply dread, and hushed tales. Dead parents are regrettable, as is the accident you mention, but they sound as if they have found purpose, that benefits many. It is among the better things I have heard, ever since meeting kobolds, this very morning.

Though I wonder if that want for tinkering, can be attributed to his physical injuries? A want to try and replace, or enhance what were damaged, perhaps? In either case, this might be something you should consider, Trox. Not being a tinker per se, but seek yourself out. Perhaps your experiences can assist his craft in some way. Unless something might happen, if you met? I have not dealt with interdimensional things such as this, and as such, are uncertain if there could be consequences."

It were eerie, how similar things were between the two Trox's, wasn't it? The way they had gotten hurt weren't the same - at least she assumed not - but the outcome were still that they had injuries in the same spots. One just had replacement parts added, whilst the other had to deal with damaged versions for the foreseeable future. Perhaps something the Trox she knew could help with, though as she said, she didn't know what repercussions might come from it. And furthermore, it would likely be troublesome to get to speak with them, considering their importance. She'd assume they were considered highly valuable, and as such, were offered extensive degrees of protection.

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

@Kujamih

"Awh, ain't that sweet? The lil' pony's trying to apply logic to my actions. I outta pinch those squishy widdle cheeks."

Unless he stopped her, she'd do just that in fact. Reaching forward with her front appendages, which grew into a gorilla arm and hand, as well as a reptilian limb. Both hands would attempt to go on each side of him, and squeeze his cheeks briefly, before letting go again. Though regardless of Light's response, she'd let out giggle, and continue all the same.

"My story's fine and dandy. Ever thought of your own story perhaps? I mean, I've flipped through the script, and there's barely anything of you. Just some weird crystal mumbo jumbo."

She'd pull some papers from... Somewhere, and flipped through, showing Light his own words, as well as those from others. She barely read it, but there didn't seem to be a lot of him. Just *bla. bla. plot fixing, lol* and stuff. Very silly.

"Everything gone on here, since I arrived? Nothing but fun stuff. Nature's all about evolving. I just help give it a teensie push every now and again, and if it then goes haywire, I go to sort it out. Crank it pack a few thousand years or something. Sometimes that goes bad, like with Princess. Or the squid monkeys at my island. Those things are right nasty to deal with. Other times it's great, like with my kids, or Shark here. Just look at her. Curious and innocent, slowly getting into society, and seeking acceptance, instead of taking over. Plus she's just adorable, huh? No way I'd dump her back int he ocean. I wanna see how she goes on. Just imagine the foals, right?"

"Shark have pups."

"Maybe. I honestly don't know, but that's the beauty of evolution. You never know exactly how it goes. It's wild, adaptable, and chaotic. It's perfect! Just gotta hit that sweet balance, to not end up with some Elements of Cheating, rainbowing me in the face. And don't go get funny ideas that maybe it'd kill me, silly sill. Draconequui can't die. Not permanently anyway. We're as timeless and inescapable to the world, as nature. Or those little balls you get in your clothes, every time you wash them."

On 2022-01-22 at 1:45 AM, Kujamih said:

" so that's it for Shark's quest I pressume? here to great her congratulations on her success? or did you do something again that requires Shark's assistance?"

A sign would suddenly dangle down from above them, with this quote written on it. In comic sans, and with flowers growing out of the punctuations, which seemed to slowly be trying to eat the letters.

"Hmm... Ah. Well, like I said, her quest seems done. So job well done, now she gets to live life top side. I'm sure she'll find something new to focus on here in life, as she starts integrating and stuff. Don't really have something in mind for her, or you...

Wanna come see my summer home? I set it up in the old castle. Gonna go renovating the whole place. Starting with the princesses old rooms, once I get around to it. I'm thinking mushroom rave room. Eh? Eh? Just blinking mushrooms, and confusing spores messing folks up for a bit. It'd be great. Ooooh. Outta make them bouncy too! I have to remember that one.

Anyway, wanna come? It'll be fuuuun. You'll get to meet the kids. They'd love having more friends. Especially Rose. The girl's still all ecstatic about finally getting off the island."

Evil Pink One · January 23, 2022

@Blitz Boom

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Awh, ain't that sweet? The lil' pony's trying to apply logic to my actions. I outta pinch those squishy widdle cheeks."

Unless he stopped her, she'd do just that in fact. Reaching forward with her front appendages, which grew into a gorilla arm and hand, as well as a reptilian limb. Both hands would attempt to go on each side of him, and squeeze his cheeks briefly, before letting go again. Though regardless of Light's response, she'd let out giggle, and continue all the same.

Light would let her do as she please but his reaction is somber while it happens.

".....even in Chaos there's order."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

My story's fine and dandy. Ever thought of your own story perhaps? I mean, I've flipped through the script, and there's barely anything of you. Just some weird crystal mumbo jumbo."

Light was not surprised that Anomaly could not find more info about him. for he is messed up as any draconicous story would be.

"it's not done yet... probably won't be... probably because I destroyed it all..."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Everything gone on here, since I arrived? Nothing but fun stuff. Nature's all about evolving. I just help give it a teensie push every now and again, and if it then goes haywire, I go to sort it out. Crank it pack a few thousand years or something. Sometimes that goes bad, like with Princess. Or the squid monkeys at my island. Those things are right nasty to deal with. Other times it's great, like with my kids, or Shark here. Just look at her. Curious and innocent, slowly getting into society, and seeking acceptance, instead of taking over. Plus she's just adorable, huh? No way I'd dump her back int he ocean. I wanna see how she goes on. Just imagine the foals, right?"

" I see that you're not that bad of a draconiqui, seeing you have a mothery side and prefer to have childrens..." but suddenly.

Light squinted and glared at Anomaly.

" ....wait... what squid? you said something about a squid..." Light questioned.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Shark have pups."

Light blushed as shark blurted out those words.

" ... we should work with your communication skills.... although... that is, one of you charms..." Light replied.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Maybe. I honestly don't know, but that's the beauty of evolution. You never know exactly how it goes. It's wild, adaptable, and chaotic. It's perfect! Just gotta hit that sweet balance, to not end up with some Elements of Cheating, rainbowing me in the face. And don't go get funny ideas that maybe it'd kill me, silly sill. Draconequui can't die. Not permanently anyway. We're as timeless and inescapable to the world, as nature. Or those little balls you get in your clothes, every time you wash them."

"yes we do.... no one can escape death. we actually have the worst faith. we are like gods. once we do not do our roles and forgotten. we die..." Light said with a serious tone on his voice.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, wanna come? It'll be fuuuun. You'll get to meet the kids. They'd love having more friends. Especially Rose. The girl's still all ecstatic about finally getting off the island."

