private Another Cultural Exchange (1x1 with Skylight Scintillate)

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-01-13 at 4:42 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Indigo's answer, "Mostly just more forest, but that's also where the larger animals like bears and timberwolves live."

Nova's answer, "Since there aren't thestrals living there, there's all the cool hidden places that no one's found yet, like exploring for real! I've found tons of little caves and clearings."

"Ooh that sounds really cool! You'll have to tell me what things you have found! Wait... timberwolves? Aren't they like dangerous?" Speckle asked. Initially, she was quite excited at the idea, but she became more hesitant when she heard what Indigo mentioned. 

On 2025-01-13 at 4:42 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He smiled a bit at that, "Well, we'll be able to go tomorrow with the hunting teacher, then you can learn to hunt too, if you want?"

"I'd like to do that," Speckle replied.

On 2025-01-13 at 4:42 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova crouched down to look at the ground and motioned for Speckle to be quiet, perking his ears up to hear better.

It was quiet for a few moments, then they could start to hear some sounds, distant hooting of owls, some rustling in the leaves, the occasional chirp of a bird.

Speckle would quiet down, matching Nova's energy as she tried to see what Nova could see. As she focused her attention, she started hearing the noises of some animals in the distance. Speckle found it fascinating how, once she quieted down, there were many different things that could be heard in the forest. It felt so different compared to the bustling energy of to the bustling energy of the city.

On 2025-01-13 at 4:42 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He motioned for her to come up where he was and pointed to some tracks in the dirt, speaking softly, "I think these are rabbit tracks, and maybe a mouse over here. I don't think they're nearby though."

He stood up, speaking normally, "You have to be quiet when you're hunting, or they'll hear you and run away. There's also a lot of different birds around here, and squirls, but those are fast and not much food even if you catch them, so we mostly leave them alone. We mostly hunt rabbits and fish around here."

 

He'd give her a chance to ask a question or two before crouching down again, speaking softly, "We can try to follow the rabbit tracks, maybe it will lead to a burrow?"

Speckle would crouch down next to Nova and glance at the tracks he pointed out. Unless the tracks were in soft dirt or there was something else that made them immediately stand out, Speckle would take a few moments before she saw them. "Ooh, that's cool," she whispered. "Yeah let's follow them," she replied.

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2025-01-16 at 9:05 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Ooh that sounds really cool! You'll have to tell me what things you have found! Wait... timberwolves? Aren't they like dangerous?" Speckle asked. Initially, she was quite excited at the idea, but she became more hesitant when she heard what Indigo mentioned. 

Nova shook his head, "Not really, not unless there's a bunch of them, they can't fly and the foliage isn't that thick so you can almost always escape. Plus they eat sticks and sap and stuff, not ponies, so long as you leave them alone, and don't look like you're trying to take their food, they'll leave you alone."

The timber wolves in the Shimmerwood forest were similar to the ones found in the Everfree, but less aggressive as the magic in the Shimmerwood wasn't as chaotic as the magic in the Everfree.

As to what he had found, he commented, "Well, I've found a few caves, a few clearings like this one, sometimes I'll find an old sword or dagger or something, I have to give those to the guards though, since they're dangerous."

 

On 2025-01-16 at 9:05 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"I'd like to do that," Speckle replied.

He seemed quite happy about that.

 

On 2025-01-16 at 9:05 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

Speckle would crouch down next to Nova and glance at the tracks he pointed out. Unless the tracks were in soft dirt or there was something else that made them immediately stand out, Speckle would take a few moments before she saw them. "Ooh, that's cool," she whispered. "Yeah let's follow them," she replied.

Nova took the lead, creeping along the faint trail until it reached the river, the tracks were a bit jumbled there, "I think it stopped to drink some water here, maybe swam a bit? See, the tracks are a bit wetter afterwards."

Speckle wouldn't be able to really tell the difference, it wasn't too noticeable. If she asked Nova might be able to explain how he could tell?

 

He would follow the trail until it led to a small clearing, about two lengths in diameter, surrounded by the special glowing trees. They had a clear sight up to the stars above and a glimpse of the moon just over the treetops. Nova stopped at the middle of the clearing, disappointed, The tracks stop there, I think a bird caught them by surprise."

He stood up fully, noticing the clearing, "Wow, I don't think I've seen this one before! It's such a small clearing."

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-01-18 at 2:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova shook his head, "Not really, not unless there's a bunch of them, they can't fly and the foliage isn't that thick so you can almost always escape. Plus they eat sticks and sap and stuff, not ponies, so long as you leave them alone, and don't look like you're trying to take their food, they'll leave you alone."

 

The timber wolves in the Shimmerwood forest were similar to the ones found in the Everfree, but less aggressive as the magic in the Shimmerwood wasn't as chaotic as the magic in the Everfree.

