open Ambition for Ascension

[Loud Opinion 602]

@ExplosionMare @Califorum

Mr. Tongue, being a stallion of the quill, was not impressed with Magnolia's impudent display of power. "As a hexologist, I know how it feels to be around ponies who don't run away in fear. It's a rare feeling, one that I saver- but," Silver quipped, "Dark magic doesn't help endear us to the masses. Your skills are invaluable," Silver paused as his hoof reached the door "Just try to show some restraint when we're with the unenlightened is what I'm asking."

With a shove and an unhealthy sounding pop from Mr. Tongue's leg, the doors swung open. Well, they didn't swing so much as they stubbornly creaked out of the way.

"Mr. Tongue must have used a communion ritual," Came Limbo's echoed voice from inside, "It must have been so frightening back there! I'm sorry you had to see that. We can host a dinner after-party if you'd like?"

"You two owe Magnolia a lot of gratitude," Silver announced, interrupting Limbo's explanation as he strode down the aisle, "She put a great deal of unearned trust in me for the chance to save you!"

"That was nothing but reckless Limbo," Silver scolded at a slightly lower volume now that he was closer, "What would you have done if Magnolia was not willing to risk her life on my word alone?"

@abrony-mouse

Octavia took a sip of her coffee, thankful that Oregano-To-Go carried such exotic drinks. The stiff seating did little to comfort her, but the fireplace picked up the slack. A comforting contrast to the brisk night air.

"It all started a few weeks ago when I started having these bazaar, horrific dreams," Octavia began with a shake of her weathered head, "A temple, a green stallion, and a sheep. They would interrogate me with questions I could never remember. Then I would find myself playing my cello for an upper-crust party. Sometimes my hair would be used to garnish the dishes, sometimes I would be dancing instead of playing, sometimes I would-" Octavia was halted by an urge to wretch --the thought of utensils cutting through flesh proved too much for the poor thing-- before steeling herself, "Sorry. I think you get the picture. Anyway, I went to the temple in person, and there they were. I just know they are behind my dreams, and now they know I'm on to them."

"Oh, I know they're just waiting for me to fall asleep again," Octavia began to despair again, "What are they planning for me? How am I ever going to have another good night's rest?!"

"Sorry," Octavia composed, "but surely you can understand my plight?"

[Fuchsia]

@Loud Opinion

Fuchsia nodded sympathetically as the poor mare recited her tail. She could tell the poor thing was at her wit's end, and genuinely seemed to be persecuted by something. Her hackles rose at the thought of evil ponies or creatures using her in some nefarious scheme. In her travels she had heard of tails of beings that preyed on vulnerable minds, waiting for ponies to sleep and then feeding on them - changelings could do similar things and she had heard tales of Luna's mind being affected that way - so she did not simply dismiss the story. 

Her immediate concern though was the pony in front of her. She seemed to be convinced that if she slept her mind would be invaded. Fuchsia couldn't let that happen, but she didn't have anything on her that could break mental influence - if that was even what was occurring - and didn't know that she could get help quickly enough in the town. 

She rubs her temples with her hooves as she's thinking, out of habit. "I understand... and let's say there is a temple, a stallion and a sheep who can influence you. Do you know why they might want you, or why you might be susceptible to them?"  she asks, while her Manticore angrily paces the contours of the strange problem that had fallen into her furry pony lap.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Califorum @Loud Opinion

Starlight smiled at Limbo’s suggestion of a dinner after-party. After what they had just been through, a celebration was more than deserved for their safe return. Starlight was about to offer her gratitude to the pony she had initially believed had saved them: Mr. Tongue. In a strange turn of events, however, it was not Mr. Tongue who had saved them—it was Magnolia.

“M-Magnolia saved us?” she sputtered, looking at the blue unicorn in disbelief.

Starlight couldn’t fathom why Magnolia would save anypony, especially her. She expected that the hostile pony would’ve ditched her in order to avoid another mention of Equality. By some miraculous change of heart, however, Magnolia decided to put her rivalries behind her. At least, up until she felt that Mr. Tongue had put her in danger without telling her.

Well, it was a start. Magnolia was learning to become a better pony even if she hadn’t realized it. Starlight smiled to herself, knowing that Equality truly did have the power to warm the most coldest of hearts. She was about to commend Magnolia for her efforts in a way that would make her sound like she was already following the hoof steps of an equal pony. However, Starlight knew that would only put the mare back where she originally was. Instead, she settled with a simple thank-you.

“Thank you for saving us, Magnolia. We both truly appreciate it,”

Starlight mentally giggled. That was sure to throw Magnolia off.

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum @ExplosionMare

"Yes," Silver admits, "my need to see Miss. Dreams safe can blind me to the consequences others have to suffer. I assumed you expected such a risk after what you witnessed in the Wood.

"However, I'd hate to make this all about me after the heroism the both of you have shown today. You showed great courage, and we would like to reward you, say, over dinner?"

Limbo Dreams nodded in agreement; ready to change the focus off of the harsh direction things were going in, "Exactly what I was thinking. Tomorrow we'll be hosting a five-course dinner followed by a toast. That's all. No hostile environments and no life-threatening beings from other worlds. Just us, our accomplishments, and an opportunity to discuss how we feel after what we've gone through. Mr. Tongue," Limbo past.

"Yes," Silver picked up, "I've arranged some of the best lodgings that Ponyville has to offer. Luxury for all but the most spoiled of nobles."