" I do wanna learn more about you Anomaly, and this dimension we are in. and it would be rude to decline an invitation from a draconicous... I am also quite curious of your children and this... squid you talked about?"

EQ_Theta · January 24, 2022

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-01-22 at 4:52 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I am curious though, about what you said about this being usually meant for a gathering hut. It's appropriate, as I'd like for others to gather here, yet I'm curious about what kind of things you would normally gather for. I had an assumption that most important things, were decided in privacy, by your elders. So are they mostly for festive gatherings, perhaps? Or do you all have a voice in at least things?"

“It’s true the elders and their council decide on important matters in private, but there are some things that are too big to be kept hidden. If a decision would greatly affect the village as a whole, a representative from each family will also gather and discuss with them. My father went on behalf of my family, but what really went on there… I can’t say. He only talked about it with mother.”

“The only other time when everyone would gather at that hut was for resolving crimes and passing judgment on those who wronged another. Even then, not everyone would come, only those who are directly involved. That didn’t stop others from coming to watch, and no one is barred from entering the hut. It’s not really as grand or formal as what we got in your trial.”

Simple things like the wood carving now in Rosa’s home were better placed where they could be admired. Some folks back home did that, but not everyone had a reason to go to the communal hut, even if it was to admire the furnishings. Elder Ghilan and his council would use that place more often than others, and he could say it became a second home of sorts. Otherwise, the place was unused for a days at a time, only being dusted off when necessary.

In reality, the place didn't really stand out too much from the other homes in the village; it was just bigger. There was nothing extravagant about it from the outside, and anything that could be passed as a novelty was hung on the walls. Even then, there weren't many. These pieces were made in batches and traded with those who wanted them. The more detailed carvings were made specifically as one-of-a-kind pieces for elders, like those who are newly appointed to their position.

“So, with this wood carving up, that takes care of the big piece. We still have those little wooden figures, but I suppose you’d like to pick where they’d go? After all, they’re yours now.”

Rising Dusk · January 25, 2022

@Blitz Boom

"Moths darling, don't have the best reputation in the fashion world," Dawn drolled in response to Lily's inquiry mid arrival. Her own closet was very safe though. Moth proof, dust proof, water proof, fire proof, air proof, time proof, but she wasn't going to have her closet with her in Harrowmark. The locally shopped bug spray probably didn't work on moths that big or enchanted, nor would it likely be appreciated by the creatures of Harrowmark. Hurting relations early didn't sound like the smartest of moves on her part. Alas, she might have to sacrifice a dress for this celebration. Luckily Big and Flashy is not appropriate attire in Harrowmark.

Her bed being up so high on platform was for the purpose of flair alone. Even when she slept, she was above other ponies. A mix of her ego and theatrical nature likely the underlining cause. Or when growing up, the twins had bunk beds in a single room until they reached a certain age. As the older sibling, Dawn had top bunk. Probably a combination of all the above. Rising had a normal bed like one would expect in Equestria, but he often almost just as much slept on his couch than bothering to get up and cross into his bedroom.

Dawn look around the ancient longhouse she converted into her bedroom. "This is indeed my bedroom. I was getting tired of polished marble, so I.. redecorated," she rolled her hoof about dismissively as if the act of doing so was as easy as walking through a door. A stark contrast to the club like room Lily first met Dawn in. "Something a little more organic and cozy. It oddly at times gives me the urge to pillage," Dawn shrugged and dismissed the thought just as quickly.

Rolling off the couch to put her hoofs back on old wooden floor. The rainbows rippled forth as she walked over to a more empty area a short distance away. Dawn sat down, appearing to be staring at a wall. Out of the floor before her rose a dark oak vanity. A large oval mirror went into ornate, carved mantels of wild life and ancient heroes settled into frame. The table portion of the vanity matched the carved aesthetic with half a dozen draws on either side. A blue plush stool came up under her to sit her up in front of the mirror. Makeup and brushes popped out of draws on their own to come clattering onto the vanity top. A brush separated itself from the rest and began brushing Dawn's mane. "Do relax Lily, it might be your last chance for a while once things kick off," the mare spoke to the witch, looking at her through the reflection in the mirror. "Nothing in here bites, unless you bite it first" Dawn chuckled jokingly. Pausing a moment, looking into the distance in thought, at least she thought so. It was hard to keep track of all her enchantments at times. Oh well.

Edited January 25, 2022 by Rising Dusk

Blitz Boom · January 25, 2022

@Starlight

"Yes. Mother can wait."

Soul would lead the way, and much like in any other town, he would draw the eye of many a being. Though here, it were different. Most seemed pleased to see him, and would raise up a hoof in greeting, or nod at him, as he passed them by. Even a few of the younger foals running about, would stop up, and look at him with big, curious eyes.

Before getting to the entrance of the big building, one would also approach. A tired looking mare, with a vaguely pulsating lantern around her neck, and a staff on her back. Not the sort you'd use to cast spells with, but more the kind the unicorn would likely use to beat somepony up with, if they stepped out of line.

"Back already? And with company, no less."

"She's here for guidance."

"A shame. I know your mother would have liked there to be other reasons."

The mare did not falter under his annoyed gaze, as the implications of her words.

"Heh... Heh... But I'll let you get on with things. But I wanted to warn you about something before you go in there."

The mare's laugh were drawn out, and a little creepy. A flair of the locals, but Magnolia likely wouldn't be affected by it at all.

"What, is grandmother home this time?"

"Yes. As is Mourners Puppet."

"What?!"

This seemed to cause him some degree of concern for once, as he looked to the mare, to see if this were some kind of bad joke.

"They haven't been asked to leave. Things have been quiet, but you know her. Be on your guard.

That's all. Ancestors watch over you."

She'd bow her neck to them both, and be on her way. She wanted a nap.

"Troubling... Shouldn't affect you though, lest Puppet caused Alluria to hide."

With that, he'd move on, and soon enough, they'd be able to face the big, wooden door, leading to the entrance of their primary building. An immense, imposing thing, flanked by a half dozen skeletal guards, and with the skull of a pony, embedded on the door. Said skull had glowing, wispy lights in the eye sockets, following them as they neared, though the guards for the time being, stood motionless. As for the door, it had seemingly no handles, nor lock. They'd need to be granted access, to go in there.

It seemed the presence of Soul were enough, as he stepped forth, and the door began to open up by itself, into what seemed like a waiting room. Had chairs and everything, and seemed to be where one went, whilst awaiting further passage.

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

@Kujamih

On 2022-01-23 at 11:51 PM, Kujamih said:

"it's not done yet... probably won't be... probably because I destroyed it all..."

