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

[A Curious Parasprite]

1 hour ago, Dynamo Pad said:

As the parasprite talked, the way it said Chrysalis’ name was off. With what he and Skylight had discussed, he guessed that the parasprite wasn’t a changeling, after all. “It’s okay and no need to apologize. We were just wondering as we were confused and concerned. If Chrysalis didn’t damage your wing, then how did you get injured?” He wondered as the parasprite mentioned that she never noticed it. 

Seeing that Caramel went to follow the little pink floating ball, Dynamo looked to see it asking if he was coming too. Looking back to the group, before looking to Caramel, he took a breath as he knew they couldn’t just sit still. “Wait for me as I’m on my way.” He would say, looking back to the others in the group. Thanks to Skylight’s help, he was able to get a better look at everyone. “Come on, you guys. Follow Caramel and I. Maybe we can find the exit with the parasprite’s help. Let’s just make sure to stick together like Vibrant has said so we don’t get lost.” He’d say as he figured what did they have to lose? Maybe the path they’d follow would lead them to Silky and the others, but only time would tell. 

With the extra light, Dynamo and the others were able to follow the path more easily as they continues to follow the parasprite. Even though the walls and path still looked unpleasant, there didn’t seem to be any surprises for the time being. That was until they stopped at one of the bricks that had engravings of his and Caramel’s cutie marks. “Hey. That’s my cutie mark. That one looks like Caramel’s too, b-but why?” He asks, unable to make heads or tails on what he has seen. As the group arrived at two paths, Dynamo looked down each path as both looked similar. “So, which way? Maybe we can flip a coin and go down the desired path.” He would say, looking to the parasprite and wondered which path it would take them next. 

The parasprite looked at @Dynamo Padas it responded. "Oh, that is the most awful story!" it sighed in an excessively dramatic manner. "I was just flying around, enjoying the wonderful party You have here, while it lasted and when that black mare casted a spell one of walls slammed into my wing!" It whimpered. For few seconds it appeared sad and somber again, but quickly collected itself, perking up once more. 

It would notice Dynamo's visible confusion as he investigates other corridors and giggle, saying "not that way, silly! Follow me!" as it flew through the corridor, guiding ponies into what's to come...

[Mossy wall]

@Aurora Glimmer @Dynamo Pad

Before the ponies was a room. The parasprite flew right into it as cheerful and fast as ever. In the room stood two walls with colorful mushrooms sticking out from them in a manner that made them look like buttons. Walls were covered in moss and grass that appeared almost healthy, compared to the rotting plant life ponies have seen anywhere else. Colors of mushrooms were rich and bright, unlike anything else in this disturbing area. They also had plenty of white dots, giving almost a sensation of relief from the gloom that surrounded ponies anywhere else. 

The parasprite was hovering in between two walls. It seemed to be inviting Caramel and Dynamo to step in. 

[Silverspark]

1 hour ago, Princess Silky said:

Silky would stop and look back at Reality Check, thoughtfully. "Oh! Can you show me where the tree released them?" She'd smile.

Silverspark:seeing @Princess Silky leaving with a gem not sure why but she was getting some flashbacks not sure if she remembered but she felt she should follow Silky  hiding in this place would make her safe but she felt she need to do more be more helpful she thought of Silky family the one thing she thought she couldn't  find so she fly down from the rafters and flying out the door following quietly checking her surroundings she went into her saddle bag "Alright Saffire Blaze you Hearthstone and Gem crush patrol the sky for any other signs of danger "she released three of her dragon friends  from the small cage she had 'maybe after I can talk to Princess Cad3nce bring you guys back to normal size if we find her if we cannot find Twilight or Celestia some pony who has stronger magic then I do "she said  feeling feeling for the shrinking dragon thing but the dragons knew it was not her fault and she does take care of them so the three fly off to patrol the skys  as Silverspark quietly followed Silky and RC

[Ana Flare]

@Totally Lyra

Ana frowns and steps before Gust. “You know me. It’s going to take more than a little changeling invasion to do me in.” She smiles reassuringly before giving him a hug.

”I’m just glad I found you. Let’s rendezvous with the others. Maybe they have some information.”

[Tree Song]

The changeling attack made Tree Song angry. What drove Chrysalis to attempt to ruin such a romantic gathering? Tree Song never liked changelings, and wanted to help fighting them, but it looked like the others were doing a pretty god job in this regard, so she decided to stay in the cottage with @Astral Soul and the others instead.
 

21 hours ago, Sophie H. said:

"A lucky gem?" Sophie tilts her head in confused as she stares at the gem for a moment "N'aw.. how nice of that tree! Well.. He.. or she.. does tree have genders?" Sophie asks, gazing over at Tree song with a slow blink "Anywho! I would love to play some songs again for the tree! but please tell tree that it should be less aggressive next time.. ponies don't like it when they get played with like a doll" Sophie explains with a proud nod.

"Some trees do have genders, but not this one, you can refer to it as 'it'." Tree Song explained. "The tree apologized for its behavior, and the flower in @Reality Check's mane is also a gift from it. It's good for making teas and protection potions."
 