@abrony-mouse

Octavia searched for a through-line. Anyone that may know about her, let alone resent her. "Well, I'm a famous cellist. Though, that doesn't mean much if you're not a composer. If they know me through my work it would have to be one of those. If not then it could be anypony from here or Canterlot. Whatever they do I always end up in one piece, so they don't want me gone. Maybe a noble with eccentric guests to please.

"Great, that narrows it down to all of Canterlot," She said with a low face. "Oh, it's hopeless, isn't it?" She said more than asked as her head fell to the table in defeat. She was already so tired. Who knows how long it would be until she had to rest her eyes again.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Califorum @Loud Opinion

“As Limbo Dreams mentioned to me earlier, dinner would be wonderful. It would be a perfect chance for us all to bond,” she replied to Mr. Tongue. As she said the word bond, she glanced over at Magnolia, directing that word towards her.

While Magnolia was busy staring holes through everypony, Starlight took notice of her body language. It almost seemed that from the looks of things, her harsh demeanor was merely an act to cover up what was otherwise meek behavior. Starlight empathized, remembering how she acted nearly the same way as a foal. Now that Starlight could begin to understand the unicorn better, she was now confident that she could form a true friendship with this pony.

Starlight’s facial expression shifted when Magnolia began to stammer, much to her surprise. Normally, she was very careful and direct with her words. This was a perfect opportunity for Starlight to talk to the unicorn the way she wanted to. No arguments, no shouting, just a normal, friendly exchange of words.

“You do deserve it, Magnolia. Everypony deserves kindness from a friend. This will be an excellent opportunity to get familiar with one another. Not to mention, we have been through a lot as of recent, so a break will help us relax before we continue our journey,” she spoke, refraining from the urge to monologue heavily like she normally would.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Califorum

Starlight winced as Magnolia swiped her near her heart and on both flanks again. A blush rose on her cheeks, not due to embarrassment, but due to the stinging pain that arose from her body. She clutched at her heart and instinctively wanted to hide her real Cutie Mark. However, at this point, hiding wouldn’t make a difference.

She listened with gritted teeth as Magnolia once again attempted to tear down all of Starlight’s defenses. Her gaze returned to its usual icy cold glare, disappointingly. Starlight sighed through her nostrils at her failure. Perhaps if they were at her village, Magnolia would not be as difficult of a pony as she is here. She was immediately pulled from that thought when the unicorn mentioned that, somehow, she did have a connection to Starlight. She mentioned how she had her own little secrets to hide, which caused her to reveal her weaker self again. Naturally, Starlight took the opportunity to speak now that she had a chance.

“What I know is the pure, absolute truth. You may not believe it yet, but I am not wrong. It would be much better, admittedly, if I could teach you back in my village,” she stated. The more she spoke, the more subsided the throbbing on her chest became.

“I am being my true self because I am following fate. I learned to sacrifice everything and to act purely out of friendship, as I was meant to do. Eventually, you will understand what this feels like. There will be a day where you don’t have to hide your feelings with distrust and anger,” she said, offering a warm smile. The pain in her chest had faded.
 

She thought about offering a hoof, but felt that physical contact would only escalate Magnolia’s anger further. Instead, she slowly trotted towards Magnolia until she was close enough if the unicorn did want a hoofshake or a hug or something like that. Starlight wanted to be there for Magnolia and support her, just like she was for the ponies in her village.

[Octavian 5,421]

21 hours ago, Loud Opinion said:

@abrony-mouse

Octavia searched for a through-line. Anyone that may know about her, let alone resent her. "Well, I'm a famous cellist. Though, that doesn't mean much if you're not a composer. If they know me through my work it would have to be one of those. If not then it could be anypony from here or Canterlot. Whatever they do I always end up in one piece, so they don't want me gone. Maybe a noble with eccentric guests to please.

"Great, that narrows it down to all of Canterlot," She said with a low face. "Oh, it's hopeless, isn't it?" She said more than asked as her head fell to the table in defeat. She was already so tired. Who knows how long it would be until she had to rest her eyes again.

Fuchsia considers, wishing the coffee in her hoof was something stronger  As Octavia was speaking about being a musician, the idea occurs to her that it could be song-based magic - she had heard of Sirens who used such magic.

Fuchsia pats the mare encouragingly, "There there, I want to help you - we'll get to the bottom of this."  

"I think we have three options: 1) We confront these beings in the temple and ask them to stop, 2) We try to break their influence over you, 3) We wait and gather evidence - starting from the next time you fall asleep again - I will follow you and see if anything happens. I'm not strong enough for 1) or 2), but maybe you have friends who could help with that? 3) puts you in danger again... but it's our best bet for now without help." she suggests. She could hear the admonishing tone of her mom Roseberry telling her off for rushing into things. But her instinct was that something big was up with this Octavia... and if she was the sort of mare to doubt her instinct she'd have just stayed on the farm with Roseberry :3 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum @ExplosionMare

Mr. Tongue and Limbo Dreams both locked their eyes on the strike Magnolia made. They shared a look and came to a decision. Physical attacks, no matter how innocuous, were dangerous to leave uncorrected.