"If that was true, you'd be gone too. Just means your story is in front of you, instead of behind. Or some weird stuff like that. I'd offer to check the future, but I don't have that sorta vision. It'd probably be unfair, or something."

On 2022-01-23 at 11:51 PM, Kujamih said:

" I see that you're not that bad of a draconiqui, seeing you have a mothery side and prefer to have childrens..." but suddenly.

Light squinted and glared at Anomaly.

" ....wait... what squid? you said something about a squid..." Light questioned.

"Not just one. Several squid monkeys. Made 'em to keep my island nice and safe, and now they're kinda terrorizing the beach areas. Don't worry, the giant shrimps keeps them in check, so they're stuck there. Would've dealt with 'em earlier, but they've kinda evolved a resistance to magic. Heh, whoopsie there, yeah? Don't worry that lil' pony head of yours with it though. They're way, way off from here. No need to worry about your face getting eaten. Unless Rose is peckish, and you annoy her, I guess. Im sure that's fixable.

And I'm certified good. Remade, reformed, rediscovered. All sorts of things."

On 2022-01-23 at 11:51 PM, Kujamih said:

Light blushed as shark blurted out those words.

" ... we should work with your communication skills.... although... that is, one of you charms..." Light replied.

Anomaly would snap her tail, and behind Shark, would flower up a sign going *Simping for Shark*. Shark didn't notice a thing, but it wasn't for her either. It was solely for Light to look at.

"I wouldn't worry. She's new to speaking. She'll get there."

On 2022-01-23 at 11:51 PM, Kujamih said:

"yes we do.... no one can escape death. we actually have the worst faith. we are like gods. once we do not do our roles and forgotten. we die..." Light said with a serious tone on his voice.

"Pff, as if. I were *killed* and sealed off by the others way, way, Way back, and I'm still alive. Maybe if like, what the draconequus is made for goes completely out of being part of reality, it matters, but what's the odds of that? I'm evolution. All life would have to just spontaneously die. Including bacteria. I don't see that happening."

On 2022-01-23 at 11:51 PM, Kujamih said:

" I do wanna learn more about you Anomaly, and this dimension we are in. and it would be rude to decline an invitation from a draconicous... I am also quite curious of your children and this... squid you talked about?"

With a big grin on her pumpkin face, she'd snap her tail, and they'd all be swallowed up by a huge flower, bursting out from beneath them. It'd open up almost immediately again, revealing them to be in an odd, expansive forest. One where small creatures of light, floated in the air, and the sun seemed to be a large ball of light, said things floated up towards at times. The trees were also varied, rather odd, and at times, carried odd fruits on them. Everything though, were also most importantly, primming with life. Not even the grass they stepped on, would seem any less healthy. It'd just rise up again, as their hooves stopped touching them it.

"Welcome to my home away from home, in the old castle. Like what I did to the place? The secret is pocket dimensions."

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

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-01-24 at 4:38 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“It’s true the elders and their council decide on important matters in private, but there are some things that are too big to be kept hidden. If a decision would greatly affect the village as a whole, a representative from each family will also gather and discuss with them. My father went on behalf of my family, but what really went on there… I can’t say. He only talked about it with mother.”

“The only other time when everyone would gather at that hut was for resolving crimes and passing judgment on those who wronged another. Even then, not everyone would come, only those who are directly involved. That didn’t stop others from coming to watch, and no one is barred from entering the hut. It’s not really as grand or formal as what we got in your trial.”

"Actually, what you witnessed with my trial, were not the normal way things would go. It was a more private event, for only those who needed to know there, within the three branches of the guards. Spies and treason are seen as something that is best dealt with without a lot of press, or curious eyes. Never know what might be revealed of Equestrias dirty little secrets after all otherwise.

Regular court is not too different from yours. There are the onlookers, the one - or ones - actually on trial, and the judge. There will be lawyers arguing for both punishment and release, to a judge, that then take the final decision. There were also a jury board, of twelve members, who had to decide it first, back in the day, but that part of the system were removed. Too time consuming, and were only really there to deal with corrupt judges. Something which have mostly been handled now, via very strict guidelines for those holding the seat.

Tangent aside, it is similar to your system, albeit with more paperwork, a larger hall, and reporters. You would have less use of the news, but at times, reporters tends to come in on more infamous cases, to get a good story out. Ghoulish, but so is the profession as a whole sometimes."

Much as he sometimes looked down upon the press, he knew they had purpose. The general public needed to be aware of some things, and they did a good job of spreading that news. At times, they even went to the point of exposing corruption, which were delightful. Though other times, they'd cave in, and suppress that, to avoid causing too much of a stir. He had no respect for those.

On 2022-01-24 at 4:38 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“So, with this wood carving up, that takes care of the big piece. We still have those little wooden figures, but I suppose you’d like to pick where they’d go? After all, they’re yours now.”

"Quite frankly, I think I'd enjoy if we just had different ones place them wherever they thought it fitting. It shows me a little of you, and I enjoy the more wild approach, rather than just have it stacked on some shelf, and collect dust in a bundle. It makes various rooms have a little spark of personality to it, you know? Pick a figurine, then wander around, and think of where you think it would look fitting, or so out of place that it is bound to draw the eye.

Shall I place the Halla, and then you think of the others? May as well have a walk throughout the house, and get a sense of the floor plan while at it, hmm? Or have you other ideas? I am open for suggestions."

The house were simple. Kitchen, entre, living room, bathroom, then second floor. On which there'd be two rooms, and a hallway. And then of course the basement, where seemingly, a fair amount of spiders had decided to reside.

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

@Rising Dusk

10 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Moths darling, don't have the best reputation in the fashion world,"

"I suppose so. Fashion over function, are still a thing I am not used to, but even then, we only rarely had issues with moths. The giant ones had seemingly been all but extinct, and the smaller ones, we have minor warding spells to handle. A difference in perspective though, as many others. From your side, they are pests. From ours, depending on the kind, treating them as such could get you exiled. But I'll leave the history lessons of the giant moths to Thistle. Perhaps her more personal knowledge of the creatures, can help make them less appalling to you. Though you're not forced to be around them, I'd think. Your brother will likely be directed towards them however. They'd want to bestow upon him, any honor they can get hold of."

Rising were gonna have a special day, once he got to Harrowmark, that was for sure. Her home were perhaps not for the faint of heart, but it had a beating, warm heart, beneath the dark magic and undeath. A people that cared for one another, and could now slowly begin to shed some layers of paranoia, and look forward to a day when the gods would once again be in harmony, and it'd be safer for them. It were a little rough now, but they'd show him their best.

"I hope he will understand, that we do not expect any of you to accept our culture. Merely respect it, as you'd want us to respect yours."

