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@ExplosionMare @Loud Opinion @abrony-mouse

Moonlight stood there silently and let an inflated balloon wander off in the wind casually. She locked eyes with the mayor and looked deeply into her eyes. Moonlight's eyes were cold, yet also serene. After a long period of observing Mayor Mare's eyes she steps forward silently. "I take it you are the one in charge around here." she spoke awkwardly, drawing a circle in the dirt with her hoof absently. "You all find yourselves in a veneer of joviality. You are naive." she drew an x in the dirt over the circle and began to pace around Mayor Mare like a shark circling a smaller fish with slow and methodic steps.

"All of you are far too focused on this event. How awful that is. You do not question the state of things in this world. You accept them so openly. Only now, when there is a hint of unusual circumstances you question them. Where is Everyone? You ask that only now. I find that naive." Moonlight stopped and looked the mare dead in the eyes. "I am far more close to one so important than one may realize. But now is not the time to tell you who I am or what I am doing here." Moonlight spoke ominously and then went to an unfinished balloon.

She handed the balloon to Mayor Mare as if wanting her to be the one to "finish" off the process of getting the balloons set up. Moonlight seemed to be awfully disgusted by the state of affairs as of yet, but in truth she felt...uncomfortable with such simple innocent matters. 

 

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@Starforce @Loud Opinion

Starlight and Bon Bon quickly met up with an older pony known as Mayor Mare. She was in charge of the festivities and was working to get everypony set up. A mint green unicorn known as Lyra was also nearby, seemingly a friend of Bon Bon’s. Starlight could see this relationship working in her favor. Magnolia was also here, much to Starlight’s dismay. She tried to ignore her as best she could to avoid conflict, but that was becoming increasingly difficult as she began circling the mayor to establish her “dominance”.

“Mayor Mare,” Starlight cut in. “We would both be delighted to partake in the setup of the festivities. My village has planned a celebration or two from time-to-time and we know how those little things can truly strengthen the bond between friends.” She looked back and forth at Lyra and Bon Bon as she said this. She didn’t doubt they had a connection, but she knew if she bridged the gap between their differences, they could form an even stronger connection.

“Where shall we start?” she asked the mayor. She glanced briefly at Magnolia in order to encourage her to help despite her detestation towards the festival.

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@ExplosionMare @Loud Opinion

Moonlight stood there with a slight look at shock upon seeing Starlight standing there. She absolutely detested this mare, all of her words were coated in lies and Moonlight felt like she was the only one who knew the truth about what Starlight really was. She stood there with a bold defiant look that conveyed a sense of calm despite the feeling of the roaring emotions. Moonlight wanted to shout and scream, she wanted to do all sorts of things but she had to restrain herself if she was going to get her point across.

Moonlight closed her eyes and then looked into Starlight's own, trying to be calm and trying to be reasonable. Yet the predatory look wouldn't go away within her beautiful eyes. "Mayor Mare, this pony here is named Starlight Glimmer. She is a dangerous mare. She runs a horrific cult in which she lures you in through promises of friendship and equality. I have seen it myself, she has tried to "convert" me by pretending to be my friend. She has a power to remove the cutie marks of others, while hiding her own. Do not fall for her lies." Moonlight spoke with an honest manner.

"I am not going to allow you to be doing that to any ponies here today, Starlight. I won't let you do that to them." Moonlight glares into her eyes, Moonlight was not being all confrontational this time. She was being calm and collected. Last time her arguments didn't result in any good progress. Perhaps diplomacy would, but hidden beneath that was her disdain for everything Starlight was. In a way, Moonlight felt like she was protecting the ponies here from Starlight. 

 

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@Starforce

“These things this mare says—“ Starlight said to the mayor, referring to Magnolia. “Pay no attention to her. She has not undergone the Cutie Mark removal process yet. She is forced to live with all this unnecessary pain and agony because of the burden her mark has forced her to carry. I know your mark has had a heavy influence on you as well. I am truly here to set everypony free, I have no desire to harm others or lure them as she says.”

