File: 1383415567359.jpg (93.73 KB, 1191x670, Luna.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
>Last time on Luna Quest
>After a short conversation with Lucent, she takes you to the throne room to meet up with Luna, Celestia, and the Elements of Harmony
>The Elements of Harmony turn out to be a small group of ponies
>You go to inspect the crater, but side with Celestia about Luna not coming with you
>At the crater, you discover that it's actually a portal in the shape and likeness of a moon mirroring the current moon in the sky
>Time presses you forward as Tiamat continues to force her way out of Tartarus and there's nothing you can do about th eportal until morning
>Hopping on Thorn's back with Gold Heart, you set off for the Badlands with everyone
Current Affection Levels
Luna - New Friends
Lucent - Upper-Low
Gold Heart - Mid-Low
Celestia - Low
You and Gold Heart are flying through the night on the back of her dragon companion, Thorn. The wind rushes past the both of you, but it's rather warm out tonight and the gusts are refreshing. Gold Heart is napping comfortably and around you are the gather forces from the Castle. Luna and Celestia lead the way and you can spot Lucent pulling a chariot with Baron as one of the passengers.
Choice time
Talk to Luna
Talk to Lucent
Talk to Gold Heart
Talk to Celestia
>After a short conversation with Lucent, she takes you to the throne room to meet up with Luna, Celestia, and the Elements of Harmony
>The Elements of Harmony turn out to be a small group of ponies
>You go to inspect the crater, but side with Celestia about Luna not coming with you
>At the crater, you discover that it's actually a portal in the shape and likeness of a moon mirroring the current moon in the sky
>Time presses you forward as Tiamat continues to force her way out of Tartarus and there's nothing you can do about th eportal until morning
>Hopping on Thorn's back with Gold Heart, you set off for the Badlands with everyone
Current Affection Levels
Luna - New Friends
Lucent - Upper-Low
Gold Heart - Mid-Low
Celestia - Low
You and Gold Heart are flying through the night on the back of her dragon companion, Thorn. The wind rushes past the both of you, but it's rather warm out tonight and the gusts are refreshing. Gold Heart is napping comfortably and around you are the gather forces from the Castle. Luna and Celestia lead the way and you can spot Lucent pulling a chariot with Baron as one of the passengers.
Choice time
Talk to Luna
Talk to Lucent
Talk to Gold Heart
Talk to Celestia
>>500761
You've been meaning to talk to Luna again since the two of you parted back in the throne room. The portal you almost died jumping through was in the shape of a moon. Luna might know something about it that you weren't able to figure out on your own. Carefully making your way past the sleeping Gold Heart, closer to Thorn's head, you shout over the winds and ask him if he can pull closer to Princess Luna. Thorn nods and a shift in speed causes you to stagger back for a moment. You regain your footing and steady yourself as Thorn pulls up alongside Luna's left.
"Hey," you wave to her. "Thought I'd ask you a bit about the portal."
"I assumed you would," Luna responds, keeping her eyes on the horizon. "When my sister told me what had happened at the crater, I was quite intrigued. What was it you wanted to ask me?"
You've been meaning to talk to Luna again since the two of you parted back in the throne room. The portal you almost died jumping through was in the shape of a moon. Luna might know something about it that you weren't able to figure out on your own. Carefully making your way past the sleeping Gold Heart, closer to Thorn's head, you shout over the winds and ask him if he can pull closer to Princess Luna. Thorn nods and a shift in speed causes you to stagger back for a moment. You regain your footing and steady yourself as Thorn pulls up alongside Luna's left.
"Hey," you wave to her. "Thought I'd ask you a bit about the portal."
"I assumed you would," Luna responds, keeping her eyes on the horizon. "When my sister told me what had happened at the crater, I was quite intrigued. What was it you wanted to ask me?"
>>500765
"I figured that since it looked like the inverse of the moon, you are probably the perso- er, pony that most likely heard something about it before. Any idea where it leads, why it is unlocked by the key in combination with moonlight or why it even exists?"
"From what I understand," she says, "all portals lead somewhere. You have seen with your own eyes that the portal took you into space. However, whether that space was in our world or in yours must be left to conjecture until our return. The portal was made upon your entry. There is a chance it may also be your way home, but there seems to be something wrong with the way it works. There is a deterrent to magic on the portal, yet the portal itself appears to be magical. In my experience, all spells have an explanation of their workings no matter how simple, we are just missing the instructions."
Luna makes a good point. Right now your just operating a possible trans-dimensional portal without a manual and it's nearly gotten you killed once already. Maybe with some more trial and error you'd be able to figure out what you need to do, but taking down Tiamat seems more important at the moment. This portal and Tiamat are both older than Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. There's still a chance Tiamat might have all your answers. She might have the instructions you need.
"I figured that since it looked like the inverse of the moon, you are probably the perso- er, pony that most likely heard something about it before. Any idea where it leads, why it is unlocked by the key in combination with moonlight or why it even exists?"
"From what I understand," she says, "all portals lead somewhere. You have seen with your own eyes that the portal took you into space. However, whether that space was in our world or in yours must be left to conjecture until our return. The portal was made upon your entry. There is a chance it may also be your way home, but there seems to be something wrong with the way it works. There is a deterrent to magic on the portal, yet the portal itself appears to be magical. In my experience, all spells have an explanation of their workings no matter how simple, we are just missing the instructions."
Luna makes a good point. Right now your just operating a possible trans-dimensional portal without a manual and it's nearly gotten you killed once already. Maybe with some more trial and error you'd be able to figure out what you need to do, but taking down Tiamat seems more important at the moment. This portal and Tiamat are both older than Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. There's still a chance Tiamat might have all your answers. She might have the instructions you need.
>>500766
So, how does the battle plan against Tiamat look for now? I guess I missed most of the preparations due to the fighting training and investigation of the portal.
