private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Desert)

On 7/12/2020 at 11:48 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She was able to pull him a short distance from the others, which wasn't hard as he was already distancing himself without prompting. He nodded with a bit of hope at her explanation, "Will do Miss."

Null patted the head of Little.

"Good. Take care, and try to keep your chin up, kid. It's gonna be a rough ride, but you can get through it."

Usually she didn't do well around kids of any kind, nor really liked them all that much. But Little were a good, essentially well behaved kid, who had a real bad hoof dealt to him, that had resulted in something that were likely gonna haunt him for the rest of his life. She felt sorry for him, and really did wish him the best going forward, even though she knew she had to go and ruin that sliver of hope that had been placed in her by him, when she eventually had to go and judge him. Guess that were just one of the *perks* of this new mantle she had gone and put on her shoulders.

*sigh* But that were for later. Nine had scouted out a good target that she could tell his secret to, that should hopefully help to keep him safe. Though she had not expected the sort of information he had fed her, in all honesty. This one used to be a vampire? So that meant there Were a cure then, yeah? That was a good thing. Meant there were hope for Little, in the long run. Though obviously, she would ask if he were serious, since this sounded like a bit of a crazy coincidence.

On 7/12/2020 at 11:48 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine spoke up, "That guard there, the thestral, she'll take care of him, she's suffered from vampirism too." If Null asked how Nine could tell, given she bore no obvious signs of vampirism, "It's something I retained from Luna called 'The List'. I can see what they've done before, things that have already been repaid."

"...Y'know, at this point, why look a gift horse in the mouth, and start asking about the logistic mumbo jumbo in all of this? It's a neat little trick, and it's helpful, so just gonna thank you for the help on this, Nine. A solid target for us, and proof that there is a cure for this sort of thing, like you thought there might be. Good for him that he's gonna have something tangible to work towards, rather than just a dream that have no chance of ever coming true."

She'd go deal with this guard right away, if Arcade hadn't caught her attention, with how he went over and said goodbye to the other clones. A strange bunch these ones were, but they seemed harmless enough, so to speak, and it looked like they had some close bonds. The way he spoke to them, sorta made it seem like he were a big brother sort of figure to them as well. Which would make sense, seeing as he appeared to be the oldest of 'em.

Little would likely go and rejoin them, or at least wander near them to get ready, so when Arcade came over - he might have noticed how she had been following what he did with a sort of knowing look going over her face - it were likely that they had a few moments on their own, before they all split up. A point where before that, she had to go and speak with a certain guard, so she had to make this sorta quick, so that she could get this sorted.

On 7/12/2020 at 11:48 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Look, I really appreciate what you did back there, if it weren't for you we'd likely have all died down there eventually. I'm sorry for blowing up on you back there, but anyone willing to come to the aid of the defenseless is someone worth dying for."

"Don't apologize for that. I were not in a good mood, and seeing... Y'know, got me out of balance, and I lashed out. Only fair you got a few words in. But don't try and go make more of those stunts for nothing, alright? Might be you can handle it, but it doesn't mean that there ain't someone getting hurt by seeing it.

Anyway, I gotta go have a little chat with one of the guards going back with the rest. I'll be back soon."

She were being rather honest and nice, all things considered. Dismissive of the issue certainly, and didn't seem like she wanted to talk about it - which she didn't, as it would oust them both likely - but she weren't calling him out as some sort of dumb flank for trying that sort, even if he couldn't technically die. Her mood being on the better end right now, due to seeing the majority of the varied clones getting out, and about to go off and get help - including Little - were probably influencing her to be on the kinder side right now. Later on, when they got to New Las Pegasus... Maybe not so much. She'd be busy then, and maybe more prone to getting easily irritated.

Either way, she'd wander over to the thestral in question, and if she weren't noticed, would poke at the mare to get her attention.

"Hey, mind me asking you something, a bit outta ear shot?"

She'd raise a hoof and poke at her neck, while showing a bit of teeth, though not in an aggressive way. In fact, she were looking kinda concerned about this, and looked from side to side, to try make sure that she wasn't getting spied on.

In case the thestral were already from the group, or agreed to follow her a bit away, she'd get right to the point, and in a low voice, lay it out as it were.

"Look, I don't wanna stir anything here, but Little's affected with vampirism. He can get help in Troy, but I need someone to keep an eye on him on this trip, and make sure that he isn't a danger to himself, nor anyone else. I'm hoping you might understand why I'm trying to keep a lid on this, yeah? He's a good kid, and I don't wanna see him staked out in the desert somewhere, when he have a shot at beating this."

(Troy)

On 7/12/2020 at 11:48 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"No, I'm not here about Mercy, this is a wholly tangential affair!" Provided Void allowed her to continue, "Your sister found a bunch of young ponies in an abandoned facility and they're being sent here. I was hoping that you'd be willing to help with them? Vale and Pen would be there to help as well, but I thought having someone who'd gone through similar experiences would be helpful to them."

Void had been curious who were knocking, but she had assumed it were that griffon who were looking for help with a sort of metal glove to slide her damaged talons into, so that she could grab a hold of things again, as an example. It were less severe than replacing an entire leg, or foot, and since it included forge work, she figured that she could do this somewhat easily enough, if she incorporated some of the ideas that Null had used on her leg designs. But it were pretty early to come around to ask again. She had said it would be a few days likely, and it had been but what, three hours? She had barely had a chance to make out a drawing of how best to make this, much less prepare the sort of tools she'd need to work with the smaller parts of this.

Turned out it had been a surprise visitor instead. Selena, who had been rather defensive at first, thinking that since Null were now gone, it might appear to Void as if this was a good time to pounce on her about Mercy. A bit of an unfounded worry, as Void were honestly just thinking that perhaps, she were there because something had happened to her sister, and Selena were the bearer of bad news. Hearing that wasn't it, were a relief, though worry would soon follow again, as she were told what were the actual reason for her visit.

"They took y-young ones too? Like... Foals? That's... Dear gods, that's r-revolting. Of course I'll help. Like you say, they could p-probably use someone there who have been through some of the same n-nightmare they have. I can just... Push work back a little. The rush jobs are done anyway. The rest I got more leeway with."

It also eased things that there were now technically only half the work load, as Null weren't there anymore, which were a bit of news that actually saddened some, who had come around, and hoped that she could help them a little. As Null had asked her though, Void would direct them towards the others that she had asked Void to give her plans to, so that there would be someone in town still able to help out. Which were mainly Slick Blade. A rather eccentric type, but he was a good worker, who would focus obsessively on the details of what he were doing, and knew how to deal with knives. The fact that he got a glimmer in his eyes when he saw the light reflect on the blade, and a low, creepy chuckle escaping his muzzle, were something that could surely just be seen as him being a bit of a character. Nothing to be worried about... Hopefully.

He had been asking a few times if Null needed some help, since he wanted to learn, but she had kept pushing him away, as she didn't want it. Imagine his surprise when he had suddenly gotten her notes on things, but like Null had said: He were probably the best option of the ones around here. A glowing review for sure.

As for the current task at hoof, Void would wander out, and carefully making sure not to get too close to Selena, so that she could lock the shop up, and set the sign that said that she were out for the time being, but that folks were more than welcome to leave a note with what sort of help they might need, in the box hanging on the side. Most tended to just show up later to talk to her face to face but she liked keeping this as an option, and the box were easy enough to get hold of. As were some scraps of paper and a pen, dangling from respectively an old fishing hook, and a piece of steel wire.

"So I guess... Yes. Where are we g-going to meet them? Or are we gonna prepare a place for them first? I'll do w-what I can to help."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Don't apologize for that. I were not in a good mood, and seeing... Y'know, got me out of balance, and I lashed out. Only fair you got a few words in. But don't try and go make more of those stunts for nothing, alright? Might be you can handle it, but it doesn't mean that there ain't someone getting hurt by seeing it.

Anyway, I gotta go have a little chat with one of the guards going back with the rest. I'll be back soon."

Arcade rubbed the back of his neck with a somewhat apologetic expression, "Yeah, Enough ponies know, I'd like to ensure as few others find out as possible. After so many years being killed for sport in the facility I kind of forgot the impact death has on normal ponies."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey, mind me asking you something, a bit outta ear shot?"

She'd raise a hoof and poke at her neck, while showing a bit of teeth, though not in an aggressive way. In fact, she were looking kinda concerned about this, and looked from side to side, to try make sure that she wasn't getting spied on.

In case the thestral were already from the group, or agreed to follow her a bit away, she'd get right to the point, and in a low voice, lay it out as it were.

"Look, I don't wanna stir anything here, but Little's affected with vampirism. He can get help in Troy, but I need someone to keep an eye on him on this trip, and make sure that he isn't a danger to himself, nor anyone else. I'm hoping you might understand why I'm trying to keep a lid on this, yeah? He's a good kid, and I don't wanna see him staked out in the desert somewhere, when he have a shot at beating this."

The guard's expression went from curious, to confused, to concerned, as well as a bit suspicious as she ensured no others were listening before speaking quietly into Null's ear, "Look, I don't know what you heard, who told you, or how you found out. But I implore that you tell no one else. It's still not the most 'socially acceptable' to be a vampire bat even if it's livable to be a 'vegetarian' as we call it." She pulled back with a smirk, showing her especially pronounced fangs, they were larger than a normal thestrals. "Don't worry, this sort of thing isn't uncommon among thestrals. I'll keep an eye on him and show him the ropes so no accidents happen."

Nine took the moment to add "When I said suffered, I meant she used to suffer, I should have mentioned that she's probably still a vampire, just one that no longer hunts creatures who can wish vengeance."

[Troy]

Selena was a bit surprised at Void's willingness to leave immediately, "I'm sure your clients will understand, and I don't imagine this will become a full time commitment. From what we were told these young ponies are pretty independent, they'll just need some guidance. Maybe one of them would like to apprentice with you?"

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So I guess... Yes. Where are we g-going to meet them? Or are we gonna prepare a place for them first? I'll do w-what I can to help."

Selena started to lead the way, "They won't be here for another day or two at the earliest, but it would be nice to have your help preparing a space for them."

The city wasn't nearly as packed as it was when they had first arrived, and most of the gloom that had overshadowed the populous had faded as well, the market was starting to thrive again and work had begun at rebuilding the cloud top and refilling the oasis with trips to the closest ocean. Many of the more able bodied citizens had gone to rebuild Deltrot or left with Tidal Wave for North and South port, leaving the city with a much more sustainable population. Selena led the way to some of the large buildings that had previously been used as an extension for the hospital, but the downturn in new patients had rendered the extra space superfluous, and as such it lay empty. Selena entered the building, "We were going to repurpose  these buildings for housing anyway, so they've already started dividing the large rooms into smaller living areas." she passed through a door to a more finished looking area, it still had most of the feel of a hospital, but it at least had normal beds instead of hospital cots. "There's five of them in total, three young fillies and a pair of foals. We don't know how they'd prefer to be arranged yet, but this space could be easily modified to give them one shared room or individual rooms. Normally we'd look into placing the foals with their own families ASAP, but this isn't a normal case. We thought it'd be best here to keep them together for at least a while before seeing if they'd be candidates for adoption."

She'd turn to Void, "So, you have any ideas on how we should prepare for them? Something you think would help them acclimate?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Desert)

On 7/15/2020 at 7:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Yeah, Enough ponies know, I'd like to ensure as few others find out as possible. After so many years being killed for sport in the facility I kind of forgot the impact death has on normal ponies."

Just before she left, Null would halt to address this, and looked at Arcade with a look that held more to it than her usual anger, conviction, or worries. It were harrowed, tired, and filled with an experience in something horrible, that just couldn't let go of her.  For a brief moment, she looked as if she could start to go into story upon story of the hardships of war, or something regarding the dangers of adventures, which of course, many could these days, after the dreadful one lead by Discord. Yet her glance did not come from that. It came from seeing death and pain through more than just the last hoofful of years, and being haunted by the sort of things she had seen. As well as what she had done.

"Innocent blood never gets easier."

With that, she'd lip up, and be on her way to deal with the guard, not wanting to show like this. She hated this sort of face getting through. It made her feel exposed and vulnerable, and that wasn't something that she felt comfortable with around strangers. Illiad had been an exception because he had done enough to prove to her that he meant well enough, even if he had somewhat of an ulterior motive, and that had been a little rough at first. Plus, she still tried to put on a tough face around him most of the time. She barely knew Arcade, so it didn't feel right around him, nor the others whom she felt like she knew even less.

On 7/15/2020 at 7:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Look, I don't know what you heard, who told you, or how you found out. But I implore that you tell no one else. It's still not the most 'socially acceptable' to be a vampire bat even if it's livable to be a 'vegetarian' as we call it."

"I'm not gonna oust you. Just wanna help the kid. Do it or not, I'm not gonna use it as leverage. Ain't my business what you are, but I figured you'd be the safest bet when it came to helping him, since it ain't safe for him, nor them, to try and keep it from everyone. have to be someone who can keep an eye out, that can remain partial, y'know?"

She didn't say how she had learned it, as she didn't think it relevant enough for her to make a lie about right now, though she were both intrigued and disappointed to see and learn, that she wasn't actually cured, but rather had found a way to circumvent going insane, without going on a murder spree. Still, in a way, this might be better. It'd give Little some help for the short run, and years ahead, whilst giving him something to strive for perhaps, when he got a few decades in. Might be this were the best outcome she could actually hope for, though it were still stinging a bit. Oh well, had to keep moving this train wreck along.

The whispering shouldn't be an issue for the thestral to hear, though she had pulled back. At least Null were pretty sure of that. Most she knew of their kind, had some really strong ears on them, so it tended to be less a matter of making sure they did hear something, rather than wonder if they had heard something they shouldn't have.

"Thanks. Safe travels."

She'd give an appreciative nod, then turn around to go back towards Arcade, unless the guard had more to say to her. If she didn't, she'd spare a few seconds to converse with Nine on the way back.

"Yeah, guess I just sorta hoped, for some reason. Probably still a good thing that she keep a close eye on him though. Spot the warning signs, and might help him acclimate to whatever thing she's doing, since that seems like it's helping. Just gotta hope he takes to it if it is. Temptations can be hard to deal with sometimes, and this have to be worse than an alcoholic, trying to stay off the wagon in a party town."

(Troy)

On 7/15/2020 at 7:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'm sure your clients will understand, and I don't imagine this will become a full time commitment. From what we were told these young ponies are pretty independent, they'll just need some guidance. Maybe one of them would like to apprentice with you?"

"The most important things are done, so I'm mostly just catching up on a few things, now, or d-doing custom work. It'll be fine, and I'm sure they'll understand. There's a l-lot who needs help these days, and foals they'll understand needs some prioritizing.

And uhm... If o-one of them want to try, then maybe? There's usually always a need for a glass worker, so it wouldn't be b-bad trying to teach another the ropes. I just hope I could do it w-well. I never had a teacher myself, so I c-can't draw on that sort of experience, but we'll see, yes?"

Much like with Null, Void were self taught in her craft, with the only sort of influence being a few things when they still had a functional family in the past, and some books they had gotten hold of through the years. But the sort of regular way, with masters, apprenticeships, etc. they hadn't done. Plus, her condition tended to make it harder to do this sorta work, as magical flames weren't too unheard of, so it wouldn't have been easy to try and sneak in to learn something up close and personal, in some of the places they laid low at times, or tried to fit in.

It were good for them to have their hobbies though,and it weren't for nothing they kept trying to be better after all. Void wanted to get a proper eye that wouldn't itch or hurt, and Null wanted to make sure her sister weren't a cripple pirate impersonator. It gave them both incentive to get better, and honestly? Like Null had done with her work, Void wouldn't be against passing on what she knew to another. No need to let what she knew go to waste, right?