Off to the side, Starlight gave Magnolia a cold look. How dare she fill this new friend’s head with delusions? She shook her head, then resumed her default smile as she waited for the mayor to say something. She hoped the mare was not too upset by what was said, that would make for a terrible first impression.

For the time being, she allowed her thoughts to divert. Eventually, “Mayor” Mare needed to drop the title. Titles automatically made ponies feel superior over others and forced others to respect them rather than learn to respect them. Starlight could just call Mayor Mare “Mare”, but that seemed like an odd name. However, if that is the name she wanted, then she would use it. Starlight would figure the renaming out once she got better acquainted with this pony.

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@ExplosionMare @Loud Opinion

Moonlight grinned widely at Starlight's admitting to want to do exactly as she had said. She stood there with a rather knowing, prideful grin. In a way, it was an almost happy grin but it was in reality far from it. Moonlight looks to Mayor Mare, and the other ponies in the area. "See what I mean? She doesn't even try to hide her absurd delusions. Pay no attention to them, do not fall for them and do not allow her to steal your cutie mark. You do not mean to set anyone free, you only wish for them to obey you and to be your slave." Magnolia said, almost laughing at how pathetic she thought Starlight's words were.

Moonlight, especially with her newfound ability would not allow Starlight to spread her lies throughout this town. While normally she had no interest in other ponies she wouldn't allow these ponies to come to harms way. Not when Starlight was involved, that was for sure. "Oh, and by the way Starlight. You want my mark to be gone?" Moonlight would show her flank to Starlight as her cutie mark seemed to rotate, and her entire flank melted into a shadowy fog. 

"By the way, Starlight here is not willing to give up her own cutie mark! Can you believe that? She hides it behind those equals signs. Don't be fooled by her words. Just splash some water on her flank and the paint over it will come right off." Moonlight spoke in an honest fashion. It was indeed, the truth. Perhaps telling the truth about Starlight would yield positive results. Moonlight strangely felt less awkward here, now that she was fully focused in what she was saying.  

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@Starforce

The tension in the air held no mandate for Mayor Mare. Her years of political servitude gave her a hearty tolerance toward the out-of-touch and entrenched. She gave a practiced nod and hooked a forehoof over Moonlight's neck to whisper into her ear, "May we speak in private?"

"So, sorry, miss," She said to Starlight with a smile, "I'll be with you in a moment."

When the two were a distance away, Mayor Mare's tone rose in severity, "I take it there is a history between the two of you, and I'll admit I had my misgivings toward you. If you're right about that mare --and I think you are-- then this could be a serious issue that we aren't equipped to handle.

"Our guards left to escort Miss Sparkle, and the mare in question is one we rely on quite a bit for protection."

"You have the most experience with her. So, I'll be relying on you to guide my actions."

Just as the Mayor said the work Sparkle, her mane came alive with a vibrant pink.

Seemingly oblivious to the comical shift, Mayor Mare was conflicted. Perhaps the Mayor is too trusting, but the risks were too dire. If the town lost all of their cutie marks then the economy would grind to a defining halt, and the population would be too great a burden.

@ExplosionMare

"Oh, what do you think they're talking about?" BonBon whispered conspiratorially.

"You think she offended Mayor Mare?" Lyra encouraged.

"Big deal! We all know Twilight calls the shots around here."

The two shot back and forth, countering each other's conjecture.

"Wait, didn't you hear what she said? The cutie mark removal?"

The two looked at Starlight with worry on their faces. BonBon was noticeably more at ease.

"What exactly do you mean by that," BonBon insisted, wanting to give her savior the benefit of the doubt.

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@Loud Opinion @ExplosionMare

Moonlight looked to Mayor Mare with a strange look. She had never received such physical contact like this before as long as she could remember. Mayor Mare would feel Moonlight's soft coat, it was very much like a thick rug with added warmth. "We may." Moonlight spoke in a hushed manner, her eagerness to quash Starlight's delusions was rising by the moment. She had to keep that in line, for she would risk being too revealing. As Mayor Mare and Moonlight walk away, she glanced back at Starlight and the two other ponies. She would not want Starlight to be left alone with other ponies for a long period of time. 