I also kinda want to ask her if she's mad at us for chosing Celestia over her when it came to inspecting the crater a second time, she seemed kinda cold
So, how does the battle plan against Tiamat look for now? I guess I missed most of the preparations due to the fighting training and investigation of the portal.
I also kinda want to ask her if she's mad at us for chosing Celestia over her when it came to inspecting the crater a second time, she seemed kinda cold
>>500769
"So, how does the battle plan against Tiamat look for now? I guess I missed most of the preparations due to the fighting training and investigation of the portal."
"Our current plan is to travel to the Dragon Empire far to the south," Princess Luna informs you. "With our forces and the forces of the other dragons who do not wish to see Tiamat's return to power, we will reforge Tiamat's chains and restrain her before any havoc can be wrought upon the land. The entrance to Tartarus is in the Dragon Empire. They are the guardians of Tartarus. It is for this reason we require Gold Heart to ensure relations between us do not go awry."
Luna's eyes become downcast for a moment.
"I am concerned, however," she says.
"About what?"
"The spell required to forge the Chains of Harmony is not a simple one," Luna explains. "It will take at least three days and drain my sister and I of almost all our power. Tiamat is one of the strongest foes we have ever faced. It was not easy to defeat her during our first encounter. I can assure you, she will not make this encounter any easier."
>>500769
>I also kinda want to ask her if she's mad at us for chosing Celestia over her when it came to inspecting the crater a second time, she seemed kinda cold
"You seem distraught," Luna notes. "Does our situation worry you as well?"
"So, how does the battle plan against Tiamat look for now? I guess I missed most of the preparations due to the fighting training and investigation of the portal."
"Our current plan is to travel to the Dragon Empire far to the south," Princess Luna informs you. "With our forces and the forces of the other dragons who do not wish to see Tiamat's return to power, we will reforge Tiamat's chains and restrain her before any havoc can be wrought upon the land. The entrance to Tartarus is in the Dragon Empire. They are the guardians of Tartarus. It is for this reason we require Gold Heart to ensure relations between us do not go awry."
Luna's eyes become downcast for a moment.
"I am concerned, however," she says.
"About what?"
"The spell required to forge the Chains of Harmony is not a simple one," Luna explains. "It will take at least three days and drain my sister and I of almost all our power. Tiamat is one of the strongest foes we have ever faced. It was not easy to defeat her during our first encounter. I can assure you, she will not make this encounter any easier."
>>500769
>I also kinda want to ask her if she's mad at us for chosing Celestia over her when it came to inspecting the crater a second time, she seemed kinda cold
"You seem distraught," Luna notes. "Does our situation worry you as well?"
>>500771
>>500772
"Oh, nothing…it's just that you seemed a little upset from not going to the crater yesterday. Kinda worried that you're still mad at me. You seemed kinda distant when I asked Celestia to investigate the crater with me…"
Luna stifles a giggle behind her hoof.
"I am sorry if you felt that way," Princess Luna says. "I was not upset with you. It is true that I was disappointed I could not go and investigate the crater, but the fault does not lie with you. My duties as a princess are what kept me from going with you. Whether you had insisted I accompany you or not, the task of organizing the night guard for the journey was still left to done. My cold demeanor was a facade meant to encourage the troops not to be afraid of our enemy. You have my sincerest apologies for experiencing it first hoof."
She turns to you for a moment, a soft smile upon her face, and says "It is rather kind of you that you value our friendship so dearly. Thank you."
>>500772
"Oh, nothing…it's just that you seemed a little upset from not going to the crater yesterday. Kinda worried that you're still mad at me. You seemed kinda distant when I asked Celestia to investigate the crater with me…"
Luna stifles a giggle behind her hoof.
"I am sorry if you felt that way," Princess Luna says. "I was not upset with you. It is true that I was disappointed I could not go and investigate the crater, but the fault does not lie with you. My duties as a princess are what kept me from going with you. Whether you had insisted I accompany you or not, the task of organizing the night guard for the journey was still left to done. My cold demeanor was a facade meant to encourage the troops not to be afraid of our enemy. You have my sincerest apologies for experiencing it first hoof."
She turns to you for a moment, a soft smile upon her face, and says "It is rather kind of you that you value our friendship so dearly. Thank you."
>>500775
"Well, who would want to disappoint someone as graceful as the Princess of the Night?"
"Thank you again," she says, turning her attention back towards the horizon, "but even I have had my share of ungraceful moments, or have you forgotten when I was bound and captured during our fight?"
"Well, who would want to disappoint someone as graceful as the Princess of the Night?"
"Thank you again," she says, turning her attention back towards the horizon, "but even I have had my share of ungraceful moments, or have you forgotten when I was bound and captured during our fight?"
>>500778
"How could I? The look on your face was too amusing"
"Yes," she smirks. "I am sure you will find it just as amusing when you are the one being bound. Speaking of which, I hope we can continue your training in the future. Now that I know how crafty you can be, I will be sure to be on my guard during our next duel."
"How could I? The look on your face was too amusing"
"Yes," she smirks. "I am sure you will find it just as amusing when you are the one being bound. Speaking of which, I hope we can continue your training in the future. Now that I know how crafty you can be, I will be sure to be on my guard during our next duel."
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>>500779
Feel free to visit my dreams any time you want, I sure would enjoy a rematch.
I wont make any promises that it won't end with you falling right into my arms again though.
>Luna is looking forward to tie us up
Before we arrive at the dragons domicile, is there anything I should know about them? Like certain things I should avoid if I don't want to offend them?
Feel free to visit my dreams any time you want, I sure would enjoy a rematch.
I wont make any promises that it won't end with you falling right into my arms again though.
>Luna is looking forward to tie us up
Before we arrive at the dragons domicile, is there anything I should know about them? Like certain things I should avoid if I don't want to offend them?
