Roc'in' the Everfree

[Dusk]

Players: Mirage, Chance, Dusk, Screenplay


Road to Canterlot
This is a dirt road linking Ponyville, Canterlot, and the Everfree Forest. The striking spires of Canterlot Mountain loom not too far away, drawing the eye. Wildflowers grow amid the grass, and a few small trees sway some distance off. You'd think the sky might be broad and clear in a place like this, but as it happens, the pegasus city of Cloudsdale is drifting overhead.


Mirage is walking alongside Dusk as she and he leave the tea house, following Chance to his new residence just across the road to Canterlot. "How long have you lived here, Chance?" she asks curiously. "It used to be there was nothing out here. Now it seems like housed and businesses are just popping up."

Chance says "Starfire started this about.. a month or two ago? I moved out of AppleJack's house a few weeks ago. I like how Starfire set up the tree house. And then the teahouse moved in across the road. I think we started something.." He walks up to the fence and calls for Starfire. Nothing. "I guess she had to fly off somewhere tonight." He glances over to Mirage. "What are you and Dusk going to do now? Take a nice walk somewhere?"

Dusk smiles over to Mirage as we walk, and looks back to Chance. He looks around as Chance calls for Starfire. "Hmm yes I guess she's not around. So much for the double date. But actually yes a nice walk sounds really.. nice. Perhaps we might go out by the pond and.." At that moment he's cut off as he looks up, and shortly the others notice a pegasus spiraling in the redish evening light, and crashing into the Everfree, birds rising up with a caucus from the area.

Mirage looks quite disappointed that Starfire isn't here, but brightens at Dusk's idea. "Yes, we haven't been there in a while," she replies, before looking to Chance. "Would you like to come along? It's been awhile since we've visited...." She trails off as Dusk is looking up at something, and Mirage looks just in time to see some little object fall into the Everfree Forest. "What was that?" she asks both of you.

Chance glances to Mirage and is about to respond, when Dusk spots something. He glances up as well, and blinks lightly. "Was that.. a pegasus?" he asks. He frowns lightly. "I'm going to check it out. Fortunately we can get to the Everfree through that field." pointing it out.

Dusk's expression turns to that of a frown. "I do believe you are correct." He looks down to the both of you. "And yes, I think our trip to the pond may have to wait." He nods to Chance, "That sounds like the best idea." He turns to Mirage, "Are you willing to go too, my dear? I certainly do not wish to place you in harm's way."

Mirage gives a little gulp as the two of you make a decision. "The Everfree Forest does frighten me," she replies as she tilts her ears in shame at the admission. "But if another pony is in trouble, and there's no authorities to notify," she takes a look around, and of course there's never a Royal Guard or a policepony around when you need one. "Then I'll go with you. It wouldn't be right not to try to help."

Chance says "We're probably the closest." He glances to Mirage. "If you wish to come, your help is most welcome. If you don't want to, no pony will hold it against you." he says gently, then glances to Dusk, and runs off across the field."

Dusk nods in agreement, "Indeed, there is no shame should you remain behind. But Mr. Chance is correct. We may need all the help we can get." He leans in and kisses Mirage as she offers to help, "Thank you my dear." He looks up at the sky. "I say I have at best a couple of hours or so of good light left. We best get moving!" He waits for Mirage to join him, then follows after Chance, crossing the meadow, heading towards the edge of the forest.

Mirage gives Chance a grateful smile. "You're very kind, Chance," she says gently. "But unless you want me to run to Ponyville to get help, I feel I should come along with Dusk and you." She smiles at Dusk to as he echoes the sentiment. She gallops along after Dusk as he races to catch up to Chance.


Everfree Forest
>->->->->-> @.@.@ EVERFREE FOREST @.@.@ <-<-<-<-<-<

The Everfree Forest is a dreary place indeed. And you have entered it. A vast forest surrounds you, here, as in all of Everfree, plants grow on their own, the animals care for themselves. Some animals here are never seen beyond these murky woods, and if they were most ponies would panic and run screaming, for here be monsters! When unattended even the clouds move all on their own!

That's not all either! The thick barked bent trees are eerie and moss-covered, some of their long jagged leafless limbs seem to be grasping for travelers whenever the wind blows...sometimes they seem to move even when the wind is dead calm. Everywhere you turn the forest lies, wild untamed owls hoot and creatures unseen rustle among the bushes, some peer eerily through the dark where vines dangle, perhaps curious to see how a pony may taste.

The ground here is rather muddy, the sky cover is uneven, the trail becomes thinner and rougher as you go deeper into the forest, hanging vines and dead branches not helping any...if you aren't careful, you could step in a patch of poison joke, or worse! In short, few ponies venture into the Everfree Forest...with good reason...so be careful! The path back to safety awaits, unless you have a really good reason to dare the Everfree!

>->->->->->->->->->-> @.@ * @.@ <-<-<-<-<-<-<-<-<-<-<

[ Contents: Stone Statue of Nightmare Moon ]


Mirage seems to be watched by the statue of Nightmare Moon's ghostly empty eyes.


Stone Statue of Nightmare Moon
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Before you is a monument to things past, present and future, a reminder of what always lies within ponies everywhere. A large stonework of Nightmare Moon, rearing up on her hind hooves, forlegs crooked and ready for action. Her wings are spread as if she is about to take flight, except she is staring down at you with an eerie look, those hollow stone eyes almost as creepy as the real thing.

The statue is on a large stone base to ensure it stands in any weather that may hit the forest. Around this base a pony may find a small candy wrapper or three. This is the place where every Nightmare Night young colts and fillies bequeath a portion of the sweet treats they have collected to distract Nightmare Moon from gobbling them up. Tread carefully here any time of the year. Every once in a while the eyes seem to glow...or was it just a reflection of the light?

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Chance heads into the forest with the others, trying to head in the general direction they saw the pegasus fall. He glances to Dusk and Mirage. "Any idea where in here they landed?" he asks, glancing skyward for a moment, and glancing about to try the get the right direction.

Dusk was watching the sky closely, right up until the pony went out of sight. He's looking around too as we approach the edge of the forest. Working out the trajectories, still seeing the lines in his head. "Further up ahead!" he directs, keeping us out of the forest at first. In fact it's a good ways further than what it visually seemed from the road. But Dusk gives a nod, "In here.." and we head into the woods. He nods to Chance's comment. "Somewhat, but not exactly. I think we're going the right direction. At least as far as the path they took down." Even though it's still well lit out, stepping into the forest becomes immediately more shadowy. Up above a bunch of the small black birds that were startled still circle and fly about the area further into the forest.

Mirage follows Dusk and pulls up as he reaches Chance. She looks nervously at the forest, but gives Chance a little shake of her head, having no idea where the pegasus could be. She blinks at the statue of Nightmare Moon and then deliberately looks away from it. "Terrible thing," she mutters to herself. She gallops after Dusk as he uses his talent to try to find the crashed pony. As we enter the forest and disturb the wild birds, she gives a little shudder but keeps up with the both of you.

Chance glances momentarily to Mirage at her comment of the statue. He glances to the statue curious, then heads into the forest. He is, as usual, quite unphased by the forest, and heads right in. He tilts his gaze toward Dusk. "If it's required, perhaps you should teleport me as close to Ponyville as you can. I'll get to a doctor faster that way." he tells Dusk.

Dusk glances over and smiles seeing Mirage coming up right with him. He looks back and around as we keep treading our way steadily inwards, deeper into the forest, leaving the safety of the edge further behind us. "Indeed, though I think we'll worry about that when we get there." Thankfully so far things seem to be fine, and we even make it to a bit of a clearing, which lets in more of the daylight. Dusk stops and looks around, taking a deep breath and a sigh. "This is my best guess.. I'm not seeing any pony." Dusk seems to be looking off to one side, scanning the area, but unnoticed to him there is a tree that appears to have a series of busted branches down one side, if one looked close enough.

Mirage comes to a stop close to both of you. "NightRaven and I entered the forest once, looking for Starscape. We found feathers and some broken brush where he crashed," she says before gulping at the fate of the butterfly. "Could the pegasus be stuck in the trees?" she asks, looking at both of you.

Chance glances momentarily at the flower. "That's one hungry flower.." He glances to Mirage, then starts glancing through the trees. "That's a defnite possibility. Should we split up? You and Mirage one way, and I the other?" he asks of Dusk.

Dusk hmmms and nods to both Mirage and Chance, "Those are both good points. And splitting up might help, but I'm not sure how safe that would be." He doesn't seem to pay much mind about the flower though. With the suggestion he looks around up into the trees.. "And actually, if the pony is, that might not be bad. It could be less of an impact than crashing direct into the ground." He steps further into the small clearing, and the damaged tree becomes more evident. "Ah, what does that look like?" He points to the damaged tree.

Mirage blinks at Chance, not liking the idea of splitting up, but then remembers that Chance and Dusk are two of the most powerful unicorns in Ponyville and certainly know what they're doing. She thinks again about the last time she was here, and seeing no broken brush, looks up into the trees. The trees are such a tangle, being untrimmed by ponies, that it takes her a little while to spot something a more outdoorsy pony would notice quickly. She's about to say something when Dusk points out just what she's seeing. "I wondered if that was something," she says as she walks along. "I couldn't tell if it was fresh or not." Then she looks around the tree caustiously. "Oh, look here!" she says, pointing with a hoof to part of a torn saddlebag layin on the ground with a scattering of leaves atop and around it.

Chance glances up to the tree as well. "Something fell through that.." He hurries up to check out what Mirage finds. He starts to move the leaves off, and finds a wing, then finds more of the pegasus. He carefully clears the head off. "We're here to help. Can you hear me?" he asks the downed pony, very gently nudging them with a hoof.

Dusk hurries over as the others find something.. no, somepony.. in the toppled branches and leaves. A bright green pegasus that easily blended in and was hidden. "Oh good job!" It seems it might be bad too, the pony almost unresponsive. Dusk looks worried, when suddenly he snaps too, head shooting up! "Maria!!" leaps from his mouth. But the pony seems completely dazed and not understanding where he is or what's going on as he looks around. He's suddenly clambering back up onto his hooves, but that doesn't go well as he seems to have no balance whatsoever, tumbling back to the ground. Surprisingly you don't see more than a series of scrapes and ragged feathers, at least at first glance.

Mirage gets distracted, and briefly wonders why Derpy left a muffin out here. Then she focuses as Dusk comes over and seems to get a reaction out of the injured pony. "Maria?" Mirage says in wonder as she watches the pegasus stumble about, and moves to stand next to him and steady him. "Who's Maria?"

Chance pulls back a bit as the pony hops up and calls out for 'Maria'. That doesn't last very long. He checks the pony over, and glances to Dusk. "Think he might have hit his head?" He looks down at the pegasus. "Easy now, you took a tumble." he says gently.

Dusk is a bit startled too as the pony suddenly springs to life and topples again. The green pegasus seems at first frighted by those around him, but then calms as Mirage and Chance talk and try to comforted him and he realizes they're other ponies. "The.. bird!" He shudders a little. "I couldn't catch her!" He suddenly starts to look frantic again, looking around, trying again to get to his hooves once more even as others try to keep him calm. "Where is she??" Dusk steps up, trying to help keep him from falling over. "Easy there!" he echos Chance's guidance.

Mirage is trying to calm or at least steady the pegasus, but is getting worried when he won't calm down. "He's panicked," she says to Chance and Dusk. "And what bird? A pet?" she asks, hoping the pegasus might respond but not counting on it. She looks around up in the tree to see if there's any sign of a bird.

Chance glances to Mirage and nods lightly. "Yes, he is." He glances back to the pegasus. "Was it a pet of yours? Did it fall like you did?" he asks. "It should be nearby if you were close." He glances up at the tree. "A small bird like that would most likely get stuck in some branches, if they hit a tree."

The pegasus manages to get to his hooves in what seems to be pure force of will. Plus a little help with the others. But he's not moving anywhere just yet. He seems aware enough now, grateful for the help, but distracted. "Maria, my wife!" he says, looking at us. Then he's looking around, "Maria! MARIA!" he calls out. But then it gets suddenly darker, a shadow falling over us, and the pegasus falling silent, his body starting to shake. He looks up and there just above the trees and coming over the clearing passes a black silhouette of a very large black bird-like creature.. eyes a dark simmering red against the pitch black.. and talons long and wicked, stained in streaks of blackening red.

Mirage blinks at the Pegasus. "Your wife?? Oh, dear!" she says, looking to Chance and Dusk. She's about to say something when it gets darker. She looks up, thinking the weather team is moving in a storm cloud. But before she can correct herself on that thought, her eyes go wide in stark fear at the sight of a huge bird of prey. Or close enough to that for Mirage. She gapes as she stares at it, trembling where she stands!

Chance blinks lightly. "Wait, your wife went down as well? Don't worry, we'll help you find her." he tells the pegasus, but then the shadow creeps over him. He glances up at the rather large bird. "What is that? Not a phoenix.. definitely not a dragon. The last time I saw a bird that large.." He pauses in thought. "It must be a roc." He looks over as Mirage gasps. "It's far too large for this thick of trees." he tells her, then he glances to Dusk. "Do you think it saw the pony fall and figured it was an easy snack?"

Dusk is looking up too, grateful as well that we are partly under the trees where we were helping the crashed pegasus.. who currently isn't doing more than staring and shaking, not unlike Mirage. Dusk reaches over to calm Mirage and have everypony keep quiet as he magics up some of the loose foliage to hover around us, providing some extra cover. It seems the creature hasn't seen us particularly yet either, gliding over the area as if virtually floating. With a single flap of its wings it rattles the trees below and makes a slight banking, before flying further across the trees again, the light returning to normal. Dusk drops the leaves and branches.. "The bird!" the green pegasus comments. Dusk nods, "Yes, I think we found our missing bird.. And I think you may be right, Mr. Chance. That does appear to be a roc." A young or relatively smaller one. The pegasus turns back to us, "It attacked her! I.. I hit it.. I had no idea what I was doing. But it dropped her, and turned on me. But she couldn't fly right.. By the time I could get away.. I tried.. I tried to catch her.. so fast.."

Mirage had come very close to running, but couldn't get her legs to move. Then Dusk moves some foliage to cover us just in time, and the huge bird wings off slow. She looks shocked as the pegasus tells about what happened to his wife. She looks desperately to Chance and Dusk! "We have to go get help! His poor wife must be badly hurt!"

(Continued...)

[Dusk]

(...continuing.)


Tue Sep 25 02:43:49 BST 2012

A soft light seems to hover along headed deeper into the woods.

Chance perks his ears, listening closely to the hurt pony. He glances to Mirage. "She must have fell somewhere near." He glances to Dusk. "Should you teleport me to town first, or use all three of us to look for his mate?"

Dusk looks rather sad at the story the pegasus tells. He glances up once more, seeing the large bird doesn't appear to be coming back, at least for the moment. "Lady Mirage and Mr. Chance are right. We will certainly help you both." He nods at Chance's comment turns back to check over the green pegasus. "Well he.." Dusk pauses a moment.. "Um what's your name, sir?" "Uh.. Cye. Cye Clone," the pegasus answers. Dusk nods, "Mr. Clone doesn't appear to be too bad off." Indeed he is steadily getting his legging back. Cye nods, "Yes I'll be fine. Please help me find Maria!" Dusk gives a gentle smile, "Rest assured. And I think Mr. Chance is also correct. If you crashed here trying to catch her, this is the place to start. Do you remember seeing where she landed?" Cye shakes his head, "I wasn't really watching anything but her.. but.. I didn't get to her before the trees.." He trails off.

Mirage hmms softly as she listens to Chance's suggestions, and then as Dusk speaks to Mr. Cye Clone. She gives a little shake of her head, knowing she doesn't like where this is going, but not really seeing an alternative. "I guess we need to look now?" she offers with a look to Chance and Dusk. "I mean, if she's hurt..." she trails off.

Chance gives the suggestion. "We should all look. Dusk can get me close to Ponyville if need be. If we know where she is first, I'll be able to get the doctor ponies here faster, and if I stay first, we can find her faster."

Dusk nods, "Seeing as we probably have about a good hour or so of light, I suggest we make the best of it. If.. when we find her, I can help get us all back. So first off. This is the Everfree. We all stay in sight of each other. Other than that, we can probably search the immediate area with the clearing and spread out a little. Keep an eye on each other though." He turns to Mirage, "Mirage Dear. Can you help Mr. Clone until he's back to speed?" It looks like he's already walking some, if carefully.