Aah, to be young, and full of ideals. A want to change the world for the better. A beautiful thing, yet with age came experience, and understanding that some things, should not be fundamentally changed. Had Rising reached that point? That would be tested, once he would get to see the civilized side of Harrowmark. He'd likely judge what he saw, as Dawn and the others would too, but that were okay. Having an opinion weren't bad. Acting upon it however, could be a very different matter.

10 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

Dawn look around the ancient longhouse she converted into her bedroom. "This is indeed my bedroom. I was getting tired of polished marble, so I.. redecorated," she rolled her hoof about dismissively as if the act of doing so was as easy as walking through a door. A stark contrast to the club like room Lily first met Dawn in. "Something a little more organic and cozy. It oddly at times gives me the urge to pillage," Dawn shrugged and dismissed the thought just as quickly.

"Long as you do not act upon it, I don't see any harm in that. Can't say I see that myself currently, but it have been a long time since I've even read about those who'd pillage. Used to be a big thing around Harrowmark, Hayden, and Norneigh, several centuries before Twisted. Repelling one such invader, were what brought Hammertail to out halls of heroes even. Though we weren't innocent either. All depends on the time period one looks at, I'd guess. And whoms storybooks were opened. I'm sure Hayden especially, have their tales, marking us in a different light. At least what history I have seen, have it we did not always get along too well.

I imagine Twisted allowed that literature, as it spread mistrust towards the outside."

10 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

Rolling off the couch to put her hoofs back on old wooden floor. The rainbows rippled forth as she walked over to a more empty area a short distance away. Dawn sat down, appearing to be staring at a wall. Out of the floor before her rose a dark oak vanity. A large oval mirror went into ornate, carved mantels of wild life and ancient heroes settled into frame. The table portion of the vanity matched the carved aesthetic with half a dozen draws on either side. A blue plush stool came up under her to sit her up in front of the mirror. Makeup and brushes popped out of draws on their own to come clattering onto the vanity top. A brush separated itself from the rest and began brushing Dawn's mane. "Do relax Lily, it might be your last chance for a while once things kick off," the mare spoke to the witch, looking at her through the reflection in the mirror. "Nothing in here bites, unless you bite it first" Dawn chuckled jokingly. Pausing a moment, looking into the distance in thought, at least she thought so. It was hard to keep track of all her enchantments at times. Oh well.

"I have no interest in biting. Merely observing."

Not the bauble though. Seeing how the reception had been before, she had shut off her scry entirely, before more moths would awaken, and creep out Dawn. A shame she couldn't see the beauty in them, but alas, not everything could work well. Maybe when she got closer, she'd give them a chance. Heh, unlikely, but it were a fun thought, if nothing else.

In any case, she'd smirk slightly, then go over to examine the vanity. Quite a thing really, and with so many details too. The more she looked at things closer, the more she seemed to find. Some minor detail, that'd make things look better, though with a nice, rustic charm to it as well, due to the wood.

"It's a beautiful piece. Very detailed. Someone have surely taken great care in making this.

And I am well rested. No need for you to worry about an old mare like that, Dawn. The treatment at that spa, have me feeling more relaxed than I ever recall being before. Yet I don't feel like sitting down. If I do, I may miss something, and I don't know when I'll next be able to return to Equestria. Someday I will, to see how things are, and to make arrangements with you, of course. Yet I will first have to take proper control of Twisted's old hunting grounds. There is much to have properly handled, after what I assume, would be a pyre by the locals, burning his entire estate to the ground. I'd do that, in their stead. Though it won't destroy his books. He always kept the important things elsewhere. Just in case some rebelious type, started to cause trouble.

Speaking of- When I have things ready for your usage, is there a way to communicate with you, that your brother cannot so easily decipher? I could send a letter, but if he is in law, it may still make it past him. As I have come to understand it, it would be best if he is left unaware, in regards to what I might be able to bring you, yes?"

Evil Pink One · January 25, 2022

@Blitz Boom

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If that was true, you'd be gone too. Just means your story is in front of you, instead of behind. Or some weird stuff like that. I'd offer to check the future, but I don't have that sorta vision. It'd probably be unfair, or something

" who said I haven't?" Light wittingly replied. "tell me draconicous, what's your past then? all draconiqui past is irrelevant..."

Light then laughed at the proposal of seeing the future for him.

" you know that the future is a lie that we seldomly believe in, right? do not be a fool of Future, for the future is what you don't see and wants your hopes to go up to later crash it down..."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Not just one. Several squid monkeys. Made 'em to keep my island nice and safe, and now they're kinda terrorizing the beach areas. Don't worry, the giant shrimps keeps them in check, so they're stuck there. Would've dealt with 'em earlier, but they've kinda evolved a resistance to magic. Heh, whoopsie there, yeah? Don't worry that lil' pony head of yours with it though. They're way, way off from here. No need to worry about your face getting eaten. Unless Rose is peckish, and you annoy her, I guess. Im sure that's fixable.

And I'm certified good. Remade, reformed, rediscovered. All sorts of things.

Light gave a judging look towards Anomaly.

"....Celestia should've doned you.... maybe Celestia is the problem in this universe and needs fixing..." it seems Light was disappointed towards Celestia."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anomaly would snap her tail, and behind Shark, would flower up a sign going *Simping for Shark*. Shark didn't notice a thing, but it wasn't for her either. It was solely for Light to look at.

"I wouldn't worry. She's new to speaking. She'll get there."

"....." light kept his poker face...

" ...pshh,you jealous?" Light couldn't help but give the last word.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Pff, as if. I were *killed* and sealed off by the others way, way, Way back, and I'm still alive. Maybe if like, what the draconequus is made for goes completely out of being part of reality, it matters, but what's the odds of that? I'm evolution. All life would have to just spontaneously die. Including bacteria. I don't see that happening."

" you are not evolution... you are an anomaly..." Light glared at Anomaly.

" I wonder...what would be the odds to that? I guess you do know there's a chance that you will get killed."

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Welcome to my home away from home, in the old castle. Like what I did to the place? The secret is pocket dimensions."

"ahh I see. this way you can do all the chaotic things you wanna do without disturbing reality in Casual Stroll... let's just hope they don't learn how to escape your dimension then." Light judgingly said towards Anomaly.

Evil Pink One · January 25, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Loud Opinion @Starlight

"... is that all of them?" Cali replied.

checking the situation. it seems Cali is the only one who hasn't entered the portal to escape.

"... this is fine." her last words towards her friends before she closed the portal behind her.

" they shouldn't be involved any longer..."

as she continues to search for Light, she noticed a faint presence of him.

she heads toward it cautiously, and sees a mare, motionless. and at her snout is Light's Crystal.