However, her target was Starlight. Limbo knew that, at this rate, Starlight could easily outpace Magnolia as a physical threat. Heart was a difficult thing to surmount, and Starlight was no slouch when it came to traditional magic either. At least, that's what Silver heard from Limbo. If Magnolia keeps providing such effective resistance, Starlight will have no problem mastering the aspect of Heart and becoming an invaluable asset.

"Magnolia," Silver stated once the conversation slowed, "I will warn you once. Turning on your peers is a line we don't cross... and survive.  Bickering keeps the mind sharp, but what were you expecting our reaction to be when you physically hurt Starlight?" Silver asked, his wrinkles seemed to multiply in proportion to his ire, "Applause? Silence? Or are you looking for a fight?!

"Do not test me with your roundabout games! If you wish to put a pony in their place, and you do not trust your words alone to do the job, then ask one of us for guidance. We would have told you about dueling, but you, in your infinite wisdom, decided to mess with her physically. 'What could go wrong with doing whatever I want to someone that just got out of nowhere? A place I don't understand in the slightest.'

"That line of thinking is irresponsible," Silver let out a snort, then cracked a wry smile, "Which is why I'm challenging you right now. You haven't fully forgiven me for my omissions, and I have found a grievance of my own. We put this to rest tonight! The Grail is hungry."

Limbo looked impressed with Silver. She had expected a warning that Magnolia would promptly ignore. Now, no matter who won, tomorrow's dinner won't have any grief looming overhead. Limbo then remembered that Magnolia had no idea how to respond to a challenge. She leaned into her ear, trusting Magnolia's respect for her to keep her safe, "He wants to duel you. To accept, you say: 'The watchman stirs'. To deny, you say: 'My sword is sheathed'. Oh, and to start a challenge, you say what Silver just said," Limbo then giggled, "Good luck, and have fun!"

She then trotted over to Starlight with an excited smile on her face, "Oh, I hope she accepts. Duels are so fun to watch!"

@abrony-mouse

Octavia felt relieved. Relative safety: something she had been silently begging for all night was right here. Her assailants would have no idea someone would be helping her. Even if Fuchsia couldn't help in the end, she could at least tell the story allowing others to help. But, most important of all, she wasn't alone in this.

With a weary smile, Octavia nodded, "So long as somepony has my back, I think I can bring myself to sleep tonight. Thank you."

The chilly night outside was still intimidating, but no longer did it hold a supernatural dread. Octavia could practically hear the warm serenade of a violin-piano duet as her hope returned to her.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum

Starlight smiled contently, glad somepony else besides her noticed Magnolia’s disruptive and violent behaviors. She was pleased to know that she didn’t have to deal with the blue unicorn alone. Just like a true friend, Silver was there to help her in a time of need. Since Silver was spending a great deal of time reprimanding Magnolia, Starlight simply mouthed a “thank you” so he could continue his conversation.

Everything was fine until there was a challenge announced for a duel. Starlight’s jaw dropped, but to be polite, she covered her mouth with a hoof. She stood rigid at the thought of two potential friends fighting each other. She had fought physically with ponies before, and it had been ugly. She would hate to see anypony being reduced to a blob on the floor. Intervening, Starlight got between Silver and Magnolia and cried,

“No, you two! There is no need to fight! I ask you to find a more peaceful solution to your problems! Fighting will only lead to disaster for one or both of you. Do not let the rage your differences stir in you lead to harm. Work through your differences calmly so you can find common ground,”

When she was finished speaking, she took a step back in order to not get caught up between any crossfire. Nervously, she bit her lip in fear of how Silver and Magnolia would react. Her assumption was that they would not react well, at least at first. This thought of hers was disrupted when Limbo whispered to her excitedly, encouraging the duel. In a stern but low voice, Starlight told her,

“It is unwise to encourage them. If they choose to handle their differences this way, destruction will occur. They must learn to move past their conflicts and learn to agree with one another,”

[Fuchsia]

@Loud OpinionFuchsia sees Octavia relax and is relieved, but in her head her Manticore is dashing after possibilities - all hesitation about adventure forgotten. Sirens, changelings, mystical void beings... ponies had so many foes and something arcane and evil hung over this Octavia. A temple, a green stallion and... a sheep? Why a sheep. Evil temples and unicorns were things she was familiar with, but a simple friendly sheep? The farm over from hers had actually herded sheep, and she had played with a few lambs as a filly :3 They were a bit slower than ponies and more critterish - sentience was a funny thing in Equestria. I mean, everypony knew animals had a secret language and talked with each other. Even some insects like wasps or ants. But then there were butterflies - were they really sentient? Anyway sheep were definitely sentient... but the incongruity of one appearing in this chilling story gave her the creeps. 

Fuchsia shakes herself out of her musings and focuses on what Octavia had said  

"Glad I can help. First, let's go back to your place" she suggests. "If they come for you when you're sleeping then maybe they left some clue there? If not, at least you can get some shut eye." 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum @ExplosionMare

As Magnolia uttered her response, a layer of salt encircled both of them.

Silver could see the pattern. Magnolia neglects to ask questions because that would jeopardize her confidence. She leaps into action. Then she blames others when she finally finds out what she was risking.

It was comforting to see the pattern. Every time Silver pieces together the puzzle of another ponies psyche, it added to his confidence.

"You never asked if you were in danger. You never asked if Starlight was safe to interact with. You never asked how we felt about Starlight. It is your confidence that is getting in your way, not me! That is beside the point, though. Now is where our perspectives clash and see which of us walks the more successful path."