Upon Moonlight and Mayor Mare being alone Moonlight seemed to soften up slightly in her stance, looking to Mayor Mare's eyes in a fashion that appreciated her sincerity. She listened quietly, the breeze flowing through Moonlight's mane slightly in an absent manner. The expression on her face remains neutral, hard to judge what Moonlight was truly thinking. In truth, Moonlight was quite satisfied with what Mayor Mare had said. Then when she finished, Moonlight smiled ever so slightly. "We do indeed have a history. You can say that." Moonlight spoke, with a slight adjustment to her mane.

Upon the name "Sparkle" being mentioned, Moonlight felt that rising sense of disdain for that word however that would bring something to Moonlight's eyes she would not expect. Suddenly, Mayor Mare's mane turned to that of a vibrant pink. Puzzled, Moonlight would think back to any previous events where such things have been "Revealed". In her thoughts, she thought back to how she had seen through the saddlebags on Lyra's back as if someone would look through an ornate window. That was it. She wouldn't bring this up though as to keep to the important topic at hand.

"Starlight lives her life in delusions. She wants to remove cutie marks and ease the pain of others...at least I am guessing. When in truth, she is a selfish mare who seeks to claim as many followers as possible to boost her egocentric delusions. Like a bat in the daylight, she has no concept of what is around her. She manipulates you by playing you as the victim, pulling at your weaknesses and then diving in with her ideological banter." she sighs and her eyes blink slowly. Mayor Mare felt like a comforting presence for Moonlight. It was as if she could tell this without having to worry, and would lean into the touch of Mayor Mare's arm gently rested on her neck.

"I have a proposal. We...work together to prohibit Starlight from luring others into her trap." Moonlight stepped closer, her eyes looking into Mayor Mare's own calmly. "An alliance." as she spoke, Moonlight would hesitantly reach her arm around the back of Mayor Mare's neck in order to create a common understanding between the two. Then, her eyes focused into Mayor Mare's own in an almost searching way. Moonlight wants Mayor Mare to know how sincere she is being here despite their forthcomings earlier. Moonlight would appreciate someone else along her side with the same goal. Truth. 

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@abrony-mouse

Under the waxing gibbous, a grey earth-pony skipped and pranced her way across a bright red road. The brown dirt was eclipsed by red petals so soft that it was difficult to tell when a pony's hoof has met the ground. Octavia had no problems traversing the abnormally comfortable track, but Fuchsia would have to take extra care not to trip over herself. So red were the petals that they activated the appetite. How would such an exotic flower taste?

The path leads to the edge of the Everfree Forest. Up a hill, upon the threshold of trees was a large stone building with an attached tower. The stained glass windows glowed with life, and the small stone 'wall' surrounding what had to be the temple's lawn was too short to hold any resistance.

Fuchsia scooted along through the petals after Octavia. Her stomach grumbled. She leant down unthinkingly to consume the tasty delicacy, her earth pony instincts taking over. But the claw of her manticore grasps her hungry nostrils and seems to lift her questing snout bodily from the petals - "what are they?" it asks "why are they?" it follows up.

Her natural ponyish instincts overriden, she follows the grey mare curiously, hurrying as much as she can through the unexpectedly treacherous ground.

As the building emerges she huddles to the ground, trying to camouflage herself in the pink petals from any prying eyes peering from the stained glass windows of the building.

She will attempt to tackle Octavia to the ground rather than let her return to the place of her obvious torment...

 

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@abrony-mouse

Octavia was much more stout than her springy stride communicated. The fact that she could find such solid purchase on the obtuse ground would remain unexplained. Both were obstacles devoid of consequence, for Fuchsia's stance was low enough to tip the center of mass. And behold, as all beasts do --in all eventuality-- she fell. A heavy thud accompanied the feeling of impact Fuchsia got. The two had landed off the path with Fuchsia firmly atop Octavia.

When their minds caught up with them, it was Octavia that stole the first word, "Fuchsia?"

Confusion made way for elation, "Oh, this is wonderful! I can finally introduce you to the shepherd!"