"Oh, yeah, wings," Speckle replied. She would glance at her wings before turning back to Nova. "The only thing I knew about timberwolves was what Twilight wrote about in her friendship journal. I guess the Everfree Forest is quite different from other forests. I heard that the timberwolves used to cause some problems for Twilight back when she was a unicorn, but now that she is an alicorn and is super powerful at magic, they no longer bother her," Speckle rambled.

On 2025-01-18 at 2:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

As to what he had found, he commented, "Well, I've found a few caves, a few clearings like this one, sometimes I'll find an old sword or dagger or something, I have to give those to the guards though, since they're dangerous."

"Oh wow, is there anything interesting in the caves? Where do you think the swords come from?" Speckle asked curiously.

On 2025-01-18 at 2:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova took the lead, creeping along the faint trail until it reached the river, the tracks were a bit jumbled there, "I think it stopped to drink some water here, maybe swam a bit? See, the tracks are a bit wetter afterwards."

Speckle wouldn't be able to really tell the difference, it wasn't too noticeable. If she asked Nova might be able to explain how he could tell?

Speckle would stare intensely at the seemingly jumbled mess of tracks before turning to Nova. "How can you tell all of this from just the tracks? I just see a jumbled mess," Speckle asked.

On 2025-01-18 at 2:34 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He would follow the trail until it led to a small clearing, about two lengths in diameter, surrounded by the special glowing trees. They had a clear sight up to the stars above and a glimpse of the moon just over the treetops. Nova stopped at the middle of the clearing, disappointed, The tracks stop there, I think a bird caught them by surprise."

He stood up fully, noticing the clearing, "Wow, I don't think I've seen this one before! It's such a small clearing."

"Woah," Speckle said, glancing around. She was a little disappointed that they wouldn't be able to find the rabbit that left this trail. She would glance around as though they would see the bird carrying said rabbit away before quickly realizing how absurd that would have to be. With that, she would turn her focus to the clearing that they were in. "Wow, this is kind of pretty," she remarked, admiring the clearing. She would take particular interest in the glowing trees. She would stare at the trees closely unless Nova wanted to focus on something else.

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2025-01-20 at 11:54 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Oh wow, is there anything interesting in the caves? Where do you think the swords come from?" Speckle asked curiously.

Nova got a bit more excited about that, "I haven't gone in any of the caves, that's where big animals can be living so it's dangerous. The swords though, I'm told that way back when, like a thousand years ago, ponies and zebra would fight each other, so the swords were probably left behind from that, got lost in the forest. Most of the ones I find are really old, all brown and powdery, I think it's called rust?"

 

On 2025-01-20 at 11:54 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

Speckle would stare intensely at the seemingly jumbled mess of tracks before turning to Nova. "How can you tell all of this from just the tracks? I just see a jumbled mess," Speckle asked.

Nova got a bit closer to the tracks, using his wing to point, "My hunting teacher taught me. You can tell what type of animal it is by the shape, and you see how these tracks are slightly different from those tracks, plus there's little spots in the dirt, so I guessed it had gotten wet. wet paws will lift more dirt, and waster dripping off of the fur leaves spots on the ground."

He shrugged, "I think that's what he said, we'd have to find the rabbit to be sure though."

 

On 2025-01-20 at 11:54 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

With that, she would turn her focus to the clearing that they were in. "Wow, this is kind of pretty," she remarked, admiring the clearing. She would take particular interest in the glowing trees. She would stare at the trees closely unless Nova wanted to focus on something else.

Nova nodded. "Yeah, I like clearings like these since you can see more of the glowing trees."

He came over to where she was, finding a loose piece of bark where some animal had scratched at it to pull it away, reveling more of the glowing wood underneath. "Here, you can even charge it a bit with your hooves, it isn't as much as if a unicorn did it, but there's still a bit of magic in your hooves."

He held a hoof against the bare wood, and when he pulled it away there was a slightly brighter glow in the shape of a hoofprint that slowly faded.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-01-21 at 5:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova got a bit more excited about that, "I haven't gone in any of the caves, that's where big animals can be living so it's dangerous. The swords though, I'm told that way back when, like a thousand years ago, ponies and zebra would fight each other, so the swords were probably left behind from that, got lost in the forest. Most of the ones I find are really old, all brown and powdery, I think it's called rust?"

"...Yeah I suppose that is where the large aminals would live..." Speckle thought out loud. "Though finding swords is so cool."

On 2025-01-21 at 5:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova got a bit closer to the tracks, using his wing to point, "My hunting teacher taught me. You can tell what type of animal it is by the shape, and you see how these tracks are slightly different from those tracks, plus there's little spots in the dirt, so I guessed it had gotten wet. wet paws will lift more dirt, and waster dripping off of the fur leaves spots on the ground."