18 hours ago, Astral Soul said:

Astral Soul is in the cottage with @Tree Song @Silly Druidand was brewing some lovely tea. He notices the cottage has water, a kettle and some cups.

He offers some to Tree Song and says they should protect the tree from the Changelings.

(OOC: Bringing this here from the other thread.)

21 hours ago, Astral Soul said:

Astral enjoyed the humming of Tree Song and it had soothing effect in him.

This question about the orb surprised him quite a bit since he thought nibofy would know.

He smiled at Tree Song and began to answer her question:

So .. you heard about the orb? It is a rumored ancient artefacts in the world. They say its power have been infinite and brought light and positivity into the world. Some even speculate that it created the world in the first place. Because if this this rumor .. this  legend fascinated me and Ive tried to find it to study it. Sadly I havent been lucky so far..

Where did you hear about it ?

"You know, as a part of my druid education I travel a lot and I've heard all sorts of rumors... Some of them were hinting at you searching for this legendary artifact... I study the subject of magical objects and their properties, and this one sounds like something big indeed. Maybe someday we can search for it together?"

---

Tree Song noticed that @Princess Silky went to check up on the tree, and decided to join her. "Are you going with us, @Astral Soul?" She asked politely.

[Skylight Scintillate]

9 hours ago, Nebel said:

@Skylight Scintillate

“Oh yea, um, I suppose I could talk about myself a bit. Just… just been a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s been going on. I’m really into martial arts, I practice pretty regularly. I like playing board and card games, and also just sitting outside on a quiet night enjoying the night sky. I don’t… really get out much. I don’t like loud or angry ponies, don’t care much for sports, either. Or um, dirt.” He says, staring at the slimy ground underneath his hooves.

"Huh, well what kind of board or card games? I think I like some board and card games..." Skylight said as she tried to remember what their names were. "What about you, Dynamo, and board or card games you're into?"

7 hours ago, Vibrant Grove said:

Upon noticing Wolf Tracks and Saffron, Vibrant would extend his invitation to the group to them as well. "Come with us, friends. Nobody has any idea as to what happened, but I believe we should all stick together!" 

"No kidding about the smell, I don't think my nose will ever get used to it." Vibrant responded. "Where to go? Now that's a very good question, I believe that for now following the parasprite may be the best idea, I don't see any sort of clue that may present a different option to us. Thank You so much for more light." He smiled at Skylight, group finally able to see their surroundings a bit more. 

"You're welcome, but how can we trust this parasprite? Why is it so cheerful when we're stuck in a place like this? Don't you think some of the things about it are a bit... sus?" Skylight whispered, giving the parasprite an occasional glance. 

6 hours ago, Mossy wall said:

As more light is cast the group would finally be able to see everything clearly. The walls and path as putrid and dark as before had no more surprises. It wasn't a welcome sight to anypony, in fact it would be better to not see so much of it. 

But now finally all ponies can see each other, light provided by combined spells of @Dynamo Pad and @Skylight Scintillate being intense enough to cover all the area around them. All the ponies stuck within mossy walls can see each other. 

Also another detail became clear now. One of bricks forming the pathway, the parasprite is leading them to had a little engraving on it. It appeared to roughly resemble cutie marks of @Aurora Glimmer Caramel and Dynamo Pad. The two remaining paths seemed to have no indication as to where may they lead, assuming they would be leading the group anywhere. 

"Hey Dynamo, Caramel, do any of you find it strange that both the parasprite knew your names, and there's your cutie marks on the walls? What do you think this means?" Skylight asked the pair. She examined the cutie marks carefully, trying to figure out if there was anything else on the wall that could reveal their meaning. 

6 hours ago, A Curious Parasprite said:

The parasprite would tilt its head... well... its entire body with a little bit of a confusion from Caramel's questions. "Never heard of any... Queen Crystalism? Actually I never heard any of these names, I am sorry!" it giggled and started to playfully fly around. 

"If You mean the mean black mare then yes! I was spying on her! She never caught me. Such a dummy she is!"

Seeing that @Aurora GlimmerCaramel finally followed it into the passage the parasprite looked at @Dynamo Pad "You're coming?" It seemed to not notice @Skylight Scintillate whispering to the blue unicorn. "We won't be able to do this without You! Everypony else may come too!"

Skylight couldn't help but to find what the parasprite said slightly off. She glanced at it skeptically.

5 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

@AuroraGlimmer
Seeing how fast the wing had healed, Dynamo had blinked in surprise, yet looked curiously at the sprite. “You can say that again, Caramel. Either the wings heal faster than normal due to a parasprite’s design, or this is a different kind of parasprite altogether. Considering we didn’t expect this one to talk.” He’d say, nodding at the mention of Thorax and Pharynx. “I think I saw Thorax once when living in Ponyville, but I think it was a brief visit.going by appearance, he honestly looked like a nice changeling. So, I don’t think he’d help Chrysalis.” He says, wondering if this was a test as Caramel had put it. 
 