Limbo, meanwhile, didn't keep her smile. She had expected Starlight to be excited to see something so unique to the old ways. Duels were almost unheard of in the modern world; Mostly practiced in the dark arts. Limbo herself had only seen a single duel in her entire life.

"Oh, please don't worry. When you see the way Silver fights, you'll understand. Cleaning a wound is painful, but it has to be done quickly. You wouldn't want tomorrow's day of celebration to be spoiled by resentment."

"If you care about not fighting, then you should take notes. Win or lose: I don't think Magnolia is going to be satisfied when she's done with Mr. Tongue. I don't doubt for a second that she'll challenge you at the first chance she gets."

"The rules are simple," Limbo announced, "If either of you leaves the ring, then they lose. If either one of you is too injured to fight, then the duel ends in a draw. To surrender, you say: 'Lion's game!'. Good luck."

@abrony-mouse

Octavia let her shivers subside when she opened the door to her residence. In hindsight, a roommate would have been very useful as a lone mare in a new town, but she couldn't give up the idea of complete privacy.

"The rest of the orchestra is going to feel quite vindicated after word gets out about this." She said with a hoof rubbing her temple as she entered. She held the door for Fuchsia. On the door, a very deliberate-looking marking was close to the hoof, drawing attention.

The inside of the small house was very lacking in decor. A single chair next to another door, a coat rack, and a minimalist chandelier were all that occupied the purple room. Clearly, she doesn't get many guests.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum

Starlight let out a sigh, then nodded. Although she didn’t agree with the method, as long as everypony would become friends after the duel, then there was no point in worrying about it. She turned to Limbo and said,

“As long as nopony truly gets hurt in the end, then all should be well. I will teach them later that there are other ways to reach an agreement,”

She wished now more than ever that she could remove everypony’s Cutie Marks. However, without the Staff, she could risk revealing her secret. She needed that staff to channel her magic through so that she would not look as if she is displaying her own power. She had warned ponies time and time again the dangers of coexisting with Cutie Marks, but they never listened to her. The only way to make them listen is to change their perspective. Ponies could only see the benefit of a Cutie Markless life if they were currently living one.

Starlight glanced over to Magnolia who had a surprising amount of pain in her voice. This was it, Starlight thought, she’s finally breaking. Magnolia, whether she realized it or not, was slowly becoming more and more vulnerable. She wasn’t a mean-spirited sorceress, she was simply a hurt pony. Not waiting a moment to seize her opportunity, Starlight stepped forward.

“Magnolia, you are not worthless. You are just as valuable as anypony else. The ponies who abandoned you were blinded by the pain their Cutie Marks brought them. They could not see their own worth, so they placed their insecurities and fears onto you. In my village, we understand that everypony has worth and value. We accept everypony as one of our own. I accept you as one of my own, and as a friend,” she monologued in a friendly tone. She smiled during her last sentence, hoping to be as convincing as possible with it.

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum 

Mr. Tongue was, again, unimpressed with the way Magnolia bickered with Starlight. "Your words are like rioting peasants. Full of furry, but lacking import."

Silver paid the shadows no mind and prepared his ritual. He focused on all the pleasures he indulged in over the years and offered those memories to the unknown. Like bait on a hook, he cast out his memories to be found by who knows what.

He bowed his head for greater focus. Some of the pleasantries leaked out and nourished Magnolia's soul. The burns from her encounter on her way to the temple fade away like a bad dream. Silver was sacrificing a lot of advantages for this ritual. Was this hubris?!

@ExplosionMare

"Have patience, Starlight. Some ponies will never live to see utopia," Limbo comforted, "let the willing come first, the convinced come second, and leave the resistant to wander. That is how I spread my message."

Limbo hoped that Magnolia didn't get the wrong message from that. She knew that she was technically taking Starlight's side, but she hoped that Magnolia would know it was for her own good.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum

Starlight nodded in agreement to Limbo’s statement. It was touching to have somepony already so willing to understand her side of things. Sometimes, ponies just can’t see the gifts being bestowed right in front of them. However, she didn’t believe that that made them any less deserving of one. In Starlight’s mind, even the most selfish and resistant of ponies deserved the blessings of a utopia.

“I will agree that converting the ‘willing’ ponies is a lot quicker and easier than trying to convert a resister,” she told Limbo. “However—“ she raised a bent hoof in the air for emphasis. “I do not agree with letting the resistant ponies wander. They are the ones that need understanding and compassion the most. If we let ponies we didn’t like live in pain while the rest of us suffered, then there would be no truth behind our words,”

She soon turned to face the inevitable duel. With squinted eyes, she watched as Magnolia prepared her first attack. Series of solid shadows thrust themselves towards Silver Tongue. They threatened to throw him to the side, and if he was not careful, they would succeed. Starlight was secretly rooting for Silver, so she hoped that he would find a way to deflect the attack.

[Fuchsia]

On 2021-02-24 at 8:07 AM, Loud Opinion said:

@abrony-mouse

Octavia let her shivers subside when she opened the door to her residence. In hindsight, a roommate would have been very useful as a lone mare in a new town, but she couldn't give up the idea of complete privacy.

"The rest of the orchestra is going to feel quite vindicated after word gets out about this." She said with a hoof rubbing her temple as she entered. She held the door for Fuchsia. On the door, a very deliberate-looking marking was close to the hoof, drawing attention.

