Happy Hearts and Hooves day 2023 - Your Matches - The Gathering

[Gentle Breeze]

1 minute ago, Tree Song said:

Tree Song stepped up. There was clearly something wrong with the tree, and she was the one who could handle this.

She began to softly sing a song, which sounded very unusual and mystical. There were no distinguishable words in it, but it felt like a soothing lullaby.

She could hear the tree whispering back to her.

"It's the symbols... they hold the key to freeing the tree..." She said loud enough for everypony on this side of the wall to hear.

The tree was momentarily soothed by Tree Songs beautiful melody -- it froze. As it froze, @Reality Checkwould have a pause in all of the panic before suddenly the tree would continue its flailing in rage! 

[Reality Check 632]

25 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

Because Reality Check was the one illuminating the tree, it would begin shaking violently. It's leaves blackened and angry as the limbs begin slightly flailing and eventually lower to grab @Reality Check 

Unaware of the shaking tree, RC observed the cottage while looking back. “Hey @Sophie H.? Are you seeing this-“ Just then, he felt something wrap around his barrel before being lifted in the air in one fell swoop. “GYAAAAAAAHHHH!!!” RC shouted, just as the sudden motion caused him to stop his illumination spell.

7 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

The tree was momentarily soothed by Tree Songs beautiful melody -- it froze. As it froze, @Reality Checkwould have a pause in all of the panic before suddenly the tree would continue its flailing in rage! 

RC raised high up in the air, flailing his legs around until he saw the top of the tree. “Hey! Let me go! What are you-?!” RC yelled at the tree just before he was swung and shook by the tree. RC was feeling disoriented from being swung around like a rag doll when something caught his eye. It was a glowing symbol.

“HEY!!! I think I see something!” RC shouted at the top of his lungs, hoping to get their attention. He then saw another one, then another. Trying to focus on them, he began to see them clearly. “Looks like music notes! I think it for a guitar!”

Edited February 18, 2023 by Reality Check

[Sophie H.]

38 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

Because Reality Check was the one illuminating the tree, it would begin shaking violently. It's leaves blackened and angry as the limbs begin slightly flailing and eventually lower to grab @Reality Check He seems to disappear into the leaves as the limbs begin their flailing in fury. Only in momentary spurts are you able to see the pastel green unicorn wondering what the heck was going on as he was flailed about. 

Sophie's pupils shrink as the limps begin to lower themselves to grab RC "REALITY!" Sophie yells! this time she don't care if she gives him an headache from the loud yelling, all she tries to do is trying to help her friend. it's already too late, RC got already lifted up by the tree and all Sophie can do is watch in horror.

 

22 minutes ago, Tree Song said:

Tree Song stepped up. There was clearly something wrong with the tree, and she was the one who could handle this.

She began to softly sing a song, which sounded very unusual and mystical. There were no distinguishable words in it, but it felt like a soothing lullaby.

She could hear the tree whispering back to her.

"It's the symbols... they hold the key to freeing the tree..." She said loud enough for everypony on this side of the wall to hear.

Sophie's left ear makes once again a flapping motion as she hears the mare from the other side "Symbols?" Sophie repeats the words as she gazes at the ground for a moment before looking back up again.

 

20 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

The tree was momentarily soothed by Tree Songs beautiful melody -- it froze. As it froze, @Reality Checkwould have a pause in all of the panic before suddenly the tree would continue its flailing in rage! 

The song, the mare sang seemed to work! the tree seem like to calm down! A smile appears on Sophie's lips with a sway of her tail "It-It's working!" She shouts, in hope Tree song could hear her.

 

18 minutes ago, Reality Check said:

Unaware of the shaking tree, RC observed the cottage while looking back. “Hey @Sophie H.? Are you seeing this-“ Just then, he felt something wrap around his barrel before being lifted in the air in one fell swoop. “GYAAAAAAAHHHH!!!” RC shouted, just as the sudden motion caused him to stop his illumination spell.