Mirage hides a frown and her nervousness as best she can, not liking the idea at all of being in the Everfree Forest after sundown. And she gives a little gulp when Dusk mentions spreading out. "Yes. Yes, I can help Cye Clone," she says with a not too forced smile. At least she'll be close to -somepony- if something happens. Which it will. She moves to the pegasus' side and offers to steady him, paying close attention to him.

Chance nods lightly to Dusk. "If either of you need anything.." he says, also glancing to Mirage and Cy, "just call." He looks around, and tries to get one of the best directions to go looking, and heads off.

Dusk smiles as Mirage shows quite a bit of courage. He leans in and gives her a kiss on the head. "Thank you, my dear." The pegasus smiles at the help, though seems a little embarassed at needing to have it. He nods to Chance, "Good. Remember, everypony keep in sight of the others, and keep a regular lookout." It is rather creepy out here already. Being here at night probably isn't a fun idea, indeed. Chance's search pays off before too long.. Another saddle bag is found.

Mirage gives Chance a little smile as he heads off to search, then she smiles as Dusk gives her a kiss of encouragement. "Alright, Dusk," she replies. She keeps a close eye on the pegasus, afraid he might suddenly run or fly off. And she keeps a nervous eye on the forest, too, as if something might jump out at any moment.

Tue Sep 25 04:23:49 BST 2012

Chance stumbles across a saddlebag, but this one has been torn off. He checks around, but unable to find the other pony, he decides to get the others involved. "Dusk, Mirage, over here!" he calls, as carefully as he can, waving his hoof to get their attention.

Dusk is searching off in another direction, making a basic triangle of the three groups, so each can keep an eye on the other. He's keeping a close eye on Mirage and Cye, to indeed make sure he doesn't make a sudden dash for it. As Chance calls to them though, Dusk starts heading that way, moving to meet Mirage and Cy part way and walk together. Cye is moving better too. Especially when Chance seems to find something. He starts hurrying that way, "Maria?"

Mirage perks an ear and looks to Chance at his call, certainly feeling relieved that something's been found. She tries to slow Cye down a bit so Dusk can catch up, but the pegasus is understandably in a hurry. And who could blame him. But finally she, Cye and Dusk arrive to see what Chance has found.

Chance shakes his head lightly. "No, not Maria. But I did find a bag. I assume it was her's." He picks the bag up and shows it to the others, especially Cye.

Dusk catches up and smiles to Mirage, "Thank you," he says for her assistance. And he keeps up with Cye. We get over to where Chance is. Cye immediately jumps in and grabs the bag, "There's hers, yes!" There is some blood on it, but not a lot. Dusk steps off and looks around for a bit, "There are some hoof prints.. There.. there.. I think she was looking around. Where'd so go though.."

A small nut drops from above and goes NOK loudly on a hollow bit of log before it lands in the grasses quietly.

Mirage breathes a sigh of relief as the hoof prints are found. She was afraid perhaps Cye's wife had been carried off by the huge eagle. "Are they going in a particular direction?" she asks Chance and Dusk.

Chance steps foward with Dusk after Cye takes the bag, glancing over the prints. He gets a thought. This should work. "Dusk, I'll bet you I can find where she's going. Will you bet against me?" This is a low-risk bet, so should be safe. It won't work if Dusk thinks it's not and doesn't bet, after all.

Dusk is a little relieved as well, and looks up briefly. Cye gets a weird expression at Chance's question. But Dusk gets the idea. He takes out two bits and puts them down. "Hey!" says Cye. He seems rather disapproving that the ponies seem to be wagering on his wife's wellbeing.

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Chance nods lightly to Dusk and lays down two of his own bits. "It's a bet." He starts clearing out some of the leaves with his hoof, and starts (deliberately) heading off in the wrong direction. His talent won't have him losing though. An odd wind starts to pick up around the area, blowing leaves this way and that, and blowing pony's manes and tails around in the process. Chance glances around when it lets up, and there, where the leaves have been cleared down a path leading away from the area, are a set of hoofprints doing the same. He smiles lightly and picks up the bits. "I win." He points down the cleared trail. "She went that way. And I'm bying dinner." he says, as a way to return Dusk's bits without breaking the results of the bet.

Mirage gently bumps her shoulder to Cye's to get his attention. "It's alright, Sir," she says, trying to soothe him. "Please don't be angry. Chance's talent is luck. If he can get his talent working for him, then he can find your dear wife much faster than if we just try to search the area." Mirage begins to look nervous as the strange wind begins to blow, not realizing it's part of Chance's talent.

Dusk watches Chance put down his wager and then start to head off. The wind is more than familiar to Dusk, just ducking his head a little. Her hears Mirage talking to Cye, "She is correct.. This is Mr. Chance's talent." Dusk lifts a hoof to shield is face but the wind is already dying off. "Ah, so you do, Mr. Chance. Thank you." Whether that's for the dinner offer, or for finding the trail. Cye's expression changes from concern to hope. He's already heading that way, seeming to be much more mobile now, almost back to normal. Though not seeming to trying to fly just yet. Then again with that bird around.. "It looks like she's going the wrong way though," Dusk notes to the trail heading away from town or the edge.

Tue Sep 25 06:03:49 BST 2012


(Continued...)

[Dusk]

(...continuing.)


Chance nods lightly to Dusk. "Perhaps she was trying to look for Cye." he mentions to Dusk. He trots down the path that his talent cleared out, hoping they catch up to the other pony quickly. "It's too easy to get lost in here.."

Mirage tries to stop Cye Clone from following the trail, but the pegasus is much too worried about his wife's safety to be held back. And Mirage doesn't really force the issue with him. She looks from Chance to Dusk, waiting to see what they do. As Chance goes down the path his magic revealed, she waits to follow Dusk.

A large red and black spider slowly crawls along its web dozens of feet above you.

Dusk lets Chance take the lead to start as he goes over and joins Mirage, looking ahead to the two others already following the tracks. He gives Mirage a little smile and comforting nuzzle. He knows just how Cye would feel. Dusk trots after them with Mirage. He frowns a little looking at the trail. "I think she's favoring a hoof. At least that should mean it will be quicker to catch up with her." But despite his words, he doesn't seem to be taking it as good news.

Chance perks an ear back to listen to Dusk, and glances back to him momentarily. He pauses enough to say to Dusk out of earshot of Cye, "It also means other things can catch up with her faster.." he mutters lightly, then hurries off after Cye, galloping up to the other pony to keep an eye on him.

Wed Sep 26 03:15:38 BST 2012

Mirage smiles and nuzzles Dusk back before trotting along after him as they follow Chance and Cye. She gives Dusk a little shake of her head. "I just hope she's not hurt more than just that. You'd think she'd hover if she had a bad leg," she says as she looks suspiciously at the forest, waiting for something to jump out of the wild undergrowth. When Chance comes back to speak to Dusk, his words don't really help her nerves now that she can imagine vicous predators closing in on wounded prey.

Screenplay indeed wanders in, not sure why or how she got in the forest but she seemed lost or maybe she got in her by accident.. She hears ponies and trotting to them she calls. "Any pony in here.."

Dusk's ears flick in Chance's direction as he drops over. Dusk gives a solid and solemn nod. That's exactly what he's worried about. Cye fortunately is enough ahead and focused in on finding Maria that Chance's careful words don't reach him. He does his best to give a reassuring smile to Mirage, but it's not exactly a great job with his own concerns over it. His ears twitch again. "Hey!" he calls out. "Did anypony hear a voice?" He glances around. It sounded female.

Chance catches up to Cye and slows to a fast trot to keep up, looking down the path as we follow the hoofprints. He glances about, but then looks back to Dusk as he calls out. He pauses. "Dusk thinks he hear somepony.." he tells Cye.

Mirage gives Dusk a little smile, feeling somewhat reassured. She perks an ear the same time Dusk calls out. "I thought I did," she replies. "Over there, I think. Maybe it's her?" She worries as she and Dusk seem to be falling behind Cye and Chance.

A mud weasel romps out fo the bushes and bounces down the trail to the small clearing.

Wed Sep 26 03:35:38 BST 2012

Screenplay comes around the bend as she sees Dusk and some others. "What are you doing out here.." she asks as she then notices she is out here and she says "You probably wondering what I'm doing.."

A butterfly lands on a flower only to be snapped up as the flower closes on its lunch.

Dusk is glad to see Mirage a little more at ease. He gives her a nod as well. Cye seems eager to go on, to follow the trail. But at the mention of hearing somepony he turns about, "Where?" He looks, "Maria? Maria!" he calls. Dusk comes to a stop as the others do and looks around as well. He helps call out, "Maria!" But it's not Maria that comes around the bend. Dusk kind of blinks, "Lady.. Screenplay? We're out here helping a couple of ponies that were attacked by a giant bird creature, perhaps a roc. It's dangerous out here." Indeed he does wonder what she might be out here for. "Is something the matter?"

Chance also helps call out with "Maria!", but pauses as Screenplay comes in sight. He swivels an ear back. "Nope, that's not her. That's a local pony." he tells Cye, looking back to the stranger pony. "At least there's another pony to help."

Mirage doesn't call out but instead tries to look around intently as the sound of -something- that sounds like a pony is getting closer. She looks over to Chance and Cye to make sure they're alright, then looks back just in time to see Screenplay appear from a bend behind some thick brush. "What in..." Mirage blinks in surprise. "Oh, Screenplay! You shouldn't be out here. Not in your condition!" she says worriedly.

Screenplay comes as she the says "My condition, please I'm just a few weeks in and besides there's a pony in trouble.. I am offering my help.." She the looks to Dusk. "A Roc, you mean a prehistoric raptor with a large beak?

A soft light seems to hover along headed deeper into the woods.

Cye is downcrest and disappointed. He looks back to the trail looking pensive. Dusk raises a brow.. "I mean a massive black bird if inky black who brings darkness in its mere shadow, eyes of smoldering embers, and talons streaked in blood, with an apparent appetite for ponies. Over this very forest likely not far. Of which we should get moving again. The light will not last long. Stick close with us, Lady Screenplay." At which he turns and starts heading up the trail again to Cye's relief.

Mirage gives Screenplay a little nod, having thought she was further along from the last time they met. "Well, that's very kind of you to offer to help, Screenplay," she says with a little smile. Then, as Dusk begins to detail the huge roc for Screenplay, Mirage does her best not to look pensive, especially with the sun close to going down. Then she moves quickly to follow Dusk as he goes up the trail after Cye and Chance.

Chance watches the other ponies until Dusk starts moving foward again. He nods lightly to Cye and heads on himself. "We'll find her as fast as we can." he tells the stallion. "Keep going, we'll be right behind you." He drops back until he's near Dusk, Mirage and Screenplay. "Good evening Screenplay." he greets her with a kind smile, then looks to Dusk. "The more ponies we have with us, the easier we'll be spotted if that bird decides to fly by again." he notes softly.

Wed Sep 26 04:15:38 BST 2012

Screenplay nods ad pulling out lamps from her bags she hands one to each pony. "Here take these it'll be easier to spot anything with them..'

Dusk agrees with Mr. Chance's very astute asides. Though they are perhaps not doing much to comfort dear Mirage. He hurries up the trail doing his best to keep track of the pony tracks, which aren't always a clear path. But then while there are lots of different animal tracks and such, there aren't much in pony tracks, so any found ones are a good sign. Screenplay's lamps are helpful but as it gets dim enough he fires up his own magic. If we're going to have attracting light, might as well do it right. His horn doesn't glow or shine, but a circle of light appears around him, and then spreads outwards. A sphere of illumination lighting all within it without shadows, spreading out over the ponies and into the nearby woods. But it doesn't shine outwards other than the things it illuminates. A ways up he pauses and catches Chance's attention and nods to the ground. There are paw prints, like there have been regularly. But these are different. Some can be seen atop of the hoof prints where they cross.

A small nut drops from above and goes NOK loudly on a hollow bit of log before it lands in the grasses quietly.

Chance continues along through the forest. Daylight dissapears quickly, but the lanterns and Dusk's illumination magic help greatly. He pauses as Dusk grabs his attention, heading over to the pawprints. He glances over them carefully. Some of the dirt from the pawprint has been pressed into the hoof print. He frowns lightly. "These are fresh." he says softly. "Something went through here after Maria. We need to hurry." he strongly suggests.

Mirage gives a smile to Screenplay. "Thank you," she says, accepting the little lamp Screenplay offers. She's just about to turn it on when Dusk decides to use his magic to give an illumination to the area. "And Chance was thinking these little lamps might attract attention?" she chuckles to Screenplay. As she catches up to Chance, he and Dusk are looking over the tracks and making some worrisome comments. Mirage sighs, hoping they can find Cye's wife soon.

Screenplay ohs as she walks along with the others looking for the pony, "We can't be out here for long." She calls as we walk..

A timber wolf is suddenly standing at the edge of the thicker forest, vanishing silently into the woods when it is seen.

Dusk nods again to Chance. "Agreed." They could be just passing the same area, but he doesn't think so. Rustles and sounds can be heard in the woods and in the foliage as the light spreads outwards, shapes seen moving to avoid the light. Dusk comments, "Take the lead," to Chance then moves himself to the back, yet picks up his pace, making sure Mirage, Cye and the others don't fall behind as we move more quickly. The woods actually start to thin out shortly, becoming sparse here, giving a better view. Some sounds though can be heard in the not far distance ahead.

Chance nods lightly to Dusk and takes the lead. "Stay back with Dusk and Mirage." he tells Cye as he passes the other pony. "We know you're eager to find Maria, but it'll be safest this way." He takes point, a bit ahead of the others, just in case. He steers toward the sounds and gets a bit further ahead. If it's something wild, he can be bait and lead it away. Hopefully.

Mirage is listening to Chance and Dusk speak when she suddenly freezes at the sight of a weird tree that looks like a wolf! No, it's a bunch of branches that look like a wolf! She goes wide eyed and beady eyed as suddenly the collection of branches turns and vanishes into the woods. She just sort of absently follows Dusk's urging to be with Screenplay and Cye in the center of the little herd, and she has to shake herself to get her thoughts back together. "Oh, yes, right," she says softly, wondering that nopony but her seems to have seen the creature. "I must be imagining too much," she mutters to herself and she follows along.

Screenplay follows as she takes flight turning o her lamp. Going ahead a bit she scans

Dusk keeps an eye on Screenplay and the others, watching her try and rush ahead some while he does his best to keep us together. Cye listens to Chance and seems a bit reluctant but nods and eases back with Mirage and Dusk. But it's not too hard as he's not 100% anyways, and we're already moving at a decent clip now. Screenplay suddenly notices a web between branches of two trees right before her and a bunch of hoof sized spiders too. Chance thinks he catches sight of the source of the sound.. Some wolf or similar creatures around a small group of trees ahead across a small opening.

Out of nowhere, a muffin appears on a stump.

Wed Sep 26 05:15:38 BST 2012

Chance's ears swivel this way and that until he thinks he's located the noise, and gallops to the trees, heading around them, and spots some creature in the shadows. It's kind of hard to see. He skids to a stop. "Okay, what are you doing there?" he says loud enough to be heard by the creature. "Sorry if I'm disrupting your home, but I can't take that chance. Come on out here so I can see you." He keeps talking, hoping the creature will get curious (at the very least) about him.

Mirage would really rather that the herd move at a slower pace, but Chance, Screenplay and Dusk seemed determined to rush along. And Cye isn't complaining, certainly happier to be moving quickly, so Mirage just tries to keep up while looking from one side to another, wondering if -another- jumble of branches is going to suddenly start moving. She blinks as -something- seems to jump up out of nowhere, and she panics and flings her little lamp at it! She actually hits the weird little lumpy thing, sending it and the lamp into the underbrush. Mirage gives a little smile as the herd runs on, glad that whatever was on that stump certianly learned not to mess with this pony!