As @Skylight Scintillate had used her magic to help add to the illumination of their surroundings, Dynamo turned to her and smiled. “Thanks for the extra light, Sky.” He say, before tilting his head in confusion to his friend’s question of caramel. “What do you mean, Sky? What makes you think that Caramel is a changeling?” He wondered as he did notice the difference in Caramel’s mane and the hole in her hoof. However, his expression stayed the same as he didn’t want to assume. He wanted to trust both Caramel and Skylight as the latter was his friend and the former was slowly developing a crush on her. His ears perked slightly as he heard Skylight whisper to him, before shrugging his shoulder at her question. “I’m glad to know I’m not the only one surprised if it talking, but I don’t think so. It looks so friendly, but I want to trust that this parasprite is the real thing.”

“You can say that again, @Sir HugsalotVibrant.” Dynamo says as he looked to both Skylight and Vibrant. “After taking a whiff of the maze wall, I thought I lost all sense of smell. Not the best decision I’ve ever made.” He’d say with a sheepish chuckle. 

As the parasprite talked, the way it said Chrysalis’ name was off. With what he and Skylight had discussed, he guessed that the parasprite wasn’t a changeling, after all. “It’s okay and no need to apologize. We were just wondering as we were confused and concerned. If Chrysalis didn’t damage your wing, then how did you get injured?” He wondered as the parasprite mentioned that she never noticed it. 

Seeing that Caramel went to follow the little pink floating ball, Dynamo looked to see it asking if he was coming too. Looking back to the group, before looking to Caramel, he took a breath as he knew they couldn’t just sit still. “Wait for me as I’m on my way.” He would say, looking back to the others in the group. Thanks to Skylight’s help, he was able to get a better look at everyone. “Come on, you guys. Follow Caramel and I. Maybe we can find the exit with the parasprite’s help. Let’s just make sure to stick together like Vibrant has said so we don’t get lost.” He’d say as he figured what did they have to lose? Maybe the path they’d follow would lead them to Silky and the others, but only time would tell. 

With the extra light, Dynamo and the others were able to follow the path more easily as they continues to follow the parasprite. Even though the walls and path still looked unpleasant, there didn’t seem to be any surprises for the time being. That was until they stopped at one of the bricks that had engravings of his and Caramel’s cutie marks. “Hey. That’s my cutie mark. That one looks like Caramel’s too, b-but why?” He asks, unable to make heads or tails on what he has seen. As the group arrived at two paths, Dynamo looked down each path as both looked similar. “So, which way? Maybe we can flip a coin and go down the desired path.” He would say, looking to the parasprite and wondered which path it would take them next. 

"Is that normal @AuroraGlimmer? For like a parasprite wing to heal that quickly? I mean, I know most changelings are pretty nice. Actually, I'm pretty sure Chrysalis is the only exception..." Skylight rambled. Then, she turned to Dynamo Pad. "As for Caramel, well, it's the way she seemed to flicker. I'm pretty sure I saw something with her mane and holes in her legs too. And there's the way she put emphasis on the letter s when she spoke," Skylight whispered to Dynamo, looking over to Caramel to make sure she didn't overhear.

[Nebel]

@Skylight Scintillate

“Anything that involves strategy or planning.” Nebel replies. “I like games such as Risk, Ponies: The Galloping, and Ogres and Oubliettes. I’m open to giving other games a chance too, but if there isn’t a strategy element to it then I’ll probably get bored of it after a while.” He explains.

As they walked along, Nebel also takes note of Skylight’s skepticism regarding the parasite. He can understand her not trusting the creature, but he also felt like they really didn’t have much of a choice. It was either that or wander around this maze, hoping to find a way out. So far, this parasprite was the best chance they had. Of course, because Nebel was so shy, all of these thoughts would remain in his head while he stood there with an awkward smile on his face, waiting to see what would happen as they entered a new room. Inside, there were a couple of walls covered in mushrooms. The abundance of life in here was a stark contrast to all the decay and slime they had walked through so far.

[Raven]

7 hours ago, Roswell said:

I’m an investigator and I could use the light of your horn to investigate further.

"Sure," She produces a light and leans close to the stone.

[Saffron Shadow]

18 hours ago, The Wife of Law said:

“A wanderer, eh? Not staying in the same location for too long and studying what you find interesting. You seem like a really smart pony-“ Wolf Tracks is cut off by a random pony passing by. She lets out a low growl and bares her teeth. The poor, unsuspecting pony gives her a frightened look and dashes the rest of the way by. Her demeanor then goes back to what it was.

“Anyway, I am wary of pony crowds. This may sound absurd but I actually don’t live in typical pony society. I reside in the Himaneighyan mountains with a pack of wolves. I grew up with them after I was separated from my parents as a child. You may or may not have heard of me, as my existence has been considered a rumor to some”. She lets out a sigh and looks as if she is about to add something onto what was just said but her right ear twitches a a bit and her takes a few sharp inhales of the air. “Someone is here who shouldn’t be”.