The temple was a silent observer. Its windows were like glowing kaleidoscopes. At any moment, those heavy wooden doors could swing open. A pony could spy from atop the joint tower.

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@Loud Opinion @Starforce

Starlight looked at Magnolia with a mix of fear and fascination. Magnolia’s Cutie Mark began to rotate, seemingly by its own will. There was something nefarious  going on, Starlight knew that for sure. She mentally prepared to rip the black and purple stars right off of Magnolia, but before her horn even got the chance to light up, Mayor Mare took Magnolia aside for a conversation. Frustrated, Starlight looked down defeatedly.

She quickly put a smile back on once Bon Bon and Lyra came over. They appeared to be worried, or at least Lyra was, and Starlight could only imagine why. Magnolia’s harsh demeanor could frighten anypony. However, as soon as Bon Bon spoke up, she realized that may have not been the root cause of their fears. Instead, she was inquisitive about the Cutie Mark removal process. Starlight smiled calmly and took a few steps forward, ready to put the mares’ minds at ease.

“In my village, their is an incredibly powerful artifact known as ‘The Staff of Sameness’ that allows ponies to free themselves from their Cutie Marks. It removes the Cutie Mark and replaces it with an equal sign, which is the exact mark I have on my flank. Without my Cutie Mark, I am no longer burdened by my special talent. There is no need to worry about succeeding or failing.

Without our Cutie Marks, my village can cast their differences aside and focus fully on enjoying perfect and peaceful friendships. Nopony views anypony else as superior or inferior because we are all one in the same. It is my hope someday that everypony can feel this way and experience the bliss a truly harmonic friendship can bring.” she explained with a wistful expression on her face.

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@ExplosionMare

A two wore the same frown, but for different reasons. Bonbon looked to her flank with a stern expression. There was a faint itching around her cutie mark. The itch was so subtle that she could have sworn she felt it all her life. It reminded her of a bandage that she wore for far too long. Like most itches, her focus ignited the need to scratch. This thing, on her hip. It wasn't her. It was part of her. Something not necessary to the whole. And it had overstayed its welcome.

 

"Let's go, Bonbon," Lyra protectively insisted, "Didn't you say you had to set up the sweets?"

 

"That can wait." Bonbon absentmindedly shot back, "I wanna' hear this out."

 

Lyra was genuinely dumbfounded. She was confident that Bonbon was looking for an excuse to get away from the strange mare with strange ways. Not knowing what to do, she wandered off to do... She hadn't figured that part out. The important part was that she was away from that bazaar pony, even if she couldn't take her friend with her.

@Starforce

"Then it's settled," Mayor Mare confirmed, the depths of her pupils shining with drive. 

 

"I wish I could take more direct action, but she looks like she came in with the cultural exchange ponies. A Silver gave me quite a sum to house them here, and I don't have the bits to violate the contract. However, I do know the law around here. If you see her doing anything overtly immoral, then --if it turns out to be illegal-- I'll be able to give her jail time."

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@Loud Opinion @ExplosionMare

Moonlight gave Mayor Mare a closer look in her eyes upon hearing the word "Silver" before pulling back and grinning for the first time in what felt like a millenia. Her smile was genuinely pretty. It was a happy grin. She felt satisfied. "I am pleased to hear you are willing to co-operate with me on this err...issue. For your information I know who Silver Tongue is. Let's just say that I...work for him to a degree." Moonlight spoke, her grin becoming wider as she moved her mane out of her eye. "Jail time sounds possible for her although I'd figure that certain individuals I am in contact with may not like that. I'd much like her to stop doing this altogether, or better yet tell me why she is like this and then stop." she sighs. That goal felt like a destination at the top of a mountain. A mountain she was going to climb. 

"Perhaps instead of being confrontational we...should be accommodating to her. Get her to slip up or be lured into a sense of calm and then we can ask the hard questions." Moonlight concluded. "That mare is an enigma. I haven't seen any other mare like her. That should be a compliment, truly." as she speaks she slowly removes her hoof from Mayor Mare's neck as if not wanting to fully let go just yet.