On 7/15/2020 at 7:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"They won't be here for another day or two at the earliest, but it would be nice to have your help preparing a space for them."

"Just better this way. Gives us t-time to prepare, and make sure there's a nice place, with a welcoming feel to it. First impressions can m-mean a lot."

She wondered where they'd go and start this off, as they wandered down the somewhat empty streets. Seemed like a lot had joined in with the caravans, or taken Tidal's offer to go ready themselves at South Point, before they'd go for North Point. She couldn't blame either really. It were a little safer out there now, with the gate closed, so some folks wanted to leave a place they might have predominantly stayed in for protection. Or they wanted to go and retake their home, like most who went to South Shore likely wanted. Considering where Tidal used to live, it were pretty obvious where she wanted to return to eventually at least, and Void wished her all the best in her efforts. It would be nice if when eventually the Equestrians who had been sent away returned, they'd find they actually had a country to return to, and not just a fought over wilderness of ruined town, marauders, and whatever enemy fortifications littered the lands these days.

Canterlot were probably rubble though. The floating rock it were situated on, didn't seem like it would have done well with the anti-magic going around, though she could be wrong. Though even if it still stood, it had definitely been taken over. It would be too weird to not take over the former capitol town, if you were able to. At least in heropinion.

As she tought over this, they'd soon enough enter the hospital, and enter one of the more empty areas, which seemed to be in the starting process of being set up to house the foals, though there were clearly still a lot to do. Especially as the entire room felt sterile. Like a hospital room, which she supposed it were, but that wouldn't seem like a welcome home for the foals. It needed some life and personality, in her opinion.

On 7/15/2020 at 7:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"There's five of them in total, three young fillies and a pair of foals. We don't know how they'd prefer to be arranged yet, but this space could be easily modified to give them one shared room or individual rooms. Normally we'd look into placing the foals with their own families ASAP, but this isn't a normal case. We thought it'd be best here to keep them together for at least a while before seeing if they'd be candidates for adoption."

She'd turn to Void, "So, you have any ideas on how we should prepare for them? Something you think would help them acclimate?"

"No p-parents? Poor things..."

Void felt her heart ache more for the little ones already. The two infants would likely have a high chance of getting adopted, as potential parents tended to like infants, but the older the others would be, the tougher it would be. She weren't sure why exactly, but it always seemed like the older you got, the harder it were to find a foster home for you. Perhaps it were a cuteness factor? Hopefully not, as that thought were appalling. Every child deserved someone who loved them, regardless of age.

"A-Anyway, I think if they've been together for a while, the worst thing to do would be to separate them into their own rooms. I think maybe put up some curtains for a bit of privacy if it were, but don't do a-anything that forces them to stay apart. Especially at the start. They'd probably be looking to lean on one another for comfort. Null and I did a-anyway.

And well... No o-offence, but this place looks too sterile for a foals room. They'd need s-something to play with, and some colors. Maybe a few drawing books or the like? I mean, I could paint a bit here, if it were. Try to put up some plants, m-maybe see if I can't scrounge something up at the workshop that'd be safe and possible fun for them. We have a fair bit of odd p-parts at the workshop I could probably make into something safe and entertaining.

Just my idea anyway. I think it's good to h-have a space for them, but if it doesn't feel welcoming, they won't feel welcome either. Trust me on this: The first impression, and the vibe of where you stay, means a lot. I've seen the b-bad versions far more than I'd care to, and I wouldn't wish that upon these poor little foals."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

[Desert]

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Thanks. Safe travels."

The guard nodded, "Don't worry, they're all in good hooves."

It wasn't long after that both parties settled up on their respective walkers and went their separate ways, the young ones off to Troy, and the more political ones off to New Pegas.

There were fewer obstacles the closer they got to New Pegas, much fewer spawn to deal with, but even stone crabs and scorpions were becoming scarce. Once they got close enough to the city it was apparent why: the city had a group of golems patrolling it fighting off any creatures that got too close.

The golems did not pay their party any mind however, so they appeared smart enough to distinguish between a normal pony and a spawn.

They passed by the ruined outskirts of the town as they approached the city center, coming up on a wall that had been built from the remains of the outskirts connecting buildings together in a makeshift fashion. While lit lacked the style of Troy's walls, it looked just as sturdy. A guard dressed in attire that seemed to fuse Trojan, Equestrian, and Grey, styles greeted them from atop the wall, directing them to the nearest gate where they were allowed in to the city, "Grey Mane expected your arrival, an area has been cleared for your embassy and residences. A Security Golem will lead the way."

Entering the city was a stark contrast to the outside, gone was the rubble and debris to reveal a near immaculate city, it looked almost untouched by the horrors that surrounded it. There were ponies of all kinds, ages grouped into either middle aged or young, about just having received their mark and younger. They all had differing styles, though the Grey style was most prevalent.

[Troy]

Selena smiled with joy at Void's willingness to help and already having great ideas to add, "I knew you'd be a great help!" (Lets pretend I mentioned Little in the prior post as I accidentally forgot him in the headcount) "We were of course going to repaint the room and furnish it up proper, we only just found out about them and this room was the most finished of the ones big enough to house them. Regardless, anything you can scrounge up from your workshop or even the marketplace would be appreciated, the City will reimburse you any costs you incur for this endeavor, in fact..." she pulled out a special looking card with an intricate symbol and passed it to Void, "Show this to the vendor if you need to buy something, this tells them that you're buying for the City and as such they won't charge sales tax and likely will offer to give the items to you in exchange for tax credits for their business. Should make the process easier so you can focus on getting these young ponies what you thin they'll need. If they don't end up needing anything we'll pass it along to one of the orphanages so it doesn't go to waste."

Selena would turn to leave, "You're free to look the room over yourself if you like, the furnishings should arrive tomorrow with the painters so come back then if you want another look at it, I'll have them install railings for hanging curtains so they can arrange them themselves when they arrive."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Desert/New Las Pegasus)

Urgh, golems. Due to understandable recent events, Null were not fond of them, though she understood the need for them. They were effective guards, who were incapable of tiring out, and were less vulnerable than any regular ol' pony.

However, if they got corrupted, they were also a massive threat, so it weren't the solution to everything. They seemed to keep them well enough in control here though, for the time being, though considering her abilities, she kept a distance from them at all times. She doubted it'd go well, if she ended up disrupting the magic that animated, even briefly. Though it were tempting, just so that He knew that she were there, and that she were not running away from him anymore. She were done running. Now, she were hunting, and he was her prey.

But all in due time. First, they had to enter the city, which seemed to be doing fairly well, actually. She didn't see any memorials, or noticed anything in general related to the death of those who had laid their lives for this place, but it might be further in, instead of emblazoned at the entrance. Just had to get past that and-

"Hello, and welcome to our town -"

A musical voice suddenly came from their right, as a nimble looking changeling, wearing a set of patched up pants, shirt, and cape - all in faded red and oak colors - that had seen better days, popped his jolly looking head out of a barrel.

"- The safest place, you'll find around -"

Another came from the left, sliding down from a roof and landing with a pirouette on the ground, which went fluently into a graceful bow. A female changeling from the same hive as the male, judging by the eyes, and wearing another patched up set of clothes. This being what in theater were often called a *peasant's dress*. Skirt, top part, no frills, and looking generally what somepony from the last century would wear, whilst working with their family on a farm. Though this one were clearly newer, despite the state it were in, as it had better stitching.

" - were all are safe in harmony - "

The male would scoot over, blocking their path, about a meter in front of the further along of them. Unless the golem wandered there, in which case, he'd meet up somewhat to the right of the road, to avoid getting trampled. Golems were not known for their jolly, dancing sort of natures. Not normally anyway.

" - away from war and tyranny - "

The female would spin over towards him, jumping slightly, as he used his magic to cause a flurry of small, colorful flickers in primarily gold and red to go off near him. Magical sparkles, if you would, which would accompany him as he skipped merrily to the side.

" - So come and rejoice here with uuuuuuuus - "

The two of them met up, faces side by side, hooves gathered, as the mare also popped off her own small color sparkles, in blue and light green.

"- In the splendor of New Las Pegasus!"

Their little singing ended with them gleefully giving off the name of the town, at the same time as their sparks combined, rushing above their heads, and exploding in a little harmless, colorful display, going *Hive Cheshire welcomes you to New Las Pegasus.*.

Apparently, this were part of the welcome committee, after the more brutish display of guard and golems. And a happy par at that, despite Hive Cheshire's potential loss of a queen, though at least these two refused to believe that Queen Cheshire were dead. They were sure that she were alive somewhere, and when one day she returned to them, she would be thrilled beyond compare, to find that those still left of her hive, kept on the traditions of joy, uplifting performances, and pushing for a positive image that she had wanted for them.

Null reacted to this with a small bit of annoyance. Not at the performance itself, but rather how she had almost wanted to clap at this. Usually something she never did with street performers like this, but there had been something about them that almost felt like it were infectious. Not really of course, but some beings just had that sort of effect, and these two did theirs too make sure it were used to keep up spirits, even on days when they themselves felt down. Just had to hide their tears and put on a smile, as that were how New Las Pegasus needed them.

The stallion were called Upbeat, and the female Bling Bouncer. Two of the last three remaining changelings of hive Cheshire, that still lived within the confines of New Las Pegasus. The rest were either seen having died, or had been with their queen when the attack began, and were either assumed missing along with her, or dead as well. It depended on who you asked. These two at least, did not want to think of more of their family being dead, so their hopes had been put solidly on one side of that fence.

(Troy)

Void cautiously took the card, and tied it up nice and safely in her neck cloth, making it seem like an impromptu necklace of cloth, with a center covered for no apparent reason. She had a saddlebag she could use at the workshop, yet she hadn't brought it along, as it had seemed unimportant at the time. But she made due. Wasn't the first time she had to hide something in this bit of cloth, and it were very unlikely that it were the last too, if she were to venture a guess.

"I'll make s-sure to use it responsibly. Thank you. I uhm... Don't think I need to see more of the room though. There's not a lot here, though..."

She'd trail off, wander over, and check out some of the walls. Mostly the angles, as she went around, poking at the edges, knocking to see how solid the walls were, that sort of thing. It'd be a few minutes before she returned to a safe distance away from Selena again, with something clearly on her mind.

"Sorry, just thinking that m-maybe I can make this a little more colorful too, in p-places. I have a lot of glass I couldn't use for other things, in a lot of colors. Maybe I c-could make a mosaik, with some sort of pattern to it, that t-they'd like to look at. I've seen some in my l-life, and they usually look pretty and welcome to me.

How old were the foals? I m-might be able to think of something if I knew that. And o-of course, also make some fitting toys. They uhm... H-Have all their limbs, right? I wouldn't w-want to make something unusable or a-anything for any of them. I know the f-feeling of being outside because of a handicap. It's not n-nice having to face it all the time, and I'd want them to be happy. Poor things probably need that right now."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

While Null was reserved the other guards and the ambassadors especially were more open in their enjoyment of the introductory number, though there was a bit of sadness to Branch's expression when the name of their hive was revealed. Coincidentally, or perhaps the changelings had planned it, but they arrived at the embassy building right at the end of their literal song and dance, so Branch, flanked by a guard and Null per the other guard's indication, went up to greet the changelings after dismounting the walker.

Branch gave a customary Trojan greeting bow before addressing them, "Thank you! We were worried what sort of reception we would receive when we arrived, and we're glad that it is a friendly one." Her expression fell just a bit as she continued, "I heard about what happened to your hive, you have my deepest condolences, if there's anything I or Troy can do to help, it's the least we can do."

The others, including Arcade would set to work unloading the walker of the remaining supplies and materials into the embassy building after they performed a thorough investigation for traps and bugs, magical or otherwise. While the reception seemed nice, it could be a ruse to put them off their caution.

The building was pretty standard in and of itself, it looked to have previously been a lower status hotel, which was likely why it was so distanced from the city center, but it was clean, there was plenty of room for them, and it was adequately defensible if need be. Each member of the group had their own room with some to spare, the city having expected more of them to arrive in the first place.

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Sorry, just thinking that m-maybe I can make this a little more colorful too, in p-places. I have a lot of glass I couldn't use for other things, in a lot of colors. Maybe I c-could make a mosaik, with some sort of pattern to it, that t-they'd like to look at. I've seen some in my l-life, and they usually look pretty and welcome to me.

Selena was pleasantly surprised by Void's thoroughness, "By all means! Go right ahead, when it comes to these ponies you've got free reign do help, though perhaps meeting with Pen and Vale first? Wouldn't want the three of you to have conflicting ideas..." Selena nodded, "I'll have the two of them come first thing tomorrow so you three can plan some things together, that way we get a harmonious outcome."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

How old were the foals? I m-might be able to think of something if I knew that. And o-of course, also make some fitting toys. They uhm... H-Have all their limbs, right? I wouldn't w-want to make something unusable or a-anything for any of them. I know the f-feeling of being outside because of a handicap. It's not n-nice having to face it all the time, and I'd want them to be happy. Poor things probably need that right now."

Selena thought for a moment, "Hmm, if I recall correctly the young ones are in the range of about 16 to 12 or so? They mentioned something about extenuating circumstances. The foals should be just about yearlings if not a bit older. They didn't mention any handicaps, so I anticipate that they should be fine, but adjustments can always be made once they arrive to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances."

(We'll make the time asynchronous between the two sides, they can get back in sync when/if Null returns to Troy, provided the Troy side lasts that long.)

If Void didn't have anything else for Selena she would depart, leaving Void to do what she thought best until her meeting the next day, or night by Trojan standards as the city was nocturnal, when she'd meet up with Pen and Vale. Pen was back to regular pony size, instead of being hollow she had a fully articulated ponnequin occupying the space inside her. It gave the otherwise empty holes of her face something to feel a bit more like a pony, so instead of looking like a possessed bodysuit she looked like a wooden pony wearing a bodysuit. Vale on the other hoof looked much better from when they had last met at Null's surgery, her fur had grown back in and the exposed metal of her artificial limbs had been covered by sleek looking plates. Some pieces of artificial hide covered the mechanical parts on her face, giving her a wholly normal looking head, like when they had first met in the lab, with the exception of the contact plates on the top of her head where horns would be if she were a reindeer.

They seemed happy to see her.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 7/19/2020 at 5:15 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Thank you! We were worried what sort of reception we would receive when we arrived, and we're glad that it is a friendly one." Her expression fell just a bit as she continued, "I heard about what happened to your hive, you have my deepest condolences, if there's anything I or Troy can do to help, it's the least we can do."

The two changelings exchanged excited looks with what they were told by Branch, instead of the saddened one you might have expected, from a tiny sliver of a hive, with no active queen.

"Thank you! We would've put a lot more effort into a performance, but we only heard you were on the way a few minutes ago, and had to improvise."

"A few hours, and we could've had a full stage set up, and really made a show. Dig out some of the old costumes -"

"- Rouse some of the local hiveless to help us prepare some props -"

"- and maybe even gotten the phoenix rise routine ready for a proper fireworks show."

The two of them sighed, and shook their heads in near unison, a bit sad they couldn't make a proper, large scale show for the important ponies that had arrived.

"Oh well, perhaps another time. And if Troy wants to help, we'd appreciate if you could help us get the word out, that we're here, and looking for our queen."

"Cheshire's out there somewhere, but it's been so violent in recent years, and she might not even know we got set up here now. If we can get the word out, we know she'll hear it eventually, and come back home to us."

"How do you know she's not dead?"