Speckle stared at the tracks again, trying to see what Nova saw. She was able to make a bit more sense of the tracks once she saw the pattern. "Oh, so the rabbit... oh, ok..." Speckle whispered to herself as she traced over the tracks with her wing.

On 2025-01-21 at 5:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He came over to where she was, finding a loose piece of bark where some animal had scratched at it to pull it away, reveling more of the glowing wood underneath. "Here, you can even charge it a bit with your hooves, it isn't as much as if a unicorn did it, but there's still a bit of magic in your hooves."

He held a hoof against the bare wood, and when he pulled it away there was a slightly brighter glow in the shape of a hoofprint that slowly faded.

 Speckle raised both eyebrows, fascinated by what Nova was able to do. She would do the same with her hooves once the hoofprint faded. "Cool! So you guys make stuff with this wood? Like lamps? What makes them glow? Is it magic?" Speckle asked.

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

16 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

 Speckle raised both eyebrows, fascinated by what Nova was able to do. She would do the same with her hooves once the hoofprint faded. "Cool! So you guys make stuff with this wood? Like lamps? What makes them glow? Is it magic?" Speckle asked.

It was interesting to see that Speckle was actually able to illuminate the wood just a bit brighter than Nova did. Not enough to be super noticeable, even to them, but interesting nonetheless.

Nova nodded at her question, "Yeah! Well, we mostly just cut it here, then we send it up to the central village where they turn it into things that we can trade or sell. They make good lamps where fire would be dangerous, like indoors or mining, plus they last longer than normal lamps because they just need to be magically recharged."

He seemed pleased in his clan's trade good.

"Maybe tomorrow I could show you where we cut the wood, would you want to see that?"

In either case, Nova would be content to continue wandering about the forest finding and following tracks until Speckle indicated that she was tired or wanted to go back to the colony, at which point Nova would suggest one last thing, "Let's climb up one of the trees, then we can fly back to the colony."

He would then show her how to climb up the trees until they could poke through at the top and fly up. Seeing the trees from above was another sight, the faint glow shining through the leaves making it look like a second sky of stars below them.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-01-24 at 4:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

It was interesting to see that Speckle was actually able to illuminate the wood just a bit brighter than Nova did. Not enough to be super noticeable, even to them, but interesting nonetheless.

Speckle was quite surprised by this result, especially given that she had never done something like this before. "Woah, that's wild," she noted.

On 2025-01-24 at 4:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Maybe tomorrow I could show you where we cut the wood, would you want to see that?"

"I think that could be cool," Speckle replied.

On 2025-01-24 at 4:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

In either case, Nova would be content to continue wandering about the forest finding and following tracks until Speckle indicated that she was tired or wanted to go back to the colony, at which point Nova would suggest one last thing, "Let's climb up one of the trees, then we can fly back to the colony."

Speckle continued exploring whatever caught her attention in the forest. While she wasn't nearly as observant of specific details as Nova was, she still found this exploration quite informative. Once she felt like she was ready to head back, she spoke up. "Oh fly back? Yeah we can try that."

On 2025-01-24 at 4:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He would then show her how to climb up the trees until they could poke through at the top and fly up. Seeing the trees from above was another sight, the faint glow shining through the leaves making it look like a second sky of stars below them.

Speckle found slight similarities between climbing trees and climbing buildings back in Canterlot. Once they were above the trees, Speckle would glance down in wonder. "Woah, they're so pretty..." She exclaimed as she flew next to Nova.

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

23 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

Speckle found slight similarities between climbing trees and climbing buildings back in Canterlot. Once they were above the trees, Speckle would glance down in wonder. "Woah, they're so pretty..." She exclaimed as she flew next to Nova.

Nova smiled at that, happy that his friend was having a good time.

 

The sun started to rise, hiding the faint glow of the trees from view just as the stars faded from the sky, "Looks like we picked the right time to head back, we should be just in time for dinner."

Nova would have them land on the path just before the entrance to the colony, they could already smell the food being prepared and the tables set up for everyone to eat at.

The morning meal passed almost exactly the same as the evening meal, with the same sort of food, and the same almost silent atmosphere. Nova's mom did her best to try and make Speckle comfortable despite it.

 

After the meal they'd be back in Nova's house preparing for bed, Indigo asking, "So, Speckle, how did you like enjoying the forest? Did you find anything exciting?"

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-01-28 at 12:29 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The sun started to rise, hiding the faint glow of the trees from view just as the stars faded from the sky, "Looks like we picked the right time to head back, we should be just in time for dinner."

Speckle's stomach rumbled in response. "Heh heh, will you look at that..." Speckle replied.

On 2025-01-28 at 12:29 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The morning meal passed almost exactly the same as the evening meal, with the same sort of food, and the same almost silent atmosphere. Nova's mom did her best to try and make Speckle comfortable despite it.

