open Casual stroll

[Evil Pink One 13,195]

@Blitz Boom

As the trapped Light let shark have her way with him, he could only blush and let his made do as she please.

" Thank you for the special hug Sweetie."

But then the creature from the deep comes and disturbed them and introduce himself as Razor. 

" something very fishy about this.... But I guess it's just you..." Light weirdly jested.

He ponders a bit and reluctantly shakes the others hoof.

" Instructor Razor huh... Nice meeting you. we'll be in your care when we're in the water I guess?"

 

Edited August 6, 2022 by Kujamih

[Magnolia]

@Blitz Boom

Magnolia follows Zeehva towards the market, and once her eyes lay on the stallion she realized that the stallion seemed out of place here. He seemed rather weak and frail, but she knew that looks were deceiving and that he could very well be a very strong stallion in terms of magic. She thought that Zeehva's comments were interesting, and hummed thoughtfully in reply. Perhaps that's something she would seek to try at some point.

Noting the stallion's cutie mark, she'd just silently wait for Zeehva to get what she packed and didn't want to further distract from anything else they had to do today. Upon Zeehva getting what she needed, she would ask, "Wonder if I could try some of that, wake up quicker in the morning. I have issues, sometimes, to be honest." she spoke, referencing how sometimes she found it hard to get out of bed since sometimes she woke up tired. 

When they were ready, she put a hoof to Zeehva's shoulder, "What should we do here?"

[Catpone Cerberus 23,438]

@Blitz Boom
Ruby would have liked to point out that it wasn't really believable that Diego had no time to deliver the letter to Spicy while she was in the casino, but had time to seek them out to ask them to deliver it, yet she didn't, as Leviathan in a way brought up the same point, be it bit differently. Leviathan's mockery seemed to amuse Charir, he may have not had any idea what exactly was said, but he could read the situation enough to find Diego's discomfort amusing. For Ruby, she also found it slightly amusing, but only slightly, as she saw ponies being pathetic little creatures as a baseline, so this was like watching a wingless bird failing at flying.

Ruby didn't take much part in the interaction, but she did speak to Diego as he was walking away "Don't get yourself killed out there, bad for business." did she mean her business or Diego's business? that was entirely for him to decide, it wasn't like either was technically wrong. 

"If you don't have any further ideas, we could start getting ready to head back to Canterlot, this has been entertaining but I'm getting slightly tired of all this noise and smells." "Though, we could stop at Ponyville on the way to pick up couple of things so that Charir could start his language studies." "It's not like he has much else to do while following us." 

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

"Actions and words no, but thoughts maybe." Scarecrow explained as they walked "I sometimes catch myself thinking things I don't agree with, mainly ones that question the worth of the effort to keep myself on the path of goodness." "Would it not be just easier to make enemies? It's not like they can do anything to me." he changed his tone with the question to make it clear it was an example rather than genuine wonder "I feel no empathy, no guilt, nothing, so it wouldn't have any mental consequences either, you could trap me in a dungeon for rest of time and I wouldn't even get bored." "I cannot say if those thoughts are what you say, or if it is just my slowly fleeting sanity, but they are part of the reason why I seek my own destruction, I rather go out in my own terms than succumb to violent madness."

He nodded back at the minotaur, also not saying a word, for the doll, he noticed it but at this point didn't think much of it, he would have probably found it weirder if it didn't move at this point.

Scarecrow looked around for a second "I can see why it would take a bit of time to go through all this." 

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

Sheska just acknowledged what the doctor said and didn't continue the discussion, she wasn't trying to directly compare things, and rather she had just shared her thoughts with Trox to help herself to picture what the doctor was talking about, she did similar comparisons for everything else that was said too, but this time she kept it in her mind , she also wondered if this was in any way related to the assumed extinction of Changelings in their world, after all, she didn't find it unlikely that the sisters would have purposely let something like that spread to get rid of a species they didn't like.  

 

Solar had no reaction to the trident, and while this probably seemed like arrogance from outside, it was simply because it was no threat to him, it was like someone pointing a slightly sharpened stick at a full grown dragon, the local weapons were simply put, obsolete, when it came to his defenses; not that he believed that Harpoon would try her luck anyway, after all, he was no threat. He also didn't move, since he hadn't really gotten close enough to 'back away' from anyone. The siblings meanwhile did take few steps away from him, and Trox positioned himself in front of Sheska, they weren't openly aggressive, but the way they looked at Solar was such that you didn't need to be a changeling to be able to spot the absolute hatred they felt towards him.

"Solar Silver, the Royal guard, or Solar guard if want to be specific, the commander and currently the only member of the unit for tracking and countering threats from alternative realities." he stated, even offering official paperwork from Celestia herself to backup his words if Harpoon wanted evidence "These two, while they hate me more than anything in this world, not without reason I admit, are important resource for my duties as protector of this Equestria, and as stated, I only wish to ask them for assistance and show them something, if I wanted to harm them, we wouldn't be talking." Trox spoke up "And why is it so important that it's us?" "Because having lost access to the database, you two are the only known creatures in this world to speak the language I need translated, and because what I have to show is directly related to your safety." he looked into Harpoon's eyes with his unnatural cold eyes, they lacked certain life, something that even though his expression was neutral, would make anyone uncomfortable if looking at them for too long "You can keep that stick at my throat the whole time if you wish to, but it would be for the benefit of everyone if I could do my job as quickly as possible."   "My mere presence causes mental strain." he gestured with his head towards Sheska, who was visibly distressed at this point, their last interaction had really flipped something in her, Solar's attempt at friendly gesture before had seemingly made him a kind of trigger for Sheska's trauma. While the choice of words may have signaled otherwise, his tone implied some level of concern for Sheska, because while there wasn't any real evidence outside, he truly felt bad for her. 

Chega stopped her observation and went to Sheska, pulling her aside and proceeding to comfort her the best she could, but not before she whispered something to Sear, which made her seemingly realize something, and while Chega helped Sheska relax, Sear looked at Solar thoughtfully, she too seemingly focusing on the eyes specifically.

 

For Stargazer, Solar had interacted with him, and the short of it was that he promised to keep his eyes open, but mentioned that his duties didn't let him actively help them to track down the criminal. 

[EQ_Theta 422]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-06 at 7:02 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Hammond for now, would nod at Lin, as she understood what it were he had been trying to say before. Though that meant that his experiment were done, and he thus, did not need to follow Omen anymore. He could return to his mistress then, but she had told him to try and experience the world, and learn from it too... So maybe he should follow his half sister here? She seemed to act differently, from the last time he had seen her. Were she hungry? Maybe he'd understand, if he observed her. Though maybe ask questions too? Omen did that, and she seemed like she knew many things. SO he'd scribble some things into the dirt once again.

"You okay? Thing bad?"

“You could say that. It’s complicated, and I’m not even sure what I should say. I’m angry, sad, and confused at the same time. Come and sit; let me tell you about it.”

“See, my brother and I… don’t exist to the longma. For the longest time anyway. We were exiled from our home, never meant to return and losing our family, all because some elder didn’t want us in the way. Imagine being taken away from Miss Scarcity and never seeing her ever again. I thought I’ve put that memory behind me, but I guess it never leaves, because I’m still angry that it happened. What’s worse is that Sen seemingly forgot it ever happened to him. He should be angry about it because he still isn’t over how much it hurt to lose our mother and father, but he isn’t. I don’t know why.”

For a moment, Lin paused to catch herself speaking about her story to Hammond. It was somewhat unsettling that she’d find herself feeling more comfortable talking about something sensitive to him but not to her brother, but she liked how it put her at ease. There was still some concern over whether or not she should even be mentioning this on the off-chance that Scarcity could use this story as leverage, but by the time Lin even realized this, she had already spilled most of the details. Seemed like there was no taking back what was mentioned.

Irony aside, saying what she kept to herself felt like a weight was lifted off her chest, though not entirely. There was still an expected confrontation the following day, but just sitting on the ground with Hammond next to her was comforting. She didn’t really know how the little creature would react, or if he’d react in some expected manner, but she was just fine with venting.

“Would it be all right if we kept this talk between ourselves, Hammond? It’s a personal matter between myself and Sen, so I wouldn’t really like to drag others into it. I’ll do my best to clear things up for you if have any questions.”

As for Sen, he listened to what Rosa had to say on the matter and hoped they could talk things over with Lin with clearer heads. Some time apart could set them straight, maybe with some idea on how to approach a discussion on exile among themselves or with the elders back home. The latter would be trickier, with them already having some biased notion of how a practice like that could be exploited for personal gain. Lin already has strong impressions on the matter, even clouding her perceptions of home. She only tolerated her own kind aside from a select few individuals, though she would find it ironic of her to harbor those sentiments when Sen should be the one having them. The longma bade Rosa good night before he started focusing on his meditations.

On 2022-08-06 at 7:02 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Omen would do, as Omen often did, when Sen began something like this. She stood motionless, and stared at him. As if suddenly, what he did, would open a wealth of information, or the secrets of the universe. Or maybe he'd tip over. There were things that could happen here, yes? And she could literally watch him, for longer than he could do this. She had stood mostly motionless, looking at a gravestone for years. This were nothing. And it would likely involve less screaming, th an the times others had come to see the gravestone, thought she were a statue, and gotten terrified when she suddenly moved.

"What do you think about, when you do this?"

Her siblings had though the same, albeit briefly, when he had to gather himself, the first time he went to her realm, and saw the family. She knew as little as them about it though. Maybe she could learn something now? Or he would be too focused to answer, and she'd just stare, about a half meter from his face, unblinking, and not breathing.

“I think about things that bother me, the kind of thoughts that are difficult to process unless I truly focus on them. By being aware and focused on what these may be, I hope to find better ways to confront them once I finish meditating. I train myself to be aware of what is happening now, between myself and my surroundings. Take now, for instance. I’d like to understand why Lin was angry with me, and I am using what I learned from Rosa to hopefully understand my sister’s perspective. I guess in some ways, this might be similar to what you do when you process information. Staying still like statue and thinking about what you’ve learned. Unless I’m wrong, in which case, feel free to correct me.”

“If you like, I can tell you how I meditate. Maybe you’d like to try it?”

 Though his eyes were closed, the longma was aware of how close Omen was staring at him. It was an odd way of observing, but Sen hoped he would be able to hid his slight discomfort at Omen’s proximity, possibly channeling it into a less unnerving manner. Still, he didn’t say anything that may be taken as a slight toward the Ki’Nathar’s odd behavior. At this point, he was already acclimatized to odd and strange mannerisms, but there was the occasional thing that was so odd that he’d have to excuse himself for a moment to process it.

Despite the possibility of how late he might be up that night, Sen was more than willing to accommodate any questions, including his own. After all, his search for answers to hopefully ease some tensions between himself and Lin was what prompted this need to mediated. Still, Rosa mentioning the guest room made it a little tempting to see what sleeping on a bed felt like. 

[Blitz Boom 4,443]

@AuroraGlimmer

On 2022-08-06 at 1:23 PM, AuroraGlimmer said:

"You must have really cared for each other, a love and care like that is rare indeed" she'd say softly, giving him a gentle hug

He'd give a quick, gentle hug back, with one hoof, before letting go again. He did not want to seem intrusive.

"From the day I were left orphaned, she were there, taking care of us all. She did not play favorites, but I ah, were there for longer than any of the others. A few times taken, always returned... But I kept my chin up, because I knew she were always there.

She were a ah, strict mare. Too harsh for some, but I understood, that she were just trying to help us all, to weather the sort of things we'd hear, and grow up to be good ponies, regardless of upbringing. She wasn't perfect, but I know she did her best, and when we had the last picture made, I... I told her that too. Among other things, though I wish I could still say them to her now.

May she rest peacefully."

He'd move on, feeling sad, yet relieved, to get some of this off of his chest. He didn't speak a lot about her, since he didn't have many here, unless it were to the orphans. His way of helping them were not like hers. He did not have that iron will that she possessed. But he'd tell them of her, when they asked him to tell stories from his youth. IN many ways, he figured him being an orphan like them, helped them to connect better with him, than some others. A kindred soul, as well as somepony they could look at, and see that no matter what others sometimes told them, they could turn out just as well, as any other pony could.

On 2022-08-06 at 1:23 PM, AuroraGlimmer said:

"You must have really cared for each other, a love and care like that is rare indeed" she'd say softly, giving him a gentle hug before following him into the backyard and then quietly gasped at the sight of the flowers that was before her "Oh, she told me about the Moon Whisper Lilies, coincidentally, they are her favorites" she'd say to him, "How much for a bouquet?" she'd ask, getting her purse out.

"Tell you what. How about I give you a bouquet, for your ah, introduction to meditation lesson, you were talking about? I'll make use of a good arrangement box and pot too, if you'd have a quick word with the queen of the hive."

Granted, these flowers were not exactly cheap, but they were not the most popular, and he'd like it, if they went to somepony who treasured, and appreciated them. So he'd trade them for a lesson, and a good delivery box and pot, for the chat with the bee queen. A steal for Skittles really, but he looked at it more as trading value for value. Which one had most value were ah, not that important.

"Also, can I ah, show you another plant? It have to be in the house, and you need to promise to stay calm around them. They're ah... Very delicate."

If she agreed, he'd show her into another room of the house, near the roof. Behind a thick door with three locks, and the inside bathed in a dim, sunset-reddish lighting, from some light bulbs. The room felt moist and swamp-like, and if she looked around, she'd find that even the air in and outtake, were gated off with close-knit wire. He did not want the bees to enter this room, it appeared.

There would be a long line of grass in front of them, at the far edge of the wall. With every few width of a hoof's distance, would grow a large, meaty flower. The petal were red and pulsating on each side, elongated, and swaying, with vein-like protrusions running across the outside of them. The charcoal-colored stalk, had small, soft spikes across them, turning downwards, ready to poke at whomever might try and grab any of them. The flower itself were the most notable though. Lucious and crimson, they looked vibrant, with several layers of beautiful flower petals across. Yet as he entered, several of them would bloom outwards. At first, it would simply seem more like luscious roses in bloom, yet as the center unfolded, a small beat would be found at each, opening up, and letting out haunting, melodious hums. If she looked inside the beaks, she'd find backwards teeth, and a thin line waving within, slithering around like a worm.

The whole room smelled fantastic. Sweet, yet with a spicy and invigorating after tone, making it quite pleasant to take deep breaths through your nose, although doing so for too long, would be slightly mellowing. The few melodious hums of the flowers, were the only other source of sound, but them, and a random interval of buzzing and bird noises, being played from somewhere. A speaker in the corner, it turned out. Vines were growing near it, but the glass box it were in, were not being broken so easily.

"My ah, pride and joys: Tranquilarian Vampire Roses. Incredibly hard to cultivate, and even harder to have imported. I had to ah, smuggle the seeds through customs, a little bit. I bought them fairly and legally though. Just the ah, neighbors, who doesn't like things like this passing through. They're quite something, yes? Though they ah, truly get the most vibrant when stimulated. Mostly around, or after feeding time. That will be ah, tonight, I believe. You can see they're quite eager already."

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

 

 

@Kujamih

"That's right. And don't you go worry that pretty face of yours. I ain't gonna drag you in, and scurry you along the bottom for a few minutes. We just met after all. And I've been told I'm not allowed to. Ponies can be such spoilsports."

