private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-04-02 at 12:48 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Though The Grey could likely catch him if it were needed. He were still within city limits.

The Grey would only go after someone if vengeance were called on them, either literally or figuratively. So given no one was planning to go to the Grey about it, and no one appeared to have died to talk to Vengeance about it, he'd be under their radar for now. Ace wasn't going to get the Grey involved in any case.

Arcade only looked over the room briefly to make sure it was secure before putting Ardee to bed, who was already asleep on his back. He looked her over with a frown, "We should have someone look at her, all that bruising around her wings doesn't look good, I hope she didn't push herself too hard."

He'd then turn his attention back to Null, "And how about you? Did he hurt you any? It's hard to tell with how dark your coat is. And in any case, how are you feeling? About everything that happened? I..."

He sighed, looking at Ardee, "I don't know if it would have been better or worse if we had gone with you from the start, or if I had just stayed here despite what I heard... I'm glad you're both alright, but... I don't know what I would do if either of you had gotten seriously hurt."

 

(Cherish)

Many of the students seemed intrigued by the prospect of speaking to Sooth, and were placated that they would need to talk to their guardians to set it up.

Gemini would stand up, "Do questions remain? No?" She nodded, "Good, everyone thank our guest!"

The students would thank Sooth, who would then be allowed to leave, or to stick around if she wanted to observe the students.

In any case, Gypsum would stand at the front, "Now, are there any final questions about marks?"

(There's a chance for Cherish to ask something, or not. I think unless you have topics for school, we'll just go into the school when we have something interesting for them to learn. I am interested though in having Elef do some therapy at some point.)

(Regardless, the next scene is Toupé's party!)

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

"I'm fine, just... A few bruises. It'll ache later, but I've had worse. Ardee's outta see someone first, after she's had some rest."

She could feel it aching some already, but it wasn't something she hadn't tried before. Unless it started to bleed, or the pain would increase, she'd be fine. She just needed to take it easy for a bit, if that were at all possible. This line of work, who could tell how it would go?

Honestly, the thought of just laying down on the floor for a bit, and breathe in silence, were rather tempting. Just a chance to clear her head, and get everything straight. But much as that seemed tempting, there were something else that were far more tempting than that.

Beyond the want to have the Vengeance powers turned off again, but she would've asked Nine to do so on the way back, so that shouldn't currently be an issue.

"Don't blame yourself, Arcade. If anyone's to blame here, it's me. The stuff I did when I went alone, it wasn't dangerous, and we were a big group, so no one tried something. But I left you behind, because I was scared that either of you were gonna get into this mess, but not out of it again. If I hadn't, maybe she wouldn't have been taken in the first place. You wouldn't have gotten killed on that rooftop...

This here's my fault, because I didn't trust her. And don't say that ain't true, because it is. I didn't believe that if the fight came, she'd be ready for it. I were sure she'd be the sitting duck, just waiting to be shot down.

Instead she came in, guns blazing, and showed teeth. Even though Basher held back, that doesn't change that she wouldn't have just been picked off. But I didn't give her a chance to prove that, before I just tossed her in a box, and told her to stay there.

I just... Void trusted me to take good care of her this trip. Instead I tried too hard, and I almost f-failed her, and all of you. If she'd died, because of me, I... H-How could I even look her in the eyes anymore? Or y-you..."

It all just hit her at once, and she'd lean in to him, crying into his chest fluff. She were happy, that they all got out of this alive, but she had put a lot of fear, pain, and other negative emotions in the back of her mind, when she put the focus on finding her Ardee again. She got a small respite earlier, because of Arcade, but it hadn't stopped boiling up back there, including when Ardee had shown up, and started to fight Basher. And now everything seemed calm and done, the barrier were falling down, and she needed to let it out. Even if it was just a little. Just a few minutes, where it were just him and her, before the next ordeal would toss them to the waves.

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

 

(School)

Cherish hadn't anything to mention about this, as she knew a little bit more on how her mother's clinic worked, seeing as she lived there, and had been through several sessions herself. But with Sooth here, she would have the chance to do something else, before the day would be done.

That being that she'd ask Sooth if maybe she could go to the Cutie Mark Party, if it was okay with the others. Sooth personally, hadn't anything against it, but did say that she would have to ask Void, and that Cherish herself would have to ask Toupé, of course. Which she did.

If Toupé preferred not to, that would be okay. They were still new classmates, so Cherish could understand, and just wished her a happy Cutie Mark Party. If it were okay, Sooth would say that she'd go and ask Void about it, before school ended for today, so she should better go and ask. If it came to that, Void would be surprised for a start, to see her therapist. But when explained things, would understand, and welcomed Cherish, if she liked to join. Void figured it were good for them all to make friends.

That would of course, also be an option for Lilac and Nova. She'd have to find some more plates and such in the closet, but there were food enough, she made sure of that, and she could easily make room around the table.

As for how things were set up at home? It were extravagant. Balloons covered a fair few surfaces. Various, mixed culture party accessories were hung or put around, as it were hard to have enough, without being willing to take what one could find. The table were covered in a large cloth, but it were clear that something were beneath the lumpy tablecloth, as were there beneath a cloth, that were hanging and covering something in the middle of a spacious wall, with the best view when you entered the living room.

Colors and flags were in abundance, wherever you looked, and once shed notice they were here, Void would pop around the corner, wearing a party hat, and using a small party horn. It had seen better days, but it were the best she had to work with, though Lacuna would repeat the sound it made, as best he could too, as he thought this were some new kind of greeting. She didn't mind. It would distract him away from trying to wander off and eat tinsel. Which at least he had been interested in trying. If the foals had been the same, she had three to try and stop from doing that, which would not have made things easier, but she would muscle through it, as best she could.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-04-09 at 2:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I just... Void trusted me to take good care of her this trip. Instead I tried too hard, and I almost f-failed her, and all of you. If she'd died, because of me, I... H-How could I even look her in the eyes anymore? Or y-you..."

Arcade looked like he had wanted to interject at points, but held back to let Null say her full piece. When she started crying he held her close, "I won't lie and tell you its alright, but I understand, and I don't blame you for the decisions you made. I agreed with you when you made them and I think they were the best we could have made knowing what we did. I appreciate that you wanted to keep her safe. I did too. But we see now that our efforts put her in more danger than if we had let her try and prove herself."

He looked over at where she was sleeping, "I think what's most important is how we proceed. She's shown that she's strong and capable, and we need to show that we see and respect that. Apologize for not believing in her before and show that we believe in her now."

He kissed the top of Null's head, "I love you, because I know you care deeply about me and my family. I can't hold against you you wanting to keep us safe to the best of your ability."

 

It was likely that they would end up falling asleep like that, in each other's hooves sitting at the end of the bed Ardee was in, rather than separating to find somewhere more comfortable, but Arcade wouldn't object if Null did choose to move.

 

(Cherish)

On 2024-04-09 at 2:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

and that Cherish herself would have to ask Toupé, of course. Which she did.

Toupé would be surprised at the request, but would accept, seeing as Cherish had been there when her mark was first discovered.

On 2024-04-09 at 2:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

That would of course, also be an option for Lilac and Nova. She'd have to find some more plates and such in the closet, but there were food enough, she made sure of that, and she could easily make room around the table.

Lilac wasn't close enough to consider such a thing, nor was she aware that a party was going to happen since she didn't know who had gotten their mark when it had been announced that someone had. She had even checked herself in case it was her and no one had told her. So Void didn't have to worry on that front.

 

(Void)

On 2024-04-09 at 2:05 PM, Blitz Boom said:

If the foals had been the same, she had three to try and stop from doing that, which would not have made things easier, but she would muscle through it, as best she could.

Part of the less than perfect arrangement of decorations was due to the foals constantly trying to use their newfound abilities to take them down, though the two of them would be captivated by a balloon in the corner that Piecey was pushing around with her magic, and Peal was trying to capture with her limited flight, much to the delight of both parties.

 

The young ponies, with Cherish in tow, were surprised to see all the decorations around the room. Toupé herself was a bit more enthused than she had been before class, as the lesson had taught her that a mark was meant to be celebrated and was, in almost all cases, a good thing worth celebrating. It also helped her to see the joy in those around her for her achievement.

The foals would pause their game to come over to Teal and Toupé, who were both surprised to see what they could do, Teal asked, "Have they been doing this while we were gone? I didn't realize they'd gotten so good already!"

Toupé, with Peal on her back, would move over to the covered table, as well as looking at the covered portion of the wall, "Is there a surprise? Or did something happen to the wall? The foals didn't break something did they?"

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

Null would not be able to stop the tears, or find her words again, as she heard Arcade talk to her, saying the words that she needed to hear, and holding her, to try and bring her comfort. She didn't know how she deserved someone as good to her as him. He were attentive, loving... He were everything to her, and times as this, when she needed him the most, she just felt it even stronger.

When he were done speaking, she still hadn't a word to find, much as she felt like speaking. Her head full of a jumbled mess of things she wanted to say to him, twisting and turning in a chaotic mess, but... She knew what it boiled down to, in her heart. And so she let herself answer not with words, but action, as she pushed forward, engaging him in a passionate kiss, tears still streaming from her eyes.

She didn't deserve someone this good, but she thanked whatever sliver of kindness left in this world, that he were here, with her, and she would not let him go. Currently literally, as she kept the kiss going, hugging him close for a time, until eventually she would fall asleep in his grip. Had they been alone, perhaps she would be less... Restrained, but a small part of her were still aware, that Ardee were here. Perhaps another time, it would be a night just for them, but still, she did not complain. Here at the end of the bed, close to her love, she felt as happy as she ever think she could be.

She would rest soundly, until the others would begin to stir. She wouldn't be happy to let go of Arcade and wake up, but she'd begrudgingly slowly open her eyes, that were a little puffed up from her previous crying.

"Nnngh... What time is it?"

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

 

(Void)

"They're plenty good, long as they're motivated.

And don't you worry, they're persistent, but I make sure to keep a close eye on them, so they don't get hurt. A lot easier, once they got transfixed by the balloons. A lot of young foals tend to be transfixed by them.

*sigh* I remember looking on at carnivals, just seeing hundreds of foals walking around with balloons. floating around... It were magical. It's honestly nice to finally see that wonder and amazement up close."

Null and her rarely actually got into the carnivals. Too many there, so it were too easy to get noticed, with their abilities, with so many magical sources, all over the place. But they did like to watch it from the outskirts, and enjoy the sounds and lights, and imagine what it would be like to walk in and try things. Not that they didn't at times. Wander in, that were. Sadly they couldn't go and waste their limited funds on the stuff you could do there, as the things were expensive, and even if they had more to work with than normally, they could do other things with the money instead, that would be good. Like getting coats, or a room for a few days, or a week.

They were both fascinated with the plushies you could try and throw balls for, but they had seen enough to know it were mostly a scam, and thus just a waste of money. They did go around and loot things though. Not directly from the stands or anything. They weren't thieves per se. More like dropped things, and leftover food abandoned somewhere, maybe a half soda here and there, if they got lucky- It were all fair game to them, and would be the closest they got to enjoying a carnival, or other such gatherings. Some times they were luckier than others, but they liked the leftovers they managed to get hold of. It were a nice change in their normal diet at times, and felt like a rare, well earned treat.

She outta take the younglings here to a festival one day, when those sorts of things would be starting up again. Just the whole family, or at least as much of it as were possible. Ardee and Arcade as well.

"And don't you worry about the wall. The little darlings didn't break anything there, nor on the table. It's surprises. The table we'll see soon, but I actually would like for you to unveil what I placed on the wall, Toupé. It's a little extra present, that I hope you'll like. Come on and gather up everyone."

If Toupé unveiled it, it would turn out to be a mosaic. Smaller than the rest she had presented, but it were big enough, to show what she wanted it to: Toupé's cutie mark. It hadn't been easy, and she had to pull an all nighter mostly because she had to make this, and her other present, but she believed it was well worth it, and she hoped, the start of a tradition, where she could get one up for each of them, as they'd eventually get their marks. And like with this one, she might need to gently carve in small details in, like had been the case with Toupé's lettering, to the best of her abilities. She personally thought it looked accurate, but she might be wrong with the minor things. Hopefully it would be okay though.

The underside had a small circle screw, seemingly making it possible to hang something from it.

"Surprise! I thought this would be a nice way to celebrate, and mark the occasion. I've left a spot at the bottom, to hang a plate with your name on, when you know for sure what you want to do with that."

Cherish were impressed at least, but she waited saying something. Void had seen her, and had smiled and given her a wave, but this were Toupé's important moment. She'd get to say hello soon enough.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Null would find that she had been reoriented in the night to at least be on her side and covered in a light blanket and head on a pillow. Arcade's back was to her, so she was in a protected position where she was between the bed and Arcade, with Arcade facing the door.

It was Ardee moving on the bed that had woken Null, though Arcade were starting to stir, a bit slower than usual given the exertion of the previous day and night.

Ardee raised herself to a sitting position with a pained groan, "ugh- my wings haven't hurt like this since..." she shook her head. She winced as she tried to fold her wings in, the bruising was still present around where her wings met her body, and there was some swelling at the joints of the wings themselves.

"Umm, Null? Could... could you help me fold my wings? I should be able to hold them still once they're folded, but it hurts to move them."

Provided Null agreed, Ardee would look away as Null helped move her wings to the folded position, doing her best to keep herself from tensing too much, though it was obvious that it hurt a good amount.

Null could take this opportunity to talk to Ardee a bit more personally.

Arcade would get up and move towards the door, "I'll leave you two to that then, and I'll try and find us some food."

So she could even talk privately if she wanted.

 

(Void)

On 2024-04-16 at 5:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Surprise! I thought this would be a nice way to celebrate, and mark the occasion. I've left a spot at the bottom, to hang a plate with your name on, when you know for sure what you want to do with that."

Toupé was surprised by the reveal, gently raising a hoof to touch it, to trace the lines, there was a faint smile to her face, and she looked thoughtful as she looked at the space where her name would go.

She looked over at Void, "Are... are you going to do this for the others too? I don't want them to feel left out..."

Teal and Elef encouraged Toupé, indicating that they didn't mind, but also hoping that they would get their own when they got their marks? As they looked to Void for confirmation to that end.

