open Casual stroll

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
Hopefully the suspicion wouldn't fall on Ruby either, she hadn't done it obviously, but she didn't really have an alibi depending on when it happened, after all, she had been in the forest with Leviathan and Charir most of the time since she left the casino, and it didn't miss her that her personality did make her seem like someone who could be a hired killer. Being suspected of something she didn't do would be a hassle.  

She made a mental note to herself, don't mess with the casino too much, she also wondered if her little manipulation games had been noticed by this 'surveillance', not that she was too worried, since she hadn't really done anything illegal, if ponies were stupid enough to give her their things just because she faked interest in them, that was really their problem, even if they gave them for specific reasons she never fulfilled, besides, it wasn't like Diego had right to speak, after all, casino's were just big scams made to steal money from weak minded individuals, honestly, from two of them she was the less bad one since she took only part of what they had.

"We met that 'girly' briefly when we went to retrieve my property, didn't speak or anything, but I'll just say that if she was a changeling, she was damn dedicated one, can't say i have heard changelings enjoying meat like she seemed to." she didn't really know why she felt the need to mention that, but what was said was said, it wouldn't hurt, the casual way she said it in would have also probably been odd coming from a pony, if it wasn't for the fact that she was travelling with two carnivores and talking to somepony she had robbed a grave with, it probably would have been weirder if she wasn't unfazed by such things "But that aside, I guess we'll see you in Canterlot." lot of travelling it seemed, not that Ruby really minded, she did prefer the peace of travel over staying in these busy cities. 

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

"Fear is maybe not the right word, but I acknowledge the risk." Scarecrow stated "It is no secret my memory is what it is, and as events blend together, some things are forgotten." "And as I have expressed previously, my drive to do good is entirely a question of principle, a conscious decision, believe that no matter how many weapons pierce me, or how many creatures tear me apart, it is my purpose to defend those who cannot do it themselves." "So who is to say that I will always remember these principles? at any moment all that reasoning may just disappear like many other things have. or maybe something may happen, or I may meet someone or something that convinces me to abandon those believes?" 

He was quiet for a moment

"And even now, I sometimes catch myself thinking horrible things, thoughts I don't recognize as my own, yet thoughts that I don't entirely disagree with, ideas fueled by my desire to not exist. Be it thoughts of horrible actions to anger someone powerful enough to wipe me out, or considerations to let madness kill my awareness, my existence is a test of patience, and nothing is forever." 

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"Unfortunately it isn't much we have witnessed, because we only arrived to see the aftermath." Chega said, to which Sear continued "As she probably informed..." she was referring to Onache as evidenced by her 'pointing at' her with her eyes "...we came here in pursue of someone who she felt was trouble." unfortunately Onache had been correct on that "But as Chega said, we were too late, attack had already happened and whoever did it already fled." "We dropped Sheska..." she pointed at Sheska "...to the scene, as she has medical experience." "I used to be a healer and later a medic." "We then followed a trail of blood here, to a burning pile which we then extinguished in hopes to save evidence." 

After that Sheska explained her point of view "After I was dropped in, I worked to stabilize the victims until the transport for hospital arrived, there was plenty of witnesses to verify that." the added part in the end may have seemed bit odd, likewise her slightly cold tone probably seemed odd to Stargazer, but both of those were merely due to her general distrust of guards, sure this was not her world, and she had no reason to believe guards here weren't trustworthy, but when for your whole life guards had been the paragon of everything wrong in the world, the distrust didn't just go away in a day or two. Trox didn't say anything, as he assumed Onache's 'explanation' had included his presence. 

 

[Rising Dusk 27,513]

@Blitz Boom

Proceed they will.  Single file to fit through the door offered that bridged the two lands together for now.  Rising took the lead, watching as the guards fell into line to flank the family and company.  "Ho ho ho, a door leading to distances beyond.  Just like walking through my daughter's home," Star mused joyfully, still marveled by such uses of magic.  It was like passing through a thin veil for the detective.  His heighten magical senses once again flooded with the dark saturated magics that filled the land.  More prepared this time than his first venture, keeping the darkened thoughts from the boundaries of his mind.  Grace, Star, so completely unaware of where they now entered.  The tingle that ran down Dawn's back, the thin strand connecting the twins was how she could be drawn in to the inky darkness.  Feeling off her twin that same sensation of walking across a long rope bridge and making the mistake of looking down.  Back in her manor, so far away, she didn't know the half of it. 

Rising took note of the large float orb used to house the primary spell matrix to the portal.  Actively being maintained and molded by the two ponies and diamond dog.  Primarily similar to the destination side of the portal, but more potent with other important components that scribed it as home station.  Lily wasn't wrong when she said Harrowmark had their fair share of portal knowledge.  Dawn slowed her pace to give it an inquisitive look.  She didn't need to have Rising's sixth sense to know what it was for.  Very large and in need of such attention for one portal.  Dawn had notes.  Barely getting the chance to open her mouth, "Behave," Rising interrupted before she could speak without looking her way.  "I was simply going to compliment their foci," she corrected her brother, biting back her judgement.  "Wonderful work, darlings" she praised the meditating workers as the group moved on out of the large room.

A detour appeared to be in order.  Once apparently designed specifically for Lily than the family.  Not wanting to pile into the room, the remained in a position to see, even if Grace had taken to the air to hoover enough to see over the taller ponies in company.  Rising could confirm the enchant he earlier saw upon Sickle while they were on the cart, and during his brief 'call' along their tracking spell, was no longer on the mare.  He never got a good look through the haze of their call and what little view Lily's scry bauble offered, so he remained unaware of the full purpose to the spell laid upon her.  Rising more easily took noted of the enchantments upon Brighteye's, well, eyes.  Limited, but no doubt very useful in finding magic.  Reading through the small tapestry that made up the enchantment, he could tell seeing the full matrix like he was not in the cards.  Having already encounter the older stallion's magic through the trace and call, these eyes only furthered the detective's appreciation for Brighteye's skill in magic.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

On 2022-05-03 at 5:03 AM, Rising Dusk said:

"Behave," Rising interrupted before she could speak without looking her way.  "I was simply going to compliment their foci," she corrected her brother, biting back her judgement.  "Wonderful work, darlings" she praised the meditating workers as the group moved on out of the large room.

"The portal chamber have seen little usage, in several centuries. It is little now, but as her majesty make contacts with more, the foci shall blaze bright, and the dim halls yet shine with the glow of places beyond. I shall pass your words along to them, when they have completed their work on the new foci. I shall think them to be honored, to be given a compliment from an esteemed visitor like yourself."

He did not know what she had perhaps intended to say, nor truly cared for asking further. He would understand her thinking this to be looking simplistic, and perhaps inefficient. Yet it were the beginning of something greater, and in time, this newly crafted orb, would shine bright upon this dusty old room, as its predecessor once did, before Twisted had it destroyed.

Besides, the ones working on establishing this network, through tomes that had needed to be hidden, and had gone essentially unused for the past six centuries, would appreciate the compliment that were given, at face value. They were doing their best, with arts trained in ages before they had even been born. They had some guidance, yet they did put in a lot of effort and untrained scopes of magic into this. It'd likely get more towards something that Dawn would approve truly off, as time went by.

On 2022-05-03 at 5:03 AM, Rising Dusk said:

A detour appeared to be in order.  Once apparently designed specifically for Lily than the family.  Not wanting to pile into the room, the remained in a position to see, even if Grace had taken to the air to hoover enough to see over the taller ponies in company.  Rising could confirm the enchant he earlier saw upon Sickle while they were on the cart, and during his brief 'call' along their tracking spell, was no longer on the mare.  He never got a good look through the haze of their call and what little view Lily's scry bauble offered, so he remained unaware of the full purpose to the spell laid upon her.  Rising more easily took noted of the enchantments upon Brighteye's, well, eyes.  Limited, but no doubt very useful in finding magic.  Reading through the small tapestry that made up the enchantment, he could tell seeing the full matrix like he was not in the cards.  Having already encounter the older stallion's magic through the trace and call, these eyes only furthered the detective's appreciation for Brighteye's skill in magic.

Blighteye's enchantment were not entirely without cost. Much like with any sacrificial magic, it had come at a cost, in that he were effectively blind on that eye. It were only useful for tracking, and if Rising had a fair bit of experience both with Equestrian, forbidden sacrificial magic, and Harrowish dark magic at this point, he may be able to tell that this eye wasn't his either. The signature were entwined, but not matching entirely, with his own magical flow. More than likely, he had either plucked this from another, or it were granted to him, and it had replaced his own eye for some unknown reason.

Either way, being scrutinized, were something he bit notice in, and would look back to stare at Rising in silence, for a few seconds, before turning around again. It was nothing major. More like the feeling of eyes, luring at you from a bush.

With this thing sorted for now though, the door would again be closed, and Raven would move them onward down the hallway. It wouldn't be too long, before they would begin to see some dimmed, natural sunlight peek in, from under a heavy, wooden door they'd reach.

The knights would split up on either side of the door, whilst Raven opened it, and led them into another hallway. This one though, had old, thick carpets lining the floor, and on the walls, would hang portraits of - among other things - royalty long passed.

Not one of them would be smiling. The weight of the puppet role they had been bestowed by the true ruler, made them unable to find much joy in this mockery of a depiction, where they stood with the crown jewels of harromark. The golden skull, the gnarled viper scepter, with the diamond eyes, and the crown, looking dissimilar from classical ones, known in Equestrian history, but fitting for the country they were in.

(found on Google. Seemed fitting)

There were likely grander portraits somewhere, yet these were lining this wall at least, with copious amount of space between, and certain pictures of other things. Varied other creatures, landscapes looking surprisingly serene and lush, bathed in sunlight, graveyards, and other things, which held beauty to the various rulers of this country, over its history.

The sunlight reaching in, were from the magically reinforced windows that were also lining the walls at various points, as to avoid them having open fire next to these portraits, whilst still providing them light, and attention. All but one that were, which were deliberately clad in shadow. Neither magical light, nor natural, were aimed to give that one focus.

The one shown were the only smiling one they'd find. A deranged look in his pale, wispy eyes, and a grin, properly showing off the slowly decaying teeth, in his sunken in face. He'd sit atop bones, , wrapped in loosely in a thick, red cape, with dark fur at the edges, all around it. Though it didn't hide his emancipated, seemingly fragile shape. Nor the open wound in his chest, where a heart should have been.

The king, whom Rising had once been told of. He who had sparked the rule, that the crown passed on, once the regent did, to ensure no undead again sat on the throne.

Not far from that, would be an open door. Behind it, would be a sight that might intrigue Star. The beginning of a grand library, wherein a dozen ponies and diamond dogs, were pacing calmly about, ensuring perfect order in the place. Even here at the entry point, one could see hundreds of tomes and scrolls, folded up neatly, or set in their shelf. With Rising's senses, he could probably also tell that there were magic present there, to preserve the reading materials, as best as possible. There were also montres, containing various truly old looking tomes, heavily protected, to ensure their safety, whilst still emphasizing the importance.

If Star, or anyone else, wished to halt momentarily there, Raven and the knights, would instantly halt, and Raven would lead them into the library proper, whilst the knights kept guard. Anything for their esteemed guests, as his queen had demanded.

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@Starforce

"Hah, you're a straight shooter. I already like you."

Stitch would raise her hooves and loosen the noose, so that she could get down on her hooves, and approach Magnolia more properly.

"Oh my, and what energy you got there. Radiating like a blazing sun. You're practically oozing with potential.

Hehe, and you're right with the story, but don't we all have one? Mine? I'd say it's fairly simple and standard. You know how it goes, yeah? You work hard, you make something of of yourself, and then you accidentally transfer your soul into the body of your newest voodoo doll. A bit of a whoopsie there, but enough time and stitching new bodies to swap into later, and here I am.

I've offered to stitch Alluria into a doll too, but she's a right party pooper."

"I have no need of felt to function."

"See? Boring.

Aaah, but anyway, what brings you here, Magnolia? You have need of a voodoo doll yourself, for some reason? Or did you come to check out the greatest home this side of Las Pegasus? You'll have to wait for that second one if it is. Darn rogue thunderstorm last month tore my house to bits. You have No idea how long it takes to make properly consecrated bricks for a new one.

Seriously though, what brings you here? Outta be something important. Most guests tends to avoid me. A little too *uncanny valley* for their taste. Boring, right? Least my great, great, great grandfilly is doing a heck of a job to show folks, that voodoo dolls are still great. Mighty proud of her, just like I see Aluria are of you. Old stone face there ain't fooling me. I see it."

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

 

@Kujamih

On 2022-04-28 at 12:27 PM, Kujamih said:

"HAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....  Do you like them Shark? Luckily we didn't bring any belongings, for I'm sure those young ones have no self control yet. Shall we meet the headmare now Shark?"

"They look soft."

Shark had seen foxes in the forest before. Nimble and quick, they were hard to chase, but she found it fun to try it regardless. Though not for food. They looked too lean for that, though she did wish to bury her face in one of their big, fluffy tails. It looked snuggly.

Kitsune though, were on a whole other level. Large foxes that could speak? Seemed like special creatures, just like her. Must mean they were good to make friends with, yes? She'd like to try at least. Learn more of this special, pretty race. Just like ponies, and all the other strange creatures in this place. So many beings she could learn about! Great place, long as she made sure not to bite any of them. She had learned as much at least, that in towns, nothing was prey, escept frogs. And that if they spoke, they were not food. See? She were smart. Knew things well already.

On 2022-04-28 at 12:27 PM, Kujamih said:

" Good day to you Head Mare, Starlight Glimmer. We came here to your school to learn more about our pony culture and friendship. You see our situation is kind of unique sort to say, since we grew up not knowing about the rule of Princess Twilight nor her predecessor, since my mate, Shark Jäger, who is half shark and half pony... Well more pony than shark really, is more accustomed to shark culture than pony.

While I, White Light ,on the other hand lived far from Equestria rule and was always in very harsh circumstances.

Please would you grant us access to your School? We don't have payment but we can work for it if you'd like?"

Light then bows down towards Starlight.

He would also advice shark to do the same.

Being given the words "Come in.", he'd be able to go through the door, and see the headmistress at her desk.

After his introduction, Shark would greet the headmistress herself, by fluttering closer to the table, and just start talking with a big grin on her face.

"I remember! Friend made frog go boom. Hello friend."

"Ah yes, I remember you. It was... Interesting."

Starlight had been one of the ponies, that had been attacked in town. She however, had not taken it lying down, and had utterly decimated two of the frogs, before Shark could get to them. SO instead, Shark had taken the next two that had headed for the mare. Starlight's first impression as such, were Shark, covered in frog bits, and a half eaten frog in her muzzle, grinning friendly towards her, before fluttering off to hunt some more.

She had listened in here and there, to hear if perhaps this newcomer was gonna be trouble, but she had heard nothing bad really. Filtering through the worries, the stories were mostly the same. She were friendly, flutered around, and seemed to want to learn. Worst were her chasing pets, but Fluttershy had made her stop that. It was weird, but this were Ponyville. She were starting to understand that what were weird everywhere else, were regular for this place.

Honestly, the bigger surprise was this Light stallion. Shark's mate? Oh boy... That was rather quick, and made her question his mental stability, but... It wasn't her place to judge, right? She were sure that's what Twilight would say too. Wouldn't be very friendly of her after all.

"The school is publicly funded, so you don't need to pay for anything, long as the books and such, remains on school property. Excluding if you break something, of course. Though there is certain benefits one can earn, if they want to put in a bit of elbow grease where it's needed, but if that's your want, we can discuss that later.

I'd need to first have you read and sign these waivers, if you want to enter the school. Legal stuff. Boring, I know, but it's required."

She'd hand them both a pen, and some papers. Well, she'd give them papers, and Light a pen. When she tried to give Shark a pen, she were already in the process of tearing the paper to shreds with her teeth. In her defense, she didn't know what paper were for, and couldn't read anyway.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2022-05-01 at 11:32 AM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"We met that 'girly' briefly when we went to retrieve my property, didn't speak or anything, but I'll just say that if she was a changeling, she was damn dedicated one, can't say i have heard changelings enjoying meat like she seemed to." she didn't really know why she felt the need to mention that, but what was said was said, it wouldn't hurt, the casual way she said it in would have also probably been odd coming from a pony, if it wasn't for the fact that she was travelling with two carnivores and talking to somepony she had robbed a grave with, it probably would have been weirder if she wasn't unfazed by such things "But that aside, I guess we'll see you in Canterlot." lot of travelling it seemed, not that Ruby really minded, she did prefer the peace of travel over staying in these busy cities. 