>>500781
"Feel free to visit my dreams any time you want, I sure would enjoy a rematch. I wont make any promises that it won't end with you falling right into my arms again though."
"It would be unwise to underestimate me," she cautions.
>>500780
"Heh. Are you trying to imply that it'll be harder getting you than last time?"
"My dear friend, I am stating fact," Luna assures you.
>>500781
"Before we arrive at the dragons domicile, is there anything I should know about them? Like certain things I should avoid if I don't want to offend them?"
"It has been some time since I have dealt with dragon kind," Luna informs you. "Gold Heart may be better suited to answer those questions. She has lived with dragons her entire life. My knowledge on dragon etiquette is rather limited and I do not know how much things have changed over the millenium I was imprisoned. One of the other ponies may also be able to help you."
Choice Time
Talk to Gold Heart
Talk to Lucent
Talk to Celestia
"Feel free to visit my dreams any time you want, I sure would enjoy a rematch. I wont make any promises that it won't end with you falling right into my arms again though."
"It would be unwise to underestimate me," she cautions.
>>500780
"Heh. Are you trying to imply that it'll be harder getting you than last time?"
"My dear friend, I am stating fact," Luna assures you.
>>500781
"Before we arrive at the dragons domicile, is there anything I should know about them? Like certain things I should avoid if I don't want to offend them?"
"It has been some time since I have dealt with dragon kind," Luna informs you. "Gold Heart may be better suited to answer those questions. She has lived with dragons her entire life. My knowledge on dragon etiquette is rather limited and I do not know how much things have changed over the millenium I was imprisoned. One of the other ponies may also be able to help you."
Choice Time
Talk to Gold Heart
Talk to Lucent
Talk to Celestia
>>500783
You thank Luna for her advice and ask Thorn if he can bring you over to Celestia now. He nods and falls behind the two princesses, bringing you back up again on Celestia's right. She looks rather tired and it seems like just the flight alone is wearing her do0wn faster than it should.
You thank Luna for her advice and ask Thorn if he can bring you over to Celestia now. He nods and falls behind the two princesses, bringing you back up again on Celestia's right. She looks rather tired and it seems like just the flight alone is wearing her do0wn faster than it should.
>>500784
"Hey Celestia, I just wanted to thank you again for savin-
Everything okay with you? You look like you'll drop like a ripe fruit any second - I hope it isn't due to my stupid misadventure in the crater."
Maybe we can ask Thorn if he'd be okay with letting her ride on his back so she can rest a bit. She will need all her strength for casting the Chains of Harmony.
"Hey Celestia, I just wanted to thank you again for savin-
Everything okay with you? You look like you'll drop like a ripe fruit any second - I hope it isn't due to my stupid misadventure in the crater."
Maybe we can ask Thorn if he'd be okay with letting her ride on his back so she can rest a bit. She will need all her strength for casting the Chains of Harmony.
>>500785
>>500786
"Hey Celestia, I just wanted to thank you again for savin- Everything okay with you? You look like you'll drop like a ripe fruit any second - I hope it isn't due to my stupid misadventure in the crater."
"I'm fine," she says, "but thanks for asking. Forging the Chains of Harmony requires that Luna and I both be awake in order for the spell to work, so I chose to stay up and sleep in the morning after I brought out the sun."
"Are you sure you don't want to rest on Thorn for a bit?"
"The conversation's enough to keep me awake," she smiles at you. "That's one of the reasons I chose to fly to the Badlands. If I'd taken a chariot I'd be fast asleep right now. Luna was kind enough to fly with me and keep me company. What brings you over to my part of the sky?"
>>500786
"Hey Celestia, I just wanted to thank you again for savin- Everything okay with you? You look like you'll drop like a ripe fruit any second - I hope it isn't due to my stupid misadventure in the crater."
"I'm fine," she says, "but thanks for asking. Forging the Chains of Harmony requires that Luna and I both be awake in order for the spell to work, so I chose to stay up and sleep in the morning after I brought out the sun."
"Are you sure you don't want to rest on Thorn for a bit?"
"The conversation's enough to keep me awake," she smiles at you. "That's one of the reasons I chose to fly to the Badlands. If I'd taken a chariot I'd be fast asleep right now. Luna was kind enough to fly with me and keep me company. What brings you over to my part of the sky?"
>>500789
"Without wanting to wake Gold Heart, I'd decided to ask you a bit about dragon society, or rather what I shouldn't do to avoid angering them somehow. Is there anything stand-out you can think of that I should avoid doing?"
"Yes, actually," she says. "Your average dragon won't abide by any of these rules, but among the dragon royalty, the most important rule is to never speak unless you are spoken to. The dragons are a very proud race and they don't take kindly to those that haven't already been established as worthy by themselves or their peers, sometimes both. You may not be a pony, but to them, you're still rather small. They won't go easy on you if you forget your place."
"Without wanting to wake Gold Heart, I'd decided to ask you a bit about dragon society, or rather what I shouldn't do to avoid angering them somehow. Is there anything stand-out you can think of that I should avoid doing?"
"Yes, actually," she says. "Your average dragon won't abide by any of these rules, but among the dragon royalty, the most important rule is to never speak unless you are spoken to. The dragons are a very proud race and they don't take kindly to those that haven't already been established as worthy by themselves or their peers, sometimes both. You may not be a pony, but to them, you're still rather small. They won't go easy on you if you forget your place."
>>500792
"That's good to know - I might be able to handle one or two ponies but I don't think I'd stand a chance against a dragon. Though I'd assume you, Gold Heart and your sister will do most of the talking anyway."
"Yes," Celestia nods, "however,if you wish to join us in the proceedings, I wouldn't object. Just remember to remain silent. If you have any questions, you can ask Luna, Gold Heart, or myself so long as you do so with subtlety. And just in case, you should now that if a dragon challenges you, you're better off accepting the challenge than trying to run away. Declining the challenge is the same as forfeiting your life to them. Accepting the challenge ensures your life will be spared should you lose. Some dragons are stubborn and will challenge each other again and again for certain rights or positions of power. They see all the constant fighting as a chance to strengthen themselves,even if they've lost. Turning away means you've lost the will to fight, and if you've lost your will to fight, you've lost your will to live."