The inside of the small house was very lacking in decor. A single chair next to another door, a coat rack, and a minimalist chandelier were all that occupied the purple room. Clearly, she doesn't get many guests.

Fuchsia makes small talk with Octavia as they trot back, trying to keep the calm that the frazzled mare had been able to maintain after their initial meeting. In the same spirit she replies to Octavia's self-conscious nattering. However, as Octavia held open the door for her, she was in the middle of politely thanking her when a manticore paw slammed onto the doorframe by Octavia's hoof. She blinked and her eye twitched to the right, near Octavia's hoof. She examined the mark as closely as she could, not immediately alerting Octavia to it and trotting inside, but making a mental note of it and meaning to investigate it further.

Fuchsia smiles at the inside of the clearly temporary accommodation. "Who are you renting this place from, might I ask?" Fuchsia asks innocently, as if it was just another small talk inquiry, not wanting to raise Octavia's guard.

 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@ExplosionMare @Califorum

"I see where we differ," Limbo replied, "You are very empathetic. You look at Magnolia, and you see an animal with a limp. You look at me, and you see a healthy lamb."

"We must temper our empathy with humility," Limbo let a gentle smile show through. She knew she was using Starlight's own themes against her, and the thought made her a little giddy. "You are no better than Magnolia. If you do not understand why she clings to her power, you can never convince her to let it go."

If Limbo sounded innocent before, her tone is downright motherly now, "Your nature makes it tempting to keep pushing, but you are only pushing her away. You've worked yourself into a no-win situation with Magnolia."  Limbo paused, looking for the right words, "If your way is true, then it will speak for itself. That's all I'm trying to say is to have faith in your way of life."

Silver tumbled across the floor like a statue. Brittle and stiff. He never flinched from his pose, and small flakes fell from him with every impact. Magnolia's throw was off. The tendrils dug in further than they should and dissipated mid-toss. He was barely sent a meter into the air. Still, Magnolia's follow-up struck true with crackling smoke rising from the strike.

From Starlight and Limbo's angle, they could see that, behind the smoke, Silver's back had split open. From the opening, a horde of moths spilled out. They shoot out of the smokescreen, first like darts through a paper sheet, then like a waterfall piercing through the surface of a lake. They moved faster than the mind could think. Their very appearance overloaded the senses causing nausea and vertigo.

Maybe it was the barrier, or perhaps Limbo's doing, but Starlight had no problems with the moths. "Don't worry about Silver's back," Limbo advised realizing how shocking the sight may have been, "He's just being dramatic. He'll be as good as new as soon as the fight's over.

"That's a tough strategy, especially for a unicorn. If Magnolia doesn't have a good answer, she might have already lost. Sorry that Silver isn't giving you a lot to learn from. It's been a while, so maybe he's just excited."

@abrony-mouse

Octavia raised an eyebrow. Renting would have been the smart decision in hindsight. "Renting would have defeated the whole point of coming to Ponyville. I want to be the master of my fate. Even if my home isn't very impressive, the fact that I can call it mine without a caveat is well worth it."

"Besides, the cultural exchange bargain the Glover's were hosting was too good to pass up."

The Glovers are known for their warm textiles and affordable fashion. They prided themselves on making practicality appealing to the eye. The secret was in making complete sets of clothing to avoid the mix-and-matched look of most working-class types. Hardy boots think coats and complementary accessories like hats and scarves. The lower class tended to have little care for the ponies that design their clothes and seldom remember their names. It was quite a surprise to most of Canterlot and Manehatten to see such a passionate reaction to the death of the younger Glover brother.

When the name came up, Fushia could remember Phantom bringing up the tragedy in one of his letters. His eloquent tangents were finally bearing some fruit.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum

Starlight nodded in agreement with Limbo. They did indeed see things differently, but that did not mean perspectives couldn’t be altered later. The truth of the matter was, Limbo needed just as much help as Magnolia, or as Silver. None of them could be complete without Equality. Inequality, as plainly as everypony here could see, is what caused a vicious duel to break out. As long as there were differences in power, there was disharmony. Speaking in terms of powers, Limbo had brought up a valid point.

“Understanding her is one of many goals I wish to accomplish with her,” Starlight confided. “What I believe right now is that she is riddled with pain and insecurity. She does not yet understand how her Cutie Mark and her egotistical thinking has damaged her,”

Starlight sighed as Limbo adapted a more empathetic, almost nurturing tone. Most everypony so far had little faith in Starlight, but not Limbo. She understood Starlight’s plight and how challenging it could be at times to make ponies understand. Equality was definitely something to work at, but once it was achieved, the rewards far outweighed the risks. That is all Starlight wishes to teach.

“I have more faith in the truth of Equality than anything. With time, even somepony as...broken as Magnolia will discover the true meaning of destiny,” she replied.

She realized that calling somepony “broken” may have been a step too far but she could not think of a better word to replace it. As eloquent with her words as she liked to be, at times it felt as if she was not saying what she really needed to say. Perhaps, however, she had said exactly what she needed to. She was bound to saying the truth, and only the truth. Sometimes it just had to come out more directly.

In the distance, she took notice of the duel that was unfortunately still occurring. Magnolia continued to strike with shadows as usual. Silver, on the other hoof, took a much more dramatic approach. His back split open and out flew a swarm of moths. Starlight wasn’t sure how they got there, but at the same time, she didn’t care much. Maybe it was the display of arrogance, maybe it was the very idea of a duel. Whatever it was, it seemed to disconnect Starlight.