Null cut through this, not wanting to be harsh, but reality were a cruel thing, and you did best in just facing the facts, and if these had been without their queen in years... She didn't know a lot of about changelings, but it seemed unlikely that with how close those hives were, that several years could go by without them meeting up, if all parties were still alive. Though again, what did she know? She barely tolerated their kind, much less cared about their history. And that were still better than what she normally felt about them, for the majority of her life.

In response, both of them turned to her, and in unison said the same few words, with a smile on their face, yet with a hidden, fleeting glimmer of pain in their eyes. Proof that they were not delusional about the option, but rather refused to leave the comfortable bubble of denial that gave them hope, as they needed that. Not just for the their own sake, but for the others that relied on them, such as a good chunk of hiveless that at times had issues getting enough food. If they and their third sibling fell into despair, who'd then help them?

Besides, Cheshire were a crafty, cunning changeling, even if she didn't like fighting. She would have found a way to stay alive out there. She had to...

"We'd know."

The two weren't mentally linked or anything, but even before the crisis, Deadpan and Bling had been very close siblings, which also caused them to do quite a lot of duo performances. Even before they were able to go public, and the varied members of their ranks had to sneak into theaters in disguise, to do the shows, whilst another - mostly Pollen Pounder - had been lurking underneath the boards and gathering up their food. They really missed her, but sadly, she had not taken Cheshire gone missing all that well, and accidentally gotten trampled. They had mourned her a great deal, as they had every other member of the hive that they lost, but they had to keep going. For the sake of Cheshire, the citizens who needed a smile on a gloomy day, and the poor hiveless, who at times got into town, and needed their help. Let it never be heard that Hive Cheshire did not care for their own kin, even if some of them had been pretty rough at the start. Who could blame them really? Being hiveless were brutal on some. Changelings weren't historically meant for that kind of individualism. They were social creatures, and hanging around ponies for example, just wasn't the same for everyone.

"Even then, we lost brothers and sisters in the war. It's tough sometimes..."

Blind went over and patted her brothers back, as he momentarily seemed a little down.

"But we manage, and when she comes back to us, I know she'll be proud to see that we've kept up traditions."

"...I'm sure she would. If I hear anything about someone called Cheshire, I'll try to get news back too. Guess that's simp-Gargh?!"

The two oft hem would embrace her before she had a chance to stop them, or even react on it. They felt how their magic were held down as they did so, but they didn't care. Null were not the first affected they had run into, and she surely would not be the last either. Since the condition didn't spread, and weren't so bad that they'd have the life snuffed out from them, unless they got a direct infection of it themselves, it didn't even faze them.

"Thank you."

They'd quickly let go off her again, before she had much of a chance to do anything, and looked over at the cart being unloaded.

"Anyway, can we help you unload these things? We might not have the brawns-"

"- But there's plenty of magic in us, and we're happy to help where we're needed."

If they were allowed, they'd get right on to it, and follow the ones along with their things, and put them where they were asked. If not, they'd just wait around, and see if perhaps there were much of a further need for them, whilst Null wandered slowly closer to Arcade, and followed him as they wandered inside.

"Don't ever think I get used to this whole *hugging* thing Equestrian's liked so much. Not from strangers at least, and these two are... I dunno. Seems harmless enough though."

And if they weren't, she could bash them away rather easily. Some pretty lanky, scrawny looking changelings these two, honestly.

(Troy)

On 7/19/2020 at 5:15 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena was pleasantly surprised by Void's thoroughness, "By all means! Go right ahead, when it comes to these ponies you've got free reign do help, though perhaps meeting with Pen and Vale first? Wouldn't want the three of you to have conflicting ideas..." Selena nodded, "I'll have the two of them come first thing tomorrow so you three can plan some things together, that way we get a harmonious outcome."

Selena kept talking, but Void didn't hear it at first, as the mention of Pen and Vale made her jaw drop slightly, and a look of mortified shock spread across her face.

How... How did she manage to forget about them? Sure there had been things to focus on, with deep rooted family issues, balance entities approaching them, and their mothers pregnancy, but this... Oh dear gods, how could she just sweat them out of her mind like that for so long?! They must surely hate her by now, after she seemingly just abandoned them like that. And... And with the last thing that really happened, being Null and them getting into a rather big tussle, what mustn't they think about having to meet her again all of a sudden? They'd surely want to skewer her, or at least start shouting at her for abandoning them, and really? She couldn't blame them, She Had essentially abandoned them. Not intentionally maybe, but she still hadn't even asked about them in a while now, and surely they had needed a friendly face to be on their side here, considering the way they got welcomed in the first place?

On 7/19/2020 at 5:15 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Selena thought for a moment, "Hmm, if I recall correctly the young ones are in the range of about 6 to 12 or so? They mentioned something about extenuating circumstances. The foals should be just about yearlings if not a bit older. They didn't mention any handicaps, so I anticipate that they should be fine, but adjustments can always be made once they arrive to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances."

"...Right, I'll try to uhm... T-Think of something."

Void didn't look too good, with a hard to see blush on her cheeks, and looking away, distracted and embarrassed at herself, as she were thinking about how horrible the meeting tomorrow would go. Hopefully they would be able to yell themselves coarse within a few hours, and do whatever else they fought they must, so that they could at least get on with trying to help the foals. Maybe they'd be able to contain their rightful anger for long enough, to let them get some work done. For their sake.

If there were nothing else, she'd wander off, and go back to the workshop, where she'd spent the times not worrying herself thin over how Pen and Vale would react tomorrow, to scribble down some ideas and concepts of toys, glass-work, potential games they could procure, that sort of thing. Considering how much her mind swung between these two things, she wouldn't get much sleep, and only have gotten an hour or two before they were supposed to meet up, and had spent the last hour trying to carve up something simple. A small toy train, which still needed some paints, and a proper beating with some sand paper, but it were a start, if nothing else. Next point should probably be some sort of rattle, for the smallest ones, but she'd see what they said, after... Y'know.

On 7/19/2020 at 5:15 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen was back to regular pony size, instead of being hollow she had a fully articulated ponnequin occupying the space inside her. It gave the otherwise empty holes of her face something to feel a bit more like a pony, so instead of looking like a possessed bodysuit she looked like a wooden pony wearing a bodysuit. Vale on the other hoof looked much better from when they had last met at Null's surgery, her fur had grown back in and the exposed metal of her artificial limbs had been covered by sleek looking plates. Some pieces of artificial hide covered the mechanical parts on her face, giving her a wholly normal looking head, like when they had first met in the lab, with the exception of the contact plates on the top of her head where horns would be if she were a reindeer.

They seemed happy to see her.

The two of them seemed happy enough when she showed up, butterflies roaring through her stomach, but it might well be a rouse. Or perhaps they were just pleased that they seemed to be getting better? Pen was a more regular size again, and Vale seemed more put together and whole, than the last time she had seen the reindeer robot. Plenty to be happy about there for them, up until the sight of Void wandering near with saddlebags down her side, and a defeated, near brought to tears look going on her face, would surely sour their day...

"H-Hello. The Consul asked... He s-said..."

A tear started to fall from her eye, as she cracked under the self-imposed idea that the two of them hated her now, and she sat down on the ground, head hung in shame.

"I... I'm sorry. I s-should have been there and helped you t-too, but it's... I... I f-forgot. There was just so m-much to do, and... *whine* Please don't h-hate me..."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Pegas)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Anyway, can we help you unload these things? We might not have the brawns-"

"- But there's plenty of magic in us, and we're happy to help where we're needed."

Branch waved them off, "While we appreciate the offer, we've got to be especially careful for security's sake. Maybe after we've fully established we'd be better able to receive your assistance."

She looked about to continue, but chuckled to herself as she shook her head, "I was about to ask why you didn't go to Queen Delphi up north, but I remembered crossing the dead zone is especially hazardous for changelings. Still, we'd be happy to help in any way we can, there's a number of hiveless changelings in Troy who I'm sure would enjoy some extra company."

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Don't ever think I get used to this whole *hugging* thing Equestrian's liked so much. Not from strangers at least, and these two are... I dunno. Seems harmless enough though."

Arcade looked over at the changelings, "Can't say I've seen too many like them in my time. There was the occasional scientist, and some very crazy red ones that were covered in this burning ooze that they tried to have me clean. Burned through a lot of bodies before they cancelled that experiment. But I agree, these look harmless enough, a bit sad actually."

He gestured to the hallway of doors, "There's plenty of room for us here, so you've got your pick of the empty rooms, not that they've got much variety being a hotel and all."

True to his word, the rooms were all pretty much identical, some mirror images of others, but they all had a large bed, a small sitting area, an attached full bathroom, and a boarded up doorway that likely used to exit to a small patio.

Some time later, after everyone had settled into the embassy, Dove would come by Null's room with a paper, "We just opened the embassy instructions the Consul gave us, according to this..." she read it over again, "You're supposed to go scout the city looking for potential security threats and seeing which locals are safe for embassy staff to visit." She looked back over at Null, "No directions other than that, so you've got leeway to scout however you'd like, just be sure to report in every so often, while this place is nice I know I'd like to see more of the city, so try and get a few places scouted sooner rather than later." She gave a slight smile before moving on, then stepping back, "There's, of course, no instructions for Arcade, so you can feel free to bring him with you if you'd like, otherwise we'll put him to work here as long as he intends to remain in the embassy."

(Troy)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I... I'm sorry. I s-should have been there and helped you t-too, but it's... I... I f-forgot. There was just so m-much to do, and... *whine* Please don't h-hate me..."

They were both surprised by Void's reaction, instantly coming over to comfort, not berate her. Pen giggled softly, "No no no! We were worried you didn't want to be around us! And of course we didn't blame you, we were big parts of what was likely the most traumatic part of your life. That's why we kept our distance until Selena told us to come meet you."

Vale would hesitate before coming in for a soft hug, her legs were cold, but not very, but her chest and neck was warm. She would retreat if Void didn't seem amicable to the hug of if she were pushed away. "I figured the same, and besides, I've had time to remember and rediscover who I am as a deer rather than simply being the brain of Codex, I've been able to get back in touch with my natural magic and furthered my self repair!" She'd show off her improved body, "See? No more exposed pistons or wires! It'll be a long time before there'll be enough false fur to cover all of me, but it looks nice until then."

Hopefully Void would have calmed down by then, otherwise they would simply wait for her to come around to the fact that they were not at all upset or mad at her, then they would continue. Vale would pull out some papers, "Selena told us about the ponies they found, based on where they are I figure they were in the Ruby Mesa facility, which focused, among other things, on cloning experiments. Given their age, well..."

Pen continued, "They're most likely clones! And to have survived so long... Very successful ones at that. According to the old documents we had in Silver Sigma, most of the clone attempts either horribly mutated or became bloodthirsty monsters."

More than likely Void would be disquieted by the information, and Pen would figuratively bite her tongue as Vale stepped in, "Ignore that, we're not going to tell them that. We just need to prepare for the fact that they may be clones, and further may be clones of prominent individuals. We can expect that their physical state is different from their mental state. If their stay in the facility was anything like yours or mine," she shuddered, "They're going to need comfort and care. Need to know we genuinely care for them, and not try to get anything out of them." she turned a pointed gaze at Pen, who looked away 'innocently' "That means no interrogations or too many questions." She sighed, turning back to Void with a hopeful expression, "So, have you any ideas? I see you brought bags, and that typically means things."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"While we appreciate the offer, we've got to be especially careful for security's sake. Maybe after we've fully established we'd be better able to receive your assistance."

"We understand."

"Can't be too careful after all."

They hadn't really expected to be allowed to help move things, considering the way the guards acted, but they had still wanted to offer. It seemed the kind and welcome thing to do, and they liked to consider themselves the kind, warm smile, underneath the grizzled exterior of their town. And perhaps now that the spawn had been shut off from reinforcements, and things were slowly getting calmer, maybe they could also one day return to the calm, bombastic life of theater that they had to downscale quite often these days. Sure they still got access to a venue at times, but resources weren't for them to waste on props and such, unless they scavenged, so they had to improvise a lot. Which again, were fine, and they totally understood. Hay, even if they were at times offered things, if it had a better use elsewhere, they openly encouraged the ones who wished to give that, to instead hoof it over towards those who needed it even more. They could manage with some magic and the occasional empty building.

Yet still, they missed the theater they had been granted in the old Las Pegasus. Granted, it had been a rundown mess, but they had worked diligently on fixing it up, and had been proud of what they had managed to achieve with it, before the crisis happened, and the old world fell apart. Hopefully someday now, they could return to a more open venue, that they could call their own, rather than huddling up all three of them in what more or less accounted to a shed with a basement. Changeling style. Not the coziest thing, but it were enough for them, and in case of new changelings arriving that needed some shelter until they could get another spot, they had room for upwards of a half dozen more. More than that, if all were okay huddling up somewhat close, and the three of them didn't mind at least. 

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked about to continue, but chuckled to herself as she shook her head, "I was about to ask why you didn't go to Queen Delphi up north, but I remembered crossing the dead zone is especially hazardous for changelings. Still, we'd be happy to help in any way we can, there's a number of hiveless changelings in Troy who I'm sure would enjoy some extra company."

"We heard stories about Queen Delphi from the other changelings that's come to town -"

"- and she does sound like a nice queen all in all, don't get us wrong -"

"- But the road there is very dangerous for our kind."

"Even worse for us actually, since we don't really know how to fight."

"We're great at distracting and misleading others though, but mostly -"

"- we just huddle in the back and support. That isn't much help out there. Besides, We need New Las Pegasus -"

"- Just like it needs us. There's been a lot of tough times in recent years -"

"- and it's not made better if everyone's depressed and sad all the time."

"So we make sure to keep a smile on their faces, and help however much we can to keep up morale."

"Also, the other changelings needs us too. Most who gets here have issues that really hurts them."

"Wounds, being near mindlessness from starvation, the horrible, horrible loss of their queens hanging over their head -"

"And the hiveless. Can't forget those poor things. And most of them have issues trusting ponies or gryphons, since, y'know, changelings don't have the best reputation."

"Whatever the issue, we help them. We keep extra food so we can feed them, listen to their woes and try to lend an understanding shoulder for them to cry on -"

"Shelter, work, showing them places where they can interact with other beings and try to socialize -"

"- All that sorta thing. We have a couple dozen who needs us, and more that's gotten far, but could really use the backup, in case something happens -"

"- Or just some friendly faces and socializing in general. Cheshire might not be here yet, but queen or no queen -"

"- Hive Cheshire will never push away a fellow changeling in need. So we're staying here where we belong, for ourselves -"

"- And for them. Though we do wish Queen Delphi all the best."

"Obviously."

The two of them were almost beaming, and would take a step back, to ensure they would not get in the way of the workers, though they weren't leaving. Just in case they were needed, they'd stick around a bit more. If it turned out they weren't, they'd likely go make their rounds, and see if others needed some cheering up, or if any of their kin were not doing too well. Pragmatic were likely the one they needed to get to the most. Poor thing really didn't deal with his queen dying all that well, and needed a lot of attention and support. As well as food. He had been nearly starved to the brink when he got to town, and been weary of their kindness, but well, a hungry changeling were a desperate one, and he were doing a lot better now than he did a week ago. Hopefully, they could soon get him onward to doing some work around town, now that his health were getting better, and he were beginning to take in that Upbeat and the others, wished him nothing but the best. But of course, small steps. They would encourage improvement, but not force it Especially not in a situation like his.

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade looked over at the changelings, "Can't say I've seen too many like them in my time. There was the occasional scientist, and some very crazy red ones that were covered in this burning ooze that they tried to have me clean. Burned through a lot of bodies before they cancelled that experiment. But I agree, these look harmless enough, a bit sad actually."

He gestured to the hallway of doors, "There's plenty of room for us here, so you've got your pick of the empty rooms, not that they've got much variety being a hotel and all."