Speckle seemed to remember Nova's mom saying something earlier in the evening about that meal. "Hey didn't you say they were cooking something special for this meal? What is it?" Speckle asked, whispering to Nova's mom. 

Speckle felt a little more comfortable eating in the quiet, given how things were a bit more familiar now. She still didn't prefer it, but at least she knew what she was expecting this time. 

On 2025-01-28 at 12:29 PM, Illiad Easle said:

After the meal they'd be back in Nova's house preparing for bed, Indigo asking, "So, Speckle, how did you like enjoying the forest? Did you find anything exciting?"

"Well um, the forest was pretty cool. I heard quite a few animals, but I didn't really see any. Nova showed me a lot of cool things though. Like he showed me what he knew about animal tracks. We followed them, and we also looked at the shimmerwood a bit. That was pretty fun..." Speckle rambled. 

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

(Shoot, I forgot! Good catch.)

On 2025-01-30 at 10:48 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

Speckle seemed to remember Nova's mom saying something earlier in the evening about that meal. "Hey didn't you say they were cooking something special for this meal? What is it?" Speckle asked, whispering to Nova's mom. 

Indigo raised an eyebrow at the question, then another one as she looked around the table, before quietly whispering back, "Sorry, they caught an Ursa yesterday, that was supposed to be the surprise, but Ursa can take a really long time to cook right depending on the size, so I would guess it wasn't ready in time for this morning. They'll probably have it ready for the evening meal though."

If she had more questions about it, like how one goes about capturing and cooking a bear made of stars, she got the idea that she would have to wait until afterwards.

(I've got something really nice planned, hopefully I don't forget it again)

On 2025-01-30 at 10:48 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Well um, the forest was pretty cool. I heard quite a few animals, but I didn't really see any. Nova showed me a lot of cool things though. Like he showed me what he knew about animal tracks. We followed them, and we also looked at the shimmerwood a bit. That was pretty fun..." Speckle rambled. 

Indigo smiled at her description, "Well I'm happy to hear you had a good time, and that Nova didn't just leave you to play catch-up, I know he can get pretty... excited... at times."

Nova was a bit embarrassed by the comment, but added, "Yeah, we saw a few rabbit tracks, a few mice, no wolves. I'm going to show her where we cut the wood tomorrow, and she'll get to see some animals during hunting class, right?"

Indigo smiled, "I'm sure it's a possibility, but that will depend on your teacher. Now, you two should get ready for bed, it sounds like you have a big day tomorrow, and you'll want your energy if you're going to join me at my market stall."

Nova nodded, and would remind Speckle to gather what she needed before going with her to the community bath house he had shown her earlier, where a number of other thestrals from the clan were already cleaning up and brushing their teeth at the many stalls and sinks. Unlike the meal, there was a decent amount of quiet chatter here as the older thestrals discussed plans for the next day.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-01-31 at 4:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Indigo raised an eyebrow at the question, then another one as she looked around the table, before quietly whispering back, "Sorry, they caught an Ursa yesterday, that was supposed to be the surprise, but Ursa can take a really long time to cook right depending on the size, so I would guess it wasn't ready in time for this morning. They'll probably have it ready for the evening meal though."

Speckle raised both her eyebrows as she realized what Indigo was saying. "Ooh..." She whispered back. This certainly raised quite a few questions, but it seemed that she would have to wait to ask about them later. 

On 2025-01-31 at 4:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Indigo smiled at her description, "Well I'm happy to hear you had a good time, and that Nova didn't just leave you to play catch-up, I know he can get pretty... excited... at times."

"Well, uum, we didn't really lose each other..." Speckle replied. It was kind of easy to lose sight of Nova when the trees were quite thick and a random thing would catch Speckle's attention. However, she was able to use her hearing to find Nova if they briefly lost visual sight of each other. 

On 2025-01-31 at 4:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova nodded, and would remind Speckle to gather what she needed before going with her to the community bath house he had shown her earlier, where a number of other thestrals from the clan were already cleaning up and brushing their teeth at the many stalls and sinks. Unlike the meal, there was a decent amount of quiet chatter here as the older thestrals discussed plans for the next day.

Speckle was a little surprised to see a decent amount of clan members at the bathrooms at the same time. She was even more surprised to hear them discussing with each other more openly than when they were eating earlier. Part of her was tempted to eavesdrop on what they were talking about. However, another part of her was starting to feel kind of tired and just wanted to complete her pre-bedtime routine. However, when she met up with Nova again, she would ask, "so your clan likes to talk to each other outside the bathroom?" She found this slightly puzzling. 