"So how does that sound, Mayor?" Moonlight asked as her grin fades away to more of a calm gaze. 

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@Loud Opinion @Starforce

Starlight lit up as Bon Bon pressed to find out more. She was more than happy to share the prospect of true happiness and harmony with this mare. She had hoped to share it with Lyra as well, but she wandered off before she had a chance to speak to her. Perhaps Bon Bon could relay the information to her at some point.

“I can sense, by the way you look at your Cutie Mark, that you wish it wasn’t there,” Starlight said in a pitied tone. “I would do anything to remove it right now, but without the Staff of Sameness, I can only teach you about Equality in the meantime.”

“In my village, we live a very simple life. We wake up, we take care of each other, we talk, and we live the most happy and peaceful lives we can together. We focus more on being with one another rather than what than worry about how good, or strong, or beautiful another pony is. Everypony in the village has sacrificed all worldly things for each other to achieve the perfect friendship. If they had chosen to live with their differences, then they would be leading lives of unfulfillment and disharmony. Thankfully, anypony who is still on that path of destruction can still be saved, it is never too late.” she continued in a happier tone.

She smiled warmly at Bon Bon as she waited for her to take all of the information in. If she had any questions, she would be more than happy to answer them. She was here for Bon Bon and wanted the best for her, as she would for any struggling pony.

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On 2021-07-01 at 10:46 PM, Loud Opinion said:

@abrony-mouse

Octavia was much more stout than her springy stride communicated. The fact that she could find such solid purchase on the obtuse ground would remain unexplained. Both were obstacles devoid of consequence, for Fuchsia's stance was low enough to tip the center of mass. And behold, as all beasts do --in all eventuality-- she fell. A heavy thud accompanied the feeling of impact Fuchsia got. The two had landed off the path with Fuchsia firmly atop Octavia.

When their minds caught up with them, it was Octavia that stole the first word, "Fuchsia?"

Confusion made way for elation, "Oh, this is wonderful! I can finally introduce you to the shepherd!"

The temple was a silent observer. Its windows were like glowing kaleidoscopes. At any moment, those heavy wooden doors could swing open. A pony could spy from atop the joint tower.

Fuchsia giggled unctrollably as she fell - a nervous habit. Her snout booped Octavia's as the grey pony fell on top of her and she wrinkled it ticklishly as the fusty grey snout landed ontop of hers.

Fuchsia considers whether to end this now - to howl for help or drag the grey pony back... but why let other ponies solve the mystery. This one was hers.

"Oh the Shepherd! I would love to. Tell me about him or her?" Fuchsia says, rolling over but maintaining a hold on Octavia. Fuchsia will try to restrain Octavia is she continues going, but will try to disguise the restraint - as if Fuchsia was winded and seeking a hoof up >:3 She had no intention of letting Octavia trot into danger.

 

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@Starforce

Mayor Mare took on a conspiratory look at the thought of Moonlight working with Mr. Tongue. Her unease gave way to realization when she realized that Moonlight must have been with the cultural exchange. It would make sense with the timing of all the new residents. However, the fact that the new residents work directly with the project treasurer seems like corruption.

At least she had a mare on the inside.

Then came more bad news. Starlight had protection. Moonlight sounded like she wanted to avoid using prison altogether. Letting Starlight slip up was appealing. Starlight did seem comfortable enough as it is. Getting her to slip up would only be a matter of time. Then she could nail her to the wall with practiced rhetoric. It would be just like the debate team in her old school.

"That sound's like an excellent use of our talents!" She nodded with zeal before breaking the embrace, "Oh, but we must touch base after the party. I have to do a last-minute checkup before the guest of honor arrives."

@ExplosionMare

BonBon was annoyed that the source of her discomfort would have to remain, but then Starlight talked about giving up all of her worldly possessions. That was a deal-breaker.

Her shop was her life. Throwing it away, just to scratch an itch, was sounding sillier by the second. However, if she could find the staff for herself...

BonBon looked at Starlight with a half-grin and excused herself and prattled off, "That sounds great! I'll have to visit, but Lyra might need some help setting up the sweets. I'll go help her!"