Screenplay looks up just in time to bump the spider web as she finds she got caught in it! "Huh guys.." she calls out.." as she pulls away from the web

Growls and barking is what Chance hears. And at the sound of his voice he does indeed get their attention. Wolves. Timberwolves. Mean looking, big timberwolves. They glare at the monochrome pony, not appearing afraid, but oddly sticking around the small clump of trees. "Help me!" comes a delicate but desparate voice. It's coming from within those trees. A blushish shape.. a pony! Cye's ears perk and he looks. "Maria!!" Suddenly he's dashing. Half galloping, half flying with a small wince as he opens his wings. He didn't let a roc take her, and neither are some muts! Dusk is watching it all, and wanting to rush to help too, but not letting anypony fall behind him. Indeed as he watches Mirage toss her lantern, hitting something squarely.. At the same time Screenplay careens into the big web. Fortunately, while it was made for big bugs, but not quite pony big, the web rips apart as she crashes through it, getting caught in her wings, several of the spiders landing on her too.

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Chance spots the timberwolves and gives a light grin. "Ah, at least it's just wolves.." He blinks as he hears the sound and that grin turns into a frown. "We're comming. Remain still and quiet." he says, but then spots Cye comming in fairly quickly. He could go charging in and take care of the wolves, but he might also 'take care' of Maria. He gives a best guess on who the lead wolf is, and kicks a rock hard at it's nose. With lucky, the rock lands squarely on it. "Hey you!" he yells, swinging his horn at them. "Yeah you, I'm challenging you!" He then turns and takes off running. He recalls wolf behavior: hunters instinct. Something runs, they follow. And if they're mad, hopefully they'll be more inclind to follow, especially if he's ticked off the leader of the group. He can only hope he gets at least one's attention.

Mirage gasps aloud as growls and barking can be heard up ahead where Chance is, along with a faint mare's voice calling! Before she can think, Cye is off and moving as fast as he can towards the whatever-they-ares. She's about to see what Dusk wants her to do when Screenplay runs right into a big spiderweb! It's not big enought to catch her, but it still sticks to her as she pulls away and some big spiders end up on Screenplay. "Screenplay!" Mirage cries! She quickly magicks up a stick poking out from the shrubs just ahead and to the side of Screenplay, and begins swatting at the spiders with it. This turns out not to be as easy as one would think, since the stick isn't very stiff. In fact, it's kind of like using a big wet noodle that just kind of flaps this way and that as she swings it with her seagreen magick. "I'll save you, Screenplay," she cries!

Screenplay falls shortly to the ground as she the stands as Mirage comes. "I'm ok hon don't worry.." she says brushing off the webbing.

Dusk helps Mirage and Screenplay too, and points out she's caught a snake. As soon as they're together though Dusk has them moving in too. The wolves seem more interested in not losing their already caught meal. It'll eventually get tired and fall out if they keep pestering it enough. Chance does manage a sound hit though with a startled whine. And he does succeed at making it quite mad. In fact it looks like a couple of them might take after him. But with Cye charging in calling, "I'm coming!!" and the blueish pony in the tree calling, "Cye!" back, a sound of some relief in her voice, and the approach of even more ponies behind, the timberwolves regroup about the trees, growling and snarling. Cye manages to take flight, buzzing one of the wolves, flinging his hooves towards it. The wolf snarls and lashes out viscously, but failing to land a bite as it veers from those hooves.

Chance skids to a stop and glances back. He snorts lightly and charges in once more. "Cye, get back!" he calls out. He charges straight at the wolf he nailed on the nose, and right before he gets to him, he spins around and kicks with his rear legs, putting his momentum into it. The wolf attempts to snap at his leg, but his hoof just happens to catch a slick leaf, which just happened to flutter under it, and it loses its balance, just enough to miss Chance's hoof. Too bad, because both hoofs nail against the wolf's head and neck solidly. Chance put everything into the kick, and it's enough to send the wolf tumbling.

Mirage keeps swinging, but Screenplay actually manages to brush off the webs and most of the spiders herself, and all while seeming remarkably calm about it. Mirage looks over at Dusk with a confused expression when he points a little detail out to her, then she 'yikes!' and tosses the poor snake away into the bushes. It takes her a moment to calm down, then she follows Dusk into the area where more of the weird wolves have Maria trapped in a tree. She watches as Chance and Cye start to fight the wolves, or at least try to get them to move away from the tree. She looks around to the others, wondering what she should do.

Screenplay brushes the webs off as she then trots to catch up. seeing wolves she tells mirage "We better back up, we don't wanta provoke them.." She backs up. "I fact I better fly back home

Wed Sep 26 06:15:38 BST 2012

Dusk agrees Screenplay took it rather cooly, but thankfully Mirage helped get the last of the spides off before they or the snake could bite. Once tossed the snake hisses angerly, then turns and slithers back off into the shrubs. Cye banks back away from the wolves, not wanting to crash into the trees either. Maria seems to take Chance's earlier advice back to heart, falling silent as the wolves close back in around her. This gives Chance his opportunity, sending the bigger-than-him wolf howling and tumbling in pain, actually startling the others. One of them growls and makes a lunge for Chance's neck. Dusk shakes his head, "Lady Screenplay, it's far too danagerous to fly around here at night. My dear," he says to Mirage, "perhaps you could help distract them?"

Chance says "Dusk, can you put up.. whoa!" The wolf's mouth closes about his neck, but the moment before its teeth has a chance to touch flesh, it's stopped. The temperature suddenly rises around its muzzle, getting rather hot, but the reason why is because the heat's being displaced away from its mouth, which has almost instant very hard ice growing inside and over the teeth, keeping the jaws from closing and keeping Chance's neck safe. "..put up a shield around Maria?" he finishes, twisting his head to let the wolf's frozen mouth slide off harmlessly, but makes sure to give it a good swift kick with both forehooves at a shoulder to try to get it down."

Mirage is quite alarmed by all that's going on, with Chance and Cye trying to get the wolves to follow them instead of staying close to the treed mare. She blinks at Dusk's question. "I can try," she calls back. She pauses, composing herself, and then seagreen magick appears around her horn and shimmers before flashing toward the pack around the bottom of the tree. While Maria huddles quitely, the timberwolf pack suddenly watches as if something falls from where she's at in the tree. The pack howls with delight and lunges, snarling and tearing into something large now on the ground right beneath Maria.

The wolf continues it bite, trying to make a ripping motion as its teeth come down. But with the hard smooth ice, the teeth just slide off and the wolf partly loses its balance having expected a ripping grip, instead dealing with searing cold in its mouth. Cye is making his large banking circle the relatively clear area allows, not far above the ground but gaining height for another diving attack. Dusk as Screenplay to keep an eye out so nothing else sneaks up while we're distracted, then he nods to Chance, "Will do!" And a faint blue sphere shimmers about the treed pegaus, just barely visible. She looks at it worriedly, but then sees it's not harming her. But instead the sudden vicious gnashing and gnawing of hungery timberwolves right below her are enough to take her terrified attention. Cye didn't see anything but the wolves are acting like attacking fallen pray and fears the worst, "Maria!" and charges harder.

Chance nods lightly to Dusk. "Thanks, now we can.." and it's about that time that the wolves jump on whatever Mirage is showing them. "Well, that'll make it.." But then Cye starts diving down toward them. "Oh for.. Cye! Stop!" he yells. "Dusk, forget about Maria. Put up the strongest shield you can around me and the wolves! Mirage, run!" He's already sprinting as fast as his legs can take him toward the wolves. He hopes, really hopes, that Dusk figures out what he's doing and can get the shield up fast enough. He dives into the wolves before Cye can get there. As Dusk's shield goes up (he trusts), there's a shift in pressure around the wolves and Chance. It only takes a brief moment. There's a loud FOOMP and a quickly moving wall of air pressure moves upward. It happens fast enough that it not only pulls the wolves a bit away from where Chance jumped in, but it also sends a pressure wave up against Cye, slowing his dive. There's a odd smell in the air as hydrogen gas seperates from the rest of the air, though if the shield goes up fast enough, Chance will be the only pony who'll notice it. Oxygen molecules get together with a little free floating metal from somewhere, it breaks down, a tiny spark of spontanious combustion occurs from the heat, and.... There's a flash of light and a fa-BOOM! a moment later around the Chance and the wolves. It'll be enough to knock the wolves out, at the very least least, but it'd very harmful to other ponies if the shield isn't in place.

Mirage has braced her legs and is using a lot of magic on giving the timberwolf pack what they want. Her expression is one of stern concentration as her horn flashes intermittantly with seagreen light. "The mirage won't last long...." she manages so softly that others may not hear, and completely misses Chance's call to run. Slowly, a couple of individual wolves in the pack are looking confused and sniffing, wondering where their meal went. Then Chance decides to explode, and things become very disorganized.

A mud weasel romps out of the bushes and bounces down the trail to the small clearing, pausing to sniff at Dusk, then it runs off crying.

Wed Sep 26 07:15:39 BST 2012

Disorganized indeed. Technically Chance's maneuver is very impressive. But almost as if they knew it was coming, or perhaps because of the dispersion of the illusion, the ferocious timberwolves all stop and lift their heads, get to their feet, and suddenly scatter out of the area just as Chance is diving for them. Dusk does get the bubble up, except that all but two of the wolves are already clear of the area. Cye pulls up suddenly short, bracing as best he can. A timely maneuver by the wolves, but expecting the wolves to turn back, or turn on another pony, instead they keep going, racing off into the darkness. Everypony just stops, watching, wondering.. and soon realizes the constant odd shuffling and creepy noises all suddenly trailing off until it becomes an even more unsettling virtual silence.

Chance lets the dust clear. He doesn't cough, for he doesn't need to. He is, of course, completely unharmed. He glances about, wondering where the other wolves went. Two of the lay unconcious on the ground. The others.. couldn't have been vaporised.. could they? But then he spots the last of them heading off into the woods, and glances to Dusk questionally. "What just happened?"

Mirage is looking confused, too, as well as dazed and out of breath as she slowly and carefully walks over to you two. "Yes, what was that blast?" she puffs between breaths. She looks around, not liking the dead silence at all, but gives a little smile to see that Maria and Cye seem alright.

Dusk, unable to capture them all, is braced for the wolves to leap past Chance and himself and to come after Mirage and Screenplay. But instead they appear to run off. Dusk stands and looks quizzically too, turning to meet Mirage. Screenplay, having been keeping a watch, comments, "Hey why'd it go all quiet? And what's with the weird stars?" Cye is busy helping Maria down from the tree but the other three glance up, hard to see partly blocked by the trees, a swath of stars flicker out momentarily before coming back to light.

Wed Sep 26 07:55:39 BST 2012


(To be continued...)

[Dusk]

(...continuing.)


Thu Sep 27 03:18:59 BST 2012

Chance glances upward as well, and peers at the stars. He glances around at the other starts, considering them. Trotting over to the others, he asks "Our bird friend can't teleport, can it?"

A mud weasel romps out of the bushes and bounces down the trail to the small clearing, pausing to sniff at Dusk, then it runs off crying.

Mirage makes her way over to Cye and Maria, checking to see if she's alright and ready to help Cye if necessary. She also looks at the surrounding trees, half expecting the timberwolves to return. She tilts an ear at Dusk and Chance, only paying half attention to their talk. Because of the way Dusk is using magic to illuminate the area, a sort of indirect light, as she looking up to watch Maria come down from the tree, she does notice that the stars seem to go away, and then come back. Not all at once, but like someone was passing in front of a candle or lamp. "Um, Dusk?" she says softly as she starts backing towards him and Chance. Her legs are beginning to shake. "I think something's going by us."

A large yellow leaf flutters to the ground slowly, rustling gently as it falls.

Dusk steps over closer to Mirage and the other two, but keeping his eyes to the sky. He dims the lighting significantly. Cye and Maria are happily reuniting, ever so slow and carefully making her way down the tree. They can use the help Mirage offers. She's clearly injured in her left wing and front leg, though nothing horrific, some blood on her slightly greenish blue coat. "I think you're right about our avian friend, Mr. Chance. It would explain the forest behavior. But I believe our welcome is running out.." As Mirage backs nearly right into him he reaches out a hoof, feeling her shaking. Cye and Maria pause at Mirage's comment and start looking around.

Chance nods lightly to Dusk. "You're probably right. We need to get everypony to cover." He glances at the two still in the tree. "You can make shields that nothing can go through. Can you make a cube one right beside the tree, and shorten it when those two get on? We need them down quickly." he suggests to Dusk softly.

Mirage is nervously looking up and around, not really sure what she's looking for. She blinks for a second when Dusk reduces his illumination spell, and she almost jumps when his hoof touches her! She gives him a quick glance back with a mixture of reassurance and annoyance. Mirage listens to Chance and then looks to him and Dusk. "Can't either of you just float her like you would a object? She's hurt her leg and wing so she can't move quickly now or for very far."

Dusk gives Mirage a gentle smile, not having meant to startle her. Dusk has this increasingly pensive feeling. Indeed it's a growing feeling over the area, almost as if it was alive. He shakes it off somewhat. "Telekinesis could injure her further, if not careful. Yes could help with lowering them once down.. I.." He cuts short, questioningly looking one way.. then another.. as if seeing something. Then sharply turns to the couple, "Maria! Jump NOW!" Unlike the small swath earlier, now the blackness in the sky returns to quickly consume half the stars. The tree Maria is in wrenches wildly, followed by a sudden powerful wind as if in the middle of a storm, throwing branches and dirt and all about in a swirl.

Chance is ready to help friends, and will jump in if need be, though his talent may get in the way. He can't just always stand there and fear backlash. He knows the reactions of his talent somewhat well by now, and this is one those moments he dives in and uses that, hoping things go well. There's really not much of a choice. Whether she jumped or got wrenched out of the tree, Maria is falling. Chance dives under her before she hits the hard ground. His talent, not letting Chance get hurt, compresses the air around him. Maria falls into a thick blanket of air, slowing her down quickly, and letting her sink down on Chance without crashing. "Cye, get down here with Maria!" he calls out.

Mirage watches with growing unease as Chance and Dusk decide how best to help Maria and Cye. Then suddenly Dusk is yelling and Chance is diving towards Maria as she jumps or falls from the tree! A huge blast of wind strikes the area, and Mirage screams as leaves, branches and dirt go flying about in the windstorm!

Dusk knows this wind isn't something from Chance's talent. He's didn't want to risk telekinesis on her, but it will sure beat falling. But just then Chance decides to dive in providing a surprisingly soft landing. Dusk does his best to sheild Mirage with his body, the wind is nearly strong enough to blow a pony off their hooves if not careful. Cye however is holding on to the tree as it jerks. Dusk tries looking around, and finally makes out those smoldering red eyes above the small patch of trees. The noise and light having helped the creature relocate its prey. A huge talon comes down and closes around the tree just above Cye to his horror, then the very ground is shaking, rolling, as the tree is ripped up into the air. Whether from Chance's directive or pure shock, Cye manages to fall free from the tree, not too far a fall, but more the sudden turmoil throwing everything off.

Chance carefully helps Maria up and stays close to her. His talent is moving the effects of the wind around and away from him, and Maria is getting some of that protection by being close. However, when the tree gets ripped up, the base of it comes straight at Chance and Maria, as they're still too close to it. There's a sudden series of loud POPs deep in the ground as moisture suddenly compresses and boils explosively, cutting a few slabs of rock quite literally out of the ground. They come shooting up through the ground and come to rest between Chance and Maria, creating a leaning rocky shield that effectively blocks the tree from striking them.

Mirage is huddled against Dusk as the large stallion shields her from most of the wind and debri though she's having a difficult time of seeing what's going on. What she does see sends her stumbling back in shock as a huge talon literally rips the large tree from the ground! When the spot from which the tree was unrooted explodes in steam and rock, Mirage finds herself crouched on the ground, covering her eyes with her forehooves!

Thu Sep 27 05:07:52 BST 2012

This is what Dusk feared, but sees Maria protected for the moment, Chance's talent going off in perfect timing and response. But while those slabs of rock stay rooted in place, the tree being hauled into the air leaves falling masses of earth and rock and shattering banches and roots, cracking loudly even over the din. Dusk throws up a barrier around Mirage and himself as some of those crash about them. Cye however goes tumbling with the force of his fall and the shifting earth, and rolls right into the slabs before Chance and Maria. He shields himself with his hooves as best as can. Seeing it has lost its prey though the massive bird drops the tree, crashing not far from the group, but thankfully missing. The bird lets out an ear crushing "CAW!!" and refocuses on the ponies below.