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

(I'll clarify the layout of the bathhouse before continuing)

The bathhouse was divided into three sections. The front section was a wide rectangle running parallel to the river which contained several sets of sinks and mirrors, it also had an open area in the middle with a window that looked out over the river and a small area where water flowed in that appeared heated, like a hot tub, where some of the older thestrals were relaxing. This room was meant for hoof washing and teeth brushing.

On either side of this room were doors to the other two sections, running perpendicular and over the river, one marked for mares and the other for stallions, this is where the toilet stalls were, as well as stairs to an upper level where the showers were. The chatting was primarily done in the front room and outside in front of the building.

(I could sketch the layout out if it's still unclear.)

 

On 2025-02-01 at 9:20 PM, Skylight Scintillate said:

However, another part of her was starting to feel kind of tired and just wanted to complete her pre-bedtime routine. However, when she met up with Nova again, she would ask, "so your clan likes to talk to each other outside the bathroom?" She found this slightly puzzling. 

Nova looked up from the sink he was brushing his teeth at, spitting out the foam before responding, "Um, yeah? Is that weird? Everyone tends to come here around the same time, and the end of the night, so this is where they all get to see each other outside of meal times."

He shrugged, having lived this way his whole life he saw nothing strange about it. He would step aside so that Speckle could use the sink he had been at if she hadn't already brushed her teeth.

 

Nova would wait for her to be ready before walking back to his house with her, helping her get into her hammock if she needed it, "Um, I hope you sleep well, and... I hope you're having a good time here. I know it's... pretty different from what you're used to."

He seemed a bit unsure of himself, but would leave her alone and go to bed himself if she didn't have any pressing comments. Indigo was tucking Lilac, Nova's younger sister, into bed as well singing a soft tune to lull her to sleep, so she was nearby if Speckle needed anything.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-02-06 at 4:04 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova looked up from the sink he was brushing his teeth at, spitting out the foam before responding, "Um, yeah? Is that weird? Everyone tends to come here around the same time, and the end of the night, so this is where they all get to see each other outside of meal times."

He shrugged, having lived this way his whole life he saw nothing strange about it. He would step aside so that Speckle could use the sink he had been at if she hadn't already brushed her teeth.

"I don't know. I guess I'm just confused why the clan doesn't like talking when they are eating together. I mean like, I don't think there's anything wrong with this," Speckle replied. Her tone was curious rather than judgemental. 

On 2025-02-06 at 4:04 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He seemed a bit unsure of himself, but would leave her alone and go to bed himself if she didn't have any pressing comments. Indigo was tucking Lilac, Nova's younger sister, into bed as well singing a soft tune to lull her to sleep, so she was nearby if Speckle needed anything.

Speckle struggled a little less getting into the hammock this time. While she initially reflected on all the events that had happened that night, those thoughts were quickly replaced with feelings of tiredness, and soon afterward, she was asleep. 

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2025-02-08 at 8:56 PM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"I don't know. I guess I'm just confused why the clan doesn't like talking when they are eating together. I mean like, I don't think there's anything wrong with this," Speckle replied. Her tone was curious rather than judgemental. 

Nova looked thoughtful, "Hmm, I think it's because at meals the Elder is present, and you're supposed to be quiet when someone like the Elder or a Teacher is in charge. The Elder's not here though, and no one is being taught, so we're all equal I guess?"

He shrugged, "I'm not sure, I always seem to guess wrong when it's okay to talk."

 

On 2025-02-08 at 8:56 PM, Skylight Scintillate said:

Speckle struggled a little less getting into the hammock this time. While she initially reflected on all the events that had happened that night, those thoughts were quickly replaced with feelings of tiredness, and soon afterward, she was asleep. 

The next night began similarly to the previous one, with everyone gathering for the evening meal. This time though there was a large pit in the middle of the tables that a pair of larger thestrals in armor were working to uncover, under the supervision of the Elder.

There was a fragrant smoky scent that grew stronger as more dirt was removed, then the dirt cleared to reveal a large flat stone covered in burnt moss and leaves.

The two guards cleared the dirt from all sides of the stone, then lifted it away, revealing a pale blue glow from inside similar to the trees. The area was immediately filled with the smell of perfectly seasoned meat.

Several small bundles were lifted out, wrapped in the leaves of the shimmerwood trees, which were opened to reveal several small fish that had been cooking inside, followed by a few large bundles that were brought to the Elder's table. The Elder removed the leaves to reveal the glowing meat held within. Everyone gathered was watching, Speckle would be able to see several other armored thestrals along the perimeter of the clearing, likely those who had been assigned guard rotation for this meal.

The Elder stood at his table over the glowing meat and motioned for one of the thestrals who had helped unearth the pit to approach. She bowed her head towards the Elder as he spoke. "Scipio Fastar, you have honored our clan with your acceptance to the Spartrot Military Academy, to have passed training for the Dragon Commando unit, and to have returned your skills and experience to the service of your clan. You have honored us again with this hunt. The Ursa fell honorably by your hoof, and now the clan will feast to your achievement. May the light of the Moon and Stars ever guide your path."