"Awh, ain't that a sweet girly for 'im then? Outta go get hold of her when I get the chance, and fill her in. Make sure she ain't worried where he's gone off to.

I know I tease the feathery bugger, but I want what's best for 'im. And in his head, that's getting the family he never really had. Or somethin'. I dunno, might just be because he thinks his chirping lil' offspring would look awesome. Whatever the reason, I'm there for 'im. And you folks too. Not in the same way. That's not what I meant. More like... Wanna keep a healthy relation going, y'know? A nice, beneficial lil' arrangement like ours, Ruby? Worth as much as a friendship, in pure gold.

Anyway, like you said, we'll see one another back home. I'll probably be back tonight. Ain't feeling bad, and just enjoying the nice room, y'know? Along with some... Less than nice memories, that comes up when I think about the place and the history I had with the family, but that ain't important to focus on. In fact, I'd prefer not to linger on it.

You folks have fun, and I'll see ya tonight. Or tomorrow, whatever suits yer fancy."

"Sounds reasonable. We'll see you around."

"You bet. Make sure to take care of Ruby, eh? Pretty sure she could rip a face off if she had the urge, but still, ain't hurting with a second set of eyes to watch her back."

Leviathan would nod, and indicate she were ready to leave the room. And soon as they had, and she were sure that they didn't have others listening in, she'd open her mouth. Yet she'd pause a second, before going with another question, once she noticed the camera up in the corner.

"...So, what're we gonna do until tonight then? Day's young. Time enough to get stuff done."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

She would listen in to every word he said, with increasing concern. To think that he were wandering on such a moral knife's edge... And with thoughts so grim, born of the simple desire, to return to the cycle. She wished not to hear it, yet she could not deny that in his stead, it made sense to at least have these thoughts.

"It troubles me to hear you are fighting a battle such as this, my friend. Though long I would argue that there should be no reason for villainy, I cannot in good conscious say, that I do not understand your reasoning for thinking it tempting, to try and force mightier powers to give you the peace, that have thus far been denied you. The fact that you hold them, yet still believes in helping those less fortunate, is a testament to your good heart, despite your physical lack of one."

Lyriel would wander over, and with a sigh, let her the roots that made up her hooves burrow down into the ground, planting her slightly where she stood.

*sigh* I wish I had answers. A definite thing to say, which would help to give you further purpose, or a clue, as to where to look. Alas, I know so little of this world, and whilst the Earth Mother is a being of wondrous, majestic power, my prayers are not to help her stir, but to soothe her mind, that she may never awaken from her slumber, and tear herself from the earth's gentle womb.

Mayhap... We could find the one they call Discord, and ask him, if he would know of something? Is he not ancient himself, and brimming with unfathomable power? If not able, perhaps he may yet hold answers, or have some idea of what have happened.

That said, I wish not to give false hope. Only to help you, to find some peace, and closure. And know that bad or dead, I will make sure that Crow have a comfortable life. You needn't worry for it, in your plans.

Perhaps though, this is too much as is. The day have been long, and there is much to think of. Though regardless, the world is large, and the number of creatures unfathomable. Who knows? perhaps somewhere, there is a god not meant to rest, whom you could convince to smite your very core from existence. A horrid fate for most, though as said before, I can understand your desire for this."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I see no reason to disbelieve your statement, so to begin with, you needn't consider yourself as suspects. Furthermore, I would like to thank you for your timing, when it came to finding the victims, and tending to their wounds. You have likely saved their lives through your actions.

The evidence will be brought in and examined, but I fear it isn't much. Beyond the knife, nothing seems out of the ordinary, and with how many travels through town now, it is hard to say whom may have brought this, and if there were intend with this, or merely an act of impulse."

"It were not impulsive. I could feel the emotions, and the briefest taste of the thoughts, of the one whom did this. I have not a face, nor a name, but their murderous intent were quite notable. This wasn't a spur of the moment crime. It have been prepare for. All the way down to the most efficient escape route, and destruction of evidence, I might add."

"Sadly I would agree then, as it fits more than being a crime, committed in the heat of the moment. Might I ask if you could recognize the one you sensed, if you met them again?"

"Perhaps, though it depends on their state of mind, and if they are thinking about the episode. If it comes up, I understand you'd want them?"

"Alive, yes. There are questions to ask."

"I shall keep that in mind then."

Stargazer did not overly trust this changeling, but as she were one of his few somewhat witnesses to this crime, he needed to try for the time being, and hope that if she found whomever had done this, that they'd get to him alive, and preferably in one piece. Changelings had their way of decimating other beings, regardless of them being alive, but he'd try and hold hope here. This were one of the reformed ones. Surely that meant she had more restraints than what he feared, yes?

Regardless, he had some reports to fill out now, and warnings that he needed to set up. As well as coordinate with a few others, to keep more eyes on the elderly residential area, just in case the perp returned. *sigh* Times like this, he were annoyed he were the only actual Night Guard in town, and that the princess did not currently, have her own guard team. The local law were reasonably fine, but it were more of a neighborhood watch, than actively law enforcement. He really had to bring this up with the princess.

"Your assistance is appreciated. I thank you for your cooperation, but would like to ask if there is anything else you might know? Something minute, you didn't think of? If not, I will go and begin preparing for the search. I can't have an attempted murderer loose in my town."

Stargazer wasn't blind to how Sheshka didn't seem overly happy with his presence, but he just assumed it were because he were a bat pony. It still were weird for others to see his kind, and to then also see one in a position of power, rubbed some the wrong way. He had learned to ignore it, lest there came words behind it, and even then, he should not try and seek a confrontation. That had been one of the harder things for him to learn, as his old mentor had taken him out of prison. 

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-04-29 at 8:19 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I wouldn’t go that far. Maybe I might start with something simpler, but I think you might have trained yourself to not give that kind of information away. If something notices that, they could single you out. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open, and I might just let something slip…”

"Ordinarily, that would be correct. Yet I've found myself getting increasingly relaxed around you and the others. Normally, I would keep a far greater eye out for anything in the area, which might prove important, or informative. As well as constantly keep myself reminded on posture, presentation, and how every minor detail, would need to be consistent with the role I am taking on, at the given moment. Much like an actor, that is always on stage. Even sleeping positions must sometimes be considered, when approaching certain things.

I still find myself doing so, and subconsciously, I will likely always have some degree of this in my behavior. It is not easy to simply eradicate after all, considering how long it have been battered into me, from an early age. But I find I am not as rigid with it as I tend to be, so who knows? You may find yourself learning something unintentionally, however minute. Though I'd still be impressed if you managed to copy something per se, with any degree of haste. Even though I am willing to entertain the notion."

There wouldn't be much to learn from him, nor observe at this current point in time, as he were merely thinking, whilst looking around, to see if he could find Omen and Lin. Hopefully it wouldn't be much longer, as they after all, needed to go and visit the longma family soon, to not be too late. Uddo shouldn't get a bad first impression of them, no?

On 2022-04-29 at 8:19 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Your grandmother sounds like my grandfather… always looking for something to keep themselves busy. I think her basket will be of great use, and not just because it’s being used to carry fruits. And you mentioned something about kitsune? I haven’t seen any around these parts, but my friend and I met a few some time ago. They nursed me back to health when I couldn’t walk after getting injured badly.”

Lin still recalled being healed of her injuries relatively quickly, and being able to walk after believing she’d be crippled for a long time was nothing short of astounding. Even she still doesn’t know how that was possible, but she owed it to them for helping her and Rosa. Knowing some kitsune are moving about in Canterlot must be quite the interesting sight if going by the vendor’s description. Maybe they might see some tonight if they were lucky. Upon taking the basket, she’d check if everything were present and accounted for before leaving to rejoin the others.

“I shouldn’t take up more of your time, but it’s nice talking with you. Before I go, could you tell me your name? I’m sure you know I’m giving this fruit basket as a gift, but I’ve got some relatives who live here. I think they’ll like these fruits and might want to know who they can speak with if they want some more.”

"You've been to a kitsune healer? Man, I'm jealous. I hear it's a magical experience. Literally. They're so heavily brimming with magic, that they can even tap into leylines, if they're experienced enough. That's how they can mend wounds like no other, or craft such powerful illusions, that they become near real, though apparently, their magic sometimes have some odd ways they need to be used, to work right. Jumping, dancing, specific sounds even- That kind of thing.

That's what my grandfather tells me at least. Says he learned it, from a friend of his, when he were younger, that was really into studying leylines, and learned about their connection to the kitsune.

And my name? Right, I totally forgot. It's Glitter Sickle. Can I ask yours, before you wander off?"

"I am Omen."

Omen's voice whispered through his head, as the mare looked unblinkingly at him.

"Very fitting."

"Shriiiiimp!"

Shrimp meanwhile, had awakened up from his nap, and assumed this were naming rounds. So he rose up as tall as his little noodle body allowed, and *roared* out his own name. Which admittedly, did make Glitter smile a little.

"Awh, that's a cute little one. Maybe next time, I can say proper hello to him. Or her? Either way, take care all three of you. And if you like the wares, please tell your friends and family about it. The more customers, the merrier."

Glitter would wave as they'd leave (there's still room to say a bit more) and soon enough, they'd be able to get back to the others. Omen would carry the basket if Lin were not trying, by using her tongue, and lifting it in front of her. She'd be surprisingly stable as it moved around, with it barely wriggling in the air as she moved, if she were carrying.

As for Shrimp, he were briefly interested in the basket, but after lazily reach out for it, he'd seemingly lose interest, and curl up to have another nap. He'd probably be more lively, once they got to dinner. They'd have to see how Uddo felt about animals begging at the table, combined with Omen's utter disregard for stuff like that, when it came to what Shrimp wanted.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

Light would quickly grab the paper and explain a bit to Shark what this is for.

" We kind of need this sweetie... Ahmm I mean Shark. This would let us allow to learn about ponies, about friends."

Light would then sign the papers and just put Sharks name in it as well if Shark still dosnt know how to sign.

"There Head mare, it has been done. What else is there I need to do?" He respectfully asked.

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-05-06 at 5:50 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You've been to a kitsune healer? Man, I'm jealous. I hear it's a magical experience. Literally. They're so heavily brimming with magic, that they can even tap into leylines, if they're experienced enough. That's how they can mend wounds like no other, or craft such powerful illusions, that they become near real, though apparently, their magic sometimes have some odd ways they need to be used, to work right. Jumping, dancing, specific sounds even- That kind of thing.

That's what my grandfather tells me at least. Says he learned it, from a friend of his, when he were younger, that was really into studying leylines, and learned about their connection to the kitsune.

And my name? Right, I totally forgot. It's Glitter Sickle. Can I ask yours, before you wander off?"

“Well, I wouldn’t say I had a choice in meeting the kitsune back then. It was an emergency, but I wouldn’t have met them if it weren’t for my friend here.” The longma would look to Omen and smiled, acknowledging that meeting wouldn’t be possible without her. “Oh, my name is Lin, by the way. I wish you a good evening, and may fortune smile upon you.”

Lin smiled and bowed to Glitter before picking up the rest of her purchases and heading off. Omen seemed to already grab the basket, and she wouldn’t contest that. All in all, that was a pleasant diversion, and it didn’t seem to occur to her that they might be running late. Sen and Rosa were probably wondering what’s taking them so long. At this time of night, the market appears to be getting a little busier as more visitors and vendors were moving about. 

In the meantime, Sen was still keeping an eye out for the rest of the group, but one couldn’t possibly fault him for getting more impatient by the minute. He could still see the mare from earlier, the rude one that turned down a sale. Seemed like she was packing up her things, and the last bits of food she had were still present. No sale… must be quite a bummer that she had to stay longer to wait for someone else to make a purchase. It was no longer an issue for the longma, as he already got something better elsewhere. 

It wouldn’t be long until Lin would see and meet up with Sen and Rosa, hauling in some assorted moongrown fruits. Though feeling a little tired of waiting, Sen was just happy the group is back, and they were just about ready to move out. 

“Hey, it looks like you and Omen found some interesting food.”

“Moongrown fruits courtesy of a nice bat pony vendor named Glitter Sickle. We chatted for a bit, and he told me a bit about some of the fruits we bought, among other things. I take it you’ve got something interesting as well?”

“Yes, but we can tell you more while we’re heading to Uddo’s home, and maybe you or Omen could tell us about what’s in that basket. Is everyone ready to go? Not gonna lie… I’m getting really hungry just thinking about all of this food we got!”

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby nodded in agreement on Spicy's point about the relationship, granted she didn't think about it exactly the same way, since she didn't see friendships as worth much, but there was no point in getting stuck on details. "See you." she said as she turned to leave, though not before calling Charir by name and gesturing towards the door, he understood the message and left with them. 
 

Ruby noticed Leviathan's hesitation, and followed her glance, she wasn't familiar with cameras and such, but it didn't take genius to make the connection, and as Charir had shown moments before, one didn't need to understand how exactly something worked to know what it was used for. "I still don't have any plans, but I guess we could show Charir around the city a little. just so he gets used to the crowds." "Though the first thing should probably be to get out of this casino, I don't like the....current atmosphere in here." actually it was the lack of privacy, ironically the lack of ponies around them made the whole place feel less safe to speak in. "And I don't really want to stare at that mare any longer than I have to. "

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"I have considered Discord in my various plans of action, but I am not hopeful, I do not believe I have been born from chaos, and thus he may not be able to take me away, and if he is familiar with what happened to me, would he not warn the princesses? yet to ponies I'm merely a ghost story, a legend." Scarecrow said, he appreciated the sympathy, but couldn't truly appreciate it. "My desire may be grim, and while it brings unpleasant ideas to my mind, it is also what keeps me from not doing them, as I realize there is other option, that being to find my origin, to find what keeps me here, whatever it is, certainly it can be undone?" "For that I need to not make myself a threat, so that I have access to information." lack of emotions was a double edged sword, while it had lot of negatives, there was also positives, one being, Scarecrow would never give up, because he couldn't feel truly defeated, no matter the setbacks, he was unable to feel hopelessness, he only had his goals and principles. "And who knows, maybe if I go with that pony we met at the farm, a solution is finally found, if not that, at least it could tell more about my true nature." it was weird thing to say for him, since he saw himself as other than anything to do with nature, but saying was a saying. 

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

Sheska half dismissed the thank you, she nodded to acknowledge it but that was about it, she was uncomfortable around guards, and her body language signaled it, thankfully Stargazer didn't try to touch her, as that would bring more openly hostile reaction, though it wouldn't be as strong as it had been with Solar Silver, not having his body modified helped Stargazer when it came to the kobolds' opinions, since lack of technology helped them to disconnect him from their world. Trox got next to his sister and tried to help her relax by patting her casually on her back, he had his learned wariness too, but as had been a trend to this point, he was the more composed one.

 

They thought for a moment if there was anything to add "There was an open door in that direction that had nobody around, don't know if it's any way connected, but we were going to check it before we saw this." Sear then mentioned, pointing into the direction of the door "Though seeing all of this, it probably isn't anything." it didn't really fit the picture, since with how messy the killer was, it was hard to believe there wouldn't be obvious blood near the door if it was related. 

 

 

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Kujamih

Starlight just picked out a new set of papers, seeing how the ones she had given to Shark were already torn beyond usage, despite Light stopping her from making the whole thing into confetti. Though this time, she'd hand it to him instead.

"I've just dealt with foreign exchange students from Neighpon, and the day started off with Discord making an impromptu *Chaos lesson* in the cafeteria. Trust me, it's gonna take more than this to faze me today."

Honestly, she wasn't sure what had gotten the drop on her the most. Probably the kitsune actually. She were used to Twilight telling her if she had made contact with new species, as there would invariably be some that'd come around here then, but she hadn't reached out to any kitsune, far as she knew. Not even the few that had been known to wander Equestria for random reasons. This one had just shown up, with a document the length of the room, discussing the matter from her elder's perspective, and said it had been prompted by recent surprise visitors, that had made both the elders, and some of the young ones, curious. Apparently, her kits had agreed to become the first to try and study in this place, and see if they may be able to have a better relation with them, than they did with the ponies of Neighpon.

