What are Celestia's favorite flowers?
What's Celestia's favorite song?
What kinds of activities are Celestia's favorites?

(And now for some serious questions.)

Yeah, actually, has Celestia ever had a love interest?

aight aight aight
mebbe we can squeeze in a celestia question while luna is all nostalgic and wistful
but we came here to ask if she noticed anything about steady and silver's movements

>>13072110
>>13072119
Knowing Luna isn't exactly thrilled about our pursuing something with Celestia, we might want to be a tad more subtle.

>>13072155
I was just joking.

>>13072172
I know, but I would kinda like to try to sneak in something like that. It might help later on.

>>13072052 (OP)
What were things like back before the whole alicorn thing?

How much do we know about Luna? I can't think of a good question but we might be able to make her a little more comfortable with us if we can get her to open up a little about herself, too.

Holla holla, Celestia Quest.

I'm from another General, just been looking around /mlp/ for new stuff to browse. So what exactly is this?
I don't have time to read the archives, unfortunately.

So what's the deal? Is it a continuous story like "oh shit nigga yous in ponyville" or a variety like AiE or Flutterrape?

>>13072213
It's one continuous story. "Quest" being a longer CYOA, if you will. Only there aren't any gets. We're trying to romance Celestia, hence the name, but there's a ton of other stuff going on at the same time.

>>13072213
continuous story

>>13072213
Go away, read this:
http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28501521/GeneralArchive/CelestiaQuest/CelestiaQuest.html
Then comeback less outright annoying, it's not a general and will be over eventually.

>>13072213
Continuous story. SmutAnon writes a description of what's going on, we choose what choices to make then he writes up what comes from it and we choose new actions.
Anon was unexpectedly warped into Equestria and met up with Celestia, who's travelling around the south of Equestria looking for Twilight who's been kidnapped. We're trying to help rescue her, and maybe win Celestia's affection in the process.

Another side thread is that Anon's existence is also annoying some guardian being who's trying to enforce some creator-mandate that Chaos and Order both exist in Equestria or the whole thing gets destroyed, since she can't predict the results of Anon's actions and account for them in her balancing act since he's not of Equestria.

If you're going to be playing along, you really do need to read up on the past sessions, since it all relies on our choices and there's a bunch of characters and events that have happened that we need to keep track of if we're going to get things right.

>>13072192
"How were things back before the whole alicorn thing?"

"You mean, before my sister and I assumed control of the sun and moon?"

"Yeah. How long ago was that, anyways?"

She smirks. "Are you asking how old I am?"

"Woah, hey, no way, I just--"

Her wing pats you a few times. "Relax, I was merely jesting. It was about two thousand years ago. I believe I am 1,932 years old and my sister is 1,947, though we hardly speak of ages any more." Summoning her magic, Luna levitates some rocks and twirls them around in the air, watching them as she talks. "Before our transformation, things were tense to say the least. The three primary races never truly lived in harmony, though some times were better than others. The flux of the sun and moon had caused great worry throughout the land. Even the dragons, fiercely independent and proud creatures, had come to us with their concerns." One of the rocks shot off into the distance. "It was hardly a diplomatic encounter."

"How did you see all of it?"

"Me?" The rocks danced together, twirling like a tornado. "I was ever the hopeful one. An optimist amongst despairers. I was so sure I could tackle anything with a little knowledge and some magic. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I was chosen to bear the duty of controlling the moon. I simply wish I had known everything else that would come along with it."

[cont]

>>13072535
"Princesshood?"

"Yes, among other things." She shivered. "I lost my youth there. I had no more time to be silly and playful. I had duty. Loyalty to my responsibilities. I think that is why Celestia acts childish sometimes; she wants her youth back, just as I. But there is little room for such things."


>>13072119
"Has Celestia ever had a love interest?"

Luna lays the rocks down and turns to you. "Three. And you can guess how they all turned out. No one else lives as long as us."

>>13072548
"How did she handle it? Losing them, I mean."

>>13072548
It will only be another 30 years before I begin to feel my age. When death smiles at you, you can only smile back

>>13072823
"It will only be another 30 years before I begin to feel my age. When death smiles at you, you can only smile back."

Placing a hoof on your shoulder, Luna squeezes. "And what if death never smiles on you? What if you are ignored while everyone around you is taken away? No, I do not smile at death because it spares no joy for me."

Luna turns back to the moon. The light it radiates animated the creases in her face, subtle hints of age you never noticed before. Her somber glare wrinkles her coat, lines of thought and pain running across her cheeks. You hesitate, but put a hand on her shoulder. She glances at it, but says nothing.