Chance winces as he hears Cye roll right into the slab, then looks up as the bird drops the tree and turns its attention back to them. He frowns, and tells Maria sternly, "Stay here." He then runs out, right under the bird. "You want a pony? COME GET ME!" he yells. An odd wind starts to pick up, the surrounding moisture starts to rise, and the ambient temperature of the area starts to drop, as if his talent is anticipating something. He's the easiest prey, and deliberately put as close to the bird as he can.

Mirage is puzzled that the wind and debri have suddenly stopped, and peeks out to see Dusk as summoned up a magical shield to protect himself and her. But somehow the shield doesn't seem like it would keep the huge roc at bay, and Mirage watches with horror as Cye is bounced around, and then Chance leaps out and dares the monster to take him!

Dusk feels the bird's call in his body and hooves against the ground as much as he hears the thankfully brief cry. Dusk knows Cye's safe enough to move, and reaches out and grabs him with colorless telekenetic grip, startling him at first, but soon has him over with Mirage and himself, further from the creature than Chance is. He looks around but doesn't see Screenplay, who has hopefully made a dash for cover as well. He wants to make a dash with everypony while Chance keeps the beast occupied, but Maria is in the shelter, and Cye certainly won't leave without her. Dusk sheilds the three of them in the meantime as things start changing from Chance's talent, and the bird does indeed turn on the offered target. It gives another cry, then comes close enough to sweep the deadly talon at the monochrome pony, testing its new prey.

Mirage manages to get back up on her hooves as Dusk brings Cye in under the protection of his magic spell. But every instinct is telling Mirage to run for her life! And seeing Chance out in the open where the roc can easily get him is almost too much! She looks desperately at Dusk, hoping he knows what to do!


(Continued...)

[Dusk]

(...continuing.)


Fri Sep 28 02:47:48 BST 2012

It happens in just a few moments, from the time Chance called out to the bird, to the time the talon closes in on him. The temperature of the area drops further; frost appearing all over the ground, if one could see it; breath instantly turning visible, and pelts growing white with frozen moisture. The wind seems to die down, the bird's stirring of the wind seemingly quieted, and aside from the beating of roc wings, silence fills the area. But this silence is met and matched with a growing voice of a tempest at the center, for the wind that was is drawn into a funnel of building, roaring gale, once more stirring the peace of the area with the frigid breath of the mini tornado. All around the frozen ground crunches with the sound of tennis-ball sized ice balls striking it, grown with moisture and shaped with chaos, hard ice-spikes protruding over each one. As each hit the ground, the tornado passes over, plucking them up and hanging onto them with the attraction of an unnaturally low inner pressure. And what of the heat that was here? It gathers around the monochrome unicorn, creating a searing hot ambient shield, which cools enough near Chance's pelt to keep him safely warm. Grass at the foot of Chance wilts into smoldering ash, adding a bit of light to cold red eyes of the roc. The sound of frozen grass shattering is heard under the intense heat, like a walk through snow-covered grasslands, but with sickening ripping pops as internal plant fluids explode into steam. This is what the bird's talon hits, and at the same time the tornado, whipping gusts of frozen fingers and deadly hail around, hit the bird's leg and foot. The bird is most certainly tough, but the high speed daggers of ice will prove tougher. The tornado tosses not only cold wind, but also throws those iced balls, some pelting the bird's underside, some striking the heat shield, steam pouring over the foot of the bird, and some others without regard for any life save Chance's, get tossed out at random. The unicorn, black and white against the black and white sea of frozen field, stands there silently, glaring defiance at the bird that dared try to harm his friends.

Dusk keeps Mirage and Cye close as things go crazy. Several of the flying ice balls crash into or bounce off Dusk's protective field. The roc is far from stupid, and knows an uninjured prey can be a risk. But it had not imagined the reaction of Chance's talent. It would have withdrawn from the attack had it not happened almost instantly. At it is, the sweeping, grabbing talon suffers damage from both the searing heat around Chance and the powerfully flying spikey ice balls smashing into its leg. Another loud cry from the bird, but this time much higher pitch in pain. It recoils back, pulling back its injured leg and lifting higher. Dusk turns to Mirage.. "Can you make it so it appears we're staying put to the bird while we actually move to get Maria?" he asks over the noise.

Mirage isn't nearly as calm as Chance or Dusk amid all this confusion and danger. "What?" she shouts over the sound of wind and object crashing into Dusk's magical protection spell, and finally the blaring shriek of the suprised roc. It takes her a few moments to stop shaking and collect her wits to piece together what Dusk is asking. "I can let it see what it wants to see!" she calls out louder than needed in her excitement. "Although what it does from there is anypony's guess!"

The spinning whirlwind of spiked ice balls dies down, tossing the remaining balls away. Most of the heat dissapates away from Chance, and the cold air starts to waft away into the warmer surroundings. It'll take time though to warm the area. Chance paces the bird, and though it flies higher, Chance keeps under it. Though for now what poses a threat is keeping away.. for the moment. He glances back momentarily to Dusk and Mirage, and suddenly decides against pacing the bird. The more distance he puts between himself and the others, the more likely the roc, if it attempts anything, will go after the others. And so he quickly heads back toward the group.

Dusk nods to Mirage, managing to give her a smile. Giving her something to focus on seems to be helping too. But he's not sure if that will be enough to keep the bird away. But then it backs off, but isn't leaving. Ponies don't wander through here much and it has nearly had its meal twice. However dark red blood drips down as Chance paces under it, showing the extent of the injuries as the creature favors the leg. And to the roc it is becoming increasingly troublesome as it weighs its options, looking with those smoldering red, knowing eyes for a opportunity to strike. He nods to Mirage, "Then.. if it comes after us, prepare to distract it," he voices loudly to Mirage. He checks on Cye who is looking to the stones Maria is hiding behind. "Stay here!" he says to the both of them, then hurries out of the protective bubble, passing through it. "Mr. Chance! We have to get Maria and get back to the heavier woods!"

Mirage gives Dusk a little nod, liking that he takes the time to give her a smile amid all that's going on. "Alright, I will," she says to him before he goes off to help Maria. She gives a glance to Cye, wondering if he'll listen to Dusk. Of course not. Cye follows along quickly after Dusk. At least he doesn't shout his wife's name, but with her injured and danger still near, there's nothing Mirage could to do stop him. So she concentrates on watching the roc as it looks down on Chance, and gets ready just in case.


(short session due to real life interruption)

(To be continued...)

[Dusk]

(...continuing.)

Sun Sep 30 05:31:20 BST 2012

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Chance gets up to Dusk and Mirage, and gives a nod to Dusk's statement. "Agreed. And we should do it quickly." He hurries up to Maria and Cye. "We've got to get out of here. Stay close. We'll protect you." He glances back to the other two. "Ready?" he inquires, glancing up at the large bird.

Dusk turns back, seeing Cye has ignored his instructions to keep with Mirage, leaving her back there alone. She may be under a protective shield, but he won't use Mirage to test it against a creature like the roc, which is currently pulling back and gaining more height, making the downdraft more indirect, but a still nuisance. "Good!" he calls to Chance. "Shall you carry Maria or I?" He's sure Cye will want to, but with his own prior injuries he surely won't move quick enough. And indeed Cye is moving to get to Maria behind the outcropping of stones.

Mirage is still forcing herself to watch the roc, or what she can see of it in the night sky with some tree branches in the way. She starts to feel a little relieved as Chance mentions running, which has been her instinct all through this terrible ordeal. But at least Cye can move about all right, and Maria is going to have all the help she needs, since her leg and wing are injured. She waits for Chance or Dusk to say what to do next.

Chance considers the options at Dusk's question. If he carried her, he might protect her, and could definitely get her to the forest, but if his talent takes force again, she might be harmed. On the other hoof, Dusk could use his shielding to protect them both. "You'd better take her!" he answers. "I'll stay close! If it tries to attack again, I'm not sure I'm the one it'll want to go for. Perhaps I can act as a deterent." he suggests, hoping.

Dusk looks between Mirage, Chance, and the others. He nods as Chance decides. The roc, indeed hard to see against the black stary sky, seems to now be circling in its almost unrealistically slow moving manner.. an illusion from is size. With Chance's and Cye's help -- after a bit of convincing -- gets Maria carefully upon his back. Dusk glances up to the bird, considering their escape options. He turns to Chance, "This isn't going to be entirely easy." Indeed the bird is far from dumb, and seems to grasp its prey's choices too. The group gets back to Mirage and he drops the shield. Dusk gives Mirage a little smile, "Thank you, dear. Are you ready?" She's been handling this quite well.

Sun Sep 30 06:11:20 BST 2012

Mirage has been making sure to keep the roc in sight since the others are too busy to be looking, and she's reluctant to look away for fear of losing sight of the monster. But she breathes a sigh of relief as the others come back to her with Maria safely on Dusk's back. She gives a little nod to all, then manages a small smile to Dusk. "Ready for running back home?" she asks hopefully.

Chance attempts to keep an eye on the roc as everypony gets together, ready to do a run toward the forested edge of the field. He stays close, planning on trying to keep between the roc and its potential pony prey.

Dusk grins to Mirage and nods, "That's the plan!" He leans in to Mirage, "Remember the time with the dragon?" alluding to an earlier adventure. Then raises his head and to everypony, "Mr. Clone, Mirage, Chance.. Keep close to me! Maria hold on. Bite on to my mane if you need." He looks up the same direction Mirage is looking, where the shape blots out the stars from the sky. Almost certainly the bird will be able to strike before they can reach full cover. Dusk waits for it to reach just the spot.. the one hardest for it to swoop or circle back to the intended path. At that moment he takes off, using some magic to keep Maria stable, building to a gallop.. We have a lot of largely open spaces to cover before getting back to the heavier woods. But when Dusk sees everypony is keeping close, the gaps seem to start closing at an unusually quick pace. The gallop pace seems normal, but each glance or momentary distraction and realize we have traveled further than expected.

Mirage blinks at Dusk! "That dragon wasn't..." she begins to protest, looking at Dusk as if he's lost his mind. Then she slowly sees what he means. "Oh! Yes! Right!" she says nervously, and with that she begins running close alongside Dusk. "Mr. Clone! Make sure to stay close to Dusk!" she calls, and then the weird sensation of Dusk's magic begins to take hold. It's like being in a dream where distance cannot be judged. Each stride seems ordinary, but what was far ahead suddenly seems near as if springing right at you. Glancing behind, there's a sickening feeling (to Mirage at least) that what was close behind is being unnaturally pulled away. Feeling a little nasuated by the effect, Mirage focuses on what's ahead as the little herd desperately runs for the thicker woods.

Chance keeps the pace with the others, watching the bird carefully.. or what they can see of it. After a few 'jumps' forward across the field, he glances to Dusk. "Good thinking with the traveling. Didn't know you could do it with a fair size group." Each time it happens Dusk notices Chance's talent becomes more active, but it doesn't interfer. He wishes to keep up, and it doesn't pose a danger to him, so it goes along with him.

Out of nowhere, a muffin appears on a stump.

Dusk is of course taking Maria along for the ride, but Cye seems distracted and nervous as he start to perceive something is unnatural. Anything a pony is looking at seems to progress normal. But a turn of the head, glancing down a moment, or even long blink and things are different, even if hard to put a hoof on it. But this time Mirage's words reach Cye, and he does his best to keep close. Dusk does have his concerns about Chance's talent, which often causes chaos with his own, and those concerns rise as he sense its reacts. But Dusk is grateful that things are progressing well. Well... The roc sees the ponies make their dash, and is ready to strike, intending to cut them off and keep them in the open for easy pickings. It swoops around with surprising grace and speed, its added height giving it speed as it dives at a angle. But the pace of its target takes it off guard. They don't seem to be moving abnormally fast to the bird, yet somehow they are pulling more quickly ahead. It calls out and pulls its massive wings back, driving harder, the space closing quicker now should Mirage or any pony look back. Indeed Maria starts to fidget anxiously upon Dusk's back, saying something around a mouthful of mane gripped for life.

Mirage is concentrating on watching where she's going, as she doesn't want to misstep or fall while galloping in the gloom. She doesn't notice anything unusual about Chance, not like Dusk does. But when the roc calls out, Mirage feels a wave of fear engulf her as the hair on her back stands on end! Unable to help herself, Mirage looks back. She doesn't see anything at first, then suddenly she focuses on the huge form diving fast upon them! She screams and can't look away from the creature. The next thing she knows, she's tumbling head over heels when her hoof steps into a depression or little burrow (possibly the burrow of a mudweasel or a wild muffin) and she falls in mid gallop!

A timber wolf is suddenly standing at the edge of the thicker forest, vanishing silently into the woods when it is seen.

Sun Sep 30 07:11:20 BST 2012

Chance's talent finally interfers, with the roc diving. It tends to use what's already avaliable, and this time, it uses Dusk's speed-spells, and manages to amplify them. Mirage would have got left behind, but group now feels like it's progressing far slower then it should. It's like a bad dream, where one is running, and barely moving. The roc however, isn't so lucky. It's speed is increased by a good amount. With it's adjusted trajectory for the group's prior movement, it's now heading straight for the ground a ways in front of the now slow-as-mollases ponies, and going far too fast to compensate effectively.

Dusk knows just what's behind us and doesn't need to look, instead keeping the pace and magic as fast as possible. It's going to be a very close call, but we might just make it to the trees ahead before the bird reaches us. And if we're lucky it will try to the last second and run headlong into the trees. But then Mirage screams, and then she's falling. Dusk tries to figure how best to solve it. If they keep running the bird will certainly make an easy catch of Mirage as the rest escape, but there's no chance Dusk will leave her behind. If they stop, they'll all be an easy target out in the open here. Best option, stop and let Chance get between the bird and the rest. But we'll still be stuck in the open, just as it wants. And if Chance stays close, all will be at risk from his talent. If he moves away the others will be at risk from the roc. But then just as he's deciding to stop and make the best stand possible, he feels a powerful backlash of his magic, things going strange even for Dusk. He grinds to a slow motion halt, as the roc shoots over and past them at breakneck speed, trying to stop or turn, crashing into the ground ahead, hitting mostly its backside, protecting its injured talon, throwing up dirt all around. Dusk is already turning to catch Mirage with his magic and moving to help her directly.

Mirage tumbles and lands with a sound like a sack of potatoes! But in a moment she's scrambling to get back up. Her hooves flail as she gets up and starts running again, although she can't understand why Dusk, Cye, Maria and Chance are so close ahead. Surely they would be farther along. She seems to run up to them quickly enough, then suddenly her steps feel like she's being held back and moving in slow motion! She doesn't have much time to worry about this as she sees the roc diving at incredible speed, and managing to make a crash landing instead of just a crash. "What is going on??" she cries fearfully. She looks dirty and scuffed from her fall but has no obvious injuries.

Chance finds himself running oddly slowly, and the roc is apparently trying its hardest to hit the ground at high speed. He recognizes the usual trade-off that his talent brings, and comes to a halt next to Dusk, glancing back to Mirage. "Is everypony ok?" is the first question he asks, glancing to each of the ponies. "Mirage, are you okay? I'm sorry if my talent tripped you up. It seems the bird got its attention." He's not exactly calm about it, but he's not freaking out either. Rather, he's focused on making sure all are alright. "I take it my talent did something to your magic?" he asks Dusk, figuring it was his talent, as Dusk would certainally not slow them down. He could be wrong though, so a question is in order.

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Dusk is surprised at how quickly Mirage is moving and back on her hooves before he can hardly do more than turn back to face her, but then realizes she's outside the effect of the magic and what it's doing now. And in just another moment she's caught up and suddenly moving 'normal' again, relative to himself and the others. As he comes to a halt though so does his traveling magic, and all things resume an equal speed once more. He runs to Mirage, Maria still clinging on, "Are you okay?" he asks Mirage urgently, looking her over. Seeing she seems unharmed he finally answers Chance, "Indeed, the two reacted with each other for this effect." He looks back the way they were going, the huge bird is there, laying on the ground, but already lifting its head, its red eyes half closed, trying to rouse itself with some difficulty. But even so it lies smack in the way to the trail they took in.

Mirage is bewildered by what's happened to the group, too. Breathing hard and obviously quite frightened, she shakes her head at Chance's question. "I'm fine. No, that was me. I'm not used to galloping thru wild fields and forests at night," she says, looking ashamed. "And I couldn't stop looking at the roc, so of course I tripped and fell." She gives Dusk a sorrowful look. "I'm alright, love," she says, her expression changing as she tries to reassure Dusk. "Just my own foolishness and inexperience." Then she watches the roc as Chance and Dusk talk about what happened to their magic. "Um, shouldn't we be running?" she asks Dusk and Chance.