She were also asked to find equine students then, that would be willing to study with them. That were going to be her next headache, but she were sure there'd be some unicorns who'd be interested. Kitsune magic were rare to get to study up close like this, and some would love the opportunity. Hay, if she told Twilight about it, she knew well who the first one was gonna be. Which were why she wouldn't say anything to her either. Perhaps Trixie though... She might find usage of this to her shows, and she were showing continued improvements... Something to consider.

As for the current situation, Shark didn't know how to write, and would in fact, lick the paper when asked to sign. So after Light put in her name instead - something she'd watch carefully - Starlight would nod, and float the papers to a nearby shelf.

"That's the start stuff. Next comes finding out about lodging. You can't be in the same room, if you chose to sleep on school property. It's standard rules, you see. Male and females, in each their own sections. But I don't know if you're just here for lessons, and you already have a place to be outside of here? Most does, but it's not all."

"I sleep in river. Pretty river outside. I go there, yes?"

"...Technically part of school property, so I can't say it's against the rules."

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

 

@Starforce

"Oooh, so That's why you've come to see me? Hehe. Go figure. Have she met the others yet?"

"Only Geist."

"Then you've been through the worst.

Now, not gonna spoil what my test of you are gonna be, but you outta know in advance, that it's not like we're gonna ask you to raise a zombie. You don't need to worry about that. It's more that there's a lot of death here. Like, a Lot of death. We'll need to know how you'll handle that, since we're not gonna change our ways, so the ones moving here, will have to accommodate to the town, and show that they can accept it, as they want us to accept them.

So you're gonna be tested in three aspects. I'm Tradition. What can happen in this family, and what can happen to those who dies in this area in general. Sorta think about me as *The warning sign*.

Might seem silly to you, but we've historically had some troublesome ones, who came in, all interested, and then soon began demanding that we'd stop openly deal with death magic, or even exclude some from coming in to get help, because they didn't like who or what they were. And around here, excluding those who need help, is not acceptable. All can be affected by death, and all deserve the offering of help, if they ask for it.

That's why Geist's test tends to break others. It's the trial of Acceptance. The point where it's not just words, and small tests, but right in your face action, that you'll need to react upon.

Hehe, but don't worry, it's not like she's gonna sic the dogs on you. She's gonna test you, not tear you limb from limb. Though if you Do somehow die in the area, how do you feel about a body made out of felt? I'm thinking something draconic for your soul. Oooh, I could Just see it."

At this point, she were just teasing Alluria, because she knew the mare didn't like this. But that didn't mean that she shouldn't be allowed to have her fun, right? In fact, fun could be had, exactly because of it.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

"They have moongrown food in this area? That's fairly surprising. I've rarely seen that, since I left home for good."

Rosa would look at the food they had gotten with curious eyes. Some of them he were familiar with, but others he weren't as certain about. Moongrown were rather rare, as it took effort, that most would rather put into just regular farming. Yet in his opinion, the extra effort could be tasted, and though he had not tasted this in quite a while, he did have a longing for trying some of these again, after he had turned traitor. To know there were one here in town, that were able to do this, were a welcome surprise for him. Definitely someone he'd have to seek out, once he had a stable income set up.

"He made burning beans."

"...I can say with certainty, that I have not seen that before. I definitely need to meet this Glitter Sickle.

As for our own endeavor, we were eying something else, yet she seemed uninterested in selling. And have seemingly continued issue selling it now. Instead, we found a more accommodating vendor, that would sell us some dishes. Some good ones with filled mushrooms as an example, which I think will fall in good taste."

As he spoke, Omen would set down the basket she had carried, and would wander silently over to the mare who had seemingly rejected Rosa and Sen earlier. Rosa noticed, but he didn't say anything, except following her with his eyes, as he quite honestly were curious how she'd deal with this interaction. It were an interesting thing with her, he noticed. Others could get rejected, and she'd just approach, and try herself. Likely because she didn't care one bit, if she were told to bugger off. She'd just walk away then.

"Let's observe what's going to happen there, then we can leave. I'm curious how she's going to act."

He didn't specify if he meant the vendor, or Omen. Might be both. The rude prude, against the uncaring neutrality of Omen.

As she got there, Omen would *speak* to the mare, regardless if she were looking at her or not.

"Hello, vendor pony. What is it you have, he wanted to buy? Can I buy it?"

Even if the mare yelled in her face, Omen would literally just look at her, utterly indifferent. It didn't bother her in the least. A small pro, of not grasping the emotion of bothering all that well.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Don't blame you. She looks like the most punchable mare I have ever had the misfortune to gaze upon."

"They have no idea..."

A maid would pass by, having heard what Leviathan said, and grumbled to herself. Though Leviathan still well heard it, and smirked at what she heard. The sheer tone of irritation and the want to roll her eyes, yet wouldn't, due to the cameras... It was kinda funny to her.

Spicy were likely right, in saying that the staff were gonna have a party about the old crone's passing. What a life to have, when so few cared about you, when you were gone... What a miserable existence, but you reaped as you sowed, as the saying went.

"Let's get out of here, and away from prying eyes."

The eyes were on them, as Diego had instructed them to pay close attention, if she returned at some point, and tell her of what they learned. Nothing intriguing this time, but as one who went around with Spicy, he were curious, what kind of pony he were dealing with. If she even were that. Some things seemed off for him. hence the want to learn more.

Getting out of the casino, the fresh air were a nice change from the dark atmosphere within, and looking around, they'd see some of the staff already, gathered in a shed off the premise, grinning widely, and clinging glasses. As well as the regular town atmosphere, which also included a few passerbys smirking, as they saw the depiction of the mare, and knew what had come to pass. It really seemed like this town had lost its least liked mare. A great day for New Las Pegasus, or something?

"Better with some fresh air. What kind of thing do you think he'd like to see? I can probably direct us there. I spent some time here before I ran into you."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I suppose you are correct. One never knows what can happen, when dealing with their kind. Helpful or not, it could end poorly. And I could not even begin to say where the limits of their kin are either. I have yet to meet more than the one who made Crow, and it were... An experience, that I am not interested in repeating anytime soon, if I must be honest.

The mare of death, would likely be the better choice. I would think that your first attempt of traversing with the ponies though, went well, yes? None saw through your disguise, and they interacted calmly and kindly with you. Crow too, did its part too, by ensuring to not leave your presence. perhaps sooner than expected, you will be ready for us to make the trip to their town, and hopefully find answers. Of your nature, of your creation, and if the Earth Mother be willing, your undoing, if that remains your wish when time comes."

To think that she would accompany such an odd friend as Scarecrow, into an area of death, when she herself were a being of life and nurture... It concerned her, if the ground around that town, would end up affecting her in some unknown ways, but she would still follow, til she felt she were slipping. Hopefully it would not come to that, yet she would steel herself, for when the day came.

"As for your assertion, and logic, it is something I agree with. Seeking help, is simpler when you are not perceived a threat. Much as her games taxed me, I would still praise the draconequus for if nothing else, helping you with the hindrance of an appearance, that would cause others to react with fear and fright. When judged by words and actions, 'tis plain that you gain favor by most. See that as proof of the wisdom, in your path, my friend."

Scarecrow might suddenly feel a slight unease, coming from Crow, as the latter had spotted a newcomer flying in to this sanctum. A phoenix, with fiery feather, shining in the sunlight, that landed on a branch to nest. Much as Crow were durable, and boastful, it also knew that it were still made of natural parts. As such, it were flammable. Seeing a creature of living flame were what one could consider his natural enemy. Yet it had not come to fight it. The bird simple roosted to rest. It cared little for Crow.

"If I may ask: Have you thought of training facial features, like smiling? I know it is not possible without your disguise, but maybe with it, you have the possibility? I am not entirely certain of the limitations, there may be to this."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I see no issue in inspecting it, nonetheless. Thank you for your cooperation, and if you do find the perpetrator, my temporary office, is next to the mayor's hall. Please feel free to go there, if there is anything."

Stargazer would salute them all, then spread his large, leathery wings, and fly towards the direction he had been pointed. It were clear from the way Sheshka had acted, that she did not enjoy his presence, and as such, he would likely thank them better, by not lingering, and causing her further duress.

"That went more calmly than I had imagined. Had I known simple words were enough to convince this town of things, I may travelled here sooner, and taken it over. How Chrysalis could loose to such... Gullible ponies, seems laughable, the more I learn of them.

But that were before. I've no need of taking them as my own anymore. And frankly, I am more interested in finding whom it were, that caused the attack. I do not like loose ends. They have a habit of causing issues, where they are most certainly not welcome. And if this is but the start of a spree, who knows how long it will be, before it will not be a mere murder attempt, and actually culminate in death? The destabilizing effect it would have here, is not preferable.

I would suggest perhaps, finding a creature that can sniff the blood, and try and follow a trail? Lest you also have issues with diamond dogs, Sehshka? I do not need to be in your head, to see the effect that guard had on you."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

" .... I guess I'll stay at your lodgings. I'm not able to breath under water anymore, so that's that." Light replied.

" Again, I thank you for your hospitality and your knowledge to share. If you need any help my Lord I would gladly obey." Light said while bowing towards Starlight.

[Rising Dusk 27,513]

@Blitz Boom

The detour was short, but its purpose wasn't intended for the visitors of Equestria.  It was all for the former apprentice of Twisted.  Difficult for the other parents in attendance to still fully understand that the young looking Lily they know, was indeed the mother to a mare their own age.  At least Sickle had a caretaker looking after her.  Rising managed a good measure of Brighteye in their brief exchange.  A good thing too, as he felt Brighteye would be a common sight in his time to Harrowmark in the future.

The door closed and the group was moving on.  "A lovely child Lily, I look forward to making her acquaintance when she's rested," the fluttering pegasus offered.  "Another friend our age would be most welcome," Star agreed with a bushy mustache smile.  The new hallway offered more into the insight of Harrowmark.  Erie paintings of Harrowmark's long history of royalty.  A deep contract to the colorful, cheery, bright art one would find in Canterlot Castle.  Granted the list of lineage to the Equestrian throne totaled two.  Even then, really one for the longest period of time and more a co-ruler in the form of Princess Luna.  Before that time, much has been lost of Equestria's ancient history.  Long when the pony tribes were divided and any sense of royalty as such were taken by the unicorns.  Hardly kept track of after Princess Celestia and Princess Luna took up the throne.  Moving their roll behind the senses as advisors and Politicians in high society.  Still, long enough records and lines can trace to Minty Lice Snow Delice, as the direct descendent to such long forgotten things.

The last painting, Rising could piece together from what bit of history he'd learned in the books Willow gave him and bits he picked up in conversations.  The reason undead had been forbidden from the throne ever again.  To the others, it was simply a painting one might find in a horror book or haunted house on Nightmare Night.  Collectively the three gulped, more out of the sense and understanding they were now in a land these things were considered normal and displaying them so openly didn't require a second thought.  Luckily they moved through the hall quickly, and Rising now had pictures etched in his mind to put faces to names, even in painting form.

The next portion, was a much better for the present company.  Not that anypony would say Star was less than a cheery joyful fella, entering the library made him shine even more.  His eyes went wide and he reached up to start stroking his mustache with a hoof.  "Ho ho ho.  Marvelous, truly marvelous," Star expressed.  Star wasn't always the most quiet in a library, often needing to take his books elsewhere instead of studying in the building.  "And here I thought the best would be saved for last, ho ho ho," he chuckled and started wander away.   "And there he goes...," Dawn sighed, the group halting.  "Rising, dear boy.  Start cataloging.  I dunno where to even start," the stallion stepped up to a shelf.  "Hark, not in Ponish or Old Ponish.  How teasing," Star pondered.  So far everypony he'd met in Harrowmark spoke Ponish, surely he was just in an older section.  An older section Rising could confirm seeing the enchantments that helped preserve the older books.  Easy threads in the spell helped denote how long the enchantment had been going.  Hopefully helpful in telling the age of the book, but who knows when they started enchanting books verses how old the book actually was.  "Over there," Rising directed his father across the path to a shelf that might better fit his interest.  The enchantments looked younger.  "Ah, yes, well done dear boy," the father beamed and happily trotted over.  

"Let your father enjoy himself a few moments, darling," Grace chuckled, gently stroking her daughter's mane.  While she did plan on controlling the flow of the knowledge contained in these books, she herself did not wish to be the pony actually in the library.  She had other ponies for this.

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-05-09 at 1:03 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"They have moongrown food in this area? That's fairly surprising. I've rarely seen that, since I left home for good."

“Maybe Old Canterlot isn’t a home to you yet, but it sounds like it’s getting there. If you’re still unsure, you won’t have to wait long. We’ll be eating these later, and you could find some more from the bat pony vendor I mentioned.” 

It seems like with Equestria being open to letting various creatures take root with others, finding more and more surprises is becoming frequent. If only the same could be said about the longma… Knowing how long Uddo and his family were away from the village, it’s likely they wouldn’t have experiences of home around here. Perhaps a few here and there, but nothing could wholly capture the full details of daily life in the forest. Uddo didn’t seem to mind it from what he told the siblings, but he had his reasons.

For now, departing for dinner was next on the group’s agenda, though they’d be held up with Omen wandering away to look for the rude vendor that turned down Sen and Rosa earlier. The longma wouldn’t bother with trying to do more or get the spinach puffs, but the Ki’Nathar had wandered far enough that walking up to the mare at the stall would mess things up for his friend. 

“So, what’s the story with that earth pony vendor?”

“She wouldn’t sell because she saw Omen coughing up some of the bits we split earlier. It was, as she called it, ‘unsanitary.’ A shame, really…. Her spinach puffs looked pretty delicious, and she looked like she was about ready to call it a night if she just sold them sooner.”

“At least you kept calm, brother. I’d hate to think about what you would’ve done if she said something that really ticked you off.”

Sen wasn’t the type to really fly off the handle if something got under his skin. It would linger in his mind, but the longma would often leave it at that. The only time it didn’t ring true was when Legion said something so insulting, it got Sen to lose his cool real fast, and the result wasn’t pretty. The siblings wouldn’t linger on this topic for long, as they turned their sights to Omen, who was just at the earth pony vendor’s stall. Everything seems to be packed up and ready to go, but Omen’s arrival was a mixed development.

On 2022-05-09 at 1:03 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Hello, vendor pony. What is it you have, he wanted to buy? Can I buy it?"

“You’re with the strange visitors from earlier. The one with the horns and the thestral? Look, they wanted to buy the last batch of puff pastries I got, but I’ll tell you what I told him: I saw you spitting your bits out of your mouth, and that kind of unsanitary business transaction isn’t going to help my reputation.” 

*sigh* “Thing is, I would’ve preferred to go home a little lighter, so tomorrow’s batch will all be freshly prepared. You want the pastries, just pay 20 bits and take them. Only the spinach are puffs left, though, as someone, thankfully, bought the other batch. I don’t like that I’m dong this, but I will take your bits just this once. If you’re going to buy from me again, you better be keeping your bits somewhere cleaner. Got that?”

The earth pony vendor was slightly taken aback by Omen’s method of communication, but seeing as she’s already experiencing a whole host of weirdness in a short span of time, this interaction is probably on the tamer side. Nevertheless, she still retained her rude demeanor and tone, only barely making eye contact. Indeed, only the red box remained, and there were four pieces of spinach puffs within. They were a little on the larger size, possibly justifying a price tag of 5 bits a piece. Getting a sale here and going home with more bits sound like a better proposition than turning away a paying customer, unusual as she may be. Her concerns for sanitary transactions were still there, but she’d probably keep Omen’s bits somewhere and wash them later. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@-Buttercup-

"Well you know how to talk, that's for sure. Hehe. I look forward to seeing you in my trial, and your friend too. I bet she's seven kinds of lovely.

Now I think that we sho-"

"Stitch!"

Before she could finish talking, the mare who had briefly spoken with Soul earlier, about Mourners Puppet, came rushing towards them. It looked like whatever got her some jump in her step, and caused her chains to rattle of well, were at least somewhat urgent.

"Awh bugger. Something wrong, Tomb?"