The ground begins to tremble and the sky darkens. A tall, lean, quadruped figure flying toward the venue appears. It isn’t obvious who it is right away but after hearing the buzz of her wings, any pony can deduce that it is Queen Chrysalis.

Wolf Tracks leaps in front of Saffron, back facing him. Was she protecting him? She growls at the insect hybrid. Before she can lunge toward her, the area starts to change. Moss, roots, and leave shuffle and the attending ponies start to panic. “What is going on?” she thanks to herself. She turns her head back to Saffron “Was this party a set up by Queen Chrysalis?” 

Saffron had to admit that he found Wolf Track's story to be a fascinating one. The Himaneighyans were not somewhere he had extensively explored; it was well known as being one of the more difficult to traverse regions of Equestria, and to think that Wolf Track had been raised there...

Unfortunately, though he would have loved to question her further on this, fate had decided to intervene.

"C-Chrysalis?! The Changeling Queen?" Saffron exclaimed, staying close to Wolf Track even as he instinctively tensed into a fighting stance, covering her flank-side from a back attack. "I though the invitations were from Silky and Vibrant!"

As if to quickly answer his own question, he turned around at the sound of another Pony from behind...

11 hours ago, Vibrant Grove said:

Upon noticing Wolf Tracks and Saffron, Vibrant would extend his invitation to the group to them as well. "Come with us, friends. Nobody has any idea as to what happened, but I believe we should all stick together!" 

"You! So then... what's happened?" Saffron said, warily. He looked reluctant to approach Vibrant too eagerly. Turning back to Wolf Track and leaning in close so that only she could hear, he whispered: "Hey... if this is a Changeling attack, how can we be sure these aren't just Chrysalis' minions in disguise? Should we trust them, or try keep our distance and figure out what's going on ourselves...?"

Until they could figure out what was going on, Saffron felt the only one he could implicitly trust right now was Wolf Track... at least, that's what his gut was telling him.

Edited February 19, 2023 by Dark Horse

[Frostbite]

1 hour ago, Magloria said:

Magloria noticed both of the gems and walked up to him, looking at his Gems intently. 

Frostbite lifted his head, swishing his tail back and forth. He wasn't sure how to interpret the look on her face. "You can look at them all you want. I don't need them."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

3 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Hey Dynamo, Caramel, do any of you find it strange that both the parasprite knew your names, and there's your cutie marks on the walls? What do you think this means?" Skylight asked the pair. She examined the cutie marks carefully, trying to figure out if there was anything else on the wall that could reveal their meaning. 

3 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Is that normal @AuroraGlimmer? For like a parasprite wing to heal that quickly? I mean, I know most changelings are pretty nice. Actually, I'm pretty sure Chrysalis is the only exception...

Caramel would look over to Skylight and would no as they followed the Parasprite "It is strange to hear the Parasprite speak, as far as I know, they don't speak, and as far as the wing healing that fast..." she looks to Skylight then to @Dynamo Pad, "that is also very strange, I've tended to a few Parasprites before and they never healed that quickly" she then shakes her head, "I met Thorax when I attended Twilgiht's School of Friendship" she'd say "He and Ocellus were both very nice and friendly, and I met Pharynx once or twice, he's a big grump" she'd say, poking her tongue out at the mention of Pharynx, but then would giggle "Perhaps the magic that changed the maze effected our litlte friend here" she'd say, gently petting the litlte Parasprite with a hoof.

@Princess Silky

As they continued to follow the litlte one, they would soon arrive at a cross roads with three different paths, one of them which had a archway made of bricks, had not only hers but Dynamo Pad's cutie marks engraved on it. She would reach out a hoof to touch the brick with her mark on it, before hearing Dynamo's remark, she would look to him, but as she was about to reply, she then heard the sprite speak again "O-oh okay, well, I guess we better go the way we are being shown"

Meanwhile, while waiting for an answer from everypone else, Caramel would look around and notice that in this particular corirdor the color and feel of the maze was fresh and well vibrant, everything was in stark contrast to the rest of the maze, which would make her remark "This is...this is amazing, almost as if, this area was protected from Chrysalis' magic, it's all so..different, I mean, just look at the green of the grass and moss covering the walls, so bright and.." she'd look to @Sir Hugsalot Vibrant, "If you'll excuse the pun, vibrant" she says, noticing she could also see everypony else who was stuck within the walls "I canalso see the other ponies, well the ones who got stuck with us, I guess" she tries to wave to them, before getting out her book about mushrooms.

Edited February 19, 2023 by AuroraGlimmer

[Frostbite]

1 hour ago, Magloria said:

@Cagey

Magloria grabbed the two gems and looked at them in her hooves. It reminded her of something - and she looked away from him, a small tear going down her eye. Something she didn't want him to see.

He noticed her duck her head, but he didn't know what to make of it. A crack in her armor, perhaps. That relieved him, but he didn't want to contend with whatever emotions she was experiencing, especially when there was still bile in his throat. He'd grant her the dignity of sorting it out on her own.