That said, Toupé would look at another place in the room, "Um, I don't know if you stuck it to the wall like the others, but maybe it could be moved? I mean, maybe if it went over my bed? If it's attached then it's fine. I do appreciate it, it's much easier to see there than looking at my own flank. Thank you."

She would move to hug Void if Void would allow it, and Void would feel a few tears on her coat from Toupé's eyes, "Sorry, I'm not used to... all this. We all had to work very hard to get anything before."

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Arcade, Ardee- Whomever got her stirred, were annoying her a bit. Null wasn't much of a morning pony in all honesty. When she finally managed to find a patch of peace and calm, she were the sort who liked to soak it in, as best she could, because who knew when the next time would come to happen again. It weren't that bad anymore, but everything took getting used to, and she'd have liked to lay down for a few more hours. But alas, life called, and there were plenty to do, so she better just get over herself. Seemed like the name of the game right now, were gonna be to help with some wings. Looking it over - once she had rubbed the sleep from her eyes - she could see some swelling, so it made sense enough, that she had some issues there. Shouldn't be too hard to solve for now.

"Yeah, I can help you. Just take it easy. The swelling's probably gonna make this hurt a bit."

Looked like it hurt a fair bit actually, but... It would be brief at least, even if she were being careful. Which she was. She didn't want Ardee to get hurt more, because of her.

As Arcade would start to leave the room, looking for food, she'd give him a shoutout.

"I dunno if maybe they also run a breakfast buffet. Try look there for a start, and I'll help Ardee a bit."

Wasn't gonna be pleasant, but they'd get there eventually. Hopefully it would help a bit when around halfway, the small fox would pop up again, and go jump on Ardee, to help try to ease the pain a bit. It figured that trying to help her with the pain, over the swelling, was the better option, though it did feel a bit perky. Maybe it was the feather stuck in its folds? It wasn't sure, but it would channel energy into Ardee, but this time, not overdoing it. It didn't want to end up all out of juice again. Now they were safe, it wanted to be awake for its pamphlet.

Once they were both tucked in, Null would chew her lower lip a bit, trying to find the right words to open up what to say here.

"...I'm sorry for underestimating you, Ardee. I wanted so badly to keep you out of danger, that I pushed you right into the middle of it. I just... I couldn't bare the thought of going back, and having to tell my sister, and your siblings, that you died, because I couldn't keep you safe. It'd shatter them."

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

 

(Void)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She looked over at Void, "Are... are you going to do this for the others too? I don't want them to feel left out..."

"Of course. I was aiming that yours is the first, but I want to mark the occasion for all of you, including the date when you got your marks. But I'm adding that to the name plate. The same goes for everyone else, so we can celebrate their mark day, and I hope, it will also make you remember that no matter how long time have passed, and how far away you might end up, there'll always be someone who loves you, and a home that will welcome you."

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

That said, Toupé would look at another place in the room, "Um, I don't know if you stuck it to the wall like the others, but maybe it could be moved? I mean, maybe if it went over my bed? If it's attached then it's fine. I do appreciate it, it's much easier to see there than looking at my own flank. Thank you."

She would move to hug Void if Void would allow it, and Void would feel a few tears on her coat from Toupé's eyes, "Sorry, I'm not used to... all this. We all had to work very hard to get anything before."

"It can be wherever you want it to be, honey."

She were surprised by the hug afterwards, but even before she felt the tear, she'd lean in, and gently embrace her little angel.

"It's okay honey, I understand. Having little doesn't make it easy to celebrate things. I've been there, and it is sometimes hard to even feel good, when you don't even know if there's food on the table tomorrow.

But you've been through enough. You deserve a home, peace, and unending, unconditional love. And I promise, I'll give everything I have, to make sure you get that."

She'd plant a kiss on Toupé's forehead, and then stroke her mane, much in the same way her own mother had done, when she were growing up.

Void always saw foals in her life, someday. First as friends, but as she grew older, she knew that someday, she wanted a family too. Something that Null encouraged, and promised her that someday, she'd get. Even if they had to walk to the ends of the earth to find it.

This were not how she imagined it would happen, but Void felt right now. This were her family, and it didn't matter to her, if some of them wandered to places far away, or got adopted away, by others who were eager to shower them with love and affection. They were, and always would be her children, and they'd always be welcome home with her.

The picture were not complete, but... If she were to do this alone, that would be okay. These foals were more important, than any stallion could ever be, and if that were an issue, they had no place in her life.

It struck her briefly, that she had given the same promise, that Null gave to her several times. Yet where her sisters had been said in desperation, anger, or as a way to stay sane, Void felt none of that. She felt only warmth in her chest, along with Toupé's tears, but she didn't mind. If she needed this, then she could continue, for as long as she needed it.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-04-21 at 4:29 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Looked like it hurt a fair bit actually, but... It would be brief at least, even if she were being careful. Which she was. She didn't want Ardee to get hurt more, because of her.

Ardee, to her credit, didn't cry out at the pain, but Null could tell from how the rest of her muscles tensed that it really did hurt, Ardee had probably learned to keep quiet.

On 2024-04-21 at 4:29 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"...I'm sorry for underestimating you, Ardee. I wanted so badly to keep you out of danger, that I pushed you right into the middle of it. I just... I couldn't bare the thought of going back, and having to tell my sister, and your siblings, that you died, because I couldn't keep you safe. It'd shatter them."

Ardee took to gently petting the paper fox once her wings were set. She let out a sad sigh as she shook her head, "No, they're stronger than that, and they're used to it. After Ajay, Efs, Rare... we hardly even mourned Rare... And the others before them, I don't think they even remember the ones who didn't stick around while we were in the lab, they're used to the idea. Sure, they'd probably be sad, but they'd get over it."

She looked at Null, there weren't tears in her eyes, she was simply deeply tired, "I came out here to get away, my whole life I've been running away, trying to get out from under everyone else's expectations and plans for me. It wasn't until I was out there, with Basher, that I realized... If I just keep running, and don't figure out what I want, then I'm just going to end up somewhere I don't want to be. I need to figure out what this mark means, who I am, before I know what to do next."

She looked away, towards the outside, "Out there, fighting Basher, I had to prove to myself that I'm strong enough to stand alone. My whole life I've been defined by others..."

She sighed, "I'm tired of running, tired of fighting..."

 

(Void)

The others didn't exactly know what to do while Void and Toupé shared a moment, so they quietly tried to guess what might be under the cloth on the table.

Toupé would pull back after a bit, taking a few breaths to recompose herself, "Okay, what now? From what Mistress told us about parties, there are typically activities? But also she mentioned that all parties are different, to suit the occasion, so what happens at this party?"

The others seemed interested too, though Cherish might have some idea as to what Void had planned.

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

The fox would appreciate the attention, but seriously, it wanted a pamphlet, and at this stage, it honestly believed it deserved it enough, for it to be fair if it just went out and stole it. After that, it would probably be fine and dandy, and ready for them to go and do stuff again. Potentially pick up the other feathers? probably wasn't a good idea to just leave them out there, no? They had seemed important at least, and considering how this one it had were making it a bit more peppy, it for once wouldn't mind getting them for itself, if no one else wanted them.

Null meanwhile, would listen in to what Ardee said, and noting the tired look on her face. It were annoyingly familiar to her sadly. That look, of someone who had been ground down and spat out, had spoken to her before, in mirrors she had gazed into. And in Ardee's case, it were warranted, considering the horrible hoof she'd been dealt, and what must be rummaging through her mind currently.

"I wish I had some spot on answer to this, Ardee, but I don't. What makes you happy, what brings you purpose- It's different for everyone.

For me it's always been taking care of my family. You had that same thing before, but now you're able to go out, and see the world for yourself. And doing that, making your own choice, it got you your mark. I dunno exactly what it is gonna mean to you, but I don't think you're gonna find out, by being coddled either. Nor by me telling you the best way of doing things. I'm just gonna give you my advice.

Come back home with us. Talk to your family, and Void. Try and see if they can offer you some advise, or maybe some idea on what to do. And then, if you feel it in your heart, that your fate's elsewhere, prepare yourself to travel, and then go out and find out how you belong. I don't think you should do so alone, but that's not for me to decide. Maybe that fox of yours will be enough, after you see if that kitsune can beef it up a little. Or heck, take him with you. He's unbiased, and said he were looking for a sign. But either way, you sound like you need time to think on this. Try doing it at home, with the ponies who love you. Trust me, I know how much it can help, to at least talk to them, about what weighs on you. Frankly if it weren't for mine, I'd probably have succeeded in killing myself."

She did not like to speak of this, and beyond those Void had mentioned it to, few were aware that she had tried to kill herself. Fewer still, that this wasn't the first time she had tried to either, but... She had to keep going, because of them, and while opening up and telling this to them were painful, it had been somewhat of a weight off of her shoulders, to finally get out of her system.

What Ardee went through, wasn't the same, but Null still thought she'd do well, having a chat with those who truly cared for her, and maybe see if they could help lift some of this, off of her shoulders.

"And you shouldn't underestimate how sad you'd make others, if you just ended up dead, Ardee. I've not been around the others young ponies much, but I do hear my sister talk about them, and of you especially. SHe's been going on about how proud she is of how you've done with the others, and what progress you've made too, pretty much since you arrived. She adores the others too, but she's been fawning about you a little more than the rest, and been worried, once she heard you wanted to go here, to New Las Pegasus. That's why I didn't want to go back, and tell her that I were too careless, and got you hurt. It'd absolutely crush her.

She might just seem like she takes care of you, and the others, Ardee, but my sister's become very attached to all of you, and cares for you like you were her own. But she isn't me. She'd understand there were a time to leave the nest, and try to encourage you to do what you thought were best, long as you tries to prepare yourself first."

She'd let out a sigh, and shake her head a little.

"I'm not the emotional talker. That's more her thing. I just think that at the very least, you should go and tell them what you're thinking about. You might find that it'd help. Sides, they'd probably want to see your new cutie mark too. Considering what you've said about you folks and marks, I'm thinking it'd do them good to know that their futures aren't set in stone."

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

 

(Void)

While she did enjoy her together time like this, it were time to move on. They had some festivities to get to, and more stuff to prepare. Or rather, to show off. Hopefully they'd enjoy what she had prepared. Toupé especially, as this were her party after all, even if that would hopefully not mean the others felt outside.

"Well, I have some games prepared, there's the gift giving too, and a song, of course. But maybe I should start by revealing the table first."

She'd go over and take off the cover, showing a fully prepared table. Biscuits and nutrient bars stacked up, glasses and plates neatly prepared at various spots - though she'd need to add one more now of course - home made buns in a bowl, a jar of something dark colored, jam, and some of their various toppings that they'd used before. There were also a can of water, and a spot for something else. And of course, a well packaged gift, wrapped in as colorful wrapping as she could find, around a fitting box. It would be able to hold the thing she had brought along, as the gift for Toupé. There were of course also some cut strawberries, to the little fruit lovers in the crowd. She had expected to need to use more as a distraction, but it had turned out the balloon did well there, so the bowl had a good top to it.

"There we go. There's a proper dinner for later too of course, and I have made sure to make some of the juice too, as well as soda, so you can decide if you want it bubbly or not. There's also cake, but that's after the buns. I wanted to keep it a bit more chilled, and also just, not getting smushed by the covering.

Ah yes, and the jar over there, it's a bit of melty chocolate spread, Troy style."

Troy style meant that it were a bit more bitter and fluid than the regular variety, but she had done what she could to cover the bitterness with a hint of strawberries, and she personally thought it added a bit of niceness to it. Since she didn't have optimal ingredients to work with out here, she'd do her best with what she did have. A very Troy thing to do, far as she were concerned. A fair bit of recipes that came by from the need to innovate, with usually subpar materials.

"What do you think, Toupé? It's a nice start, right? And don't worry, you will get to open your gift. Just wait for everyone to be seated first."

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Ardee listed to everything that Null said without interrupting. At the end she sighed but nodded, "That... that's what I was thinking, more or less. I need to think about what I do, and not just run away from what I don't want."

She turned her attention to the paper fox, sensing it's disquieted state, "What's wrong? You need something?"

She tried to remember if the kitsune had said anything about caring for it. but she was drawing a blank after everything that had happened. "Are you hungry? Do paper foxes get hungry? What would I even feed you?"

She was more or less talking to herself as she knew the paper fox wasn't going to just tell her what it needed, much like a foal.

 

After feeding it was sorted, Arcade would return with news as to the availability of food. If he were allowed to bring food with him from the buffet he'd arrive with an assortment to share. Otherwise he would just have information as to where the food was.

 

(Void)

Those gathered looked impressed by all the food that was presented to them, outside of rare occasions in the facility this was the most food they had ever seen in one place. This on top of the special food they had had for lunch and the dinner yet to come as Void mentioned.

Teal was the one to ask, "Are more ponies coming? This seems like a lot of food for just us."

"Well there's at least one more." Vale said as she entered the room, she was looking well groomed and had a gift of her own on her back, though her mechanical eye and the small gold plates on her forehead were still quite visible. This was normal for the young ponies but Cherish had likely never seen her before, and her presence did not go unnoticed, "Ah, two more I guess? Is this a friend from school?"

The young ponies nodded as Vale approached, "Greetings, I'm Vale, I help Void take care of these young ponies, what's your name?"

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-04-30 at 10:53 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She tried to remember if the kitsune had said anything about caring for it. but she was drawing a blank after everything that had happened. "Are you hungry? Do paper foxes get hungry? What would I even feed you?"

She was more or less talking to herself as she knew the paper fox wasn't going to just tell her what it needed, much like a foal.

The fox would bounce around on her, then when that didn't seem to answer anything, it would act on what she said. Maybe it could get through what she said, if it gave her some pointers, via a visual?

So when she said if it wanted to eat, it would jump unto the bed, looking right at her, and nodded three times, tail swaying slowly behind it. Yet she seemed to have no idea after that, so it would try something else, and get on its hind legs, then try to use its legs to make charades. In the first place, making indicating an outline, of a long rectangle.

"I was never good at this... Let's try this. You want something that's rectangular?"

The fox nodded, then turned around, and waved its tail, making the vague sound of paper flapping.