Celestia shakes her head for a moment.
"I apologize if I'm only giving you more to worry about," she says. "You're best bet if you come with us would be to stay close, but it would be safer if you stayed away. When the time comes, I'll leave that choice up to you."
"That's good to know - I might be able to handle one or two ponies but I don't think I'd stand a chance against a dragon. Though I'd assume you, Gold Heart and your sister will do most of the talking anyway."
"Yes," Celestia nods, "however,if you wish to join us in the proceedings, I wouldn't object. Just remember to remain silent. If you have any questions, you can ask Luna, Gold Heart, or myself so long as you do so with subtlety. And just in case, you should now that if a dragon challenges you, you're better off accepting the challenge than trying to run away. Declining the challenge is the same as forfeiting your life to them. Accepting the challenge ensures your life will be spared should you lose. Some dragons are stubborn and will challenge each other again and again for certain rights or positions of power. They see all the constant fighting as a chance to strengthen themselves,even if they've lost. Turning away means you've lost the will to fight, and if you've lost your will to fight, you've lost your will to live."
Celestia shakes her head for a moment.
"I apologize if I'm only giving you more to worry about," she says. "You're best bet if you come with us would be to stay close, but it would be safer if you stayed away. When the time comes, I'll leave that choice up to you."
>>500797
>>500798
"I'll keep that in mind and I'll probably save my questions until later. I'm glad I asked, that could have ended ugly."
"I'm sure you'll learn more about them the longer we're there," Celestia assures you. "They're quite nice once you get to know them. Just remember that not every dragon is willing to be so civil as Thorn."
"Yes," Thorn's deep voice rumbles from beneath you.
"There's something else I would like to discuss with you," Celestia adds, "but I would rather it wait until tomorrow when we can speak in private."
>>500798
"I'll keep that in mind and I'll probably save my questions until later. I'm glad I asked, that could have ended ugly."
"I'm sure you'll learn more about them the longer we're there," Celestia assures you. "They're quite nice once you get to know them. Just remember that not every dragon is willing to be so civil as Thorn."
"Yes," Thorn's deep voice rumbles from beneath you.
"There's something else I would like to discuss with you," Celestia adds, "but I would rather it wait until tomorrow when we can speak in private."
>>500800
>>500801
>>500802
"Okay. And uh…thanks again for the rescue back at the portal. I would have been space debris without you."
"I was surprised myself to see where we'd ended up," Celestia says with a smile. "I wasn't about to let you die out there either, but I could tell something was wrong when you slipped through the crater. Something about that portal doesn't feel right."
>>500801
>>500802
"Okay. And uh…thanks again for the rescue back at the portal. I would have been space debris without you."
"I was surprised myself to see where we'd ended up," Celestia says with a smile. "I wasn't about to let you die out there either, but I could tell something was wrong when you slipped through the crater. Something about that portal doesn't feel right."
>>500804
"Maybe we can use it as a last-resort-trap for Tiamat if the worst happens and my dreams come true."
"I hope it never comes to that," Celestia frowns. "If Tiamat descends upon breaks through Equestria and descends upon Canterlot, I will have failed to protect my country and its ponies. We may use the portal as a trap, but I don't know how much time it would buy us in the process."
>>500806
"Can dragons survive in the vacuum of space?
Because if it leads to my world, throwing her through the portal could cause more problems than it solves."
"Those with magic strong enough can," she informs you. "Tiamat is one of the few dragons who can use magic. Also, if she is as old as we assume and knows how to work the portal, there's nothing to stop her from returning. We must confine her before she reaches Equestria."
"Maybe we can use it as a last-resort-trap for Tiamat if the worst happens and my dreams come true."
"I hope it never comes to that," Celestia frowns. "If Tiamat descends upon breaks through Equestria and descends upon Canterlot, I will have failed to protect my country and its ponies. We may use the portal as a trap, but I don't know how much time it would buy us in the process."
>>500806
"Can dragons survive in the vacuum of space?
Because if it leads to my world, throwing her through the portal could cause more problems than it solves."
"Those with magic strong enough can," she informs you. "Tiamat is one of the few dragons who can use magic. Also, if she is as old as we assume and knows how to work the portal, there's nothing to stop her from returning. We must confine her before she reaches Equestria."
>>500812
"Let's hope we succeed in the first try then."
Celestia nods and says nothing more. She seems less tired now, but her face is strained with concern. You watch as Luna flies up next to her and nuzzles her sister for a moment. The two share a small smile together, and Luna returns to her spot.
Looking towards the horizon, you see a mountain range spread out across the landscape.
"We are almost there," Thorn's voice vibrates through your chest and Gold Heart squirms out of her curled position.
She stretches out across Thorn's back with a yawn, shakes out her hair against the breeze, and turns to you. Her face is stoic and she takes a seat next to you.
"Did you get enough rest back at the castle?" she asks.
"Let's hope we succeed in the first try then."
Celestia nods and says nothing more. She seems less tired now, but her face is strained with concern. You watch as Luna flies up next to her and nuzzles her sister for a moment. The two share a small smile together, and Luna returns to her spot.
Looking towards the horizon, you see a mountain range spread out across the landscape.
"We are almost there," Thorn's voice vibrates through your chest and Gold Heart squirms out of her curled position.
She stretches out across Thorn's back with a yawn, shakes out her hair against the breeze, and turns to you. Her face is stoic and she takes a seat next to you.
"Did you get enough rest back at the castle?" she asks.
>>500817
Yeah, I'm fine. I also don't think I'd be able to just fall asleep while on a Dragons back, I'd be too worried to fall off.