"We need your help. Puppet's doll went missing, and she went to find it. We found the doll in the lost and found, but..."

If Stitch had a real heart, it would be racing right about now.

"Are you telling me, that you lost Puppet? How is... You know what? No, I get it. The regular souls avoid her like the plague. They've seen nothing. I'll send my scouts out."

"Thanks. I'll go get the gatekeepers. Maybe they've seen something."

Tomb would rush off after that, whilst Stitch let out an ethereal sigh.

"To lose a ten year old filly... I swear, in my days, we could've found her quickly.

Look, I'm sorry for cutting it short, but I need to help with this. I'll see you around, yeah?"

Stitch would open her stitched on mouth as far as the seams allowed, and a gurgling sound, like one were drowning, escaped her. From the grass, popped forth a multitude of various voodoo dolls, answering the call, and then scurrying out into town as she gave them orders on where to go and look.

"This is highly troubling. That filly needs supervision, for her own sake, and that of others. Someone may end up hurt, if she wanders around the wrong places.

I'm afraid our tour will have to wait until they find her. It will occupy most of the family's focus.

...I hope she did not get past the gates..."

Much as she may have some issues with Puppet - such as the filly scaring her, in ways that should not be possible - she were still just a filly, and it worried Alluria, how she may end up getting hurt. Or accidentally hurt others, if they were unlucky there. Either situation, were not good.

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

 

@Kujamih

"That will be Head Mistress Starlight, or Principal, thank you very much."

My lord... Heavens wept, could he not at least have called her a lady? It were not as if she refered to him as a mare.

"I wil have one give you a tour, and show you your lodgings. However, before we leave, I'd like a word with you in private, Light."

"Priii-vaaate. Private... Oh! I go look at shiny then. See you, Priiiin-ciii-paaaal. Principal. See you, Principal, and mate."

Shark would bounce out of the door, and see the two who had played with the shiny before. And as they saw her, they started again, this time though, bouncing it over near her, to see what she'd do.

With the two of them alone, Starlight would make sure the door were locked, then turn to Light.

"Alright then. Might I ask what the deal is with you two? I'm not trying to judge, but I get the feeling it's important that I understand. Are you two dating? How did that happen?"

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-05-10 at 2:12 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Maybe Old Canterlot isn’t a home to you yet, but it sounds like it’s getting there. If you’re still unsure, you won’t have to wait long. We’ll be eating these later, and you could find some more from the bat pony vendor I mentioned.” 

"It is certainly helping, that there are some luxuries that I remember. As well as an active, friendly community of bat ponies. I have nothing bad to say of King Thorax's willingness, to show me hospitality, but it is nice with some familiarities that one is used to, back at their home. I am sure it will help to ease me into things here as well, as time passes on, and I get more used to the surroundings.

Rest assured, I will remember the bat pony, and seek him out at an opportune time. Especially if these things are as great tasting as I they look."

He assumed they were going to be, but it were hard to say for certain, until he sank his fangs into them. Especially the potatoes. Gosh, the times he had thought back on a good stew with those, and some wild tomatoes... Well, he'd need wild tomatoes still, but this were a fine start. Frankly the hardest of them, and he smiled as he looked further on what they had brought. The day were looking better and better.

On 2022-05-10 at 2:12 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“So, what’s the story with that earth pony vendor?”

“She wouldn’t sell because she saw Omen coughing up some of the bits we split earlier. It was, as she called it, ‘unsanitary.’ A shame, really…. Her spinach puffs looked pretty delicious, and she looked like she was about ready to call it a night if she just sold them sooner.”

“At least you kept calm, brother. I’d hate to think about what you would’ve done if she said something that really ticked you off.”

"And you can see where the attitude got her. She is now with more product, than she have been able to sell, which will end up disposed off, as mere waste. A less than ideal situation for a vendor.

Yet it could have been worse, from our side of things, if she had been yelled at for the attitude. There is a fine line between who is the bad one, in any given social interaction. The one who starts to yell, is rarely the one with the high ground anymore. Especially against vendors. You will find that the assumption most will have, is that the unruly customer, went off on a tangent on the poor vendor, regardless of what you might tell them. Which in fairness, do tend to be the truth most of the time. Some truly deserves to get a tennis ball, lodged in their mouths."

The things he sometimes heard, being slung towards vendors, were utterly insane. Not so much in Equestria, where the culture were different, but even here... Jeez, what some beings thought were okay to tell others, were utter insanity.

On 2022-05-10 at 2:12 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You’re with the strange visitors from earlier. The one with the horns and the thestral? Look, they wanted to buy the last batch of puff pastries I got, but I’ll tell you what I told him: I saw you spitting your bits out of your mouth, and that kind of unsanitary business transaction isn’t going to help my reputation.” 

*sigh* “Thing is, I would’ve preferred to go home a little lighter, so tomorrow’s batch will all be freshly prepared. You want the pastries, just pay 20 bits and take them. Only the spinach are puffs left, though, as someone, thankfully, bought the other batch. I don’t like that I’m dong this, but I will take your bits just this once. If you’re going to buy from me again, you better be keeping your bits somewhere cleaner. Got that?”

Omen tilted her head slowly to the side, as her gaze remained on the vendor. Such odd things she were saying to her.

"Ponies spit. I am not a pony."

Her tongue would slide out of her mouth, with the 20 bits stacked nicely in a row, spread over about a meter. No pony had a tongue that long, nor flexible. Beyond that, no pony could do this, and yet have the bits come out so utterly devoid of anything icky. Whilst a little warmer than if they had been in a pouch, the vendor would find that they were utterly dry. Omen did not produce spit, nor stomach acid. When she digested, it were magic breaking it down, and to help her get food down her gullet, she had small bristles lining her throat, that helped to easer things up, as well as down. Something which would be highly detrimental to a pony, but like she said, she weren't one.

"I do not understand ponies sometimes. You walk on dirt. Why is it bad then, if things are not clean?"

She'd use her tongue to stack the bits on the desk, in a neat little pile On the corner, since she assumed it were more to the pony's liking, though she were merely guessing.

"But okay. I keep my bits in a pouch then. If important to ponies, I try and learn."

She did not specify that she meant she were still going to eat said pouch, but what this mare did not know, were likely for her sanity's best.

If the transaction then still went through, she'd take the spinach things, and walk calmly back to her group. If not, and something caused a stir, she'd eat her bits again, and walk back anyway. And no, the vendor for instance hiding, or yelling, were not enough to halt her. Omen wouldn't grasp this were not a sale, lest she were told so specifically. Ponies acted weird sometimes, but she were sure she got the point that when you put bits on the table for something, it were yours then. That was right, yes?

Edited May 11, 2022 by Blitz Boom

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

Light would face hoof as he said things that he shouldn't have. This was not the same Starlight he gave his loyalty and service too.

"Oh forgive me head mistress." He bowed once more.

 

As Shark leaves to play with the shiny ball, Light could only look and smile as she left.

" Don't bite anything okay!" His caution to shark as she left to play.

 

Now that starlight is alone with Light, her curiosity towards him with Shark was peaked.

" Oh... Um... At first...we have some kind of similarities. Well until ummm her mom... Did something to me and uhhh now it's not that apparent?" 

Light was having a hard time explaining his situation... Since he wasn't really normal to start with...

He wasn't really sure if he should tell her everything about him as well.

 

" But what really got me was her warmth and heart. Her focus on her Duty and her willingness to help, her innocence is also very refreshing. I hope that answered your question... It's... It's kinda embarrassing to say it to somepony else..." Light said to the nosy mare.

Edited May 11, 2022 by Kujamih

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

On 2022-05-10 at 5:31 AM, Rising Dusk said:

The door closed and the group was moving on.  "A lovely child Lily, I look forward to making her acquaintance when she's rested," the fluttering pegasus offered.  "Another friend our age would be most welcome,"

"I just hope that she's willing to speak with me. It's been a long time. A long, dark time."

That she had been given the sickle by Rising, told her that it were highly likely that her daughter wished to speak, and on good terms, but there were never any guarantees. And even then, it would be a moment that were going to have some teething issues regardless, due to the change in age. As well as the various things she had done. *sigh* There were going to be much to talk about indeed, but at least, they had the option now. It were more than she had had for several years now.

If she had the sickle on her, she would leave it in the room, before leaving. If Rising yet had it somewhere, she wouldn't be able to, and as such, would move on. Rising would hopefully return the family tool later on, so it could go back to Oaksbrook where it belonged.

On 2022-05-10 at 5:31 AM, Rising Dusk said:

The last painting, Rising could piece together from what bit of history he'd learned in the books Willow gave him and bits he picked up in conversations.  The reason undead had been forbidden from the throne ever again.  To the others, it was simply a painting one might find in a horror book or haunted house on Nightmare Night.  Collectively the three gulped, more out of the sense and understanding they were now in a land these things were considered normal and displaying them so openly didn't require a second thought.  Luckily they moved through the hall quickly, and Rising now had pictures etched in his mind to put faces to names, even in painting form.

"I see you took notice of our nation's great shame. May his name remain unsaid, but his actions never forgotten.

I am to believe that undeath, is not common in your lands? Then you have not this issue, but we needed to amend the governing laws of our nation, because of him. The first royal in memory, who returned to his body with his memories fully intact, he took his rightful place on the throne.

I have not the time to name all his atrocities, but if you wish to know more, we have a tome of him, within the royal library. We shall pass that soon, if you wish to learn more. It were a painful lesson for us, that royalty must end with death. Mayhap reading it, you will understand why."

His name were taboo to speak out loud, on castle grounds, but it were still important for them to not forget what they learned from his actions. Not that undeath itself were assured to lead to madness, but prolonged life, in a position that pivotal... It had proben troubling. Also for the line of succession, which were something which should not be halted, due to one pony thinking he should remain on the throne for all eternity.

On 2022-05-10 at 5:31 AM, Rising Dusk said:

The next portion, was a much better for the present company.  Not that anypony would say Star was less than a cheery joyful fella, entering the library made him shine even more.  His eyes went wide and he reached up to start stroking his mustache with a hoof.  "Ho ho ho.  Marvelous, truly marvelous," Star expressed.  Star wasn't always the most quiet in a library, often needing to take his books elsewhere instead of studying in the building.  "And here I thought the best would be saved for last, ho ho ho," he chuckled and started wander away.   "And there he goes...," Dawn sighed, the group halting.  "Rising, dear boy.  Start cataloging.  I dunno where to even start," the stallion stepped up to a shelf.  "Hark, not in Ponish or Old Ponish.  How teasing," Star pondered.  So far everypony he'd met in Harrowmark spoke Ponish, surely he was just in an older section.  An older section Rising could confirm seeing the enchantments that helped preserve the older books.  Easy threads in the spell helped denote how long the enchantment had been going.  Hopefully helpful in telling the age of the book, but who knows when they started enchanting books verses how old the book actually was.  "Over there," Rising directed his father across the path to a shelf that might better fit his interest.  The enchantments looked younger.  "Ah, yes, well done dear boy," the father beamed and happily trotted over.  

"Let your father enjoy himself a few moments, darling," Grace chuckled, gently stroking her daughter's mane.  While she did plan on controlling the flow of the knowledge contained in these books, she herself did not wish to be the pony actually in the library.  She had other ponies for this.

The librarians rose their heads and looked towards the newcomers with confusion. They were not used to loud voices down here, and especially not from one so odd looking as this one. Certainly, his clothes weren't too fancy, but they looked fresh, or at least not patched up and ratty. Also the style were different from what they rarely saw. Which then lead their eyes to his company, whom also looked strange comparatively. Who were these strange guests?

"I see you have taken interest in the royal library. Is Head Librarian Marshall present? Find him, that he may indulge our esteemed guest?"

One of the assembled ponies would nod quietly, and scurry back behind the stacks, while the others would do theirs to not be in the way of Star, as he poked around the library, yet did theirs to keep a close eye, in case it would turn out this unknown pony would mishandle the books.

Rising had picked out what were indeed the youngest shelf in this section, though there were younger books further in, if you were so inclined to look. The part they were in, were just the parts that were usually locked off from the public. The other side of it, had defenses to ensure no random being wandered in from the public section, to this more private one, but as they had entered from another side, they were not limited to seeing only that part.

Before he might get a good look at too many of the book titles - though these were written in ponish, and had titles such as *Howls from the earth* and *Poisons to make from meager means* - the pony from before would show up, with a tall, spectacled diamond dog, wearing an old fur coat, with matching pants. Clearly made from some sort of animal, like an elk, a fair bit of time ago. Fashionable for its time, probably.

"Peculiar visitors we have today. Am I to assume these are our hero, and his family?"

"Correct."

Raven would introduce the others by name, with the librarian nodding respectfully towards them all. Except for Lily, whom he'd give a quiet glare to. He did not trust her, which she frankly understood fully. She had not done much to deserve trust among her kinsmen just yet.

As for the other librarians, once they knew who this were, their stances would change towards Rising, and go into deep bows. Hooves/claws to the side for the females, and arm/hoof to the chest in a bow for the males.

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Head Librarian Marshall, entrusted with the upkeep of her majesty's royal library, as well as the Harrowish public library. If you are here to ensure we do not make up falsehoods, worry not. Your tome have barely begun being written, though at a given time, some background and personal points of view, would be appreciated. History should be accurate.

Now everyone, back to work. I shall handle this personally."

Marshall would snap his fingers, and the other librarians would get back up, and to the duties they were so assigned. Glances would still be cast towards the group though, but that were more or less inevitable really. They were curious after all. Especially some of the male ponies though, had more eyes towards Dawn. In their defense, it were hard not to. She stood out, in the best way possible.

The thoughtful look in Marshall's eyes though, would sooner go towards Star however. Something about the pony, made him think this were another scholarly individual, such as himself. Which might be odd to think of for the Equestrian guests, seeing how in Equestria, diamond dogs were generally half-feral and dumb. Harrowish ones though, tended to be smart, as they were entwined with the culture, rather than mostly stay underground, and due to the magic and country in general, tended to also be more robust, as they had more to worry about, than mere falling rocks. Marshall were one of the taller, somewhat leaner, muscular sorts, but he carried himself with graze.

"Mr. Star? Am I correct in assuming you are an educated stallion? Mayhap someone hungry for knowledge, for the sake of knowledge itself, rather than mere power? I see wisdom and curiosity in your eyes, rather than greed."

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-05-11 at 6:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"And you can see where the attitude got her. She is now with more product, than she have been able to sell, which will end up disposed off, as mere waste. A less than ideal situation for a vendor.

Yet it could have been worse, from our side of things, if she had been yelled at for the attitude. There is a fine line between who is the bad one, in any given social interaction. The one who starts to yell, is rarely the one with the high ground anymore. Especially against vendors. You will find that the assumption most will have, is that the unruly customer, went off on a tangent on the poor vendor, regardless of what you might tell them. Which in fairness, do tend to be the truth most of the time. Some truly deserves to get a tennis ball, lodged in their mouths."

“Wait, wasn’t there a saying about interactions between sellers and buyers? Something that goes along the lines of ‘the customer is right?’ Or is that part of the fine line you mentioned?”

“Honestly, Lin, that might not be true all of the time. I could’ve been slighted by that vendor and lost my temper, but that wouldn’t solve anything. Even worse, we would’ve made a scene, and we’d all be kicked out of the market. Good thing Rosa and I found the next best option, and he was a lot nicer.”

“Looks like Omen’s taking a while, and she’s talking with the vendor. I wonder what’s going on….”

If there was anything that could’ve compounded the confusion between the siblings, it was how customers are being treated as if they were right all the time. It wouldn’t make sense if they are in the wrong, and it only makes the vendors appear less credible if they were to only cater to a customer’s unknown tastes. Or perhaps there is a lot of nuance that is lost because that famous saying is incomplete, and what sounds right is a figment of a much larger picture. Either way, there would be a lot of contention, as a discussion on this topic could just as easily be something to be debated over drinks and long meals. There would be time for that, but maybe a full-length talk would need to wait, as the Sen and Lin continued to observe Omen and the vendor. 

On 2022-05-11 at 6:57 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Ponies spit. I am not a pony."

"I do not understand ponies sometimes. You walk on dirt. Why is it bad then, if things are not clean?"