" what is that bastard up too?"

Cali quickly charged towards the mare and quickly fling away the crystal from her snout. the crystal tried to transform, but was already flung away from the mare. it transformed on the ground turning into Light.

" what you up to, Light?" she replied.

" ..ouch... I WAS, protecting her." he replied while picking himself up.

Cali the made a portal at the mares stepping forcing her to fall in it.

the mare would soon find herself with Blitz, Molotov, Blue and Luna.

" now that she's safe and out of our way... I guess it's just you and me."she glared.

Light was a bit confused at Cali's actions, and seems to ponder hard about it.

"... hmmm, the real question is, WHAT are you up to Cali?"

" Girls gonna keep her secrets Light."

Cali then charges towards Light.

EQ_Theta · January 27, 2022

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-01-26 at 2:04 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Regular court is not too different from yours. There are the onlookers, the one - or ones - actually on trial, and the judge. There will be lawyers arguing for both punishment and release, to a judge, that then take the final decision. There were also a jury board, of twelve members, who had to decide it first, back in the day, but that part of the system were removed. Too time consuming, and were only really there to deal with corrupt judges. Something which have mostly been handled now, via very strict guidelines for those holding the seat.

Tangent aside, it is similar to your system, albeit with more paperwork, a larger hall, and reporters. You would have less use of the news, but at times, reporters tends to come in on more infamous cases, to get a good story out. Ghoulish, but so is the profession as a whole sometimes."

“Really? Someone there to argue for the wrong-doer? That’s rather strange. Back home, the one accused of wrong-doing has to defend themselves, possibly with only someone who can confirm their claims. The final decision lay with the elder, and the verdict has to be upheld. I don’t know if I’d want that responsibility on me.”

“But no paperwork is a big plus! Once a decision is made, everyone has to live with it. What consequences lie after will be for everyone to see or experience. The rest of the story will spread by word of mouth.”

It wasn’t a failsafe method, but passing judgment on criminals could go in any direction with only one judge. It is the belief that those who are wronged should be compensated based on what they’ve lost. What form it takes will vary, but not everyone will see fairness. If Sen and Lin were there to try the former elder Solasan, perhaps there wouldn’t be any fair resolution. Claiming a life for a life may seem like an option, but even that would have dire consequences.

For now, there was still a little bit of decorating to do. Four wooden figures for four spots in the house, and the siblings were unsure where to begin. The living room has its centerpiece, and the bedroom is likely where Rosa would place the wooden halla.

On 2022-01-26 at 2:04 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Shall I place the Halla, and then you think of the others? May as well have a walk throughout the house, and get a sense of the floor plan while at it, hmm? Or have you other ideas? I am open for suggestions."

“We’ll take one figure each and place them… somewhere, preferably where they’ll be seen. The halla figure is yours to placer wherever you want. I’m taking the willow tree.”

“And I’ll find a place for the bird. Omen? You want to place the last figure? There’s one for each of us, and the longma figure with the outstretched wings is still unclaimed.”

Sen stuck around for a while to figure out where he’d want the tree. It ought to be in a place where he’d see it, yet be as unobtrusive as possible. If there was table along the hallway, it might be a good spot. Every outside the house will bring new challenges, and the sight of the willow may inspire strength for whatever the day brings.

As for Lin, she immediately darted off to the kitchen. It’s got a view of the outside, and it only seemed right for the bird to be somewhere there. The sounds of birds chirping is a nice wakeup call, and with the sun to greet whoever came to prepare their first meal of the day, it’ll be better with some company. The little wooden bird could fill that role for Rosa.

Blitz Boom · January 27, 2022

@Starlight

On 2022-01-25 at 9:04 PM, Magnolia said:

"I have to ask though, what was that mare talking about? What does Mourner's Puppet mean? I also wonder who's skull is on the door. Very interesting place. Also of note, you are well renowned here I can see. A shame that isn't the case everywhere." she remarks.

"I'm not respected here. I'm just judged less."

Soul had vivid memories of when he were thrown out of here, and the looks he had gotten. Even though he had come to accept that some members of the family were willing to speak with him now, as they knew him better from before, he still had a hard time believing that the general majority wasn't still talking behind his back, and stand silently by, as he got judged. Not so long as the figurehead of everypony here, and himself, still had their grievances.

"The skull belongs to great, great, great, great grandmother, Gloomy Sunday. After her passing, she had it in her will that it would be anointed, and left on the door as a vessel, for any who'd wish to keep watch over our home. It is taken well care of.

As for Mourners Puppet... She is one of our younger. But to understand her, you need to understand the family curse. Every last mare in our clan, can see the departed. No exception. It lies in our blood, and spirits are often drawn to it. So from a young age, our fillies are trained to prepare, and be ready for them, so they won't be afraid when the curse activates.

Mourners Puppet is what happens, when potential booms in our family. She could see spirits from the moment she could open her eyes, and she drew attention even before that, with spirits circling the room her mother laid in, for weeks before she were born. Sometimes that happens, and it is a good thing. Some of our strongest family members, have been prodigies back in their time, like Gloomy were.

Puppet is different. When she were born, some of the spirits that were held out, broke through. Dark, twisted ones. Primal spirits that have no place in Tartarus, or Elysium. None of us knows what happened in that room. We just know her mother came out soon after, horrified and alone, screaming to keep the demon foal away from her. She ran out after that, and have refused to ever set hooves in this town again. Puppet have never seen her face proper, nor that of her father.

many would tell you to not feel too bad though. That the filly is dangerous. The dark spirits do as she commands, or whatever they think would make her happy, and there's not a whole lot anypony can do to stop her. If she wants to have others treated like toys, or find they displeased her, they're in danger. Living or dead. Worse still, because she didn't understand the frailty of others.

She couldn't stay, but we're not evil. She were given to somepony else, who've been supposed to care for her, and keep her away from towns."

He didn't get further, before the door to further in opened, and of all things, a minotaur stepped through. Tall and strong, the greying minotaur looked down upon them with neutral eyes, through his small glasses, and crossed his arms. Though he wore a vest, it were open, showing well his muscular, yet somewhat lean frame. His hair were slicked back, and greying slightly in a few places. Despite his kind being mostly brutes, this one had a bit of a sophisticated look over him, as well as an air of control over him. The carved out, fully stone axe on his back though, also said that if push came to shove, somepony would get hurt.

"Are you of all, the one to judge her, Soul?"

"I gave her the common facts, Sherwood, so she knows what can happen. Not like anypony cares what I think about her."

"Still the same, I see.

Who is this though? Have you finally found a mare, that can handle your nature? Or a wayward pony, seeking guidance?"