Hey, Thorn, could you do me a tiny favor?
Could you sneak up behind Lucent and give her a good blow of hot air? I still need to 'thank' her for that special extra she put into my meal when I first met her.
Yeah, I'm fine. I also don't think I'd be able to just fall asleep while on a Dragons back, I'd be too worried to fall off.
Hey, Thorn, could you do me a tiny favor?
Could you sneak up behind Lucent and give her a good blow of hot air? I still need to 'thank' her for that special extra she put into my meal when I first met her.
>>500819
"I believe so, yes."
"Good," she deadpans, "because you're training again in the morning."
>>500820
"I was talking to Celestia earlier about dragon customs and I was wondering if speaking when spoken to and not running from fights was all I needed to know."
"If you're smart," she raises an eyebrow. "Yes, but from what you've shown me staying away from dragons might be the smarter decision."
>>500823
"I also don't think I'd be able to just fall asleep while on a Dragons back, I'd be too worried to fall off."
Gold Heart smirks and says, "Thorn, if you would please?"
The instant she stops talk, Thorn veers left and flips himself upside down. You and Gold Heart are now falling through the air. Air rushes past the two of you, but Gold Heart is incredibly calm about the whole experience. You lookup, but Thorn is no longer there. In fact he's nowhere to be seen at all.
"I believe so, yes."
"Good," she deadpans, "because you're training again in the morning."
>>500820
"I was talking to Celestia earlier about dragon customs and I was wondering if speaking when spoken to and not running from fights was all I needed to know."
"If you're smart," she raises an eyebrow. "Yes, but from what you've shown me staying away from dragons might be the smarter decision."
>>500823
"I also don't think I'd be able to just fall asleep while on a Dragons back, I'd be too worried to fall off."
Gold Heart smirks and says, "Thorn, if you would please?"
The instant she stops talk, Thorn veers left and flips himself upside down. You and Gold Heart are now falling through the air. Air rushes past the two of you, but Gold Heart is incredibly calm about the whole experience. You lookup, but Thorn is no longer there. In fact he's nowhere to be seen at all.
>>500836
If Gold Heart isn't scared, there's no reason you should be either. You casually relax your limns and let yourself go into an open freefall towards the earth below. Gold Heart gives you a smile and raises an eyebrow. You say nothing and stare back with a smile of your own.
"You really are an idiot," she rolls her eyes. "You know that?"
Thorn glides down from below you and comes to an abrupt stop. The force of the fall takes the air from your lungs and sends a sharp pain shooting through your body. Clutching your sides, you roll over to see Gold Heart making her gentle descent onto Thorn as he adjusts his speed to hers. As she touches down on his back, Thorn flaps his wings, and the three of you are back up with the rest of the troops.
"Thank you Thorn," Gold Heart praises him.
If Gold Heart isn't scared, there's no reason you should be either. You casually relax your limns and let yourself go into an open freefall towards the earth below. Gold Heart gives you a smile and raises an eyebrow. You say nothing and stare back with a smile of your own.
"You really are an idiot," she rolls her eyes. "You know that?"
Thorn glides down from below you and comes to an abrupt stop. The force of the fall takes the air from your lungs and sends a sharp pain shooting through your body. Clutching your sides, you roll over to see Gold Heart making her gentle descent onto Thorn as he adjusts his speed to hers. As she touches down on his back, Thorn flaps his wings, and the three of you are back up with the rest of the troops.
"Thank you Thorn," Gold Heart praises him.
>>500854
"Ow….Goddammit…"
You manage to sit yourself up and wince as you face Gold Heart.
"Let's not do that again, yeah? I like being able to breathe."
"I just want you to know that you can trust Thorn," Gold Heart pauses for a moment, then continues. "And me. If you want to get through this ordeal without angering the dragons, you need to listen to what I tell you, understand?"
"Ow….Goddammit…"
You manage to sit yourself up and wince as you face Gold Heart.
"Let's not do that again, yeah? I like being able to breathe."
"I just want you to know that you can trust Thorn," Gold Heart pauses for a moment, then continues. "And me. If you want to get through this ordeal without angering the dragons, you need to listen to what I tell you, understand?"
>>500866
>>500869
"Don't worry, if the alternative is another free fall I'll choose to listen to you instead."
"Good," she nods. "I just want you to understand that there's a time for fun and a time for business. Though I will apologize for being too rough with you. I'm sorry."
The way she says it is more of an apology out of politeness than an actual apology.
"Now come here and let me take a look at you,"she stands up and motions for you to come before her. "I need to see the damage from the fall."
>>500869
"Don't worry, if the alternative is another free fall I'll choose to listen to you instead."
"Good," she nods. "I just want you to understand that there's a time for fun and a time for business. Though I will apologize for being too rough with you. I'm sorry."
The way she says it is more of an apology out of politeness than an actual apology.
"Now come here and let me take a look at you,"she stands up and motions for you to come before her. "I need to see the damage from the fall."
>>500873
>>500874
You shift your way over to her and she instructs you to take off your shirt. You do so and she begins the inspection. She wanders around you, looking for any signs of physical damage, and the gusts of wind around you whip her mane into your face. It's soft, thick, and warm as it runs across your bare skin. There's a faint fragrance of fresh earth and some unidentifiable flower. Her mane whips away again quickly as it came and takes the scent with it.
"Doesn't look like you've been hurt too badly," she ponders aloud. "Take a couple of deep breaths."
You find you can breathe just fine, and for a few moments, every inhale brings with it the smell of Gold Heart's mane.
"You seem fine to me," she says and instructs you to put your shirt back on. "We'll be landing soon."
>>500823
"Hey, Thorn, could you do me a tiny favor?"
The dragon looks back at you for a moment, awaiting your request.
"Could you sneak up behind Lucent and give her a good blow of hot air? I still need to 'thank' her for that special extra she put into my meal when I first met her."