Definite a river kelpie. They had a history of doing stuff like that. Sometimes to lethal degrees, but more often than not, it were to mess with someone, or a misguided attempt of affection.

Sea kelpies dragged others in too, but they were more strict about that, and wouldn't speak of it in such a carefree, joking manner. This were but one of the reasons why, the two variations of kelpies, didn't tend to get along all too well.

"Jesting aside, it will be nice with some peculiarities in the lessons. It gets so tiresome when its all the same. Hope you can swim even a tenth as good as your mate here, or you're gonna have to go with the younglings, or argue with the principal why you're allowed an exception. Not my department either way.

Well, since I'm outta the water anyway, I might as well get lunch. See you around."

Unless there were something else, he'd be on his way, yawning and smacking his lips. Been an eventful few minutes. Fitting time for a break then, yeah? His class weren't for another half hour or so anyway.

"Hehe. School have many fun friends. Water friend, fluffy friends, friends with shinies."

"Well... Neither of you have made enemies, so this is going well, I think.

A-Anyway, were you going to stay in school for lodging, Light? I remember Shark were going to stay in the lake, but I can't recall right now, if you were staying here. I could show you towards the rooms then."

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

 

@-HeedGreen-

"I could uhm, share, yes. Just please let ma administer the right dosage, instead of you trying it out. Sometimes, it can take a little to really kick in, which makes others t-take more than they can handle. I'd really prefer that we t-tried to avoid health hazards."

There were a reason that this were mostly used as a personal pick me up, for the alchemist who made it, rather than being put up for sale. Though it of course, did happen at times. Alchemists needed to pay the bills too, and some customers were reliable, attentive folks. Or at least seemed so. No system were perfect, unfortunately. Which is why some health issues had come from the sale of things such as this, to customers who weren't as cautious as they seemed.

Thankfully, she didn't have that experience herself yet, but she kept worrying that she would, if she weren't careful. And that were something she'd prefer not having hanging over her. She had more than enough as it were, in her opinion.

Not that she were perfect. She had accidentally caused some flues, and sickness to take root, but nothing lethal, or permanent. That was the important thing to remember. Accidents would happen after all, and sometimes, a cure involved another getting sick sadly, but by something less severe. It were when things went drastically in the wrong direction, that it would become a problem, that she'd have a hard time getting over, if it were at all possible.

Anyway, as for the here and now, the vendor would come back with her wares, responsibly packed, and she would pay him for that. It wasn't all she needed, but it were a good start.

"R-Right now, we need to get some food. I need the leaves from these for my concoctions, but the fruits themselves are nutritious, and not something needed."

So, she'd pluck the leaves off of two of the dream puffs, and while the leaves would be packaged down again, she'd keep one of the plucked fruits in her hoof, and offering the other to Magnolia. It were a nutrient rich, earthy flavor, with a sweet aftertaste. A bit odd maybe, but it were well worth eating, and would fill them nicely for the time being. The last one would be saved for another time. They would likely need a snack later on, and thus, could share that by then.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Yeah. seems like we had a productive, fun time here. 'Bout time we moved on, and sought something else to do. And I think Ponyville sounds like as good of a goal as any. Can't hurt picking up what we need, to help Charir learn some language. I wanna be able to talk with him directly, and tell him stuff like how proud I am of how well he's doing here so far. Seriously, I've seen dragons young and old, who couldn't interact as well with a place like this, as he's been doing. And he can't even understand folks. I'm very impressed by him.

Aaah, can't wait to be able to say this to him face to face, and him getting every word. Well worth the inevitable wait."

She'd grin from ear to ear, as she looked at Charir. Good kid this one. Was gonna go and make for a fine dragon someday, regardless of what those dolts in his homeland had apparently thought. Especially once he got good grips on his magic. A brawler build like him, with electricity? He'd be an actual ball lightning, just demolishing through his enemies. Good times. But that would require training, and she could do that better, if she could communicate with him directly, rather than needing a translator.

Anyway, since it seemed they were done for now, she'd put the remaining tokens she had, in her saddlebag. No need to let them go to waste, and it wasn't like they expired anytime soon. She just had to get back within the next... Three years, and they'd be fine. Was every five years, they had to change the tokens, according to law, and this place weren't so bothered by doing stuff like marking the exact date on their tokens. It were seen as a silly thing for them, since even if one bought a lot, then sold them elsewhere, the bits were still essentially coming here. As would whomever would buy them, and they'd likely then buy more stuff here. Why get all fuzzed about the details, when it were a meaningless expense for them?

"Anyway, I'm ready when you are. Just lead the way, and we'll be out of town in no time. Just have to remember to not step on the clouds. I don't think we had Charir marked when we got into town."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"I will have to have you observed by somepony, it would seem. I would thin that something might be trying to grasp at your sanity, so it can overtake you. Some malevolent force, it sounds like, albeit weak.

My argument at least, would be that if you cannot feel, and nothing matters to you, then why would you have trouble with madness? Madness comes of some semblance of emotion. If you have no reason to care, nor resent others, it would seem odd to be dealing with even some thoughts surrounding this. Yet I am just speculating. If there are answers to be found, it will not be my me. This is not my area of expertise."

Getting to the library, and seeing the abundance of tomes in here, saying it would take some time, were somewhat of an understatement. Some had spend centuries, and not gotten through it all. But so it were, when a family as old as theirs, compiled a lot of knowledge over their lifetimes. Some of it, were inevitably going to be repeated, and when that were noticed, that would be written into their own tomes, as clarification. So there were always some working here. In fact, certain parts of the family, were known to go in here when they could read, and spend most of their life in this place, categorizing what they could.

"Our tomes are vast, and are ever expanding. You see barely the surface from here, yet if I were to offer you hope, that there were an answer to your predicament, I would think it lay somewhere within. If not, then it might come, as more and more of us write what we experience, and learn. Death is an ever-expanding, mysterious concept. One we have extensively studied, yet there will always be more to learn. If not here, then from other lands too.

Honored Sickle Moon. Will you answer my call? A soul is here, whom needs your watchful eye."

"Ohoho. Asking for an old mare like me? My, how serious it must be."

Macabre's horn would have glowed, as she uttered her words, them seemingly carrying more weight in some manner. And soon thereafter, the answer had come, from a raspy old voice, seemingly coming from all around them.

Red and pale fog would ooze out from between the stacks, and gather in the center. When all had gathered, the worst of it would dissipate, revealing an elderly mare. Her mane were gathered in a bun at the back of her head, her tail long and floating around her, the hairs as thin as those on her mane. Her wrinkled face showed a slight smile as she glanced around on the gathered beings, and her glassy eyes showed kindness, and patience. Yet her presence, caused several of the library workers to hastily move elsewhere, for whatever reason.

She'd take a raspy breath, and chuckle at the display, which made her loose, warm-looking and faded kimono shake ever so slightly.

"Let me have a better look at you. Whom might you be, young lady?"

She'd flip her hoof, and a gnarled cane would gather into existence under her hoof, which she'd use to point towards Lyriel. The dryad bowing respectfully before the mare, in response.

"I am Lyriel. Daughter of the Silver Valley. I am honored to be in your presence, wise elder."

"What a respectful young lady. I like you.

What of you then? I take it you are the reason I were called upon? My my, what a state you are in. Reminds me of the Druid Wars of four hundred and sixty one, but worse."

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

On 2022-08-07 at 12:43 PM, Catpone Cerberus said:

"Solar Silver, the Royal guard, or Solar guard if want to be specific, the commander and currently the only member of the unit for tracking and countering threats from alternative realities." he stated, even offering official paperwork from Celestia herself to backup his words if Harpoon wanted evidence "These two, while they hate me more than anything in this world, not without reason I admit, are important resource for my duties as protector of this Equestria, and as stated, I only wish to ask them for assistance and show them something, if I wanted to harm them, we wouldn't be talking." Trox spoke up "And why is it so important that it's us?" "Because having lost access to the database, you two are the only known creatures in this world to speak the language I need translated, and because what I have to show is directly related to your safety." he looked into Harpoon's eyes with his unnatural cold eyes, they lacked certain life, something that even though his expression was neutral, would make anyone uncomfortable if looking at them for too long "You can keep that stick at my throat the whole time if you wish to, but it would be for the benefit of everyone if I could do my job as quickly as possible."   "My mere presence causes mental strain."

"That won't be necessary."

She'd take the trident, and put it back on her back. Might be it wouldn't do a lot against this one, odd as he looked, but as General Tidal Wave said: Fight when you must, and strike true. She'd still have gone after him, if he had proven a threat. Seemed he weren't one though. Technically at least. His presence caused undue stress to the ones she were trying to protect, so she'd prefer if he moved along shortly.

"Sorry about the forceful approach, but I had to assume you an enemy, due to their response. I am still not sure what you're on about, but the stamp is official, as is the uniform. Be at your business, if they allow it, and then move along please. I do not want them to have a more unpleasant time, than they have had already.

I don't care what branch of the royal guard you're from, or how armored you are. I won't back down, if you present a danger, or undue burden on these kobolds."

She were not unreasonable, but his attitude, and that of the others not liking his presence, didn't make her feel like she'd be all too cordial to him. Stargazer had been respectful, so that were fine. This one acted a lot like the regular Solar or Moon Guards. Arrogantly thinking themselves better than the Coastal Guards, just cause they weren't one of the established royal armies. Despite the fact that they did a lot more work, than the bloody royal guards. A lot of monsters inland, causing trouble. When did things from the ocean get in, to cause havoc? Rarely. And that was due to them, cause there sure were a fair bit of monsters to fight. As well as invaders. There were more dangers from the ocean, than the royal guards wanted to admit. Couldn't go and give the Coastal Guard credit, when you wanted to make others believe you were above them now, could you?

And maybe this one weren't arrogant, but that look in his eyes, didn't make her think he were kind and friendly, so she'd go by the usual thing this meant. Y'know, beyond sociopath. Usually the guards didn't employ those... Usually...

"Let me know if you feel like he is crossing your boundaries."

She'd stand back, and let them do their thing, unless she were called upon, or saw something that made her think that this had gone far enough. Might be he were armored up, but that didn't mean that she couldn't get him to exit the room. Potentially through a guard sized hole in the floor, or wall.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-07 at 3:56 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“You could say that. It’s complicated, and I’m not even sure what I should say. I’m angry, sad, and confused at the same time. Come and sit; let me tell you about it.”

Hammond's ears would perk, as he'd hear a command that he did understood, and would get closer. Jumping bit by bit, until he could sit where it were that he had been directed. If she were so inclined, she could touch his fur, and potentially stroke it too, if she so wished to. He wouldn't understand the concept of getting petted properly, nor the sensation of it, but he'd let her do it, if she so pleased. His fur were pretty soft, so it were well worth it, if she decided to go that route.

On 2022-08-07 at 3:56 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“See, my brother and I… don’t exist to the longma. For the longest time anyway. We were exiled from our home, never meant to return and losing our family, all because some elder didn’t want us in the way. Imagine being taken away from Miss Scarcity and never seeing her ever again. I thought I’ve put that memory behind me, but I guess it never leaves, because I’m still angry that it happened. What’s worse is that Sen seemingly forgot it ever happened to him. He should be angry about it because he still isn’t over how much it hurt to lose our mother and father, but he isn’t. I don’t know why.”

He understood some things, of what he were being told. Others he'd need to find out what meant later, but he would do so, with some haste. In the early days, were the best time to educate their kind, as they sucked every bit of information possible to them, like a sponge. Omen had been through that the same in her time, but unfortunately, what she had taken in, were the nonsense logic of chaos. When the world stabilized, it meant absolutely nothing, and everything went back to confusing her. Hammond had a much better basis to work from. Doubly so, as Scarcity made sure he would be educated properly, and had the means to ensure it would be done.

Of what he were told from Lin though, what stuck out to him, were what she said of being taken away from his master, and never being able to see her again. The thought made something rise in him. Something... He had been told about... Was this fear? It were wrong though. Not like it should be. He did not like this, and if Lin's experience were something like that, he did not want her to feel that way either.

...Empathy. This was empathy, yes? He were learning so many small, yet important fragments of things from Lin already. She must have had a wise master, in her time.

On 2022-08-07 at 3:56 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Would it be all right if we kept this talk between ourselves, Hammond? It’s a personal matter between myself and Sen, so I wouldn’t really like to drag others into it. I’ll do my best to clear things up for you if have any questions.”

It would be about ten seconds, of Hammond starring up at Lin, before he'd eventually nod. He understood. Do not tell Master Scarcity of this. But tell her of the test being good, yes. The other thing were private, according to Lin. Normally he wouldn't let that stand between him, and his master's questions, but Mother were clear: Masters were good, but family came first. Lin were family. He could feel it. So he should listen to her on this. He were sure his master would understand.

Afterwards, he'd jump back down on the ground, and begin to slowly write some words. Some better than others, but the rough idea should hopeful come through.

"Other Mother, got hurt? Other Mother hurt, hurt sister? Brother not hurt, is wrong? Bad? I help?"

He could spell correctly still, though his sentences could use some work. Were rather reminiscent if she recalled, to how Omen were talking at first. Broken up, into odd sentences, seemingly just using short phrases, over lengthy paragraphs. Childish form really, but it were hers, and currently, Hammond's too. He'd learn, just as she had learned. Right now though, his main focus were in whatever or not he'd be able to help, in some sort of way. Maybe if he understood more, he'd be able to think of some way, that he could.

On 2022-08-07 at 3:56 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I think about things that bother me, the kind of thoughts that are difficult to process unless I truly focus on them. By being aware and focused on what these may be, I hope to find better ways to confront them once I finish meditating. I train myself to be aware of what is happening now, between myself and my surroundings. Take now, for instance. I’d like to understand why Lin was angry with me, and I am using what I learned from Rosa to hopefully understand my sister’s perspective. I guess in some ways, this might be similar to what you do when you process information. Staying still like statue and thinking about what you’ve learned. Unless I’m wrong, in which case, feel free to correct me.”

“If you like, I can tell you how I meditate. Maybe you’d like to try it?”

"You go quiet, and think? Going over your thoughts, trying to find meaning? I do that, yes. It makes it easier to understand, if I focus on them. That is meditation then? I did not know the word for it."

It weren't exactly the same. She did not need to clear her head, or find her center, as she did not have emotional turmoil. She had confusion, over what she had seen, and not enough time normally ro process it. Though their approach were strikingly similar, to a point where although they showed it in different ways, she thought this were essentially the same. She did not expect that, but it were an interesting thing to learn. She would keep that with her, as she would go and process things more the next time.

As said though, not exactly the same. Sen could be disturbed, whereas Omen, if she got stuck in processing mode, could literally be set on fire, and not snap out of it. Something which had happened before, to less than impressive results.

"I can try your way too, yes. Might work better."