RC raised high up in the air, flailing his legs around until he saw the top of the tree. “Hey! Let me go! What are you-?!” RC yelled at the tree just before he was swung and shook by the tree. RC was feeling disoriented from being swung around like a rag doll when something caught his eye. It was a glowing symbol.

Sophie gazes once again up at RC, smiling, happy that he seems okay "Seeing? What do you mean? the angry tree?" she'd asks since she isn't sure what he's talking about at first. Her pupils shrink once again as he gets lifted up again "RC!" she shouts up. 

As the tree begins once again with it's rage, sophie isn't sure what to do, her little heart beats faster and faster as the whole moment is just nerve recking for her "RC! RC!" she shouts over and over again with her eyes fixed at him.

All of the sudden, the little mare freezes for a moment "WAIT! I've an idea!" Sophie said as she grabs the guitar on her back to pull it in front of her "Let me.. try something" she yells. e

Sophie would begin to play some notes on the guitar "focus Sophie!" she says to herself as her playing soon becomes more stable and a calm and relaxing melody can be heard. At this moment sophie really hopes that the music would calm the tree.

"Hush now, quiet now, It's time to lay your sleepy head, Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed" Sophie sings a long with her eyes fixed at RC and the tree.

Edited February 18, 2023 by Sophie H.

[Gentle Breeze]

37 minutes ago, Sophie H. said:

Sophie's pupils shrink as the limps begin to lower themselves to grab RC "REALITY!" Sophie yells! this time she don't care if she gives him an headache from the loud yelling, all she tries to do is trying to help her friend. it's already too late, RC got already lifted up by the tree and all Sophie can do is watch in horror.

 

Sophie's left ear makes once again a flapping motion as she hears the mare from the other side "Symbols?" Sophie repeats the words as she gazes at the ground for a moment before looking back up again.

 

The song, the mare sang seemed to work! the tree seem like to calm down! A smile appears on Sophie's lips with a sway of her tail "It-It's working!" She shouts, in hope Tree song could hear her.

 

Sophie gazes once again up at RC, smiling, happy that he seems okay "Seeing? What do you mean? the angry tree?" she'd asks since she isn't sure what he's talking about at first. Her pupils shrink once again as he gets lifted up again "RC!" she shouts up. 

As the tree begins once again with it's rage, sophie isn't sure what to do, her little heart beats faster and faster as the whole moment is just nerve recking for her "RC! RC!" she shouts over and over again with her eyes fixed at him.

All of the sudden, the little mare freezes for a moment "WAIT! I've an idea!" Sophie said as she grabs the guitar on her back to pull it in front of her "Let me.. try something" she yells. e

Sophie would begin to play some notes on the guitar "focus Sophie!" she says to herself as her playing soon becomes more stable and a calm and relaxing melody can be heard. At this moment sophie really hopes that the music would calm the tree.

"Hush now, quiet now, It's time to lay your sleepy head, Hush now, quiet now It's time to go to bed" Sophie sings a long with her eyes fixed at RC and the tree.

The tree would be momentarily soothed as it felt the presence of strings being played on a guitar. Combined with Tree Song's music, Sophie was brilliantly playing her guitar. It seemed to work for a moment, allowing Reality Check to see more of the symbols. But then the tree would begin roaring and violently shaking again as if not even these songs combined would work -- only momentarily soothe it.

[Reality Check 632]

7 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

The tree would be momentarily soothed as it felt the presence of strings being played on a guitar. Combined with Tree Song's music, Sophie was brilliantly playing her guitar. It seemed to work for a moment, allowing Reality Check to see more of the symbols. But then the tree would begin roaring and violating shaking again as if not even these songs combined would work -- only momentarily soothe it.

As RC was swung around, he can hear that @Sophie H. and several others trying to calm the tree, but because none of them can see the notes, they aren’t playing the right song to calm the tree. That’s when RC had an idea. “Hey Sophie! I’m gonna send the notes down with my magic! Get ready to play them!”