"Okay, you've known more messed up changelings than I have then. Guess that place just couldn't help messing with those either.

As for these folks, I'd usually say there's no way their queen's alive, but... I've seen weirder these days, and if they wanna keep up hope, I don't see a reason to take it from them. Whatever keeps them going."

She had no issue doing so to other beings who were rude, insulting, or looked down on her, but these two honestly didn't seem to have a harmful bone in their bodies. Of course, changelings were duplicitous, deceiving beings, so one should just trust what they saw with their kind at face value, though she supposed, there would be no reason for her to act up before she saw some evidence of them being bad, or they did something that really got to her.

Funny how meeting her parents again, and being made to face her demons, had helped to take the edge off of her, in regular society. Not something she would've ever seen happen just a month or so ago, but through the hardships, the horrible things that happened - along with the good ones - had helped her. That being said, if someone got into her face and acted all high and mighty, she would still clock the twonk right in the kisser. There were a difference between being somewhat more socially calm, and being a pushover who let others step on them, and she were way past done allowing the second option to just happen. If someone wanted to try and step on her, they best be liking that broken leg they'd end up with. 

As for the room selection, Null more or less just shrugged at it.

"Been a wanderer most of my life, so frankly, long as there's cover, it's more or less luxury."

She really did have very low standards for sleeping when it were. A roof over her head? A luxury one shouldn't get used to. A bed, even if it were beaten up and half soggy? Living like royalty for a little while. A blanket? Depended on what they could find in the trash, or in colder climates, if they could skin a bear. Not a pleasant thing, but when it were between that and frost bite, it were the preferable choice. For them anyway. The bear probably didn't like it, thought he carcass did tend to function as a fine *offering* to the local predators, so they'd leave the sisters alone. Most of the time. Some predators were vindictive little gremlins.

Anyway, going back to the room situation: It could be a broom closet with a blanket and a stale, half-eaten haydog dusted off in the corner, and she'd consider it in the top 10% of where she had slept over the years. These rooms were essentially luxury, and a few weeks of living in real rooms in Troy didn't change that perspective for her. Now that she were on the road again, she also should just get used to it. Unless she tried doing some sort of menial labor, or delivery maybe, to scrounge up some bits now and again. Maybe bounty hunting? It'd help her scout out some who needed to be judged, and in case of those who deserved it, drag them to jail, job done, and with a cash bonus. Didn't say in the rules that she had been told, that she couldn't find a way to make this job get some food on the table for her.

Null would pick whatever room someone else weren't, and start washing herself some, before having a look over the bat, and evaluating if it were salvageable. It probably were, but she needed some materials for this sooner or later, and should probably try to rely a bit more on the wing blades for a time. To keep this usable, as well as get some more training in with those.

She were doing some of her slashing move practices when Dove got into her room, and the small mare stopped to look up at the ambassador, curious as to what she were doing here.

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"We just opened the embassy instructions the Consul gave us, according to this..." she read it over again, "You're supposed to go scout the city looking for potential security threats and seeing which locals are safe for embassy staff to visit." She looked back over at Null, "No directions other than that, so you've got leeway to scout however you'd like, just be sure to report in every so often, while this place is nice I know I'd like to see more of the city, so try and get a few places scouted sooner rather than later." She gave a slight smile before moving on, then stepping back, "There's, of course, no instructions for Arcade, so you can feel free to bring him with you if you'd like, otherwise we'll put him to work here as long as he intends to remain in the embassy."

"Might as well get to work then. Sooner I figure out what lurks beneath the layers here, the better."

Stretching out, she'd flap her wings - still odd for her to think of it in plural - a few times, then fold them in, and get ready to be on her way. She could rest later. Y'know, unless she were say, carrying a head on a pike later on. Probably best to get out of Dodge then, fast as possible. But they'd face that situation when it arrived. For now, it seemed she had some cover work to do, and the option to bring along a side kick. Usually she had her sister for that, but that line had run its course. Honestly, even if she should be doing this on her own to better scout her real target out...

"And I'll ask if he wanna come. Two pairs of eyes are better than one."

Urgh, it would be best to have a side kick. For security, more of a cover to work with, and quite honestly, because it were still weird for her to wander alone. Especially in new places like this. It didn't feel right, and Arcade could work as sort of a security blanket she supposed. 'Sides, worst came to worst, he had been in one of the facilities. Something told her that he wouldn't moan too badly if the Grey got decapitated in front of him, considering his link to those hellish places.

Unless Dove had more to say, she'd go over to his room, and knock on the door.

"Hey, Arcade? You in there?"

(Troy)

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"No no no! We were worried you didn't want to be around us! And of course we didn't blame you, we were big parts of what was likely the most traumatic part of your life. That's why we kept our distance until Selena told us to come meet you."

Back in the day, Void's concern and fear of them actually hating her and just playing a prank, would have kept going for a while, but life had treated her rather well lately, and her concerns somewhat easier shrug off. When the two of them met her with smiles and words about not hating her, but instead worrying that She were the one who didn't want to be near them, she actively felt a burden lift from her shoulders, and she started to get a little more lively again. She still felt guilt over not being there for them though, but hopefully, them not hating her, meant that she could work on making up for that now.

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I figured the same, and besides, I've had time to remember and rediscover who I am as a deer rather than simply being the brain of Codex, I've been able to get back in touch with my natural magic and furthered my self repair!" She'd show off her improved body, "See? No more exposed pistons or wires! It'll be a long time before there'll be enough false fur to cover all of me, but it looks nice until then."

Void would be receptive to the hug, and hug back the odd, mechanical deer. Few years ago, if anyone had told her that she'd be hugging a deer, she would have shook her head violently, but things changed, and her perspective weren't what it used to be. Vale were not like those she had met, and she were accepting that. Just as she were accepting other beings getting closer to her, which especially now that Null were gone, she'd need. She really didn't know how to function on her own currently, but at least work and now the help to this, made sure she were around others. It helped the unease she felt the longer she were on her own, and not distracted.

"I'm happy that you don't h-hate me, and you do look a lot better, Vale. Less like a r-robot, and more like you got some strange prosthetic. Or costume pieces. H-Hopefully you can get more fake fur eventually."

This weren't something that Void could help with, sadly, as she didn't have that sort of thing on the ready, but she would keep an eye out, in case she did see something. Even if it were the wrong color, that could be corrected.

"Also uhm... The facility wasn't the most traumatic e-experience in my life. It's sadly not e-even in the top ten."

A lot had gone wrong there, and she were none too happy about most of it, but there were far worse things out there. Like the time when she had lost her leg, then her parents, and of course the first time she got kidnapped by a slaver, and witnessed Null kill said slaver to save her. It had been a scarring, horrifying thing from beginning to end that ordeal, and that was just for her. What it had done to Null were far worse.

After this, she would mostly just listen in whilst they talked, unsure of what to say or do as they went along, though trying her best to not focus on what happened to the other clones mentioned. She were pretty sure that if these had been monstrosities, she would've been told, and bloodthirsty? They would've added bars to thew windows, surely. It were probably fine... Y-Yes, of course it were.

On 7/21/2020 at 5:23 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Ignore that, we're not going to tell them that. We just need to prepare for the fact that they may be clones, and further may be clones of prominent individuals. We can expect that their physical state is different from their mental state. If their stay in the facility was anything like yours or mine," she shuddered, "They're going to need comfort and care. Need to know we genuinely care for them, and not try to get anything out of them." she turned a pointed gaze at Pen, who looked away 'innocently' "That means no interrogations or too many questions." She sighed, turning back to Void with a hopeful expression, "So, have you any ideas? I see you brought bags, and that typically means things."

"I didn't know c-cloning were actually real. It just looked like some strange idea in some old b-books Null and I found on the road. But I guess... No, it doesn't matter, right? They're still just f-foals, and need to be taken care of like that. Like Vale says, they need to get a better environment than whatever horrible place they were in, not treated like lab rats or s-something like that. I'm sure they had more than enough of that, the poor things.

And uhm... I guess, I worked on a toy train, and started getting some p-pieces ready for a colorful mosaik, but most'y I've been scribbling ideas down for some toys and stuff. I... Guess you can look, and see what you think?"

Void would try not to add to what seemed like Pen, being inclined towards really going at the foals with a microscope, as she didn't want to poke at this whole thing right now if she could help it. Mostly since she couldn't agree with that being something that should be done against foals, though she were obviously biased on that angle, since she had been through that herself.

Anyway, she would pull out the note book she had scribbled some things into, and reached it towards the pair. If they cared to look, they'd find some drawings of regular small woodwork toys, like trains, some blocks, a sort of puzzle that she found were good for unicorns, and a few more things of the sort. As for the mosaik, it would not be in color in the book, ut the pattern should be fairly easy to see, which would be a flowery field with happy animals. Perhaps not the most original, but foals liked animals, and this should hopefully look pretty friendly, as well as colorful. Especially the smallest ones should enjoy the colors.

As for those, there were also depicted something that appeared to be like t dangling things you hung above cradles, though the objects would be small glass objects, with some scribbles detailing how they would cling together for a pleasant sound, as well as giving some nice, animal-like shadows if the light passed through them.

"I have a small amount of plush toys at the workshop, that we- I mean, I have kept a-around, that we found laying around. Some of them I think might still have a foal who'd ask around for it, but some of them have been unclaimed for a while. We could g-give those to them. Gonna need some more things though, like maybe something to draw on, and with, and perhaps a board game of sorts? I don't k-know if we could find something like that somewhere.

What uhm... What sort of ideas do you have?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Pegas)

Dove didn't have anything else to say to Null outside of wishing her well before moving on to one of the other guards.

21 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hey, Arcade? You in there?"

It looked like Dove or another of the members of their group had gone around putting little notes on each of the doors indicating what it would be used for or who it belonged to, so it wasn't too hard to find the one for Arcade, though someone had crossed out Arcade and written RKD below it. The door would open after Null knocked, revealing Arcade sitting on the bed in a sort of meditation pose, his knife floating in front of him with the handle touching the tip of his damaged horn.

He turned to look at Null when she came in, shifting into a more comfortable position and putting the knife down, "Hey, need something?"

(Troy)

29 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Also uhm... The facility wasn't the most traumatic e-experience in my life. It's sadly not e-even in the top ten."

Both Pen and Vale had sad expressions at that, but decided not to prod.

30 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

And uhm... I guess, I worked on a toy train, and started getting some p-pieces ready for a colorful mosaik, but most'y I've been scribbling ideas down for some toys and stuff. I... Guess you can look, and see what you think?"

Pen took more interest in the toy designs, while Vale was more interested in the mosaic, both were impressed with what she had designed. Vale motioned for the other two to follow as she went into the building, "Let's look at where we could put the mosaic, I think that would be a great way to liven up the space, and the workers would enjoy not having to paint one of the walls if we make it large enough."

Inside a trio of workers were already getting started, the floor had been cleaned and all the furniture moved to one corner while they prepped some of the walls for painting, judging by the cans of paint they had they were going for a warm sand color with a texture that would make the wall look more like sandstone. Others were setting up modular curtain rails which would allow them to put up and move divider curtains as they liked once they moved in. They nodded to Pen, Vale, and Void when they walked in, but didn't otherwise interact at the moment.

36 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I have a small amount of plush toys at the workshop, that we- I mean, I have kept a-around, that we found laying around. Some of them I think might still have a foal who'd ask around for it, but some of them have been unclaimed for a while. We could g-give those to them. Gonna need some more things though, like maybe something to draw on, and with, and perhaps a board game of sorts? I don't k-know if we could find something like that somewhere.

What uhm... What sort of ideas do you have?"

Both nodded at what Void was saying as they looked around the space, seemingly planning where the items that Void mentioned could be placed in the space. They looked back at Void when she asked if they had any ideas, "Oh?" Pen responded first, "I can't say I'd have much to go off of, given I didn't have much of what you would consider a foalhood myself. I'll mostly be their councilor once they get here, see what sort of traumas they have and how we can help them heal from them."

Vale nodded, "Which is why getting them comfortable is top priority, I was mostly thinking on more logistical issues like food and education, I was thinking we should put in a kitchen, safe for them of course, where they could watch their meals being prepared. I think that would help with possible trust issues. Other than that I'm not sure what I could add that you haven't already mentioned. Things we take for granted that they may never have encountered or experienced before. They may well have spent their whole lives in that facility, so they might not know about a lot of things that we do." She nodded, "If they're the curious sort we'd have quite the opportunity to teach them about a whole world of things they've never seen before. Do you think we could work the names of the animals into your mosaic? They may not have seen some of them before. Oh! We should get them books too! All kinds so they can explore their own interests and learn at their own pace."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

As they hadn't been asked to help along at any further point, Deadpan and Bling would eventually say their goodbyes, and run into town. They'd be splitting up so that they could cover more ground.

On 7/23/2020 at 12:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He turned to look at Null when she came in, shifting into a more comfortable position and putting the knife down, "Hey, need something?"

Null didn't answer at first, as she werre focusing on the knife being floated around in front of him. Quite honestly, it were weird seeing him able to even use magic like this, as she had met unicorns with damaged horns before, and it usually caused trouble. Depending on how bad it were of course. A tip could regrow for some, or be mended in some way by external magic, though magic were still sometimes possible. Albeit sort of erratically. At least from her persona experience, which granted, were mostly down to brief encounters. Her not caring to understanding magic much more, than it being a force she negated, didn't help on her getting the bigger picture, but it had always just seemed to her that a damaged horn caused issues.

She also recalled hearing somewhere that if it were cracked to the base, it were more or less game over, magic wise. But then again, she were also once convinced that she could negate all magic, and the last month had happily done its duty to prove that she were wrong, so really, what did she know?

"I were going out to scout the town, to see if I could find some safe spots for the ambassadors to visit, whilst looking for someone myself. Figured you might not care much for being hollered up all the time, and wanted to actually see something else than walls, so I'd ask if you wanted to tag along."

(Troy)

On 7/23/2020 at 12:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Let's look at where we could put the mosaic, I think that would be a great way to liven up the space, and the workers would enjoy not having to paint one of the walls if we make it large enough."

"Well, personally I'd suggest here, or over t-there. Mosaic needs light to look it's best, so either covering a window, or maybe the wall in front of one? If it's with the windows, I m-might be able to add a sun around it, and something of a reflective surface so the light can get c-cast back on the rest?"

She weren't sure, as she hadn't done exactly this sort of thing before, but she were confident enough in her glass work to say that she could make a fine mosaic, that wouldn't just crumble and fall apart easily.

As for where she had pointed, it would be the outer wall (or any other that had a window attached to it, even a small one), and the one opposite it. If there were o real way for the sun to enter the room, she'd just point at the two largest walls, and think on how they could add a window. There were a lot of workers here already. Surely one of them could borrow her a mallet and a chisel, and she could do the ground work herself?

"A wall wide one is a bit... Bigger, than I had in mind, but I s-should be able to do it, if I put in the effort, and just transfer it here in sections. Actually, maybe sectioned is the best way? A little distance between each, showing different sort of areas and animals? I'd need some more p-powder, but it shouldn't be too hard to find in town. I know a place that had a l-lot, last I checked at least."

It would definitely be her most ambitious work to date, but it were for a good cause, right? That were important enough to at least try. And long as it were in sections, she'd have some sort of leeway, instead of having to hope that all the pieces would fit together in the end. Plus, more could be added later, without meddling with things, if they did it this way.