"...A tail? Fur?"

The fox shook its head, then grumbled, unfolded, and flapped on the table for a few seconds, before gathering up again, folding as it were, around the tail, that would fold further into the way it was made, making a sort of *spine* and *tail bone* in its structure. If it were a long feather, it would poke out the tip of its tail.

"Okay, so something with paper, that's rectangular?"

It would vigorously nod, then look around, and eventually see a picture on the wall, then point at it, before looking back expectingly. Which were odd that she could tell that it were, despite its eyes literally just being two written on lines.

"You want to eat a painting?"

It would shake again, then up on its hind legs again, and spread its front legs out wide, then begin to slowly push them together, indicating something that was smaller.

"...A poster?"

It would shake again, and keep showing the shrinking motion.

"I dunno. A pamphlet?"

Hearing that, it would get back on all four legs, and bounce up and down, nodding vigorously.

"Okay, weird, but... Let's see what we can find."

She'd rummage around, looking in the little bed side table, and would eventually pull a pamphlet out, that seemed to be for the hotel. Showing the buffet, some slots, the roulette, and stuff like that. She'd fold it out and put it down in front of the paper fox. It would instantly go over, and start chomping down, eating the letters, but it was ore than last time. This time, it would also press its face deep into the pictures, and the pictures would drain from it, and go on it, giving its outside some color, as pictures of food would spread across its surface, and the roulette would be the last part, giving it a pattern that it enjoyed. A lot more interesting to it, than its base color, and it was rather tasty too, making it feel all spry and ready for stuff. It would go off eventually, but the colors were more enjoyable to it, than just the plain, even color it had before. The face would still be clearly visible though, as it had kept a paler color there. Which were granted, the picture of potato mush, but it still counted.

On 2024-04-30 at 10:53 PM, Illiad Easle said:

After feeding it was sorted, Arcade would return with news as to the availability of food. If he were allowed to bring food with him from the buffet he'd arrive with an assortment to share. Otherwise he would just have information as to where the food was.

The place had a morning buffet, just as it had a midday, and evening buffet. It were simpler and cheaper than room service, though you could do that too, if you wanted to spare the expense to eat in private. But it'd do them good to actually move their legs, so going there and purchase three plates, would be cheaper, and simpler. And they wouldn't even be accosted by any kitsune this time! Though they would be able to find the little paper fox's creator there, currently stacking a couple of breakfast burritos on his rather filled plate. He seemed to have a varied taste, between greens, eggs, meat, and more eggs.

Kozue hadn't taken notice of them yet though, being more focused on his food.

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

 

(Void)

Cherish would go straight over and look up at Vale, surprised at the metallic parts, but it were a brief look of confusion, before she'd send up a cute smile towards the deer.

"Hello, Miss Vale. My name's Cherish Sky. I go to school with Toupé and the others, and she was nice and said it was okay for me to come to her party. It's very nice to meet you."

This were a bit more severe than she had seen others have before, but both before coming to town, and then after, when she saw some of the clients that came to talk to her mom, she had to see various degrees of damaged beings, fixed up in some ways. This were not like anything she had seen proper. Way more mechanical, and looked a lot more well done, than she were used to these repairs being made too, but it were still something she identified as being one of the unfortunate beings, who had gotten hurt, that someone nice had helped put back together.

And like with most of them, she weren't gonna mention it. She could understand not wanting to be confronted with these sorts of things, as it could bring up some bad memories. She had that sort too, and could sympathize with that. Besides, it didn't seem nice. Kinda like pointing out to someone that they had a big mole.

"And it's good to have you here, Cherish.

Now before we have a seat, I just want to answer your question, Teal: This is meant for us, and what we can't eat, will be put into some boxes in the cooler, and we'll eat it over the next few days. It's a bit much maybe, but this is your party, and I wanted to make sure that there were enough for everyone.

But first, you need to decide on if you want us to have something to eat first, Toupé, or if you want your presents first? I figure it is best if we get something to eat first, but it's your party, so I think it is okay that you get to chose."

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The face would still be clearly visible though, as it had kept a paler color there. Which were granted, the picture of potato mush, but it still counted.

Ardee watched with curiosity, wondering how this would give it energy, but figured it wasn't the strangest thing, considering what she had heard about from Arcade. "Alright, do you need more of these? Should I be carrying them around for you? How often do you need to eat these?"

 

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Kozue hadn't taken notice of them yet though, being more focused on his food.

Ardee would take the moment to approach, despite her hunger. There was a bit of nervous energy to her as she did, "Um, excuse me, you're the one that made the paper fox for me right? I was wondering if you could help with something?"

She would retrieve the feather from the fox to show it to the kitsune, "I was wondering if it could be given wings? Maybe not to fly, but at least to glide, and I think this might help?"

The kitsune would likely have seen this sort of metal before, or at least heard of it, and even if he hadn't, he'd be able to feel its power just by holding it.

Minostralium was known for a few effects, when nearby it lowered the cost of magic by making the magical field more flexible, and doing much of the work to pull down the field. This effect was amplified when plated on or over a magical node, like a hoof, wing, or horn, and could be used to make runes or enchantments that never needed recharging.

It had some extra special effects if added to the bloodstream, but those were known only to the members of BLU team, Vale, the O5 Council, and Celestia.

The feather itself wasn't strictly necessary, and the metal itself was soft enough to change the shape without heat, and could be magically molded without much effort.

 

(Void)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hello, Miss Vale. My name's Cherish Sky. I go to school with Toupé and the others, and she was nice and said it was okay for me to come to her party. It's very nice to meet you."

Cherish's curiosity did not go unnoticed by Vale, but she was pleasantly surprised when Cherish didn't ask about them. She returned the smile with a cervine bow, ducking her head down nearly to the ground for but a moment before continuing, "It's nice to meet you too, I hope you're the first of many friends they'll make."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Now before we have a seat, I just want to answer your question, Teal: This is meant for us, and what we can't eat, will be put into some boxes in the cooler, and we'll eat it over the next few days. It's a bit much maybe, but this is your party, and I wanted to make sure that there were enough for everyone.

Toupé and the others nodded at that, inwardly looking forward to the promise of getting to have this good food for several days in the future.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

ut first, you need to decide on if you want us to have something to eat first, Toupé, or if you want your presents first? I figure it is best if we get something to eat first, but it's your party, so I think it is okay that you get to chose."

Toupé looked surprised at the question as she was halfway into her seat by the time Void asked, "Um, well, I've already opened one gift, so I think it makes sense that we all eat before I open more? I wouldn't want you all to have to wait for me if we're all hungry."

The rest followed Toupé's lead in getting seated, Vale taking care of bringing over the necessary additional supplies for her and Cherish to join the table, before they looked towards Void for directions to proceed.

 

Assuming Void told them to take what they wanted, the young ponies would set about evenly distributing a portion of the food to everyone, with smaller portions to the foals, ensuring that everyone was served before they started eating.

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-05-03 at 6:32 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee watched with curiosity, wondering how this would give it energy, but figured it wasn't the strangest thing, considering what she had heard about from Arcade. "Alright, do you need more of these? Should I be carrying them around for you? How often do you need to eat these?"

It would nod enthusiastically, at the question if she should carry more of these, but it didn't say anything about whatever or not it needed these, or how often. In large parts because it couldn't really talk. It could make some sounds, but full on speech were beyond its simple design.

"Just take a few, and see when it starts to get needy. Maybe it's related to when all that coloring goes off or something, I dunno. Kitsune are some peculiar creatures, so what they make are bound to be quirky too. You're best off asking the guy who made it, if you want some answers. After breakfast. I think at this point, we deserve something to eat."

On 2024-05-03 at 6:32 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee would take the moment to approach, despite her hunger. There was a bit of nervous energy to her as she did, "Um, excuse me, you're the one that made the paper fox for me right? I was wondering if you could help with something?"

She would retrieve the feather from the fox to show it to the kitsune, "I was wondering if it could be given wings? Maybe not to fly, but at least to glide, and I think this might help?"

The kitsune would likely have seen this sort of metal before, or at least heard of it, and even if he hadn't, he'd be able to feel its power just by holding it.

Kozue would turn his head as he heard that someone were speaking to him, and were met with some familiar faces, that got a bit of a grin on his face.

"Heeey. If it ain't my most recurring fans. And I see you still have your little friend, that's good. And it's been eating good it seems, heh."

The little paper fox would jump up and down, to get his attention, and then when it had it, would prance around, showing off its new colorations. Something that earned it a scratching under the chin.

"Awh, ain't it precious? Lemme just put down my plate before I start dropping stuff, and we'll have a looksie, alright?"

He'd lead them to a currently free table, and put his plate down on it. They could come here and eat with him too if they wanted. He wouldn't mind the company honestly, but he should probably have a look and answer the mare first, despite him really wanting to chow down. Better chance of 'em being all friendly like after that, yeah?

"So, flying. Possible, but I'd have to reform it a fair bit. Wings means the design has to change, and it's mostly just be like, a slow decline, and some floating. Paper's not the best to actually fly with, so it tends to require some specific magic to get done, and I ain't sure if I can do that entirely right. Not without some sorta focus or something.

And the feather's nice, but one feather doesn't make for a good set of wi- ...What the?"

He'd have gotten close enough to nearly touch the feather, but would suddenly retract his paw, as if he had been shocked. Curiously, he'd reach forward again, and actually take hold of the feather, working as gently as he could. And now, he looked utterly flabbergasted.

"...Back where I'm from, the elders gets a trinket, made out of this. It's passed along, from elder to elder, shaped differently each time, to fit the one its going to. A tradition dating all the way back to Riha Leng-Zhou. They're important to our culture, and I... I didn't think I'd see this stuff again. Especially not like this."

Nostalgia and some dread hit him hard, as he recalled the times the elders had come around, showing their trinkets. There weren't a ton of this metal to work with for them, but there had been enough found by one of their ancestors, to make a staff out of, as she took leadership of the scattered groups of kitsune, and led them towards a brighter tomorrow. One were they were less forest savages, tricking and living carefree, and towards their culture as it slowly but surely, sprung up around them.

Not many days before her death, the staff were broken up into seven parts, and remade into trinkets, that she gave to each of the seven elders, that were to take her place. They in turn would pass it on to whomever would take over from them, and so it had been for centuries.

This were not the same. It lacked something. A feeling of spiritual weight to it, he supposed it were? Whatever the case, this were not part of the seven trinkets, but he were still surprised by seeing this kind of metal again. And to think that he now held something like this in his paw...

"...Sorry, sorry, I uh... We have something like this at home. Or we did anyway. It signified leadership for us, and now this... It wakes some memories. Some feelings of purpose too. Makes me think maybe this here's the sign I've been waiting for? I'll have to ponder that.

But yeah, I can work something with this, and your little one. Something that'll make it able to fly proper even. But I'll need more paper, of the same sort I made it from. We'll have to go to the theater for that. Trying to add on with different paper, can make it unstable.

Would you mind sitting and eating first though? Pease? I'm very curious how you found this, and why its a feather, of all things. Does this carry some spiritual value in some way?"

The lust to wander were rising in him now, that were certain, but... he needed to think, if this were the sign he had waited for. The one that told him to head towards home, and see what were left of it, and maybe find others of his kin, so they could begin to rebuild. New Las Pegasus were nice and all, but... Home were not just a place to rest, and perform. To the kitsune, home had deep spiritual and traditional roots too, that couldn't simply be relocated out of nowhere.

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

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-03 at 6:32 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Cherish's curiosity did not go unnoticed by Vale, but she was pleasantly surprised when Cherish didn't ask about them. She returned the smile with a cervine bow, ducking her head down nearly to the ground for but a moment before continuing, "It's nice to meet you too, I hope you're the first of many friends they'll make."

"I hope so too, Miss Vale. There's a couple more in class that I hope would want to socialize soon. Same with my friend Crow, but she's shy. It'll take time."

Scared more like, but at times, it seemed like shy would fit the dragon too, when it came to dealing with other creatures. But she had gotten in to the school once, and said hello. That were progress! Maybe someday, she'd come around and hang out with Toupé and the others too, which were a hope she shared for Lilac and Nova too, but that were somewhere in the future, hopefully. She'd love hanging out with them too.

Since it sounded like food were first on the agenda, Void would welcome them all to sit at the table, with her finding another chair and plate for Cherish. She hadn't expected the new friend, but it were very nice to see that she had come along. The young ponies would do well with socializing a little outside of school, or their usual group. And they had picked a good one too it seemed. Cherish appeared to be a very polite filly.

When all were sat at the table, Void would go to the fridge, and pull out some cooled water, as well as a can of soda with bubbles, and one that were more juice, as it didn't have that. She had picked what flavors that Toupé and the others had seemed to like well the last time, so it would hopefully be good for everyone.

She'd also go over and show a jar to Elef, popping off the lid to show him what seemed like some rather bloody chunks of meat in there, albeit briefly.

"I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten, and I got a recipe for it, that I think you'll like."

She were worried that Elef might feel a bit down, by there not being a meat product on the table, so she wanted to give him something to look forward to. She had found someone who sold in rather fresh meat. So fresh it had still been wriggling when she had shown up in fact, but that just meant it were fresh. She hoped it would be more towards his taste, as she were trying her best to accommodate him, without bringing something live on the table, for him to chow down on. That would be a bit too gory for the others, in her opinion.

After this, she'd put the jar in the kitchen cabinet, and get over to the table herself.

"Now then, please eat everyone. There's plenty to go around."

Certain someone's would likely prefer to just have a go at those strawberries, but she would encourage them to give Peal and Piecey more things too, to expand their palate a little. It weren't healthy to just live of the same thing all the time. Variety would be good for them, and she hoped some of the other things would fall in their taste too. The buns for instance, weren't sour bread, but nice and fluffy, made out of the closest thing Troy had to accessible wheat, and baked with love. According to her mother, back when Void grew up, love were the most important ingredient in any dish. Which honestly might have just been an excuse, to not tell Void exactly why her food always tasted better, but Void would still go by the concept she had been presented with.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So, flying. Possible, but I'd have to reform it a fair bit. Wings means the design has to change, and it's mostly just be like, a slow decline, and some floating. Paper's not the best to actually fly with, so it tends to require some specific magic to get done, and I ain't sure if I can do that entirely right. Not without some sorta focus or something.