She'd move to the opposite side of him, and would sit down, copying his position currently, as best she could. Then, she'd keep her gaze on him, waiting for further instructions. If this helped her think faster, it would be good, so it were worth trying, yes? If nothing else, she would still learn something new. That were always a good thing.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,522]

@Blitz Boom

As she listened to him talk about the headmare of the Orphanage, she would smile a little "It is always nice to know there is someone there for those who didn't have anyone" she'd say to him, then smile at him as his suggestion for the flowers "Alright, it's a deal, a bouquet for a meditation lesson, and a box and pot for me talking to the queen bee of the hive...but I doubt she'd have anything bad to say about you" she smiles to him "From what you have told me, you treat them very well" she says, following him to the hive, and would have a quiet talk with the Queen bee.

She smiles and says to them "I had a feeling you'd be happy with him, I will be sure to tell him" she then closes the hive to let them rest, and smiles back to Honey Dew "I was right, they are very pleased and happy with how you treat them, and with the variety of flowers you have for them to pollinate."

She would nod "I promise as I would love to see your best flower" she'd tell him, following him to the other room, and the moment she'd see them, she would quietly gasp "Oh my, these are beautiful, it is no wonder they are your pride and joy" she'd say, once again following him outside of the room, and once they were out "Thank you for showing me your flowers" she would smile some more "My house isn't far from here, so we can drop by to put the bouquet away before I show you the spot."

[Evil Pink One 13,195]

 @Blitz Boom

He'd casually wave goodbye to the Kelpy.

"Hmmm  Kelpy I see..." Light ponders.

A bubbles suggested to finally visit the dorm, Light would agree to it.

" Ah yes please! But I would prefer to stay wheere shark is the closest though... Or a room with her..." Light Blushed. 

 

[Magnolia]

@Blitz Boom

"Alright, I understand if you aren't ready for that now." Magnolia said, referencing the pick me ups. She could wait for that when they were ready. Magnolia was sure that she had her reasons for that anyway, that being that with these sorts of things there was likely a lot that could go wrong if it was used improperly. Alchemy was a very diverse and anything could go wrong.

Magnolia would take one of the fruits that Zeehva gave her and bit into the fruit, and ate it as they walked along. She savored the taste of it, she wasn't familiar with this particular fruit. "Mhm, tasty. Juicy." she winked to Zeehva upon those words, a slight blush coming about on her mouth. Perhaps that was a bit of an attempt on her part to flirt a little bit. Zeehva? She was attracted to her physical looks.

[EQ_Theta 422]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-10 at 6:50 AM, Blitz Boom said:

It would be about ten seconds, of Hammond starring up at Lin, before he'd eventually nod. He understood. Do not tell Master Scarcity of this. But tell her of the test being good, yes. The other thing were private, according to Lin. Normally he wouldn't let that stand between him, and his master's questions, but Mother were clear: Masters were good, but family came first. Lin were family. He could feel it. So he should listen to her on this. He were sure his master would understand.

Afterwards, he'd jump back down on the ground, and begin to slowly write some words. Some better than others, but the rough idea should hopeful come through.

"Other Mother, got hurt? Other Mother hurt, hurt sister? Brother not hurt, is wrong? Bad? I help?"

“Thank you for the offer, but… I guess this is something that is best worked out between myself and Sen. There was a time when he would’ve felt strongly about what happened to us, but now it feels like it’s all distant to him, like he doesn’t even want to recognize it. You’re right that my mother got hurt. I learned that my mother didn’t take losing her partner, me, and Sen well. She lost the will to keep going and stopped taking care of herself. Eventually, she ran from everything, into the woods never to be seen again. I learned that years later when I returned home with Sen and Omen, and even now, I still wish I could’ve gone home sooner. Maybe I could’ve stopped that from happening, and she’d still be around…”

“The one who did this, an elder by the name of Solasan, or whoever wore his face long after the real one was gone, we put a stop to him. It was tough, but he won’t be hurting anyone ever again. You know? Brother and I couldn’t have beaten him if it weren’t for Omen. Others might not see it this way, but she’s a hero, and we are always grateful for what she did.”

For a moment, Lin sat by and spoke wistfully, still thinking back to those days when it was just them against what felt like the world. Things were tough, but she harbored fond memories with Omen and Sen with very little in the way of backup when they actually confronted Solasan. Sometimes, it felt like they were just making things up as they went along, but it worked out in the end. He’d no longer hurt anyone, and no one would ever experience his cruelty. That was the moment when Sen and Lin truly could truly begin to try moving forward. 

Now, it all felt like a lifetime ago. Old problems they thought they put behind were coming up again, and this one was putting the siblings at odds with each other. Lin didn’t like that she was feeling this way, but Sen not have her back wasn’t right. It had to be something about him that’s changed.

“I know it may not seem like much, but you being here helps, Hammond. It feels good to just talk about this instead of bottling it all up inside, though I don’t suppose you have some ideas on what I should do? Should I tell Sen the truth about all of this?”

On 2022-08-10 at 6:50 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You go quiet, and think? Going over your thoughts, trying to find meaning? I do that, yes. It makes it easier to understand, if I focus on them. That is meditation then? I did not know the word for it."

It weren't exactly the same. She did not need to clear her head, or find her center, as she did not have emotional turmoil. She had confusion, over what she had seen, and not enough time normally ro process it. Though their approach were strikingly similar, to a point where although they showed it in different ways, she thought this were essentially the same. She did not expect that, but it were an interesting thing to learn. She would keep that with her, as she would go and process things more the next time.

As said though, not exactly the same. Sen could be disturbed, whereas Omen, if she got stuck in processing mode, could literally be set on fire, and not snap out of it. Something which had happened before, to less than impressive results.

"I can try your way too, yes. Might work better."

As for Sen, he listened intently to Omen’s questions, and took in what she understood about his methods of meditation. Seemed like they were using similar methods; a focused sense of awareness on things that mattered to them, but the longma wouldn’t dwell on this too much. Maybe this was his turn to be the teacher instead of Lin, but he still attempted to recall her first experiences with teaching. Those could come in handy right about now.

“All right, Omen. Close your eyes and try to block out distractions. Focus on your breathing first; take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. Think of nothing else but your breathing and keep going until you are relaxed. Then, think on the things you’d like to focus on, like a new lesson or a tough question. Take what you know about what you’re thinking of and try to use those to help find the answers to the things you don’t know. It may be tough at first, but with time, you can get the hang of it.”

It felt a little surreal to explain how meditation works, but having a clear mind to focus on tough matters was the gist of what he did whenever Sen meditated. The explanations could still use some work, but that first step of being relaxed was important. It would be difficult navigating turmoil with pent-up emotions, though it may not apply to Omen. However this introduction goes, Sen would be patient as he awaited what Omen might do next. If need be, the longma could walk through his process on how he would deal with his thoughts about Lin and how he could move forward using those. 

[Blitz Boom 4,443]

@AuroraGlimmer

On 2022-08-10 at 2:00 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

As she listened to him talk about the headmare of the Orphanage, she would smile a little "It is always nice to know there is someone there for those who didn't have anyone" she'd say to him, then smile at him as his suggestion for the flowers "Alright, it's a deal, a bouquet for a meditation lesson, and a box and pot for me talking to the queen bee of the hive...but I doubt she'd have anything bad to say about you" she smiles to him "From what you have told me, you treat them very well" she says, following him to the hive, and would have a quiet talk with the Queen bee.

She smiles and says to them "I had a feeling you'd be happy with him, I will be sure to tell him" she then closes the hive to let them rest, and smiles back to Honey Dew "I was right, they are very pleased and happy with how you treat them, and with the variety of flowers you have for them to pollinate."

He admittedly, were a little nervous as she approached the hive. Sure she said she were good with animals, but if she disturbed them, and they were not in a good mood... There were a reason why most beekeepers, wore the uniform. He himself had gotten stung a few times early on, before he recognized when the buzzing turned angry, and understood that as him needing to give them space. He did not hear it as she approached, so that were good. As were it that she did not get stung, when she opened the main hive, wherein the queen lived.

He'd feel very relieved when she returned, utterly unharmed, with seemingly even some of the bees buzzing around her. Must mean they really did feel comfortable around her. How fortunate.

"That is ah, good to hear. I have sometimes worried if perhaps, I did not have some they'd truly want, or that I accidentally cut away some they'd like this time of year, before winter. They need to prepare for the cold after all. And I ah, need to make sure the heaters still work, actually. I should check up on that tomorrow."

On 2022-08-10 at 2:00 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

She would nod "I promise as I would love to see your best flower" she'd tell him, following him to the other room, and the moment she'd see them, she would quietly gasp "Oh my, these are beautiful, it is no wonder they are your pride and joy" she'd say, once again following him outside of the room, and once they were out "Thank you for showing me your flowers" she would smile some more "My house isn't far from here, so we can drop by to put the bouquet away before I show you the spot."

"It's nice to see one that can ah, appreciate the beauty of these flowers. Not everypony agree, since they need some ah, protein-rich diets, to stay healthy, and vibrant. Specifically, they need blood, though ah, small amounts. Three droplets per week, species not important. I ah, use my own, which might sound a little ah, dodgy, I admit. Yet I'm trying to keep these a secret. They're extremely valuable, and at this grade? There is only a few more days until the big exhibition in Canterlot. I aim to have them all with me, and if not win the competition, then at least make a mark. I might ah, have some sold too. In pairs, of course. They're ah, not thriving as well, if they're alone."

Once they were out, he'd lock things up again, and leave the flowers be.

"Y-Yes, of course. I will ah, prepare it. Just give me a little time."

He'd need about six minutes, but when he returned, he'd do so with a lovely wooden box, with his signature mark on the side: A carved rose, swaying. A single droplet falling from the flower, and three bees buzzing around it. At least he wanted it to be his signature. He were doing well locally, but the competition would be where it would matter.

The box were a bit heavier than it looked though. Clearly not just flowers in there. Though if she recalled, he did say he used a pot, so this were likely living flowers, instead of just something bound together. Evident by there being small air holes too, to allow them to breathe.

"There. That should ah, be it. Maybe not the most glorious thing, but I like the more ah, minimalistic style."

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

 

 

@Kujamih

"Well, I can understand why, but as I've been told it, it's separate dorms for males, and females, with very few exceptions. I don't think they want to risk their reputation. Also, I seem to recall she wanted to sleep in the lake, yes?"

"Lake is nice. Wet and calm."

"Hard to argue against that, I suppose. Anyway, there's probably one of the dorm rooms, that have a window. You can be close that way, yes? Cause I don't think it's smart if you went and tried to sleep in the lake."

Ponies generally couldn't breathe underwater, and thus, it wouldn't be good for him to try it, as he'd just drown. He'd be a rather bad mate, if he were drowned, and seeing so would make Shark very sad. Probably for a long time. If he wanted to breathe underwater, he'd need to try and speak with Anomaly, and see if he could convince her to give him gills or something. She'd probably do it for a laugh, but if he wanted to remain a full fledged pony, it might be best to just accept there were certain things they could, and couldn't do together. And this was a minor thing. Eventually, they'd be able to be together in a room, away from school. Likely one that needed to have a small pool or something in there, to help Shark to avoid drying out. She didn't just go for lakes, because she found them neat after all. She needed moisture. A good moisturizer could do the trick too though, if he could convince her not to try and eat a bottle of it, or lick it off from herself, because she'd think it were somehow tasty. Or wash it off if she did not like the smell.

Anyway, leading to the dorm rooms for the males, it would be rather standard. A larger area than it looked from the outside - seemed the princess had cast some expansion spells here and there - leaving plenty of smaller, one being rooms, around the central pathway. Each room having the regular necessities, required for a pony. However, there were also some more suited for yak, for dragons, for griffins, etc. It appeared rather inclusive. Even an empty room with a large fishbowl, though whom this might be meant for, were anypony's guess. Perhaps a mermaid, or another kelpie.

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

 

@-HeedGreen-

On 2022-08-10 at 6:15 PM, Magnolia said:

"Alright, I understand if you aren't ready for that now." Magnolia said, referencing the pick me ups. She could wait for that when they were ready. Magnolia was sure that she had her reasons for that anyway, that being that with these sorts of things there was likely a lot that could go wrong if it was used improperly. Alchemy was a very diverse and anything could go wrong.

"O-Oh, you meant now. I'm... I'm s-sorry. I didn't notice you were u-under the weather."

Now she felt guilty... She had been focusing so much on herself, that she hadn't given much thought to how Magnolia were doing. Hay, she hadn't even asked her how things had been for her, in the time here, before she showed up. What kind of friend were Zeehva, if that didn't even enter her mind?

She'd pull back forth the powder, and would look Magnolia deep in the eyes. Specifically, she were studying how she looked around the eyes, and after a bit, would offer 4-9 grains, depending on how tired it were that she were. She'd get back to her regular energy level via this, and in case she wondered why Zeehva hadn't done so for herself, as she were still looking somewhat tired, she'd mumble something about it not being good for her health currently, and looked away.

On 2022-08-10 at 6:15 PM, Magnolia said:

Magnolia would take one of the fruits that Zeehva gave her and bit into the fruit, and ate it as they walked along. She savored the taste of it, she wasn't familiar with this particular fruit. "Mhm, tasty. Juicy." she winked to Zeehva upon those words, a slight blush coming about on her mouth. Perhaps that was a bit of an attempt on her part to flirt a little bit. Zeehva? She was attracted to her physical looks.

"Y-Yes, they're quite good, and rather nutrient rich too. Takes some skills to grow t-too. That vendor must have a green hoof."

She did not take notice of the flirting at all this time. Her mind being elsewhere, between how she felt like she were failing as a friend, and something else, that were weighing more gravely upon her.

"I'm sorry b-by the way. I c-completely forgot to ask you how You were doing. You seem to k-know others here, and that s-spirit yesterday were uhm... I should h-have asked.

So... H-How's things been here for you? Did you uhm... F-Find some answers to things?"

She'd listen this time, as they wandered along. Even though the sudden look of a skeletal pony, giving a piggyback ride to a young, laughing colt, did cause her to pause in wonder.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-11 at 2:05 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I know it may not seem like much, but you being here helps, Hammond. It feels good to just talk about this instead of bottling it all up inside, though I don’t suppose you have some ideas on what I should do? Should I tell Sen the truth about all of this?”

Hammond had listened to everything, more or less unmoving, though his ears had been flickering around in different directions, as he picked up more sounds. It were hard not to hear a lot, with ears this big, but he had found that he could sort of tune out a few things better, if he changed his ears positions. And then other times, he did want to hear, and let them perk up, and follow the sounds he were trying to find. In this case though, he wanted to focus solely on what Lin were saying. He did not understand a lot of it, but it were clearly important.

The parts he grasped the best, were that someone had come along, and hurt her, and her family. Other Mother, and Father, herself, and Sen. They were apparently gone now, but she felt something because of it. Something Sen didn't, or at least weren't showing.

It also sounded like they could not find Other Mother. Was she still out there? Hammond did not fully grasp death, but had gotten to the point, where being away forever, were a term he could accept, even if he could not understand it fully. What he did know though, were an answer to Lin's question. At least, what he saw as a good answer.

So he'd use his tail to brush away the words he had written on the ground so far, and then slowly, begin to write something new. He did have to fix a few places, where he had spelled wrong, so it took a bit longer, but it were important to him, that he got it right. His master wanted him to, and so, it should be done.

"Mother say, hoby honest with sibling. With Mother. Mother is  raight right. Yes. Should talk at to brother."