“Argue semantics all you like, it doesn’t change what I saw and what I am seeing. You may not be a pony, but you look like one. As far as I am concerned, your bits came out of your mouth. And walking on dirt is different from eating the dirt on your hooves. I sell food, and getting dirt on them is bad for business. So does transacting with soiled bits.”

The earth pony vendor started wrapping the remaining spinach puff box into a bag before nudging it over to the Ki’Nathar. As much as she didn’t like the idea of picking the bits Omen left on the table, she ended up scooping them into a bucket and noticed they were barely any different the other bits she had on her. Dry and average-looking, and aside from being grossed out by her long tongue, she was happy enough with a sale. Perhaps she was wrong about Omen, Rosa, and Sen, though she wouldn’t openly admit it. 

For now, she’ll settle with trying to come off a little less hostile, though her tone would only hint at a feeble attempt to do so. If anything, she’d part with Omen with a backhanded complement. 

“Thanks for doing business and enjoy the spinach puffs. For your sake, stay out of trouble and don’t draw attention to yourself.  You already leave an impression on anyone who sees you, and some already made up their minds about who you are. It’ll take a lot of convincing for them to change their minds. Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two by doing that.”

The vendor resumed packing up for the evening, and satisfied that she’ll be leaving with a lighter load, she emptied out the last items from her stall before heading home. She said her piece, but what Omen does with that will be up to her. It’ll be interesting to see what the rest of the group has to say about what they’re seeing, because all they could observe was that Omen managed to secure some food from a vendor that wouldn’t sell to Sen and Rosa. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Kujamih

On 2022-05-11 at 1:18 PM, Kujamih said:

As Shark leaves to play with the shiny ball, Light could only look and smile as she left.

" Don't bite anything okay!" His caution to shark as she left to play.

"No bite. Okay."

It'd be the last she said, before leaving the room, although there were no guarantee. She may try and snap out after the ball of light, if it got close to her, but she wouldn't bite a creature. That were probably the most important part anyway.

On 2022-05-11 at 1:18 PM, Kujamih said:

Now that starlight is alone with Light, her curiosity towards him with Shark was peaked.

" Oh... Um... At first...we have some kind of similarities. Well until ummm her mom... Did something to me and uhhh now it's not that apparent?" 

Light was having a hard time explaining his situation... Since he wasn't really normal to start with...

He wasn't really sure if he should tell her everything about him as well.

 

" But what really got me was her warmth and heart. Her focus on her Duty and her willingness to help, her innocence is also very refreshing. I hope that answered your question... It's... It's kinda embarrassing to say it to somepony else..." Light said to the nosy mare.

"I am assuming with her mom, you mean the draconequus in the forest? Interesting."

Starlight would jolt a sentence down on Light and Shark's papers, which wouldn't be hard to read, upside down. It would just be *Possible draonequus influence. Be advised of minor oddities*. Something she'd have to scribble down on Shark anyway, but now also Light, in case some of the teachers started to question some strange things, or she forgot who they were. They had a lot of students here, and she surely couldn't be expected to remember everything about everyone.

"Alright, that should sort it then. I just needed to make sure there weren't something potentially worrying I should be aware of, such as if she were keeping you against your will.

I'll have someone come around soon to show you around, so please wait outside with Shark, and they'll be with you soon."

That was all. Nothing overly judgmental, just curiosity. She did think it weird though, but whatever. Wasn't her life. Long as it didn't cause issues at her school, to a degree she couldn't handle, they could keep living as they did.

Outside of the room, Shark were currently not biting something. Though she were jumping into the air, flailing her hooves at the ball of light, currently being tossed around in a big bow over her. When Light came out though, she'd flutter her thing wings, and rush upwards, mouth open, and about to chomp down on the light. Then she remembered she weren't supposed to, and tried to just boop it with her nose instead. Though the ones playing with it, were now starting to use magic to make it move erratic, so it wasn't easy. Seemed like they were having fun though. As were shark, and the onlookers who were starting to halt, and look at the odd display of a flying shark pony, with buzzing semi-insectoid wings, chasing an actual ball of light.

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

 

@-Buttercup-

"With extreme caution. Those... Things, that circles Puppet, will not suffer her getting distraught, or hurt. If we find her, you will need to be gentle, and not appear threatening.

Sadly if it happens, you will be on your own. I wish not to leave you there, but whilst I cannot pass on, that does not mean I cannot get hurt, and those things can do horrendous things. I have sadly witnessed it first hoof, and do not wish to partake in something of the sort, nor become her newest toy.

Yet that is a worry for me, not you. You can handle yourself, of that I am certain. Though truly, what are the chances that it is us, who would come across her as it were?"

The answer would walk past them soon enough. Quite literally. There would be a porcelain doll with real, dark hair, making up its mane and tail, walking past the edge of the ruin they were currently standing on. It were covered in an old, patched up dress, and despite showing its age, were actually looking rather pretty. At least from the back or side, where one could just see the smooth, clean surface, the dress, and the mane and tail.

From the front though, one could see that there would be actual glass eyes in it, that were moving around, seemingly looking for something, whilst the eyelids slowly blinked, every once in a while. A small smile were forever plastered on its small face, and even the teeth seemed to be disturbingly realistically done, in the open mouth. There also appeared to be an oozing darkness, that sometimes spilled out near the mouth. Death magic once more, , but also something else, that weren't magical in nature. Likely souls of some kind.

Regardless, the filly-sized doll were moving around there, and with small, clacking steps, seemed to have a route that it were walking, determined and without pause. Beyond a few times, where it seemed like it were looking for something. Maybe a track of sorts? It were hard to say, but one could make a clear assumption of what the doll were tracking. Or rather who.

Alluria hadn't noticed it currently, but it would be in the line of sight, where Magnolia should be able to. Follow the doll, and she might find the filly. Might be a feather in her hat, yes?

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-05-12 at 5:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Wait, wasn’t there a saying about interactions between sellers and buyers? Something that goes along the lines of ‘the customer is right?’ Or is that part of the fine line you mentioned?”

“Honestly, Lin, that might not be true all of the time. I could’ve been slighted by that vendor and lost my temper, but that wouldn’t solve anything. Even worse, we would’ve made a scene, and we’d all be kicked out of the market. Good thing Rosa and I found the next best option, and he was a lot nicer.”

“Looks like Omen’s taking a while, and she’s talking with the vendor. I wonder what’s going on….”

"The saying goes: The customer is always right.

However, anyone who have actually worked in the service industry, will tell you that said phrase is wrong. There is in fact, quite a few times when the customers are not just wrong, but belligerent and condescending too. You'd do better in thinking along the lines of treating your customers, as they are treating you. If they are nice, or at worst neutral, try and give them a nice experience. If they start yelling, throw them out, or at the very least rush dealing with them, so they can get out of your mane quicker. It depends on store policy."

Rosa had to pose in as a retail worker a few times, whilst spying, and without a doubt, the worst thing about those jobs, were the customers. The vast majority were great, that wasn't it. But those few who were not, really managed to stick in your mind. Frankly he didn't get how some beings kept at that job, for as long as they sometimes did. Without his sort of training, he would've probably snapped after a half dozen years, at best. Apparently the job just kind of hardened some, or made them utterly jaded.

"In any case, Sen is correct. Being rude to customers are one thing, but causing a scene something else, and worse, entirely. The situation demanded a more modest retort, which thankfully happened, leaving us with the moral high ground, if you would. More importantly, it didn't leave us at a bad standing with all of the vendors. At worst, I would imagine even those with her, would agree she did the right thing, but would then just look at us and wondering if we learned from that, rather than exclude us."

Rosa would watch closely at what were going on with Omen as well, though thus far, it seemed rather benign. No yelling, or indication she had been rejected yet. Perhaps she were winning the vendor over?

On 2022-05-12 at 5:22 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Thanks for doing business and enjoy the spinach puffs. For your sake, stay out of trouble and don’t draw attention to yourself.  You already leave an impression on anyone who sees you, and some already made up their minds about who you are. It’ll take a lot of convincing for them to change their minds. Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two by doing that.”

"When Master Discord brought me here, many called me things. He said their minds were made up too. So I asked him what it meant, and what I should do.

He said, to never to change, just because others want it. That it was important to be yourself, and focus on those who liked what they saw. Change for them, but stay yourself.

It have been a long time, since he told me that. I did not understand it. I still do not. But it sounded important."

She were starting to think these days, that she were slowly starting to grasp it though. Back then, Discord had just told her when she asked what that meant, he just smirked, and said that someday, she'd understand it.

After meeting Sen and the others  she were beginning to think that she might have gotten what it were that he meant. That she had to not listen to those that wanted her to conform to their ideals, but instead be herself. There'd be someone out there who liked that. And while it had taken some millennia, she had found that to be true.

Next part were going to grasp how change, and still be herself. Something that he too were doing these days, as he were still the goofy lord of chaos, regardless of him now doing more good, than harm. But maybe eventually, that would come too.

For now, she would take the food she had bought, and walk slowly back to her companions.

"Hello."

"That seemed to have gone fairly smoothly. Well done, Omen. Might I ask what you did to convince her to sell to you?"

"Yes."

Rosa would stand in silence for a for seconds, before it dawned on him what exactly he had said. Sometimes he forgot how literal Omen took things.

"Please tell us then."

Omen would tell them what they had both said, word for word. Not a riveting tale really, but it would serve to show that much as the vendor had been reluctant, she had not wanted to go back with these things still on hoof. So she had compromised her values for a moment, and allowed the sale to go through, before giving her words on how Omen approached others. Which realistically, wouldn't change a lot. She literally could not speak normally, as she didn't have the body parta needed for it. Discord had found it wasteful, since she spoke fine, the way she currently did.

Edited May 14, 2022 by Blitz Boom

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

Light got worried that the unicorns who were playing with shark is using magic now... This might tempt Shark to go all out and might regret the crowd doing so.

Light would easily go through the crowd with his lightness and ease of evading them and end up near the unicorns.

" Excuse me? May I suggest not challenging her, as she might not control her eagerness to go all out, plus a crowd is growing and we don't want any trouble I  our first day in school." Light politely asked the two unicorns, which he hasn't affirmed their name.

" My name's Light by the way, and the mare you are playing with is my ...ahm mate, her name is Shark Jäger." 

[Catpone Cerberus 23,588]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby also heard the grumble, though she mostly thought about how cowardly everyone was for not saying what they really think out loud, sure she too avoided doing things when it was beneficial to her, but it had to be very special case for her to pretend to respect someone she hated. That was really all she thought about it, as even the mare comment was just an excuse since she found it very unlikely they weren't watched, and thus wanted to leave as quickly as possible. The miserableness of the mare's life didn't even cross her mind because...well, was that not her life as well? hatched to a hateful mother in a land of conflict and death, she had almost become another meaningless skeleton among the thousands of others, the idea of someone truly caring about her after death was not something Ruby even considered. 

While she didn't understand such emotional matters, she did notice the unusual...positivity with this one, it was unusual, for ponies, to relish in someone's death like that, no matter how disliked. 

"Something normal, you know, various creatures just living their lives, I don't know if it's what he wants to see necessarily, but it is what he needs to see." Charir again got bit closer to Leviathan so that he wouldn't lose her in the crowds "Something that helps him with learning to tolerate the herd animal activity, don't want him lashing out at a group of ponies for walking too close." while lot kinder than Ruby, Charir was still part of a loner species, and liked his personal space and peace. 

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

Scarecrow felt something from Crow, but he didn't recognize it, as he himself was unable to feel unease on the emotional level, though looking at it, and then at what it had noticed, he made the connection, though didn't worry, as he trusted not only Lyriel, but also the peace of this place, after all, if even he could feel it, certainly animals couldn't break it. 

"I have, I watched closely at the various reactions of ponies, the problem just is, I don't know where to start." "I haven't had facial muscles for most of my current existence, so I have no idea how to move them." "All I know how to do is to open and close my mouth." it was like a getting a new limb suddenly, you could tell it was there, but you had no idea how to control it. 

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

Stargazer's species ultimately had nothing to do with Sheska's discomfort, yes ponies were the majority in those causing them suffering, yes Bat ponies were especially common in Nightmare moon's army, but that was just because they were the majority in everything, including in the opposite end of the power, the only real exception being slavery and later the general workforce, as kobolds took over that aspect in everything that machines didn't.

Onache's comment about taking over got looks from the others but none of them said anything about it, though the kobold siblings agreed with her observation, as they had personal experience with that gullibility.

Sheska half-muttered her response "As long as they're not a guard I'm fine." more specifically, didn't look like a guard, be it guard's armor or physical modifications, anything that reminded of their worlds guards, especially nightguards, made her feel uncomfortable beyond just hating guards. After hearing her response, Chega also moved close to Sheska, also comforting her, which Sheska didn't fight, Chega then quietly asked her something while looking at one of the scars, to which Sheska's response was to just look down, a response that Chega responded to with sympathetic hug. If Onache 'eavesdropped', the question was 'Was it a guard who...?'   

Trox, wanting to pull some attention away from his sister, spoke "We weren't in good relations with guards back home, so nice or not, we rather don't deal with them." "Diamond dogs should be fine, they were in similar situation to us kobolds, and I doubt even here many of them are guards." 

 

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-05-14 at 7:11 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"In any case, Sen is correct. Being rude to customers are one thing, but causing a scene something else, and worse, entirely. The situation demanded a more modest retort, which thankfully happened, leaving us with the moral high ground, if you would. More importantly, it didn't leave us at a bad standing with all of the vendors. At worst, I would imagine even those with her, would agree she did the right thing, but would then just look at us and wondering if we learned from that, rather than exclude us."

“A modest retort, huh? That must have been something if other vendors were around to see it.”

“Oh, you should’ve seen Rosa earlier. It didn’t lead to much beyond us walking away from the vendor, but Rosa really sounded like he had control over the situation. Kind of makes me want to try it out the some time. It sounds a lot better than loosing my calm.”

“I’m interested in learning that as well, Rosa. It probably takes some skill with words to be able to do that, though I think there’s more to it.”

The siblings didn’t really think they’d find themselves working in the service sector, but they liked the idea of being able to handle tense situations without raising their voices as a way to get back at those who slighted them. Or perhaps this was getting even? There’d probably be some nuance in how they’d go about it, but it would be an art if it were used in conjunction with reading another. If others could gauge some information based on what they see, it could say a lot more if it were… weaponized. Of course, there was a line between composed and focused retorts and trading insults, but the siblings wouldn’t have the heart for the latter.

On 2022-05-14 at 7:11 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"When Master Discord brought me here, many called me things. He said their minds were made up too. So I asked him what it meant, and what I should do.

He said, to never to change, just because others want it. That it was important to be yourself, and focus on those who liked what they saw. Change for them, but stay yourself.

It have been a long time, since he told me that. I did not understand it. I still do not. But it sounded important."

As for the earth pony vendor, she paused for a moment upon hearing Discord’s name, perhaps even retching at the thought. This creature before her called the draconequus her master? It wasn’t something those with sense would say so openly and casually, but his chaotic nature probably left something to be desired in this odd customer. Regardless, she wouldn’t voice her own thoughts, as even those were revolting at the moment. By now, she hoped this work day would be over, so she could go home and forget what happened.

Still, something about the odd visitors remained entrenched in her mind. Appearances aside, they weren’t the worst customers she met in her line of work, and it was lucky the worst she got was a verbal reprimand. It’ll likely reflect poorly the next day or the days after if word gets out. Before she knows it, maybe her reputation would slowly wane until it was nothing but tatters. If something good could come out of the day, the visitors she shunned and insulted earlier would be happy the the spinach puffs. It was about the only thing that could salvage any goodwill, even if she won’t know about it.

Speaking of which, Sen perked up at the thought of being able to try the spinach puffs he was denied earlier. Omen’s retelling of the most recent events was a little more positive, even if it came off somewhat condescending toward the Ki’Nathar. It was fortunate that those involved left it at that. 

“Seems like the vendor came around to parting with her remaining product. Looks like we'll be stuffed before the night is over!”

“I’m just happy it worked out because you handled yourself well back there, Omen. She didn’t insult your or anything, did she? Or use big words? I mean, this place is still Canterlot, even if it isn’t the Canterlot most would think about if they hear that name.”