Focusing his magic, he aimed at each of the music notes, creating a line of notes that look like a music sheet. RC then sent them down, hoping that she’ll notice them and calm the tree for good

Edited February 18, 2023 by Reality Check

[Sophie H.]

25 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

The tree would be momentarily soothed as it felt the presence of strings being played on a guitar. Combined with Tree Song's music, Sophie was brilliantly playing her guitar. It seemed to work for a moment, allowing Reality Check to see more of the symbols. But then the tree would begin roaring and violating shaking again as if not even these songs combined would work -- only momentarily soothe it.

A happy smile appears on her lips as her idea of playing a lullaby on the guitar seems to work! but sadly just for the moment "oh no" sophie says to herself as the tree begins once again to roare and violatling shaking. She just keeps playing the melody out of reflex, Thinking to herself that if she keeps playing, it will hopefully help to sooth the tree more and more.

14 minutes ago, Reality Check said:

As RC was swung around, he can hear that @Sophie H. and several others trying to calm the tree, but because none of them can see the notes, they aren’t playing the right song to calm the tree. That’s when RC had an idea. “Hey Sophie! I’m gonna send the notes down with my magic! Get ready to play them!”

Focusing his magic, he aimed at each of the music notes, creating a line of notes that look like a music sheet. RC then sent them down, hoping that she’ll notice them and calm the tree for good

Her playing stops for a moment as @Reality Checktalks to sophie about some notes "notes?" she repeats before nodding "I'm ready! send them down!" she shouts while waiting for the notes to arrive.
As the first notes appear Sophie would begin to play them, hopefully in the right order.

Sophie can tell that she's having a hard time playing the notes right without getting distracted by the moment "Does... Does it work?" she asks without looking up.

 

[Gentle Breeze]

1 hour ago, Sophie H. said:

A happy smile appears on her lips as her idea of playing a lullaby on the guitar seems to work! but sadly just for the moment "oh no" sophie says to herself as the tree begins once again to roare and violatling shaking. She just keeps playing the melody out of reflex, Thinking to herself that if she keeps playing, it will hopefully help to sooth the tree more and more.

Her playing stops for a moment as @Reality Checktalks to sophie about some notes "notes?" she repeats before nodding "I'm ready! send them down!" she shouts while waiting for the notes to arrive.
As the first notes appear Sophie would begin to play them, hopefully in the right order.

Sophie can tell that she's having a hard time playing the notes right without getting distracted by the moment "Does... Does it work?" she asks without looking up.

 

Upon being soothed by the song combined with Sophie’s playing of the guitar and Tree Song’s voice, the towering tree would relax…
Its original color would return with blooming flowers. One flower gliding down to the ground as a “thank you” as it landed gracefully right next to Reality Check — because he was gently placed on the ground by a single branch as well, no harm done.

The tree would seem to radiate with health and subtle energy as it slowly tilted ever so slightly in the general direction of Tree Song as if giving her a soft whisper.

“Please thank @Reality Check for using his special talent to communicate to the rest what I needed. Please thank @Sophie H. for using her unique ability to deliver it. And thank you, Tree Song, @Silly Druid for harmonizing the whole thing with the gift of your voice and attuning that soothe my core.”

There would be a slow, ancient pause before it would continue.

“There… is a disturbance…” its ‘voice’ only Tree Song could hear but it would falter and tremble, as if it would slumber soon in recovery from this experience.

“I don’t know how long I will last as myself. But I will give you three gifts as a way of thanking you… please keep them close for safety and good luck.”

Nothing would happen. This should prove confusing for a moment to Tree Song. Three gifts? Where? Anyone else would stand in confusion at the strange sight if they had noticed this invisible exchange between Tree Song and the Tree.