Ardee nodded, "Gliding would be perfect, I don't fly much myself, but it would help if it could keep up when I do, or better direct arrows if we do a repeat of last night."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

He'd have gotten close enough to nearly touch the feather, but would suddenly retract his paw, as if he had been shocked. Curiously, he'd reach forward again, and actually take hold of the feather, working as gently as he could. And now, he looked utterly flabbergasted.

"...Back where I'm from, the elders gets a trinket, made out of this. It's passed along, from elder to elder, shaped differently each time, to fit the one its going to. A tradition dating all the way back to Riha Leng-Zhou. They're important to our culture, and I... I didn't think I'd see this stuff again. Especially not like this."

Ardee stepped back at the kitsune's initial reaction to it, and was still hesitant as he explained, but relaxed a bit.

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

This were not the same. It lacked something. A feeling of spiritual weight to it, he supposed it were? Whatever the case, this were not part of the seven trinkets, but he were still surprised by seeing this kind of metal again. And to think that he now held something like this in his paw...

"...Sorry, sorry, I uh... We have something like this at home. Or we did anyway. It signified leadership for us, and now this... It wakes some memories. Some feelings of purpose too. Makes me think maybe this here's the sign I've been waiting for? I'll have to ponder that.

But yeah, I can work something with this, and your little one. Something that'll make it able to fly proper even. But I'll need more paper, of the same sort I made it from. We'll have to go to the theater for that. Trying to add on with different paper, can make it unstable.

Would you mind sitting and eating first though? Pease? I'm very curious how you found this, and why its a feather, of all things. Does this carry some spiritual value in some way?

Arcade and Ardee had no qualms with joining his table, though Ardee was a bit unsure how to explain that she had stolen it to one who seemed to give it a lot of value.

"Well, um, I got it from a pony that Null and I were fighting. I think his name was Basher? I'm told he wasn't a very good pony, and he tried to foalnap me. I think there are two other feathers like this outside of town? He was missing them after I had the paper fox help me shoot him with my bow."

She sighed, remembering that her bow had broken in that fight, and that they had left it out there too. "I don't think they were particularly important to him though, he seemed more annoyed than angry when I took them. And they seemed to be giving him power? He looked younger when he had them."

She motioned over to Null, "She's also got a few in her wing. I didn't have a normal pegasus upbringing, so I don't know if it's some racial thing or not. I never thought to ask."

She raised an eyebrow at Null, as did Arcade. Neither of them thought she was hiding something, and Ardee seemed to clearly believe that there wasn't much special to them beyond their effects, but they were curious as to what Null would say.

 

Null of course had gotten her plated feathers from the exact same source, and in much the same way, taking them from Basher after fighting him at the gates of Tartarus. The two she had recovered being integrated into her prosthetic wing to boost her ability to control it before the curse was lifted. Now? Well, they made flying easier given the difference in muscle development on that side. Maybe she would have to recharge her wing without them? (Up to you what Null thinks about it, or if she even remembers that she's had them this whole time.)

 

(Void)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I hope so too, Miss Vale. There's a couple more in class that I hope would want to socialize soon. Same with my friend Crow, but she's shy. It'll take time."

Scared more like, but at times, it seemed like shy would fit the dragon too, when it came to dealing with other creatures. But she had gotten in to the school once, and said hello. That were progress! Maybe someday, she'd come around and hang out with Toupé and the others too, which were a hope she shared for Lilac and Nova too, but that were somewhere in the future, hopefully. She'd love hanging out with them too.

Vale smiled, but there was a bit of sadness to it, "Well, they've all had some challenges getting here, but I think with kindness they'll come around one of these days. There's no need to rush friendship after all."

 

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

well as a can of soda with bubbles, and one that were more juice,

(They would more likely be glass bottles rather than cans, as glass is far more plentiful here than aluminum, but that's minor)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She'd also go over and show a jar to Elef, popping off the lid to show him what seemed like some rather bloody chunks of meat in there, albeit briefly.

"I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten, and I got a recipe for it, that I think you'll like."

Elef was surprised, but smiled, "Thank you, can I save it for later though? I don't want to make the others uncomfortable..."

That seemed to have been Void's plan anyway, which Elef appreciated.

 

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Now then, please eat everyone. There's plenty to go around."

Certain someone's would likely prefer to just have a go at those strawberries, but she would encourage them to give Peal and Piecey more things too, to expand their palate a little. It weren't healthy to just live of the same thing all the time. Variety would be good for them, and she hoped some of the other things would fall in their taste too. The buns for instance, weren't sour bread, but nice and fluffy, made out of the closest thing Troy had to accessible wheat, and baked with love. According to her mother, back when Void grew up, love were the most important ingredient in any dish. Which honestly might have just been an excuse, to not tell Void exactly why her food always tasted better, but Void would still go by the concept she had been presented with.

Teal and Toupé were on top of helping the foals, and did make sure to have them at least try more than just the fruit. Piecey really seeming to enjoy the buns, while Peal seemed to like the chocolate, especially when mixed with the strawberries.

That being said, they were all fairly quiet while eating, which they always had been, but they had never been to a party before, and didn't know that party meals generally had conversation.

Vale would break the silence as she asked, "So, have you put some thought as to your name? Did Void tell you about it?"

Toupé nodded, "She did, and I have, but I'm not sure yet."

The other two looked slightly confused (I can't remember if we told them yet about the name thing, or if Toupé was told privately away from the others. If the other two were told then skip this.)

Teal asked, "Your name?"

Toupé answered, "Apparently it's customary after you get your mark to consider changing your name, in case your name doesn't match what you want to do. Apparently you can pick just about anything, but I want it to have some meaning. I want to honor Mistress somehow, but I'm not sure what name to pick just yet."

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-05-08 at 4:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, um, I got it from a pony that Null and I were fighting. I think his name was Basher? I'm told he wasn't a very good pony, and he tried to foalnap me. I think there are two other feathers like this outside of town? He was missing them after I had the paper fox help me shoot him with my bow."

"More of these? Say, you know where they are lil' one?"

The paper fox would nod, making the kitsune's eyes almost glitter with excitement.

"Oh, we definitely have to go and get hold of those. Another one to reinforce the construction would be good, and well, if you don't need the second one, I can always find a use."

Technically it'd be more like, he would use a feather and a half, and then keep the rest for maybe a trinket. It wasn't the same as what they had at home, but it could still be good for his travels, and showing something to gather others of his kin around, if he managed to find more of them.

Heh, he started to sound like an elder. Silly, huh? Or well, technically a Zhia Hauchi. Or Fledgling Elder, as outsiders tended to call it. A rare title bestowed when a village had lost their elder, without a named successor. Normally when it happened, another elder in the community would step up, then get properly educated by the elders from their main village and then the cycle would continue again. Yet sometimes, the elderly in the town were not up to it, and instead a younger members would rise up and take charge, keeping everything going once again. Those were the Zhia Hauchi, and if the main elders would judge you were doing this for the right reasons, they would support and educate you, leaving you to be an elder in all but name. You would lack the knowledge of age, but with proper support, it would leave you to be a good leader all the same of your community.

Technically, if he took charge, that would be his title, huh? But then, that was unlikely. He were sure there were if not one of the former elders, then another of the ones up in age out there, ready to take charge. But he might get a cozy position in the elders domicile, if he helped to gather enough of his kin.

On 2024-05-08 at 4:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, um, I got it from a pony that Null and I were fighting. I think his name was Basher? I'm told he wasn't a very good pony, and he tried to foalnap me. I think there are two other feathers like this outside of town? He was missing them after I had the paper fox help me shoot him with my bow."

She sighed, remembering that her bow had broken in that fight, and that they had left it out there too. "I don't think they were particularly important to him though, he seemed more annoyed than angry when I took them. And they seemed to be giving him power? He looked younger when he had them."

She motioned over to Null, "She's also got a few in her wing. I didn't have a normal pegasus upbringing, so I don't know if it's some racial thing or not. I never thought to ask."

Null would look around, at the questioning eyes, then flew her false wing to show off things proper.

"I weren't born with this sorta thing, or got it for cultural reasons. I got my wing amputated when I was six, and it was only a few months ago I got a replacement. These things were used to help me fly again."

"So you were grounded for what, decades? I hear that stuff can really mess with the head of pegasi. You have my condolences."

"You have no idea..."

She'd grumble, and take a celery stick from her plate to chew on. A few... Annoying memories one could say, were rearing their ugly heads, and she needed something to distract herself with. Food were the readily available option.

"Well, whoever made you the new one, is a pretty nice being. Respect to them for the work.

As for the one those other feathers got shot from... You said Basher, yeah? I heard some things, that makes me think it weren't exactly uncalled for, that he got a bit of karma his way. Not that I looked for it, but there's a lot of beings that goes through this place, and my ears catches a lot of talk. A few snippets here and there, gives an impression of certain beings. Though I hear a lot more about that Ninja Briar fellow. Oof. Not the sort you'd want to meet in a dark alley."

He'd take some of the fish on his plate, and chew it down, enjoying the savory taste. Even without dipping it in sauce first, it were still some fairly good quality food. He'd miss that when he'd leave, but then, everything was better than cave bugs and glowing mushrooms. It'd be fine.

"Ah, that was nice. And those feathers you say, made Basher look younger? That fits what I've seen. The main elders where I'm from, that had their trinkets of this material, did tend to last quite a few years extra than normal, and look well up in their age. I always assumed it were the spirits who smiled kindly upon them, but then, this metal... Yeah, I could see that. It's certainly powerful. Doesn't have the spiritual energy to it tat I've seen before though, but hey, not been used and reforged for generations on end, among those of us with a highly spiritual sort of culture, yeah?"

He'd twirl the feather between his fingers, feeling the peculiar energy. What wonders one could do, if they had enough of this... Seemed like it could be dangerous honestly, but any weapon were, if wielded by a dark mind.

"Anything else peculiar happened since last I saw you?"

It were a chance for them to inquire about the other kitsune if they wanted. Perhaps he knew something?

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

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-08 at 4:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale smiled, but there was a bit of sadness to it, "Well, they've all had some challenges getting here, but I think with kindness they'll come around one of these days. There's no need to rush friendship after all."

"Everything good takes time, yes? I'm gonna keep being nice, and hope we'll all be able to do stuff together someday. I think Lilac would enjoy that. Maybe Nova too, when he knows he can trust us."

She didn't blame him for being overly protective. bad stuff had clearly happened, and he were just trying to keep his sister safe. It was admirable. But she did hope he'd eventually see that it were safe and nice to hang out with the rest of them, and that they didn't want to do anything to Lilac. It'd probably take even longer until he'd like to not keep her under constant observation, but that was okay. Small steps, yes? That's what sooth had said to her at the beginning, and she had proven that patience went a long way.

On 2024-05-08 at 4:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

(They would more likely be glass bottles rather than cans, as glass is far more plentiful here than aluminum, but that's minor)

(It was meant like, normal serving cans. Glass ones, like you said. Just can't remember proper English word for them.)

On 2024-05-08 at 4:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was surprised, but smiled, "Thank you, can I save it for later though? I don't want to make the others uncomfortable..."

That seemed to have been Void's plan anyway, which Elef appreciated.

"I'm thinking it's something we can incorporate into your dinner."

She'd like for him to join her if it were, so he could try and have an influence, on how they did this. But she had a recipe to follow herself if it were. Something she'd picked up from a rather torn up book, but it had enough remaining pages to give a few recipes still. If she followed that properly, it should make for a good meal for him, that wasn't too graphic for the others.

On 2024-05-08 at 4:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Toupé answered, "Apparently it's customary after you get your mark to consider changing your name, in case your name doesn't match what you want to do. Apparently you can pick just about anything, but I want it to have some meaning. I want to honor Mistress somehow, but I'm not sure what name to pick just yet."

Void had mostly been eating a few fruit bits, that she added on top of a bun to eat. A simple treat, but she enjoyed the savory with the sweet. Chocolate were on the other half of said bun. Not something she got often, but she considered it to be a nice little treat to have on occasion. And it were a special day after all, so what better occasion were there?

She'd be through half of her fruity bun, when the question had been brought up. She had gone and made sure that they all had stuff in their cups, and helped if they needed something, so she wouldn't eat that fast. And she liked to savor this. It had been a while since she had properly baked buns.

"That's a sweet gesture, Toupé. I can see why that would take some time to think over, but I'm looking forward to hearing what you've come up with."

"I knew someone who changed their name from Bubble Heart, when he got his mark. It was of a cactus, so he wanted to be named Prickly Pete. He was a fun colt."

Her face would falter for a moment, as the vague shadow of a memory she had, would pass her face. Something that almost made her feel as if she could smell the burning... But she managed to snap out of it, before it got too visual. The festivities around her certainly helped on things. Easier to get distracted from the memories of what happened, when there were life and sound around her. She didn't want to be a downer here after all. This were a party!

So she'd brighten up quickly again, and talk some more about things.

"I didn't change mine when I got my cutie mark. I think it suits me, but I think you'd do good with a smart name, Toupé. I can't wait to hear what you'll chose for your new name."

It was nice with all this traditional stuff. Cutie mark gaining, the after party, name changes- It was a nice, familiar set of things. And she really did look forward to seeing what her new friend would pick for a name. Her current one made her sound like a mane dresser, which wasn't bad either, but she would fit a smart sounding name really good.

She were curious who this Mistress were, but it were probably someone not here, and she reeeeeally didn't want to be a downer here. And it might be super personal. Maybe when they were closer friends, it'd be okay to ask.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-05-11 at 4:12 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Oh, we definitely have to go and get hold of those. Another one to reinforce the construction would be good, and well, if you don't need the second one, I can always find a use."

Ardee didn't look too sure, more that she was worried that she was being offered a bad deal. "Um, while I'm not too familiar with how this all works, I do get the impression, from you, Basher, and Null, that this stuff is very valuable. I'm not saying you don't deserve something, but this seems like a deal that favors you more than me."

She wasn't entirely sure of that though, and would look to Null and Arcade, "What do you think?"