On 7/23/2020 at 12:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Which is why getting them comfortable is top priority, I was mostly thinking on more logistical issues like food and education, I was thinking we should put in a kitchen, safe for them of course, where they could watch their meals being prepared. I think that would help with possible trust issues. Other than that I'm not sure what I could add that you haven't already mentioned. Things we take for granted that they may never have encountered or experienced before. They may well have spent their whole lives in that facility, so they might not know about a lot of things that we do." She nodded, "If they're the curious sort we'd have quite the opportunity to teach them about a whole world of things they've never seen before. Do you think we could work the names of the animals into your mosaic? They may not have seen some of them before. Oh! We should get them books too! All kinds so they can explore their own interests and learn at their own pace."

"I don't think I could p-properly put in the names on the mosaic itself, but m-maybe I could add some signs underneath with the names? That shouldn't be too hard.

And I think your idea of a kitchen is a good thing. They've probably been sent food they didn't know where c-came from their entire lives, and who knows what those monsters might have put in that stuff? It'd likely help if they saw their food being made, and could ask questions about what got in it and stuff. I wouldn't mind coming around and h-help with that, if it were? I'm not a chef, but I'm a good home cook, and I'd like to help them feel comfortable.

Other stuff like books are smart too, I think, so they can learn about things. I don't know if I could teach them all that good though. Most of Null's and my e-education, came from books that we found in the trash, or stole. We barely got into an active class room more than a few times, so teaching isn't as easy as c-cooking for me. I could try though, if it would help? Though i guess, some text books and a blackboard might be smart when I'm out shopping around for other things? Just uhm... Gonna add that to the list."

She'd open her notebook, withdraw a pen, and scribble a few things down in it, whilst she were chewing tightly on the blunt tip of the pen. She didn't want her writing, to look like she had fallen down drunk.

"I know it probably shouldn't be r-right at the start, but maybe eventually, consider taking them out for field trips? At least around town, so they can get to socialize, and meet the other sorts of c-creatures that lives here in Troy? I can tell from personal experience, that being isolated and not know how to approach others, or what to t-think of them, aren't a good thing for a small foal. Plus, they should probably get some fresh air now and again, right?

If not that, then perhaps have others come here, so that they could get a first impression that way? Maybe both, a-actually. First get them to see some good examples of beings, that could tell about the pros and cons of their kind, and a little about themselves, and then, in time, they g-get to see it for themselves, and be prepared for it. Maybe?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Pegas)

A bit of a smile came to Arcade's face as he got up off the bed to join her at the door, "Sure! Least I could do is help you find whoever you're looking for, though I understand if it's something personal. Given how you looked when you said 'someone' it's obviously not a long lost friend."

None of the staff would impede their exit to the embassy, those who noticed their departure would wave as they set out. When they got to the door though the guard stationed outside leaned in towards Null, "The password is 'Cantershot' when you get back." he leaned back to his alert pose, "Just in case any changelings pretend to be you to get in to the embassy."

With that they were outside, free to explore the city at their leisure. They could see the mostly intact towers in the center of town from here, including The Stacked Deck which was the only one that extended up to the cloud layer of the city, and the one that the Consul indicated as the most likely hiding place of Grey Mane.

The streets were sparse of creatures at the moment, a few turned their attention towards them as they exited the embassy, but they didn't stop their walking.

(Troy)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"A wall wide one is a bit... Bigger, than I had in mind, but I s-should be able to do it, if I put in the effort, and just transfer it here in sections. Actually, maybe sectioned is the best way? A little distance between each, showing different sort of areas and animals? I'd need some more p-powder, but it shouldn't be too hard to find in town. I know a place that had a l-lot, last I checked at least."

The room was a tall rectangle extending out from the door they had entered from, the far wall had a window but it was being included in the bathroom by the new walls the workers were putting up, while the beds would be optionally divided by curtains, it seemed a good idea to more permanently wall off the bathroom from the rest of the room, as well as upgrade the facilities from a basic toilet and washbasin to have a full bath/shower as well. The wall on the left had a pair of windows that looked out on the street in front of the building, rather than fill the full length of the wall she could use the curtain rails as a guide to build her mosaic on just a section of the wall.

Pen nodded at Void's question, "Supplies to build the mosaic with shouldn't be hard, plus segmenting it sounds like a great idea considering how little time we have. You'll be able to get a section or two up before they arrive, then if they like it you can extend it later, maybe even with their help?"

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I know it probably shouldn't be r-right at the start, but maybe eventually, consider taking them out for field trips? At least around town, so they can get to socialize, and meet the other sorts of c-creatures that lives here in Troy? I can tell from personal experience, that being isolated and not know how to approach others, or what to t-think of them, aren't a good thing for a small foal. Plus, they should probably get some fresh air now and again, right?

If not that, then perhaps have others come here, so that they could get a first impression that way? Maybe both, a-actually. First get them to see some good examples of beings, that could tell about the pros and cons of their kind, and a little about themselves, and then, in time, they g-get to see it for themselves, and be prepared for it. Maybe?"

Vale nodded there with a smile, "Oh yes! Definitely! One of the things I missed most while I was cooped up in the facility was the ability to roam open spaces. They may have lived their whole lives there, but I know ponies have an innate desire to roam as well. But I think you have the right idea in taking it slow as well, bringing the outside to them before bringing them to the outside."

Vale held out a hoof, "If you like, Pen and I could go to the market while you get started on your mosaic?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 7/25/2020 at 7:57 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Sure! Least I could do is help you find whoever you're looking for, though I understand if it's something personal. Given how you looked when you said 'someone' it's obviously not a long lost friend."

"It's not."

She wouldn't say more on the matter, at least not for the time being, as she turned around and let out a small sigh, before making her way out of the embassy. There were work to be done, for both the ambassadors sake, and her own. Which would likely not include getting to kill Grey Mane just yet. There were no guarantee that she'd find him the first round, so she had to be smart about this, and actually try and do this part of her duty, whilst waiting for a better time to go topside. She'd get there soon enough,  maybe even as soon as tomorrow, but for today, it seemed wiser to first get the layout of the ground level, and then work her way up. It'd help in case the cowards scurried back down here to hide from her. Plus, she had to get some materials to see if she could repair her bat. Might as well get it done sooner, rather than later.

The way out went without a hitch, only vaguely interrupted by one of the guards bending down to inform her of a password, just in case there'd be some sorta changeling that would try to go in, disguised as her.

"We'll keep it in mind."

Soon as they got out, and had the chance at seeing the city in more of its *glory*, Null would look about, until her gaze fell on the tower reaching the furthest up, and piercing the skies. The one which she had been told to aim for, to find that pesky, no good excuse for a pony, who had made the lives of her sister and her, miserable from before they were even born.

Arcade could likely see her eyes narrowing, and teeth grit as she glared hostile towards this tower for several seconds, before she said anything.

"We should... Look around. Find the areas that's safest for the ambassadors. Let's try this route."

With gritted teeth, and a bubbling sensation of anger stirring in her chest, she'd force her gaze away from the tower, and start wandering down the left. Whatever were this route, they'd see if it were a safe passage or not. She didn't care much though right now. She just had to come away from looking at that tower, before she just threw caution to the wind and charged it without thinking.

(Troy)

On 7/25/2020 at 7:57 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen nodded at Void's question, "Supplies to build the mosaic with shouldn't be hard, plus segmenting it sounds like a great idea considering how little time we have. You'll be able to get a section or two up before they arrive, then if they like it you can extend it later, maybe even with their help?"

"...Maybe. It's kinda d-dangerous though, so I'll have to be careful showing them it, or they might cut themselves."

Void hadn't been paying much attention at first, as she had been looking at the windows that wasn't in the soon to be dedicated bathroom area, thinking on how to set up things. If she could section, she actually had a good idea, which would including using one of the windows to set up a mosaic that'd interact well with the sun, and then angle the other, initial ones on the opposite wall, so that the light could shine on them. She probably wouldn't cover the other window though. They should be able to look outside if they wanted to.

"I've been working a bit on a part before I came here, so there m-might be about a third of a section I could use there, and put it over on this wall. It should l-look good in the light."

She'd wander over and knock on the wall a few places, just to get a feeling of how it were set up, so she knew how hard it were going to be to properly set the mosaic there. It seemed like fairly standard stone, so somewhat easy enough? She just needed the right sorta tools, and a firm hoof, and it should be okay.

On 7/25/2020 at 7:57 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh yes! Definitely! One of the things I missed most while I was cooped up in the facility was the ability to roam open spaces. They may have lived their whole lives there, but I know ponies have an innate desire to roam as well. But I think you have the right idea in taking it slow as well, bringing the outside to them before bringing them to the outside."

"I might know a few that I could s-suggest for the kind of show and tell. Met a lot of varied creatures whilst Null and I did our w-work, so I know a fair bit now. At least a little. Maybe I could ask some of them if they'd be interested? Like uhm, one of them is a s-stunted dragon. Might be the safest of their kin to show them at first, r-right?"

She had to go around and ask, but she'd be fine with that, when the time were right. Never knew before you asked, and she were somewhat sure that a few of them might be up for it. The dragon were a bit of an unknown, but he had a hidden soft side to him, that much she knew, so perhaps she could appeal to that. The way he had wanted a false eye, with the colors of the hatched griffons he helped save, proved that he wasn't as gruff as his draconic pride made him want to be. Though were he were now, she weren't sure of. Something told her that if she found the griffons though, she'd find him, not too far away, keeping an eye on his godchildren.

On 7/25/2020 at 7:57 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale held out a hoof, "If you like, Pen and I could go to the market while you get started on your mosaic?"

"Actually, if I could join you there, it m-might be best. In case we get inspired by something, there won't need to be a back and forth. Plus, I still n-need some materials to get the mosaic properly worked on. No worries though, I'll get s-something done before they arrive. Possibly sometime during the night. I uhm... Don't sleep so well right now. It's hard getting u-used to big sis not being there anymore."

It had been like this for the past twenty years roughly. They had been together constantly, mostly only interrupted a few hours, or at worst a few days, where Null had to chase down whoever had taken Void away, or vice versa. Her suddenly being gone were making it hard for Void to adjust to things such as sleeping alone, and caused her to default to some level of distress, as her experience were that if Null weren't there, it meant that either one or both of them, were in danger.

*sigh* just one of several things that she had to get used to now, she supposed.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(New Pegas)

Arcade couldn't help but notice Null's angry fascination with the tower at the center of town, but didn't comment on it just yet. Instead he simply followed dutifully behind her, keeping an eye out for any unscrupulous characters watching them as they went.

As they walked down the street they'd find that the town, similar to Troy, was arranged in a curved manner, while Troy was a circle around the oasis Pegas was a semicircle whose flat end bordered on the waterfront, each street eventually ending in a pier where the occasional small boat was docked. These semicircle streets were connected by the occasional perpendicular street, one or two of which extended all the way to the central plaza where the large tower stood.

The signs indicated that they were on fifth street, which presumably meant they were five streets away from the center. It seemed this arc was mostly residential with the occasional small scale hotel, convenience store, and diner interspersed among the apartment blocks. The streets were not crowded, and those that were out didn't pay the two much mind.

As they were walking, Arcade would eventually ask, "So, this non-friend of yours, do they know you're looking for them?"

(Troy)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Actually, if I could join you there, it m-might be best. In case we get inspired by something, there won't need to be a back and forth. Plus, I still n-need some materials to get the mosaic properly worked on. No worries though, I'll get s-something done before they arrive. Possibly sometime during the night. I uhm... Don't sleep so well right now. It's hard getting u-used to big sis not being there anymore."

Pen and Vale nodded at Void's request, though they looked a bit worried, "Sure, I suppose it would be easier that way, lets head to the market then and see what we can find."

Vale would start leading the way with Pen following up behind, once they were out of the building Vale and Pen would move more to walk on either side of Void. Vale would speak up, "We heard that the Consul had sent her on an envoy to Las Pegasus, I didn't realize how hard that must be for you." She gestured towards Pen, "I haven't been with Pen and Sean long, but I know I'd be pretty upturned if I had to be on my own."

Pen would join in, "If you need anyone to talk to, I know we aren't the most typical of sorts, but we'd be happy to listen."

They'd give Void the chance to speak as they continued walking to the market at the center of the oasis. It, like the rest of the town, was less packed than when the sisters had first arrived, but it was still full of a variety of wares, even some who were selling items found out on the wastes, things that had been lost over the course of the war and evacuation afterwards, while others focused more on wares they had made themselves.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"In a way, I hope he does. He spend a lot of time chasing me, and I'd love to see him start sweating, once he realizes that it's his time to be the prey."

She were highly certain that he knew she were here, or at least that she'd come his way eventually. With his little spies keeping track of her in Troy, he must have some degree of clue that she weren't there anymore, at the very least. And something told her that before she'd find him, he'd try to make contact himself. He'd be sorely mistaken, if he thought it would help him though. He did not deserve to keep living, after all he had done.

"But we got work to do before that. I'd say we start with a hotel, and see from there. It will give us a look at what sort of folks hangs out around here.

I'd say to pick the one that looks the sleaziest and work up from there. Better know the bottom, so we get a feel of what sorta dangers to look out for. Every place have their own flavor of scum."

You spent enough times in low rung dungs because they were the cheapest, and asked the least questions, and you started to get a feel of what sort of locals you had to watch out for the most. It kinda gave you an... Unwashed image of how the town really were, below the layer of glamour that it presented itself in.

A short look in one of those places, and they should have some idea of what to do from there on out. It'd be too suspicious if they started asking questions, or tried to inspect the rooms.

(Troy)

On 7/26/2020 at 11:53 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"We heard that the Consul had sent her on an envoy to Las Pegasus, I didn't realize how hard that must be for you." She gestured towards Pen, "I haven't been with Pen and Sean long, but I know I'd be pretty upturned if I had to be on my own."

Pen would join in, "If you need anyone to talk to, I know we aren't the most typical of sorts, but we'd be happy to listen."

"It's just been N-Null and I for over twenty years now. She practically raised me since we were five and six, and we haven't been split up, outside of others f-forcing us apart. Now we have our own goals, she's g-gone, and I have to try and get used to her not being here, but instead out there, doing what she t-thinks is best for the family..."

Void felt a tear start to well up in the side of her eye, and she stopped up to take a few deep breaths before ending up a sobbing mess.

"I a-always hoped that one day, it would all be over. The running, the f-fighting... But big sis couldn't let go. Even after she started to get help, and i-improve. She doesn't know what to do, when she's not fighting for us.

Now she's gone out to p-protect us, by chasing those down who might come for us. And she's all alone. It's hard not h-having her here, but it's worse that I don't know what might happen to her. A lot of those who m-might come for us were some really nasty pieces of w-work. Powerful ones too, more often than not. It gets me worried."

The market they'd reach held a good deal of things they might have used for, but the firat she'd look for, were the right powder she needed for the glasswork. Afterwards, Void would honestly like to look through the scavenged parts. Might be some things there already done, that the younglings could use among those things.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Pegas)

To its credit, the town inside the wall was in pretty decent shape all things considered, none of the buildings which looked inhabited showed too much in the way of disrepair.

The inhabitants on the other hoof... the further they got from the embassy, and by extention the closer they got to the waterfront, the slummier the ponies and others started to look, it was clear to Null that the underbelly that had always existed in large cities had unfortunately survived the end of the world. Arcade grew more and more uncomfortable the further they went, standing closer and closer to Null.

Eventually they were stopped by a large muscular pegasus with a crooked smile, he addressed Null, "Hey there little filly, whatever you're paying that stud for protection, it's too much. Horn like that he'd hardly be able to protect you from a flea much less a rough group of stallions." He motioned with his eyebrows to some hoodlums lurking on the side of the street, "So, wadaya say you tell the poser to buzz off, and pay me whatchuwaz payin him, and I'll ensure you stay plenty safe around here."