[Reality Check 632]

The song worked and RC was let down, albeit disorientated from the constant shaking. A flower floated down beside him as he began to recover. Slightly confused, he picked it up and placed it beside his mane before walking back to the others. He also reignited his horn so there’s light again. “Well… that was something. My head’s gonna be feeling it for a while…” RC said. “That aside, thanks for the backup @Sophie H. ^^”

[Sophie 1,475]

4 hours ago, Reality Check said:

The song worked and RC was let down, albeit disorientated from the constant shaking. A flower floated down beside him as he began to recover. Slightly confused, he picked it up and placed it beside his mane before walking back to the others. He also reignited his horn so there’s light again. “Well… that was something. My head’s gonna be feeling it for a while…” RC said. “That aside, thanks for the backup @Sophie H. ^^”

Sophie's playing stops as she could hear the voice from @Reality Checknext to her, with a tired smile as she looks over at him "Glad to see you're well" she chuckles softly as he mentions the head part "Oh, don't worry, me too" she says as she slowly pulls the guitar back onto her back before looking down at her hooves "now I remember why I prefer pianos" she jokes with a soft laugh.
She gazes back at RC with a slow nod "You're very welcome and Thank you for being brave" and with that she leans her head close to place a peck onto his cheek.

Edited February 18, 2023 by Sophie H.

[Reality Check 632]

28 minutes ago, Sophie H. said:

Sophie's playing stops as she could hear the voice from @Reality Checknext to hear, with a tired smile as she looks over at him "Glad to see you're still well" she chuckles softly at the part of his head feeling it for a while "Oh, don't worry, me too" she says as she slowly pulls the guitar back onto her back before looking down at her hooves "now I remember why I prefer pianos" she jokes with a soft laugh.
She gazes back at RC with a slow nod "You're very welcome and Thank you for being brave" and with that she leans her head close to place a peck onto his cheek.

The moment @Sophie H. pecked RC’s cheek, his face turned slightly red. “Y-yeah… you’re welcome” RC said with a smile

Edited February 18, 2023 by Reality Check

[Tree Song]

Tree Song related the tree's thanks to the others. But apparently there was still something wrong, something they should do... Also the gifts, what were they?

What are these gifts? She sang to the tree, unsure if it would be still able to answer...

 

[Ana Flare]

@Totally Lyra

"I'm alright. Is anyone hurt?"

Ana gives her head a shake and casts a lighting spell. She looks around at the seemingly endless enclosure and frowns slightly. "Okay, this isn't ideal. How should we play it?"

[Sparklefan1234 170,928]

13 hours ago, Brony Number 42 said:

"You can try, but I'm sure she thought of that."

 

"Phooey! My perfect pegasus plan was paused." 

[Gentle Breeze]

20 minutes ago, Magloria said:

@Cagey @Princess Silky

Magloria decides to go to the cottage, leading frostbite towards it. It may have answers. She retracts her magical chains for now, as they didn't appear to work. 

The cottage would prove to be locked with a wooden door. Squeaking sounds could be heard from the inside, like the sound of scared little fillies. 

[Frostbite]

31 minutes ago, Magloria said:

@Cagey @Princess Silky

Magloria decides to go to the cottage, leading frostbite towards it. It may have answers. She retracts her magical chains for now, as they didn't appear to work. 

Frostbite followed, reluctant to be led anywhere but intent on getting out of the maze. Upon hearing the scuffling and squeaking behind the door, he slammed a hoof against it. "HEY. Open the door; we know you're in there."

[Ice Princess Silky <3 13,920]

(( OOC:

3 minutes ago, Cagey said:

Frostbite followed, reluctant to be led anywhere but intent on getting out of the maze. Upon hearing the scuffling and squeaking behind the door, he slammed a hoof against it. "HEY. Open the door; we know you're in there."

(( OOC: hahah just gonna say, I freakin love this guy so much. Sorry sorry, I had to throw that out there  Back to IC XD ))

[Gentle Breeze]

1 minute ago, Cagey said:

Frostbite followed, reluctant to be led anywhere but intent on getting out of the maze. Upon hearing the scuffling and squeaking behind the door, he slammed a hoof against it. "HEY. Open the door; we know you're in there."

With the exception of scurrying sounds and then suddenly silence. There was no response. Nothing. Eventually the lack of response would be agonizing. Almost taunting. What would be going on in there and what would Magloria and Frostbite do, either as a team, or solo -- to try to get through this little cottage with a wooden door?