Before Starlight could get a word in, she quickly dashed to Lyra's side and the two talked opaquely.

@abrony-mouse

"He's taking us all on a magical journey to a place without pain," Octavia explained, "I really shouldn't be late, though."

The whole time, Octavia was finding a way out of Fuchsia's grip.

A heart-stopping series of thumps knocked the smile right off Octavia's face.

It sounded like the intrusion was coming from Fuchsia's left. And behold, a mass of limbs thrashing across the grassy hill. Its fur was ragged like a feral rat, and its claws carved through both grass and dirt alike.

Doom by any other name.

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@Loud Opinion @ExplosionMare

Moonlight nods and smiles widely. It felt strange to smile so normally, to have a connection with someone and even for someone else to want to meet up with her later on. Moonlight would be happy if that were the case. "Of course we will. I look forward to it." she spoke earnestly. "I will not rule off the suggestion of jail time but I have a feeling that will not be needed because I...will keep her in line as much as I can. I'd say its my duty now." Moonlight chuckled silently before stepping away. She turned to Mayor Mare, "I look forward to our next meeting. Perhaps my efforts will prove...fruitful." she said with certainty before walking off towards Starlight.

Moonlight notices that Starlight was now standing there alone. Bon Bon and Lyra had walked off, which means they were scared off by Starlight's rhetoric. Moonlight walks up to Starlight with a different stride than normal, instead of a rigid stride it was more serene yet fluid. "Starlight. I see...you have not had luck with these ponies. I can't say I'm surprised." she said smugly before taking a step closer. "Let's do something more...productive. How about we...get something to eat? A sandwich perhaps?" Moonlight was forcing casual words here in a way that sounded un-natural from someone so accustomed to her more abrasive character. "It is a wise course of action that we get more acquainted. Wouldn't you say?" her eyebrow quirked slightly as her eyes were calm.

Yet inside Moonlight, she would feel a roaring storm of varying emotions. 
 

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51 minutes ago, Loud Opinion said:

"He's taking us all on a magical journey to a place without pain," Octavia explained, "I really shouldn't be late, though."

The whole time, Octavia was finding a way out of Fuchsia's grip.

A heart-stopping series of thumps knocked the smile right off Octavia's face.

It sounded like the intrusion was coming from Fuchsia's left. And behold, a mass of limbs thrashing across the grassy hill. Its fur was ragged like a feral rat, and its claws carved through both grass and dirt alike.

Doom by any other name.

Fuchsia froze at the appearance of the monster, in the momentary lapse Octavia escapes her grasp.

Fuchsia bolts from doom into the autumnal gloom. The rot-sodden earth sprays behind her hooves as she seek to escape from the monster.

After a few seconds, once her fright has subsided, she skids to a halt. In the split second before she turns around, all she can hear in the Ponyvillian night is the absence of breath from the monstrous assailant and the heaviness of its limbs. The thought of her new 'friend' being in trouble sickened her and forbade the flight that was natural to her kin.

Her breath catches in her throat and her little pony heart beats in her chest in the darkness - but this was not the first time she had lost a friend and not the first time she had abandoned one. The habits that had been ingrained into her, allied with her own connection to the vulnerable musician, forced her to turn on the monster threatening her and Octavia.

She looks to see if the intruder is truly threatening Octavia or herself - she will scream and run for help if so. If not, she will follow them both, for now.

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(edited)

 

The sky ignited for the second time that night. The tower hazed with a sickening hew. A foreboding bell hammers. The color flickers. Once full of vigor, now the bell strained to keep its tempo. An intangible evil looms from above.

Octavia's assailant scuttles forth.

Low! Intelligent intervention! With a squeak of historic wood, the light of the temple escaped through the front door. A familiar outline gave Octavia hope. The clawed thing was undeterred. That was until a mass of small moths engulfed the thing in a vortex of wings. Just as soon as it started, it was over. The claw marks and unnatural skeleton were the only evidence to validate the lingering terror.