Sherwood would uncross his arms, and reach a beefy hand down towards Magloria. Outstretched, in a friendly offer of a shake. Nothing more.

"Greetings, youngster. I am Sherwood. Caretaker of Mourners Puppet, and friend of the Macabre clan."

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

@Kujamih

On 2022-01-26 at 12:14 AM, Kujamih said:

" who said I haven't?" Light wittingly replied. "tell me draconicous, what's your past then? all draconiqui past is irrelevant..."

Light then laughed at the proposal of seeing the future for him.

" you know that the future is a lie that we seldomly believe in, right? do not be a fool of Future, for the future is what you don't see and wants your hopes to go up to later crash it down..."

Anomaly visible rolled her eyes. All the way out of her head, down to the ground, where they'd then speed up and rush into the skies, where they'd explode into two clouds of rapidly dispersing butterflies.

"Pssh. You sound like Zhu right now. The past? The future? Who cares! For creatures with such short lives, you should really learn to live more in the here and now."

On 2022-01-26 at 12:14 AM, Kujamih said:

Light gave a judging look towards Anomaly.

"....Celestia should've doned you.... maybe Celestia is the problem in this universe and needs fixing..." it seems Light was disappointed towards Celestia."

"I wouldn't try messing with Celestia. Zhu would have you regret it, one way or another. And there's the whole *balance* thing he tried talking to me about. I dunno, didn't listen all that much, but her name came up a bunch. Personally, I think the problem is just that folks are just getting too comfy in their little structured, boring city lives. They outta come out and enjoy nature some more."

On 2022-01-26 at 12:14 AM, Kujamih said:

"....." light kept his poker face...

" ...pshh,you jealous?" Light couldn't help but give the last word.

Once Shark started to look around, the sign would've already dropped into a bush, and scurried off on its own, so she hadn't a clue what were going on. Weird magic stuff, yes?

"I'm married. What's there to be jealous about?"

On 2022-01-26 at 12:14 AM, Kujamih said:

" you are not evolution... you are an anomaly..." Light glared at Anomaly.

" I wonder...what would be the odds to that? I guess you do know there's a chance that you will get killed."

"Life is anomalous, and death is the only truth. Sooner or later we'll all die, but I'm not gonna be going out early. I'm getting too wide spread for that by now, hehe."

On 2022-01-26 at 12:14 AM, Kujamih said:

"ahh I see. this way you can do all the chaotic things you wanna do without disturbing reality in Casual Stroll... let's just hope they don't learn how to escape your dimension then." Light judgingly said towards Anomaly.

"I'm not big on the whole *dimension* thing really. Discord can, but he's also way more in chaos than I am. More nature than chaos from my side. And yeah, this place, my island- All kept off from where others are just gonna stumble over it. Not that there's anything really dangerous here either. I like the more calm way it's set up. Just some minor goblins, two headed snakes, light creatures, and bla. bla. bla."

Shark were in fact, currently fluttering after one of the light creatures, who'd try to avoid the flying nuisance, poking at it with her hoof. To no avail, but she weren't gonna hurt it. She were just curious.

As for the aforementioned snakes, there'd be one slithering around Light's right back leg by now, just passing by. Only the length of Celestia's leg, and didn't seem to have an interest in biting or anything. It were just passing by, on its road to wherever snake thing it were trying to do. Probably hunt something. If he picked it up, the creature would wriggle around, and let out some hisses, but there'd be no attempts at biting him from either head. Not for the time being at least.

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

@Kujamih @Loud Opinion @Windy Breeze @Starlight

Molotov would still be cursing, when the other mare would suddenly get pushed right at him, from a portal, and cause him to fall to the ground.

"Aight, so first we get stranded, and then I get a mare thrown on top of me... It ain't the worst day I've had yet."

He were joking a bit. Day could've been worse really, but it sure were mighty frustrating at this point. Getting tossed about, treated like some sorta pawn, and now getting tossed ponies in the face. If it weren't cause his heart were set elsewhere, he'd frankly be thinking that all were forgiven by now, but ergh. He still had a bit of irritation towards the both of 'em. Both Light and Cali. Made a right mess, wherever they went.

"Say, what're you all thinking? We get this lass back to civilization, and leave the crazies to their own thing, while we try having some sorta normal day? It'll be a hoot, and you can pick we're we'd go next, and what to do. Gotta be something you'd love doing, right? Lunaaaaa. You know your way I bet. And Blue? Come on, let's see a smile, and a happy tone. Just like sis. See? She's happy."

Granted, Blitz were laughing, but that were mostly because her brother had a mare crushing him beneath her. That were kinda funny to look at, and granted, had it been another, he'd likely be laughing with her. Had to roll with the weird sometimes, eh?

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

@EQ_Theta

5 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“Really? Someone there to argue for the wrong-doer? That’s rather strange. Back home, the one accused of wrong-doing has to defend themselves, possibly with only someone who can confirm their claims. The final decision lay with the elder, and the verdict has to be upheld. I don’t know if I’d want that responsibility on me.”

“But no paperwork is a big plus! Once a decision is made, everyone has to live with it. What consequences lie after will be for everyone to see or experience. The rest of the story will spread by word of mouth.”

"If it's a slam dunk case, the defender is mostly there to just try and make the sentencing reasonable, and in most cases, help set up the rehabilitation program. But in many cases, there is a certain degree of uncertainty, when it comes to these kinds of things. A defender's argument, in the case of someone coming up to be judged for alleged crimes, is to argue that there is not enough evidence, to prove they did something. The prosecutors job, is to convince them that the evidence is substantial enough, to prove guilt. Some from either side, are less than honorable in their methods, but overall, there is often someone willing to try and have it argued, if there is truly no doubt about guilt. It helps avoiding some being judged rashly, from accusers who jumped the gun, so to speak, and want someone punished that does not deserve it.

The lack of paperwork is likely envied by your system, but for those judged unfairly, with no way back, I'd argue there are problems with you not having a kind of appeals court. I can imagine it would have saved some, from unreasonable harshness."

He wouldn't specifically mention the two of them, but it were implied. And with good reason, he'd argue. The two of them had faced harsh judgement with little to no reason, and it were frankly absurd that from what he understood of it, they had been up the creek, without a paddle. Their system needed some changes in that regard, though there were caveats with all parts of any change too. And that were not even speaking of their elders likely stubbornness, to keep things as they were, despite the evidence that it were flawed.

5 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

“We’ll take one figure each and place them… somewhere, preferably where they’ll be seen. The halla figure is yours to placer wherever you want. I’m taking the willow tree.”

“And I’ll find a place for the bird. Omen? You want to place the last figure? There’s one for each of us, and the longma figure with the outstretched wings is still unclaimed.”

"Okay."