"So petty revenge is what your after, eh?" Gold Heart smirks.
>>500874
You shift your way over to her and she instructs you to take off your shirt. You do so and she begins the inspection. She wanders around you, looking for any signs of physical damage, and the gusts of wind around you whip her mane into your face. It's soft, thick, and warm as it runs across your bare skin. There's a faint fragrance of fresh earth and some unidentifiable flower. Her mane whips away again quickly as it came and takes the scent with it.
"Doesn't look like you've been hurt too badly," she ponders aloud. "Take a couple of deep breaths."
You find you can breathe just fine, and for a few moments, every inhale brings with it the smell of Gold Heart's mane.
"You seem fine to me," she says and instructs you to put your shirt back on. "We'll be landing soon."
>>500823
"Hey, Thorn, could you do me a tiny favor?"
The dragon looks back at you for a moment, awaiting your request.
"Could you sneak up behind Lucent and give her a good blow of hot air? I still need to 'thank' her for that special extra she put into my meal when I first met her."
"So petty revenge is what your after, eh?" Gold Heart smirks.
>>500891
>>500893
"'Revenge' sounds nasty, lets just say I'm repaying a favor"
"Call it what you will," Gold Heart turns towards the mountains. "As long as no one gets hurt, you can do what you want."
Thorn flies further back among the troops and you guide him to where Lucent is. She's currently pulling a chariot, partnered by another pony with bat wings. Baron and another unicorn are their passengers. You could just aim for Lucent, but messing her up might mean a bumpy ride for the rest of them.
Choice Time
Prank Lucent
Don't Prank Lucent
>>500893
"'Revenge' sounds nasty, lets just say I'm repaying a favor"
"Call it what you will," Gold Heart turns towards the mountains. "As long as no one gets hurt, you can do what you want."
Thorn flies further back among the troops and you guide him to where Lucent is. She's currently pulling a chariot, partnered by another pony with bat wings. Baron and another unicorn are their passengers. You could just aim for Lucent, but messing her up might mean a bumpy ride for the rest of them.
Choice Time
Prank Lucent
Don't Prank Lucent
>>500905
>>500907
>>500910
"On second thought, I'll get her back later."
"Another good reason you should stay away from the dragons," Gold Heart says. "If you make a decision, you stick to it. A lot of the choices you make, you can't turn your back on. Facing each decision with the conviction that you've made the right choice is one of the many codes that dragons live by."
"Camp," Thorn speaks.
Looking ahead, you notice that Luna and Celestia have made their descent into the Badlands. Beneath you is an large expanse of desert that goes on for who knows how long. You can still see the mountains in the distance to your right, but everything else just looks like barren wasteland with a few small, rock formations. Thorn lands and you slide down off of his wing. The winds are still blowing, but it's cold. Much colder than it was when you were flying around.
"The dragons use this place as one of their migration areas," Gold Heart informs you as she slides off Thorn. "The migration has already occurred, however, so this place should be fine for us to use."
The rest of the troops fly down around you and begin making their own formation in front of you, Gold Heart, Thorn, and the princesses.
"We make camp here tonight," Gold Heart raises her voice over the crowd. "Get some rest now, because we had out at early tomorrow. Tiamat will not wait for us to arrive, and we can not afford to keep this particular lady waiting. Dismissed."
The troops scatter about gathering up supplies from various chariots and begin setting up tents. The Elements of Harmony approach the princesses and begin discussions for tomorrow's plans with Gold Heart and Thorn. Among the troops, you can see Lucent and Baron putting up tents.
Choice Time
Talk to Lucent and Baron
Stay with your current group
>>500907
>>500910
"On second thought, I'll get her back later."
"Another good reason you should stay away from the dragons," Gold Heart says. "If you make a decision, you stick to it. A lot of the choices you make, you can't turn your back on. Facing each decision with the conviction that you've made the right choice is one of the many codes that dragons live by."
"Camp," Thorn speaks.
Looking ahead, you notice that Luna and Celestia have made their descent into the Badlands. Beneath you is an large expanse of desert that goes on for who knows how long. You can still see the mountains in the distance to your right, but everything else just looks like barren wasteland with a few small, rock formations. Thorn lands and you slide down off of his wing. The winds are still blowing, but it's cold. Much colder than it was when you were flying around.
"The dragons use this place as one of their migration areas," Gold Heart informs you as she slides off Thorn. "The migration has already occurred, however, so this place should be fine for us to use."
The rest of the troops fly down around you and begin making their own formation in front of you, Gold Heart, Thorn, and the princesses.
"We make camp here tonight," Gold Heart raises her voice over the crowd. "Get some rest now, because we had out at early tomorrow. Tiamat will not wait for us to arrive, and we can not afford to keep this particular lady waiting. Dismissed."
The troops scatter about gathering up supplies from various chariots and begin setting up tents. The Elements of Harmony approach the princesses and begin discussions for tomorrow's plans with Gold Heart and Thorn. Among the troops, you can see Lucent and Baron putting up tents.
Choice Time
Talk to Lucent and Baron
Stay with your current group
>>500936
>>500938
You walk over to Lucent and Baron and give them a friendly hello. The two are currently putting up tents for everyone to sleep in and you offer to help.
"Thanks," Lucent grins and turns to Baron. "We've got this one. You should go and help some of those other ponies."
Baron finishes placing the rod in the center of the tent and a group of ponies come in to hammer down the edges. A hammer and stake magically float towards you and Baron motions for you to take them.
"It's not hard to pitch a tent," Baron tells you. "Just hammer the stake down securely and try not to break your hand in the process."
>>500938
You walk over to Lucent and Baron and give them a friendly hello. The two are currently putting up tents for everyone to sleep in and you offer to help.
"Thanks," Lucent grins and turns to Baron. "We've got this one. You should go and help some of those other ponies."