[Plum Blossom]

@Blitz Boom 

On 2022-04-19 at 7:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I dunno. I can just sorta tell, when a cloud is just right, and then I bite them. The doctor thinks it's a sorta enzyme, I think he called it, in my fangs? Stuff that mixes with pegasus magic? He didn't sound sure, but he said it was safe. Just a little strange. But he said mixed equines can have all sorts of oddities.

And it tastes like plums. That time it did, anyway. Always random tastes. The cloud though, it just kinda tastes like biting into a wet, fluffier balloon."

"Oh wow, you are definitely going to have to show me that sometime!" Plum Blossom exclaimed. She still wasn't really sure how that would be possible, but she figured she would understand it when she saw it happen. 

On 2022-04-19 at 7:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Heyah. I saw you at school, before that monster came through town, and they had to close it for a few days. I was gonna say hello, but then Featherweight wanted to take some pictures. It was pretty fun. Got to scare some bullies too, hehe. I dunno why they think I'd bite them. I'm not a vampire."

"Well none of us have really seen a bat pony student before," Plum Blossom explained. "Even Ms. Cheerilee wasn't really sure how to explain it."

"Hey! Maybe you could use your skills to stop Diamond and Silver from bullying the others! Those two think that they are so much better than the rest of us..." Applebloom explained.

On 2022-04-19 at 7:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm still really new though, so Plum's being nice and showing me around. I heard lots of good stuff about Apple family farms, when I lived in Canterlot. Seemed like a fun place to see first."

"Oh yeah, we got tons of stuff around here. We have Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp... [deep breath] Big McIntosh, Applejack and Granny Smith!" Applebloom announced.

"Whaaat?" Granny Smith half grumbled half shouted from somewhere off in the distance.

[Rising Dusk 27,513]

@Blitz Boom

It wasn't all that peculiar after think about it for a moment.  The land was all abuzz with the coming celebration.  How narrowed down the time of their arrival was a matter in of its own.  Based on how the library attendants were still about and not expecting the visit, it was hard to tell if all the creatures of Harrowmark near of when the portal would open.  The group was quite the show stopper though.  First curious visitors and now distinguished guests.  Lily seemed well known though, at least to the head librarian.  Lily's name was marred, to be expected.  Forgiveness wasn't easy.  Likely her current company or simply the manners of the diamond dog kept choice words or actions from taking place.  The guards were a nice touch too.  The family returned their received greetings with varying degrees of an Equestrian bow.  Grace and Dawn, far more elegant and practiced than the stiff Star who probably hadn't bowed in years and Rising's shorter more police style bow, not taking his eyes off anycreature.

The next pit caused Rising to blink.  Oh, great, now there is a book.  He supposed that made sense.  Being marked in history would of course likely involved a book.  Now he's just imagining a school lesson revolving around him and the fall of Twisted.  He wondered what the name of that era would end up being.  Hopefully we can get a copy at least, "Of course, in time."

The librarian were scattered back to their work, but it wasn't difficult to notice the looks Dawn was getting.  Not too unsurprising, his sister had the looks and presence that commended attention.  Worse though, was that she knew it and basked in it.  She knew the wandering eyes made their way over to her.  Her posture changed, her frame and curves made more sensual, her steps more elegant and measured.  Head held high, her mane draped perfectly down her neck.  

"Ho ho ho!  Marvelous, marvelous indeed dear Master of the Tomes," the older stallion slid away from his current stack of shelves to approach the head librarian.  Taking up the diamond dog's paw and gave it a firm, overly enthusiastic shake.  "Lovely librarian you watch over here.  So much mystery, so many new experiences to paint these old eyes in," Star at some point released the diamond dog's paw from the shake.  "Ho ho ho!  Alas my good sir, I must disappoint you.  Greed is all that fills this scholar.  An insatiable appetite for the written word.  Oh yes!  Indulge me in history, culture, fantasy, horror, romance, adventure!  Paint me a new world of mystery and intrigue!"  Star became more animated, gesturing heavily to emphasis his points.  Decades of practice in keeping his students engaged in the required reading material.  It shouldn't be took difficult to tell the old teacher had a different kind of passion for knowledge that didn't align with power.  Those concerns were better aimed at the other in the family still absorbing the attention she was being given.

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Rising Dusk

5 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

The librarian were scattered back to their work, but it wasn't difficult to notice the looks Dawn was getting.  Not too unsurprising, his sister had the looks and presence that commended attention.  Worse though, was that she knew it and basked in it.  She knew the wandering eyes made their way over to her.  Her posture changed, her frame and curves made more sensual, her steps more elegant and measured.  Head held high, her mane draped perfectly down her neck. 

Several of the male, equine librarian - and one of the mares - began slowing down as Dawn increased the magnitude of her *performance*. They were not used to seeing anything like this, here in the library, and the more she basked in the attention, and played it up, the more they were mesmerized. The amount of power one could have, without using an ounce of magic sometimes, were astounding. And Dawn seemed to know exactly what to do, to make the best use of the position she were in.

However, as more began getting mesmerized, it caught the attention of Marshall, who loudly cleared his throat, and glared around at the others. He did not tolerate such behavior in his library. And especially not, when they had esteemed guests such as this. It brought disgrace upon them.

They'd start to work again after that, though the looks wouldn't go away. That Marshall did not expect either, as he well saw that the mare were playing up to it, and he did not have the station to tell her to knock it off, nor truly the want. It would be improper for him to do so, considering who she were, so as long as it did not affect the work of those around them too badly, he would allow this.

5 hours ago, Rising Dusk said:

"Ho ho ho!  Marvelous, marvelous indeed dear Master of the Tomes," the older stallion slid away from his current stack of shelves to approach the head librarian.  Taking up the diamond dog's paw and gave it a firm, overly enthusiastic shake.  "Lovely librarian you watch over here.  So much mystery, so many new experiences to paint these old eyes in," Star at some point released the diamond dog's paw from the shake.  "Ho ho ho!  Alas my good sir, I must disappoint you.  Greed is all that fills this scholar.  An insatiable appetite for the written word.  Oh yes!  Indulge me in history, culture, fantasy, horror, romance, adventure!  Paint me a new world of mystery and intrigue!"  Star became more animated, gesturing heavily to emphasis his points.  Decades of practice in keeping his students engaged in the required reading material.  It shouldn't be took difficult to tell the old teacher had a different kind of passion for knowledge that didn't align with power.  Those concerns were better aimed at the other in the family still absorbing the attention she was being given.

"Greed is for power, Mr. Star. What you describe, is a thirst for knowledge, and that is one I would be more than happy to oblige with. The royal library, is at your service."

Marshall got a rare smile on his face, as the energetic energy of the stallion further intrigued him. he were used to more dulled, restrained minds, yet this one were different. Full of life, and a deep seated desire to learn. Such joy, were not something he had thought he'd get to see in his lifetime, and it were a pleasant revelation to him, that it had turned out he were wrong.

That, and the stallion had manners, to shake as were proper. He could respect that, even if it did seem to linger for a bit longer than he would think were proper. Maybe these outlanders had longer shakes, in their culture? He would like to learn of that, but as it now stood, he should not take too much time. Surely her majesty would wish to see them soon, so he would simply do a small, yet he hoped, important gesture, for this curious stallion.

"If it is history you wish for, then so it shall be."

He'd twirl his wrist, while a dark spark of magic rolled between his fingers, though not much seemed to happen. Rising though, should be able to tell that there were a link going, between his paw, and somewhere deeper inside of the library, and that it were getting closer.

Not many seconds later, a book would float in, carried by those selfsame dark magics, and my, was it quite the thing.

It were large- around the length of Star's torso, and bound in faded, tar-black leather. Judging from the thickness of said book, it appeared to have on the generous side of twelve-hundred pages in it too, and as it landed in Marshal's open paw, the weight of it were not something to scoff at either, as even the large diamond dog, had to strain his muscles some to hold it in one paw. Though it were with ease, once his second came in, and each took one side of the book.

He'd hold it down, and fold out on a random page. The letters were beautifully written, with flair as if it were a fairy tale book, and some pages, such as this, even had depictions. This one appeared to be related to the title of said page *The last act of dragons*, and depicted four dragons, fighting a larger, skeletal one, brimming with dark magic from it's sockets, and the holes in it's tattered flesh. The picture were well detailed, to give a proper look on things, but it should be obvious that it were based off of second hoof information, and older pictures, as the details of the dragons bones and scales, were not exact. Close enough to get the point across however.

The whole thing were written in ponish, which would make it more then legible by Star, rather than him having to try and translate old harrowish to ponish, as the one(s) who wrote this one, had done.

"The history of Harrowmark, as we know it. Written by gathering the various old tales of our history, cross referencing for accuracy, and then translated to the common tongue. It holds what we know of importance, from the first words we have found, to a few short years before now. This is the second tome of its kind, which we kept, in case something were to happen to my predecessors first tome. Yet history have now been made, and so, an updated tome must be made anew. Still, til that day, I present to you this one, that you may learn and understand, as we write a new chapter, beyond the heresy we have suffered.

There are more details in other tomes, but I think you will find this summarizes and details the most important moments, with enough accuracy to sate your thirst for the foreseeable future."

Marshall would carefully close the book, showing a strong awareness, of his own ability to harm these tomes, if he did not handle them with the care they deserved. Then he would hold it down towards the stallion, with a determined look in his eyes.

"Mayhap you cannot take it with you now, but when you once more leave for familiar shores, I insist you take this with you. A token of my personal gratitude, for your son brightening our skies once more, though the library will always hold its doors open for you. The same shall be true for your family as a whole, of course.

Though speaking of history..."

His eyes would wander towards Lily, who had been looked over a shelf, at a book titles *Hvad mørket kastede ud*, but she could feel his eyes upon him. Knew where his words lead.

"It is for her majesty to decide."

"...Very well. Yet still, I shall prepare the forbidden section."

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

 

@Kujamih

The unicorns stopped, as Light approached, which finally meant that Shark could catch the light. Or well, he hoof went feebly through it. She had thought it were an actual, physical thing, and not something akin to a laser pointer. It certainly still intrigued her though, and she began trying to see if it had a smell, whilst the unicorns communicated with Light.

"Mate? You mean like... Awh dude, have you seen her eat?"

"I did. She tore that monster right open. Grumble Stumple said the clean up was messy."

"Yeah. Sides, we're just having some fun, she got involved in our game. Not like it's harmful or anything."

"It's just low grade magic. Come on, even earth ponies outta know what's dangerous, and what's foal play, right?"

The two of them were grinning towards Light. Earth ponies man. Sometimes, they were just so very clueless.

"Well, whatever. See ya dude. Something tells me we're gonna have a lot more fun with you two."

They both gave him a mischievous grin, and then had the light speck go right down, and settle on Light's head. Which made Shark come down, and - thinking this were just a fun game - would put her hooves on his head, patting after the light, until it fizzled out about four seconds later. The two unicorns were long gone by that point, having used this as a fine distraction. Or were hiding. Magic users were weird sometimes.

IN case Light had tried to go past Shark, to see where they went, the light would instead flare up, blinding him. It seemed they didn't want him to follow.

"Hehe, that was fun. You had good talk with friend? She nice to you?"

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

 

@-Buttercup-

On 2022-05-15 at 9:47 PM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia smirked slightly to Alluria. "What are the chances? Well, let me show you what chances are...my dear family member. For years I wasted my life away on a foolish idea of independence - I crossed paths with someone on the throws of my ignorance and egotistical fantasies. And just by chance, I was granted the opportunity to turn my whole life around, I also encountered Fright, the one that governs fear - and I have encountered you, and stand beside you, while I went my whole life unaware of what chances there were of what really existed." her eyes narrowed slightly.

"So let me remind you what the chances are. If you can't think of anything else, you can look right at me and see what chances have created. Not only chances, but my own choice to take advantage of them." she added with a slight musing grin across her face. 

"I suppose you have a point. Whilst the chances are slim of something happening, or we think will not come to pass, things are never certain. And what we make of those chances, can lead us down strange, yet sometimes beneficial paths."

Alluria were tempted to ask something more, about Fright, yet mulled for a moment, before she did so. She did not wish to reveal too much, after all.

"When you were there, to speak with Fright, did your eyes land upon a mare, with lime-green streaks in her mane, and a flower mark on her left cheek? If so, did she seem okay? She is an old friend, whom I have not seen for some years now, since she left for the fabled temple."

That were the mother of Puppet, as she had last seen her. And if she had great memory, Magnolia may well remember her, as she had been in the large field that they had entered, once their guide had brought the through the first portal. She had been sitting and meditating on a rock, near the large dragon. But she did not bring attention to herself in any manner, so there were a fair chance, that she had been missed entirely, by Magnolia. If she did recall all though, she'd be able to tell that the mare had at least seemed to be at peace, and healthy.

On 2022-05-15 at 9:47 PM, Magnolia said:

With that said, she noticed the doll nearby. Well, that was definitely someone who was out of place, was it not? And how funny they were just talking about it. "Heh, well there you go, Alluria. Now it's time for me to take my chances. You are welcome to join me." Magnolia spoke, and regardless of Alluria's answer, she'd proceed to follow the doll wherever it went for a while. Depending on where it went and what had happened, she would have just followed for now.

If anything interesting had happened or if nothing had happened up for a certain time, Magnolia would approach the doll and calmly smile. "Hello, you seem a bit lost, everything alright?" she asked carefully.

Her thoughts however, would soon be drawn elsewhere, as Magnolia pointed out something which had passed her by, unnoticed. Though as her eyes fell on the doll, her form fizzled briefly, as she briefly lost her composure, due to the wretched thing.

Alluria would remain silent, though she would follow, at a safe distance for now. Mayhap they would just find where Puppet were this way, and could then alert the guards of it, without her needing to get involved.

As for where it went? It would head towards the outer wall, and soon enough, there's be a hole in the wall that they could see, would be big enough for a filly. A pony too, if they went down and crawled a bit. Though right before there were a chance to exit, would be when it would be addressed, and the puppet turned around, to face the one who were speaking to it, with that eerie smile upon its face.

It did not answer her. Instead, its mouth would start to open further, and a dark, tarlike aura would start to spill out, grasping like a smoke tendril, whilst it began to ooze around the eyes too. At which point, Alluria stepped in.

It seemed she were shouting at the puppet, until it toned down, and the darkness went back inside of it again, yet no words came. Rather, none she could understand, as the language of death, were not something which the uninitiated living could understand.

The puppet would turn around, and wandered through the hole in the wall.

"Pardon my... Intrusion. That thing needed to be reminded of its place. It's looking for Puppet, and have tracked her to outside the walls. Thread carefully out there, Magnolia. And if the tendril shows again, just tell Puppet that it's much nicer to play inside the town, where her family can see she's safe. She might be persuaded then.

She's still just a foal. She should not be left in the forest like this, yet you will need to thread the path yourself. I cannot leave this town. I have become too bound, to pass past the limits of this wall. Stay safe, okay?"

She's hug Magnolia, then wait, as she were sadly certain that the best course of action now, were for the mare to chase after, and retrieve Puppet. Hopefully it would go easily...

As for said puppet, it would already be out of sight. But the tracks were fairly easy to spot in the dirt, and would lead further into the forest, away from town. What had caused the filly to go all this way out here? Whatever it were, Magnolia should likely soon be able to tell, that an unfamiliar source of intense dark magic, would be somewhere ahead of her, along with the tracks. There may end up coming issues.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-05-15 at 3:31 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“A modest retort, huh? That must have been something if other vendors were around to see it.”

“Oh, you should’ve seen Rosa earlier. It didn’t lead to much beyond us walking away from the vendor, but Rosa really sounded like he had control over the situation. Kind of makes me want to try it out the some time. It sounds a lot better than loosing my calm.”

“I’m interested in learning that as well, Rosa. It probably takes some skill with words to be able to do that, though I think there’s more to it.”

"Actually, I may have overstepped my boundaries, in that situation, by losing my temper a little. The more reasonable response would simply had been to say something akin, to hoping that next time, she would not be so regrettably narrowminded in her decisions. Me making an albeit slight, yet still rude comment, were not ideal.

In my defense, it have been a long, long day."

From the court in the morning, to learning he were now indebted to Scarcity - as well as hearing the same were true in some ways, for the ambassador - to seeing the new house, meeting new residents such as Uddo, who had turned out to be a family friend of Sen and Lin, to all of this... He were a little worn, and it had shown. He were not proud of it, yet... Okay, perhaps he were a little proud of his putdown, but that did not mean it were right.