The Elder nodded and the guard raised her head, those gathered applauded politely (Like at a college graduation where the parents actually follow the instruction not to make too much noise) Several thestrals then approached to carve and serve the meat, all present being offered a generous portion, but no one ate until all had been served, including portions being taken to the guards on the outskirts. Once everyone had their portion, the feast began.

 

Nova looked very excited throughout the process, struggling to keep quiet and to maintain decorum during the applause, and seemed enthralled by the portion set in front of him until it was time to eat.

(I've based this off of a Hawaiian kālua pig roast, so the ursa meat will taste similar to that if you can relate. Very tender, juicy, and flavorful, with the added benefit here of it glowing softly.)

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-02-10 at 5:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The next night began similarly to the previous one, with everyone gathering for the evening meal. This time though there was a large pit in the middle of the tables that a pair of larger thestrals in armor were working to uncover, under the supervision of the Elder.

Speckle glanced curiously at this mysterious pit. Maybe this was the surprise that Indigo had mentioned? She wanted to get a better glance at what was going on, but it was hard without moving too much and she didn't want to create a scene.

On 2025-02-10 at 5:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Several small bundles were lifted out, wrapped in the leaves of the shimmerwood trees, which were opened to reveal several small fish that had been cooking inside, followed by a few large bundles that were brought to the Elder's table. The Elder removed the leaves to reveal the glowing meat held within. Everyone gathered was watching, Speckle would be able to see several other armored thestrals along the perimeter of the clearing, likely those who had been assigned guard rotation for this meal.

"Woah, that's... strange. But interesting," Speckle thought out loud. She had no idea what to make of food that glowed. She glanced to Nova to try and figure out what she should make of it. And then there was the smell. It certainly wasn't something Speckle had smelled before, and she initially had no idea what to make of it. It smelled... nice?

On 2025-02-10 at 5:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Scipio Fastar, you have honored our clan with your acceptance to the Spartrot Military Academy, to have passed training for the Dragon Commando unit, and to have returned your skills and experience to the service of your clan. You have honored us again with this hunt. The Ursa fell honorably by your hoof, and now the clan will feast to your achievement. May the light of the Moon and Stars ever guide your path."

"Wait wait wait... Ursa? I thought those things were the size of a castle! How is that possible?" Speckle whispered to Nova in surprise. Now she stared suspiciously at the glowing meat. 

On 2025-02-10 at 5:13 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova looked very excited throughout the process, struggling to keep quiet and to maintain decorum during the applause, and seemed enthralled by the portion set in front of him until it was time to eat.

Once Speckle received her portion, she stared at it in confusion. Then she tilted her head and stared at it some more, as though a different angle would give her the answers she seeked. She had no idea what to make of everything. "Hoow... ?" she finally said out loud.

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2025-02-12 at 8:12 PM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Wait wait wait... Ursa? I thought those things were the size of a castle! How is that possible?" Speckle whispered to Nova in surprise. Now she stared suspiciously at the glowing meat. 

Indigo leaned in to answer for Nova, "Maybe not that big, but yes, they are much bigger while alive. A lot of their size is from magic, which mostly goes away when they die, so they aren't really much larger than normal bears once they're dead."

 

On 2025-02-12 at 8:12 PM, Skylight Scintillate said:

Once Speckle received her portion, she stared at it in confusion. Then she tilted her head and stared at it some more, as though a different angle would give her the answers she seeked. She had no idea what to make of everything. "Hoow... ?" she finally said out loud.

Nova simply shrugged before he started eating, "We can probably ask my hunting teacher later tonight, I think he'd know all about it. Or we could ask Scipio herself, if she's free later."

 

The feast lasted a bit longer than the previous two gathering meals had, with additional portions of the Ursa meat being passed around to any who wanted more. Still, it soon wrapped up and everyone started going their separate ways.

Scipio, the mare who had been honored at the feast, was perched up on a branch at the edge of the clearing, seeming to be keeping watch, if Speckle wanted to approach her with questions.

Indigo was headed back to Nova's house to prepare her wares to be sold later that night, but Speckle could ask her some things too if she wanted.

Nova would follow Speckle, but would indicate that the hunting lesson would start soon.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-02-15 at 7:37 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Indigo leaned in to answer for Nova, "Maybe not that big, but yes, they are much bigger while alive. A lot of their size is from magic, which mostly goes away when they die, so they aren't really much larger than normal bears once they're dead."

"Huh?" Speckle scratched her head, trying to picture something like that. However, she knew she was unlikely to get a satisfying answer right then.