He were raised simple: Be honest with family, and respect them. Be kind to them. And never, ever hurt them. It were one reason why if ever a situation came, where two masters ordered them to fight one another, they would just lock eyes, and go visit Mother instead. Which had happened before, and the masters were not happy with it back then, the story went.

"Other Mother not found? Shed Should look?"

This were his other thing, that would finish his writing for now. More than he were used to at once, so had some words crossed out. Though in his defense, he had been corporeal for like, two days at best. Considering he still tested new things, by putting them in his mouth, it were surprising he could write in the first place.

As for that point, he just wanted to help. Probably nothing that could be found of Lin's mother at this point, than bones, but who knew? It were a crazy world. Perhaps she had ended as a phantom, as the longma had talked about. Perhaps she had wandered beyond the forest, and lived somewhere else, or even went around, searching for some sort of meaning herself. Perhaps she even ended up finding a hidden tribe of evergrown, and been taken to their village, where her fate would remain unknown. Hard to say, unless one found some sort of evidence of her presence somewhere.

On 2022-08-11 at 2:05 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“All right, Omen. Close your eyes and try to block out distractions. Focus on your breathing first; take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. Think of nothing else but your breathing and keep going until you are relaxed. Then, think on the things you’d like to focus on, like a new lesson or a tough question. Take what you know about what you’re thinking of and try to use those to help find the answers to the things you don’t know. It may be tough at first, but with time, you can get the hang of it.”

Sen would find that he hadn't thought through, what it were that he had just instructed her to do.

For a start, when she closed her eyes, and shut off distractions, that meant everything but his voice. So if something fell on her head right now, she wouldn't notice it, nor react, unless it were something notable enough to get her attention. Maybe an axe.

Then came the fact that he apparently forgot, that Omen did not breathe. Lin did. Mother did. Hammond also did, but Omen had been made by Discord, who had found such things to be generally unhelpful, and silly to have for her, so he had opted out of her relying on them. As such, she weren't aware of how to breathe properly. Her attempts were stilted, and not convincing, and as she tried now, it more looked like someone were grabbing hold of her chest fluff, and slowly forced it out a bit, then back down, in a janky motion.

It were also hard for her to relax, since she did not understand that too much, as she hardly ever felt any sort of turmoil. She were utterly neutral in most things, with a few swings here and there.

As for the last instructions... She figured it just meant that she were to do as she normally did. Yet she wasn't sure if she should do that then, without doing the other things. Maybe she should ask?

"How do I breathe? And what is relaxed? Is it the same as calm? I think I understand that one."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,522]

@Blitz Boom

As they walked out of the area, she would smile and shake her head "They were quite happy with everything" she would say, and then nod at his remarks about the flowers "I can possibly see why some wouldn't want flowers like those, but I am sure there are some ponies who, like me, could appreciate them" she would then listen to what they feed on and shudder a little "Yes, I do not think I could do what you do for them, but it certainly shows a level of determination and care" she smiles "I do know of the flower show, and that at least one judge is a batpony" she walks with him back into the house and waits for him.

As he returns with the box, she'd smile and put it gently away "Thank you, I am sure that my friend will love these, lets go back to mine so I can put this somewhere safe and then I'll take you to my meditation spot" she'd say.

After a short walk, they would arrive at her modest two story cottage "Well this is my house, promise you won't stalk me" she says with a laugh, letting him know she was joking, as the truth is that she'd love his company. She opens the door and walks in, "I won't be too long" she says, going up the stairs to her bedroom and putting the box on her bedside table before coming back downstairs.

She smiles "Alright, it ought to be safe there, we can go to the meditation spot now if you'd like, or we could even do it here, it is a little more comfortable" she would say, leaving the option to him.

[Evil Pink One 13,195]

@Blitz Boom

 Light would ponder on the suggestions of Bubbles, and would agree not to die.

" Then I guess I'll take you up on that offer sir bubbles."

The room presented to him was quite ordinary.

" I like it..." He said.

".... Not sure why though..." He adds.

He'd then be quite worried about Shark.

" Anyway I hope you'd have a good time with your room then Shark."

If it was time for sleep, Light would embrace his Slumber so the next day would come and greet him.

At first his worries would keep him up... But fatigue has its ways... 

[EQ_Theta 422]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-13 at 5:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Mother say, hoby honest with sibling. With Mother. Mother is  raight right. Yes. Should talk at to brother."

He were raised simple: Be honest with family, and respect them. Be kind to them. And never, ever hurt them. It were one reason why if ever a situation came, where two masters ordered them to fight one another, they would just lock eyes, and go visit Mother instead. Which had happened before, and the masters were not happy with it back then, the story went.

"Other Mother not found? Shed Should look?"

“I suppose you are right, and I will talk to Sen about it. It has been a long time since it happened, but maybe we both have different ways of coping. I don’t know of Sen isn’t acting on his grief with anger or if he’s already made peace with what happened…. I’ll find out soon enough. As for my mother, there’s no need for you to do that, though I appreciate your offer. Too many years have passed since that day, and I doubt there’s more to find than dusty old bones. If she is still alive, then I don’t think she’d want to go back to the place where the things she loved were taken from her. I’d only seriously consider looking if there is a definite trail, but there are none.” 

Lin wasn’t convinced that her mother may still be alive even after all this time apart and gone from the village. She disappeared into the forest, and since no one has come across her, it’s likely she’s either truly gone or didn’t want to be found. The latter was understandable, and Lin could imagine exactly why that is the case. Either way, she wouldn’t want Hammond doing this if it turns out to be a wild goose chase.   

Still, the longma liked that Hammond was learning well from Ms. Scarcity and keeping Mother’s teachings. It was impressive how he was smart with working with an alternative method of communication, allowing himself and Lin to talk like this. 

“Hey, I just want to say thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I didn’t expect this to happen, but I think I needed this. Ms. Scarcity and Mother taught you well, and you learn pretty fast. Maybe you could teach me your kind of sign language some time? I think writing on the floor and wiping it away looks a little tiresome.”

On 2022-08-13 at 5:44 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"How do I breathe? And what is relaxed? Is it the same as calm? I think I understand that one."

Sen only seemed to realize now that Omen wasn’t quite like other creatures, and breathing may not be something Omen could do. He spent so much time treating her as a normal creature that he ascribed normal things like breathing air would be the same for the Ki’Nathar. The longma paused for a moment to collect his thoughts and figure out something based on the response he got, though having similar processes already known from the get-go was a pretty decent point to start, and it was something already familiar to Omen that a simple tweak to his description could suffice. 

“Hmm… Maybe we could ignore the breathing part. Discord made it so that you don’t need to breathe, but you are right about the part about being calm. That could help you see things clearly. Now, once you are calm, think about the things that you’d like to find answers to or the things that bother you.”

“There’s something I’d like to ask. When you sit still and think about things, what goes through your mind when you think about what the things you learn? You seem to become like a statue when you do that.”

Admittedly, this was something Sen was curious about because of how similar it looked to when Omen goes through a kind of information overload. He knows not to use big words, but there may be more to this kind of occurrence than that. If he could figure out what goes on in Omen’s mind when she processes information, maybe it could give him and Lin better insight into communicating with her. After all, it could happen if they’re teaching or talking about really challenging topics. 

[Blitz Boom 4,443]

@AuroraGlimmer

On 2022-08-13 at 2:22 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

As they walked out of the area, she would smile and shake her head "They were quite happy with everything" she would say, and then nod at his remarks about the flowers "I can possibly see why some wouldn't want flowers like those, but I am sure there are some ponies who, like me, could appreciate them" she would then listen to what they feed on and shudder a little "Yes, I do not think I could do what you do for them, but it certainly shows a level of determination and care" she smiles "I do know of the flower show, and that at least one judge is a batpony" she walks with him back into the house and waits for him.

"Every flower needs taken care of in its own way. This one is a beautiful, hidden jewel of Tranquilaria, with a miniscule cost to it. A dozen of them, takes ah, very little from me, to keep fresh. A thimbleful, every s often, is not much. I lost more the last time I ah, hit my head on the cabinet.

It doesn't even need to be equine. In their homeland, they're ah, fed rats. Several of them in fact, let out on the secluded fields they're grown on. They don't mind sharing. It's a... Haunting sight. I don't have as many, so I don't need to go to such lengths. Still, there's those who can be a little ah, judgmental, I suppose. It is one of many reasons, why I have grown them in secret."

He knew there'd be those who'd scoff, but at a contest, where they judged by beauty, and rarity often too, he knew there would be kindred souls, who'd be enthralled by these, rather than acting vile. Especially bat ponies. This were the national flower, of one of the oldest, and largest, bat pony areas in the known world. Maybe not the most fanciful, nor richest places, but it were storied. Legends even held, that it were there, that the first vampire bat pony had once been born. Long ago, when none knew of the rare disease that could inflict certain bat ponies, and they thought everypony who got bit, would become one themselves. Which were ludicrous, of course. They'd just get eaten.

On 2022-08-13 at 2:22 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

As he returns with the box, she'd smile and put it gently away "Thank you, I am sure that my friend will love these, lets go back to mine so I can put this somewhere safe and then I'll take you to my meditation spot" she'd say.

"Oh, uhm... Y-Yes, of course. Lead the way, please."

He didn't mean to be flustered here, but it were ah, not normal for him, to be invited to a mare's home. I-It was obviously not meant as anything, of course! It were just still something that had taken him by quite the amount of surprise. And being taken by surprise, tended to be what flustered him.

On the way there, if she tried to hold the box sideways, he would quickly move over and have it standing upright, whilst explaining that the flowers inside, were alive, and in a pot. As such, they should not be put down on the side, as that might damage them.

On 2022-08-13 at 2:22 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

After a short walk, they would arrive at her modest two story cottage "Well this is my house, promise you won't stalk me" she says with a laugh, letting him know she was joking, as the truth is that she'd love his company. She opens the door and walks in, "I won't be too long" she says, going up the stairs to her bedroom and putting the box on her bedside table before coming back downstairs.

She smiles "Alright, it ought to be safe there, we can go to the meditation spot now if you'd like, or we could even do it here, it is a little more comfortable" she would say, leaving the option to him.

"I-I assure you, that I'd be terrible at it. Long Stare would be ah, far more potent at that."

One of the mares living for herself, further in town. Worked at that coffee shop, Sloppy Joe's, but most in town knew her, by how often she spooked others. Not on purpose, but she were just so incredibly quiet. Even on days where nothing happened, and leaves blew through the town, she could suddenly be right behind you, and you wouldn't know, until she started to speak. He hadn't a clue how she did it, but it were like her every movement, were light as a feather. A timid mare, yet one with an unfortunate talent, which yes, if she wanted to stalk somepony, would make her incredible at it. Whereas he, would end up stumbling over a rock somehow, worried that he'd be seen so much, that he wouldn't watch the road.

"D-Doing the ah, meditation here? I ah... I s-suppose, that is really up to you. I hate to ah, impose upon your hospitality.

And ah, might I mention that you have a lovely home. I didn't mean to ah, be rude and not mention that, I were just a little ah, absentminded, for a moment before."

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

 

@Kujamih

"It's probably because you're tired. It's not night time yet, but it might be good for you to take a nap. Don't worry, I'll show Shark the quickest way around here, so she can come in and out of the lake, and into the building, fairly easily. You just try and get some rest, Light. I'll probably see you again some other day."

Sooner or later, everypony came to the spa, where he worked. Sure he were just the receptionist, but that didn't mean that he didn't have a role in keeping things going. It were important to see a friendly face, able to direct you where you needed to be, as one of the first they met. Sure he failed a few times, but the Lotus sisters had done well, in instructing him how to do better, and it had been some time since the last mistake of his. Which in any case, were harmless. Making a mistake like he thought of, would at worst, cause one of the spa ponies to redirect them, and him getting slightly embarrassed. No harm, no fowl.

So he'd leave Light to get some rest. As would Shark, but not before she had gone over, and nuzzled him a bit, then gave him a small lick on the tongue. Her tongue afterwards popped slightly out of her mouth, in a rather *mlem* fashion, as she pulled back, and walked out of here. She wanted to go into the lake and a have a nap too. Sounded like a nice time to sleep.

When he woke up, nighttime would have fallen, and the moon hung high in the sky. Though that might not be the first thing he noticed, as a certain somepony, had figured out how to use the window to gain entry, and would currently be shaking a fishie around, like it was a dog toy.

...In fact it Were a dog toy. She had found it, and thought it were food, but it had turned out to not be the case. It were still rather enjoyable to chew on though, so she had kept it, and were now using it to get a bit of energy more out of her system. And to let her hunting instincts get a bit more of an outlet. The way her tail wagged, showed clearly how much she were enjoying herself too. Such a fun thing to find, down in the mud.

"Grrrr. Fishie fear Shark. Great hunter."

She'd giggle, and let go of the worn toy, bashing it back and forth with her front hooves. Such a funny, funny thing this were. Friends seemed to be able to make all kinds of weird things.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-14 at 8:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I suppose you are right, and I will talk to Sen about it. It has been a long time since it happened, but maybe we both have different ways of coping. I don’t know of Sen isn’t acting on his grief with anger or if he’s already made peace with what happened…. I’ll find out soon enough. As for my mother, there’s no need for you to do that, though I appreciate your offer. Too many years have passed since that day, and I doubt there’s more to find than dusty old bones. If she is still alive, then I don’t think she’d want to go back to the place where the things she loved were taken from her. I’d only seriously consider looking if there is a definite trail, but there are none.” 

What he heard, were that there were no definitive leads on Other Mother. Yet at the same time, there were also no signs, that she were gone forever, yes? That meant she could still be somewhere. Maybe she did not want to be found, like Lin said, but if she wanted to find her, then that did not matter. Maybe he should bring this up with his master? It were not one of those things she had said were a secret... Hmm, maybe he should just follow her some times instead, and when they got near the place were she came from, he could look around. He might find something. Their kind were good at finding things. Some more than others, but it couldn't hurt to try. Other Mother were clearly important to Lin, and he wanted to help her.

He would remember this, and when the time came, potentially act upon it.

"Other Mother, clues out there. Just have to find, yes?"

On 2022-08-14 at 8:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hey, I just want to say thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I didn’t expect this to happen, but I think I needed this. Ms. Scarcity and Mother taught you well, and you learn pretty fast. Maybe you could teach me your kind of sign language some time? I think writing on the floor and wiping it away looks a little tiresome.”

"Yes, can try."

He were learning not from teachers per se, but from the filly, whom Lin had briefly seen before. He kept her company, and in turn, she taught him how to do sign language. He were also starting to do some writing along with her, when she were doing her school work. After she had taught him not to eat her math homework. Well, technically Scarcity had said he had to stop, as she did not want to encourage the *My pet ate my homework* stereotype, but he hadn't been encouraged either. He had just wondered what the strange sheets of paper had been for, when they were presented to him, and acted accordingly.

Anyway, he might be able to share his lessons, though she'd need to be patient with him. It were one thing being taught. Another entirely, to be the teacher. Though he were certainly happy for the skill, as he were not a talker, and writing everything could get tiring, as he were still not too good at it. Someday though, he wanted to write like his master did. With fine letters all standing in line.