Sun Sep 30 08:11:20 BST 2012

Chance nods lightly to Dusk, and glances to the roc as well. "It seems to have given us a few moments at least." He perks his ears at Mirage's question, and turns his gaze toward her. "Run where? The roc is blocking our exit." As the roc begins to stir though, tells the group, "Stay here. Dusk, your shield." He breaks out into a run toward the roc, but at about 10 paces, at a fast running speed, he suddenly jumps up as far as he can, twisting to point his head and horn downward. It's a tricky manuver, but he manages it. Down the pony falls, straight into the earth that horn dives. It would normally harm a unicorn to do this, but his talent won't have any of it. Moisture in the ground compresses and explodes, literally blowing the ground out from around him, and Chance falls into a talent-made pony-size hole. Or tunnel, as the case may be. His talent takes him futher down then he figured, and drops him uncerimoniously into an underground cavern, green sickly glow from some strange crystal formations given just enough ambient lighting to see.

Dusk smiles as Mirage's expression softens, "No worry at all, my love. I am just glad you are unharmed." And hoping we all stay that way. As uneasy as Mirage is, Cye and Maria are all the more so. This is all completely out of their range of things to handle. On their own they would have been an easy snack for the roc or others in the forest. He nods to Chance, "Yes, I don't think just running randomly into the woods would be good.. but we may have no choice.." But Chance thinks and seems to come up with another idea. Dusk nods, "Very well!" Soon as Chance is out of the immediate area, Dusk puts up another shield, blocking him and the others from the flying debris from Chance's head dive into the ground.. and vanishes! As things settle Dusk drops the shield and has everypony follow him. Looking down one can see into the hole, and deeper cavern. "Okay, I guess we're going down! I hope this goes somewhere.." A little magic and looking again, ponies notice a rough sloping path downwards. The bird is nearly sitting upright, and sees the ponies scrambling towards the hole. It looks extremely angry now, its eyes nearly alight.

Mirage looks sheepishly at Chance, now realizing that running in any other direction would probably just make matters worse. Then it seems like Chance does what he does best. He makes something explode. Although Mirage just watches in bewildered awe as Chance does a running jump and dives horn first into the ground, and the explosion blows the earth out of his way so he literally falls from sight. She jumps at the booming sound and shivers as she looks to Dusk for guidance. "Wait, we're going down??" she gasps as Dusk shows the way created by Chance. She glance back to the roc as it sits up with fury in its eyes, and she remember how easily it uprooted a full grown tree. She groans and then follows Dusk's lead, taking care to try to reassure Cye and Maria. Soft and pretty seagreen magic glows from the tip of Mirage's horn, giving a soothing illumination as she follows the others to who knows where.

Chance didn't exactly land on soft ground, but his talent ensured the landing itself was soft. After getting to his hooves he glances around. The hole leading to the caverns was deeper then he thought his talent would do. He figured it just make a bit hole in the ground, maybe somewhere the other ponies to hide in. Instead, it dug him down here. The drop from ceiling to ground however is a good twenty feet. It's not exactly crowded down here, at least in this area of the caverns. He calls up, "Be careful of that last step! It's a drop!" He's unaware of the current state of the roc.

Dusk's magic has reshaped things a bit, so that there is a usable path down to the bottom. Dusk makes sure Mirage and Cye go down first then he follows. Dusk turns back to look, seeing the roc is getting up, trying to fly or at least lift up, but having trouble. It is standing on but still favoring that injured leg, hobbling its way over to where the ponies are going with shudders felt lightly but unsettlingly through the ground. Dusk magics up a heavy rock that could have been there naturally, then gets down to the bottom with Chance and the others. "Okay, we can't stick around here long." Mirage is right about the tree, and a little hole may not last long either.

Mirage nods to Dusk and goes down the makeshift ramp he's created with his magic to avoid the drop. She illuminates the way for Cye, and then Dusk is following with Maria still riding on his back. Mirage is quite relieved to find Chance waiting for them in some sort of natural cavern. "Any idea of there's a way out? Or at least away from the roc?" she asks, feeling better to be in an enclosed area now than out in the open. She glances back to see Dusk trying to seal the entrance, and hopes it's enough.

Sun Sep 30 09:11:20 BST 2012


(To be continued...)

[Dusk]

(...continuing.)


Mon Oct 1 02:52:21 BST 2012

Chance trots over to the others and nods lightly to Mirage. "Possibly." He waves a hoof in several directions. "The light here is dimmer, but there seems to be paths going that way, off that way, and the cavern itself seems to continue down that way. This place is probably too deep for the roc to spend time digging down here. But if it did, it's too small for it down here to do much. Looks like it's just us and those crystals, for now. I haven't heard anything else."

Dusk smiles and is glad for the change of venues too, for the moment. He smiles to Mirage as she offers some helpful added light, then he look curiously around, focusing on the green crystals a bit, before starting to look this way and that. He nods, "I agree, but still think we need to make some headway from here." There do come sound sounds of the roc scratching at the entry. There appear to be a variety of ways a pony could go. Dusk closes his eyes for a few moments. "Yes I think that's the most likely way." He starts heading towards the general way we were trying to go above ground.

Mirage is still shaking a bit from all that's happened but she listens to Chance. "Well, I hope the roc doesn't like digging. So which way should we go?" she asks, looking at the various tunnels that seem to go off in different directions. "Were these carved out by water?" she wonders, looking at the rough walls. Then she checks on Cye and Maria to make sure they'll alright, or at least not hurt even worse as Dusk joins her and Chance. "Oh," she remarks as Dusk begins to use his talent to choose a path.

Chance glances upward as the sounds of roc scratching start. "I think it may be annoyed enough for losing its prey that it may make an effort. Though I think it'd take too much of an effort for us." He glances to Dusk, and nods, trusting Dusk's sense of direction (or events in that direction). He starts trotting along, glancing around at the walls and crystals. "In the Everfree, that's hard to say. It doesn't appear to be cut from water. Perhaps it was cut from magic. I've been reading about all sorts of strange things around these parts."

Dusk still carries Maria and Cye is keeping rather close to be with her. Both seem rather uncomfortable about going down strange tunnels, "What could be down here?" asks Cye. But at the sound of the roc above they both seem eager enough to proceed. Dusk waits for Mirage to catch up and nods to the others, "I think these are neither water nor magic. Do keep alert, please. But not overly loud." He glances up at the scratching sounds, and the sound of the barrier rock being dug free and pulling it out, outside sounds starting to come in more clearly. He resumes his onward movement down the passage.

Mirage frowns and shivers. Chance's remarks aren't helping, since it could mean that even worse things are under the forest than in it. "Yes, the Everfree Forest is strange and dangerous, Chance. It's why ponies stay out of it," she replies, feeling unnerved as she begins to imagine what else could be down here, and nods with Cye's concern. "So, someone or some-thing- could have made these tunnels and caves?" At the sound of the boulder being moved away from the opening, Mirage makes a little 'eep!' sound and quickly follows Dusk.

Chance glances back to Mirage as she speaks. He nods softly. "Perhaps I should undertake to mapping out more of the Everfree. I can go where others can not. Maybe we can get a bit better understanding of it. Ponies in general may fear it less if they understand it more." His ears perk at Dusk's statement though, and he glances back to him. "Do you suspect we'll disturb something down here?" he asks bluntly.

Out of nowhere a battered smouldering muffin appears on a stump.

Dusk looks around as he progresses, glancing down different passages before proceeding. He turns and nods to the others following along, "If we keep quiet and stick to unused parts we should be fine. But we'll want to keep up the pace." His talent is suggesting a number of likely courses, and he's not really liking most of them. With the scraping coming from not too far behind becoming clear, Dusk pauses with a sigh and looks back. A couple moments later comes the loud cry of the roc's displeasure, directly into and echoing throughout the cavernous system repeatedly before falling quiet once more. Dusk shakes his head. "Let's go!" Dusk picks up the pace. Despite it's clawing and digging, it doesn't seem likely the roc itself is going to get inside, or going to be able to reach the ponies within now that we've moved. Yet Dusk keeps up a brisk pace, looking and gauging each path.

Mon Oct 1 04:12:21 BST 2012

Mirage is about to argue with Chance, but decides her nerves and certainly Cye and Maria don't need any more stress. While Mirage finds the enclosed place comforting, the pegasi must feel completely out of their element. She continues to be close to them to reassure them, and to make sure nothing is following. She blanches at the roc's cry, and happily follows the pace Dusk sets.

Chance keeps near the others, glancing around as well, keeping a close eye out. Were he alone, he'd just pick a direction, and his luck would make sure he made it out. But with others with him, it's different. Some of those paths might prove dangerous to them. And so he goes with caution, born from their sakes. Things seem to be going fairly well, so far.

The cavern is much quieter now, even the ponies keeping somewhat hushed. The roc is still annoyed, digging into the cavern with its good claw, hoping to catch a trapped pony. But the sounds of that fade off well behind us by now too. The crystals seem to continue along all the paths, and indeed things seem to be going efficiently. But Dusk isn't satisfied, but manages a smile as Mirage keeps up close, and helps calm the two pegasi, who need it. At a passage, Dusk has the group switch to an upward sloping one. He waits and lets everypony pass, then with a bit of magic pulls down sections of earth until its several layers deep with a bit of a rumbling. But everything else seems to remain stable. He pauses and looks around.. then nods and takes up the lead again. "There are several ways out.. We need to come out in the forest."

Mirage folds her ears down at the sound of the minor caveins Dusk is causing... it's too easy to imagine them getting out of control and reaching where she and the others are waiting as Dusk works. Then she follows along, and can't help but wonder if Chance's luck is affecting Dusk's talent as he uses it to guide everypony along.

Chance watches the cave-ins, moving nearest to them, hoping his talent will ensure that they don't approach the group, and stop where they're supposed to. Fortunately, it isn't needed. Dusk managed to bring down the house in a well-ordered way. He swivels his ears this way and that, looking closely at the cave-in, listening for several long moments. After that, he turns, and nods lightly to Dusk. Dusk obviously wasn't concerned with making noise at this point, so he takes out his harmonica, and blows a series of very quick notes, that sound a bit like a bird's chirp. Nothing, at first. He closes his eyes and tries again, making several of the notes. It's something simular to the song of birds around the everfree, though it seems to sound at a bit of a desperate beat. The sound grows as he tries harder, to an unusual high volume, echoing down the caverns. Then a few moments later a response comes from one of the caverns, though barely heard, and a moment later, a bird comes flying down! It pulls up short of the ponies and glances about, looking about rather confused. Wasn't there a bird in trouble calling from here?

Dusk gives Mirage a little reassuring nuzzle. It's only a few steps before Chance starts playing his instrument. Dusk makes a bit of a face and turns to go back to him, putting a hoof up to quiet him just as he finishes up that last note. In the sudden quiet a growing rumbling can be heard. Low, perhaps even more felt than heard at first, until it grows ever closer, hard to tell which way until it gets clear enough.. In the passage we just left, closed off by the dirt. Quiet... .. some shuffling... quiet again.... There's what seems like long long minutes as everypony remains perfectly still.. But it's only a few seconds, then the sound of movement resumes.. a moment of uncertainty, but then heard moving away, continuing down the other path as ponies can breath again without worry. Dusk is take a moment by surprise as a bird shows up.. "Oh," which really helps break the tension, having to keep himself from laughing.

Mirage coughs as the dust from the controlled cave-in washes through the passage, and puts her hoof over her nose and mouth until the worst of it settles, though she manages to return Dusk's nuzzling. In the green light she's providing, the dust seems like a fog until it settles, and then she sees the glint of something that Chance is getting out. Mirage blinks in surprise at the harmonica. "Chance, do you really think now is the..." she trails off as Dusk tries to intervene, gritting her teeth against the anticipated noise from the hated instrument. But instead of a rendition of 'Turkey in the Straw'or other such harmonica classic popular in Ponyville, Chance creates some imitation bird chirps and song. Mirage looks thoroughly puzzled, then gapes as a bird actually responds to the calls! Like Dusk, she has to smile a the first hopeful sign of the whole evening, and she nods to Cye and Maria.

Chance glances back at the caved-in entrance, listening silently to the sound of heavy steps and scraping on the other side. His focus is on the Dusk-made wall, and it only relaxes once the sound moves on. He glances over to Dusk and Mirage appologetically in time to see the bird fly in, and gives a light smile. He puts his harmonica away. "I believe we have a guide out." he mentions. The bird flies around, but seeing no other bird in here, and not being interested in ponies, starts heading back out the way it came.

Mon Oct 1 05:12:21 BST 2012

Dusk returns over to Mirage and sees both Cye and Maria are certainly happy, once the strange sounds pass, to see a bird. In fact they find it much more of a relief than probably any of the others. "Oh how sweet," comments Maria. Dusk nods to Chance, "It appears we do." And as the bird start to fly back, he lets Chance take the lead and he follows up with the rest, keeping an eye back the way we came. We pass another tunnel, a more level one, looking to travel underground a ways, and then to the one continuing up that Chance is going. Dusk resumes his light trot towards the surface with the others.

Mirage feels much better seeing Cye and Maria cheer up at the sight of the bird, and she gives Chance a little nod and grateful smile to congratulate him. She follows Dusk, picking up the pace as he does.

Chance takes point and heads after the bird, heading up further at a small slope, until finally the bird arches up, and flies out.. somewhere. The hole in the now-low ceiling is smaller then a pony can get through, at the curve of the tunnel. It goes off in two directions, but the ceiling seems to have worn a bit above. Chance peeks out the best he can, then gives a grin. "I think I see something." What he's seeing is starts through tree leaves, but it's hard to make out from down here.

Dusk and Maria catch up with Chance, the group all collecting together. He slips Mirage a little rub with the side of his hoof and smiles to her. He glances up as Chance takes a look out. "Well one way to find out.." He uses his magic to push the dirt around the opening up and outwards, carefully working it until the hole is big enough. "Shall I hoist you up, Mr. Chance?" Assuming he agrees, Dusk gives Chance a telekinetic lift up, as if an invisible rising platform under him, until he can jump up through the opening.

Mirage watches cautiously, hoping Dusk doesn't set off another cave-in. But the remaining part of the ceiling holds, and she sighs with a little relief as Dusk magicks Chance up to see where the little herd is now. "Hopefully many trees around?" she says to Dusk, smiling at his touch.

Chance nods to Dusk, as at the same time he's pulled (or pushed) upwards through the widened hole. He hops out and looks around. A few moments later his head appears again, with a smile. "It's a dry river bed, with lots of trees around. I think we're a bit off course, but this kind of looks familiar." He lifts his head, perking his ears to listen, and lifts his eyes to the sky. "I don't see or hear the roc at the moment. I think it's safe for the others." he adds. "We'll be out of the Everfree soon."

Dusk is careful, mostly pushing the dirt up and out, so not pulling it down onto us. He smiles back to Mirage, and gives a bit of a breath of relief as Chance reports what's above. "Good some cover. I guess we'll be on our way then." He starts with helping Mirage up next, then Cye, and then Maria on her own too, before appearing topside himself, and helping Maria back upon his back. Dusk seems somewhat relieved but not entirely. "Somewhat off track might be okay. But let's not take too long all the same."

Mirage gives Cye and Maria a happy smile as Chance says they've arrived at a place hopefully safe from the roc's eyes. She can't help but gasp as Dusk magicks her up to surface. Just the feeling of floating making her making her nervous all over again. Once up by Chance, she looks around cautiously and misses having the safe and secure walls of the tunnels around her. She tries to calm herself as Cye, Maria and finally Dusk arrive. Then she waits for the stallions to decide which way to go. The woods are terribly dark and she has no idea where she's at. The green light still glows from her horn tip, but now in an open area it illuminates much less than in the tunnel.

Chance glances around. "I think it may be that way." he tells Dusk, pointing a hoof in what seems like a somewhat familiar direction. "What do you think?" It's hard to get a good look at all the stars from here due to the tree cover. "We should come back and seal the two tunnels later." he then suggests in a quieter tone to Dusk.