The outline adopted a color as it approached Octavia. A criminally conventional green coat under a striking grey mane and tail. It knelt down and offered a hoof to her. One would expect a gentle aid, only to see a jerking lift.

"You're late," came a harsh grizzle of a voice, "The wax has begun to cool, so I expect some earth pony grit."

At the mention of earth pony quality, the stallion's unicorn horn had prevalence.

"Sorry Mr. Tongue," Octavia pledged as she regained her hoofing, "I trust Miss. Dreams is doing well".

"None of your concern," Mr. Tongue said more as a matter of course than one of derision or anger.

The door strains to close itself under the green telekinetic grip. Just as the door closes, the petals on the path liquidate and melt into the ground. All comfort has left this place.

Edited by Loud Opinion
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Fuchsia's initial reaction to the magical destruction of her foe is one of relief, because she and her temporary charge appear, in that moment, to be safe.

However, her eyes grow large as Octavia converses familiarly with the strange pony. From the manner of the stranger and his intimacy with Octavia, Fuchsia quickly deduces that the stranger and the musician have a link and that it must be him who is controlling her. She attempts to disregard the mysteries of the night in favour of her earth pony pragmatism: she notes down the plethora of new leads that spill from 'Mr Tongue's' mouth.

Fuchsia tries to sneak after Octavia into the foreboding temple. As she approaches the intimidating entrance she turns her large pony head to the side and gives the metal lock an exploratory lick. She is looking for a taste that is similar to the smell of the curse on Octavia's commode.

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(edited)

@abrony-mouse

Beyond the threshold were rows of pews surrounding the circular pulpit. The arrangement lent itself to more interactive demonstrations. The speaker would need to turn around often to keep sections of the audience from feeling neglected.

The ceiling disappeared into shadow as the candlelight could only go so far. The windows behind the candles stands were the largest contributors to the air of intimidation.

At the center, Mr. Tongue was busy carrying away the pulpit. He levitated it over to a door that must have lead to the tower and opened it before ascending with the pulpit in tow.

Octavia was putting out the many candles that decorated the windows with a bell-shaped tool. It was hard to tell with the tool in her mouth, but Octavia still had that vacant sense of euphoria to her.

As if to mirror the broader situation, the room slowly dimmed as Octavia snuffed away.

Perhaps this is routine maintenance, but the symbol on the ground where the pulpit used to be, begged to differ. Lo, it was a larger scale of the mark on Octavia's door.

Edited by Loud Opinion
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Fuchsia shakily reaches into her saddle bag and takes a much needed swig of cherry brandy liquor from a hip flask. The sweet taste reminds her of home, as does the rush. As she hesitastes on the threshold, she gives a quick glance back to the quiet pony village - in many ways the quintessential pony village :3 The branches of the trees rustle in the gentle breeze, the distant mountains loom purplishly into the sky - Canterlot, the pony Canterlot, sends mute spires into the night...

She decides her fate. Turning towards the temple, she sidles through the pews, trying to remain out of sight, while observing Octavia and 'Mr Tongue'. She tries to softly run to the ritual circle while remaining hidden, taking advantage of the low light to prevent Octavia seeing her. She says a silight prayer to the Sun on seeing the demonic gliff on the floor and tries to close on Mr Tongue. If she is able to get close to him she will unsheath her dagger and attempt to push it to his throat to ambush him while he is distracted with the pulpit >:3

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@Loud Opinion @Starforce

Before Starlight could say she would more than happily take Bon Bon away from here and into the pleasant village, she hurriedly left with Lyra. Frustrated, Starlight kicked a hoof at the ground, scuffing the nail against the rough surface. She would not give up, however, because compared to Magnolia, Bon Bon was a saint. She would come around with a bit more coaching, just like Limbo Dreams had begun to. Speaking of her, Starlight wondered when she would see her again…

“Oh!” Starlight gasped, not expecting Magnolia’s sudden presence. She pranced up towards her, which immediately sent Starlight a few red flags. Normally her stance was quite stoic and her hooves would touch the ground in slow, aggressive patterns.