If Lin moved on by now, he'd follow her, curious as to what she were aiming to do now. Though if she asked him to leave, he would do so. Out to seek other adventures, before returning to his master. Perhaps  go see what the other animals of this town were like? He found it interesting to try and interact with them.

On 2022-08-14 at 8:03 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Hmm… Maybe we could ignore the breathing part. Discord made it so that you don’t need to breathe, but you are right about the part about being calm. That could help you see things clearly. Now, once you are calm, think about the things that you’d like to find answers to or the things that bother you.”

“There’s something I’d like to ask. When you sit still and think about things, what goes through your mind when you think about what the things you learn? You seem to become like a statue when you do that.”

One might think he would've recalled several instances, where she used the fact she did not breathe. Such as when she just walked into the ocean, near the temple, and when she wandered out with the beast heart, into the volcanic area full of toxic gas. But in fairness, a lot had happened, so it could be hard to keep track of it all. She for instance, still had a lot backed up, she hadn't processed.

"I am calm then. Master Discord said, I would always be calm, because I did not understand anger, or fear. He said that helped him."

One of the reasons (beyond him being lazy) that accounted for why she had not been taught well, in the emotional department. Her being quite neutral, and hard to affect, had a calming effect on him, at times. Other times it annoyed him, but Discord were ever as fickle as the wind.

"I use many of my thoughts, to focus on the things I do not understand. Then I try to remember those things I do know, and hold them up to that. See if I can understand it, if I remember other things. Sometimes it does not take long. Other times, I see the sun many times, before I understand.

Sometimes, there is too much, and I do not know what happens then. Some things I understand then. Other things, seem gone. Then I can see and hear things again, and things have changed."

Essentially, when she were overloaded, she lost consciousness. Whatever happened when that occurred, were an automated process, where some things were worked out, and some were just forgotten. Then when the mental load became less strenuous, she'd get her bearings again. Oftentimes, she just kept thinking after that. A lot recently though, she just had to keep moving. Not a lot of time to try and learn, she found.

"What do you think about, when you meditate? Do you have many thoughts too?"

[Evil Pink One 13,195]

@Blitz Boom

As light doze of his nightmares return, while time slips by unknown.

He'd wake up shocked as a shadowy figure lurks at his window. Light's heart would skip a bit, and reflexes would jump his body. But for a split second his vision and senses would come out from his daze and focus on what he sees. 

It was none other than his mate, Shark.

Light would give a big sigh of relief and say, "phew... Shark you scared me... Although I guess it's best you go through the window than the front door of the male dormitory." He blushed as he noticed that Shark is in his room.

Light would invite Shark inside the room so he could close the window and have a good chat with her.

As they sit at the bed idle chatter with both of them occurs.

" I see you got a new toy...oh just don't swallow that okay sweetie? It's... it's not healthy..."

"  So I'm guessing you're nocturnal? You don't sleep when the moon is up?... Do sharks even sleep?" Light ponders.

" Anyway, what do you wanna do tonight? Explore the night life of Ponyville and this school? If so we better exit the window as well.. but if not we could just have each other's company in this room." He blushingly suggested. 

[Sphinx-Ara 3,522]

@Blitz Boom

She would listen and nod "I can see why others might not like the idea of these flowers, especially in the wild" she would say "But they are still beautiful to me, though the needing blood just reminds me of Audrey in that classic movie, Little Shop of Horrors" she'd say with a giggle "and the classic banging your head on a cabinet, yeah, I've been there many times, so you're not alone there" she would smile at him.

"Long Stare? Oh yes, I know her, I've met her a couple times, she's quite quiet though,even more so than Fluttershy" she says and then as she returns from putting the box in her room "well, we could do it here, you won't get dirt or leaves in your fur, but one benefit of the spot I chose, is the wild animals that come to join me" she would say, before thinking on it for a moment and smiling "alright, lets go to the spot, you can go there any time you like, as well. I'll be sure to tell my critter friends there that you're friendly" she smiles to him.

She'd lead him out of her house, locking up, not that Ponyville had any sort of crime really, but she just liked to be sure. She would then lead him to a spot in the Whitetail Woods, it was a small clearing with a variety of wild flowers. "This is the spot, it's nice, isn't it?" she'd ask.

After a little bit, she would settle, sitting on her flank with her hind legs crossed, she would then pat the spot next to her, and as Honey Dew would sit next to her, she would explain the fundamentals of meditation. "First you need to close your eyes, block out any noise and vision, and then just, clear your mind" she would say, and then after a moment, "Now imagine yourself somewhere with sounds you find relaxing, for some it's the ocean and the sound of the waves, others its the forest with the sounds of birds and some just imagine themselves inside listening to rain outside"

[Rising Dusk 26,199]

@Blitz Boom

Ambient magic was one thing, but the weaving of it was far more distinct.  Rising could sense spells being woven together and brought forth at rapid pace.  Caramel was calm and appeared to know it was coming on pure instinct.  Lily's was wild and scribbled together, a telling sign of a hastily cast spell outlined in emotion.  Her target, straighter more define threads weaved together, easily the stronger of the spells.  More specifically designed as a counter to the witch of the wilds in defense.  The detective ignited his horn in reflex, ready to catch any wayward ricochet of magics, or more importantly, a round two.  He let the spells collide, resulting in a harmless encounter.

Grace had fluttered closer to her husband and both had taken a collective step back.  Dawn had stepped forward, but Rising had put out a hoof to halt her advance.  He could feel the anger roil on the surface of her emotions.  How barbaric, and in front of honored guests, she seethed.  Any one of those spells could have harmed their parents.  Equally, Dawn could feel the calm radiant off her brother.  His horn was ignited, if there was any real danger he'd have stopped it.  She could have faith in that.  Their ways were not her ways.  The mare gritted her teeth and remained silent, if scowling.  At least their duel had deflated to words.  Even gaining a bit of inferring that Caramel had a way to transfer bodies, an alarming discovery to say the least.  Especially of such a thing could be done with the other creature alive.

Will-O's fate was an outcome they had predicted before even coming here.  She was not safe in Harrowmark, no matter how innocent she was.  Vengeance was a poison that festered most harshly.  The detective was prepared for this.  The Captain having mentioned as such in her meeting the Princess'.  Equestria was taking in a lot of refugees as of late.  The Sisters of Troy and now Will-O with the possible addition of Lily and Caramel.  "She'll be safe in Equestria," Rising agreed.  "Starting over won't be easy, but the experience will be well worth it."  Getting her settled would take time, a town or city to live in and a job.  Rising didn't know the full details Minty had discussed with the Princess', but it was going to go miles in this new diplomatic relations project the two lands had just started to form.

When Thistle took over Rising finally let his horn glow end and lower his hoof back to the ground.  The delightful friend Caramel was referring to could only be Minty by his guess, him and her being the only two Equestrian's to visit of late anyways.  Twists and turns alright, what was a little celebration without a mountain of stress.

 

[EQ_Theta 422]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-16 at 3:30 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I use many of my thoughts, to focus on the things I do not understand. Then I try to remember those things I do know, and hold them up to that. See if I can understand it, if I remember other things. Sometimes it does not take long. Other times, I see the sun many times, before I understand.

Sometimes, there is too much, and I do not know what happens then. Some things I understand then. Other things, seem gone. Then I can see and hear things again, and things have changed."

Essentially, when she were overloaded, she lost consciousness. Whatever happened when that occurred, were an automated process, where some things were worked out, and some were just forgotten. Then when the mental load became less strenuous, she'd get her bearings again. Oftentimes, she just kept thinking after that. A lot recently though, she just had to keep moving. Not a lot of time to try and learn, she found.

"What do you think about, when you meditate? Do you have many thoughts too?"

“Yeah, you could say that. Just like now, I’m wondering why Lin was angry with me and why I didn’t take her side earlier when Rosa and Uddo were talking about exile. She had the right to be angry, but I didn’t agree that just being angry was going going to be enough. We’ll sort that out when we speak with each other tomorrow, but I know she needs time alone to think about this, just like me. On some days, when there’s a lot of time to think, it can get… difficult. Too much time to think about what could have been and not enough time to understand what’s happening now.” 

There were days when Sen would meditate on his time spent away from the forest, internalizing what he learned and how he could use it to survive. Those were sometimes productive, but having too much time to think every now and again didn’t help when his mind would wander. Those thoughts would always come back to imagining how things would turn out if things had gone differently in his past and how different his life could have been if he just went against his gut. No point in reliving some kind of imagined fantasy now, but the temptation was always there. Things were just busier now that he didn’t indulge in it anymore, and traveling with good friends means he could try healthier alternatives to cope. Even now, Sen was just happy to be talking despite having some difficult thoughts in his mind.

“Sounds like what you go through when you lose track of time is information overload. You do know you don’t have to go through that now, right? You only need to ask if you need help understanding things. Lin, Mother, Rosa, myself… we’ll do what we can to help so won’t have to let time slip by.”

On 2022-08-16 at 3:30 AM, Blitz Boom said:

What he heard, were that there were no definitive leads on Other Mother. Yet at the same time, there were also no signs, that she were gone forever, yes? That meant she could still be somewhere. Maybe she did not want to be found, like Lin said, but if she wanted to find her, then that did not matter. Maybe he should bring this up with his master? It were not one of those things she had said were a secret... Hmm, maybe he should just follow her some times instead, and when they got near the place were she came from, he could look around. He might find something. Their kind were good at finding things. Some more than others, but it couldn't hurt to try. Other Mother were clearly important to Lin, and he wanted to help her.

He would remember this, and when the time came, potentially act upon it.

"Other Mother, clues out there. Just have to find, yes?"

Perhaps she wasn’t feeling too optimistic or inclined to cling to false hope, but Hammond mentioning looking for clues to find Sen’s and Lin’s mother was something the longma was willing to entertain. After all, he did raise a valid point about the clues that could hint at a happier alternative could still be out there. It only seemed like a pipe dream, but if anything could still be around, it’ll have to be something resilient. Still, the longma would stick to wanting the hard evidence to convince her first before acting on that information. For now, she’d only keep that thought in mind, and if there was a chance that Hammond was right, she’ll know who to approach.

For now, Lin was content with sitting for a bit longer to think about how she’d talk to her brother. Her emotions could rile her up if it was handled poorly, but something tells her that conveying exactly how she felt was the right way to go. Maybe she’d try to meditate on this, just like what her brother would do if she were in his position, though meditating in public wasn’t likely going to fly if she got caught by local law enforcement. There was still the cave outside Canterlot; a nice and quiet place to immerse herself in her thoughts, though she was content to hang out and talk some more if he was fine with it. Perhaps when Hammond felt ready to teach sign language, they could set some time aside for that in the future.

“I won’t keep you if you’ve still got places to be, Hammond. I’m just going to think about what I plan to say and do when I speak with Sen. You know, there’s this cat we ran into earlier today at the bakery and after we went to the market. She goes by the name of Munchkin. Seems like she’s interested in Omen and Shrimp, even doing some little tests of her own. Have you met her before?”

[Blitz Boom 4,443]

@Rising Dusk

On 2022-08-16 at 4:46 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Grace had fluttered closer to her husband and both had taken a collective step back.  Dawn had stepped forward, but Rising had put out a hoof to halt her advance.  He could feel the anger roil on the surface of her emotions.  How barbaric, and in front of honored guests, she seethed.  Any one of those spells could have harmed their parents.  Equally, Dawn could feel the calm radiant off her brother.  His horn was ignited, if there was any real danger he'd have stopped it.  She could have faith in that.  Their ways were not her ways.  The mare gritted her teeth and remained silent, if scowling.  At least their duel had deflated to words.  Even gaining a bit of inferring that Caramel had a way to transfer bodies, an alarming discovery to say the least.  Especially of such a thing could be done with the other creature alive.

"Oh? Seems like our guests are a little worried. Worry not my friends. Inept as her little show were, she still have a measure of control, and focus. If not, as you could see, I were quite capable of handling myself."

She knew well how much her words irritated Lily, and she internally reveled in it. Perhaps she shouldn't, but there were something alluring and intriguing about irking those like her. At times at least. She much preferred to get along with others, were she to be truthful. But she knew that wouldn't happen as it were, seeing the attachment that Lily had with Caramel. The original one, that were. Yet that were a matter which she assumed would be brought up by their dear savior, curious little one as he were.

On 2022-08-16 at 4:46 AM, Rising Dusk said:

Will-O's fate was an outcome they had predicted before even coming here.  She was not safe in Harrowmark, no matter how innocent she was.  Vengeance was a poison that festered most harshly.  The detective was prepared for this.  The Captain having mentioned as such in her meeting the Princess'.  Equestria was taking in a lot of refugees as of late.  The Sisters of Troy and now Will-O with the possible addition of Lily and Caramel.  "She'll be safe in Equestria," Rising agreed.  "Starting over won't be easy, but the experience will be well worth it."  Getting her settled would take time, a town or city to live in and a job.  Rising didn't know the full details Minty had discussed with the Princess', but it was going to go miles in this new diplomatic relations project the two lands had just started to form.

When Thistle took over Rising finally let his horn glow end and lower his hoof back to the ground.  The delightful friend Caramel was referring to could only be Minty by his guess, him and her being the only two Equestrian's to visit of late anyways.  Twists and turns alright, what was a little celebration without a mountain of stress.

Much to her dismay however, that did not seem to be the case. He were rather matter of fact about things in fact. Mayhap mostly concerned for his family's wellbeing? A fine idea, and one she could understand. They clearly meant much to him, and she could respect that. One should put blood above all. Even Twisted had understood that, in his own malignant way.

"There is much to see and learn, in your lands, our dear savior. I am confident that a spirit as light as hers, will find purpose and friendship within your borders.

Might I perhaps ask something though? I found you an inquisitive pony, last we met. I had assumed you burdened with questions. Have perhaps our shared acquaintance been telling you tall tales?"

Rising might remember something he were told in fact. Le Pourri. A creature that had been briefly mentioned by Lily, as a Harrowmark problem solver of sorts, trading favors for various things, including vessels. Combine this, with how she had at first, called Caramel in full, Caramel Glaze, and he might start to understand why it were, that the with had become pale.

"If not, or for the benefit of your delightful family, let us put the cards plainly upon the table then, shall we not? Especially as I get the feeling we shall mingle quite a lot more in the future, than you may have expected.

I am Le Pourri. Caramel as my name first, after I took her body as my vessel."

"Stealing bodies, like a real monster."

"I have never stolen a body, and I frankly find it insulting to insinuate as much. I am a tradesmare at heart. I bargain for them, and I fulfill my end of the contract in full.

For poor Caramel, there was nothing to do for her. She had been assaulted by a Wither Geist, and were dying. As any in Harrowmark knows, death by them, leaves only one fate: To wander as a geist yourself, bound to harm others, in perpetual agony. A dreadful fate. So I offered her a bargain. I would spare her soul, and send it to the goddess she so cared about, and in turn, I would get her vessel. She agreed, yet asked that I would treasure the foals, and sweeten their lives, as she had strived to do. And so I did. Once she were freed, and I had repaired this body, I took possession of it, and continued to live the life she could not. With some minor alterations, to be more useful. Which in turn, lead me to eventually be counted amongst the towns guardians. An unforeseen thing really, but I am ever the Harvest Mage. Protecting my village, when need be.