Mon Oct 1 06:12:21 BST 2012

There comes the cry of the roc, but it's well off in the distrance. But it's more like the cry from when Chance struck it with the ice. Dusk glances, but he's glad as everypony is at least safely above ground, having avoided any issues below. He stands besides Mirage and listens to Chance, looking in that direction, away from the distressed sound of the massive bird. He nods, "Yes.." But something still nags him. "I agree it is probably the way back and our best course for now." He hmms and nods at Chance's aside. He glances around, too dark, so searches out with his magic. He finds what he's looking for, a sizable rock. There's a rustling noise in the woods not far off, perhaps startling some ponies. Shortly after a large shape looms out of the dark into Mirage's green glow, revealing a sizable rock that Dusk covers the opening with for now. "Okay let's go."

Mirage does start at the sudden rustling noise before realizing what Dusk is doing. Still, she tries to calm herself and watch for anything approaching. The roc's calls may be distant but she doesn't like the sound of them one bit. She listens as Chance and Dusk decide, and then follows along, happy to be on the way back to Ponyville at last.

Chance pulls his ears back when he hears the roc, glancing off in that direction. Before, he was protecting his friends, so didn't feel bad again going against the large bird. But now.. The expression on his face is not of fear, but of worry, of concern. "Dusk, can you and Mirage get the Cye and Maria out? I need to check on the roc." he says in a soft tone. "Can you teleport me in that direction? Whatever's a danger to the roc, might be a danger to ponies." At least, that's his reason, and though it's a valid one, he's more focused on checking to make sure the roc is alright.

Mon Oct 1 06:52:21 BST 2012


(To be continued...)

[Dusk]

New Player: Tejene

(...continuing.)


Dusk watches Mirage and the two pegasi a bit, judging their state. Things are better, but ponies are still on edge. And understandably. He turns to Chance at his question. "Hmmm quite possibly. But I would urge against breaking up the herd if we don't need to." He focuses a moment, but his talent doesn't give an answer on the roc, it's path not crossing near here anytime soon. "I'm not sure of the bird's state, but I think we should worry about those with us first, then the creature later. I was not so badly injured it would be defenseless by any means." He looks up the small dry river bed and the surrounding area. "And I don't want to waste much time. I think we may have troubles if we do. I'm not sure what though." He doesn't want to worry the others too much either.

Mirage is nervously keeping a watch least something shamble out of the woods towards them, but she keeps an ear tilted at the conversation. She glances over, noting Chance's concerned look as he mentions checking on the roc. "It's huge," she says softly. "Did you really hurt it that bad?" she asks Chance. Then she checks on Maria and seems satisfied that she's not any worse off after the rescue. Mirage goes back to watching, waiting for the stallions to decide what to do.

Chance nods lightly to Dusk and is about to answer, but glances over to Mirage. "I doubt it. It'd be like having a dog bite on a leg. It sounds like something's attacking it." He then looks back to Dusk. "We should get the other two out of here. I'll carry Maria. I can do it faster when there's no danger around."

Maria and Cye are glad to have Mirage check on her, helping make them a little more at ease too. "I'm doing okay, considering.." She glances to her injured wing and leg. "I'm sorry I'm such a burden." But she smiles softly to Mirage. Dusk seems to be doing quite well carrying her too, but has no problem with Chance's request, "If you're sure. I'll take up the lead then."

Mirage'ahs' softly as Chance explains, nodding lightly but leaving the decision to him and Dusk. She gives Maria a reassuring smile, concealing her nervousness for the injured pegasus' sake. "You're not a burden. I'm just glad that Dusk and Chance saw you and your husband," she says with a smile to Cye, too. Then she watches as Maria is carefully moved from Dusk to Chance to be carried, and waits patiently for the herd to be moving along. Now that the stallions have a plan, Mirage seems to relax a bit.

Chance shifts Maria carefully on him. He makes sure she's comfertable. He has no trouble, since his talent is constantly adjusting small things to keep him comfertable. "It's no problem at all. If Cye is up to it, we should move quickly now. I can more then keep up." he tells Dusk, then looks to Maria. "Hang on, and you'll be fine." He waits for Dusk to move on, then trots on after him.

Cye nods to Mirage, "Yes, thank you, all of you." Dusk helps get Maria settle too, and smiles to them both, "Quite welcome." He was about to say 'but save it for when we're out,' but decided they might not be the type to take such banter so well. He gives Mirage a little nuzzle as she appears more relaxed, and once Chance is set then Dusk trots up to the front and starts to pick up pace, roughly following the riverbed back towards the path we took in.

A large red and black spider slowly crawls along its web dozens of feet above you.

Mirage watches to make sure nothing is coming out from the thick woods around them, though she takes time to return Dusk's nuzzle, of course. And she's obviously relieved as everpony is settled and the group starts to head out. She's just about to turn when a bit of movement catches her eye. She glances up to see a large red and and black spider dangling from a web just inches above her head. Her eyes go wide and beady for moment or two, then in a heartbeat she's right behind Chance. She remember to breath again as she looks over her shoulder.

Chance glances back to Mirage as she catches up quickly. Glancing up to the spider, he gives Mirage a light smile. "I doubt they're interested in us." he tells her, and continues on down the dry riverbed. He glances around, ears perked carefully. What may make Maria a bit nervous is that he doesn't watch where he's going, but he steps without harsh incident every time. There's a hole, he hits the side, if just barely. There's a small rock.. and another rolls into it, apparently having been shook loose from the sloped bank, and knocks it out of the way of his hoof-step.

Dusk is up ahead, so doesn't see Mirage's reaction to the cute little fuzzy deadly spider. We make some good progress with what seems like little issue, though there are strange sounds and cries from the woods around us, some seeming closer than others. But those seem to fade out, getting quiet. But no sign of the roc, that we can tell. Then first there is a scent in the air.. like a campfire or such. As we move there can then be seen glow in the woods. But it doesn't look like a campfire. Looking around you realize Dusk isn't there either.

A butterfly lands on a flower only to be snapped up as the flower closes on its lunch.

Mirage blinks at Chance's comment. "One would hope not," she replies softly, trying not to let her voice shake though she can't completely conceal a shudder. She follows along closely behind Chance, and without realizing it, benefits from Chance's luck as she walks almost in his hoofsteps. Moving along with a plan does help Mirage stay calm, despite being out at night in the Everfree Forest, which is something only crazy ponies do. She continues to illuminate with the light from her horn tip, though the smell of smoke gets her attention almost immediately. "Are we getting near a cabin?" she asks, thinking of Outlaw's place but not sure how far away it is. Then she realizes there's a glow that's too big to be just a little campfire or the glow from the windows of a cabin. "Dusk?" she says softly, suddenly realizing he's not up front anymore. "DUSK!!" she cries, looking to Chance. "Where is he?"

Chance slows down and sniffs the air, glancing over at the glow. An ear goes back. "That's not a campfire." he says softly, then both ears go back when Mirage calls for Dusk. He turns his head back in her direction. "Mirage, please don't yell." he says firmly, though softly. "Dusk is probably off checking that out. For now, let's trot carefully, and quietly." he tells her. "If you see the light move, be prepared." It's vague, but that's all the warning he gives. He doesn't want to worry the other two even more. It's only a gut feeling, but he's had enough experience to know his 'gut' typically knows what it's talking about. That doesn't stop him hoping he's wrong about it, however.

Dusk's voice chimes in, "As feared. It's a fire." He's right nearby, keeping pace with the trot now. Cye and Maria startle enough to look like they're about to take flight, or try in Maria's case. "What the?" asks Cye. "Sizable. But most of it is out of our way," continues Dusk without acknowledging the reaction or comment, "but an arm is quickly reaching the riverbed. If we can get past it, we can finally join up with the old path back out. The other option is to detour into deeper Everfree." Mirage's cry doesn't seem to have drawn any attention so far, as most creatures seem to have left the area.

Mirage blinks and folds he ears down while she dips her head down a bit at Chance. "I'm sorry!" she whispers aloud. Then she follows Chance closely as she looks one way and then another, not liking any of this one bit! She gives an absent little nod to Chance at his warning, not really wanting to think about what his warning could be about. When Dusk's voice suddenly comes from quite close, Mirage literally jumps straight up in shock, though she somehow manages not to scream again. She's about to say something to Dusk, but what he says is much more important. Then Dusk offers a choice, and Mirage looks to Chance to see what he decides.

Chance glances back to Dusk, curiously not jumping as he suddenly speaks. He perks his ears to listen, then thinks for a moment, looking back to where the fire is. He then shifts over to Dusk. "A natural fire? Good. We'll take our original path. But first, I need you to take Maria, Dusk. I have a fire to visit. Stay here, and I'll return when we can take the path."

A timber wolf is suddenly standing at the edge of the thicker forest, vanishing silently into the woods when it is seen.

Dusk does help move Maria once more back over to himself. "Are you sure, Mr. Chance? If we delay at all there will be no time to beat the arm reaching our path. The main fire is probably a good acre now. Though the arm is perhaps 60 yards across near the lead."

Mirage just looks from Dusk to Chance and back as they calmly discuss the situation. "Chance, you shouldn't," she begins, but sees he's already made his decision. "You don't have to be a hero," she says softly to him, so softly that perhaps no one can hear her now. Then she watches nervously, the smoke and the glow making her want to run as fast as she can!

[ Dusk notes those in sight of the Everfree might see a yellow glow coming from within it. The smoke is probably not visible in the dark except what it obscures of the sky. (Public-pose) ]

Chance nods lightly to Dusk. "I'm sure. Fires are something I've dealt with before." He removes his saddlebag as well. "Take care of this. I'll be back for it." he says softly to Mirage. "It's been a while since I've done this.." he says to no pony as he turns, then breaks into a hard, fast run straight down the dry riverbed. There's certain limits that ponies have to deal with when doing a run. A number of these limits Chance doesn't have to worry about. The dark doesn't bother him, and he doesn't have to watch where he's going. His talent will get him there. He gets up to speed and dissapears faster then anypony's seen him run before. A bit short time later the glow nearest the road starts to dim as Chance runs into it, but the temperature of the area around Dusk and the others start to rise as the heat is displaced, and another, hotter fire starts on another side of the arm. A few uncomfertably long moments later, that dims and another starts. Chance's talent is moving the fire around, and Chance is fire-chasing.

Dusk nods in agreement with Mirage, but then nods back to Chance in turn, "Then best of luck, for us all!" he calls to Chance as he takes off. Dusk magics the tossed bag over to a safe spot nearby as he moves to stand next to Mirage and so Cye and Maria can keep each other company too. He watches Mirage looking to the fire and understands her nervousness. He does his best to nuzzle her comforting as all the rest of us can do is wait for now. But does does keep a good eye out, not just ahead but around. However the work by Chance, from what can be seen, appears to be rather impressive.

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Mirage magicks Chance's saddle bag to her and she puts it across her own back as he leaves to go deal with the fire. She looks almost dumbfounded by his recklessness, then looks to Dusk for guidance. She smiles gently as he nuzzles her, feeling comforted despite the danger. And as the fire begins to dim in one place only to spring up in another, Mirage stamps her hoof in alarm. Then she gives an apologetic look to Dusk, Cye and Maria. "Uhm, sorry," she says, staying close and looking around nervously.

The thing about fires in forests is that they tend to drive out the residents. Smoldering infernos or just small brush fires, most creatures run. One creature, notably, is drawn out of his home toward the fire. The local Zebra who lives not far from here. Tejene simply arrives without introduction or fanfare, just comes marching through the brush wearing a ceremonial headdress and a belt of ceramic flasks sealed by corks. He comes into view and earshot already chanting in his native tongue, little puffs of phosphorescent energy like spores trailing his hooves.

Tejene [Male Zebra]
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His name is Tejene. Say it with me. Teh-geh-neh, three syllables. Very good. Onward!
With an odd name comes an odd fellow, unless of course you're a zebra too. Then he isn't odd in the slightest. Odds are, however, you aren't a zebra. So thus you're looking at a pony of stark black and white stripes. Nose to tail, stripes galore. His mane is striped as well, keeping perfect time with his coat, and stands perfectly erect at all times. Much like the brush of a guard pony's helmet, except his is natural. His tail manages to be striped as well, don't ask how, that's a zebra secret.
He is of average build and size for an adult pony, lean and healthy with sparkling amber eyes. Looking him face on, it is also hard to miss that his stripes merge on his muzzle and form neat chevrons from his nose to his usually erect ears. His ears are ringed each with nine silver rings that run from base to tip on the outer edge of each and are spaced just far enough to keep from jingling against one another. He wears a pair of fused silver bracelets on his left foreleg and a single on his right, his hind legs are unadorned. Otherwise he wears very little else, occasionally seen with a silver chain twined into his mane but not very frequently.
His cutie mark is the outlined silouette of a low-growing bush, a little line for the earth, and the bush's roots shown underground as well. It looks like the mark was nearly drawn onto his flank by hoof with a bit of red ochre however it is very much permanent.
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New glows spring up around, only to have Chance chase them down. He's seen at one point chasing down a fire at breakneck speed that broke out close enough to be seen, only to run through it and successfully make an impossible sharp and high speed turn, galloping off again, still at full speed, when that fire goes out and another starts. And then things change. His talent isn't getting Chance to stop fire-chasing, so the next course of action, from Chance's experience, is to stop the fire. Chance doesn't want to fire-walk, he wants the fire to go away. The area around starts to go dry, the moisture moving toward the area of the glow. But that only increases the problems for heat in this area. In one part a ways off some qickly drying kindling burst into flame. But some steam is starting to come from the direction of the glow. And then a raindrop hits Mirage's nose. One may note this is odd, because there's no clouds in the starlit sky.

Dusk doesn't blame Mirage at all, as it is a naturally stressful thing to be in a fire, and Cye and Maria are at least equally anxious if not more so. But they're not about to go running off on their own into the dark Everfree woods, the greater fear keeping them in place for now. The smoke in the air has gotten thicker, to the point of being visible. Yet the small heard seems to be breathing easy, Dusk having made an unseen field round them that keeps out the smoke. As Mirage and the others watch Chance's impressive work, Dusk perks his head up, "That's unusual.." he comments to no pony particular. He looks back to the woods, focusing his eyes. Only a little while later does a rather intereting striped shape emerge. Dusk recognizes a zebra. And he only knows of two in the area, and only one he's met. And of all of those, this is him. "Mr. Tejene?" But Dusk notices the chanting and so not forcing an interruption, just then noticing the drops of water.. "Oh."

Something rustles in the shadows of the underbrush.

Mirage perks her ears at the sound of somepony speaking, though she's puzzled that she doesn't understand the words. "Dusk, do you hear that?" she asks, wondering who would be out here in such a dangerous place, the fire notwithstanding. She tilts her head with curiousity as the zebra walks into view. and she looks to Dusk to see if he sees what she's seeing. "Who is that?" she asks Dusk. Her own horntip is still glowing with soft seagreen light, needless at this point with the glow from the fires. Mirage blinks at the raindrop hitting her nose, taking a step back looking up worridly, hoping it's not another spider. She does notice the smell of smoke seeming to thin and go away, but isn't sure why. And of course, Dusk knows the new arrival. "Mr. Tejene?" she repeats softly, seeing Dusk not wanting to interupt the zebra stallion.

Tejene pays no attention to any pony at all. He has work to do. Much work to do. He doesn't speak a single word in a language anypony unfamiliar with Zebrican would understand, but walks right past Dusk's safety shield and toward the fire, smoke be danged. He pauses about thirty yards from the fire's leading edge, standing up to blistering heat, blinding light and smoke, fumes, and whatever is biting in the forest today. His voice just gets louder, stepping up and up in intensity and volume. Finally he comes to the conclusion of the incantation, repeating the same phrase over and over, louder and louder until finally he throws one of the flasks into the air. Then another, the two collide and shatter releasing.. about a half liter of water. That water, however, pauses there in midair and water from a nearby stream begins to rise out in a narrow column to join it, growing, and slowly forming of all things.. a bird. An enormous bird with a long beak like a crane or pelican.