"Social interactions are not a precise science, as it does not count in your own emotions into things, if you sit back and try to analyze it. Adaptability is required to some extend, but more than that, it is about being able to control yourself, and find your own place in a given situation, that it may turn to your advantage. And I can inform you from personal experience, after going through years of training to not only analyze, but adapt, and harbor self control, that it - pardon my language - is a bloody pain in the flank, when attempting to live normally. It is akin to... How shall I put this... Say you are used to finding traps in the forest, yes? Now imagine that every time you go through a forest, you are unable to help yourself, to at least run a cursory check, to see if there is something there.

This is somewhat similar to what I am referring to. Even now, I find myself thinking over what your facial expressions means, and how best to respond to it, in a way which would move the conversation towards other things, which might prove informative. And I find it tempting to simply act on it, as I always have."

Quite frankly, despite it looking otherwise, Rosa were not doing well in trying to act simply natural, in any given situation. It were mostly training, instinct, and observation, that came together to form an act. The few times it broke through, being the times he were unable to find anything rational, or things got too hairy. Such as when Omen had talked to him about the toilet, or when he had been given a relative pardon, from his treason sentencing.

He were trying though, and it were starting to feel more natural for him, to be around these friends of his, yet he found himself slip into habits more often than not, and not doing it as a regular pony should. His training had come at the same time, when normal ponies would have learned regular social skills, via school, and friends, and breaking the habits from ones formative years, and majority of existence, were a bothersome headache.

On 2022-05-15 at 3:31 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Seems like the vendor came around to parting with her remaining product. Looks like we'll be stuffed before the night is over!”

“I’m just happy it worked out because you handled yourself well back there, Omen. She didn’t insult your or anything, did she? Or use big words? I mean, this place is still Canterlot, even if it isn’t the Canterlot most would think about if they hear that name.”

"I do not know if she insulted me. I were told, insults means it hurts, yes?"

"Well, it is specifically meant to hurt you verbally. But from what you said, I don't hear much in the way of insults. Judging certainly though. It sounds as if she have her ideas about how things should be, and would prefer to have you cater to the norm, rather than be yourself.  And before you ask, you should not. You are... Special, that much is true, but that is not a bad thing. It is not as if you are hurting anyone after all."

It wouldn't hurt her to be able to relate more to others, that he would give, but it were not a massive issue, in the grand scheme of things, when it came to her behavior. Too many had dishonest ways of dealing with things, such as himself, and it were an odd, yet refreshing thing at times, to see Omen, as she were if anything, honest to a fault. It were weird to many yes, but as said, she weren't hurting anyone, so there wouldn't be much shame in her just being allowed to be herself, albeit maybe helped to a degree of understand her effect on others.

"Regardless, we have prepared ourselves for quite the feast, and the night moves on. Shall we perhaps make our way towards Uddo? Or do you think it would be an untimely arrival?"

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

 

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2022-05-15 at 6:39 PM, Plum Blossom said:

"Oh wow, you are definitely going to have to show me that sometime!" Plum Blossom exclaimed. She still wasn't really sure how that would be possible, but she figured she would understand it when she saw it happen. 

"Oh, I can do that. Next time, I'll bring it with me, and you can pokes in it. It'll be fun."

Usually back home, the few times she had done this, her parents just peeled off the outer shell, and put the jelly in jars. Then they'd hoof out some at work, whilst eating the rest over a period of time. It were rather weird to them, but they lived in Equestria. Weird were not exactly unheard of, and as she were their daughter, they didn't wish to appear as if they rejected her odd gift. She should be encouraged, and treasured. This they had always agreed on, even before she were born. Their love had been fleeting before that, yet they came together to treasure their foal, as neither wished to let her go, and Stargazer had sworn that if ever he got a foal of his own, he would not leave it abandoned, like he had been.

So did she wish to make jelly? Then they would show support by eating it, and spreading it to others who found it interesting, among their colleagues. Did she want to be a Night Guard like them? Then they would train her, both in combat and behavior, so that one day, if she still wished to go that route, she'd be prepared. Even if her mother hoped it wouldn't happen. She wished for a safer life for her daughter.

On 2022-05-15 at 6:39 PM, Plum Blossom said:

"Well none of us have really seen a bat pony student before," Plum Blossom explained. "Even Ms. Cheerilee wasn't really sure how to explain it."

"Hey! Maybe you could use your skills to stop Diamond and Silver from bullying the others! Those two think that they are so much better than the rest of us..." Applebloom explained.

"Daddy says that most bat ponies and thestrals, go to their own night schools, since we're nocturnal. That's why I have tinted glasses. The sunlight hurt my eyes."

An affliction that tended to hit bat poniues semi-regularly. It meant the one in question had better night vision, so it were a evolutionary boon, but not so much if you wished to adapt for daytime.

"And I think I heard about Diamond and Silver... I think they are the uh... Rich foals? Featherweight said there were some mean fancy fillies, that could use a scare. Not sure if I've seen them yet, but they don't scare me. I've been bullied before, and daddy taught me how to deal with that. Mom got pretty mad though."

On 2022-05-15 at 6:39 PM, Plum Blossom said:

"Oh yeah, we got tons of stuff around here. We have Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp... [deep breath] Big McIntosh, Applejack and Granny Smith!" Applebloom announced.

"Whaaat?" Granny Smith half grumbled half shouted from somewhere off in the distance.

"Woah. How many of those are names, and what're food stuff? I hear your family have lots of apple names, and I heard about Granny Smith. Sort of. Down in town, I heard some of the other fillies say she makes special apples, with electricity."

She meant zap apples, but y'know, it had been a passing remark, so it was an honest mistake. Frankly she were just intrigued by hearing all the apple names, and guessing who were what, and what were what. Sounded kinda nice though, to have a family with recognizable names like that. Made it easier to keep track of who you were related to.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2022-05-15 at 1:21 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Something normal, you know, various creatures just living their lives, I don't know if it's what he wants to see necessarily, but it is what he needs to see." Charir again got bit closer to Leviathan so that he wouldn't lose her in the crowds "Something that helps him with learning to tolerate the herd animal activity, don't want him lashing out at a group of ponies for walking too close." while lot kinder than Ruby, Charir was still part of a loner species, and liked his personal space and peace. 

As Charir got closer, Leviathan would smile, and scratch the scales on his head a little with her hand. A friendly gesture, she hoped he'd understand, but she kept it brief. No need to risk things.

"So something with a lot of beings, that still allows some elbow room, just to ease him into it? ...I think I know just the thing."

Leviathan would lead them away from the hotel, happy to be away from this afront to gleefulness and misery in one, and would lead them down the street. She kept them to the side, making sure that they'd avoid being surrounded on two sides by other creatures, as much as possible, to not cause trouble with Charir. And seeing how they were dragons, the equines mostly kept a bit of space between them. Many a fist fight had erupted, due to someone bumping into an irate dragon, and no one here wanted that to happen. Easier to just not bump into them. Besides, it were more polite, and this town weren't completely barbaric and rude... For the most part. Depended on the casino owner, and degree of alcohol intake.

Wouldn't take too long, before they reached what she considered a good destination, and pointed forward.

"Here we go. Can you see the large sign over in the corner, going into that large, orange building? The one next to the candy shop? That there's a game room. Or arcade. Ponies have varied names for them, for some reason. Plenty of beings in there, playing games, and chatting up, having all sorts of fun, and it's custom to not bump around into others, as it could interrupt the games. Might be it'd be a good starting place, and then we can try and move on to a more crowded area after that. Small steps."

Entering the arcade, they'd see that there were indeed a lot of beings, and games, to be found in here. Water shooting games, Skee Ball, hoops, a racing game with a magical board, a music game where you needed to step on various buttons on the floor, to try and beat the other beings highscore, and so on, and so forth.  This was the largest arcade in Las Pegasus, and they prided themselves on that. Banners even said so much, on every floor of the four story building. And the place were just crawling with beings, yet as said, they'd keep some degree of distance, for the most part. A fair bit of the games that seemed to have a line, but maybe they'd even manage to find something, that'd interest the grumpy outlanders, that Leviathan had tagging along with her.

"Everything that a playful heart can desire. Well, playful equine heart, I support, but still some fun to be had, as a dragon like me. Been here before, beating a few high scores, a few years ago. I'm guessing they've all been beat, but still. It was a fair bit of fun.

So, shall we take a round? And maybe, just maybe, you and the grump can find something to have fun with."

She'd say that last sentence to Charir, whom she'd give a big, joyful smile to. In case he hadn't reacted badly to the head scratch before, she'd then do that again. if he had, she'd keep it at the smile. She were still trying to learn what he considered okay.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Perhaps, we should start with something small and simple then? Though many things separate our kinds, I see all creatures, show joy with a smile. Let us try and see, if perhaps we can place one on yours. May I try something?"

If he allowed it, she would unroot herself again, and come over, to put a hoof on each side of his face. Then, with a gentle motion, she would drag both sides of his mouth, upwards into a small smile. Then back again, then rinse and repeat a few times.

"If you can feel these movements, try and follow them, as I do this. Perhaps it shall not work, but it is yet worth a try, is it not?"

This and other expressions as it, could be good training, for the day when they had to move out of the forest, and towards that other village. Couldn't be that many, so they had much to do, she supposed.

(Timeskip can come, if preferred, to when they will move onwards to the village)

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2022-05-15 at 1:21 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

Sheska half-muttered her response "As long as they're not a guard I'm fine." more specifically, didn't look like a guard, be it guard's armor or physical modifications, anything that reminded of their worlds guards, especially nightguards, made her feel uncomfortable beyond just hating guards. After hearing her response, Chega also moved close to Sheska, also comforting her, which Sheska didn't fight, Chega then quietly asked her something while looking at one of the scars, to which Sheska's response was to just look down, a response that Chega responded to with sympathetic hug. If Onache 'eavesdropped', the question was 'Was it a guard who...?'   

Trox, wanting to pull some attention away from his sister, spoke "We weren't in good relations with guards back home, so nice or not, we rather don't deal with them." "Diamond dogs should be fine, they were in similar situation to us kobolds, and I doubt even here many of them are guards."

"Diamond dogs have their own guards, but they do not serve in Equestrian official employ, for the most part. I had to find out about them, as whilst simple, some of them have an unnerving ability to remain... Unaffected. And the way it is here, as I have come to understand it, is that it is only in recent years, they have come up from their mines and caves, to mingle properly with the equine races. Apparently, as changelings, dragons, and other races began to get better relations with the equines, they thought that perhaps, it were now a time where they could find some degree of acceptance too. I cannot say for certain what the story is, as I did not find much in the one I read, but it may have been something to do with conflicting ideals. Or how the equine races of Equestria, have historically had issues accepting other races.

It may also have mostly to do with some local tribes off them, up north. I have found surprisingly little that thinks of them, nor many of the creatures themselves, in some days now."

As she said, she were not the biggest fan of them, as she had found that at least where she came from, some of the diamond dogs that at times crossed paths with them, had a disturbing imm8nity, to changeling influence. being that by biology, or a trinket of sorts, hidden on them, she did not know, but she did not like them, all the same. It were unnatural to be immune to her kins influence.

Regarding the kobolds, she did not eavesdrop. Not that she really needed to. Considering what they had openly told, and the gestures, it told more than enough, about what they may be discussing. She had no need of digging into it further, and either break her word, of staying clear of their heads, or say something that would cause ire. She may read minds, and know how to infiltrate well, but that did not mean she were all that sociable, nor had great tact, or sympathy for others. Trying to care, were still a new experience, and she required time to adjust, and learn.

At least that were there excuse she were going to use, as to why she were so rude sometimes.

"I find myself curious though. Your relations with guards I find understandable. But what of others in military positions? Field medics, cooks, armorers- Beings with such titles, are still part of the guards, yet are mostly non-combative units. Would they be in a more favorable position, or would association be an issue?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Blitz Boom

As the unicorns try to distract him by a flash of light, Light would play along even though he can control light in a weird way.

(Lights cutie mark is a round, bright, white circle on his flank, which makes it not visible until you put dirt or change Light's fur color. His cutie mark symbolizes his ability to control Light. Originally to help plants grow and what not, but because he was a hybrid pony he was able to improve his cutie mark abilities, he was considered a draconicous at some point, but now he is an earth pony with over powered cutie mark abilities more suited for an alicorn.

Depending on what happens Light can turn into a draconicous again or turned into an alicorn.)

Because of that Light can still see where the troublesome unicorns have headed, but chose not to chase the mares, as he's only interest to chase around is Shark alone.

Light would then boop Shark. " They're a bit rude and mischievous.... But they're manageable. If they ever trouble you Shark tell me okay? Let's go back to the head mares office waiting area, our guide might be waiting for us already." 

[EQ_Theta 457]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-05-18 at 5:34 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Social interactions are not a precise science, as it does not count in your own emotions into things, if you sit back and try to analyze it. Adaptability is required to some extend, but more than that, it is about being able to control yourself, and find your own place in a given situation, that it may turn to your advantage. And I can inform you from personal experience, after going through years of training to not only analyze, but adapt, and harbor self control, that it - pardon my language - is a bloody pain in the flank, when attempting to live normally. It is akin to... How shall I put this... Say you are used to finding traps in the forest, yes? Now imagine that every time you go through a forest, you are unable to help yourself, to at least run a cursory check, to see if there is something there.

This is somewhat similar to what I am referring to. Even now, I find myself thinking over what your facial expressions means, and how best to respond to it, in a way which would move the conversation towards other things, which might prove informative. And I find it tempting to simply act on it, as I always have."

“It may just be me, but you look like you were composed, even with the rude comment. I guess I’m just so used to being on the end of openly insulting comments that I couldn’t tell if someone is being subtle.”

“As you said, control is a pretty big deal, but I think it applies to everyone. Getting angry, loosing one’s self to impulses and desires… I suppose it could be different when it comes to your history. You know? Between you, me, Sen, and Omen, we aren’t exactly the most normal folk around. I think we just need a little practice, and Old Canterlot looks it’ll be our training grounds.” 

“There’s still more for us to learn from trying to live and do things like ordinary ponies, but the stakes aren’t high when I look around. Let’s try not to worry about it too much, and we’ll get by the more we figure out along the way.”

Sen patted Rosa on the back and offered what reassuring words he could. Admittedly, being outside Equestria’s social system, or being an outcast in general, left him picking up whatever lessons he could through observation or experience. In time, he slowly began to integrate them into his routine until it became normal. It was a slow way to learn, but he didn’t deny that it left him a little more accustomed to interacting with the locals. The same went for Lin, and learning by doing something over and over was pretty much the norm for the years spent away from the forest. At least now they could look to each other and share what they picked up.

Perhaps Rosa’s training was more involved and direct, and the siblings could only imagine how that went. Right now, there didn’t seem to be anyone close enough to be a teacher, but the could still be some measure in comfort with each other. Sharing knowledge and experiences, would seem like the best alternative. 

On 2022-05-18 at 5:34 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not know if she insulted me. I were told, insults means it hurts, yes?"

"Well, it is specifically meant to hurt you verbally. But from what you said, I don't hear much in the way of insults. Judging certainly though. It sounds as if she have her ideas about how things should be, and would prefer to have you cater to the norm, rather than be yourself.  And before you ask, you should not. You are... Special, that much is true, but that is not a bad thing. It is not as if you are hurting anyone after all."

"Regardless, we have prepared ourselves for quite the feast, and the night moves on. Shall we perhaps make our way towards Uddo? Or do you think it would be an untimely arrival?"

“Rosa’s right, Omen. Never change because someone wants you to be what they think you should be. You are good as you are, and if someone doesn't like it, that's their problem.”

“Come on. Let’s go before Uddo starts wondering where we went.”

Sen led the group out of the market and in the direction of the workshop. The first signs of nightfall were all over town with the streets lit up and the moonlight shining above. The streets were less occupied, and ponies were closing up shop for the day. Seemed like it was going be a fairly quiet stroll through town, though there’d be one more surprise along the way…

Meow!

The sound of a high-pitched mewing caught Sen’s and Lin’s attention after turning a few corners away from the market. Turns out the familiar stubby, beige cat from earlier seems to have found them. Or perhaps it was following them. However it may have crossed paths with the group again, it appears they have caught its attention, and now it sat by a corner to an alley to call out to them.