Limbo had mentioned the possibility of Silver winning, despite how early it was in the duel. She nodded, only because she knew that the sooner somepony “won”, the sooner this whole mess would be over with.

[Fuchsia]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum @ExplosionMare

As Octavia was small-talking, detective Fuchsia's ears pricked up at the name Glovers. She had heard that name before, successful clothiers and philanthropists and - she recalled the death of the younger Glover coming up. There was one line if inquiry anyway - perhaps the death was somehow connected to this poor mare's issues? 

"Cultural exchange bargain?" Fuchsia asks half small-talking and half wondering about the connection with the Glovers, "The Glovers subsidise your stay in Ponyville?"

As she is waiting for Octavia's response Fuchsia gazes round the room, looking for further marks like the one on the door and also for any other things that seem out of place. As she listens to Octavia and the pleasant clopping of her hooves on the wooden floor of the property her horsey tail flicked side to side, as it tends to when she is musing over a lead. What could that mark have meant? She also idly sniffs the air, just in case there was any clue there - eg pony magic sometimes left a little metallic taste after a cast, and changelings could sometimes be given away by the lack of smell. 

 

 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum @ExplosionMare

"And, that's the match!" Announced Limbo, knocking Magnolia right out of her mojo. Had she won? No, it was much more likely that Silver's ritual had taxed him too much. The stallion was so old he knocked himself out! Without a doubt, when Magnolia turned around, she would see Silver Tongue shamefully sprawled out on the ground.

However, a terrifying truth was just below her hooves. With one glance down, she would see it: her failure. The line of salt that was supposed to be the fighting ring was between her forehooves. If one was within the ring, the other had to be outside of it. All of that preparation, all of that careful planning dashed away on a technicality.

Magnolia was attempting to charge Silver, so how did she end up here? Why did she stop if she never felt any impact? How did she forget that she was trying to hit Silver?

Silver then strode up to Magnolia. Not a shred of pride was buried under the wrinkles on his face. Instead, a face a teacher would make toward a problematic child was in its place. "I did not expect you to win this fight, but I gave you a chance to prove yourself, and you failed. What if I were an enemy and I lead your charge straight into Miss Dreams?

"You are too easily manipulated. Learn patience. Death lusts after you, Magnolia. Your knowledge of the dark arts is like a delicious seasoning, and your recklessness is like a dinner bell. Do not tempt it further.

"I trust you have no more doubts, Starlight," Silver raised his voice without turning his head, "Your sophistry only works with the weak-willed. However, I'm not so barbaric as to make my dissenters bleed. This!" Silver said with great emphasis, finally turning to face Starlight, "is how you make your point without fighting."

@abrony-mouse

Octavia was conflicted by the implication Fushia paved the way for. 
"You think that has something to do with this. The Glovers are the most generous ponies in Ponyville." Weren't they? Octavia gave no credence to such doubts, but a nagging feeling told her there was another pony befitting that description. It was as if some spell had mismatched everyponies' names and accomplishments within Octavia's mind. Octavia is disciplined, though. She believed she would not let such trickery win when the magic responsible was so easy to detect.

"So, how is this going to work? Are you going to wait in the other room for me to sleep and come in after an hour or so?"

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum

Starlight stared in bewilderment as the duel finally commenced. Contrary to her expectations, neither Silver nor Magnolia were laying defeated on the ground. She had initially deduced that the two had found a way to resolve their differences by seeing that they could not outmaneuver one another. She discovered the true reason behind the duel’s end when she saw the panicked look on Limbo’s face. Starlight peered in her direction to see what had disturbed her so badly and observed that one of her hooves had clumsily stepped inside of the fighting ring. The small technicality had forced the duel to end, therefore resulting in no winners. Starlight was both very pleased and very tense about the situation. She was glad nopony could hurt each other anymore, but she was worried that fighting would still occur even if it wasn’t physical.

Starlight was right, in a way. Silver was still very upset at Magnolia. Magnolia’s ego had offended Silver to the point of absolute frustration and rage. His feelings were so strong that he had suddenly directed them at Starlight. It was strange, considering they had not spoken much before. Starlight spoke up, preparing herself to defend her beliefs once again.

“Ponies who do not accept Equality are only putting themselves in danger. You say that persuading the more ‘temperamental’ ponies is what causes them distress, but that is not the case. They are subjecting themselves to loneliness, conceit, and fear. Both of you demonstrated the consequences of letting your pride get in the way of your happiness,” she declared, giving Silver a cold stare.

She paced towards Magnolia, circling her as if she was her prey. She couldn’t help but look at her with satisfaction. Hour by hour, her resolve was breaking. She imagined it would not be too much longer until her walls fell down completely. Once that happened, she could finally convince Magnolia that giving up her Cutie Mark was beneficial. She internally reveled at that possibility.

She soon trotted back to Silver, returning her face to its previous stare. She held her head up and looked directly at him before she spoke. She had to maintain an authoritative disposition if she wanted a chance to be taken seriously.