On 2025-02-15 at 7:37 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova simply shrugged before he started eating, "We can probably ask my hunting teacher later tonight, I think he'd know all about it. Or we could ask Scipio herself, if she's free later."

 

The feast lasted a bit longer than the previous two gathering meals had, with additional portions of the Ursa meat being passed around to any who wanted more. Still, it soon wrapped up and everyone started going their separate ways.

After staring blankly at said meat for a few more moments, Speckle tried a little. As soon as she tried a bite, her eyebrows shot up in surprise. It wasn't like anything she tasted before. She had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't like this. She decided that, for the most part, she liked it and would eat some more. She even took up offers for additional portions when they were passed around. 

On 2025-02-15 at 7:37 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Scipio, the mare who had been honored at the feast, was perched up on a branch at the edge of the clearing, seeming to be keeping watch, if Speckle wanted to approach her with questions.

Once Speckle was finished, she would cautiously approach Scipio while also staring up at her in awe. It sounded like what Scipio did was really impressive, but Speckle was unsure if talking much in this setting was allowed. Once she was almost right under the branch where Scipio was perched, she would glance up and ask, "Umm, hello? What was it like hunting an Ursa? Was it really large?"

On 2025-02-15 at 7:37 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nova would follow Speckle, but would indicate that the hunting lesson would start soon.

Speckle would acknowledge this, and once she got her answer from Scipio, she would follow Nova to their hunting class. 

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

(Sorry for the delay! Things got really busy at work these past weeks)

On 2025-02-19 at 3:56 PM, Skylight Scintillate said:

Once Speckle was finished, she would cautiously approach Scipio while also staring up at her in awe. It sounded like what Scipio did was really impressive, but Speckle was unsure if talking much in this setting was allowed. Once she was almost right under the branch where Scipio was perched, she would glance up and ask, "Umm, hello? What was it like hunting an Ursa? Was it really large?"

Scipio looked down at Speckle, and Nova as he came over to join her, "Hmm, I don't recognize you."

Nova spoke up, "This is Speckle, she's visiting from Canterlot, we're doing a cultural exchange!"

Scipio raised an eyebrow, but nodded before rolling off of the branch to land on her hooves in front of the young ponies, "I heard about the exchange back in Spartrot, Snipes got to participate in it, said it was a good time."

She turned to look at Speckle with a faint smile, "Yes, little one, the Ursa was very large, almost too large for the forest to be safe around it. Hunting it though was just like hunting any other creature: Careful and cautious tracking, diligent study, then attack with surprise!" she snapped her wings out at that to emphasize her point, her wings were pretty large.

"Ursa's can be very dangerous if you're not careful, especially the big ones. If you two see one, you should leave immediately. It's not a good idea to face an Ursa if you're not fully prepared, even when prepared it can still be dangerous."

She nodded to herself, turning back to Speckle, "I can't say I'm familiar with too many of the clans in Equestria, I didn't think there would be one in Canterlot. Which clan are you from little one?"

Despite the soft and even tone it seemed that Scipio was curious, or at least a bit intrigued.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She turned to look at Speckle with a faint smile, "Yes, little one, the Ursa was very large, almost too large for the forest to be safe around it. Hunting it though was just like hunting any other creature: Careful and cautious tracking, diligent study, then attack with surprise!" she snapped her wings out at that to emphasize her point, her wings were pretty large.

"Woah," Speckle gasped after she flinched in shock. 

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Ursa's can be very dangerous if you're not careful, especially the big ones. If you two see one, you should leave immediately. It's not a good idea to face an Ursa if you're not fully prepared, even when prepared it can still be dangerous."

"That sounds really scary. Was it really scary to hunt them?" Speckle replied.

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She nodded to herself, turning back to Speckle, "I can't say I'm familiar with too many of the clans in Equestria, I didn't think there would be one in Canterlot. Which clan are you from little one?"

"Uumm, I'm from the Scotia clan in Canterlot," Speckle replied. 

Speckle's initial nervousness faded away as she picked up on Scipio's soft tone. It seemed that they were both curious about each other. 

Depending on how much Nova wanted to get going towards their class, Speckle would either let Scipio continue the conversation or let Nova lead her to the hunting class.

[Illiad Easle 3,176]

@Skylight Scintillate

On 2025-02-27 at 10:43 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"That sounds really scary. Was it really scary to hunt them?" Speckle replied.

Scipio shook her head, "Not for me. I trained for years at the Spartrot military academy to get accepted into their Dragon Commando unit, you need to be especially fearless to get in. After all that, an Ursa is still dangerous, but nothing to fear."

On 2025-02-27 at 10:43 AM, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Uumm, I'm from the Scotia clan in Canterlot," Speckle replied. 

"Hmm" Scipio shook her head, "I can't say I've heard of them, but I haven't spent much time in Equestria. I hope you enjoy your time here in the Fastar clan, and that we're able to leave you with a good impression. Stars guide you two."