Arcade was similarly unsure, looking between those gathered, "Is there a set value to this? It's not that we don't trust you, but our ignorance is apparent, and we don't want to be taken advantage of."

He looked to Null, "Maybe one of the changelings could give a proper valuation? Or the Trojans? Or your sister?"

 

On 2024-05-11 at 4:12 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Anything else peculiar happened since last I saw you?"

Ardee nodded, "In my room, before Basher took me, a kitsune broke in and was doing something strange on the wall. I didn't see exactly what as I ran away, but I heard the staff here are investigating it? I don't think it was you, since the paper fox didn't seem to recognize them."

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-11 at 4:12 PM, Blitz Boom said:

(It was meant like, normal serving cans. Glass ones, like you said. Just can't remember proper English word for them.)

(I wondered why you said a can of water earlier, I think bottle is the word your looking for.)

On 2024-05-11 at 4:12 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I didn't change mine when I got my cutie mark. I think it suits me, but I think you'd do good with a smart name, Toupé. I can't wait to hear what you'll chose for your new name."

Toupé brought out her tattered notebook, turning to the page where she had the names she was looking at, nearly at the end of the notebook.

"Well, I've got two names I've been thinking about, um...."

She hesitated, actually blushing a bit, which was something that Void wasn't sure she had seen the filly do before.

Teal and Elef looked interested in what she had planned, and were confused by Toupé's hesitation. 

Toupé steeled herself and tried again, "Um... well, I guess that answers that..."

She took a deep breath, before nodding to herself, "I was going to ask for thoughts, but I got my answer just trying to say them out loud. I was down to two, Perceptive Powers, and Gemini Pi, but this is the first time I've said them out loud, and the thought of saying the first one..."

She shook her head.

"And I wouldn't want to be embarrassed by a name I chose for myself. So I think I'd like my name to be Gemini Pi." She smiled a bit, nodding to herself as she looked for the others' reactions.

Teal looked surprised, but in a good way, "So you get part of Mistress's name in yours? It looks like you were trying in both cases," she turned to Void and Vale, "Is that allowed?"

Toupé added, "That's what Miss Void told me, I thought it would be a good way to honor her and everything she did for us. And using Gemini feels more right than Powers."

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-05-13 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee didn't look too sure, more that she was worried that she was being offered a bad deal. "Um, while I'm not too familiar with how this all works, I do get the impression, from you, Basher, and Null, that this stuff is very valuable. I'm not saying you don't deserve something, but this seems like a deal that favors you more than me."

She wasn't entirely sure of that though, and would look to Null and Arcade, "What do you think?"

Arcade was similarly unsure, looking between those gathered, "Is there a set value to this? It's not that we don't trust you, but our ignorance is apparent, and we don't want to be taken advantage of."

He looked to Null, "Maybe one of the changelings could give a proper valuation? Or the Trojans? Or your sister?"

"Oh, I didn't mean to sound like I was gonna stiff you on this. I got stuff and coin gathered up from my time here, that I can use to try and get a deal going. I just meant like, if you weren't gonna use it, I'd like to take it off your hooves. Y'know, with a fair deal. Though honestly, I dunno how much this stuff is worth at all. I know what the trinkets my kin held of this, holds significant cultural and spiritual value, but if we just think this metal as it is, plainly? I'm assuming it ain't the cheapest, but your guess is as good as mine beyond that."

He might be a trickster by nature, but that didn't mean he were a conman. He weren't like Pip and his companion, that would definitely con them all if they got the slightest option to do so. He could play fair, though he would still haggle about it. Y'know, he were still helping her, that got to be a bargaining chip he could use to get a fair deal on what he assumed might be some expensive stuff.

"I can't say I'm sure either. But the consul and Serena were talking about it a few time. I get the feeling they know the worth, but you'd have to go to Troy and talk to them about that."

"Sure, we can do that. But as your boy there says, maybe the changelings knows too. We should probably ask their queen about it. She'd be able to find out, if anyone has an idea among the ranks.

That said... This town's got some rough folks, and the walls got ears. Something valuable, they might try and muscle in on it, and just take it. Could e it'd be safer to just go to Troy and get it sorted, but I'll let you folks decide on it. I can get some time off sorted, if you'd feel it best we did it like this.

That said, maybe we should go and find them too, after we've eaten? Ain't much of a point in discussing it, if it turns out you don't have them anymore in the first place, right?"

Hard to barter with a ware you didn't have anymore, so yeah, getting the goods before they started to barter too much, would probably be a good idea. But the fox could not get them, as they were too stuck. It needed someone with more physical strength. Best it had been able to do on short notice, were to burry them.

On 2024-05-13 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee nodded, "In my room, before Basher took me, a kitsune broke in and was doing something strange on the wall. I didn't see exactly what as I ran away, but I heard the staff here are investigating it? I don't think it was you, since the paper fox didn't seem to recognize them."

Kozue raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Another kitsune... Here? I've not been told about that, and no one's approached me. And it definitely wasn't me. I had shows going quite a bit since the last time you ran into me, and I don't break into others rooms. I'd end up getting kicked out and that'd suck. The theater here is top notch.

Maybe after we get hold of those feathers, we can have a look. Maybe I can sniff something out, or get a feel for what whoever it were, might have done there.

It's just weird y'know? Kitsune, we got some loners here and there sure, but we're a communal species. We thrive on living closely in villages, and especially after the last few years, any of us should be yearning to find another to talk to. You'd think whoever this were, would be lined up at the theater, the second he heard a kitsune were performing here.

Are you sure it was a kitsune?"

The little paper fox at the least, would nod at this, and honestly, it would know. They too, but like... He knew this one hadn't a reason to lie about it, or had sleepy eyes, that didn't notice things properly.

"I'll definitely need to inquire around. Something's not right with that."

"Nothing to be done about that yet. Let's just eat, gather up, and then get on with it. I get the feeling that today's gonna be a long day."

"I bet. I only know a few things I'm involved with, and you probably have other things to check out, and then a trip to the governing office to sort out a name change. That cutie mark weren't there when last I saw you, and I know you ponies like switching it up, when you get your marks.

Congratulations by the way. Almost forgot saying that."

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

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-13 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

(I wondered why you said a can of water earlier, I think bottle is the word your looking for.)

On 2024-05-13 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"And I wouldn't want to be embarrassed by a name I chose for myself. So I think I'd like my name to be Gemini Pi." She smiled a bit, nodding to herself as she looked for the others' reactions.

Teal looked surprised, but in a good way, "So you get part of Mistress's name in yours? It looks like you were trying in both cases," she turned to Void and Vale, "Is that allowed?"

Toupé added, "That's what Miss Void told me, I thought it would be a good way to honor her and everything she did for us. And using Gemini feels more right than Powers."

Void were smiling and would nod, when Teal would ask her this question.

"Yes, that's allowed. There's usually only very few restrictions, when it comes to renaming yourself. No vulgarities for instance, but inheriting names is not just allowed, but for some encouraged. I have a... Friend for instance, where all the members of his family keeps the same last name. It's not the most regular thing, but some do like to go that route.

Some even do it with their entire names. I knew about someone called Diego Pennyworth the Third for instance, because his father, and his father before that, had the same names. That's a bit more rare, but it is still something that some chose to do.

Personally, I think Gemini Pi a very nice name, that suits you well. I'm sure that she would say the same to you, To- No, Gemini."

If this were the name she wanted, Void would start to speak it from now. It sounded as if she were certain, and it definitely fit her too. It were a bit unorthodox perhaps, but like, why not? It were suitable, and she felt confident that if their mistress were here to hear this, shed feel honored, that she meant so much to the young Gemini, that she would want her new name to reflect her.

"That's definitely a nice name. I think you're right that it's the one you should pick."

Cherish would raise her front hooves, and with a grin on her face, clap a little, in pure excitement. Gemini Pi... She even sounded like a smart pony with that name! It was short, to the point, classy- They had classes on name giving in her old school, and this were better than most suggestions she had heard back then. It was perfect for her!

"Most that I knew, went with stuff like Hedge Clipper, or Creme Coffee. I knew a couple others with just single names, but I dunno. Not a lot pick those.

Why did you pick yours, Miss Void?"

"I never changed my name. My big sister's name is Null, and we've always lived up to what we're called, so we never saw a reason to."

"Null and Void... Heh, that sounds nice too, Miss Void."

It were really rare that Cherish knew of names that were supposed to play off of one another. But Null and Void? It were odd names to be called, but there were usually a reason for the name you picked, or got. It was just strange to hear a sibling naming convention like that. Their parents must have seen something that just made them think it clicked. And Void were an adult, and still hadn't changed her names, so she had to agree with them on that, yes?

Unbeknownst to Cherish, Void had considered it a few times, but it required them getting involved in local shenanigans, the places they did go to that had offices for this, and some paperwork too. Here the young ponies were under her care, and she could handle paperwork required for this situation well enough, but her and Null hadn't anything to work with, and if they started to say they had come from Troy... Some places did not like Troy, and others still, might be chasing them, because they had a reward out for their capture. They couldn't say for sure.

Not that she'd probably ever have really changed. Null would not show disrespect to their parents, by switching her name, and Void had ever so faithfully followed her big sister, so she wouldn't have had the heart to do so. And at this point, she saw no reason to. She were comfortable with her name, even if she were no longer a void of magic, and it were a far more lengthy process at her age to change it properly anyway.

"Thank you, Cherish.

Now then, everyone? Your sister have thought up a nice name, and someday, you will get the chance too. I know in my heart, that each and every one of you, will get a nice cutie mark too, and find names that you think fits you well, just as Gemini has.

Now then, is everyone enjoying the food? There's also cake, but it can wait until later, if you would prefer to get sated with the food that's currently on the table. I hope that I've hit the sorts of tastes for it, that I spotted you liked, Gemini."

She'd smile warmly at her big filly, as she imagined her having a taste of the cake. She truly hoped, that it would be nice for the young mare, and she were fairly sure it would be too, but she just wanted today to be perfect, y'know? This were her cutie mark celebration. It were a special day for her, and Void wished that it would be one, that Gemini would always be able to look back at fondly. A day that her smart girl, so richly deserved.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-05-14 at 4:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

That said, maybe we should go and find them too, after we've eaten? Ain't much of a point in discussing it, if it turns out you don't have them anymore in the first place, right?"

Ardee nodded, "That's fair, they seem the sort of thing that other creatures would pick up if they found them."

On 2024-05-14 at 4:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

It's just weird y'know? Kitsune, we got some loners here and there sure, but we're a communal species. We thrive on living closely in villages, and especially after the last few years, any of us should be yearning to find another to talk to. You'd think whoever this were, would be lined up at the theater, the second he heard a kitsune were performing here.

Are you sure it was a kitsune?"

The little paper fox at the least, would nod at this, and honestly, it would know. They too, but like... He knew this one hadn't a reason to lie about it, or had sleepy eyes, that didn't notice things properly.

"I'll definitely need to inquire around. Something's not right with that."

"Nothing to be done about that yet. Let's just eat, gather up, and then get on with it. I get the feeling that today's gonna be a long day."

Arcade offered, "Maybe you could take a look while the rest of us go get the feathers and have Ardee checked by a doctor? No sense in all of us going out if we don't need to, and we wouldn't want to take up more of your time before we can make an agreement."

Ardee didn't look too happy at the thought of seeing a doctor, but she couldn't argue that it wasn't necessary, "You wouldn't happen to know one, would you? Maybe the hotel has one on staff?"

 

On 2024-05-14 at 4:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I bet. I only know a few things I'm involved with, and you probably have other things to check out, and then a trip to the governing office to sort out a name change. That cutie mark weren't there when last I saw you, and I know you ponies like switching it up, when you get your marks.

Congratulations by the way. Almost forgot saying that."

Ardee looked confused, "A name change?" She looked to Arcade and Null, but the former was similarly unaware of what the kitsune was talking about.

 

In any case, once they were done eating Ardee would want to get the feathers and get them appraised sooner rather than later, though Arcade would want to have her checked first if a good doctor was available. Null would get to make the final call though.

 

(Void)

(Ah, pitcher is the word)

On 2024-05-14 at 4:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Personally, I think Gemini Pi a very nice name, that suits you well. I'm sure that she would say the same to you, To- No, Gemini."

Gemini smiled, "You can still call me Toupé if you want, I know you're all used to it."

 

On 2024-05-14 at 4:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Not that she'd probably ever have really changed. Null would not show disrespect to their parents, by switching her name, and Void had ever so faithfully followed her big sister, so she wouldn't have had the heart to do so. And at this point, she saw no reason to. She were comfortable with her name, even if she were no longer a void of magic, and it were a far more lengthy process at her age to change it properly anyway.

Void might not be aware, but their names weren't given by their adoptive parents. Rather, the birth mothers they never knew had given them. Whether that would make a difference to her was unknown.

 

On 2024-05-14 at 4:46 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Now then, is everyone enjoying the food? There's also cake, but it can wait until later, if you would prefer to get sated with the food that's currently on the table. I hope that I've hit the sorts of tastes for it, that I spotted you liked, Gemini."

She'd smile warmly at her big filly, as she imagined her having a taste of the cake. She truly hoped, that it would be nice for the young mare, and she were fairly sure it would be too, but she just wanted today to be perfect, y'know? This were her cutie mark celebration. It were a special day for her, and Void wished that it would be one, that Gemini would always be able to look back at fondly. A day that her smart girl, so richly deserved.

Gemini would look around the table to gauge everyone else's opinions before answering, "Um, Maybe I could open the present first?"

The others seemed keen on that idea, which boosted Gemini's confidence.

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-05-17 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade offered, "Maybe you could take a look while the rest of us go get the feathers and have Ardee checked by a doctor? No sense in all of us going out if we don't need to, and we wouldn't want to take up more of your time before we can make an agreement."

Ardee didn't look too happy at the thought of seeing a doctor, but she couldn't argue that it wasn't necessary, "You wouldn't happen to know one, would you? Maybe the hotel has one on staff?"

"I can go have a look, if security will let me past. I bet they're gonna suspect it was me though, if you say it was a kitsune. At least one of the newer ones. They wouldn't know better. Ah well, it is what it is."