Baron finishes placing the rod in the center of the tent and a group of ponies come in to hammer down the edges. A hammer and stake magically float towards you and Baron motions for you to take them.
"It's not hard to pitch a tent," Baron tells you. "Just hammer the stake down securely and try not to break your hand in the process."
>>500956
>>500957
"Don't worry, I've been camping before."
"Hmph," Baron says as he walks away towards some of the other unfinished tents.
>>500958
"Want some alone time with Baron, heh?" you say as you kneel down and ready your hammer over the stake.
"Me and Baron are close," Lucent says, staking in the part of the tent next to you, "but we're not that close. What about you and Princess Luna? Don't think I didn't see you flirting with her on our way here."
Roll to hammer the stake
>>500957
"Don't worry, I've been camping before."
"Hmph," Baron says as he walks away towards some of the other unfinished tents.
>>500958
"Want some alone time with Baron, heh?" you say as you kneel down and ready your hammer over the stake.
"Me and Baron are close," Lucent says, staking in the part of the tent next to you, "but we're not that close. What about you and Princess Luna? Don't think I didn't see you flirting with her on our way here."
Roll to hammer the stake
>>500979
"I was just teasing but seeing how it seems to bother you I guess I hit a nerve," you say as you hammer the stake again. "Don't need to get defensive. I just noticed that you guys are almost always together"
It's down, but not all the way yet. Looks like one more strike should do it.
>>500980
"I don't think I've encountered anyone yet who you DON'T like."
"If you weren't hitting a nerve before, you are now," she says hammering her own stake again. "You've only know me for a total of two days and you just made it sound like I just throw myself at stallions."
Roll to hammer stake
"I was just teasing but seeing how it seems to bother you I guess I hit a nerve," you say as you hammer the stake again. "Don't need to get defensive. I just noticed that you guys are almost always together"
It's down, but not all the way yet. Looks like one more strike should do it.
>>500980
"I don't think I've encountered anyone yet who you DON'T like."
"If you weren't hitting a nerve before, you are now," she says hammering her own stake again. "You've only know me for a total of two days and you just made it sound like I just throw myself at stallions."
Roll to hammer stake
>>500992
"Not THAT kind of 'like'," you explain as you hammer in the stake for the final time. "The 'getting along' kind."
"Oh," she pauses and you see a shade of pink matching her mane blossom across her face. "I'm sorry. It's just the way you said it made it seem like I like Baron and…I'm sorry."
>>500995
"I meant you're good with people. There's probably very few who you won't tolerate."
"Well, yeah," she says, handing you another stake and moving down the tent. "It's called being nice. I don't judge people and hate them without ever getting to know them."
Lucent readies her hammer and secures her stake.
"I'm not gonna get along with every pony," she rolls her eyes, "but that doesn't mean you can't have some common decency, you know?"
"Not THAT kind of 'like'," you explain as you hammer in the stake for the final time. "The 'getting along' kind."
"Oh," she pauses and you see a shade of pink matching her mane blossom across her face. "I'm sorry. It's just the way you said it made it seem like I like Baron and…I'm sorry."
>>500995
"I meant you're good with people. There's probably very few who you won't tolerate."
"Well, yeah," she says, handing you another stake and moving down the tent. "It's called being nice. I don't judge people and hate them without ever getting to know them."
Lucent readies her hammer and secures her stake.
"I'm not gonna get along with every pony," she rolls her eyes, "but that doesn't mean you can't have some common decency, you know?"
>>501019
"Wish more people back home felt that way," you say as you set your stake down.
"You don't talk about your home too much," Lucent notes. "I know I've never asked, but you've already been gone for two days and I've only heard you mention it maybe once. It's your home isn't it?"
Roll for hammer stake
"Wish more people back home felt that way," you say as you set your stake down.
"You don't talk about your home too much," Lucent notes. "I know I've never asked, but you've already been gone for two days and I've only heard you mention it maybe once. It's your home isn't it?"
Roll for hammer stake
>>501024
Well, it looks a lot like here. Blue skies, lots of trees, oceans, a moon and a sun in the sky, that kind of stuff.
But the dominant species living there are a bit different. There's no dragons. No talking ponies. Just humans like me. And there's no magic, so we have to rely on technological advancements instead.
Roll #1 34 = 34
Well, it looks a lot like here. Blue skies, lots of trees, oceans, a moon and a sun in the sky, that kind of stuff.
But the dominant species living there are a bit different. There's no dragons. No talking ponies. Just humans like me. And there's no magic, so we have to rely on technological advancements instead.
Roll #1 34 = 34
>>501032
>>501027
"Well, it looks a lot like here. Blue skies, lots of trees, oceans, a moon and a sun in the sky, that kind of stuff. But the dominant species living there are a bit different. There's no dragons. No talking ponies. Just humans like me. And there's no magic, so we have to rely on technological advancements instead. It's a little war-torn, but yeah it's home."
"If this place isn't too much different," Lucent says, "then I guess I can understand why you've been so relaxed about your situation."
You bring down the hammer on your stake, but your aim is off and you smack the side of your hand. You groan in pain and drop the hammer while your hand throbs from the injury.
"Are you okay?" Lucent walks over and snatches your hand into her hooves. "Let me see it."
You've broken the skin a bit on your knuckle and it's already starting to swell a little.
"It's not that bad," Lucent smiles. "You could keep working with it if you wanted to, but it's up to you."
Keep working
Stop for now
Roll #1 53 = 53
>>501027
"Well, it looks a lot like here. Blue skies, lots of trees, oceans, a moon and a sun in the sky, that kind of stuff. But the dominant species living there are a bit different. There's no dragons. No talking ponies. Just humans like me. And there's no magic, so we have to rely on technological advancements instead. It's a little war-torn, but yeah it's home."
"If this place isn't too much different," Lucent says, "then I guess I can understand why you've been so relaxed about your situation."