He moved past her, walking forward on the path. It felt like a tiny, uncomfortable victory in whatever game he'd been playing throughout his life.

[Star Silk]

7 hours ago, Tree Song said:

The changeling attack made Tree Song angry. What drove Chrysalis to attempt to ruin such a romantic gathering? Tree Song never liked changelings, and wanted to help fighting them, but it looked like the others were doing a pretty god job in this regard, so she decided to stay in the cottage with @Astral Soul and the others instead.
 

"Some trees do have genders, but not this one, you can refer to it as 'it'." Tree Song explained. "The tree apologized for its behavior, and the flower in @Reality Check's mane is also a gift from it. It's good for making teas and protection potions."
 

(OOC: Bringing this here from the other thread.)

"You know, as a part of my druid education I travel a lot and I've heard all sorts of rumors... Some of them were hinting at you searching for this legendary artifact... I study the subject of magical objects and their properties, and this one sounds like something big indeed. Maybe someday we can search for it together?"

---

Tree Song noticed that @Princess Silky went to check up on the tree, and decided to join her. "Are you going with us, @Astral Soul?" She asked politely.

"Teas and potions, of course!" her eyes would light up as she'd flutter up towards the tree's vibrant foliage adorned with crowns of beautiful flower. She'd lightly pat one with her hoof, requesting permission of the tree before it would plop willingly into her basket. She had a deep reverence for nature and its own pulsing form of life and it was visible with how delicately she requested even a single flower.

Upon gathering a bundle of them, she'd spot @Totally Lyraand @Stone Cold Steve Jobsin the distance approaching. "Hey!" She'd call invitingly "I'm so glad you ponies are okay! Please come join us. For some healing potions, food and some tea." She would begin brewing up some materials from plants around the healed tree later on for the potions. For now, she would sit with @Astral Souland combine her potion mixtures with his tea. Bringing in some of the flowers into a vase to place at the center of the rustic table. Sure, the place didn't look very elegant, but she still wanted her guests to feel welcomed. They were here because of her, afterall.... "Everyone, please take a moment to retreat and recover. You did very well in keeping yourselves in tact." She'd then smile at the little filly @Silverspark184 and @Sycofear13 "And it looks like somepony learned a valuable lesson in sharing, thanks to @Sophie H. from what I've heard." She smiled, her eyes narrowing fondly.

[Vibrant Grove]

2 hours ago, Saffron Shadow said:

"You! So then... what's happened?" Saffron said, warily. He looked reluctant to approach Vibrant too eagerly. Turning back to Wolf Track and leaning in close so that only she could hear, he whispered: "Hey... if this is a Changeling attack, how can we be sure these aren't just Chrysalis' minions in disguise? Should we trust them, or try keep our distance and figure out what's going on ourselves...?"

Until they could figure out what was going on, Saffron felt the only one he could implicitly trust right now was Wolf Track... at least, that's what his gut was telling him.

Vibrant would notice the lack of trust coming from Saffron "I have no idea myself. All I know is, it would be nice to find a way out from this place. Please, come with us, I don't believe dividing ourselves now would be a wise idea." 

4 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"You're welcome, but how can we trust this parasprite? Why is it so cheerful when we're stuck in a place like this? Don't you think some of the things about it are a bit... sus?" Skylight whispered, giving the parasprite an occasional glance. 

"I believe there's little in here that can be considered trustworthy. But let's be honest. We don't know what to do. That parasprite has to know something." Vibrant would nod towards Skylight and then continue "But it's good that You're careful. We will really need that here. Stay sharp, Skylight."

 

[Dynamo Pad 11,262]

20 hours ago, A Curious Parasprite said:

The parasprite looked at @Dynamo Padas it responded. "Oh, that is the most awful story!" it sighed in an excessively dramatic manner. "I was just flying around, enjoying the wonderful party You have here, while it lasted and when that black mare casted a spell one of walls slammed into my wing!" It whimpered. For few seconds it appeared sad and somber again, but quickly collected itself, perking up once more. 

It would notice Dynamo's visible confusion as he investigates other corridors and giggle, saying "not that way, silly! Follow me!" as it flew through the corridor, guiding ponies into what's to come...

As the parasprite spoke of its injury, Dynamo's ears fell as he felt disheartened to the poor creature. "I'm really sorry to hear that. With how the maze twisted and turned, I can see how the walls could slam onto your wing. I'm just glad that @AuroraGlimmerCaramel  was able to help in healing you. I know that this party was made by my friend @Princess SilkySilky and @Sir HugsalotVibrant. If you'd like, I think they would love to meet you if we are able to make out way out of the maze." He says, watching as the parasprite's appearance changed completely to being cheerful again. Looking from either direction of the paths, his ears perked at the giggle, before looking to the flying pink ball once more. Blinking slightly in confusion, the gaming unicorn shook his head to rid himself of any confusion. Nodding, he and the others followed along as the parasprite continued to guide him and the others.

14 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Huh, well what kind of board or card games? I think I like some board and card games..." Skylight said as she tried to remember what their names were. "What about you, Dynamo, and board or card games you're into?"