Omen would take the figure in her muzzle, holding it gently, as she began to wander into a particular direction.

"Please not in the basement."

Omen would halt, then after a few second, pick another direction.

"I have some other plans for the basement, and the less there is there currently, the better."

In any case, he would pick the Halla, ad as they expected, he'd go for the bedroom. A simple, comfy bed, sheets that seemed to have been cleaned a few days prior, and a small table next to the bed, with a lamp. The room could use an overhanging bar in his opinion, yet for now, the bed were fine on its own, and he could work on adding something up there eventually. As for the figurine, he'd place it on the small table, right next to the bed. It'd give him something to look at when he woke up, and remind him that there were some out there, whom he could count as friends. It'd help him to wake up with a smile, which some days, he could really use, considering his dreams.

5 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

Sen stuck around for a while to figure out where he’d want the tree. It ought to be in a place where he’d see it, yet be as unobtrusive as possible. If there was table along the hallway, it might be a good spot. Every outside the house will bring new challenges, and the sight of the willow may inspire strength for whatever the day brings.

There were not a table per se in the hallway, but there were a couple of shelves. They had some minor decorations, of twisted branches, that were sometimes used for decorative purposes. Yet there were plenty of room for him to move the one on the lower, to join the first one on top, and then have the lower shelf, carry the willow figurine. The lower shelf were more in eye height, so it were hard to miss that one, as one passed through. As for what else where there? A long carpet, and otherwise just a simple wooden floor, and painted walls. Nothing exciting, and frankly a little bland.

5 hours ago, EQ_Theta said:

As for Lin, she immediately darted off to the kitchen. It’s got a view of the outside, and it only seemed right for the bird to be somewhere there. The sounds of birds chirping is a nice wakeup call, and with the sun to greet whoever came to prepare their first meal of the day, it’ll be better with some company. The little wooden bird could fill that role for Rosa.

The kitchen were as they had left it. Still with the welcoming basket on the table, opened up, and with the few pieces missing they had eaten earlier. Beyond that, there were a stove, an oven, some drawers with two sets of dinnerware - which meant he had to get more, if he wanted guests - some empty food cabinets, plates, cups, and a small package of napkins, fitting the two sets of dinnerware, and an arrangement of essential cooking utensils. Spatula, whisk, meat hammer, and so. Six pieces in all, of an older design, but they were easily replaceable. Some pots and a pan were also in a cabinet further down, so the stove were usable, soon as he bought some food to store. Either in one of the cabinets, or the fridge. Said fridge though, needed to have the plug turned on first. Someone would have to do so eventually, though it were interesting to see if Lin knew what the cord dangling from it were for.

As for Omen? She went for the bathroom, and placed it on the closed toilet lid. That seemed to be a place where he could find it, yes? Seemed decorative enough. Gave the bland porcelain, something more interesting on it as well.

Evil Pink One · January 28, 2022

@Blitz Boom

Light would then starts coughing blood once more. "blaurgh!!.. cough, cough! not again..." he would then faint and lie motionless Infront of shark and anomaly.

mean while at Cali's side.

she can be seen beside another white stallion that she has just stabbed.

"rest now my friend, soon I shall set you free..." Cali twisted the blade that she used to stab the other Light, and pulling it off. Light faded to nothing and a cracked shard appears Infront of Cali.

she quickly slashed the shard and turns it into dust.

Edited January 28, 2022 by Kujamih

EQ_Theta · January 29, 2022

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-01-28 at 1:57 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"If it's a slam dunk case, the defender is mostly there to just try and make the sentencing reasonable, and in most cases, help set up the rehabilitation program. But in many cases, there is a certain degree of uncertainty, when it comes to these kinds of things. A defender's argument, in the case of someone coming up to be judged for alleged crimes, is to argue that there is not enough evidence, to prove they did something. The prosecutors job, is to convince them that the evidence is substantial enough, to prove guilt. Some from either side, are less than honorable in their methods, but overall, there is often someone willing to try and have it argued, if there is truly no doubt about guilt. It helps avoiding some being judged rashly, from accusers who jumped the gun, so to speak, and want someone punished that does not deserve it.

The lack of paperwork is likely envied by your system, but for those judged unfairly, with no way back, I'd argue there are problems with you not having a kind of appeals court. I can imagine it would have saved some, from unreasonable harshness."

“I guess what you say sounds good, and it helps knowing there’s someone in this system who aims to keep the verdict reasonable. Things have been done the way they were for so long that it’s difficult to see how they could be different. Maybe if I could see a trial the way you described it might make it more understandable.”

With their everyone getting about with their decorating, Sen found himself admiring the oddly simple design of the hallway. Having put the willow tree figurine up a low shelf was his way of gauging whether it would be a good place for it. If it was visible at certain angles, would be better to see it regardless of the direction one came from. Of course, he’d start pacing back and forth along the hallway to get a good view of the figurine regardless of where he stood. He’d keep it close to the edge, though far enough back that it wouldn’t get knocked off by accident.

Lin, however, had already found the perfect spot for her wooden bird figurine. The centerpiece of the table where it will never be overlooked was just right, but so was the kitchen counter. Or the windowsill. No, it’s got to be the table. Once done, she’d stop by the pots and pans to see them up close. There were nothing like them back home, and all of these were meant for cooking? A fire pit might be better, but only a little bit. That’ll be in the living room instead, and everyone would gather to cook a meal there.

With her examining everything around, she was bound to see something rather odd. A large box with nothing in it, even with racks along the inside of this object. The fridge looked new, but it didn’t have much going for it when its not running. Then again, Lin wouldn’t know much about the odd things in the kitchen and left them as they were before heading off to find Rosa.

“Rosa? This is a lot of stuff for a room you’d eat in. Are all of these tools necessary for preparing food?” The longma called, as she had a look around the house to take in its designs and layout. The simplicity of the place in its current state was welcoming, though she couldn’t imagine what all this space would be used for.

Her brother, meanwhile, would do some more exploring and found Omen in the toilet with her figurine. In all honestly, it was an odd choice with some kind of logic behind it. What that logic is was lost to the longma.

“Umm, Omen? Looks like you made an inspired choice for this room. I guess Rosa wouldn’t overlook a decorated toilet. I wanted to ask you something. Before we met, did you ever stay in a house like this?"

Catpone Cerberus · January 30, 2022

@Blitz Boom
Goal one of a successful cult, make the members believe it's not a cult, Ruby did't say it out loud, but her expression didn't hide the fact that Marley's statement about dignity didn't convince her that it wasn't a cult. She glanced over the picture, not showing any real reaction to it, it was an interesting reveal sure, but she wasn't particularly impressed, she wasn't impressed by physical shape of creatures, and didn't care for art enough to appreciate the skill of the drawing, especially not coming from a highly magical being, who, as she saw it, could have just created the drawing from nothing using a spell rather than actually drawing it.