And please don't insult me, by assuming me a zombie, or risen. I assure you, this body is perfectly alive. As is all I have made use of. Well, most of them, but times have sometimes been tough. I also have no interest in Equestrian bodies. I do not mean to offend darlings, but you're simply not tempered enough for my taste. Gorgeous as you all are, in your own rights. Nor do I need to. It should be at least another five or six decades, before old age becomes a concern.

I also trade for other, more mundane things too. Favors, items, a few coins here and there- The vessels really are more just to extend my life, than anything of a nefarious nature. There's simply too much to learn in this world, for a single lifetime to suffice, and I do so enjoy enlightenment. From dear Caramel, I learned the most endearing cooking skills, for example, as well as the joy in lifting up the spirit of those, who have little to smile about most days.

But I assume I have spoken for long enough now, to allow my dear Will-O the time, to say her own piece on things. Pray excuse me for the distraction, but she appeared to have needed a little time, to find words."

Which were true. Will-O Wisp had required a few minutes after her sentence had been repeated, before she could muster to say something about it, rather than bawling her eyes out once again. Getting banished, and being told she were Twisted's granddaughter in quick succession had been rough. It still were, but she had those around her, whom she trusted, which helped to lift her a little. Which yes, included Caramel. The mare had long looked out for her too. More so, after she had been taken over, and never caused trouble, or been nefarious towards her. Thus, she actually did feel safer having her with her. Just as she did, seeing that Rising were there.

"I... I'm not sure what will happen, but... P-Please don't be angry, they're banishing me to your home? It's a-already hard enough, with e-everything I've been told, and then h-having this... I p-promise I won't cause trouble for you."

Between the lines, and in her eyes, were also the sentiment that she hoped they wouldn't reject things either, as she didn't know what to do with herself. She already had little idea, but knowing it were in the same land, that Rising had come from, had made her feel a little bit better bout things. If she were then having to go to a whole other place... She'd have no support network, and no idea how things would work. Even with Caramel there, she'd be lost, and scared. She just wasn't sure how to tell them that right now. Especially not on a day, that were not supposed to be about her at all. It should be about him, and his noble deeds.

"You two got along so well earlier, so I don't expect that to be an issue, will it, our dear savior? And do try and have her mingle with that glorious mare, whom you visited with the last time. Her fashion sense were impeccable. The things she could do to bring out the radiance in Will-O would be a sight to behold.

How are she, by the way? And your alchemist friend? Did he enjoy my gift?"

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

 

@AuroraGlimmer

On 2022-08-16 at 1:21 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

She would listen and nod "I can see why others might not like the idea of these flowers, especially in the wild" she would say "But they are still beautiful to me, though the needing blood just reminds me of Audrey in that classic movie, Little Shop of Horrors" she'd say with a giggle "and the classic banging your head on a cabinet, yeah, I've been there many times, so you're not alone there" she would smile at him.

"That movie were in fact ah, partially inspired by these flowers, I am told. It were what sparked my interest in them in the first place, years before I ever had the chance to see them. A wildly exaggerated story of course, but an ah, very enjoyable movie. Been some time since I last saw it actually. Perhaps at some time, you would ah, like to watch it with me? It could make a fun time, I'm sure."

Inviting friends over to watch movies, or playing games. As he understood it, that were a normal things which friends did, and thus, it felt right to then offer this. He would have to find this movie, and some way of watching it, of course, but ah, he were certain he could find something in Canterlot, when he were there for the faire. Perhaps a movie theater showed it? That could work too. Those places had quite some charm, from what he remembered. It were worth an attempt at the least, yes?

On 2022-08-16 at 1:21 AM, AuroraGlimmer said:

She'd lead him out of her house, locking up, not that Ponyville had any sort of crime really, but she just liked to be sure. She would then lead him to a spot in the Whitetail Woods, it was a small clearing with a variety of wild flowers. "This is the spot, it's nice, isn't it?" she'd ask.

After a little bit, she would settle, sitting on her flank with her hind legs crossed, she would then pat the spot next to her, and as Honey Dew would sit next to her, she would explain the fundamentals of meditation. "First you need to close your eyes, block out any noise and vision, and then just, clear your mind" she would say, and then after a moment, "Now imagine yourself somewhere with sounds you find relaxing, for some it's the ocean and the sound of the waves, others its the forest with the sounds of birds and some just imagine themselves inside listening to rain outside"

It turned out in the end, that they'd go to the spot that Skittles had brought up initially, for the meditation. A nice looking place he might add. Seemed very calming, and steeped in nature, without the danger of the Everfree Forest. And here he thought the park were the better place for such a thing... Well, he weren't sad about being wrong.

"It is very ah, calming here. I can see why you would pick it, for your meditation."

Honey Dew would do as instructed, though he needed to try a few times, before he had his legs crossed properly, without falling backwards. Not his most proud moment, he must admit, but practice made perfect, yes? Just a simple manner of trying, until it worked. Which it would, not long after. So a small victory in that, he supposed, yes?

Afterwards, it were about closing his eyes, and trying to think of somewhere calm, with sound he enjoyed... Yes, he could think of one.

"The sound of foals laughing, always calmed me the most... Yes, I think I have a good thing in mind."

He recalled one day, some few months ago. They had been taken a trip to a large forest playground, and on the day, they had been having a thrilling day. Just the foals giggling and having fun, playing with others of the same age, having fun. No judging, or thoughts about how things were. Not even any parent, that were judging them, as some tended to do. You could always recognize those, as they wrinkled their nose at the sight of orphans, or withdrew their own foals, to avoid them coming in contact with *that kind*. Disgraceful in his opinion, but at least on that day, he had not needed to worry about that. It had just been pure, utter bliss. Not many other moments so bereft of issues, that he could counter up in his memories.

It was oddly calming already actually... Yet he'd listen, in case there were more for him to do. If not, he'd just sit like this, until eventually, he'd get a cramp in his legs.

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

 

@Kujamih

Shark had already been fully inside, so it was just a matter of closing the window, and making her follow to the bed. Which she would. Still a weird thing to lay upon in her mind, but she'd try, as best she could, whilst bringing her toy with her.

"Not food. Good chew thing. Found it in lake, so mine now.

....Nooooc-tuuuurn-aaaaal... Nocturnal? Nocturnal... Night thing? Lots of dark, down in sea. Not important if light. Just swim to find food, then swim til hungry. Sleep sometime, when need."

Shark basically slept when she were tired, and woke up when she weren't. She never had the need of a day and night schedule, like ponies had, so that was not ingrained in her at all. Something they'd have to work on, if they wanted her to have one, but realistically, did she really need it? It wasn't  like she had a job. Long as she didn't sleep in class, it were probably fine, right?

On 2022-08-15 at 11:23 PM, Kujamih said:

" Anyway, what do you wanna do tonight? Explore the night life of Ponyville and this school? If so we better exit the window as well.. but if not we could just have each other's company in this room." He blushingly suggested. 

Shark would sit and think about this. She did not understand what he were insinuating at all, so staying in this room seemed odd. It wasn't mating season after all, right? It didn't feel like egg time at least, so maybe he meant pony things, like reading, or sleeping. Sleeping in this thing would be weird. Lake was much better. So nice and calm. Not dry like this.

"What do friends do when dark? IN sea, many special fishies come out then. Special ponies too? Fun prey?"

She certainly felt like looking, so she'd bounce over to the window, and would open it. The first thing being seen, being another mare, this one a regular, young pegasus, fluttering outside one of the other windows. She'd be nuzzling the muzzle of some earth pony stallion, and as they'd get a look of her, she'd wave. This one had likely been the reason why Shark knew how to open the window. She'd in turn, wave enthusiastically too, and stumble out of the window, tumbling into the lake. Seemed to be fun to her, as she'd laugh so much, her fishie floated out of her mouth.

"Water nice. Come into water, mate. Then we go see night friends. Friend place have pretty lights. *gasp* Look! Look!"

She'd point upwards, where a pair of bat ponies would be flying overhead. A filly, as well as a burly stallion, with a long beard. The uniform showed him as being part of the Night Guard, and the relation... Well, the locals knew this as a father and daughter, recently relocating here. Shark just saw ponies with very special wings, and one who was shiny. That was very exciting to her. How nice it must be, to watch the world with the curiosity and wonder of a filly, rather than simply looking upon it as the same, mundane thing, that most merely got used to.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-17 at 6:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Yeah, you could say that. Just like now, I’m wondering why Lin was angry with me and why I didn’t take her side earlier when Rosa and Uddo were talking about exile. She had the right to be angry, but I didn’t agree that just being angry was going going to be enough. We’ll sort that out when we speak with each other tomorrow, but I know she needs time alone to think about this, just like me. On some days, when there’s a lot of time to think, it can get… difficult. Too much time to think about what could have been and not enough time to understand what’s happening now.” 

"I do not understand sister, or you, in this. Anger is weird. I hear others say, it clouds their heads. Makes things make less sense. I am not sure I want to understand that feeling. Then I hear you and Lin having issues, and anger is part of it. I want to help. But I can not."

Why must so much come down to emotions? They were dangerous, and hard to understand. Best if they were not part of things, and it were just logic, yes? That she thought sometimes, but then, she heard things like this, and she could not understand it, because she could not understand the emotions they had about it. It did not help either, that she couldn't remember the elder that hurt them.

"I understand someone hurt you, and your family, yes? Exile happened, to punish you... SO that is bad then, yes? Rosa said many big words about it. Did not try and understand those. Too much there, but exile is bad. Right? Not something good? Can that be why sister do not like it? And why do you fight then? Do you not think it is bad? Did it not hurt you too?"

Things were so much simpler when everything were chaos... Things just happened, and you went on to the next thing, that made little sense. There were not need to think about all that many things.

On 2022-08-17 at 6:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“Sounds like what you go through when you lose track of time is information overload. You do know you don’t have to go through that now, right? You only need to ask if you need help understanding things. Lin, Mother, Rosa, myself… we’ll do what we can to help so won’t have to let time slip by.”

"That is why I ask many questions. Some, I do not know how to ask, or I do not get answers. So I need to think about them. Many things happen these days too. Little time to ask, or think. A lot of things to think about.

Rosa still did not tell me what a toilet is for. That is one thing. He became weird when asking. I saw there were water in it. Is it for drinking, when not used as a chair? It tasted like normal water."

Omen had at some point, drank toilet water. She saw a dog do it, and figured that might be the thing it were for. A large, weird cup. Then other ponies sat on them, and she got confused again. Ponies had so many weird things.

"Do not understand either, what happened at the place, with many ponies. Rosa is not in chains, but why? He said he were going into a small place, then he go here, and walk around. It does not make sense. Things like that, I try to think about. They are hard."

On 2022-08-17 at 6:00 AM, EQ_Theta said:

“I won’t keep you if you’ve still got places to be, Hammond. I’m just going to think about what I plan to say and do when I speak with Sen. You know, there’s this cat we ran into earlier today at the bakery and after we went to the market. She goes by the name of Munchkin. Seems like she’s interested in Omen and Shrimp, even doing some little tests of her own. Have you met her before?”

He'd need to be shown the forest first, but if he could be, Hammond would have no issue wandering around, and having a look for strange things. He did not sleep, as their kind had as a curse one might say, so he had plenty enough time to go and explore. When he were not called upon by his master, of course. He should listen to her call.

"What is cat?"

This he wrote, as the response to her questions. A cat were something he might have seen, but lacked context for. An animal he'd think. The name sounded small... He'd put his hand up over his head, and try to imitate mouse ears, wondering if that were it. He'd then poke with his foot, towards the word cat. If not that, he'd try something else, with laying his head flat, raise his tail, and do the motion of a hiss, but not the sound. If that were correct, he'd sit and mull a little. Though eventually, he would write more to that.

"Cat name. Not know. Ask master?"

Naming a random cat called Munchkin, might be a tall sale for Scarcity, though she might get a healthy laugh over the question. It were but an animal after all. And one without much of an impression. Unless she had personally interacted with Munchkin some times, it were doubtful she knew much, if anything, about the cat.

"You go? Need help? Master work. Master sleep."

He literally had nothing better to do, as those he'd wander with, were either working, or sleeping, this time of day. This were his exploring time, and he did not mind spending that, with his older, and smarter sister. Though if she were busy, he could go and look for... He wondered actually, if she had felt that?

"Felt other, last sun time. Sibling. New. You feel too?"

There were a certain odd ripple, that the Ki'nathar could feel, when a new sibling made their first gate, to their new home. Omen had been distracted, and not noticed it, whereas Hammond had. He did not know though, if Lin could feel it. Even then, he knew not who it were, or where they were. He could ask unformed ones though. They might know. Did not hurt to ask sister though, no? That way, he could learn if she could feel that too, since she was not exactly like them. He felt her essence being stranger, though how? Why? He did not know that.

 

[Evil Pink One 13,195]

@Blitz Boom

It seems Shark preferred to head outside, and Light was a bit embarrassed as he finds out that what he said can have a double meaning.

" You know what night life outside it is hehehe.

Shark would then wave at someone outside which light wondered and took a look. Soon after Shark would take a tumble in the lake

At first Light was a bit worried, but then realize that Shark... Is half shark.

" Oh right hehe..."

As shark invites him into the water. Light would shrug it off and join her.

" ... Why not?"

He leaps to the air and did a triple summersault!

As he land on the water, he would use his very unique cutie mark and make himself very light. This way he didn't end up sinking in the water, but standing on top of it making a cool pose. But then,

"... Okay it's actually harder to control my cutie mark at night, whoaa!"

He then sinks to the lake.

" Blurghh ooff.... Hahahaha.... Ouch... Actually I think I hurt myself from using to much of my cutie mark magic.... I forgot I don't have the shards no more... "

Light would then just float around and see what Shark sees... But his focus is more on Shark as his happiness fills as he sees his love's joy from the mundane.

He would float slowly to Shark and give her a hug.

" Where too Shark?"

He asked. 

 

[Sphinx-Ara 3,522]

@Blitz Boom

She would smile "A movie night starting with Little Shop of Horrors sounds great" she would say before they had gotten to the spot and begun the meditation.

"Now, just breathe in, breathe out" she would say softly, doing so herself. She did this for about ten minutes, and breathed out the last time with a slight relieved sigh, opening her eyes "and, open your eyes" she would say to him,

After that, she would stretch and smile "How do you feel?" she'd ask, as she would pet and cuddle a wild pup that must've come to her while they meditated.

[EQ_Theta 422]

@Blitz Boom

On 2022-08-19 at 5:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I do not understand sister, or you, in this. Anger is weird. I hear others say, it clouds their heads. Makes things make less sense. I am not sure I want to understand that feeling. Then I hear you and Lin having issues, and anger is part of it. I want to help. But I can not."

Why must so much come down to emotions? They were dangerous, and hard to understand. Best if they were not part of things, and it were just logic, yes? That she thought sometimes, but then, she heard things like this, and she could not understand it, because she could not understand the emotions they had about it. It did not help either, that she couldn't remember the elder that hurt them.

"I understand someone hurt you, and your family, yes? Exile happened, to punish you... SO that is bad then, yes? Rosa said many big words about it. Did not try and understand those. Too much there, but exile is bad. Right? Not something good? Can that be why sister do not like it? And why do you fight then? Do you not think it is bad? Did it not hurt you too?"