"Hey Dynamo, Caramel, do any of you find it strange that both the parasprite knew your names, and there's your cutie marks on the walls? What do you think this means?" Skylight asked the pair. She examined the cutie marks carefully, trying to figure out if there was anything else on the wall that could reveal their meaning. 

Skylight couldn't help but to find what the parasprite said slightly off. She glanced at it skeptically.

"Is that normal @AuroraGlimmer? For like a parasprite wing to heal that quickly? I mean, I know most changelings are pretty nice. Actually, I'm pretty sure Chrysalis is the only exception..." Skylight rambled. Then, she turned to Dynamo Pad. "As for Caramel, well, it's the way she seemed to flicker. I'm pretty sure I saw something with her mane and holes in her legs too. And there's the way she put emphasis on the letter s when she spoke," Skylight whispered to Dynamo, looking over to Caramel to make sure she didn't overhear.

12 hours ago, AuroraGlimmer said:

Caramel would look over to Skylight and would no as they followed the Parasprite "It is strange to hear the Parasprite speak, as far as I know, they don't speak, and as far as the wing healing that fast..." she looks to Skylight then to @Dynamo Pad, "that is also very strange, I've tended to a few Parasprites before and they never healed that quickly" she then shakes her head, "I met Thorax when I attended Twilgiht's School of Friendship" she'd say "He and Ocellus were both very nice and friendly, and I met Pharynx once or twice, he's a big grump" she'd say, poking her tongue out at the mention of Pharynx, but then would giggle "Perhaps the magic that changed the maze effected our litlte friend here" she'd say, gently petting the litlte Parasprite with a hoof.

@Princess Silky

As they continued to follow the litlte one, they would soon arrive at a cross roads with three different paths, one of them which had a archway made of bricks, had not only hers but Dynamo Pad's cutie marks engraved on it. She would reach out a hoof to touch the brick with her mark on it, before hearing Dynamo's remark, she would look to him, but as she was about to reply, she then heard the sprite speak again "O-oh okay, well, I guess we better go the way we are being shown"

 

As the group walked, Dynamo had hummed in thought as @Skylight Scintillate asked him his favorite board and card games. "I'd say I'm more of a video game kind of stallion, but I can't pass up the chance to play cards or board games. For cards, I've been getting into Cardfight Vanguard. I do have Pokemon cards, but I mostly collect them for the beautiful art. As for board games, I'm mostly up to trying any and all board games. What about you, Sky? Are you into board games and card games too, Caramel?" He would ask, almost whipping his head towards Nebel, who had named a particular game. "You play Ogres and Oubliettes too, Nebel? I haven't played that game in a little while, but I love that one. What kind of character do you like to play?" Even though they were all in this situation, it felt relieving in a way to break the ice between his date/crush and friends. "I have to admit that I do find it somewhat strange that the parasprite knows our names, but I'm not entirely sure why that is. Unless that brick we passed that had Caramel's and my cutie marks, then I'm afraid I don't know. As for our names, I do like the theory Caramel had. Whatever kind of magic that was used to twist and change the maze must have affected the parasprite to be able to speak to us."

Perking his ears slightly from Skylight's whisper, Dynamo had listened to her thoughts on Caramel being a changeling. "I do recall a sort of flicker where I thought her mane and her legs had changed. However, I wasn't sure if that was just my imagination or not." He responded back in a low whisper. "I think I remember hearing about that in class, but I don't recall changelings had used the emphasis of the 's'. Why do you ask, Sky?" He wondered if Skylight thought that they shouldn't trust Caramel, or something else along those lines. He couldn't explain it, but from the way that they talked to each other since they met, Dynamo felt like he could trust Caramel. Speaking of the chocolate mare, he raised his eyebrow in surprise at the mention of Twilight's School. "You've been to the School of Friendship before? I don't know if I've asked you, but where do you live Caramel? If you don't mind me asking, of course. I recently moved to Ponyville, but I don't think I've seen you around town. I think I saw the one named Ocellus with a bunch of other students, but I wasn't sure which student was who." He would say, smiling as her giggle was like music to his ears.

20 hours ago, Mossy wall said:

@Aurora Glimmer @Dynamo Pad

Before the ponies was a room. The parasprite flew right into it as cheerful and fast as ever. In the room stood two walls with colorful mushrooms sticking out from them in a manner that made them look like buttons. Walls were covered in moss and grass that appeared almost healthy, compared to the rotting plant life ponies have seen anywhere else. Colors of mushrooms were rich and bright, unlike anything else in this disturbing area. They also had plenty of white dots, giving almost a sensation of relief from the gloom that surrounded ponies anywhere else. 

The parasprite was hovering in between two walls. It seemed to be inviting Caramel and Dynamo to step in. 