(Troy)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The market they'd reach held a good deal of things they might have used for, but the firat she'd look for, were the right powder she needed for the glasswork. Afterwards, Void would honestly like to look through the scavenged parts. Might be some things there already done, that the younglings could use among those things.

Luckily or sadly enough, some of the more abandoned and recovered items were small trinkets like foals toys and books, as such things were ultimately the easiest to leave behind in an evacuation. Further, their plentitude meant it would be easy to find them cheaply and in good variety. Void was also able to find the powder she needed without much difficulty. If anything the most difficult part of the trip would be carrying back everything they had found, but even so between the three of them it shouldn't be too difficult.

Pen and Vale had sypathetic expressions, and listened intently to Void's plight, but didn't have any comments on it.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

As could be expected, the slum never died. No big surprise really. Long as there were anyone alive, there'd be a discrepancy, with the ones better off living well, and others having to pay for that divide, by being diverted to the bottom. And down here, you did what you could to survive. A world where some begged, some stole, some murdered... There were a lot of variants in the slum, and some of them were fine enough folks. You didn't have to be a kind of immoral monster to thrive in the slum after all. Some were just on real hard times, and had to live that way until they could find a way to get back on their hooves.

On 7/29/2020 at 3:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Eventually they were stopped by a large muscular pegasus with a crooked smile, he addressed Null, "Hey there little filly, whatever you're paying that stud for protection, it's too much. Horn like that he'd hardly be able to protect you from a flea much less a rough group of stallions." He motioned with his eyebrows to some hoodlums lurking on the side of the street, "So, wadaya say you tell the poser to buzz off, and pay me whatchuwaz payin him, and I'll ensure you stay plenty safe around here."

And then there were goons like this, who used the slum to brute his way into a position of power. A pretty easy gig too. have some muscle, gather some others around you to form a gang, and you could basically do whatever, since it was rare for the guards, police, or whatever law enforcement a town had, to care in the slightest about the slums. Unless it spilled out into their high society, they could care less, so any goon with half a brain could make himself a big shot among the bottom rung folks.

"How about you instead go and choke on a Pickled Cactus, before I crush your kneecaps?"

She didn't remember much of the old taunts from Troy, but she had seen that they still partook in pickling cactus, when she had wandered with Void to find some things for dinner a week or so ago. It might not sound like much of an insult to tell someone to choke on that, but as she had seen, Troy still seemed to prefer to pickle some of the longer ones, after they had their needles scraped off. A foul smelling, dripping mess when they were just like that in the jars, but it worked fantastically with a few other ingredients that - when combined with a salt bath for a half hour - made for a pretty subtle, yet delightfully sour and oddly savory taste. How exactly Void did this were unknown to Null, but she weren't much good in a kitchen either. Tended to be a lot of questionable edibility involved then.

Regardless, if this guy was anything resembling local, he'd just know she had just insulted him rather harshly, if the sneer and narrowed eyes up towards him weren't enough of a clue.

Placing a hoof on her bat, she'd wait to draw it, unless he made a move to try something, at which point he had some kneecaps that he clearly did not want to keep unbroken. Though she'd try not to make the first move, if it could be helped. Also, she'd hit with the damaged side of the bat if it were, giving more of a flat thwack, and less of a pierced bone. A warning hit should suffice, if he got cocky. Usually these folks would crumble once they met proper resistance.

"We're just here looking, and we don't need you, or anyone else's protection. Just back off, and no one needs to get hurt here. Something tells me you don't have many options, if you end up with a broken leg."

Slum areas rarely had some good access to doctors. IN some wealthier towns, there were at times a free clinic set up, but here? She doubted it. At best they might have a slum doctor, and those folks tended to be little more than hacks who didn't make it through med school, but were the best of the worst to work with. At times, smart gangs kidnapped those and then controlled the health care in the slums. These did not seem smart enough for that, but they'd see.

(Troy)

It were tragic to see so many foal's toys among the scavenged parts. So many things left behind, as families tried desperately to get away. Or as she could see on a few discolorations on a couple of select pieces, left among the bodies of those lost. Void prayed to whatever god might listen, that all of them had gotten peace in the next life. She had seen too much to believe that ghosts and the afterlife weren't just real, but also potentially a very painful, horrible thing to go through. Being a ghost or zombie were, anyway. She had yet to see one who moved along, who did not seem to be more calm and joyful from moving on, so she suspected that whatever waited on the other side of the veil, were something nice and calm. The poor little ones deserved to be there, and not trapped in this, after a horrible, horrible experience, like a war.

Still, there were no reason to let these toys go to waste, and as such, she would chose some select pieces that seemed the best, avoid those who were stained with what she assumed were too ingrained blood, and inspected a few broken ones to see if they could relatively easy be repaired. Ended them up with mostly dolls, some books, puzzles, a few board games, and such things for varied ages. She managed to find a half-broken foal mobile too, which just needed a new main stick, and some new pieces to replace those that had gotten lost, along with a bit of string. Fairly easy stuff to do really, and it would be good for the infants.

The powder she had in good measures too now, though it weighed heavily in the saddle bag. That being said, Void were a larger than normal earth pony mare, who had spend the better of twenty years on the run, and often whilst carrying a lot of heavy cursed objects. She were built and trained by life and genetics, to be able to carry a fairly heavy load, so whilst this strained her, and the saddlebags were overfilled, to a point where she had to carry some things on her back in a balance act, she weren't gonna break down from it. She just weren't running anywhere. Then she'd start to feel it. Mostly in her stump, as the padding there had its limit, depending on the weight she had to carry.

And it wasn't like this was the worst. She had to carry Null sometimes, along with the cursed things big sis had in her own saddlebags, whilst also running. This were fairly low brow compared to that.

"It's sad to see how m-many foals toys there had been scavenged. I hope most of them were just left behind in a hurry, and not... W-Well, you know.

ANyway, a few things needs to be fixed here, but m,most seemed to be able to just be s-set up. Want to go and put those into the room first? Sorta get a look on how things m-might be so far."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

The stallion had a bit of a smirk as he backed away, "Fiery one ain'tcha? Just wanted to warn you, not everyone here is so kind as I am. Some here don't even fear the Grey enforcers." He turned away, his buddies following up behind as he turned down an alley after casting one last smug glance back that indicated she hadn't seen the last of him just yet.

Arcade would gesture in the opposite direction, "I think we should just tell the ambassadors to avoid this area entirely. Should we look into some of the more reputable places back the way we came? Or should we head inward? It looks nicer towards the center."

If they went back the way they came they'd see the same housing areas and repurposed hotels that they had passed before, but with more ponies on the street as the locals had apparently become more used to their appearance. Some places that had previously looked abandoned now looked like they were somewhat operable, a few makeshift signs indicating vendors of various types, mostly small time obscure food or service vendors that Null might recognize from far corners of the continent.

If they went towards the center the quality would rise at a much quicker rate, the shops being more obviously in operation and further more equestrian in style than those on the outer roads.

(Troy)

Vale nodded, a bit of sadness on her own expression, "Indeed, still... these foals will have nicer things than I had in my fawnhood, even before..." she gestured to herself, "...all of this, it was a pretty simple life for me. I had my family, and that was enough. But these foals don't have that, so we'll give them everything else in as much abundance as we can muster." She had a bit of a determined look on her face, "I think the workers will have made some good progress, if there's anything Trojans are known for its quick quality work, especially when it comes to construction."

 They wouldn't have much trouble getting everything back to the building, though a few of the young fillies and colts playing in the streets may have convinced Void to part with some of the toys she carried with their eyes. If not her than Pen would give at least one thing away to an especially cute looking filly.

Back at the room the workers had nearly finished with the walls, the clinical feel now almost wholly replaced by a softer warmth that seemed common throughout Troy. A few of the curtains were hung up, a rough tan cloth that closely resembled the walls themselves, but breathable enough that a soft breeze could pass through without much hindrance. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Seems like they didn't need to fight this one, nor his goons after all, and actually got some interesting information out of him in the process. Depending on if Arcade kept track of Null as the conversation went along, he might even have noticed how she tensed up, and her eyes seemed to shoot lighting as The Grey were brought up, though she wouldn't bring it up himself if he didn't. She were busy keeping track of the ones right in front of them, and see if they were just doing a surprise attack or something.

 But no. They wandered off on their own alright, and left them behind with a bit of an ominous warning, and a look that seemed to beam at them that this were indeed not the last time they had run into them.

Her current best bet? This one were one of the named enforcers for The Grey, and were either off to tell the coward that there were a potential troublemaker in town, or inform that one he had warned them to keep an eye out for, might be coming to town soon. Might be they were just a low rung gang too, of course, but being this close to her *father*, made her paranoid. And considering what he did, it were likely justified to be so.

On 7/31/2020 at 7:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade would gesture in the opposite direction, "I think we should just tell the ambassadors to avoid this area entirely. Should we look into some of the more reputable places back the way we came? Or should we head inward? It looks nicer towards the center."

A few seconds ticked by as Null looked with narrowed eyes towards the alley the goons had wandered off into, before she relaxed the grip in her club, and turned to face Arcade again.

"We can go. I wanted to know what sort of slum this place had, and I got my answer. It's too organized to be safe for the ambassadors, in any sort of way. Let's see how well sectioned off from this the inner city is. If it looks better, we'll find a safe route back to base from there."

On 7/31/2020 at 7:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If they went towards the center the quality would rise at a much quicker rate, the shops being more obviously in operation and further more equestrian in style than those on the outer roads.

This started to seem more like the sort of place the ambassadors would like to go. Had some Equestrian vibes over it, better quality buildings, as well as citizens... So far, no noble had scoffed and told their accompaniment to chase them off either, so that was a plus. Though she did in a way, miss it. It had been a long time since she had been able to shout so profoundly and vile at a snobbish twerp like that, and there were something special about e grizzled look of horror and bafflement, over the sheer audacity it would take to call Them out, of all ponies. Might not be constructive, but anything to wipe the smirk off those beings faces, were a good investment of time.

Though, they were likely all up top instead. The higher ranking ones liked to not just feel above all others, but physically be so, more often than not. At least in her experience, with varied creatures from around the world. Only a select few who felt like putting themselves at the level of *the lesser ones*.

"Seems fine enough so far. Anything catching your eye?"

In her current blind angle, a few things were visible. Like a shop owner drinking out of a flask, and looking like he had seen more sober days, whilst setting up his booth. Another being a group of younglings playing ball with what looked like roughly round sack, stuffed with hay. Whereas right where t hey had come from, in an alley, sat a changeling with his hooves over his head, shaking profoundly in the shade of the building, whilst one of the changelings from earlier stood at him and seemed to try and help him with something. Bling, from the looks of things, carrying a bunch of warm-looking, pink jelly with light green spots in it, down her sides, stuck together with roped to be easier flung over her back. It seemed she were offering one of said bags to the other changeling.

(Troy)

On 7/31/2020 at 7:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale nodded, a bit of sadness on her own expression, "Indeed, still... these foals will have nicer things than I had in my fawnhood, even before..." she gestured to herself, "...all of this, it was a pretty simple life for me. I had my family, and that was enough. But these foals don't have that, so we'll give them everything else in as much abundance as we can muster." She had a bit of a determined look on her face, "I think the workers will have made some good progress, if there's anything Trojans are known for its quick quality work, especially when it comes to construction."

"Big sis and I barely had anything growing up on the road e-either. Just ourselves and a few things we stole or salvaged most of the time, along with all the c-cursed items we had to keep safe. It's not a life I'd wish for anyone, and especially not other foals. They d-deserve to feel loved, have a steady home, and know that the world isn't as bleak as it can s-sometimes seem.

Like a seer that b-big sis and I once met said to us, before we departed: *We can't change the past. The best we can do, is try to learn from our mistakes, and do better when it is our turn.* I've thought about that a lot in r-recent days."

Said seer had clearly had her own regrets, which might have included a situation somewhat like what happened when she stumbled over Null and Void, hiding in a ravine, from a bunch of guards who has chased them. They had been accused of stealing, even thought hat had been one of the times when they hadn't. They had just passed through, been accused, and suddenly chased after. It were like their words meant little, compared to the shifty dealer who rose his voice towards them.

The seer had helped them, and told them where to go, to get out alive, and shared a few words with them before they departed. Her final ones here, had sometimes rung around Void's head, but in recent days, it had just gotten stronger, now that she felt like there were things to ponder, regrets to be had, and just generally reflecting over how the past had been. A lot there she would like to change, but as the seer said, she couldn't. Best she could hope for, were that if she ran into another who needed her, as she had needed others in the dark times, she would have learned from the past, and do better than those who had failed her.

She wished to ask Vale more about her past, though it seemed like the deer had other things in mind now, so perhaps later, once they had set some of all these toys back in the room? She had to think on how to ask this too, in a way that didn't seem too intrusive, or potentially even rude. It weren't Void's intent to offend the mechanical deer.

On 7/31/2020 at 7:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They wouldn't have much trouble getting everything back to the building, though a few of the young fillies and colts playing in the streets may have convinced Void to part with some of the toys she carried with their eyes. If not her than Pen would give at least one thing away to an especially cute looking filly.

Pen wouldn't even have t try and convince Void. She had an abundance of toys, and still the option to go back later, and procure more, if need be. So when the younglings came over and looked with big, pleading eyes at some of the things she carried, she weren't able to say no. In a way, she saw much of herself in them. Some small foals, just wanting a toy to play with, so that they could enjoy themselves a little more, through some rather trying times. She barely had any herself, as toys didn't make much sense to carry around when Null and her were on the run all the time, and had other things they needed to carry in the long run, of more importance, but she did have a stuffed bear for a time. A rather messed up one, that looked like it had been torn in half, before being stitched roughly back together again, but she still cared for that one thing she did have, through a good bunch of years. These small ones probably just wanted something they could also look fondly at like that.

And since it weren't alright to be exclusionary, she would make sure they all got something, long as it were not too broken, unless for some reason, that didn't matter to them. One of them that seemed to catch Pen's eyes - an adorable little thing of a filly - she openly encouraged Pen to give something to. No reason for only Void to seem like a gift giver here, right? Vale would also get encouraging words to try, if she wanted to. It might endear her more to the locals, and by extend, maybe others too. The kinder words other had for her, and the better actions they saw, the easier it likely were to look past her uhm... Physical issues.

If there were any of the foals who seemed shy and didn't appear as if they were going to go up themselves, or stayed away and looked depressed, as if they didn't think they'd ever get anything, Void would seek them out and make sure they were given something too, if they wanted it.

All in all, once they got back to the place for the clones, about two-thirds of one of her large saddlebags were empty, and about half of what were left were stuff that needed some repairs, but she still felt good about this. It felt like it were the right thing to have done, and it made her rather happy and calm about things. To a point where she had a small, yet permanent smile stuck on her face right now.

On 7/31/2020 at 7:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Back at the room the workers had nearly finished with the walls, the clinical feel now almost wholly replaced by a softer warmth that seemed common throughout Troy. A few of the curtains were hung up, a rough tan cloth that closely resembled the walls themselves, but breathable enough that a soft breeze could pass through without much hindrance. 

"They've gotten really far, just like you said. I'm impressed at the speed they've gotten this far. And it looks to be well done too. The small ones are gonna be happy about this, once they get here. I'm sure of it."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

[Las Pegas]

16 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Seems fine enough so far. Anything catching your eye?"

Arcade looked startled from his thoughts when he realized Null's attention was on him, "Oh? Sorry, it's just all so different from what Gemini told me... I mean there are some similarities to be sure, I guess I just imagined life outside the facility would be different."

He took a more careful look around their surroundings, "I think it's a good sign that there are some foals playing out here, indicates that it's safe enough to walk around at least." he pointed to the changelings, "Looks like one of the changelings from before, or at least they share coloration, which was important to the changelings in the facility. Same colored ones were like families."