 

With that Scipio returned to her post in the trees, seemingly content with the conversation. Nova would start to lead the way towards the hunting class. "I... um... wow! I wouldn't have had the courage to go up and talk to Scipio like that. She... scares me a bit, she's one of the strongest guards here, I've seen her train with the other guards, and some of them are scared of her too."

He looked thoughtful, "She seemed to like you though."

 

If Speckle didn't have any comments on that, they would soon enter the forest on the opposite side of the colony from where they went exploring last time, following a path to a simple bridge that crossed the river, on the other side of which was a clearing where some other young thestrals were gathered, waiting silently for the instructor to arrive. They moved aside from Nova's approach, though there were some curious glances towards Speckle, and at least one small wave of greeting. 

The silence would be broken when an adult thestral landed in the middle of the clearing, having flown in from above. They weren't terribly imposing, maybe closer to a young adult, they were definitely younger than Scipio. "You're all here on time, good. Wait, no," he turned to Speckle, "You're new, so we're missing one."

A sound of hurried hooves came from the path as another thestral filly about Speckle's size entered the clearing.

"Marigold, you're late."

The new arrival simply bowed her head in response.

"No matter, you three," he pointed to Marigold, Nova, and Speckle, "Stay here a bit. The rest of you," he turned to the rest of those gathered, "Find a trail and start tracking. Don't follow anything larger than a rabbit. If you find something, capture it and bring it back alive if you can."

The other young thestrals nodded and dispersed into the forest. The teacher turned to Marigold, "Do five crunches up on that branch, then you can go."

Marigold nodded and winged up to the indicated branch, hooking her hind legs on it to do some vertical crunches before leaving as well.

In the mean time, the teacher came over to the pair, "This is Speckle, yes? The one your mother said you were visiting with in Canterlot?"

Nova nodded

The teacher turned his attention to Speckle, "You may introduce yourself, I am Turing, Nova's hunting teacher. What do you know about hunting already?"

[Skylight Scintillate 2,067]

@Illiad Easle 

On 2025-02-28 at 4:47 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Scipio shook her head, "Not for me. I trained for years at the Spartrot military academy to get accepted into their Dragon Commando unit, you need to be especially fearless to get in. After all that, an Ursa is still dangerous, but nothing to fear."

"Hmm" Scipio shook her head, "I can't say I've heard of them, but I haven't spent much time in Equestria. I hope you enjoy your time here in the Fastar clan, and that we're able to leave you with a good impression. Stars guide you two."

Speckle nodded in reply as Nova began to lead her to class.

On 2025-02-28 at 4:47 PM, Illiad Easle said:

With that Scipio returned to her post in the trees, seemingly content with the conversation. Nova would start to lead the way towards the hunting class. "I... um... wow! I wouldn't have had the courage to go up and talk to Scipio like that. She... scares me a bit, she's one of the strongest guards here, I've seen her train with the other guards, and some of them are scared of her too."

He looked thoughtful, "She seemed to like you though."

"Oh w-wow, really?" Speckle stammered. "I mean, I guess she's maybe a little scary..." Speckle replied. 

On 2025-02-28 at 4:47 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If Speckle didn't have any comments on that, they would soon enter the forest on the opposite side of the colony from where they went exploring last time, following a path to a simple bridge that crossed the river, on the other side of which was a clearing where some other young thestrals were gathered, waiting silently for the instructor to arrive. They moved aside from Nova's approach, though there were some curious glances towards Speckle, and at least one small wave of greeting. 

Speckle noticed this wave and waved back. Between that and Nova's remarks that Scipio seemed to like Speckle, she wondered if maybe the thestrals here were actually kind of nice. But then, why did Nova complain about them if that was the case? Were they being nice to her? Or maybe they were being mean to Nova? However, Speckle didn't have time to ponder on it as the instructor soon arrived. 

Speckle would turn her attention and thoughts to the instructor and observe the interaction between the instructor and Marigold. 

On 2025-02-28 at 4:47 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The teacher turned his attention to Speckle, "You may introduce yourself, I am Turing, Nova's hunting teacher. What do you know about hunting already?"

"Uum, hello, my name is Speckle, and I'm here on exchange from Canterlot," Speckle introduced herself. She tried to piece together some ideas about hunting based on what she did with Nova the other night and what the instructor told the other thestrals to do. "Uum, what I know about hunting? Well it's um, like, you try to find signs or clues of animals in the forest. And then, umm, you try to follow these, like, clues quietly. And then, well, if you find the animal, you try to catch it and bring it back to show to others?" Speckle said, the uncertainty apparent in her tone. She would give Nova a quick sideways glance before turning back to look at Turing to see how accurate she was.

"Ponies don't exactly do hunting in the city," she would add.