The steam increases from the direction of the fire, and the immediate area around Dusk and company continues to dry further. Clouds start forming in the sky as the moisture increases, especially directly over the fire, but it's not increasing fast enough for the areas outside the fire itself. About 20 feet away from Tejene, a tree spontaniously bursts into flame, and others start as well. A few feet outside of Dusk's shield, a small pile of leaves starts smoking, then begin burning. Then Chance's talent finds magic in the area. Magic water. His talent wants it. What water hasn't formed into the bird starts to spread out into moisture and gets diverted toward the fire. It's stealing part of Tejene's water-spell, but fortunately not all of it.

Dusk was already looking to the woods well before anything was heard. But he nods to Mirage, not answering right off, but waiting for the zebra to pass through. Once he walks on by Dusk turns back to Mirage, "That the zebra, Mr. Tejene. I had met him sometime ago back on Ponyville when he arrived in town," he explains for Mirage. Dusk sticks with her and the other two, keeping things calm as can. But himself he watches as Chance causes an increasing amount of moisture to gather up, and Tejene performing an incantation, muck of the moisture drawing in from there and elsewhere, taking shape in the air.. shifting and flowing in the fire-lit sky, until it finally starts to take its bird-like shape.. "Ah just what we need, another giant bird," he jokingly teases to the others with a little chuckle.

Mirage watches with increasing confusion. With all the little fires springing up from suddenly dry plants, she can't really say that Chance seems to be putting any fires out. Instead, it seems like he's just moving them around to new places to burn. At least what Tejene makes sense, as he summons up water in the form of a beautiful aquatic bird. But as water seems to divert and flow into it, she can't tell if that's planned or if something else is happening. She blinks as she wonders if the magic that is drying out the once lush plants were to affect her, Dusk, and Cye and his wife... would they all just shrivel into husks? She just gives Dusk a worried and nervous look as she stands close by.

A mud weasel romps out of the bushes and bounces down the trail to the small clearing, pausing to sniff at the air, then it scampers off into the brush.

Louder. Louder. Louder still. Tejene eventually achieves the volume and intensity until he achieves the ferocity of about 0.85 Angry Lunas. Blue-green energy gathers at his feet, magic called out of the very living earth pooling around his hooves and wrapping up his body in glowing tendrils. Water leaps out of the ground, plants around him wither and limp, but do not die or yellow. Like it is raining /up/ and it serves as fuel for the spirit he has called. The bird grows positively massive, a wingspan of a dozen meters across coming to life. Feathers, eyes, a head, tail. Like a phoenix of water, hundreds of gallons pouring into it. The zebra simply chants harder, total focus. With an abrupt burst the massive figure leaps into the sky, beating enormous wings and circling high before turning into a power dive for the very heart of the inferno. Targeting, with all other water drawn out by the zebra's spell following it in a solid column. This.. is going to be damp.

Chance's talent continues bringing more water in, only feeding Tejene's spell as well. It increases the volume of water that Tajene's magic brings, using some for itself as the rest gathers into the giant bird. However, when the bird dives, it figures with the current amount of water it holds, if it hits in that form, it could quite potentially do damage to Chance. It can't have that. There's a probing at the magic water spirit, and then it does what it does best. It adapts, in less time then it takes to form a concious thought, to this new spell potentially threatening Chance. There's a suddenly pulse in the magic inherent in the plants around the area, the whole of the area where the glow was comming from turning into a bright green glow. A mix of earth and life magic, and a counter-spell is made. It arches up from the brief glow, like a green comet of light crossing the distance from the forest top to the bird in an eyeblink, and the bird's form falls apart, water spreading all over, drenching everything in the area, though not in the way Tejene intended. What affect this might have on the Zebra is unknown, if any. It certainally kills two birds with one stone, as it were, as the fire in the area is effectively put out.

A large yellow leaf flutters to the ground slowly, rustling gently as it falls.

Dusk watches the drying effect around the area too, using a bit of magic to put out the burning leaves and other minor fires that appear close, removing the air around them until they go out. He enhances the shield around them to protect from more than just the smoke. He suspects we're safe, but ready if not. And it's an amazing sight to watch, both Chance chasing flames and drawing up moisture.. And Tejene forming much into a massive bird, probably bigger than the roc. And the bird dives and flashes into a massive spray of water everywhere around, the hiss of water and fire combining.

Mirage is watching wide-eyed at the incredible magics going on, from the spectacular water phoenix to the disturbing and frightening sight of green vegetation drying and withering before spontaneously catching fire. She senses Dusk increase the power of the shield surrounding himself, her and Cye and Maria. Mirage finds herself huddling close to Dusk and watching with a mixture of fear and awe.

With the impact of the bird and sudden rush of steam, all the magic abruptly discharges from the zebra. It isn't a controlled grounding, there's too much power for Tejene to handle all on his own. The remaining water from the bird and trailing column rush outward from the center of the fire, snuffing embers on the way out and returning rapidly to the ground. The magic dischage, however, is something else entirely. With the sudden release of the spell, the magic rushes in on the zebra and with a resounding thud rattles the ground like the shockwave from a mining blast. It vibrates the eardrums and sends birds far away leaping from their roosts. The zebra himself does not just fall. He's violently body slammed into the earth with the force of the impact and when ponies do approach, will be found barely conscious in a low, compact depression. Reaching weakly for one of the flasks on his belt.

[ Mirage has disconnected. ]

Wed Oct 3 06:56:55 BST 2012


Somewhere above an unseen bat chirps softly as it flitters about the leaves.

Chance doesn't come out of the forest for a couple minutes after. He was at a dead run into the heart of the fire when the first drop hit Mirage's nose. The hotter the fire around him, the faster his talent tries to work to get the fire put out. It took a bit of time for Tejene to manifest his spell, and that brought Chance deeper into the acre fire. With the fire put out, and rain taking care of anything that water-bird or pony missed, he heads out slower then he went in. There's also another reason, but that one's hidden from the others. He finally trots out of the smouldering trees at the edge of the fire, and spots the others. He pulls his ears back and starts trotting in Tejene's direction, who no doubt has been joined by the rest of the group by this time.

Dusk keeps Mirage and the others close and protected, watching the events around them unfold. Dusk had been watching Chance's talent the whole time, to see how it reacted to the various threats and conditions, and was somewhat surprised at the sudden change when it countered the bird. But then Dusk has learned not to be too surprised by sudden changes with Chance's talent. And it seems to have been for greater effect, more effectively extinguishing the flames than it would have otherwise. Combining the two to maximum effect. Rather impressive. But then Tejene has the backlash, and Dusk eases Maria down and rushes over to him, leaving the bubble in place for the others. He helps the zebra reach the flask, and to get up should he want. As the flames and smoke are cleared by the falling water and things calm, Mirage, Cye, and Maria work their way over to join the rest.

In the distance to the east a Timber Wolf howls mournfully.

Tejene is very much barely conscious. His breathing is low, were somepony to check his heart rate is very weak. He's not standing up for a little while. Or speaking. His eyes aren't even open. He just fumbles with the flask. The cork finally comes open and the contents simply spill out over his side. It's an odd fluid, thick like cooking oil but oddly luminescent. It glows a natural green-white, like the natural fungi and lightning bugs in the area, fans out over his body and simply sinks into his coat. The glowing glimmer lasts a moment and then fades. A minute later the zebra abruptly takes a deep breath. His eyes snap open, and he starts coughing out all the smoke and dust. Whew. Not dead. Getting better even, but not quite going for a walk.

[ Dusk shouts "The flames within the Everfree have all suddenly gone out and it is dark there once more." (Public-shout) ]
[ Fluttershy shouts "(yay)" (Public-shout) ]

Chance trots up quietly to the group, watching Tejene spill the fluid over himself. He decides not to try to help. No telling what would occur. "How are you four doing?" he asks the others immediately, though doesn't interrupt any help they're trying to give Tejene. He gets a light smile though when the Zebra finally wakes back up, and looks down at him. "Are you alright?" he inquires of the Zebra. He glances momentarily up to Dusk. "Did you see that giant water-bird? Did you do that?" he inquires.

[ Skyheart shouts "You realize we're in here right? O.O" (Public-shout) ]
[ Vinyl_Scratch shouts "BARDIGAN AND SKYHEART ARE NOW STUCK IN THE DARK TOGETHER. " (Public-shout) ]
[ Bardigan shouts "WE ARE SCARED AND CUDDLING TOGETHER." (Public-shout) ]
[ Chance shouts "We're sorry we put out your night-light! o.o" (Public-shout) ]

Dusk is checking the zebra over as Mirage watches over him, ready to help if needed, providing her sea green light now that the glow of the fires are gone. Dusk watches the magic effect of the elixir has on Tejene with curiosity, and smiles as the zebra snaps to. Once he's got his lungs cleared Dusk helps him sit upright. "Careful there, Mr. Tejene. That was quite a spell there!" He nods and smiles to Chance as he comes up, "Yes we're doing fine here, thanks. That was rather impressive there yourself, Mr. Chance!" Mirage magics Chance's saddlebag back over to him too, once he's ready for it.

Tejene eventually rolls onto his belly, coughing violently for a little while until he fetches another flask. Just regular water this time, and good thing. He looks like he's utterly dehydrated. The whites of his eyes are yellowed, his lips are dry, and he's weak like he hasn't had anything to drink in days. He drains the flask, and another, getting his voice back after a few moments and a third flask of water. It's a good thing he's got more flasks than Batman has inexplicable gadgets. "I will survive, but for time I will ache to the bone. He is the spirit of the great spring storm, a friend for many years I have known." A few more coughs. "Tell but few ponies of the magic which has just been. Such things are kept by my tribe secret and unseen." Modesty, tradition, or fear. For one reason or another, the zebra doesn't seem eager for attention regarding his acts.

Chance perks his ears toward Dusk as he receives praise. "It would seem I had help, and I welcome it." He then tilts his gaze down to Tejene, and settles down to his rump next to the zebra. "No one shall hear it from my lips." he tells Tejene. He's quite serious about it. "I know a bit about secrets myself. Your's is safe with me."

A small nut drops from above and goes NOK loudly on a hollow bit of log before it lands in the grasses quietly.

Dusk and Mirage help assist Tejene until he can handle it himself. Dusk is certainly one of subtly and quiet himself, if not in the middle of something crazy going on. He looks around at the smoldering wet ashen remains about us. Hmmm. Still. Dusk nods to Tejene, "But if course, Mr. Tejene. You have no concern on my part. I don't imagine the others will be of concern." Mirage of course would be no problem. Dusk glances at the pegasi and they shake their heads fervently. Dusk smiles, turning back to the zebra. "Again thank you for your assistance in saving everyone, and the forest."

Tejene finally gets all the way up to his hooves. He opens up another flask of that weird green stuff again, this time drinking it. The face me makes at the taste is... interesting. Goofy, squinty, and hilarious. That stuff must taste /HORRIBLE/. He chokes it back though and swishes back another mouthful of water. Brrr! He shivers visibly, then shakes out. He's sore, he's tired, but he's up and on his hooves, and alright. The zebra gives a long, aching stretch and looks around. "Now there is one thing that I am eager to learn. What is it that brought this forest to burn?"

Wed Oct 3 07:55:00 BST 2012


(To be continued...)



Only YOU can prevent Muffin Fires!

[Dusk]

[Note: Tejene was not available for this episode so has been spoofed / posed in as needed.]

(...continuing.)


Thu Oct 4 03:40:41 BST 2012

Somewhere above an unseen bat chirps softly as it flitters about the leaves.

Mirage tilts her head at Tejene's question. She hadn't thought of the zebra being a self appointed guardian of the forest. Or perhaps he lives nearby and wants to know why his home almost burned down, along with the local neighborhood. "I don't know," she replies as she tries to think back, her nerves getting in the way. "Dusk and Chance saw a pegasus crash in the forest, and there were some timber wolves. Then we ran into the roc. Then thee was a lot of magic flying around and we were on our way home when the fire broke out."

Chance grins a bit at the curious face Tejene makes. "I take it that doesn't taste too well.." he mutters, then perks his ear at the question. He glances up at Dusk and Mirage, then gives his own report. "It seems we're going the right way. After the water put out of the fire, I had a chance to look around without flames getting in my way. I believe that's the general direction we entered." he mentions. "Since the fire is out, we could get Cye and Maria out that way. It's only about an acre's walk or so."

Dusk sees, despite his expression at the drink, that Tejene appears to be getting better and upright even. He nods to Mirage then Chance. "Indeed, could have been a number of things that might have caused it. I suppose it would take some investigating. However now of course isn't the time for such." He looks the way Chance is indicating. It's across a nearby swath of burnt ground and trees, but away from the heart of the fire. "I agree, it's what I figured when checking things earlier. Though if Mr. Tejene is familiar with these parts, I'm sure with his assistance we can find our way out easily enough. If you are up to it, and wouldn't mind?" he inquires of the zebra.

Mirage nods as it seems Chance and Dusk are ready to leave. Then she stands stock still for a few seconds and gasps loudly! "Oh my! The lantern! That what caused it!" she cries out before covering her mouth with her hoof. She looks completely aghast and mortalized, staring beady-eyed at everypony else!

Chance nods lightly to Dusk. He waits for the help of Tejene, who apparently is at least annoyed, but blinks a bit at Mirage. He glances over at the mare quizically. "Oh, that's right. You lost your lantern. Didn't you just drop it though?" He was up in front with Cye at the time.

Tejene is most certainly annoyed by Mirage's revelation, and he looks sternly at the mare until she tells the whole story. "Muffins do not attack! Consideration for the forest is what you lack!" Tejene pronounces very sternly, his anger bringing him up to full height despite his exhaustion. "Had you taken care, this scarred land would not be bare!" Then he gives himself a shake, his mohawk mane rustling and his vials clinking. "You must make amends for your deed, mare of grey. I will see you again, now go on your way!"

A soft light seems to hover along headed deeper into the woods.

Dusk smiles and waits for Tejene to lead the way while Dusk goes and stands besides Mirage, Cye helping support Maria at the moment since Dusk set her down to go tend to the zebra. He's about to ask Chance about that when Mirage comes to her realization. Dusk raises his head, giving it tilt. "That.. could certainly be possible." But he sees Mirage's reaction to it. He listens to her explain it and Dusk adds in a few comments about the situation. "We were in a situation with dangerous things happening, and easy to react to something first. Lady Mirage wasn't being merely careless." But the zebra still admonishes her. Dusk offers her what comfort he can. And rather than bring it up now, he just offers to carry Maria again, so she won't have to hobble back. But she seems interested in actually walking for now, if not in danger or a rush, looking over to Cye who gives her a nuzzling.

Mirage seems to wilt under Tejene's stern gaze. "I, uhm, I panicked," she manages, her head and ears drooped down while her tail tucks to her hind legs. And then Tejene is walking away. Mirage blinks, having expected more, but then remembers Tejene said he would see her again. She sighs, not looking to anypony as she gets ready to follow along sadly.

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Chance brow furrows in thought for a few moments. "Ah, that.. makes sense, I suppose. Though I've not seen any muffins around here." He looks slightly confused, but goes with it. He gets his saddlebag back on. "Let's get home." he tells the others, and starts heading out. He does hang back a bit and gives Mirage a light smile. "We've all had a bit of a crazy night. It's almost over, and no pony got badly hurt. We were able to save Cye and Maria." he adds, glancing to the two pegasii.

A large yellow leaf flutters to the ground slowly, rustling gently as it falls.

Dusk feels bad for Mirage, as he knows it wasn't anything she meant. He still gives her a soft little nuzzle, even if she doesn't want to look, letting her know he thinks no less of her, and still loves her. He grins at Chance, "I have seen one or two about in these parts, Mr. Chance." Not that he can quite explain them just yet. Maria and Cye smile at the comment from Chance, and express once more their gratitude to everypony that has helped. Dusk lets Tejene take the lead and show us the best route out, passing through some of the nearby burnt land before reaching more vibrant paths, lit by Mirage's glow. Dusk still keeps rather alert, not wanting any last minute problems.

Thu Oct 4 05:00:41 BST 2012

Mirage looks up briefly and gives Chance a little smile. "Thank you," she says softly, though it's obvious she feels very bad about what happened. But Chances smile does perk her up a bit. And Dusk's nuzzling helps quite a bit, too. She falls in behind the little herd, following along with her head down and a troubled expression on her face.

A soft slithering sound quietly comes from the shrubs just ahead and to the side.

Chance keeps careful watch, attentive for anything else that might occur in these forests at night. It's not too long a walk to the clearing, but it seems longer then it actually is.