[Sophie 1,475]

47 minutes ago, Magloria said:

@Cagey @Princess Silky

Magloria decides to go to the cottage, leading frostbite towards it. It may have answers. She retracts her magical chains for now, as they didn't appear to work. 

 

10 minutes ago, Cagey said:

Frostbite followed, reluctant to be led anywhere but intent on getting out of the maze. Upon hearing the scuffling and squeaking behind the door, he slammed a hoof against it. "HEY. Open the door; we know you're in there."

Sophie would rest for a little longer before she gets up, putting the guitar on her back "What's that noise?" she asks as she walks closer to the cottage door, waiting for frostbite to end his police mission before she speaks "If the door doesn't open up.. maybe... maybe we could try to break it down? I mean.. we've pretty strong legs.." Sophie suggest with a shrug "OR we could keep asking if that thing, that's inside, is so friendly and opens up the door for us" Sophie asks with a grin.

[Frostbite]

Moments ago, Sophie H. said:

Sophie would rest for a little longer before she gets up, putting the guitar on her back "What's that noise?" she asks as she walks closer to the cottage door, waiting for frostbite to end his police mission before she speaks "If the door doesn't open up.. maybe... maybe we could try to break it down? I mean.. we've pretty strong legs.." Sophie suggest with a shrug "OR we could keep asking if that thing, that's inside, is so friendly and opens up the door for us" Sophie asks with a grin.

Not bothering to consult Magloria @Props ValRoa or the other ponies, Frostbite did exactly this. He bared his teeth in a fierce smile. "They had their chance," he said, and reared up on his hind legs, bringing his forelegs down against the door and breaking it cleanly open.

[Dynamo Pad 11,321]

7 hours ago, Vibrant Grove said:

"Okay, everypony, I will speak with honesty. I don't know what happened or where are we. But there must be a way out from this. For that - we have to work together. Stay close, don't let go of each other. Is any unicorn here able to give us some more light? I can't see a thing in here.

Upon hearing the question of a light, Dynamo took a tentative step forward. He didn't recognize the voice at first due to how dark the maze was. However, he knew he wanted to help his friends. "I can provide some light. I know of the light spell, so it'll be good to see what's going on." He would say, closing his eyes as he began to concentrate. As his horn began to take on an orange/amber-like glow, the area around the group began to become illuminated. "I think it was Queen Chrysalis, but if it truly was her, then I don't know how or why she's back." He would say, nodding as he tried to remain optimistic that they would escape the maze. As he listened to the voice, he saw that it belonged to @Sir HugsalotVibrant Grove. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you Vibrant Grove? Silky had told me so much about you and I'm glad we got to meet. I can imagine this is not the best circumstances to meet, but it's still nice to meet you." He would say, offering a fore hoof for Vibrant to shake. "I was wondering something in regards to having to stay close. Should we all huddle up together or form like a sort of chain to not become separated?"

[Sophie H.]

12 minutes ago, Frostbite said:

Not bothering to consult Magloria @Props ValRoa or the other ponies, Frostbite did exactly this. He bared his teeth in a fierce smile. "They had their chance," he said, and reared up on his hind legs, bringing his forelegs down against the door and breaking it cleanly open.

 

6 minutes ago, Magloria said:

@Princess Silky @Cagey @Sophie H.

Magloria charged in alongside him, her horn was lit up in a brilliant shade of blue that almost shined like a star. She was ready to fight if need be. 

Sophie's smile grows a little as her idea found accordance but before she could react there was a lóud noise, a noise from Frostbite as he kicked down the front door "eek!" she squeaks out as she makes a jump back, hiding behind the two ponies that seemed to be ready to fight whatever lurks inside that cottage.

"Okay Okay guys.. I..I'm not ready to fight! I'll.. just.. make sure our back is free.. in case something tries to sneak up on us" Sophie says, trying to defend her decision to hide behind them.