He then motioned over to the shopkeeper, "I suppose a vendor would know best of anyone what sort the area is, you want to talk to him? Although, if my nose isn't smelling wrong, I think I smell some food up the street a bit. Mayhaps we should try some, see if its safe for the ambassadors to eat?"

The somewhat audible rumble from Arcade dismissed most of the notion that the offer was fully altruistic.

(If you go the the shopkeep you described it's up to you how willing he is to share news)

(If they go to the food)

Arcade's nose would lead them to a bakery type building, simple setup it seemed oriented to selling bread and bread products to households and businesses primarily, with a small sort of cafe to one side where their products could be bought more individually portioned. An earth pony mare, speckled both by her coat and with flour and dough, turned towards them when they entered and gave a somewhat tired smile, "Lemme know if you need something." She motioned with her head to the counter, where there was a listing of their products and a bell, before returning to her work kneading out a lump of dough.

[Troy]

16 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Like a seer that b-big sis and I once met said to us, before we departed: *We can't change the past. The best we can do, is try to learn from our mistakes, and do better when it is our turn.* I've thought about that a lot in r-recent days."

Both Pen and Vale looked interested in that, Pen spoke up, "A Seer? Oooh! What kind? Was it a zebra shaman type? Or was it a deer sage? Some spiritual medium?"

16 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"They've gotten really far, just like you said. I'm impressed at the speed they've gotten this far. And it looks to be well done too. The small ones are gonna be happy about this, once they get here. I'm sure of it."

Vale nodded, "It may not be the best, but improvements can be made later. Speaking of which..." She quickly moved out of the way with Pen in tow as a pair of workers started to bring in furniture, as they worked it was clear that the beds they were erecting were modular, such that they could be adjusted in size and shape with relative ease or even, as Void might notice, be combined into one large bed.

They brought in some simple containers as well, one of which Vale immediately took to serve as a holder for the books she had collected from the market.

Another of the workers, he looked like a sort of forepony, came up to Void, "Looks like we're about done with what Selena asked us to set up. She said to ask you if there was something structural we should add before we move out all our equipment. Any large furniture we should bring in?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 8/2/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I suppose a vendor would know best of anyone what sort the area is, you want to talk to him? Although, if my nose isn't smelling wrong, I think I smell some food up the street a bit. Mayhaps we should try some, see if its safe for the ambassadors to eat?"

The somewhat audible rumble from Arcade dismissed most of the notion that the offer was fully altruistic.

The rumbling stomach of Arcade, actually got a smirk, and a small, snorting laugh out of Null. It were just so perfectly timed, that even she couldn't let it get past her, however briefly.

Up until that part, she had followed him as he pointed out the various things that caught his eyes.

In regards to the foals, she agreed that it were a good sign that they could wander freely and play, without parental supervision. As such, she'd nod to this observation, and file it down in her mind for now, as something worth telling the ambassadors about when they got back.

Then came the changelings. She did indeed recognize the female one of the singing duet before, though she weren't sure what were going on. Not entirely anyway, though considering the way that one seemed to be caring for the other one, whose shaking subsided once he were given one of the bags she were carrying around with... Best bet would be that she were feeding him, or that he were some sort of addict. Considering they were changelings, and the way the bags looked, she were putting her coins on the former. it made more sense, and like the musical siblings had said, they were helping others of their kind around town.

This were likely something worth mentioning too, for two reasons. 1. It would inform the ambassadors that these two seemed as genuine as they had presented themselves thus far. And 2, it might be of some use to them, if they had more changelings all around town. What if they had some in the slum, who knew how that worked, and who to watch out for? A few in this district, who knew the safe routes? Maybe even some in the upper layer, who had made it big? There might be an untapped intelligence network to plug into here, if they went at it the right way.

And then there were the vendor, who seemed to need a little something to get going, and had indeed been her first choice to go through honestly, had Arcade not let out the bells of hunger.

"Yknow, you can just say that you're hungry, and want to try actual food, instead of whatever swill you've been given. But yeah, let's go there and see what's on offer. Might as well bring some culinary tips back with us anyway."

On 8/2/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Lemme know if you need something." She motioned with her head to the counter, where there was a listing of their products and a bell, before returning to her work kneading out a lump of dough.

"We will, thank you."

Hard working mare, who talked to them like any regular pony, and gave them the info they needed right away? Null saw no issues with her, and had no problem talking politely back at her. A minor pro of having done so much work in the shop back in Troy, were that she had gotten some minor customer service training. She weren't all smiles and giggles, but she could be polite to some, if they were respectful towards her as well. Though at the start, she did almost throw a vase at someone. In her defense though, they were asking Void why she let her foal play with knives at her age. Those were fighting words.

Looking at the list of baked goods, Null would look for something with a sour or bitter taste. Like lemon cake, pine bread, that sort of thing. Completely sugary things were mostly fed to Void when they grew up, so Null had gotten a preference for the bitter, sour things that she had forcefed herself for a long time, whilst lying to her sister and say that she preferred that. She'd have liked some of the good stuff too, but there were usually not a lot to go around with, and she had wanted Void to get a chance at growing up as best as she were able to. So she gave her the best food - sometimes, the only food, if times were really tough - and tolerated what were left. Eventually, she supposed she just got used to it enough that sugary things actually tasted a little bland and annoying to her these days, and you'd find her chomping down on a raw citrus, if she had the choice over an apple, any day. It were just usually harder to find.

"So. seeing anything you like yet?"

She had about sixty-seventy bits on her. Not a lot, but she had felt like she knew how to survive on her own well enough to not need a ton out in the world, and figured that Void needed the most of it for the shop, and their little new sibling. So she had just taken an amount that felt like it'd do in a pinch, and been on her way. A bite here shouldn't be the thing to ruin her, unless things had inflated wildly in this town, to the point where Bits were essentially worthless.

(Troy)

On 8/2/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Both Pen and Vale looked interested in that, Pen spoke up, "A Seer? Oooh! What kind? Was it a zebra shaman type? Or was it a deer sage? Some spiritual medium?"

"Not a zebra, no. They tend to r-rhyme a lot more when they give advise.

We thought it was a unicorn, though I think she might have been a kitsune. She kept staying at a distance, and looking at us in a strange way, that regular ponies doesn't normally do. Might be I just overthought it though. Not a l-lot of them outside Neighpon. or at least not solitary ones. Just something that struck me as odd with her, that rang a bell when we later ran into some kitsune who wanted to have their f-fun with us. At least they were kind about it, even if we ended up feeling like pets in a zoo, after they tricked us into that e-enclosure. Or I guess, a reservation of sorts? I mean, we were fed at least, they kept their distance, and when b-big sis found a way out of the labyrinth they had set around the area, they let us leave fair and square. They're a weird species."

The large fox creatures were masterful tricksters and illusionist, which made them formidable opponents by most creatures who encountered them, but they were still a somewhat kind species. Provided you were not some poacher attempting to get some of their kits. Even considering harming their kits, could be picked up on, by some of their guards - since mind reading weren't an uncommon spell to teach the more advanced of them, to help distinguish who to trust and not - and the retaliation would be swift and brutal. Allegedly, anyway. Far as she knew, those she heard off that would dare to do such a thing, tended to disappear, and never be seen or heard from again.

On 8/2/2020 at 6:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Looks like we're about done with what Selena asked us to set up. She said to ask you if there was something structural we should add before we move out all our equipment. Any large furniture we should bring in?"

A small jolt went through Void as the worker suddenly started talking to her, as she had been focused on looking at what Vale and Pen were up to, and hadn't even noticed him approaching.

"O-Oh, I uhm... That means... S-Sorry, got a bit frazzled there for a moment. I think structurally, the place is safe? You probably checked to make sure the walls, floor and ceiling were all nice and safe solid, so uhm... Furniture... They have places to sleep, so that's good. They got a place to sit too, right? And a place where they can see f-food being prepared for them? Like a small kitchen area? I'm sorry if it seems to be a l-little much to ask sir, just... Trying to make them feel as welcome as they can be, and show them that t-they don't have to worry about us serving them something bad."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Yknow, you can just say that you're hungry, and want to try actual food, instead of whatever swill you've been given. But yeah, let's go there and see what's on offer. Might as well bring some culinary tips back with us anyway."

Arcade blushed at her laugh, but shook it off, "Sorry, I'm used to being the strong one, the leader, waiting for the others to eat and then seeing if there's enough left for me. I get the feeling you know what that's like. But yes, I'd like to see what sort of food they have here."

When it came to the menu Null was in luck, either the shopkeeper shared her preferences or the city didn't have much access to sugar or sweet items. Most of the items on the menu were standard bread products involving wheat and corn, as well as an extensive selection of sourdough products. Each type was available as a full loaf, mini loaf, bun, roll, stick, bite, flat, or tortilla, there was a small selection of sandwiches and wraps that could be made with the mentioned bread products, but it was evident she or the city lacked variety. They did however have a variety of butters, either the mare also churned her own butter, or she worked with one who did.

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So. seeing anything you like yet?"

Arcade was a bit confused as he read the menu, turning back to Null he shrugged, "Can't say I know any of these by name. I mean, I'm pretty sure I know what bread is, and I assume wheat, corn, and sour are types of bread, I just don't know how they relate to the bread we had in the facility." he laughed, "But that was some strange unending bread, so I doubt it would be a fair comparison."

He walked up to the counter, and the mare approached as well, "I think I'll have a mini loaf of cornbread with honey butter, if that's alright?"

The mare nodded, "Of course! Will you be paying with Debt or cash?"

Arcade looked a bit confused, but pulled out some Trojan money, "Will this work?"

The mare looked closely and nodded, "Not too many using sand dollars out here, but the bank will take it so I will. How's $3 sound?"

Arcade shrugged, "Sure."

The mare took some of the money and pushed the remainder back to Arcade before moving to one of the shelves to pull down a small wrapped package, then she opened a cooler type box where she pulled out a small package of what was presumably the butter. She gave the pair to Arcade and pointed over to the seating area, "Feel free to take a seat to eat," She looked over at Null, then back at Arcade, "Anything for your little friend there? Or will you two be sharing?"

(Troy)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

They're a weird species."

Vale looked contemplative, "TrUST might have studied them at one point, I think I remember reading something about them. It seems like they were nice enough to the two of you compared to what the reports said."

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And a place where they can see f-food being prepared for them? Like a small kitchen area? I'm sorry if it seems to be a l-little much to ask sir, just... Trying to make them feel as welcome as they can be,

The forepony looked thoughtful, "Well, we had originally planned to have them use the central kitchen, or better said their cook would use the building kitchen, but I think having a small kitchen installed wouldn't be too hard. In fact, I think the hookups run through that wall there, so it'd just be a matter of connecting to them to put in a stove and sink..." he nodded and turned back to Void, "I think we can arrange that, it likely won't be finished by the time they arrive, but it shouldn't take longer than a day to get it all working and safe. Plus, if they're independent enough it'd save some effort on the cook's part for them to have their own kitchen."

He waved over one of the workers who was putting away tools and pointed out one of the corners of the room, the one closest to the door and opposite the window, where the worker than went with a hammer to lightly tap the walls with his ear pressed to it. After a few taps he started marking the wall with a pencil, tracing a line of some sort.

Vale and Pen returned from setting down and organizing what they had brought, there was now a sort of dedicated corner of things with a decent degree of compartmentalization, They nodded to Void, "We're going to head home now, we'll see you tomorrow, we should have a bit of time before they arrive for any final arrangements. Good luck on your mosaic!"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 8/4/2020 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Sorry, I'm used to being the strong one, the leader, waiting for the others to eat and then seeing if there's enough left for me. I get the feeling you know what that's like. But yes, I'd like to see what sort of food they have here."

Null's lip stiffened a little as she heard this, whilst memories of her own times, forgoing food for the sake of Void came into mind. It were not all the time it happened, but it had been a thing for enough times, that Void actively refused to eat as well in the long run, if Null did not eat something. Anything, even if it were less than what she had given her sister, as she could easily argue that her smaller size, meant she needed less. However, she could not do well on nothing, and Void refused to see her sister starve, just so that she herself, could have a full meal.

That being said, Null still tended to go after the less good things, smaller amounts, less healthy food, etc. If Void hadn't been an inventive cook at times, Null would probably have had more bouts of vitamin deficiency than she did.

"Yeah, I know what it's like to see there's not always enough for everyone, and then thinking the other needs it more. Sometimes it's just better that just the one who can handle it starves, instead of the ones who can't. It just ain't easy to make them understand that, is it?"

For Null, it also had to do with her wanting Void to get the best she possibly could, combined with her own, low self worth. Even then though, fact remained that if there weren't enough, you had to be smart about it, and it generally did better if the one who didn't get a meal, were one who could fight through it, rather than another who couldn't. Especially in tough situations, where you might need everyone on as top of their game as were possible.

One of the few, minor benefits of this size really. You didn't need a lot, and if worst came to worst, it wasn't hard to drag you around, in case you got too weak to move for a time.

Interesting that Arcade had to go through the same, but she supposed, when those at the facility categorized others as things, they wouldn't focus too much on treating them like living beings. The sort who needed a good deal of food to function properly. Good riddance that the place were in ruins, and a lot of the ones who used to work there, were dead. The world didn't need folks like that.

*sigh* At least the other clones had Arcade to make sure the food they did have, got spread around in a responsible way, even if that meant he didn't always get a slice. From personal experience, she could say that it were a tough thing to go through. Though she found a good deal more respect for Arcade, for being able to deal with it. Not a lot who had the resolve to do so, and especially not when leading. A good chunk of leaders tended to see the food chain going the other way around, where they ate first, and the others ate after. If there were anything left.

On 8/4/2020 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The mare took some of the money and pushed the remainder back to Arcade before moving to one of the shelves to pull down a small wrapped package, then she opened a cooler type box where she pulled out a small package of what was presumably the butter. She gave the pair to Arcade and pointed over to the seating area, "Feel free to take a seat to eat," She looked over at Null, then back at Arcade, "Anything for your little friend there? Or will you two be sharing?"

"I'm perfectly able to pay for my own food. I ain't his tag along.

Small loaf of sourdough bread, with some... I dunno, you got twine butter? Maybe some other spicy sort of thing to spread on it? If not, then just some regular butter. Long as it ain't too sweet."

While she had taken sixty bits with her - since she figured, worst case, gold were still gold - she did have a few of those things that Arcade had used. She just didn't know it was currency, and had wrapped them up to use as sort of emergency napkins. Rummaging through her bag, she'd find that she had four of these *dollars* combined, along with a realisation that maybe, she should have been asking more around what sort of cash still worked out in the big world. Along with a bit more understanding of why Void had looked at her funny, when she had thrown these into her back, and said they seemed about right to wipe with.

They'd see if this were enough to get anything here though. If not, then eh. She could wait, or just go for the bread alone. Wasn't too long ago she ate, relatively speaking.

She also had a new target on their list. That being the bank, as she wanted to... Awh heck, why bother? She might as well ask here.

"Mind me asking, what's cash and debt, when it comes to currency? Spend a lot of time out of towns before the crisis, and barely any around these parts, but can't recall hearing about those before. I figured a lot of places still ran on gold, like in lumps, or with bits. That sorta thing. This place running on another tender?"

She'd have the ones she had scrounged from her bag up, and unfolded from the band she had used to keep them together, just in case. Though they did look rather crumbled, and she probably looked like an idiot. The day was finding an interesting way to start annoying her again.

(Troy)

On 8/4/2020 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"TrUST might have studied them at one point, I think I remember reading something about them. It seems like they were nice enough to the two of you compared to what the reports said."