“You know, yelling doesn’t get the point across as much as you believe,” she stated bluntly. “A calm voice can be just as powerful and twice as effective,”

[Fuchsia]

On 2021-03-17 at 6:28 PM, Loud Opinion said:

@abrony-mouse

Octavia was conflicted by the implication Fushia paved the way for. 
"You think that has something to do with this. The Glovers are the most generous ponies in Ponyville." Weren't they? Octavia gave no credence to such doubts, but a nagging feeling told her there was another pony befitting that description. It was as if some spell had mismatched everyponies' names and accomplishments within Octavia's mind. Octavia is disciplined, though. She believed she would not let such trickery win when the magic responsible was so easy to detect.

"So, how is this going to work? Are you going to wait in the other room for me to sleep and come in after an hour or so?"

@Loud Opinion Fuchsia noticed Octavia's confused expression as she defended the Glovers and wondered about it. The Glovers were definitely a lead.

She sighs and straightens up as Octavia comes to the point. "More or less, but first I would like to make sure that there is no hostile magic in this place or... on yourself." she adds dramatically. Fuchsia reaches round and loosens the straps on her leather saddlepack, and rummages around in its voluminous pockets. Eventually she withdraws a grim set of hollowed out buffalo bones - connected with string. It was a device that indicated when hostile magic was near. It was a gift from a buffalo clan she had stayed with in the desert. She had helped find a lost herd member and been honoured with a dream-catcher - she had assumed that the cryptic assurance from the buffalo shaman that it could sense when evil spirits were near was just mumbo jumbo, but it reliably chimed when hostile magical creatures or items or traps threatened her. Setting it up in her camps, it had saved her more than once.  She explains as much to Octavia.

She places the bone handle of the chimes in her mouth and approaches Octavia experimentally, listening for any chime that might indicate that the mare was affected by hostile magic.

 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum @ExplosionMare

Silver couldn't help but smile at Magnolia's admission. It had to be the warmest smile he had put on all day. He had expected the worst: Anywhere from petulant demands for a rematch to silent malice. Instead, he got the best. It was not just an agreement, but the tell-tale-sign of a lesson learned: application. Silver could see it in Magnolia's eyes. Eureka had struck, and Magnolia had found a target for her latest weapon. Silver had no expectations that anything would come from that, though. Starlight was the embodiment of patience, much like most mares that dance to the beat of The Thunderskin. Magnolia trying to outdo her there would be like a mallet vs. a sledgehammer. Silver was content knowing that Magnolia wouldn't act carelessly in a critical moment.

Alas, his mood was not meant to last. Starlight gave a sour rebuttal. Silver had shouted; that much was true. There was a distance between the two, and he had his back to her for part of his lecture. Perhaps he had not accounted for the echo of the temple. Regardless, Silver felt ever so slightly cheated into discredit.

"What was that, dear?" Silver mocked Starlight, "You'll have to speak up. My hearing's not what it used to be."

Limbo, meanwhile, was a little frustrated. "We're all on the same side, Silver. Don't let your victory get to your head."

Silver merely rolled his eyes and shuffled back to his scrolls resting on one of the pews. Limbo could sense a bit of confusion a the word 'victory' and clarified, "That wasn't a draw. Magnolia ringed out. The only way to draw is to injure the opponent too badly. Our order values efficiency. Anyone that has to cripple their opponent to win is no true winner."

"That reminds me! We haven't even welcomed you yet," Limbo realized. She then stood at attention, noticeably the tallest pony in the room now that she stopped slouching. "You have both seen the place where alicorn magic is born! I welcome you to The Order of New Equestria! Or 'Tone' for short."

"If that's not a good note to end off of, I don't know what is," Limbo said, returning to her whispers and slouching.

"If we're all ready, I'll take you all to your temporary dwellings," Silver interjected with a bow, his face adorned with the same placed smile he wore when he first introduced himself.

@abrony-mouse

Octavia looked to the primitive-looking keepsake with a rare mixture of reassurance and skepticism. The thing's rustic nature did not inspire confidence. The fact that this mare is prepared enough to have tools dedicated for such a purpose was reassuring, though. It gave her hope for the efficacy of the investigation.

She was about to voice her feelings when the chimes moved slowly. This was no random blow of a draft. The notes were familiar. She couldn't put her metaphorical hoof to it, so she held a physical one up and narrowed in on the dream catcher. Her focus was something to behold. Behind her haggard face were the hints of a diligent Forge recreating the memories with meticulous precision.

The slow notes; like a pony meandering down a path, and the tone; low enough for that path to feel like sinking into a lake. It was unmistakable.

"Moonlight Sonata..." Octavia spoke. Her focus relaxed even if her expression didn't. "The first motion. It took me a second to recognize it without the piano."

"But, that's impossible. There are not enough tubes, yet it's perfect."

That wasn't all. The chime was getting noticeably warmer, and Fuchsia felt particles cling to her neck. Even without looking, Fuchsia knew they were red. Even against her fur, the color of the particles was red enough to strain Octavia's eyes. As the tune continued, it started to sound more like a piano --despite the nature of the hollow bones.

When next Octavia blinked, she saw a single moth trapped in the webbing of the dream catcher.

Throughout all the strangeness, Fuchsia could tell hex magic was present. The tremors in the black string of the webbing being enough evidence.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Loud Opinion @Califorum

Starlight responded to Silver, unaware of his condescending tone,

“I have no problem repeating myself. To summarize, pride is getting in the way of your potential friendship with Magnolia. You both have the ability to cooperate and get along, but you are letting the most dangerous thing get in the way of that—differences. You need to find what you two have in common in order to prevent another one of these reckless duels!” she practically spelled out with how much slower she talked. Part of her was just trying to respect an elderly pony and another part was annoyed she always had to repeat herself.