There were gonna be some annoyance, but wasn't like it was the first time. Heck, a few had tried to hunt him down, proclaiming him some demon of misfortune, when he had come to this city. Which you know... Harsh. Had been a shaky first three days, where he had to rely more on wits than charms, but he had managed it, and he would manage this too. Question really were if he'd be any help, but he could bloody well try now, couldn't he?

"And this place got a doctor of sorts, yeah. Had to get a checkup myself when I got here.

It ain't anything fancy, but it keeps the expenses down or something, when the staff gets some minor injuries. Honestly I think Mr. House took pity on him, but then, what do I know? I could show you to him, when you're fed and ready, while your friends go fetch the feathers? It's just a small detour anyway."

He honestly weren't sure what the backstory were with their current doctor, but he were efficient in what he did, and took it seriously. It was just... Odd, y'know? Like, did this place need a doctor? Were injuries that much of a day to day issue? Probably not. Then again, the local hospital might be expensive to send folks too for a sprained hoof, or something else like it. He didn't know enough to be sure, nor cared to learn honesty. It were just, as he said, kinda weird. But hey, he could lead the way there all the same, so sure, why not?

He put more focus into eating his food between speaking. Sounded like they'd have to get going now, and he'd prefer to be fed before then. The stuff here were good eating, and it seemed a shame to let any go to waste.

On 2024-05-17 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee looked confused, "A name change?" She looked to Arcade and Null, but the former was similarly unaware of what the kitsune was talking about.

 

In any case, once they were done eating Ardee would want to get the feathers and get them appraised sooner rather than later, though Arcade would want to have her checked first if a good doctor was available. Null would get to make the final call though.

Null had just taken a bite out of a lemon, when she noticed they were looking at her.

"...What? You didn't know about the name change.

Aight. When you get your cutie mark, you have a period of time to legally change your name. Varies, but it's usually like, a week or two? Can't remember the right timeline. It's for folks thinking their mark doesn't match their name.

You can also do it later, but it's a big hassle at that point. Growing up, I saw others do it, but I never had the inkling. It felt like a dishonor to my parents memory to do so."

"It's a very equine thing. Us kitsune, we keep the name we were born with. But then, we don't have those fancy marks like you do.

Props for the attitude towards your parents too. I can respect honoring those who came before you. We do that a lot as well."

"Yeah? Maybe someday, we'll have a chat about that. But we outta focus on eating and getting ready. A lot to do still."

He agreed, though she were primarily just trying to get the conversation away from this. It worked too, so that was fine, and they'd get through their food soon enough. And since no one said anything, she assumed it were on her to take charge of things.

"Aight then. Arcade, let's go and find those feathers. We're gonna need to borrow your little friend for that though, Ardee. It knows where they are. That alright?"

The little fox would nod enthusiastically. It wouldn't mind. Especially since it benefitted too, and that was definitely something it were game for.

"I think Arcade's right, and it's best you get checked by an actual doctor, Ardee. Kozue here seems to know the way, so would you follow him, and get checked? We'll catch up with you when we're done."

She were planning to go and also check out what had happened with Basher, over at Grey Mare's place, and it were best that just Arcade were with her there, she figured. That said, she'd not push back, if Ardee insisted in joining them. She'd been pushing that mare around long enough on this trip. She could voice her opinion on things too.

And as for the kitsune... He seemed harmless enough, and she did know their kind as mostly pranksters, so she would try and put a bit of faith in him doing this bit, and in Ardee being alright until they returned.

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

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-17 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini smiled, "You can still call me Toupé if you want, I know you're all used to it."

"I'd like to call you by the name you prefer, hun. I might slip up a few times, but I'll try my best to adapt to it quickly."

It wasn't about what was easier for her. It was about what Gemini wanted, and she had picked her new name. One she wore with pride, and Void would not refuse to call her by this preferred new name. She just had a small slipup for a moment.

On 2024-05-17 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Void might not be aware, but their names weren't given by their adoptive parents. Rather, the birth mothers they never knew had given them. Whether that would make a difference to her was unknown.

Neither Null, nor Void were aware that the mothers who died birthing them, had given them their names. Yet even if they did, it wouldn't matter to them. They had no intention of switching it, as this is who they were. Null and Void. Though it would prove a peculiar coincidence. Two mares, who only knew one another from the stallion who made them pregnant, and then seemingly weren't present at the time of his own daughters births? Quite the coincidence, unless he had already decided that that would be their names.

She tried not to think about him. It just made her angry, sad, confused, and a myriad of other things, as his actions just seemed so senseless to her. There were so many ways he could have been in contact with them, and share in the ups and downs together, even if the end was inevitable. And yet he had taken all the wrong choices... Were this because he were a fool? Was it something with the curse? Perhaps even a future predicted, that couldn't allow his presence? She didn't know, but in a way, she pitied the stallion he had become, and hoped for a better one for their sister, who seemingly had taken up his mantle now.

On 2024-05-17 at 10:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Gemini would look around the table to gauge everyone else's opinions before answering, "Um, Maybe I could open the present first?"

The others seemed keen on that idea, which boosted Gemini's confidence.

"Of course. Which one would you like to open first?"

Second or first, Void's gift and response would be the same regardless: A notebook, just like she had wanted it. Bound in faux leather and carefully engraved with her cutie mark, it looked surprisingly elegant. Not a sign it were salvaged or anything, with even the pages looking nice and crisp. She had made sure to use pieces of the red, faux leather she had found, from the most undamaged part and cut the rest off, then gotten on a well preserved note book, and then she had carefully used some of the tools her sister had left, to engrave it with Gemini's new mark.

There were also a piece of deep purple, elegant looking cloth stuck to the binder of the notebook, that were stuck between the pages. A build in book marker as it were, and if she opened it up, she'd see that one had a date written on it in some sort of light blue lettering. That being the date when she got her mark, and a heart at the bottom.

"Happy Cutie Mark Day, Gemini. I hope you like your gift."

She'd look at Gemini, warm smile on her face, and hoping that it were as she had wanted it. Not that her smiling warmly were odd here. Around these young ponies, and the foals, she rarely didn't have a warm smile on her face, and a flutter in her heart.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-05-21 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"...What? You didn't know about the name change.

Aight. When you get your cutie mark, you have a period of time to legally change your name. Varies, but it's usually like, a week or two? Can't remember the right timeline. It's for folks thinking their mark doesn't match their name.

Ardee looked at her mark again, then back to Null with a questioning expression, "Will we even be back in Troy by then? How will they know how long it's been? Does something change about it to tell everyone it's not fresh?"

In any case, she would have to give her name some thought, as she was not much attached to her current name.

 

Ardee looked a bit upset at being left behind again, but sighed with a nod, "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. We can meet back here afterwards."

 

And so they would go their separate ways.

 

Arcade would lead the way towards the exit, then turn in the direction of where the fight had happened, unless Null gave him a different direction.

 

(Ardee)

Ardee would follow the kitsune, seeming to mutter something to herself. It was clear that there was a deep seated anxiety in her, likely with respect to being seen by a doctor.

 

(Void)

Gemini had of course chosen to open Void's gift for her first, though given her inexperience with gift opening she elected to open it by carefully undoing the tape, ribbon, or string, holding the wrapping on to carefully remove the paper.

Once the gift was revealed she was especially careful with it, the tip of her hoof tracing the lines of her engraved mark. She was smiling the whole time, opening it to look though the blank pages before closing it and setting it down in front of her and turning towards Void, "Did... did you make this for me? It's beautiful, thank you!"

If Void were in a convenient spot Gemini would hug her before moving on to Vale's gift for her.

 

Vale's gift was more utilitarianly wrapped, simple brown paper and string. Once unwrapped it revealed a small rectangular wooden box with a hinge on the long side and a simple latch opposite it, which Gemini opened to reveal three very nice looking pens, each had a wooden barrel in a different color. The first was a blackish wood, the second a reddish wood, and the third a greenish wood. The tip on each pen indicated that they were fountain pens.

Vale had approached Gemini from behind while she was opening it, "I figured that Void would be getting you a notebook, so I thought some nice pens to go with it would be perfect. The black one is obsidianwood, the red one is cedar, and the green one is poplar, and the ink in each one is the color of the pen, but you can change that if you want."

Gemini would carefully lift the black pen out of the case to examine it closely, "These are different from the pens they used in the facility, I think one of the researchers had one on their desk once, but it didn't look like this."

She carefully set the pen back down and closed the box before the curious foals could get at them, smiling at Vale, "Thank you!"

She would hug Vale as well before returning her attention to Void, "So, you mentioned cake before, is that next?"

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

20 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee looked at her mark again, then back to Null with a questioning expression, "Will we even be back in Troy by then? How will they know how long it's been? Does something change about it to tell everyone it's not fresh?"

"I dunno if we're back by then, but I'm sure they have somewhere here in town that can sort it too. If not, we can still do it back in Troy.

And there's nothing that changes, far as I know. You can lie about when you got it if you want, but then, I dunno if they have any sort of way to check. Like I said, I never went through it. You have any idea, Kozue?"

"Not a one. This here's a pony thing, and I had enough to do focusing on my show and stuff, so I haven't looked into it. I've heard ponies talk about name changes though, so maybe? You'd probably have to ask a local about it. Heck, try one of the changelings. They know a lot, so they might have a clue."

"I see. Well, you can try asking around later then, if you're waiting for us, Ardee. Or we can go look later. Maybe swing around the embassy Troy set up, if we can't find any here? They might know something about this whole thing."

Wasn't something they could just sort out here and now it seemed, so it was a thing for later. Or could be something Ardee did, to try and avoid going to the doctor for a bit longer, if she truly didn't want to be checked up on by one. She'd soon have free reigns to decide.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade would lead the way towards the exit, then turn in the direction of where the fight had happened, unless Null gave him a different direction.

The paper fox had gone with them, as asked, and would lead the way to where it had buried the feathers and the arrow. It did not slow down as it did so though, as it were both excited for some enhancements to itself, and eager to return to its pony. It were not a subservient puppet. If it were mistreated, it might well just leave. But it were made for her, and it found her fascinating and likable. Plus she had its food, even if it wouldn't need any new food for a while now. Or in general, but who didn't like a snack?

Null would have to run a little to keep up, but she had a good rest. She were fine enough, even if she did feel a bit sore when her muscles tensed up. Annoying, but she'd live.

"Here's hoping they aren't gone when we show up. I doubt we'll ever find them again if they are."

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

 

(Ardee)

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee would follow the kitsune, seeming to mutter something to herself. It was clear that there was a deep seated anxiety in her, likely with respect to being seen by a doctor.

Kozue would wave as the others took off, then grin at his new companion.

"Hey, chin up there. I ain't That bad company. I won't even prank you until they're back. You have my word."

He'd rise a paw and tapped himself on the chest a few times, potentially indicating that he were giving a promise. With kitsune though, you never knew. Sometimes their nature got the better of them, if they wanted it to or not. Though in fairness, some situations were just too tempting to not do something with. She'd probably be fine in the time they'd get to wander around. Heck, who knew? She might even get to learn something about his kin, or heavens forbid, make a friend.

As he heard her mutter, he'd sly up to wander by her side instead of in front of her. It were tempting to brush up against her like a cat, as he knew it tended to unnerve a few, who didn't know what to think about his kin, beyond the stories and how nimble and elegant they tended to appear, but he didn't. He wanted to try and make some good impressions here, not encourage her to get this over with, soon as possible. It'd suck going to Troy for a deal, and then being on bad terms after all.

"Something on your mind? Worried about your friends maybe? I don't think they're in trouble. The mare, she seems like she gives a mean kick to the face, if someone tries something."

It'd be a bit more before they got to the doctor's room, so they had a time to chat. Well, six minutes or so, but that still counted as bonding time in his book.

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

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-23 at 11:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If Void were in a convenient spot Gemini would hug her before moving on to Vale's gift for her.

Void had been right next to her, looking on as she opened her gift. Honestly, Void had been worried if it were good enough, but her concern were soon dissipated, as Gemini both thanked her, and went to give her a hug. One that Void would happily partake in, though she answered her after she let go. Gemini still had a gift to open, and thus this were not the time to hold her in a long hug.

"I wanted to make sure that the notebook you got felt more like your very own. Maybe one of these days, I can show you all how I did it. Some arts and crafts could be refreshing."

Cherish had looked on, and honestly, she were very impressed by this sort of work. It looked basically brand new, and definitely stood out. Void must have taken extra care into making this for Gemini, and it looked like it were just what she wanted too.

Heh, she were a lot like Sooth. Not the mother by blood, but she clearly cared a lot about them, just like she were their actual mother. It was nice that Gemini and the other had someone like that in their lives too.

On 2024-05-23 at 11:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale had approached Gemini from behind while she was opening it, "I figured that Void would be getting you a notebook, so I thought some nice pens to go with it would be perfect. The black one is obsidianwood, the red one is cedar, and the green one is poplar, and the ink in each one is the color of the pen, but you can change that if you want."

Gemini would carefully lift the black pen out of the case to examine it closely, "These are different from the pens they used in the facility, I think one of the researchers had one on their desk once, but it didn't look like this."

She carefully set the pen back down and closed the box before the curious foals could get at them, smiling at Vale, "Thank you!"

Void were the one to get impressed now, as she saw the pens that Vale had brought. She had assumed the doe might bring one, but three? And in this quality? This was fairly impressive she'd say.

"That's a nice, thoughtful gift, Vale."

"They suit you, Gemini. Now you can write lots of science things down, for a long time."

Cherish would grin widely. The pens were just a perfect match for that new notebook of hers. Both her moms really cared for her, on her special day.

If she wanted to keep them fully out of range, Void would be happy to store the gifts safely up in the cabinet.

On 2024-05-23 at 11:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"So, you mentioned cake before, is that next?"

"If you're ready for it."

She'd go over to the fridge, and after a bit of time making sure she got a good grip, would bring the cake to the table.

It were a very simple layered cake. Nothing fancy or ground breaking, but this weren't something she had a lot of experience with either. She wished she could have made a grand, special looking cake. And maybe one day she would. But this were what she knew she could do, long as she followed the recipe, and adjust accordingly to what she couldn't have. Which had taken a few tries, regarding the layers. Those first ones had not been agreeable. A shame too. She might have gotten an hour of sleep if it had worked out right away. But it was fine. She could sleep all she wanted later. Right now, they had a special day to celebrate.