“Anger… makes us do things we might regret later. It’s not a nice thing to feel, but sometimes, we the best we could do is to control it. Too much of any emotion could stop us from thinking clearly, but I guess it’s all about balance. Without clear thoughts, we do stupid things on a whim, but without emotions, we might do things that could hurt others because we don’t feel. I wouldn’t know who or what I’d be if I couldn’t feel things like happiness or love.”

“Our exile wasn’t because Lin and I did something bad, but the longma back home know that it is a kind of punishment for those who have no hope of changing. What we experienced was someone wanting us out of the way to do what they pleased, and I am angry and hurt that it happened, just like sister. I just can’t stay angry because that doesn’t solve anything. Outside of some folks back home, Lin hasn’t forgiven the longma; she only tolerates them because we wouldn’t have anywhere else to live.”

“If there is any chance that no one could ever use exile as an excuse to do something horrible, I’d like to find a way. To do that, I need to see things clearly, but I won’t forget what I felt because that will always remind me of why I do this.”

The longma may be conflicted about his sister feeling this way, having a lot of pent-up anger with no constructive outlet. However, this talk with Omen may have given him some possible insight into what he could do. It’s not quite an epiphany or a eureka moment, but between talking with Omen and Rosa, there may be some hints at how he could approach his sister when the time comes to talk it out amongst themselves. If he could just reach out and explain himself while understanding Lin’s perspective, they could come to a compromise.

Maybe he’d still need some time to meditate, but there night wasn’t going to end anytime soon, and he’d use this moment to try and answer some of Omen’s lingering questions. He wouldn’t have the exact answers she was hoping for, given the longma’s lack of understanding in certain topics, but he did say he was willing to help however he could. It was about time he lived up to his words. 

On 2022-08-19 at 5:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Rosa still did not tell me what a toilet is for. That is one thing. He became weird when asking. I saw there were water in it. Is it for drinking, when not used as a chair? It tasted like normal water."

Omen had at some point, drank toilet water. She saw a dog do it, and figured that might be the thing it were for. A large, weird cup. Then other ponies sat on them, and she got confused again. Ponies had so many weird things.

"Do not understand either, what happened at the place, with many ponies. Rosa is not in chains, but why? He said he were going into a small place, then he go here, and walk around. It does not make sense. Things like that, I try to think about. They are hard."

“I could try answering your question about the toilet, but I'm just basing this of something I heard years ago. Think about it as a place where ponies clean themselves in private. I don’t know how exactly this works, but I’ll tell you what I could. See, when ponies eat or drink, they make waste that needs to be removed from their bodies. They could do that in the open, but that wouldn’t look good for them, not to mention the mess they’d make. So, they do it in a toilet instead.”

“As for your other question, about Rosa walking around instead of being in chains? What Rosa did would be considered unforgivable in Equestria’s laws, but someone, possibly Ms. Scarcity, made it so that his skills wouldn’t go to waste in a way that could still be useful to others. I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it, but that is how I understand what happened.”

Admittedly, Sen still didn’t get what Scarcity could get out of this arrangement, only that Rosa was now indebted to her. A kind of limited freedom feels like having a double-edged sword hanging above one’s head; not a good place to be in, but they didn’t seem to have any say in the matter. Only thing to do now is live with it and learn what they could along the way.

On 2022-08-19 at 5:26 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You go? Need help? Master work. Master sleep."

He literally had nothing better to do, as those he'd wander with, were either working, or sleeping, this time of day. This were his exploring time, and he did not mind spending that, with his older, and smarter sister. Though if she were busy, he could go and look for... He wondered actually, if she had felt that?

"Felt other, last sun time. Sibling. New. You feel too?"

There were a certain odd ripple, that the Ki'nathar could feel, when a new sibling made their first gate, to their new home. Omen had been distracted, and not noticed it, whereas Hammond had. He did not know though, if Lin could feel it. Even then, he knew not who it were, or where they were. He could ask unformed ones though. They might know. Did not hurt to ask sister though, no? That way, he could learn if she could feel that too, since she was not exactly like them. He felt her essence being stranger, though how? Why? He did not know that.

 

“I can stick around for a little while, as I don’t really have much to do now, but I’m not sure what you meant by feeling another sibling. I guess I’m not in tune with the Ki’Nathar since I wasn’t one originally. As for cats… I guess it might be better to see one to get an idea of what they are. Saying they’ve got four legs, a tail, and like to lounge around or do their own thing isn’t really saying a lot.”

Lin was going to try spending a little bit of time looking for Munchkin at this time of night, though she realized she would have trouble with that since she could be anywhere in the town at this point. If the bakery wasn’t open, then chances are Stiff Peaks would’ve gone home without the cat. However, she wouldn’t have to try, especially with a familiar sound just about interrupting the longma’s and mimic’s conversation.

Meow!

“Huh… would you look at that? Seems like the cat came to us instead of the other way around. Hammond, that is Munchkin, the cat I was just telling you about.”

Though a fair distance away, the little cat slowly approached Lin, being somewhat familiar with her, though the mysterious creature with big ears and a third eye was new to her. First instinct would suggest that he was similar to Shrimp, though she’d try to get closer, perhaps prod the creature to see what kind of reaction she could get. The refraction was cautious and a little hostile, but Hammond could be different. She’d sit next to Lin and rub herself on the longma first; if the new creature was like Shrimp, he’d likely do something to make his displeasure known.

Edited August 20, 2022 by EQ_Theta

[Catpone Cerberus 23,438]

@Blitz Boom
Charir was bit thoughtful about Leviathan when she smiled at him, he knew at this point that it was a positive thing, but since he didn't understand the words and he hadn't done anything special, he wasn't sure why she was smiling at him, he did recognize his name being said of course, but that didn't really tell much, especially since the two older dragons did have a habit of talking about him like he wasn't right next to them, not that he complained, at least he had some warning that they may want something from him soon instead of just suddenly telling him to do something out of nowhere; he also understood that Leviathan couldn't understand him and vice versa, so it made sense the two dragonesses would discuss some things about him without him.

There was also the fact that he didn't feel reason to complain, for his whole life he had been the lesser due to his smaller size, younger age, and because he was a male, so he had internalized the idea that female dragons, especially those lot older than himself, were simply so much more superior to him, that he was happy that they even acknowledged his existence, not to mention were actually nice to him. 

Ruby addressed Charir, most likely informing him that they were leaving, as evidenced by him nodding and quickly finishing the little he had left from the snacks he had taken, he may have not been a huge fan, but he still wasn't one to waste food.  Ruby led the way as asked to, her target being a train station, maybe this time they wouldn't get attacked by a magical fox. "I agree with you on Charir, I did expect him to stay calm, because if nothing else, he's still too fearful of me to do anything stupid, but he did surpass my expectations." "Though I probably shouldn't be too surprised, after all ,he made his way from the Homelands to here, alone, and survived, that is unexpected for someone of his size and age." 

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

"While solid logic, and I don't disagree with your theory, not caring goes to both ways, while I have no emotional drive to harm you, I also don't have one to not harm you."  "If I was to lose my conscious will to do good, who is to say what I would be like?" Scarecrow mentioned, he didn't necessarily expect a response, but he just shared his thoughts, after all ,he had had time to think about it. 

He thought about what was said about the library, it certainly looked like that if there was nothing in here, the needed information wouldn't exist, but if being positive, even in that case, at least he could be some use, after all, he had, as far as he knew, infinite time, so he could as well use that to help making sense of this place. 

In any other situation, Scarecrow would have tilted his head and wondered what he just saw as the elderly mare made her appearance, but after everything he had seen up to this point, this wasn't really that shocking anymore, in fact, it slightly reminded him of that ghost mare in the forest that had also formed from fog.

"I'm Scarecrow." He stated, he also gave a small bow for greeting, but it was clear it was more a learned gesture rather than genuine respect, his voice also was friendly but lacked emotions as to be expected "Soul trapped into a rotten body and an empty existence." he had nodded when it was asked if he was the one she had been called for.

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

"In a different place and time you would have been correct in your assumption, as stated, these two have perfectly justified reasons to despise me, and if you ever see another one like myself, it is in everyone's best interest to assume that they are an enemy." Solar mentioned, not that the local guard had any real chance against his former colleagues, but at least there was a chance they would be able to flee. "At least I didn't get something thrown at me this time." he added with...not quite humor, but a less serious tone, though the kobolds weren't amused, and Trox was visibly ready to blast him with magic if he tried anything. 

He went to Trox, as it was better to just leave Sheska alone, after all, he really only needed one of them, he then declared "Now, don't get spooked, I'll just give us some privacy." he then lit his horn and a magical bubble like barrier surrounded the group, he had wanted to leave Sear and Chega out since they were just civilians, but their positioning didn't really allow that, he also hadn't planned to have other guards involved, but with what had just happened, the coastal guard also got to be inside the bubble. The bubble itself seemed just like a regular magical barrier from inside, but from outside it blocked all sound and light, so it was a quite literal, privacy bubble. 

If nobody reacted in crazy ways to that, he would proceed with why he was here, he gave Trox a piece of paper, who looked at it and then back at him "Where is this from? you said we are the only ones here who speak common koboldian..." he couldn't even finish before Solar spoke "A message I got, someone used the commander's back door to sent it to me, the content of the message is not your concern, but it was finished off with that." Harpoon probably had no idea what 'commander's back door' meant in this context, at least Chega and Sear didn't, but Sheska and Trox both seemed to know what Solar meant, as it seemed to rise some amount of new worry in them, Trox read the paper few more times "I don't fully understand every word as the eastern koboldian is slightly different to ours, but if I were to guess them in context, this is something along the lines of 'When the blood of our unison fills the streets, the oppressors shall drown in our sacrifice. In the name of our ancestors, our brothers, our sisters, our daughters and our sons, our hard work shall bear fruit. One for all, all for one, but never shall our will to fall'." "And no, never heard that before." 

Solar seemed surprised, and so did everyone else, but nobody really had time to comment before Solar went straight to the next thing, he wasn't lying when he said he didn't want to drag things out, besides, they could discuss it after "The other thing..." an almost necklace looking part of his neck started to glow and it projected few images in front of Trox, they looked like a point of view of a pony, all looking at a individual but from different angles and with different levels of lighting and such, some being from normal looking positions in well lit, gray hallway, but some being from perspectives that were sideways and from the floor, surrounded by rubble, darkness and dust, seeing the individual from small hole among the rubble. "...In a move that will certainly make your queen friend like me even more..." the sarcasm was obvious "...I elected to go get the bodies from her place without her, before they started to smell, and investigated any and all systems I could get access to, and I found something you may be interested in, I don't know if she made it out before you ended up here, but what I do know is that there's no evidence on any orders for her to be there." 

The individual, was orange, red eyed lizard, either a small dragon, or a kobold, it was hard to tell which, as the only thing visible was the face and metallic looking horns with horizontal light blue stripe on each one, rest of them was covered by a blue, hooded robe with the hood being decorated with a cobra inspired piece. Seeing this, Trox closed his fists hard enough for his metal hand let out a small bang, and Sheska, even though she barely saw the pictures from where she was, let out an audible hiss "Sheez" both of the siblings looked at the pictures with such hatred that one could be mistaken that they forgot that Solar even existed, Chega actually stopped comforting Sheska for a moment due to her sudden hatred being so strong.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,443]

@Catpone Cerberus

"That's a lot down to you too though. If you hadn't heard him, and dived in after him, the poor thing might well have drowned. It were some strong, motherly instincts on display there, Ruby. Whoever hatched from your eggs, would be lucky to have you brooding over them."

Might be that their ideals of parenthood weren't the same, but one thing were similar, from what she had heard Ruby say. That being the desire to protect your young. It would sadly end, in the case of Ruby's culture, but still, she had shown the instincts, of someone who wouldn't just let their hatchlings wander off, and get eaten by the first creature with bigger teeth, that they ran into. Whatever else she might think of her methods, Leviathan could sincerely respect that part.

Hopefully someday, she'd be able to put her own skills to the test too... No, now were not the time to think of this. It would only make her saddened, and today was a happy day. And if something were gonna try and change that, she'd punch them in the face.

Making their way to the station, they were seemingly not being stopped, though they'd as always, catch a few eyes. Mostly from tourists. The locals saw weirder than them, on a daily basis, and some of them had gotten rather jaded by that.

Getting tickets, and boarding the train too, wouldn't seem to cause issue. Nor would it, as they were puffing along, quietly and somewhat silently. Only thing that did seem a  potential issue, were a large thundercloud headed towards the tracks, but Leviathan would handle that. It wouldn't have been able to do a lot, if anything really, but she just wanted to make sure, that no one were hiding in it. Seemed not, but y'know, they had encountered some odd ones recently. Wouldn't be surprising.

"Seems like we're in the clear so far. That's a nice change, eh? Feels like a while ago, since something didn't just blow up out of nowhere. What you think's gonna happen next? Something's gonna be set on fire, and we'll be blamed for it, or some monster tries to eat us? My bet's on the fire."

She'd be leaning back, grinning. It were in jest, of course, though she wouldn't be totally surprised. A fair bit of time, when something were on fire, a dragon would be blamed.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

"Devoid of emotion too, it sounds as. Hmm..."

She'd float closer, and make a small round around him, examining the peculiar creature, standing before her.

"Such strange strings that binds you. Seems like somepony made himself the wrong enemies in life, hm?"

"You know what have befallen him?"

"Don't go and make assumptions, child. I see he is bound. By what manner, I couldn't say for certain. It reminds me as said, of the druid wars. Grizzly mess that whole thing. Enlightening though. Quite the few tomes written by the flock then.

Yet this is not the same. Druid spells are similar, but far from this dark. This one seems unknown. But then, that is why you bring him to this old mare now, isn't it? Things this dark, you think it in the forbidden section?"

"It wouldn't be something, that should be left for any stray to find. I thought you might agree."

"Hmhm. I do, dear child. I do. Very well. Will you join me, in the vault, Scarecrow? Don't be alarmed, dryad. He will be gone for some time, but perhaps when he emerges, he will have found answer. If not, there will be plenty more times to try. I do have other things to do, than sit down there for centuries on end you know. And even if not down there, it could be hidden in some dusty tome up here. The things that sometimes sneaks into those. Why, just some eight hundred years past, a passage made it in, describing how to cleanly turn another, inside out, while they were still alive. Reckless children sometimes, explaining too vividly, to the point where others can make out, how to do the same. That wouldn't have passed in my time. No. Back then, we vetted our books better."

She would grumble slightly, but keep the rest for herself. For now at least. Seemed like she'd have some company to bemoan things to, for some time to come now. Mayhap not the best option, but beggars as they say, couldn't be choosers. They'd learn to live with one another. Heh.

"...If it provides answers, I wish nothing more, than luck for you, my friend. But it depends, if you would be ready? You needn't worry for Crow, if it were. I cannot imagine it would want to leave, though I can make sure to tell the locals of him, that they may not be afraid, or try to cause it harm."