Starlight was just glad that Limbo was sensible. She understood that there was no need to fight as everypony here was supposed to be on the same side. Her face fell as she learned that Magnolia’s misstep was not a justified tie. She took a moment to look at Magnolia sympathetically before she turned back to Limbo.

“Nopony should feel the need to destroy their opponent to win,” she told Limbo. “Although I am torn as to whether a tie was better than a win, I do believe that there was a hint of sabotage when Magnolia had stepped outside of the ring. Of course, I do not wish to look into this further for both their sakes and everypony else’s,”

Her eyes widened when Limbo welcomed her to “The Order of New Equestria”. At last, progress was finally being made. Currently, the location was only a resting place, but it was well deserved given today’s events. With a relieved sigh, Starlight said,

“I am more than ready to go to our shelters. It has been quite a long day for us all. Each one of us deserves a bit of rest,”

[Fuchsia]

On 2021-03-25 at 10:59 AM, Loud Opinion said:

Octavia looked to the primitive-looking keepsake with a rare mixture of reassurance and skepticism. The thing's rustic nature did not inspire confidence. The fact that this mare is prepared enough to have tools dedicated for such a purpose was reassuring, though. It gave her hope for the efficacy of the investigation.

She was about to voice her feelings when the chimes moved slowly. This was no random blow of a draft. The notes were familiar. She couldn't put her metaphorical hoof to it, so she held a physical one up and narrowed in on the dream catcher. Her focus was something to behold. Behind her haggard face were the hints of a diligent Forge recreating the memories with meticulous precision.

The slow notes; like a pony meandering down a path, and the tone; low enough for that path to feel like sinking into a lake. It was unmistakable.

"Moonlight Sonata..." Octavia spoke. Her focus relaxed even if her expression didn't. "The first motion. It took me a second to recognize it without the piano."

"But, that's impossible. There are not enough tubes, yet it's perfect."

That wasn't all. The chime was getting noticeably warmer, and Fuchsia felt particles cling to her neck. Even without looking, Fuchsia knew they were red. Even against her fur, the color of the particles was red enough to strain Octavia's eyes. As the tune continued, it started to sound more like a piano --despite the nature of the hollow bones.

When next Octavia blinked, she saw a single moth trapped in the webbing of the dream catcher.

Throughout all the strangeness, Fuchsia could tell hex magic was present. The tremors in the black string of the webbing being enough evidence.

As the notes played, the fur on the back of Fuchsia's neck stood up and it took all her self-control not to flinch as the webbing of the catcher vibrated with the unnatural presence. 

Fuchsia gingerly withdraws the warm dream catcher, shaking out the moth, trying not to let her disquiet show on her face and to stay reassuring for the poor creature in front of her. She had come across hostile magic as potent as this before but the subtle nuances of the hex were chilling. She didn't know it was a 'hex' exactly, but the creature whom she had last encountered similar magic on before had not fared well, even despite the attempts of many skilled unicorn physicians and wizards. To say she was troubled would be an understatement. She didn't know what the tune might mean or why it would be significant to Octavia. 

"You'll be ok." she begins, "but we need help." she admits. "Or we need to find who is doing this to you and make them stop. I suggest you get sleep for now. I will check your place out and keep guard with this." she jingles the spirit catcher. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you." and she gives Octavia an involuntary hug, eyes glistening, a little overcome. "You'll be ok." she repeats. 

Despite the sentiment, Fuchsia's eyes glisten over Octavia's shoulder as they hug. Her eyes meet a reflection of the window which only she can see: the fearsome sight of a mighty beast seemingly reflected in the candlelit windows. It grins back at her, its fangs gape and eyes sparkle with adventure. Her manticore.

If Octavia is ok with that, Fuchsia will store the moth in her saddlebag and then immediately check out the mark on the door. 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Califorum @ExplosionMare

Silver Tongue procured a basket of red petals, "This way."

He took the lead and sprinkled the petals in front of him as he walked. The petals multiplied until his path was completely covered. Stepping on the red carpet of petals felt more like swimming through a cloud. "Make sure not to eat any of the petals. They're edible, but that's exactly what makes them dangerous."

As they went through Ponieville's night streets, Mr. Tongue spoke up, "Your rooms will each have a bookshelf. The ones with exposed spines are decoys. The ones with pages showing are full of Tone secrets. Most were banned by Luna and haven't been legalized. Be very careful not to draw attention to them. Most ponies wouldn't recognize the texts, but if they do, faining ignorance won't work. They are too old and too rare to be acquired by accident. Your best defense is to claim they were inherited."

When they came to a block of seven identical, two-story houses, Silver extended the petal path to the second and fourth houses. Their red doors perfectly matched the petal path in front of them. The block had a slight inward curve so that they fit the circular shape of Ponyville.

"Have a good night, ladies."

@abrony-mouse

"Right," Octavia stated, half assured by Fushsia and half mystified by the parade of impossible as she took the trinket, "Thank you. The sooner this day ends, the better."

With the moth in her bag, Fushsia went to open the door. Before she made it, she heard talking coming from outside. Out the window, she saw a pile of red petals in front of the door to the neighboring house on her right.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Loud Opinion