She'd put the cake on the table, and slowly cut a piece out, wanting to make sure that it did not break. The first piece were Gemini's after all. It needed to not break. Please oh please oh please!

"Gemini? Would you please bring your plate closer?"

(OOC I can't remember if she were more about nuts and stuff, so... Add hazelnut crunch to the outside if she were.)

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-05-24 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Or we can go look later. Maybe swing around the embassy Troy set up, if we can't find any here? They might know something about this whole thing."

(Totally forgot about that! Yeah, that would be the correct place to go to, given she is a Trojan citizen.)

 

On 2024-05-24 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Here's hoping they aren't gone when we show up. I doubt we'll ever find them again if they are."

Crossing the wall to exit the city they found themselves near a makeshift graveyard. Some of the grave markers were fancier than others, and some could hardly be said to be properly marked.

One of the markers might stand out to Null, if she were looking, as it was made with a piece of painted wood. She might recognize the lettering on it as having been taken from the cabinet for Cabinet Mare, though it had been edited a bit, and amateurishly, to read Cabin Maré.

Nothing would happen if she didn't notice, or decided to simply pass by and plan to return later. 

 

If they continued to follow the fox, they'd eventually reach wherever the fox led them. It would be up to its ability to navigate that would determine if they were in the right spot or not. If they were, the fox would find the feathers right where it had buried them.

 

(Ardee)

On 2024-05-24 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Something on your mind? Worried about your friends maybe? I don't think they're in trouble. The mare, she seems like she gives a mean kick to the face, if someone tries something."

It'd be a bit more before they got to the doctor's room, so they had a time to chat. Well, six minutes or so, but that still counted as bonding time in his book.

Ardee shook her head, "They can handle themselves fine. I... I don't have the best history with doctors, or scientists, or medics, or... well... pretty much anyone in an academic or authoritative position."

She looked over at Kozue, "Maybe you can relate? Being looked at like you're an experiment, an object? That's how most doctors have seen me before. Or rather, like I'm some damaged tool that needs fixing or maintenance."

She shook herself, "I'm just preparing for the pain."

 

(Void)

On 2024-05-24 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I wanted to make sure that the notebook you got felt more like your very own. Maybe one of these days, I can show you all how I did it. Some arts and crafts could be refreshing."

Gemini nodded, "I would like that, thank you!"

 

On 2024-05-24 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

If she wanted to keep them fully out of range, Void would be happy to store the gifts safely up in the cabinet.

Gemini would already have stored the new notebook in the inside pocket of her lab coat, but she would let Void store the box holding the pens away as Vale mentioned that the pens might leak if stored in a pocket. "I'll get you some pens that you can carry around in your coat too, those are a bit more common anyway."

Gemini thanked her again for that before moving to the next topic.

 

On 2024-05-24 at 4:33 PM, Blitz Boom said:

She'd put the cake on the table, and slowly cut a piece out, wanting to make sure that it did not break. The first piece were Gemini's after all. It needed to not break. Please oh please oh please!

"Gemini? Would you please bring your plate closer?"

Void may have considered the cake simple, but the young ponies were astounded by it, their expressions clear that they had never seen something like it before.

Gemini noticed that Void seemed to approach it with some sort of reverence, and so assumed that it was either fragile, or something very special. She would bring her plate as close as she could to Void, and once her piece was on her plate she would take a moment to examine it visually, as well as smelling it while she waited for the others to be served their pieces, "Wow!"

Her expression turned pensive, "Is this only for super special occasions like this? Like, is this cake only for cutie mark parties? Will we have to wait until another of us gets their mark in order to have it again?"

She would wait until everyone had their pieces to start eating, unless Void indicated that she was supposed to have some before the rest were served.

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

She did notice the marker, yet did not halt for now, more than a few seconds. She hadn't managed to be at the funeral, with everything that had happened in the times around it. To be honest, she had forgotten about it a few times, but seeing the grave... She had to go and get this done, but she wanted to stop here, on their way back. Give a proper prayer at her grave.

It were true that she did not honor the grave of everyone. The one from her ancestor, she had yelled and spit at, and she wouldn't apologize for that. That mare had cursed their family line, and ruined the lives of herself, and both her sisters. The Oracle could burn in Tartarus for all she cared.

Yet there were others, that she would give proper respects to. Cabin Mare were one of them. Especially since she had a personal hoof in sending her off. It felt right, just as it usually did, if she had the chance to think or say a few words, over the graves of others that she had failed to save.

But that were for later. for now, they had to follow the fox, and it would lead them straight to the arrow, and thus also the feathers. It looked rather proud with itself as it dug them up enough for Null to just grab hold and pull them up. She'd bring the arrow too, but first, she'd take the feathers off, and put them in storage for safety. Otherwise, it were somewhat easy to just grab the arrow, and run off.

"Well, they were still here, that's something. Think we should head right back, or go check up on something while we're out here anyway?"

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

 

(Ardee)

Kozue shrug a little at the question.

"A lil' bit. Most folks never seen a kitsune. They hear the stories, mayhap even had some family members we've toyed around with or something. So when I came to town, people were chasing me around. Some wanted to kill me, thinking I was some monster. I heard a few wanted to skin me for my fur. That one's more common than you'd think.

I can't say I feel safe going outside the hotel all the time, but y'know, that's just how some are. I try not judging the majority by how some are acting. But then, sounds like you have your own demons to fight with this, that makes it hard for you and doctors. I ain't gonna tell your friends if you wanna skip it, but y'know, I'm pretty sure they're just worried about you.

I'd offer some healing, but I was not growing up to be a healer, so I only know the rudimentary stuff that we're all taught in school, so if there's something real bad, I wouldn't be the most helpful. You should see some of those who have been proper trained though. They can reattach a limb that's been torn off, or snuff a curse right out of you.

*sigh* I hope some of them are still alive out there..."

In honest, he hoped they'd catch up with the other kitsune that had apparently been doing some stuff in this hotel. It'd be nice to be around some of his own kin for even a little bit. Sure most of the staff and audience liked him, but it just wasn't the same.

"Honest talk? Kinda scared leaving this place eventually, since I gotta rely on just myself for safety, but I can't live in fear. It'd drive me insane, and the cave I was stuck in, did enough to push me that way. A year and a half, with not a soul to speak to, doesn't do well for the mind. And the glowing mushrooms and bugs never tasted better, urgh. Edible sure, but just so rancid."

He'd shiver, and shake his head. Not a taste he wanted to keep in mind. Utterly dreadful stuff.

"Anyway, you don't gotta worry about this doc. A bit odd, but they're nice folk. I'll introduce you, and if you then don't feel like it, we can keep moving."

It wouldn't be long now. A few more minutes, and they'd be at Room 41. It had a medical sign hung on it, but it didn't look very professional. Just enough to show where to look, if you needed a doctor. Kozue wouldn't knock though, but would instead go over and place a paw on the door, then use his claws to knock rapidly on the surface, like if you were bored, and running your fingers on a desk.

It would open soon after, showing a room devoid of any light, whatsoever, and in the opening, stood who were likely the doctor, glaring at Kozue.

It seemed to be a griffon. Around her thirties, snow-white coat, with grey specks on her wings. If you looked behind her, it appeared that her tail feathers were rather long and colorful, like she had peacock in her genes, or something of the sort. A likely genetic mutation. It tended to happen in more than just ponies.

"Yes? What do you want?"

Her voice sounded as tired as she looked, with bags nearly visible under her eyes.

"As warm a welcome as ever, Mystril. I brought someone along who might need a check. This here's Ardee.

Ardee? This is Mystril. She's a field medic from the war."

"About the only good thing I did for anyone... Is it a checkup, or have something happened?"

She'd look at Ardee as she said this. The griffon wasn't evil looking, or harsh in any way. Even if she stood straight and rank, Mystril were one of the more dainty looking ones, even if she clearly hadn't been preening properly for a while. It just seemed more like she had lost hope, and wasn't having any luck finding it again. Sadly nothing too unusual, after what happened. Especially for what few, overworked medical personnel were around the various, scattered groups of survivors, that quickly dwindled in numbers. They got to see a lot of death, up close and personal, and for many, it ended up feeling utterly hopeless. Especially when you got to points where the best you could do for some, were to euthanize them quickly and humanely. That was a tough pill to swallow.

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

 

(Void)

On 2024-06-05 at 5:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Void may have considered the cake simple, but the young ponies were astounded by it, their expressions clear that they had never seen something like it before.

Gemini noticed that Void seemed to approach it with some sort of reverence, and so assumed that it was either fragile, or something very special. She would bring her plate as close as she could to Void, and once her piece was on her plate she would take a moment to examine it visually, as well as smelling it while she waited for the others to be served their pieces, "Wow!"

Her expression turned pensive, "Is this only for super special occasions like this? Like, is this cake only for cutie mark parties? Will we have to wait until another of us gets their mark in order to have it again?"

She would wait until everyone had their pieces to start eating, unless Void indicated that she was supposed to have some before the rest were served.

"Well, cake itself is a nice sometimes food, but bigger, more layered cakes like this, tends to be for celebration. Weddings, cutie mark days, birthdays, anniversaries- There are many occasions, where it's fitting. I won't say that we won't make this again some other day though. And I'll bake other cakes every now and again, but outside of parties, big cakes like this is more of a rare treat.

Frankly I'm just happy it turned out well. I haven't baked something like this before, and it took a few tries to get done right. I might need to practice it some more actually, every now and again. I'll make sure that when I do, we'll have some tall cake again. Perhaps it could even be another fun group project in the kitchen sometime?"

Void were relieved that not only did the cake hold, but it also seemed to be taken well by the attending youngsters. And there were plenty to go around, with pieces cut one by one, and brought to waiting plates. The foals likely would need to share their piece, but it had berries, so it would probably be well received.

"Don't worry, there's cake enough for everyone.

Gemini? Why don't you start? I'm excited to hear what you think about it."

She'd continue to cut and give out, waiting with herself as the last. And even then, the entire cake wasn't given out. Only around a third. The plus with big cakes like this, were that you could cut some nice slices, even though they weren't the thickest, and it would still fill a plate up nicely. Meant there were more for seconds, and even thirds if it were desired.

It struck her for a second how alien this really were. To spend most of her life, not even having a home, and often not even a roof over her head, just wanting for something as basic as a place, where there weren't conflict, and they didn't have to run away anymore. And now, she stood among ponies she loved, serving cake, and doing her best to hold a normal party for Gemini, despite not having much in the way of personal experience with these things. Not since before they had to run away from Troy.

It were nothing she had imagined, and yet, it felt natural, and filled her with warmth. It were such simple things, but it made her feel fulfilled, and happy, in a way that she'd have a hard time describing.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-06-14 at 4:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Well, they were still here, that's something. Think we should head right back, or go check up on something while we're out here anyway?"

Arcade thought for a bit, "Well, I noticed you looking at one of the grave markers, Epsilon mentioned Cabin Maré's grave being somewhere out here didn't she? And, well, Ardee already mentioned being fine if we saw it without her. We may as well take care of that on our way back, who knows if we'll get another convenient chance?"

 

Assuming Null agreed, Arcade would follow her over to the grave that Null had spotted on their way out, only there was someone waiting there for them, garbed in all grey it wasn't difficult to recognize the Gray Mare as she stood under some nearby shade, "Took you long enough, I was starting to think that you'd never actually come by."

She wouldn't approach unless Null beckoned her over, nor would she have any other comments unless Null spoke up first. Content to watch whatever Null had planned for the grave.

 

(Ardee)

On 2024-06-14 at 4:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I ain't gonna tell your friends if you wanna skip it, but y'know, I'm pretty sure they're just worried about you.

She shook her head, "No, I... if I'm going to get better, I'll need to take better care of myself. And I'll need to know how so I don't just end up hurting myself again, or permanently."

She didn't look too sure about that though.

On 2024-06-14 at 4:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

It would open soon after, showing a room devoid of any light, whatsoever, and in the opening, stood who were likely the doctor, glaring at Kozue.

It seemed to be a griffon. Around her thirties, snow-white coat, with grey specks on her wings. If you looked behind her, it appeared that her tail feathers were rather long and colorful, like she had peacock in her genes, or something of the sort. A likely genetic mutation. It tended to happen in more than just ponies.

Ardee froze when she saw the doctor, or more accurately she locked up. She didn't make eye contact with the griffon, keeping her gaze on the floor with her head tilted down in a show of submission.

She had not been expecting a griffon to be the doctor, she had been hoping for someone like Void's mom, calm and kind and a pony without obvious weapons. Back in the facility she had been treated almost exclusively by unicorns and pegasi, the few griffons there had been surgeons, and only on rare and very painful occasions had she been brought to one of them before.

She didn't dare run away, she knew she couldn't outpace a griffon, and they'd no doubt hurt her for defying them, same with eye contact, or anything else that could be construed as defiance.

Plus, there had been the infected griffons in the facility where Null had found them, which had done little to improve Ardee's perception of them.

On 2024-06-14 at 4:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"About the only good thing I did for anyone... Is it a checkup, or have something happened?"

Ardee wasn't about to look up to see that she had been addressed. She had never been addressed by a doctor before, except Void's mother, questions had been directed at her handlers before, so she remained still, doing what she could to not tremble as she waited for the pain she knew would follow.

If either of them gave her a command she would follow it, so long as it was clear that it was directed at her.

 

Visually, Mystril would be able to see there was extensive bruising around Ardee's wings, especially at the body joint, which seemed concentrated around the primary muscle groups, indicating a sprain or perhaps a tear. There was also subtle bruising and minor, mostly healed, cuts scattered about her body. It seemed this pegasus had been in a fight, either some amount of healing magic had already been applied, or it was not too recent.

If she looked closer, she could see evidence of much deeper scars across her body that had long since healed over. More than one of these scars looked like talon scratches from a griffon.