[Gentle Breeze]

The wooden door would easily budge under the pure force of @Cagey's Frostbite. However, the room was empty. There was a a table. A bed. A small cottage kitchen. All the food seemed to be gone and there may or may not have been two little fillies present named @Sycofear13and @Silverspark184.... fearful of big noises. They may have been hidden. Or... perhaps silently watching. Or absolutely gone altogether.

One thing was understood, however, the unassuming room seemed to hold no threat* whatsoever.

[Vibrant Grove]

23 minutes ago, Dynamo Pad said:

Upon hearing the question of a light, Dynamo took a tentative step forward. He didn't recognize the voice at first due to how dark the maze was. However, he knew he wanted to help his friends. "I can provide some light. I know of the light spell, so it'll be good to see what's going on." He would say, closing his eyes as he began to concentrate. As his horn began to take on an orange/amber-like glow, the area around the group began to become illuminated. "I think it was Queen Chrysalis, but if it truly was her, then I don't know how or why she's back." He would say, nodding as he tried to remain optimistic that they would escape the maze. As he listened to the voice, he saw that it belonged to @Sir HugsalotVibrant Grove. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you Vibrant Grove? Silky had told me so much about you and I'm glad we got to meet. I can imagine this is not the best circumstances to meet, but it's still nice to meet you." He would say, offering a fore hoof for Vibrant to shake. "I was wondering something in regards to having to stay close. Should we all huddle up together or form like a sort of chain to not become separated?"

Vibrant took a moment to look around as there was finally some light visible. He recognized all the ponies, that were here with him. After all, he was the one that delivered mail to them. @Brony Number 42 @Tao @The Wife of Law @Dark Horse @Skylight Scintillate @GeneralDirection @Dynamo Pad @Aurora Glimmer @Sparklefan1234 and of course @TheRockARooster with whom he just got very closely aquainted. 

Casting light on the area has shown truly how grim it looked. The walls were almost overtaken by moss. The paving stone they stood on was uneven, occasionally missing, dotted with pools of green, toxic-looking water. Everything looked hostile. There wasn't much more to be seen, the monotony of the corridor only further increased its disturbing impression. Before them were 3 split paths, but where would they lead was unknown to them. 

Vibrant, thanks to his expertise and exploration of wilderness had a chance of guiding them safely if any tracks or related clues were left, but before that he looked at @Dynamo Padto answer. 

"That is me, it's a pleasure to meet You, Dynamo! Thank You so much for the light, it's still not much, but compared to complete darkness it's plenty help. Circumstances may not be perfect, but any friend of Silky @Princess Silkyis my friend too! As of now we should simply stick close to each other."

Before anything more could be said Vibrant felt like he heard very silent fluttering of wings...

[Sycofear13 71]

24 minutes ago, Tangled Roots said:

The wooden door would easily budge under the pure force of @Cagey's Frostbite. However, the room was empty. There was a a table. A bed. A small cottage kitchen. All the food seemed to be gone and there may or may not have been two little fillies present named @Sycofear13and @Silverspark184.... fearful of big noises. They may have been hidden. Or... perhaps silently watching. Or absolutely gone altogether.

One thing was understood, however, the unassuming room seemed to hold no threat* whatsoever.

Hiding under the table, was Calicarpa, who stared up at the now open doorway in awe. Around her were several bags of varying sizes all filled to the brim with various household items and food. 

[A Curious Parasprite]

Through one of paths flew the most unexpected creature. It was a parasprite! It's flight looked unstable and as it approached closer the reason behind that became clear - one of its wings appeared to be damaged. The expression on its face was unhappy, contrasting with its pastel pink body. Clearly the little insect took no joy in having their ability to fly limited.

It seemed to have analyzed each and every pony, inspecting them... as if it's looking for something... or someone. It seemed to take no interest in most of ponies, sparing them a glance at best. It changed, when it approached Dynamo @Dynamo Pad and Caramel @Aurora Glimmer. Suddenly the parasprite stopped and, much to everypony's surprised... it spoke.

"Help me..." it whispered weakly...