She'd have to find it first, but that were a minor detail, compared to the fact that she were going to give it her all, to ensure it would be okay here, whilst it waited for Scarecrow. That is, if her friend wished to be transported, to the locked vault of the library. If he agreed, it would be upwards of three months, before he would see the light of day again, as they'd be scouring slowly through tomes. Slowly, specifically, as these things were dangerous, and Sickle needed to supervise. And if he handled the books incorrectly, or tried to cause harm to them, she would eject him from the vault instantly, and he'd have to try again later.

Then again, could also be he found an answer, or just wanted to leave for a time, for whatever reason. There'd be options for it all, yet it would still mean a farewell, for now. If he went, he'd be transported on the spot, engulfed in red mist, and find himself soon, before the large door, leading to the inner vault.

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

 

@Catpone Cerberus

10 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

"In a different place and time you would have been correct in your assumption, as stated, these two have perfectly justified reasons to despise me, and if you ever see another one like myself, it is in everyone's best interest to assume that they are an enemy." Solar mentioned, not that the local guard had any real chance against his former colleagues, but at least there was a chance they would be able to flee. "At least I didn't get something thrown at me this time." he added with...not quite humor, but a less serious tone, though the kobolds weren't amused, and Trox was visibly ready to blast him with magic if he tried anything. 

"Duly noted."

Now why would that be? Were he from a particular group of ponies, that were prone to violence? It wouldn't be the first, so it might well be, tough it begged the question, of why this one were then trusted in the military.

As for what exactly he meant by *Another one like him*, she assumed it had something to do with his peculiarities. Seemed he wasn't as regular as a normal pony, from what she could see. Things to keep in mind in fact, it sounded like, and specifically signs to look out for. She'd ask more into this, but she wouldn't want this one to be an undue burden on the civilians she had been asked to watch over, for more than he needed to be. That, and she already found him a little irritating. She got the feeling though, that he had that effect on more than just her. Would certainly explain why folks would throw things at him.

10 hours ago, Catpone Cerberus said:

The individual, was orange, red eyed lizard, either a small dragon, or a kobold, it was hard to tell which, as the only thing visible was the face and metallic looking horns with horizontal light blue stripe on each one, rest of them was covered by a blue, hooded robe with the hood being decorated with a cobra inspired piece. Seeing this, Trox closed his fists hard enough for his metal hand let out a small bang, and Sheska, even though she barely saw the pictures from where she was, let out an audible hiss "Sheez" both of the siblings looked at the pictures with such hatred that one could be mistaken that they forgot that Solar even existed, Chega actually stopped comforting Sheska for a moment due to her sudden hatred being so strong.

A lot suddenly happened, after the initial words from Solar. Starting with them getting trapped in a bubble, seemingly for privacy. A move which just made Harpoon reach her trident higher, ready for attack, if need be, though she were still not touching him. It were still a fair, half meter from touching him, though a quick jab could change that. She wasn't stabbing him though. Not yet, in any case. Could well change, if he gave her reason to change her mind on this matter.

She watch, as an exchange of information occurred, though she grasped little of the context. Something about other kobolds, and a message that sounded rather ominous. Blood of someone's family, were hardly ever mentioned in good ways, and this sounded like some sort of summoning, or curse, being tossed as one. Or a call to arms, for a revolution. She knew so very little of kobolds, so it were rather hard to even grasp where this might come from, though it seemed to affect some of her wards to an extend.

Not as much as the next part though. No, not the part about collecting bodies, though were a question she'd have to ask about later too, as that sounded alarming, It were more about the one they were shown a projection of. Looked like another kobold, or dragon. Not enough to be sure there, but whomever this were, it seemed they caused quite the stir in two of the kobolds. She might not be a changeling, but that degree of hatred, were still very notable.

"Who is this *Sheez*? It sounds as if there is reason for alarm here?"

She'd need to spread the word to the Coastal Guard, if that were the case. They did not take order per se, from the Royal Guard, but would listen to alarm, if validated by their own, or given to them by the general. This one didn't look all that dangerous, but something told her, that there were layers to this, that she didn't fully grasp. And some of those layers, were soaked in blood.

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

 

@Kujamih

Shark would witness him stand on the lake's surface, and subsequently sink down, with an amused gaze in her eyes. He were so impressive. Maybe he couldn't stand long on the water, but he had still done it! That were really something. She had only seen tiny bugs do that before, not anyone big like him. Such a talented mate she had. He would make good pups, when egg season came around. Even though she didn't know when that were, but she'd feel it when it were, surely. That's how egg season worked, yes? That's what she had seen in others, though she hadn't hit her first egg season yet, even though she had seen others around her, were starting to get there, before she had been taken away, so it couldn't be long, no? This would be an exciting one, when it were!

She couldn't help herself though, as he started to go below the surface, and would circle him, as if she were on a hunt. She did not have her backfin anymore, so it might lose some intimidation factor, but Celestia help the world, once she found out that you could buy replica shark fins. Granted, they were mostly for foals, but she'd find some in her size. Usually those sorts, were used for party folks, who wanted to have fun on others behalf. They wouldn't be made for her sort, but she'd be happy to make use of them, all the same. Hopefully Light wouldn't make it worse, by teaching her the *dun dun dun dun* tune, that some associated sharks with. She'd already make beach goers confused as it were.

On 2022-08-19 at 12:01 AM, Kujamih said:

He would float slowly to Shark and give her a hug.

" Where too Shark?"

He asked. 

"To big reef, with shinies!"

She'd dive under him, and push up, leaving her to push his body up to the surface with her own, and keep his head over water, with her own. Her mane were wet, but still, rather smooth and soft, so it should be a soft ride, as she swamp quickly to the edge of the lake. She might not be able to fly with him, when he wasn't using magic currently, but she could swim him along with no issue. He weighed less here, and her tail had considerable force to work with, so they'd be at the edge in no time. Or they would, if she hadn't taken a round first. She quite enjoyed this, and were giggling along as they went. Surface world were fun, but water were a good place, and always would be. Times like this, one could combine them both, and have a great time.

Eventually though, after a few minutes, she'd get them to shore, and once up, she'd shake the excess water off of her mane and tail, akin to a dog. She'd still remain shiny from water, but that was good. She didn't want to drip everywhere, but she also didn't want to be completely dry. That seemed wrong.

Once there, she'd look around, eyes filled with wonder, as a few ponies came around, looked at her, and then just kept moving. Seemed like they were somewhat inebriated, and were thinking they were seeing things. One even put his bottle down, thinking he had too much. Light should probably get that away, before Shark got curious, and took a swig. Friends drank it after all, so that meant it were good, yes? And this smelled somewhat like fruit.

It were an apple cider, so worst case scenario, it wasn't bad, but it might be a bad start to things. It weren't good to remove the inhibitions, of one with teeth like hers.

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

 

@AuroraGlimmer

He would be a few seconds before he answered, when they were done, as he were *awakening* from his meditation, so to speak.

"I feel rather calmed, actually. I thought this were gonna be a lot harder than it were."

He'd look over as he slowly rose up, and notice the pup. (you didn't write which kind, so assuming regular wolf), though he weren't as surprised, or concerned, as he figured he'd be. A little of course, but still, overall rather mellow. How peculiar.

"I didn't see we got company. Friend of yours?"

Didn't come to him right away, but eventually came a thought through, that did make him a little nervous. The old saying, that "Were there be baby, there be mother." He could see the child. Where then, were the mother? And how might she act, when seeing this? Well, probably nicely, towards Skittles. But he were new. Then again, long as he did not appear threatening, it should probably be okay.

If this were a timberwolf pup, all bets were off the table. He didn't understand those at all, and the most he had to do with them, were that weird mare in town, who had recently gotten one as a pet. She said he were an outcast from the forest, but it were still peculiar to see.

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

 

@EQ_Theta

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“Anger… makes us do things we might regret later. It’s not a nice thing to feel, but sometimes, we the best we could do is to control it. Too much of any emotion could stop us from thinking clearly, but I guess it’s all about balance. Without clear thoughts, we do stupid things on a whim, but without emotions, we might do things that could hurt others because we don’t feel. I wouldn’t know who or what I’d be if I couldn’t feel things like happiness or love.”

“Our exile wasn’t because Lin and I did something bad, but the longma back home know that it is a kind of punishment for those who have no hope of changing. What we experienced was someone wanting us out of the way to do what they pleased, and I am angry and hurt that it happened, just like sister. I just can’t stay angry because that doesn’t solve anything. Outside of some folks back home, Lin hasn’t forgiven the longma; she only tolerates them because we wouldn’t have anywhere else to live.”

“If there is any chance that no one could ever use exile as an excuse to do something horrible, I’d like to find a way. To do that, I need to see things clearly, but I won’t forget what I felt because that will always remind me of why I do this.”

"Lin feels differently, because she can not let go? I do not understand.

I have tried, but emotions are hard. You all know them. I see it. Pain. Joy. Sorrow. I hear many names. I do not understand what they are like. So I can not understand them.

Master Discord said they were not important. They could wait. He was wrong. Mother says that too, but she can not teach me.

....I only understand, that you and Lin, see things differently. You look forward, she looks backwards, yes? Is that why she is angry? Does she want you to see, what she sees? Is it because she wants you to be angry too?

Life is confusing. Your life is very confusing. Different from ponies, in many ways, that seems wrong. They hurt you, in a bad way, but sometimes, the way they hurt, is good? Why? If it gets used wrong, is it not always bad to do?"

The wheels were turning in her head, but not grinding out much in the way of answers. This would sadly be her eternal flaw, and a sign of Discord's greatest failure. In his attempt to make her as sturdy, and adaptable as possible, he had made it so that most things that would cause considerable pain, like fire, being stabbed, or freezing, barely affected her, if at all. As such, pain and discomfort, were things that more than anything, she had a very hard time to grasp, beyond the few examples she had learned, from Sen and Lin.

Many others, he had failed to give her context for, when she were young, and impressionable. As Hammond were a great indicator of, the early weeks and months were crucial, when it came to teaching basic things, as they were basically absorbing all kinds of impressions at those stages. Yet Discord's had spend his, in a world without reason, where nothing were explainable. And when that were gone, she had already reached past her formative stage, and her then staying in Mother's realm for nearly 980 years, were not helping either, as their home, were not one that offered many teachable moments, beyond the basics that Mother provided.

She could still be taught, but they needed professionals to deal with it. Actual psychologists, and those willing to go to extreme lengths, to teach her of things like pain. Had she context, she could learn, yet it would still be an uphill battle. Though to some extends, were it not a kindness, for her to not feel certain things? What if she understood sorrow, and loss, when her friends would end up dying from old age? Anger when they got hurt, considering her powers? Jealousy, rage, terror... There were a lot of things that one might be able to say, she'd be better without, even though she'd also be deprived from great joy, love, and so on, and so forth.

It might be something to do, to find one specialized in emotions, and leave Omen in their care. At least for a time, if they wished for her to learn. If not, then it may yet be millennia, before she understood fully, what certain things that had passed through her, were. Cause she had felt fear, and anger. It were however, but tiny sparks, that flickered and died, because she did not grasp their context.

A project for another time, perhaps. Yet it would be likely be good, to let her clear her head, before she began to overload, prior to such a thing.

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I could try answering your question about the toilet, but I'm just basing this of something I heard years ago. Think about it as a place where ponies clean themselves in private. I don’t know how exactly this works, but I’ll tell you what I could. See, when ponies eat or drink, they make waste that needs to be removed from their bodies. They could do that in the open, but that wouldn’t look good for them, not to mention the mess they’d make. So, they do it in a toilet instead.”

“As for your other question, about Rosa walking around instead of being in chains? What Rosa did would be considered unforgivable in Equestria’s laws, but someone, possibly Ms. Scarcity, made it so that his skills wouldn’t go to waste in a way that could still be useful to others. I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it, but that is how I understand what happened.”

This helped, as she were now getting context for some of her questions, which eased her mind to a certain extend.

"It is where pony food and drink goes, when it leaves? Master Discord did tell me, that I could absorb things, normal ponies could not... I think I understand."

Were it not for the positions, that others used these things, she'd think it were where they vomited up things, but no, she think she grasped it now. Though why would it have to be such a private thing? Seemed odd, but she supposed, ponies were odd sometimes. Maybe this were just something they had learned, were not to be shared? Hmm... Made sense, she supposed. She had witnessed other things, that she had come to understand, were not meant to be looked at, by others. This belonged on that list, it seemed.

"And Rosa is free, because something Scarcity did? And you are confused too? Brother must have a very smart master. He will grow up clever."

Speaking of whom...

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

“I can stick around for a little while, as I don’t really have much to do now, but I’m not sure what you meant by feeling another sibling. I guess I’m not in tune with the Ki’Nathar since I wasn’t one originally. As for cats… I guess it might be better to see one to get an idea of what they are. Saying they’ve got four legs, a tail, and like to lounge around or do their own thing isn’t really saying a lot.”

So sister could not feel them then? Hmm, must not have that trait. He would remember that, if others like her were suddenly made, some day. A very strange situation, but something to learn from. As everything were. Maybe though, he could introduce her to their sibling, once he found them? That should be possible. Would be important too. They were family after all, yes? Important to know others of your family.

As for her description of a cat... That covered many, many creatures he had seen. Including ponies. So yes, he were not entirely sure what a cat were. Perhaps a nice visual aid?

On 2022-08-20 at 1:13 PM, EQ_Theta said:

Meow!

“Huh… would you look at that? Seems like the cat came to us instead of the other way around. Hammond, that is Munchkin, the cat I was just telling you about.”

Though a fair distance away, the little cat slowly approached Lin, being somewhat familiar with her, though the mysterious creature with big ears and a third eye was new to her. First instinct would suggest that he was similar to Shrimp, though she’d try to get closer, perhaps prod the creature to see what kind of reaction she could get. The refraction was cautious and a little hostile, but Hammond could be different. She’d sit next to Lin and rub herself on the longma first; if the new creature was like Shrimp, he’d likely do something to make his displeasure known.

He'd turn, and follow the approaching cat with his eyes. So this were a cat then... He had seen many of those, but were not sure if they were the ones, called cats. This were good then. He learned something new. Cats were the ones who looked like this, and said meow. Important knowledge.

He would raise a paw in greeting, once the cat were introduced, and he'd make some hoof signs, to mark his own name. Sister might not understand this, but the cat might. He didn't know.

Seeing the cat, go over and rub itself on Lin, got no reaction from Hammond at all. Though he did file it under something to ask others about, if he were supposed to do too. Maybe it were just a cat thing? And if so, why did they do this? Many questions, to find answers to.

As Munchkin came over and prodded at him though, he'd just take it. Then he'd slowly try and take a paw forth, and gently pat at the cat, much like she had done to him. If he were allowed, he'd then make a notion more in his mind: Cats were soft. Felt rather nice in fact. He had to try and befriend more cats.

If Munchkin would hiss at him, he'd blink once, then slowly, hiss back, though without the sound, imitating her, as best he could.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,522]

@Blitz Boom

Skittles would smile and nod as Honey Dew would say that he felt relaxed "A lot of ponies think that meditation is hard, and I suppose it can be for a beginner, but once you get the hang of what you need to do, it's easy peasy" she would say to him, nodding as she would pet the wolf pup "Oh yes, one of the critters that comes to me when I'm here" she would say, then smile a bit more "And don't worry about the mother, she is also friendly." she'd say, still cuddling the pup, before getting up and stretching.