12 hours ago, AuroraGlimmer said:

Meanwhile, while waiting for an answer from everypone else, Caramel would look around and notice that in this particular corirdor the color and feel of the maze was fresh and well vibrant, everything was in stark contrast to the rest of the maze, which would make her remark "This is...this is amazing, almost as if, this area was protected from Chrysalis' magic, it's all so..different, I mean, just look at the green of the grass and moss covering the walls, so bright and.." she'd look to @Sir Hugsalot Vibrant, "If you'll excuse the pun, vibrant" she says, noticing she could also see everypony else who was stuck within the walls "I canalso see the other ponies, well the ones who got stuck with us, I guess" she tries to wave to them, before getting out her book about mushrooms.

 

Upon arriving, the group was greeted by a room. The room that the parasprite had happily entered without a second thought. Taking a deep breath, Dynamo had entered the room, before being greeted with a wondrous sight. Within the room, the walls were covered with moss and grass that looked almost new. A complete opposite from the walls they noticed within the maze. Even the mushrooms around them looked bright and colorful. All the while looking like they had buttons like a controller. "Oh, wow. If I didn't know any better, then I thought we were in a secret gaming room of sorts. This place look really cool, in my opinion." He turned in place to marvel at the sights, before stopping in place. Turning to Caramel, he couldn't help himself in chuckling at her pun. "That was really funny, Caramel. I'm the type of pony who loves puns, so that was really nice." He chuckled once more, before blinking in realization. Looking towards Vibrant, he gave a sheepish smile, before it morphed into an apologetic expression. "No offense, of course, Vibrant. I'm really sorry." He would say, looking back to the chocolate mare. "That could be possible. Although, if so, then how did her magic not reach this place. Unless there was a sort of protective spell barrier that stopped her magic in its tracks." It was a bit of a stretch, but he didn't have a lead to go off of.

As Caramel got our her book about mushrooms, Dynamo had looked over to see the parasprite, who had been hovering in between two walls. With the way it looked, the gaming unicorn had seen the smile that beckoned them over. "Hey, Caramel?" He asks, turning his attention back to her to grab her attention. "I don't know the exact reason, but I think the parasprite is calling us over. Did you want to check this out together?"

[Roswell]

5 hours ago, Raven said:

"Sure," She produces a light and leans close to the stone.

As the light source is focused on the wall, Roswell notices a strange, gnarled plant and as Roswell investigates, he requests Raven to lend him more light.

 

’Can I have some more light, Raven?’

[ZiggWheelsManning 9,960]

1 hour ago, Roswell said:

As the light source is focused on the wall, Roswell notices a strange, gnarled plant and as Roswell investigates, he requests Raven to lend him more light.

 

’Can I have some more light, Raven?’

Just don't apply too many lights, okay?  

[Raven]

1 hour ago, Roswell said:

Can I have some more light, Raven?’

"Sure." She brightens the light. But a revolting smell hits her nose. "Uck." She looks closer. "This doesn't look like normal moss. It's like a slime."

[Nebel]

@Dynamo Pad

Nebel turned his attention to Dynamo upon hearing his question. “Yes, I do play fairly often with a few friends. I’ve experimented with quite a few different classes, but my favourite one overall is the druid. I like the combination of magic, and the powers of nature and animals. If you’re still into the game, maybe once we’re done being held against our will in a dark maze, you could play with us sometime. Or we could start our own adventure together if you want.”

Nebel was happy to learn that he had something in common with somepony else here. He had to admit that he preferred imagining his characters in a adventure like this as opposed to being a part of one himself. But having some friends around to go through it with would make it at least somewhat more tolerable.

[Dynamo Pad 11,262]

6 hours ago, Nebel said:

@Dynamo Pad

Nebel turned his attention to Dynamo upon hearing his question. “Yes, I do play fairly often with a few friends. I’ve experimented with quite a few different classes, but my favourite one overall is the druid. I like the combination of magic, and the powers of nature and animals. If you’re still into the game, maybe once we’re done being held against our will in a dark maze, you could play with us sometime. Or we could start our own adventure together if you want.”

Nebel was happy to learn that he had something in common with somepony else here. He had to admit that he preferred imagining his characters in an adventure like this as opposed to being a part of one himself. But having some friends around to go through it with would make it at least somewhat more tolerable.

Turning his attention room to @GeneralDirectionNebel, Dynamo smiled. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but where do you live? I’ve recently moved to Ponyville, but I think it would be cool to meet up. I’ve once tried playing as a Druid, but not in Ogres and Oubliettes. It was a different game, but I always loved being able to use the magic of nature to heal my team and turn into different animals.” He explained, before realizing he was probably heading off track. “I actually didn’t play many classes, but I do like the cleric and paladin classes. The ability to heal and to fight feels like a fun combination. Especially if you’re able to support your teammates.” He concluded, before nodding at the invitation. “I’d be happy to do either option if you’re okay with me joining. It’s definitely been some time since I’ve played Ogres and Oubliettes, but I know I can’t pass up the opportunity.” He would say with a kind smile. 

[Mossy wall]

7 hours ago, Raven said:

"Sure." She brightens the light. But a revolting smell hits her nose. "Uck." She looks closer. "This doesn't look like normal moss. It's like a slime."