Another thing that threw her off were the mare’s mannerisms. She was talking as is her and Starlight were buddies, which surely meant she was up to some no-good scheme. Internally, Starlight smirked, getting a bit of a thrill out of playing along. Dutifully, she responded,

“Yes, since we have known each other for quite a while, it would make sense to properly get to know one another.”

Even if Magnolia was putting on a front, she could still use this moment to make the mare reconsider her ways. If she could see how a perfect friendship was set up, even if it was simulated, then perhaps she could finally make the proper steps towards becoming equalized. This made Starlight excited, because not only would this be a huge victory for her the village, it would prove to the rest of her followers that anypony could become equal, no matter how bad they originally were.

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@Loud Opinion @ExplosionMare

Moonlight rose an eyebrow at Starlight's acquiescence to her questioning, however there was no doubt that Starlight was putting up a front of her own in order to appear controlled. Even in calm, the two of them were still diametrically opposed to one another. Moonlight realizes this, and turned to the side. "For someone of your nature you are an enigma. I have not seen anyone of your thought process or level of delusions. It is both astounding, and impressive." Moonlight spoke with a slight veneer of hostility contained within a shroud of complimentary verbiage. 

"Something happened to you for you to be this way. This doesn't happen with anyone else. I'd like to know why, if you are willing to tell your tale." Moonlight began to walk forward before stopping slightly with one hoof raised as she looks to Starlight dead into the eye. Her look was deep and intense, yet was also suppressing the hostility of previous encounters. "I'll give you some information about me. I did everything on my own. I had no friends. No allies, and no parents to back me up. When one would cry I would look the other way." her look intensified. "When would fall, I stood up and I kept going without looking back. On my own I had no obstacles, no commitments, and no loyalties." she would say in foreboding manner. "What do you have?" 

 

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@Loud Opinion @Starforce

Starlight stood expressionless as Magnolia expressed her fascination towards Starlight’s “unique thinking”. Little did the mare know that it was her that was thinking uniquely. Magnolia was brash and cunning but she was able to appear calm and collected when needed. That was certainly something she had never seen in a pony before. It was all the more reason Magnolia needed to be equalized, for her personality was too dangerous.

She listened to the tidbit Magnolia gave about her past as the two mares walked around the area. This gave Starlight a careful bit of insight. If Magnolia had spent her former years alone, then it is no wonder she turned out the way she did. She needed friends for guidance and support, something Starlight was more than glad to offer her. At Magnolia’s, she hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to answer. After pondering for a moment, she had an answer.

“I have an entire village of wonderful friends and a peaceful, serene way of living there. I believe a support group is something you lack, since you have spent so long on your own. It is no wonder you act hostile towards others, you have never properly learned how to interact with other ponies.” she said in a slight pitying tone.

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@ExplosionMare @Loud Opinion

Moonlight stood with a coy grin. Giving Starlight a piece of information was all part of her plan. How would Starlight react to such important knowledge? That would gauge how Moonlight would proceed forward. Moonlight notices that Starlight is using what she is saying as a ploy for her rhetoric. It was something that normal ponies may not notice or so she thought. Starlight's way of thinking was made abundant by the conversations Starlight had had previously. 

As they walked, Moonlight's eyes would wander off to the side slightly. Searching for any cafes or places to eat at. "I have gone so long without support groups and friends to the point where I am perfectly capable functioning without them." she slowly turns to Starlight, facing her as they walked. "A life of peace is something to cherish, yet not a trap one should fall into for you will weaken your senses. A sense of danger will keep you alert, and you will always improve to cope with it." she smirked somewhat. That danger for Moonlight was Starlight herself. She wanted to learn as much she could about Starlight because she was a liability for the town. A risk. 

Moonlight's mane covered her eye due to the wind, and as if without thinking her horn lit up with a soft blue glow and moved those strands of hair out of her eye. "I...uhh wonder what kind of sandwiches you like. I would usually just eat whatever I could and I'd be fine with that. Today though, let's treat ourselves to something...good." Moonlight spoke with a degree of hesitation and awkwardness. It felt strange to talk about normal things around Starlight. 

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