You bring down the hammer on your stake, but your aim is off and you smack the side of your hand. You groan in pain and drop the hammer while your hand throbs from the injury.
"Are you okay?" Lucent walks over and snatches your hand into her hooves. "Let me see it."
You've broken the skin a bit on your knuckle and it's already starting to swell a little.
"It's not that bad," Lucent smiles. "You could keep working with it if you wanted to, but it's up to you."
Keep working
Stop for now
Roll #1 53 = 53
>>501053
"Nah, I'm good," you tell her.
"Alright," she says. "Just be more careful. I don't want to have to bring you to the infirmary before the tent's even set up."
As she says that, you're already bringing the hammer down on your hand again. There's another groan of pain and you cradled your wounded hand against your chest.
"Really?!" Lucent laughs and sighs. "Come on, you big baby. We can at least get you some bandages or something to hold you over until the tents get made."
>>501066
Lucent calls over two other ponies to take over your positions and walks you over to one of the larger supply chariots.
"I know there's some in here somewhere," she says as she flies over the supplies.
"How many ponies are there out there, anyways? Back on earth there's something like…over 5 billion humans."
"5 billion?!" she pauses her search to give you a wide-eyed stare. "Nowhere near that much. You guys must produce in huge litters to have that many humans."
"Nah, I'm good," you tell her.
"Alright," she says. "Just be more careful. I don't want to have to bring you to the infirmary before the tent's even set up."
As she says that, you're already bringing the hammer down on your hand again. There's another groan of pain and you cradled your wounded hand against your chest.
"Really?!" Lucent laughs and sighs. "Come on, you big baby. We can at least get you some bandages or something to hold you over until the tents get made."
>>501066
Lucent calls over two other ponies to take over your positions and walks you over to one of the larger supply chariots.
"I know there's some in here somewhere," she says as she flies over the supplies.
"How many ponies are there out there, anyways? Back on earth there's something like…over 5 billion humans."
"5 billion?!" she pauses her search to give you a wide-eyed stare. "Nowhere near that much. You guys must produce in huge litters to have that many humans."
>>501076
"Not really. We just have lots of space, medical expertise to prevent infant mortality and prolong our lifespans, and no natural predators. The population wasn't nearly so large just 200 years ago either. It grew explosively in a very short amount of time."
"Still," she says pulling out a package of bandages and a bottle of rubbing alcohol from the chariot, "that's a big number. I can't even imagine 5 billion ponies living in Equestria."
Lucent takes your hand in her hoof and readies the bottle of alcohol in her mouth.
"Gah uh 'een i ir" she manages to say and pours the alcohol over your wound.
It burns for a minute, but the cold alcohol falling against your skin reminds you of just how chilly it is in the Badlands. You shiver for a moment and Lucent applies the bandage.
As she's rubbing it over your skim, she stares intently down at your hand and asks, "Do you have any kids?"
"Not really. We just have lots of space, medical expertise to prevent infant mortality and prolong our lifespans, and no natural predators. The population wasn't nearly so large just 200 years ago either. It grew explosively in a very short amount of time."
"Still," she says pulling out a package of bandages and a bottle of rubbing alcohol from the chariot, "that's a big number. I can't even imagine 5 billion ponies living in Equestria."
Lucent takes your hand in her hoof and readies the bottle of alcohol in her mouth.
"Gah uh 'een i ir" she manages to say and pours the alcohol over your wound.
It burns for a minute, but the cold alcohol falling against your skin reminds you of just how chilly it is in the Badlands. You shiver for a moment and Lucent applies the bandage.
As she's rubbing it over your skim, she stares intently down at your hand and asks, "Do you have any kids?"
>>501094
>>501092
"Nah. Where I come from we usually hold off on having kids until we're a bit older and have the maturity and finances to support them.
Usually…Children are a commitment I'm not ready to commit to. If I did have kids, I'd probably be a lot more worried about being in Equestria instead of on Earth."
"Oh," Lucent stops for a moment, still staring at your hand.
"Why are you asking?"
Your words shake her out of whatever thought she was having and she lets go of your hand.
"Just curious," Lucent says as she gathers up the bandages and alcohol, her eyes remain distant. "I'm not a mother. I don't think I'd make a very good one either. Not mature enough I guess."
After she puts away the medical supplies, she turns back and smiles at you.
"Baron's on his way now, so I better get back to work," she says as she flaps her wings. "I'll talk to you later."
Before you have a chance to utter another word, Lucent is flying off towards Baron. You spot the unicorn wandering away from some of the tents, casting a dark glare in your direction before Lucent appears by his side. You watch them walk away, and hear some movement from near one of the other chariots.
"There you are," Celestia greets you. "My tent is ready. If you weren't busy, I was hoping we could have that talk?"
>>501092
"Nah. Where I come from we usually hold off on having kids until we're a bit older and have the maturity and finances to support them.
Usually…Children are a commitment I'm not ready to commit to. If I did have kids, I'd probably be a lot more worried about being in Equestria instead of on Earth."
"Oh," Lucent stops for a moment, still staring at your hand.
"Why are you asking?"
Your words shake her out of whatever thought she was having and she lets go of your hand.
"Just curious," Lucent says as she gathers up the bandages and alcohol, her eyes remain distant. "I'm not a mother. I don't think I'd make a very good one either. Not mature enough I guess."
After she puts away the medical supplies, she turns back and smiles at you.
"Baron's on his way now, so I better get back to work," she says as she flaps her wings. "I'll talk to you later."
Before you have a chance to utter another word, Lucent is flying off towards Baron. You spot the unicorn wandering away from some of the tents, casting a dark glare in your direction before Lucent appears by his side. You watch them walk away, and hear some movement from near one of the other chariots.
"There you are," Celestia greets you. "My tent is ready. If you weren't busy, I was hoping we could have that talk?"