"Knowing them, they probably tried studying the kits, or even k-kidnap some of them. At the very least, I bet they'd be thinking about it, and the kitsune doesn't like that sort of thing. They're tricksters and like their fun, but t-there's a limit to what they'll accept. You'd have some limits too, if it were your kids potentially on the line, right?

That, or maybe they were just rude, or looked on them. Few we've met, didn't like that either. I think it's something with their history with the ponies of Neighpon, but we weren't there enough to l-learn a lot. I just remember it coming up that it wasn't always all that friendly."

On 8/4/2020 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, we had originally planned to have them use the central kitchen, or better said their cook would use the building kitchen, but I think having a small kitchen installed wouldn't be too hard. In fact, I think the hookups run through that wall there, so it'd just be a matter of connecting to them to put in a stove and sink..." he nodded and turned back to Void, "I think we can arrange that, it likely won't be finished by the time they arrive, but it shouldn't take longer than a day to get it all working and safe. Plus, if they're independent enough it'd save some effort on the cook's part for them to have their own kitchen."

"Thank you, sir. I'll uhm... Try to figure out something until it's up. I could probably think of a few meals they could help with, that wouldn't require s tove or anything like that."

If she had some of the fire gems they sometimes sold around the more industrial, or inventive, places of the world, she could have water boiled like that, but that wasn't the case. Plus, she'd have to deal with it with a prong, as to not deplete it more or less instantly, by getting too close.

It would probably just be best if she brought along some pieces for a nice salat. Simple, easy, and if she didn't prepare any of it in advance, they should be able to see that she hadn't filled it with anything. Bringing a bucket of water along to wash the greens in, it should also show she hadn't rubbed it in something, since if she had, then why clean them?

Something to think about, but she had a pretty good idea of what to do for now, for a first meal. She'd see if she managed to get it all ready, before the little ones showed up.

As the forepony wandered off to get his workers to start prepping for the kitchen area, and Pen and Vale were away for a spell, she had a little time for herself to look over things, and trying to sort out what would be best for her to finish first, back at the workshop. Not a lot though, before the two latter ones showed up again, and she had to redirect her focus on to them.

On 8/4/2020 at 5:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale and Pen returned from setting down and organizing what they had brought, there was now a sort of dedicated corner of things with a decent degree of compartmentalization, They nodded to Void, "We're going to head home now, we'll see you tomorrow, we should have a bit of time before they arrive for any final arrangements. Good luck on your mosaic!"

"Thank you. I'll g-get to work once I get home, and see what I can finish. Maybe see if I can't fix some of the b-broken toys too. Moist seemed easy enough to fix."

Before leaving herself, she'd unload those things who were already well though, and spread them around in a safe corner, that seemed done for the time being. No need to have to sort through them again several times, right?

Her night would go with work, and only about two hours of sleep. Not just because she were restless, but because she had a set of ideas of what she wanted to finish before the foals showed up, and wanted to get on with it, soon as possible. It would mean her forge were on most of the night, but oh well. Just how it had to be.

In the morning, she'd show up with a saddlebag filled with repaired toy, as well as bringing about most of the teddy bears, etc. from the workshop, but not mosaic on her. Unless Vale and Pen would meet her at said workshop, in which case she'd open the door with soot on her forehead, and some baggy eyes, surprised that they were coming here.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

It just ain't easy to make them understand that, is it?"

Arcade chuckled weakly, "Well, I suppose I had it easier given my, er, condition. Starving's hardly the worst way to die." He only fully starved to death once in the facility before they found the endless breadstick bowl, so it wasn't a strong issue, but often all he'd eat for long stretches would be the bread while the others shared whatever other food they had found.

Now that he thought about it, he wondered if one of them had packed the bowl on their way out.

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm perfectly able to pay for my own food. I ain't his tag along.

Small loaf of sourdough bread, with some... I dunno, you got twine butter? Maybe some other spicy sort of thing to spread on it? If not, then just some regular butter. Long as it ain't too sweet."

The mare was a bit surprised by Null's fiery response, but shook it off as Null placed her order, "Spicy you say? One of the few things that grow well here is peppers, so I do have a few spicy spreads to choose from, though I'd recommend a wheat loaf, toasted, as the spice tends to clash with the sourdough, but that's just a suggestion. If you want a little spice I've got sriracha butter, if you want more spice you could try some habanero butter."

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Mind me asking, what's cash and debt, when it comes to currency? Spend a lot of time out of towns before the crisis, and barely any around these parts, but can't recall hearing about those before. I figured a lot of places still ran on gold, like in lumps, or with bits. That sorta thing. This place running on another tender?"

The mare was again surprised by the question, but smiled, "I figured you two were from outside. Cash is pretty simple, we don't have a lot of any old currency, so we turned to using the casino chips as money, exchange rates fluctuate over time, but they hold a bit more stable than the other currencies as there's a set amount of cash, while the others come and go. Bits, Dollars, Talons, Gems, they're all valid currency in the city, but you'll have to shop around to get the best value for them. Debt however..."

She thought for a moment before continuing, "You know how the Grey liberated the town from Discord's forces? Well, within the members of the Grey they had this system they called Debt or Servitude, basically their conscription time where they had to remain a Grey. You earn Debt by doing what the Grey consider 'bad' things, you lose debt by doing what they consider 'good' things, or by doing 'bad' things to those with more debt than you. They used to trade Debt amongst themselves to buy favors or items, you take on some of their debt and they do something for you. When they liberated the town Grey Mane codified the process and transfer rates, it is only by the judges that one gains new debt, but once assigned it can be passed off with written agreements turned in to the judges. If you manage to repay all your Debt you start earning Credit, which cancels out a certain amount of future debt as you acquire it. If you wanted to pay with debt I'd transfer some of my debt to you, or in my case you would gain debt and I would gain credit, you would then repay the debt either serving the Grey or anyone else willing to take your debt in exchange for your services."

She shrugged, "It's not the most self-explanatory system, which is why I mostly stick to cash, but Credit is good to have when you need scarce ingredients. It cost me quite a bit to get my sourdough starter."

(Troy)

The Trojan 'night' passed as hotly as it always did, and the moon soon rose on another Trojan 'day', the 'day' the young ponies would be arriving, though the exact hour was not clear.

Pen and Vale would meet her at the building, now almost fully furnished, along with Selena who was talking with them with a bit of a concerned expression, though it brightened a bit when Void approached. The kitchen area had some holes in the wall where new connections to the pipes had been installed, the sink and a countertop had been installed, there was a taped off section where a worker was installing the stove and a cooler crate. There were parts leaning against the wall for more counter space and cabinets to be installed.

Selena motioned for Void to join them in the midst of the beds, away from the worker. Once Void joined them Selena would continue, "So, our forward scouts met up with the foals, they're all doing well, no worries there, though they're reportedly unused to a normal day cycle, likely due to their time in the facility. So we're getting some good curtains for the windows until they adjust to the light cycle above ground. But that's not what's most important." She turned to include Void in the conversation, "The guards and ambassadors in the party were Trojan, never really knew Equestria, as such they didn't think twice about their appearance, but one of the scouts was Equestrian, and noticed immediately that these foals bear strong resemblance to some of the Elements of Harmony. The youngest two are quite similar in appearance to Princesses Luna and Celestia. They aren't alicorns, which makes this complicated situation a bit simpler, but understandably they may attract some undesirable attention."

She sighed, "Having the locals swarm them will hardly help, and neither will keeping them stuck in this room. We'll be bringing them in secretly, have as little of the populous know about them as possible. Already the workers have been bound to secrecy. Once they get acclimated here we can see about introducing them to the public, but it will still cause problems..."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 8/6/2020 at 8:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Spicy you say? One of the few things that grow well here is peppers, so I do have a few spicy spreads to choose from, though I'd recommend a wheat loaf, toasted, as the spice tends to clash with the sourdough, but that's just a suggestion. If you want a little spice I've got sriracha butter, if you want more spice you could try some habanero butter."

"Wheat loaf and habanero butter then, please. It's been a long day, and I could use a heat spike to make it better."

Yeah yeah, she knew, for most, mellowing out didn't include getting a tingling, burning feeling in your muzzle and throat, but after you got used enough to eating these sorts of things, it influenced you. Void weren't much for highly spicy tastes, so peppers, chilies, that sort of thing- All for Null to freely take. There were times where it were her only source of food. And yes, her indegestion had been tested many a time because of that, but well... This was her comfort food. It reminded her of some of the good days, when both Void and her would eat.

...Actually, thinking about it like that, really put into perspective how low the bar for a good memory were, in her case.

On 8/6/2020 at 8:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I figured you two were from outside. Cash is pretty simple, we don't have a lot of any old currency, so we turned to using the casino chips as money, exchange rates fluctuate over time, but they hold a bit more stable than the other currencies as there's a set amount of cash, while the others come and go. Bits, Dollars, Talons, Gems, they're all valid currency in the city, but you'll have to shop around to get the best value for them. Debt however..."

Thankfully, a little lesson in local economics were a fine distraction, from a rather depressive thought. And what the baker said made a good deal of sense. When you were low on the old currency, and in the middle of a place that could turn into a war zone at a moments notice, and couldn't waste too many resources of things like crafting a new currency, why not just take the most abundantly available thing, and work with that until further notice? She had never been in the old Las Pegasus, but she heard they liked their gambling, so made sense they had those casino chips lying around. Those things were sturdy too, if they were anything like those she had handled in Murrocco. Another place for from here, that had an inkling for gambling, as well as a disturbing degree of sphinx worship.

They had not really made much of a wave in the town, except for a few who saw what they could do, and were thinking they were perhaps a strange pair of performers, so it would seem ideal enough to settle down there. Though the first time they saw the statue in the center of town, and bit note in the designated prayer time, as well as learned that at least once a month, an elder sphinx from high up their society, would arrive in town to be celebrated, dictate rules, etc. they got out of there.

They were willing to try a fair few kinds of creatures, and see how it'd work to be around them, but there were no way that they were risking it with the large felines. Especially not if they actually got visits from what sounded like either a representative, or actual member of the sphinx's high council. Any chance - however minute - that the two of them would be seen as a novelty by one of those, and brought back to their city, as either some sort of fun little peculiarity, or slaves, were not worth it. What little were known of the hidden sphinx kingdom, did not speak well of anyone having a chance of escaping, among other things.

Frankly, she'd be surprised if that place still didn't stand. Elder sphinx were powerful creatures, and their high council were made of the ilk legends were often written about. Dark, disturbing ones more often than not, yet still, legends. Though at the same time, she felt fairly certain that the place had just ended up isolating themselves, and let the world burn around them. They had nothing to gain from partaking in a world wide conflict like this, whereas simply remaining with their hordes of servants, in their obscured home, waiting for it to end, so that they could swoop in and make their mark here and there... Well, it fit their scheming, future scrying ways.

Not that she were thinking much on that. Null made it to around remembering them wandering around Murrocco, when the baker started talking again, and mentioned The Grey. An action which derailed Null's thoughts, and made her right eye twitch, at the first mention of that insolent monster's name. Subsequently, she had to bite down her own teeth rather hard, as she heard about his *ingenious way* of endeturned service for payment. Typical that he of all ponies, were perfectly fine with essentially legalized slavery.

Her view on this were not unbiased, and might gloss over a few things, to make it seem worse than it were though, so her opinion on it should be taken with a grain of salt.

On 8/6/2020 at 8:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"It's not the most self-explanatory system, which is why I mostly stick to cash, but Credit is good to have when you need scarce ingredients. It cost me quite a bit to get my sourdough starter."

"...I'll just be sticking with regular payment. How much in these dollar things, for the bread and butter?"

Her voice were strained a little, at the beginning, as she stuffed her anger down her metaphorical throat. If she started to go on one of her rants about The Grey now, she'd blow this entire thing, and she wouldn't let that happen. Not when she were finally so close to ending his cursed existence.

(Troy)

On 8/6/2020 at 8:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen and Vale would meet her at the building, now almost fully furnished, along with Selena who was talking with them with a bit of a concerned expression, though it brightened a bit when Void approached. The kitchen area had some holes in the wall where new connections to the pipes had been installed, the sink and a countertop had been installed, there was a taped off section where a worker was installing the stove and a cooler crate. There were parts leaning against the wall for more counter space and cabinets to be installed.

Void would give a tired wave and smile towards the three as she neared, but stayed at a fair distance, due to Selena's presence. She didn't want to risk potentially stumbling, and hitting the crystal mare, after all the good things she had done for Null. It were not something the avatar of mercy deserved, and quite frankly, not Selena as a being either. She seemed like a very nice creature. Or should she say pony? Probably. Best to do that, and just change if she were told otherwise later.

Going inside, it were good to see how far they had gotten with the place. Seemed like she weren't the only one who had spent a lot of the night working, and it could really be seen here. Very impressive amount of progress they had done, in so little time.

"The forepony and his w-workers have gotten a long way. I'm very impressed."

She'd extend her praise to said forepony, if she saw him later, though for the time being, it seemed as if the other three wanted her to go over and join them somewhat close by? Perhaps something secret? Nono, it were probably nothing. Just her being paranoid. They were likely going to ask her what she had brought along, or were the mosaics were. That sort of thing.

On 8/6/2020 at 8:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"So, our forward scouts met up with the foals, they're all doing well, no worries there, though they're reportedly unused to a normal day cycle, likely due to their time in the facility. So we're getting some good curtains for the windows until they adjust to the light cycle above ground. But that's not what's most important." She turned to include Void in the conversation, "The guards and ambassadors in the party were Trojan, never really knew Equestria, as such they didn't think twice about their appearance, but one of the scouts was Equestrian, and noticed immediately that these foals bear strong resemblance to some of the Elements of Harmony. The youngest two are quite similar in appearance to Princesses Luna and Celestia. They aren't alicorns, which makes this complicated situation a bit simpler, but understandably they may attract some undesirable attention."

She sighed, "Having the locals swarm them will hardly help, and neither will keeping them stuck in this room. We'll be bringing them in secretly, have as little of the populous know about them as possible. Already the workers have been bound to secrecy. Once they get acclimated here we can see about introducing them to the public, but it will still cause problems..."

...To say that she had been wrong, were an understatement. Not only were they clones, but they were clones of the princesses and... *gulp*

"This is c-complicated, yes. I uhm... B-Back in Ponyville, big sis and I met most the wearers. Rarity did not go w-well, but Applejack seemed nice, and Twilight were... Kinda terrifying in her own way, though I don't t-think she knew that. Kinda like Pinkie Pie. She was v-very intense.

A-Anyway, just saying that it will be kinda awkward, but i'll t-try my best. It helps with the warning so uhm, t-thank you for that.

I think you're r-right, with it causing problems in the l-long run, regardless of how secretly we t-try to introduce others to them, but uhm... If I can g-give a counter argument? What if they're n-never introduced, and then e-eventually grows up, and the first anypo- I-I mean, anyone, sees of them, are them as grown up a-adults? The others know the real ones are c-coming back, and if they s-see them like that, it m-might make things even more confused. D-Doubly so if they got out around the t-time the real ones came back.

B-Besides, if we just keep them h-here, would we really be all that d-different from where they came f-from? I know there's gonna be issues, but the b-best way would be to deal with it as it comes along. Keep them a-away from the loyalists that'd get a little too c-clingy otherwise. And the ones who'd w-want to hurt them... W-Well, I've kept my hammer in good condition. If n-need be, I could help. Something tells me they w-won't just trust a heavily armed p-pony or griffon out of nowhere.

Of course, that's for you and the Consul to t-think about in the end, right Selena?"

Void were pretty shaken as she talked about this, but she tried her best to give her two bits on the matter.