"I honestly prefer this look." She stated, pointing at the paper "Seems like the kind of cult I'd start." "But sure, deal, whatever, it's not like I'd gain much from not doing that." "Though what are we gonna do with your wagon?" she hadn't actually paid attention where he had left it, so she wasn't fully sure if it was here with them or if it had gone with the train, but it was a valid question regardless.

-----------------------------------------
"No need to worry, it won't leave my side." Scarecrow assured, meaning it lot more literally than Honey Dew could even guess "And I don't know this 'Jaw' either, though it should be mentioned that I am suffering from a serious memory loss, so that doesn't necessarily mean I have never met him." he did know he had never met an Evergrown or a second dryad in his current existence, so the last part was a lie, but he figured it sold the story of evergrown who has lost his memory better to acknowledge the potential. "Can I inquire about the specifics what do you mean the bees didn't like him? Just out of curiosity, do you mean they were hostile, or that they avoided him?" he wasn't really fully sure why he even cared, but maybe it was just in case they'd meet him, the simpler creatures like bees usually had a good sense about threats, so it could be useful to know which kind of threat he was to them.

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

"I can answer the first part." Chega said, she didn't seem bothered by Onache's first statement, hinting that maybe death wasn't as sensitive topic for her, and it really wasn't, while there obviously was grief, death wasn't as big of a deal in the community as it was for many other species, sure they tried to avoid it, but it was part of life, and their culture was such that they didn't believe in getting stuck in the past. Part of the reason why it was like that was because they didn't really have room or soft ground for graves, so instead bodies were made useful in any way they could, and what couldn't be used was destroyed. Sure some of them didn't take it as well as others, since they all were individuals, but the general idea was that death was not sacred, and while general decency was expected, a statement like Onache's was not in any way a negative one, in fact, it was quite a pleasant statement, as it was optimistic and forward looking. Sear got slightly thoughtful from it, but due to a different part of the statement, as she got curious of what exactly Onache had heard up until this point.

"The accident and loss of their parents certainly pushed both of them study harder, and Trox did make few things to help himself to walk better pretty quickly, but the interest was always there, since they were young they have shown it, Sheska has always been one to take care of hurt things, from toys to small animals, heh, I can't even count how many times she took care of my imaginary injuries, and Trox liked to break apart and rebuild his toys, combining them and reshaping them, and as he grew older, he moved to tools and other more complicated things." The siblings looked at each other, this again was eerily similar to them.

"For the latter, while I'd be happy to share all I know with my other self, even ignoring that it would be a challenge to find him in the first place, our knowledge may not fit together." "What I mean is that while we both are tinkerers from sound of it, the materials and knowledge we have access to are different, so while I could tell him exactly how to make something like this..." he moved his cybernetic arm "...it wouldn't necessarily be useful for partly injured kobold living in a cave." "Meanwhile he may be able to do something from simple materials that is far beyond my capabilities." "Though it would be fun to meet myself, and while I don't know much about multidimensional travel, I don't believe much would happen besides great amounts of confusion, mainly because there hasn't been signs to imply such, I believe there would be a higher risk of something like that if we were from the same timeline too, which doesn't seem to be the case." at this point Chega an Sear got bit confused, they may have been surprisingly okay with the idea of clones from other dimensions, but when starting to think about timelines and such, it went over their heads, not that Sheska and Trox fully understood the concept either, but with their world being lot more scientific in nature, thinking about things like time travel and dimensions was lost smaller leap in logic for them.

Chega cut in, wanting to change the topic to something she'd understand "As it seems there's....similarities between you and the Sheska and Trox I grew up with, could you tell your side of the story? Your leg and arm, your parents...?" the scars didn't even visit Chega's mind, so there would be no need for Onache to do anything, not that it would necessarily be as easy as with average creatures, since Chega's thoughts didn't really match her words, bouncing around unpredictably from topic to topic in her head. The siblings also were perfectly fine with this topic, as evidenced by the fact that they had already talked about Trox losing his limbs before. "Well, our expertise's are the same, Sheska is a healer and I'm a tinkerer, we've been learning them as long as we can remember, and while we do have passion for them, our deeper study of them started from the simple fact that they are useful skills to have." "Our parents are presumably dead too." "Presumably?" "They were taken by our version of the night guard, death is the best outcome." Chega and Sear were curious, but didn't ask for details "I lost my limbs in a battle." "Lost?" "Lost, not sure if they were blown up or ripped off, lost consciousness pretty quickly." the casual way he said it almost horrified Chega, Sear was mostly just empathetic "And that's about it."

Rising Dusk · January 31, 2022

@Blitz Boom

Dawn wasn't expecting to get a Harrowmark history lesson over her jest to the urge of pillaging caused by the longhouse. Really that had become par for the course when it came to Lily. The older mare was a fountain of knowledge and her historical insight would make her an amazing storyteller. A good pony to know for sure to help keep that cultural bridge built and the hoofs of visitors firmly in place and out of trouble. "I'm sure I can contain the urges," the mare assured the witch of the wilds with a smirk.

"Suit yourself," Dawn shrugged and let the mare examine the artistry of the vanity. The brush tucked along her mane to stretch the midnight blue hairs out. With a release the mane sprung back to shaped into a long elegant curl. Simple flourishes along her bangs developed a neat frock. "I acquired it not long ago from an acquaintance well versed in antiques. Sadly I don't have a riveting story to tell. I didn't ask about it's history. Just thought it looked neat," Dawn admitted. The carvings likely told one from Equestria's ancient past.

The brush sat itself back on the vanity top and the rest of the make up came to life. Blush, lipstick, mascara, shadows and creams began to pamper the mare. Her cheeks were highlighted, her eyelids were darkened by a dark blue gradient to contrast her sunset coat. Powders patted her face and an eyelash curler matted her eyelashes to give them a brilliant shine and curl. Like an elegant piece of art Dawn was slowly transformed before the mirror to look her best for the coming hours.

In-between applications of applying make up, she'd turn her attention to the witch's inquiry. Time to return to business. "When the time is right, we'll work through couriers. When we part ways, I'll leave you with an address to deliver letters through that will reach me and bypass the O.M.I. From there I will send various ponies your way to collect the books. On my end they will be shuffled around before making their way to me. Worry not for the courier when handling the more dangerous books. I'll be sending them with a special box to contain the books until it arrives to me and can be better secured. The less magic we use to secure these books, the less likely my brother can get involved. Acting quickly will also be ideal before rules and laws about trade and travel become restrictive from our two governments."

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