“Hey, it’s that cat again. Munchkin, right? Guess the bakery’s closed if you’re out and about.”

“It doesn’t look like it wants us to follow this time. Wonder what you’re up to now, little one….”

Going by the cat’s behavior, it was intent on staying put and seeing what the rest of the group would do. It’s main interest may even involve trying to see how the odd little creature riding on Omen’s head was going to react if they’d see each other again, but seeing as it was content to sit and wait. After a minute of nothing happening, it would then approach Omen’s and rub itself on her while weaving back and forth between her legs. Regardless, the most the siblings could gather from this display was that Munchkin has taken a liking to them, especially Omen. 

[GingerLightning 258]

@Blitz Boom

"I hadn't seen a harvester before. I haven't even been in a hive since I was really small... My sister has never been in a hive. Or even been around other changelings for a long period of time aside from me and my mother until now. " Howl mentioned. 

"Are harvesters cool looking? Does anypony fall in? Are they dangerous to fall into? I wanna see!!" Ginger clapped her hooves in excitement. 

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@-Buttercup-

On 2022-05-19 at 2:38 AM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia looked to Alluria after she finished what she were saying, and found it to be oddly specific. For a second she paused and proceeded to think over what Alluria had spoken to her. "Oh, now that I think about it I have indeed seen someone like that. Meditating, she was. She was doing just fine by the looks of it. If I ever go back there, I will be sure to meet her and perhaps get her to return here, so that you and her may at least catch up a bit." Magnolia spoke calmly to Alluria. It was a calming thing to think of the concept of old friends, yet wouldn't that only make their passing on to other areas of life more painful? Her ears drooped slightly at that, but she remained entirely silent at that thought. Enough had been spoken of pain. 

"She'll return, when she's ready. It is merely good to hear she still does well."

She would not elaborate further. She had already said much, and anything more, would just expose who the mare were. And she had given her word, that such a thing, would not come to pass. She'd reveal herself when she felt it were the time to do so. *sigh* Even if it had been ten years by now... It seemed as if perhaps, she might never leave. How afraid were she, of her own foal, that she would need to stay there, for so long?

On 2022-05-19 at 2:38 AM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia did not stop the Doll from exiting out through the hole in the wall, as she looked to Alluria and took in her words carefully. "Acknowledged. I will do my best to bring the filly back safely. It is most unfortunate that you cannot leave this town - but I have an idea. Perhaps you could find someone, or multiple ponies to serve as your eyes and ears to what lay beyond the limits of this town? I am sure if you asked, you'd find many that would be willing. I would be, once I take care of what I need to take care of." she glanced outside the limits of the town.

Magnolia would hug Alluria back, a bit tightly and gave her a gentle pat on the back. It was a gesture of deep affection, for Magnolia to do something like that. "I will do my best to be safe. In the meantime, perhaps you should inform the others of what transpired here. Just incase if anything happens to me, they will be able to find me in a quicker manner." she spoke and gave a slight hoofwave to Alluria.

"I'll inform the guards. They should send some out there soon, so if anything happens, make sure to run. Do not take risks. You have come too far, for your life to end so drastically."

Alluria were slightly hesitant to let go of her descendant, but she had something important to do now. The best she could do for her, were to inform the guards quickly, and ensure she got backup, if the worst were to happen. Though she prayed it would not. She had waited long for family to come to her, and she would grieve long, if one were taken from her so soon already. It were hard enough when those she called friends, would wither away, and die of old, illness, or other natural things. Immortality were not as grand of a gift, as many thought it to be. Be it via life, or death, lingering for too long, had pains that most did not consider the full extend of.

She release magnolia, and give her a formal bow, as the mare would move towards the wall.

"Be swift, be safe, my descendant. I shall await your return anxiously."

With that, she'd fizzle out of sight, as she'd focus her energy on moving out, and look for the local guards. Hopefully things would be okay, until they arrived.

On 2022-05-19 at 2:38 AM, Magnolia said:

With one last glance, Alluria would see Magnolia's body evaporate into a puff of black smoke and would quickly lurch forth and follow after the Doll. As she went, she would sense the unfamiliarity of the dark magic. With that in mind, she would resume her physical form and proceed forward cautiously. 

It wouldn't be that long, before she'd hear something disturbing. A scream. That of a small filly no less, high pitched and shrill, not but a few dozen meters before her. Yet she could not make it there quickly enough, before the sound would change, into a laugh. Almost as if someone had just been through a roller coaster, and were enjoying the thrill of the trip.

As she'd inevitably make her way there, she'd see Puppet, and the doll. The doll approaching oddly cautiously, as it moved towards the unicorn filly.

Her coat were ashen grey, and her short, curly hair, pale as the moonlight. Her eyes were light blue, and a smile were well planted upon her innocent looking little face.

She wore a dress, not unlike the one that her doll adorned, yet in better condition, and darker in colors. It blocked her cutie mark, so one could not see what her talent were, and unlike her family members, there didn't seem to be any outward signs that she were dangerous. She did brim with dark magic though, and the doll were likely the foci for that.

However, she were not alone. Somepony else were there, who were currently using her own magic to lift said filly up and down, like a safer version of throwing your foal into the air, and then catching them again.

The mare were average in height, yet her horn were long, as that of an alicorn. A swirling, purple magical aura slithered up her horn, and were used to hold the filly safe and sound, as she were given the careful ups and downs in the air, which seemed to amuse Puppet greatly. If she were so inclined to try and use some of said magic though, Magnolia would find it wasn't normal. It had an unnatural source, and trying to wield it, would start to attempt to corrupt her horn, lest it were let go off again. And that would just be from a taste. Trying to use more, would likely end up her facing some mutations, such as this one had.

The most obvious being, the long, scales tail that ran behind her flowing robes, the burning ears, and the glowing red marking on her hide, which pulsated slightly, in a calm rhythm.

"Ehehehe! This is fun!"

"To see such joy... How you remind me of her."

The mare's voice were smooth, and alluring, as if she were a shoulder devil, wanting to convince you to do something immoral. Yet a tone of longing and sorrow, had snuck into her voice, as her gaze remained on the filly, and her little bout of entertainment.

Still, it were all in all, a happy scenario. Yet... There were something odd.

Six large, clawed hands, made of the same dark purple, that signalled her magic, were clutching in the air. Seemingly at nothing, yet a pale aura were present on the palms, and the vague shake they occasionally gave off, made it appears if something were yet being held.

The sight seemed to cause the Doll to halt entirely eventually, and take a few steps backwards. It appeared that it were uncertain what to do, about this mare. She however, had some idea it appeared, as she swung Puppet around in the air - which gave a brief look of her cutie mark, that looked like an inky, veiled pony, attached to strings from above - so the filly could see the newcomers.

"Little one. Know you these two?"

"*gasp* My doll! It found me. Hehe, good dolly.

And it brought somepony. A new friend?"

The way that Puppet would look at Magnolia as she said this last sentence, tended to cause others to feel the small hairs, on the back of their neck, stand tall. Innocent as she might look, there were a kind of unsettling glee in her voice, that should be a warning for most.

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

 

@Kujamih

The two foals would be giggling, as they sped off to the right. They were used to this trick working, to give them a bit of a mysterious exit vibe. Didn't work so well though, when someone like Light could just see through it, but it wasn't as if they knew that. To them, they had just pulled off a nother masterful escape.

It were akin to someone using a smoke bomb, then still being in sight, when the smoke lifted, and you could see them run off a bit away from you. It lost a fair bit of the mysticism soon as that happened.

"Hehe. No... Prooob-leeem. Problem. No problem. It fun. Shiny light, like tasty fish. No bite the light. Yes?"

She'd giggle as she were booped on the nose, and would flutter down to stand next to Light. There, she'd rub the side of her head against his affectionally, as if she were a cat. Certainly seemed to get those around them that had been looking, further to talk about, though most began to walk on soon. They'd likely end up being the talk of the school for the day though. Maybe longer. Wasn't always they got a chance to see something like this.

Wouldn't be many minutes after that, when their guide showed up.

"Hello there. You must be the ne- H-Hey."

Shark would be over near the small stallion that had shown up, and were poking his cutie mark, confused at what she were seeing.

"...No bubble?"

"T-That's my cutie mark, miss uhm... Jäeger, I assume."

She look up, then around on his coat, with narrowed, confused eyes.

"But many bubble."

"Just a coat pattern. Like your spots."

Shark would look down herself, then back at him, and do so a few more times, before she inevitably just shrugged, and bounced back. They did not look the same to her, but many ponies, had many colors. Like the fishies. She didn't get the marks though. Strange, strange things. Maybe she could get one herself some day, and she'd understand it? Most ponies she saw, had a strange mark on their rear. SO if she wanted to be like them, she needed one too. Did they draw it on? *gasp* Is that what this place did?

Their guide looked at her oddly, as she seemed to perk up and smile greatly, without any apparent reason. Which is why he turned to Light instead. Just a normal earth pony. Nothing to worry about here, right?

"Uhm... Anyway, hello to you both. You must be Light, yes? I'm Bubble Bath. I work at the local spa, but I've been asked to help a little, with the new late year students. If you're ready, we can start with the library, since it's fairly close, and you'll need to familiarize yourself with it, far as I understand."

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-05-19 at 2:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“It may just be me, but you look like you were composed, even with the rude comment. I guess I’m just so used to being on the end of openly insulting comments that I couldn’t tell if someone is being subtle.”

“As you said, control is a pretty big deal, but I think it applies to everyone. Getting angry, loosing one’s self to impulses and desires… I suppose it could be different when it comes to your history. You know? Between you, me, Sen, and Omen, we aren’t exactly the most normal folk around. I think we just need a little practice, and Old Canterlot looks it’ll be our training grounds.” 

“There’s still more for us to learn from trying to live and do things like ordinary ponies, but the stakes aren’t high when I look around. Let’s try not to worry about it too much, and we’ll get by the more we figure out along the way.”

"One can be composed, yet still loose their temper. It does not have to involve yelling, or punching, for that to fit the definition. And thankfully so, as me starting to assault one of the vendors, would be firmly against my probation.

And I would disagree with your assessment of our group, but considering how you and Sen, are likely the most normal of us, I have a hard time doing so convincingly. We stand out well enough as is, without including violence into the mix. Not that there should be a need to. There is plenty of guards in this town."

He'd point towards three ponies, that he could see already. 2 being openly Night Guards, standing with leathery wings, and the dark armor, keeping watch over the market. The last was not wearing any armor, and likely there to try and catch those who thought his colleagues were not looking. Yet he found it glaringly obvious, with how  she were looking at others. Plus, she were wearing a night guard insignia around her neck. It might not be a smoking gun, sort of thing, but it weren't many that used those as mere decorations. Must be a new recruit.

"In any case, I would say you are integrating well thus far, whilst still remaining yourself. Much as I have several disagreements with how Discord have done things, on this, I find myself agreeing with him, when it comes to it being important, to be yourself. Still, you are right that there are training to be done, for all involved. A good thing then, that we are several, so we can help to carry each other, if we stumble upon the path.

Still, it is but the first day. Let us leave the lofty goals for a later time, shall we not? I hope there shall be more than enough of it, to go around, and we shall surely need something to fill time with."

On 2022-05-19 at 2:35 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Meow!

The sound of a high-pitched mewing caught Sen’s and Lin’s attention after turning a few corners away from the market. Turns out the familiar stubby, beige cat from earlier seems to have found them. Or perhaps it was following them. However it may have crossed paths with the group again, it appears they have caught its attention, and now it sat by a corner to an alley to call out to them.

“Hey, it’s that cat again. Munchkin, right? Guess the bakery’s closed if you’re out and about.”

“It doesn’t look like it wants us to follow this time. Wonder what you’re up to now, little one….”

Omen had halted, once the sound of the cat came. Mostly because she were used to getting distracted by random sounds, yet this sounded familiar to her. Yet sadly, it also sounded familiar to Shrimp, who'd raise his head from her mane, and let out a big yawn. A bit of glittering flames would puff out of his mouth, causing a few bystanders to focus on him, confused about the sudden display.

After that though, he would loo around, and finally notice the sound that had woken him up. Not just A cat, but The cat, who were trying to muscle in on His caretaker.

Shrimp would hiss towards the cat, to try and warn it to stay away. Which did nothing, as frankly, he were the size of a small grass snake. He wasn't a threat to the cat physically.

With Shrimp just doing this, and Omen just starring, curious as to what were the intent, it would then seemingly walk over to them. Omen specifically, and start to weave around her legs. Either to look for attention, or to annoy Shrimp. Which both happened, as Omen would look down, uncertain what to do now, except standing still, and Shrimp coming out on her face, and leaning down, hissing once more. It seemed he wasn't contend with just doing that though, as he began to take a deep breath- Which were held, once he saw Rosa come close, with one of the small grapes, on top of his hoof.

"Don't, and you get this."

Shrimp wanted to use his harmless, glittering fire on the cat - his real flames were not strong enough to hit that far anyway - but... Food. And this one smelled new, and nice. He didn't understand all of what Rosa said though, yet he understood timing, and the way he would clear his throat, whenever Shrimp's eyes went from him, down to Munchkin. It took a bit, but eventually he understood, and would just let out the air again. Nothing flaming. At which point, Rosa would hoof over the grape. Which Shrimp would slither back into Omen's mane with, and focus on, rather than the cat moving in on his territory.

"Why does the cat do that?"

"The rubbing? To get your attention, and perhaps some pets, I could imagine. Also to annoy Shrimp. I am getting the distinct feeling, that Munchkin have taken an interest in him. For what reason however, I couldn't say. Cats are... Cats. There's not much logic in their actions sometimes, and they're more clever than most would think."

"Pet cat... Okay."

Omen would try and put a hoof down, and run her hoof slowly, and gently down Munchkin's head. The side of it though, and regardless of it being gently, rather stiffly. She did not have the practice to understand how to do this, since animals tended to leave her alone too, unless they thought she were prey. And it didn't go well for those who thought she were, as they'd get teleported around and confused.

"Is this right?"

Shrimp would not like it, if he saw this, but he were still eating in her mane. For at least the next say.. Ten seconds, he'd be occupied. And if Munchkin jumped up on Omen to get closer, he'd let his meal stay, and slither off to hide elsewhere on her, or any of the others, continuously moving to get away from the cat. A little cat and snake chase.

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

 

@GingerLightning

"Oh, it's delightful. Don't worry about falling in though. It's not that easy, and it'd be harmless."

Cheshire would direct them to follow her, with the rest of the hive waving them off, as they were directed further into the theater. Through the main hall, behind the stage, then taking a set of stairs down, and they'd end up underneath the scene, and seats of the theater. And down here, there would be several of the harvest vats, that she had spoken about.

(More or less this, but more gooey, and attached to various walls etc.)

"Here we go. And don't go worrying here. I've said it to the locals, and I'll say it to you: It's not flesh eating plants. Though they do bear some resemblance. They're also utterly harmless. If for some reason, someone small falls in, they can just climb out. And if they're too small for that, the jelly inside isn't water, or anything like that. It's safe. At worst, they'll be soiled in emotions, and might go a little weird for a bit, depending on what emotion it is. Here, come closer."

Saying that, Cheshire would wave them over, and open up the top of one of them, to show it half full, of a golden-green, thick jelly. The same she had offered them to eat off earlier, yet raw and unrefined. As changelings they should be able to feel the raw joy emanating from it. And the inside of the vat? Looked lean and clean, so what exactly made this work, were hard to say.

"Set the the right places, and they'll harmlessly collect the excess emotions, that waft through the air. Sorta like morning dew, I suppose. It takes some skill to craft these right though, and I can't take credit for doing it the best. Gloop - our resident cook - does it the best. Upbeat have a knack for knowing where they'll be placed, to gather up the best though. They only have a certain radius of effect they can work with, after all.

Not as simple as just draining emotions out of a pony, but it's far less messy, harmless, and greatly sustainable. Just draining somepony, taps into a limited resource. If only Chrysalis had understood, that she'd get more love from not taking all somepony had, but help them grow that love, things might've been different.

So, any questions about these? Feel free to fire away. You're here to learn, after all, yeah?"