For once things go rather smoothly. There's a cry of the roc, sounding its normal self, somewhere in the distance. But seeing the edge of the forest before us makes it seem almost distant and less frightening. Dusk walks right with Mirage, keeping her company as he keeps an eye out too. But instead of taking us back towards Ponyville, Tejene leads the small heard to a camp he has established not far off, providing a place of comfort, warmth, and shelter for the remainder of the night.

A soft light seems to hover along headed deeper into the woods.

Mirage is still drooping but follows along and not meeting anypony's gaze. She blinks, though, as the little herd comes to a stop, and frowns when she realizes there's no intention of trying to get back to Ponyville. At least not for tonight. She swishes her tail for a moment, then looks to Cye and Maria. "Yes, she needs medical attention sooner than later," she says almost to herself. Then she waits patiently for Tejene make arrangements.

Thu Oct 4 05:40:41 BST 2012


(To be continued...)

[Dusk]

[Note: {}s are edits as per OOC corrections.]

(...continuing.)


Fri Oct 5 02:55:29 BST 2012

It's a long walk from the burn site. The zebra takes note of the {dark night} and sticks to the trails rather than cutting straight through the danger zones of the forest. Tejene, at least, seems to know right where he's going. "Come" he states flatly, "we all here are too tired and damp. There will be safety and warmth back this way at my camp." Other than that, not another word from the zebra beside motions to stay away from this or that and steer the group around more dangerous flora. Slowly the creeping chill of the Everfree begins to fade as the group comes upon the far edge where it thins into the friendlier area called Whitetail. There, nestled into a small clearing is a campsite. Perched upon the fence is an... enormous bird. Half the size of a condor, mostly black and white with a gray-skinned head. It's a zebrican buzzard, leering out sharp-eyed at the forest as the group approaches. Tejene says something in his native tongue and the buzzard buzzes greetingly, then lifts off and goes to perch atop a tent. The zebra opens the gate to allow the group into the camp proper.

Chance follows along with the rest of the group, and nods politely to Tejene as he lets them all in. "Thank you." he states, and trots on over to an empty area, settling to his rump. He takes out his harmonica and inspects it, now that everypony is safe.

Dusk hears Mirage comment and nods as he sees as heading towards a camp rather than town. "I would agree with that too.." giving a glance over to the accompanying pegasi. As we walk into the camp Dusk smiles, looking the rather quaint settlement over. He seems to like it. And he notices the huge buzzing buzzard, "Now there's an avian not seen much around these parts." He nods to Tejene in thanks as well as he lets us in, stepping asside and waiting for Mirage and the rest..

Mirage follows along as well, feeling nervous and scared and angry with herself during the long walk. She's startled a few times as Tejene leads the little herd, but although nothing leaps out at the ponies, Mirage doesn't begin to calm until we reach the edge of the Everfree Forest. She blinks, looking for Ponyville, then sees the friendlier woods ahead, and then Tejene's camp. She gives a grateful 'thank you' to Tejene as he invites everypony in. Then she checks Cye Clone and Maria to see if they need anything.

Tejene seems to visibly relax once everypony piles into the safety of his camp. He directs the two injuried ponies to rest in a heap of soft, loose hay a short distance from his fire ring. He circles the camp, lighting his torches as the {the night grows late} and then puts spark to a pre-made teepee-style fire in the ring. Controlled flames lick up from dry tinder in short order. Finally, he speaks again. "He is an old friend of mine who came as my traveling companion from the homeland. I have been told one of the local ponies should like to meet him, given the opportunity. When the water heats I will brew some vitali-tea for the injured. I am a spirit speaker, not a medic, but I should be able to help some." That's right, he isn't rhyming. He's at home. It's a tribal thing.

Chance carefully cleans his harmonica with a cloth he takes out of his pack, holding the wireframe in his teeth while carefully cleaning with a hoof. He checks the harmonica again, letting Tejene and the others take care of the hurt pegasii, as he'd just be in the way. He blows a few test notes, then starts in with a slow, soft song, with a slow, soft pace. His control with the instrument is heard in the smooth tones that flow out, with the 'tinny' quality of them reduced (though not removed. It is a harmonica, after all, though modified and played expertly). It's a gentle, sad sort of song, the notes feeling like they're longing for something more, but never reaching it.

Dusk looks over to Mirage as he wants for her to come in, seeing how she's holding up. "It's nice to be in a regular camp, and out of the Everfree too." He watches Cye and Maria gratefully take the offered area as Tejene lights up the remainder of the camp while speaking without rhyme, though Dusk takes it in stride, "Yes that should be fine, and some rest I think will help. It will be easier to reach town by daylight too, where we can get full treatment." Cye and Maria are very much more at ease now that out of the forest too, though would love to be back in town even more. He finds a comfortable spot a comfortable distance from the fire and asks Mirage to join him. His ears perk in Chance's direction though at the sound of the gentle music.

Mirage tilts an ear at Chance and his harmonica, and has to admit he plays much better than the farm ponies of Ponyville. And his selection is soothing and restful, which is very much appreciated by Mirage, at least. She helps Cye clean some of Maria's cuts, and then together they apply some simple bandages. "I think we'll see a doctor as soon as we get to Ponyville," Cye says as he settles next to Maria. "I'm alright for now, although I don't think I can walk far on my own," Maria replies. Both look battered but they smile to each other as husband and wife do. Seeing that Tejene is preparing something for them, she gives Dusk a little nod, but goes over to Tejene first. "Can I help with anything?" she asks softly.

Fri Oct 5 03:55:29 BST 2012

Tejene also offers his medical supplies from the storage tent when Mirage asks. Though most of the herbs and salves would be unfamiliar to the common pony he points out what will be useful for each type of wound, etc. He moves a small metal kettle of water to hang deep inside the fire and heat quickly, then sets to grinding herbs and who-knows-what else with a mortar and pestle. He chants quietly while he works, and when the hot water from the kettle hits the ingredients in his bowl it turns a familiar shade of phosphorescent green. "The hour grows very late. If you wish I keep extra blankets for warmth when the harsh winter arrives, you may use them to rest until morning."

Chance perks his ears toward Tejene as he speaks, still playing his harmonica. He trails off carefully onto an ending note as the zebra offers blankets. "I have no need of blankets. Please give them to another who needs them. Though I thank you." He continues on with the music, giving a soothing ambiance to the lantern-splashed darkness.

Dusk offers any assistance if needed, but Mirage and Tejene seem to have things well in hoof. He watches things get settled, taking an offered blanket not for cover but making a comfortable spot on the ground big enough for two. He smiles, listening to Chance's sad by wonderfully played music. "Wonderful work with the mouth organ, Mr. Chance."

Mirage gives a soft smile to Tejene. "Thank you, sir, that's very kind of you," she replies. She looks in wonder as the brew he makes takes on a glow of it's own. She carefully puts away the unused supplies Tejene provided, and seeing that Cye, Maria and Tejene don't need her help anymore, she walks slowly to sit by Dusk. She looks out over at the fence, with it's painted masks and torches seeming to acts as guards around the camp.

"A Roc," Tejene starts with a bit of a shake of his head. "I didn not realize they came out as far as these lands." The fence and it's wards do seem to have an odd effect regarding the Everfree side of the fence. The forest comes right up to it, but does not intrude. Creatures which would normally stroll freely between the forests simply bypass the camp entirely. Magic afoot, surely. One of the hens takes particular interest in Chance's harmonica, birds and shiny things after all, and is quite insistent upon getting a very close look at it whenever possible. Another couple sneak onto an unoccupied portion of blanket and settle in to roost alongside the ponies there. The zebra, however, has things to attend to. Mixing this and that in a bowl. It smells odd, and at one point releases a steam which coalesces into a moaning spirit which promptly escapes back into the forest.

Chance peers a bit at the hens, finishing up with the music. He doesn't need peck marks on his harmonica. He smiles a bit to Dusk as he puts his harmonica away, trying to wave away the curious hens with a hoof. "Just a little something I learned from the early days of the western towns."

Dusk grins at the behavior of the various chickens, but they seem rather nice all the same. He quite curious and impressed with Tejene's work. He's seen other zebras in his travels, but Tejene seems more skilled than the average. He glances over and nods to Chance, "Very nice. And clearly well practiced." Dusk makes things as comfy as can, and smiles as Mirage eventually makes her way over. Though he notes her slowness and general seeming demeanor. "Are you okay, my love?" He looks to her with car and warmth from where he is settled on the blankets.

Fri Oct 5 04:55:29 BST 2012

Mirage gives a little nod to Dusk. "It's just been... a busy day," she replies with a weak smile. She quitely listens to the others talk and is just beginning to relax a bit. For some reason, the little fence around the camp made her feel much safer than it should have, though she really doesn't notice a reason why and just assumes it to be her own tiredness getting to her. But when one of Tejene's mixtures releases a groaning spirit, her eyes go wide as she watches beady-eyed as the thing escapes into the Everfree Forest. She finds herself sinking down at Dusk's side, ending up almost hiding behind the larger stallion. All Tejene or the others can make of her is the top of her mane and her eyes peering just over Dusk's back.

Nopony can hide from chickens. Nopony! The one hen bothering Chase flutters back with a light clucking, but comes right back up and perches on his pack instead. Tejene simply watches the spirit flee. "Ah, good. Now that the spirit has been sent free I am safe to finish." He hums a little, fetching some clean flasks and setting his dirty ones to be washed later. "You must be careful, only bottle spirits which you brew. Bottled spirits of wild become very angry and a danger to you." Yeah, a little rhyme anyway out of habit. He's a bit preoccupied anyway. There's a curious 'bawk?' from a hen behind the blanket, and the bird decides Mirage to be a good place to sit. Which it does, right on the pony's back, and fluffs up with the intent to settle in.

Chance turns his head back to glance at the seated hen, and snorts lightly. "Get off of that.." he says, attempting to bat at the hen lightly with his horn. "That's not a good place for a chicken to sit."

Dusk hmmms and nods, but gives a gentle smile back to Mirage as she offers hers. "Well a peaceful, pleasant night's sleep should do us all some good, I'm sure." He leaves a nice spot for her to settle in against him, reaching his magic out to gently touch hers, unnoticed to the others, perhaps sharing his sense of calm and ease. He grins as the chicken flutters in and watches Mirage's reaction too. He can't help chuckling at Chance's attempt. "It seems we have some new friends." Cye and Maria seem to be already bundled up together and perhaps even drifting off to sleep too. He glances back to the zebra, "Restocking your supplies, Mr. Tejene?"

Mirage doesn't really understand what Tejene is saying about spirits and bottling, but she nods lightly anyway as she shivers and wonders what else he has bottled up. She hasn't really been paying attention to the chickens. They're cute, of course and make a wonderful little clucking sound, but she's much too nervous to enjoy them. Even the touch of Dusk's magic doesn't seem to calm her, or at least not right away. But she does understand his intent and closes her eyes, taking in a deep relaxing breath and holds it for a few moments.... and then something with little prickly claws lands on her back! Mirage literally jumps about three feet straight up in shock! The chicken enjoys the ride up, and then calmly spreads her wings to glide back so a quieter place, like the pony with the shiney music box. Mirage lands with a thud, shaking as she realizes it was just one of the cute chickens. She just droops her head down. "Uhm, sorry, everypony," she offers softly, then lays down to hide behind Dusk.

"What does not spoil I tend to keep prepared in advance. You never know when these things will come in handy." He gently tips the liquid from the bowl directly into several flasks without spilling so much as a drop. It smells about how that elixir he used on himself early must have tasted. Tejene doesn't even flinch when Mirage gets airborne. He does however sigh, and glances around at the scattered flock of curious chickens which are slowly closing in on the settled ponies. There's a statement made flatly in Zebrican and the birds (begrudgingly) flock together and go off to their roost. "Apologies. They feel safer around ponies because we protect them, but sometimes they intrude." Then, finally, the zebra does something horribly stereotypical. Once the night's chores are done he rolls out a good sized Djembe and a shield. He sits on the shield, and begins warming up on his instrument.

Chance blinks lightly as yet another chicken decides to make him a perching post. "Oh, come on. What am I, a chicken bed?" But at the statement from Tejene they scatter. He glances to the zebra as he explains about the chicken's behavior, and nods lightly. Perking his ears toward the sound of the hoof-drums, he gives a light grin and takes out his harmonica again. He focuses on the low notes, giving each a firm beat, matching that of the Djembe, skipping around notes in an unusual style to keep time and rythm with Tejene. He falls quickly into a pattern which fits the beating drums instead of interfers with them.

Fri Oct 5 05:55:29 BST 2012

Dusk offers his comfort to Mirage all the same. But when she reacts so strongly in surprise at the chicken, with his magic in touch with hers, it nearly makes him react likewise, having to catch himself, then breaks into a chuckle.. though not meaning to make it seem like he's laughing at her. "Sorry, my dear." He slips an actual hoof over her, and cuddles her close, looking ready to settle in too. When she's near him what chill there is does seem to go away, more than just the warmth of his body. Dusk nods to Tejene, "It's smart to be prepared, yes. And the chickens are fine. I think the forest just has ponies on edge." Dusk is looking to Mirage caringly. Though as music rises once more in the night, Dusk lifts his head to look at Chance and Tejene, giving his head a little bob as he listens.

Mirage only wants to slink away at this point. But Dusk's look and caring touch make her settle down again. "Maybe I should just try to get some rest," she says softly to Dusk. She huddles against him and closes her eyes. After a few moments, her horn begins to shimmer ever so softly with pretty seagreen magic and Mirage slowly begins to relax in earnest.

[ Mirage has disconnected. ]
Fri Oct 5 06:03:25 BST 2012

It may be of note that Tejene has faced himself due east to begin drumming. He nods silently at the remarks and settles into a rythm. He combines low bass with sharp raps on the side of his drum with a hoof and motions eastward with his nose. "The hour has gone from late to early and the time is near." With his next remark, it becomes readily apparent that the zebra is well and fully not from Equestria at all. "Sing as I do, and together we shall call the sun to rise over the horizon." Apparently in his world there is no alicorn to raise the day. He moves into a steady, rolling rythm and begins calling softly. His voice levels out in a medium tenor and the chant begins.

Chance drifts off his own musical beat when Tejene goes into his 'sun raising' chant, and puts away his harmonica. No need to ruin the zebra's custom. He smiles lightly, seeing how unfamiliar the zebra is with the sun raising in this region, but in a way, he relates.

Dusk nods over to Mirage, "Yes some rest would be great. It is so very late, and such a long night we've had." He smiles some as Mirage does finally settle and even manages to ease off to sleep, noticing the glow of her horn. After a while though the music changes, and Tejene goes into his chant. Dusk thinks to mention to him about Celestia, but keeps himself from interrupting the chant. He doesn't expect it to cause any harm or such, so listens carefully instead as well.

By gosh, the sun does start to rise too. Regardless of why, Tejene's song culminates with the first rays of the sun peeking over the horizon. After a bit longer, as the morning rays begin to cut through the trees he slowly quiets his voice and finishes his song with a small tribal solo. His task of the morning complete, he puts away the drum and shield. Looking around, he takes notice of the two wounded ponies sleeping, as well as Mirage. He smiles, gets to his hooves, and stretches. "We will rest, then, until the sun breaks the height of the trees and awakens the rest of the land. We can bring your friends to Ponyville when they awake."

Chance glances up at the brightening sky, then lays his head down, closing his eyes. "It's sure to be a far better day then yesterday." he mentions, relaxing for at least a short rest.

Dusk listens and watches, and sees the crack of dawn, the counter to his namesake, and signal for this pony to rest. "A wonderful job, Mr. Tejene. Do remind me to tell you about Princess Celestia when we have a chance." He smiles, nodding to Chance and to Tejene. "That all sounds wonderful to me as well. Pleasant dreams to you all." He lays his head down, keeping Mirage close with a hoof gently over her and starts to rest, and will be off to sleep before long.

Fri Oct 5 06:55:29 BST 2012

Tejene stretches some, himself, having put everything away. He circles the camp snuffing torches. The guineafowl calm in their roost and the campfire has burned down to just a few embers radiating just enough warmth to keep away the morning dew. "Ah yes, this name I have heard. Your benevolent Princess. I have gifts for her, and intend to travel to her palace very soon to bring good tidings from my homeland."

Fri Oct 5 07:15:29 BST 2012


(To be continued...)