@TheRockARooster

The plant seemed almost fleshy in its texture. Colour somewhere in between red and brown.

9 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

Upon arriving, the group was greeted by a room. The room that the parasprite had happily entered without a second thought. Taking a deep breath, Dynamo had entered the room, before being greeted with a wondrous sight. Within the room, the walls were covered with moss and grass that looked almost new. A complete opposite from the walls they noticed within the maze. Even the mushrooms around them looked bright and colorful. All the while looking like they had buttons like a controller. "Oh, wow. If I didn't know any better, then I thought we were in a secret gaming room of sorts. This place look really cool, in my opinion." He turned in place to marvel at the sights, before stopping in place. Turning to Caramel, he couldn't help himself in chuckling at her pun. "That was really funny, Caramel. I'm the type of pony who loves puns, so that was really nice." He chuckled once more, before blinking in realization. Looking towards Vibrant, he gave a sheepish smile, before it morphed into an apologetic expression. "No offense, of course, Vibrant. I'm really sorry." He would say, looking back to the chocolate mare. "That could be possible. Although, if so, then how did her magic not reach this place. Unless there was a sort of protective spell barrier that stopped her magic in its tracks." It was a bit of a stretch, but he didn't have a lead to go off of.

As Caramel got our her book about mushrooms, Dynamo had looked over to see the changeling, who had been hovering in between two walls. With the way it looked, the gaming unicorn had seen the smile that beckoned them over. "Hey, Caramel?" He asks, turning his attention back to her to grab her attention. "I don't know the exact reason, but I think the parasprite is calling us over. Did you want to check this out together?"

Upon close investigation @Dynamo Pad and @Aurora Glimmer Caramel would discover that both walls also had cutie marks. The one on the left had Caramel's own, heart shaped symbol. The one on the right had gaming pad that looked exactly like the one on Dynamo's flank. As two ponies approached closely suddenly there was a sharp pull that has put them both in front of their respective walls with mushrooms. As they try to step away they find themselves unable to do so, their gaze focused on mushrooms instead.

In front of Caramel lights started appearing on mushroom caps. They seemed to follow a pattern that kept repeating itself. 

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Sir Hugsalot @Dynamo Pad

As she finished speaking and would look up from her book, Caramel would feel the sharp pull towards the wall that had her cutie mark etched onto it. 

After carefully studying the mushrooms, she'd gasp in excitement "oh my gosh! It's like that old game Simon Says, where you have to memorise a pattern of buttons then repeat it" she says, doing her best to follow along, "you asked before about if I had any favourite games? As a filly, this one was an absolute favourite"

[A Curious Parasprite]

The parasprite seemed to be undisturbed by what happened, hovering in the air and giggling. As lights begun to flash in front of @Aurora GlimmerCaramel it said "It's a challenge! You two must beat it together, before we continue!"

For a moment parasprite's attention shifted to other ponies. It noticed especially @Skylight Scintillate and Vibrant Grove with their ever watchful eyes. In a way all of this felt new to the parasprite too. The care it received from Caramel, the trust those ponies seemed to have given it. Parasprites are infamous due to that one incident that happened in Ponyville yet here it experienced nothing, but kindness. As those thoughts ran through little creature's mind it kept its wide, innocent smile.

[Vibrant Grove]

As @Dynamo Pad and @Aurora Glimmer got pulled Vibrant would gasp in surprise. "A trap!" 

He looked around himself to ensure his companions are with him. At his side he saw @Skylight Scintillate and @GeneralDirection Nebel. The rest of ponies seem to have stayed behind. "No time to retreat, we need to make our stand here" he thought to himself. He realized he's unarmed, unless his own guitar counts as a weapon. Without his bow he finds himself unable to do much. Oh well, he still must do his best. He's not alone. In times like this though he wishes Star Silk was here. She was always very resourceful in such situations.

He looked at the two ponies. "Let's be vigilant. Something's up". He looked at parasprite still flying around, but it seemed to just keep looking at them, occasionally repositioning itself in the air. He was surprised by how... calm, even happy Caramel seemed to be. 

[Mossy wall]

25 minutes ago, AuroraGlimmer said:

@Sir Hugsalot @Dynamo Pad

As she finished speaking and would look up from her book, Caramel would feel the sharp pull towards the wall that had her cutie mark etched onto it. 

After carefully studying the mushrooms, she'd gasp in excitement "oh my gosh! It's like that old game Simon Says, where you have to memorise a pattern of buttons then repeat it" she says, doing her best to follow along, "you asked before about if I had any favourite games? As a filly, this one was an absolute favourite"

After @Aurora GlimmerCaramel pressed the buttons, trying to follow the combination of lights, the mushrooms on @Dynamo Pad's end begun flashing. On his end the flashes were incredibly fast, barely noticable to an eye. It appeared to be the very same game that Caramel had to play...

The room still remained peaceful. At the entrance Vibrant seemed on edge, gathering his companions as if preparing a defense. Other than that its colorful atmosphere was almost soothing despite the entrapment.