 

(Void)

On 2024-06-14 at 4:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Frankly I'm just happy it turned out well. I haven't baked something like this before, and it took a few tries to get done right. I might need to practice it some more actually, every now and again. I'll make sure that when I do, we'll have some tall cake again. Perhaps it could even be another fun group project in the kitchen sometime?"

Those gathered looked happy to hear that there would be more opportunities for cakes like this in the future.

On 2024-06-14 at 4:28 PM, Blitz Boom said:

It struck her for a second how alien this really were. To spend most of her life, not even having a home, and often not even a roof over her head, just wanting for something as basic as a place, where there weren't conflict, and they didn't have to run away anymore. And now, she stood among ponies she loved, serving cake, and doing her best to hold a normal party for Gemini, despite not having much in the way of personal experience with these things. Not since before they had to run away from Troy.

It were nothing she had imagined, and yet, it felt natural, and filled her with warmth. It were such simple things, but it made her feel fulfilled, and happy, in a way that she'd have a hard time describing.

Gemini still waited for everyone to be served before starting, and was quick to express how much she enjoyed it as the others started eating as well. Vale came over to help Teal deal with Peal and Piecey so that Gemini wouldn't have to spend part of her party foalsitting, but the young ponies did not give her any trouble as they enjoyed the piece they were given to share.

(That more or less brings us to the end of the party. We could brainstorm some ideas for what to do next with the young ponies in Void's care, and we don't need to do something with them every day so we can skip their story ahead a few days or focus on what Void does when she's not caring for them for a bit. I think all I really have in mind for them right now is therapy for Elef and eventually figuring out how Teal will get her mark.)

[Blitz Boom 4,740]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2024-06-18 at 10:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade thought for a bit, "Well, I noticed you looking at one of the grave markers, Epsilon mentioned Cabin Maré's grave being somewhere out here didn't she? And, well, Ardee already mentioned being fine if we saw it without her. We may as well take care of that on our way back, who knows if we'll get another convenient chance?"

"Thank you. It's not all that I've... *helped*, that I get a chance to stand at the grave of, but I like to give a prayer when the opportunity do come. Feels like I owe them some words for the road or something."

She'd been around a lot of death in her time. More innocent blood spilled, and eyes losing the light of life, than anyone should witness. Those who did not deserve it, hit the hardest. Those like Cabin Maré, who wanted for death, or could not be saved, that had to hope for the mercy of another to free them. Null had been that one, more times than she wanted to keep track of, and it ate away at her when she did, even when it were bloodless, like with Cabin.

Sending them off with a prayer... She couldn't even remember where she picked up that custom anymore, but it had become a thing that she did. Something that made her feel like they weren't forgotten, and could perhaps get to the next world with some semblance of peace. So she said a prayer with the corpses, like she had done with Cabin, but if she had the chance to then do the same at a grave, she would. It felt... Right, y'know? Like she gave them their last respects. It made it a little easier to swallow too at times.

On 2024-06-18 at 10:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Assuming Null agreed, Arcade would follow her over to the grave that Null had spotted on their way out, only there was someone waiting there for them, garbed in all grey it wasn't difficult to recognize the Gray Mare as she stood under some nearby shade, "Took you long enough, I was starting to think that you'd never actually come by."

She wouldn't approach unless Null beckoned her over, nor would she have any other comments unless Null spoke up first. Content to watch whatever Null had planned for the grave.

"Wait your turn."

She would address Grey Mare proper soon enough, but she had come here for the grave, and would wander over to it first. An unassuming one really. A marker for the end of a life, that would fade away as everything did in time... But for now, it at least marked a mare for who she were, forgotten as she had been, as anything else than just a machine, that strange happenings occurred around. A shame it had to wait for her end to happen, but things were not always fair.

Null would stand at the grave, then kneel down, close her eyes, and mumble a prayer, with her right front hoof raised up in front of her face. A little wish for her soul to have found peace, and a message that someone still remembered her, and hoped she were in a better place. It wasn't a very intricate prayer, but she liked it all the same, for situations like this, though she knew several different ones. She also rarely said them out loud, preferring to mumble them, to keep it somewhat private.

It would take a few minutes, and then after, she would rise up, and look towards her cursed sister, as she had seemingly awaited her to come here. If not now, then sooner or later.

"A lot of things happened. It made it hard to be here at the funeral itself. But you have my thanks for giving her a spot to rest. With some luck, she have found herself at peace in Elysium by now, along with her sister. She seemed to have mattered a lot to Cabin.

*sigh* But I doubt you'd come all this way, just to see me standing over a grave. I assume you wanna talk, Grey Mare? I do too. Particularly about Smasher, and his cronies. Would you tell me what happened to them? And what of Ninja? Is he taken in and set to work too by now?"

She'd ask about the changelings, but they seemed alright last she saw them, so asking in on them could wait. She had more immediate questions and concerns before them.

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

 

(Ardee)

On 2024-06-18 at 10:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She shook her head, "No, I... if I'm going to get better, I'll need to take better care of myself. And I'll need to know how so I don't just end up hurting myself again, or permanently."

She didn't look too sure about that though.

"It's admirable that you wanna face your fears like this, so to speak, but like, don't push yourself too hard, okay? Taking care of yourself, also means caring about your mental health. If you try and force yourself into too much you aren't feeling great about at once, you're gonna crack.

It's okay to be nervous, but be firm, and let the doc know if you want to stop, or need a break. Trust me, you don't want a mental breakdown. I've been poking my toes into that a few times, and it can be harrowing."

She were clearly still nervous, and not fully convinced off things herself, but he didn't decide for her. Best he could do, was to be there for support, and then see what'd happen. Hopefully she'd know the how and when on her boundaries, and act on it, lest she got herself into a feeling of being cornered and/or overwhelmed. Sure Kozue liked to have his fun, and play pranks, but he wasn't a meanie. He weren't gonna try and cause her actual distress. Frankly, he'd much prefer if he could lift spirits, rather than break them. Probably had something to do with the musician in him.

On 2024-06-18 at 10:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee wasn't about to look up to see that she had been addressed. She had never been addressed by a doctor before, except Void's mother, questions had been directed at her handlers before, so she remained still, doing what she could to not tremble as she waited for the pain she knew would follow.

If either of them gave her a command she would follow it, so long as it was clear that it was directed at her.

 

Visually, Mystril would be able to see there was extensive bruising around Ardee's wings, especially at the body joint, which seemed concentrated around the primary muscle groups, indicating a sprain or perhaps a tear. There was also subtle bruising and minor, mostly healed, cuts scattered about her body. It seemed this pegasus had been in a fight, either some amount of healing magic had already been applied, or it was not too recent.

If she looked closer, she could see evidence of much deeper scars across her body that had long since healed over. More than one of these scars looked like talon scratches from a griffon.

Mystril looked at Ardee, waiting for an answer. Her eyebrow raising eventually, questioning what were going on here.

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

"She can, but she has some doctor's fears. Try and be gentle with her, aight doc?"

"Okay. I suppose I can do a quick check like this."

She wouldn't touch Ardee, but would walk around, mumbling to herself a little as she noticed certain things. Nothing intensely dangerous from the outside, so she seemed bruised, yet at good health. Though her movement stopped, and eyes stayed, when she saw some particular old wounds. Some that had a very distinctive pattern to them.

"I'm not sure it's because I'm a medic, that I'm making her nervous."

"Huh?"

Kozue were confused, not understanding what were going on here.

"I've seen enough wounds to know what common wounds look like. Her wings are hurt at the connection point to her body. I'm guessing a tear, or just a sprain if she's lucky. Some bruising and healing cuts are all over too, so it's pretty clear she's been in a scuffle. But then there's the old ones. Some of them, made by griffon talons. And nasty ones at that."

"Oh... Ooooh, fudge. This might have been a bad idea."

The doctor looked up at Ardee again, looking as tired and drained as she had thus far. She did not have the calm professionalism of the sort of doctor that one would expect from the facility, nor the caring warmth of Void's mother. She also didn't have the prideful arrogance vibe over her, that tended to be the case with some griffons. She just looked used, and mostly harmless. Though it might not seem that simple for Ardee, as she did not exactly look at her through rose tinted goggles.

"My uncle used to come home with enough wounds, to show more or less every type of damage a body can be hit by. Scar upon scar, and he proudly showed them, to any who asked. Every scar having its own signature, and a story to tell, of some deed that gave it to him. A real hero, who fought for what was right..."

She trailed off, and seemed to slack further in her stance, as some memories returned, that appeared to pain her, before she rose herself up somewhat, and continued.

"Point is, I know what gave you these, and I see why you'd be worried.

I have some salve and gauze we can use on your wings. A tear or sprain, you need to rest them in either case. Optimally, I'd advise adding a splint to keep them even and in place, then wrap them up to your body with the gauze, so you don't move them around. It will hurt some, and you will have to reapply the salve every eight hours, but it will help.

You want me to just get it, or come in and let me do it in here?"

"It's not one of those bad days, right?"

"No. He's been calm today."

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

 

(Void)

The party would progress without error, and end up being a day that Void at the least, could look back to with great fondness, and some level of pride. She were feeling rather knackered by the end, but it had all been worth it. The lack of sleep, the cost, the effort- All of it worth it, for her little angel. Though she did still need to clean up. And while she would make sure the dishes were done, the leftover food packaged right to it wouldn't spoil and so on, she'd leave the main cleanup of the party items for tomorrow. She needed some sleep, and would head back home to get it, once the day and the tasks were over, and the young ponies put to bed, with their evening story telling, if they had the want and energy for her to read on to them.

When she would eventually leave, her legs were swaying, the tiredness starting to catch up to her at last, and it would be a lie to say that she made it home all by her lonesome. Molotov had seen her wobble and intercepted her, to come and give her a helping shoulder to lean on, while she got on her way home. He had been in town to get some parts and a tool that he needed for his work out in the desert. Or well, he needed a base tool. He were needing to modify it, but it were a lot easier to buy a baseline and modify it, rather than forge one from scratch.

He had been on his way back to the desert when he saw her, and getting back home with the filled saddlebags, became a secondary task.

Now there were some, who might think he'd take advantage of her here. Void were clearly in a great mood, yet tired and woozy. If he smooth talked enough, he might be able to get a smooch, or make her tell some of the secrets he knew she carried with her, but that she weren't as thrilled to share to just anyone.

But those who'd suggest that, could go stumbling into a cactus. Sure Molotov had a short road between his thoughts and mouth, that made him say dumb things sometimes, but he'd never try and take advantage of a moment of weakness with anyone. Especially not a nice mare like Void here. She deserved better than that, and so he'd just talk to her a bit on how she were, and asked what got her in a good mood. She wasn't telling a lot. Just that she had hosted a party that had gone better than she had ever hoped, and he didn't dig into it. It sounded nice, but when she didn't mention any names at first, it might be one of those hush hush things, that he shouldn't be asking in about.

On his end, he'd regale her with chats about what he'd been getting done in the desert. He managed to get hold of the right parts from some salvaged golems, to start work on a new secure laboratory. He'd say that the finished product were gonna be a surprise, but that it were getting along great, with the foundation being the hardest part, next to the actual wiring, and he had made great strides in that endeavor. With Felicia and Carmen helping him, along with the two griffons, who were bored enough waiting to hear back from Le Perinne to help him hunt for the golems he needed to draw most of his parts from, he might even be able to finish it in a week or two. Perhaps later. It all really depended on how many parts he could reuse, and how many he had to design and make more from scratch.

He were discussing the fundamental on him choosing spiders in his designs a lot, because the legs and body form were excellent to work from, when they got to her home, and he could safely see her off. If either of her parents came out to see her too, he'd greet them, but not overstay his welcome. Much as he wanted to spend more time with her, he also needed to get to work on having his base made. It would be a great foundation, for him to get on with his goal, of making amends for the horrors he had in accidentally set upon the world.

Might be he had no karmic debt from this, but it didn't absolve him of his guilt. He wanted to do something right, and prove that Center Zero was more than just a place for weapons and disease. At its heart, it had some ponies who wanted to improve the world, and he'd make sure that would become his legacy. Not the manufacturer of weapons that had scorched, pulverized, and infected the innocent.

[Illiad Easle 3,249]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2024-06-22 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"A lot of things happened. It made it hard to be here at the funeral itself. But you have my thanks for giving her a spot to rest. With some luck, she have found herself at peace in Elysium by now, along with her sister. She seemed to have mattered a lot to Cabin.

Gray Mare waved a hoof dismissively, "It was the least I could do, and I don't blame you for getting out of town as fast as you did, I figure I had something to do with that anyway."

On 2024-06-22 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

*sigh* But I doubt you'd come all this way, just to see me standing over a grave. I assume you wanna talk, Grey Mare? I do too. Particularly about Smasher, and his cronies. Would you tell me what happened to them? And what of Ninja? Is he taken in and set to work too by now?"

Gray Mare raised an eyebrow, "Oh? I actually did come to see what you had in mind for Cabin's grave, I figured someone as traveled as you would have some interesting if not unique ritual given your eagerness to know where the plot was."

She shrugged, "But if you want to talk business, we can. Ninja Briar will be put back to work protecting the Host and the Stacked Deck, with a bit more freedom to police the cloud district when not occupied with keeping the Host alive. It will take him a long time to pay off his debt, but cleaning up the clouds should be a good start to it. As to Basher, or Vivace Choufleur Stalliongrad, well, what do you want to know?"

 

(Ardee)

Ardee's ears followed the doctor as she moved around her, while her eyes remained fixed on the floor, and the rest of her body remaining as still as possible.

There wasn't much of an outward reaction as the doctor talked about her scars, but there was the faintest hint of curiosity eking out around the fear that rooted her in place. 

On 2024-06-22 at 5:22 PM, Blitz Boom said:

You want me to just get it, or come in and let me do it in here?"

"It's not one of those bad days, right?"

"No. He's been calm today."

Ardee started to move when the doctor said "come in", recognizing it as an instruction directed at her. She was starting to think that maybe she could relax around this doctor, like she had around Void's mom, but this doctor was still a griffon, which meant surgeon, which meant a much greater risk of pain if she did something that remotely resembled defiance. They knew how to cause pain without leaving marks.

So she would enter the room as instructed and await further instructions, though her fear was greater in the room than outside.

 

(Void)

(See OOC)