>>13072601
"How did she handle losing them?"

"She was torn apart every time. Such losses are terrible on their own, but to have that knowledge hanging over everything you do, everything you think only makes it so much worse in the end. She wanted to be just another pony, have something normal in her life, but the end of it was another reminder of how abnormal her life was." She pauses, eyebrows dipping lower. "I tell you this only so you can spare my sister the same question. It is a subject I avoid with her."

A raspy wind blows across the empty plain of red rocks before you before Luna asks, "Are you still considering pursuing a relationship with my sister?"

For once, her tone does not seem accusatory.

>>13073031
I don't know if I can even stay, if the option were available then ...yes.

>>13073031
"...Yes."
"Flowers bloom in the springtime, only to wither away in the winter. But their ephemeral nature doesn't mean we can't appreciate their beauty."
"Someday I will die, and Celestia will have to come to terms with the loss. But as long as I'm alive, I'll help her experience some of that youth she yearns for."

"...Of course, that's all assuming I can even stay here."

>>13073031
For all this talk of yearning to have something that you know you can't hold on to... it sort of seems to me that you're only too normal yourselves. Time may be treating you differently, but from what you say, your joys and sorrows aren't abnormal. I don't think Celestia's fooling herself with vain hopes. I believe she's been doing her best to be true to herself. And you know, I'm not at all sure that you've lost your youth, anyway. I could've sworn I saw a bright young princess hugging her big sister not so long ago.

>>13073031
I hate to think of my death causing her suffering, but... A relationship is a two
sided thing. From what you say she well knows that pain, and if she decides she's willing to share the time that I will be here despite that, then there's no way I'm going to take that from here in a misguided attempt to protect her from it.

>>13073295
>take that from here
From "her", that should be.

>>13073087
>>13073223
>>13073295
"I don't know if I can even stay, if the option were available then... yes. Maybe our relationship is ephemeral in nature, but that doesn't make it any less potent. As long as I'm alive, I'll help her experience some of that youth she yearns for." She opens her mouth to protest, but you raise a finger to silence her. "I hate to think of my death causing her suffering, but a relationship is a two-sided thing. From what you say she well knows that pain, and if she decides she's willing to share the time that I will be here despite that, then there's no way I'm going to take that from her in a misguided attempt to protect her from it."

Luna takes a second to absorb your answer, then nods slowly. "I suppose there is some truth to your words."

>>13073289
"You know, for all this talk of yearning to have something that you know you can't hold on to, it seems to me that you're only too normal yourselves. Time may be treating you differently, but your joys and sorrows aren't abnormal. I don't think Celestia's fooling herself with vain hopes. I believe she's been doing her best to be true to herself. And you know, I'm not at all sure that you've lost your youth, anyway. I could've sworn I saw a bright young princess hugging her big sister not so long ago."

Luna's cheek flush red. "I was--That was simply--" Huffing, she shakes her head, then smiles at you. "You are very kind to say so."

[cont]

>>13073452
Even after speaking, she can't control her blush. She looks away and swallows. "Maybe that is enough of such talk for now. Is there anything else you came to speak to me about?"

>>13073460
Question her if there is anything suspicious about steady. If she asks why say that we are giving a fair and balanced overlook of the situation.

>>13073460
There only two ponies I believe that are capable of being the traitor. I found this piece of armour in Silver's tent, but it does not fit him. The other suspect is Steady.

>>13073460
Okay, time to get serious.
Tell her about what you've learned, and where you stand.
We'll need a distraction for Steady so that we can rummage through his things.

...And having an audience requested by one of the princesses seems like the perfect bait.

>>13073515
>>13073537
>>13073589
"There only two ponies I believe that are capable of being the traitor." You pull out the armor and show it to Luna. She picks it up with magic and inspects it, eyes wandering over the odd material with curiosity. "I found this piece of armour in Silver's tent, but it does not fit him. The other suspect is Steady. I hesitate to ask, but I do need a fair overlook of the situation: have you noticed anything suspicious from Steady?"

"No, nothing suspicious. Steady has been with us for a significant time, even before Ironsides left on this ridiculous campaign of his, and he's given me no reason to suspect anything devious from him. I think it's been ten years, now."

"Well, in order to check on Steady, I'll need to go through his tent. However, he already went off to sleep, so I'll need some kind of distraction to get in there unnoticed. If you requested his presence, that would give us a great excuse to get him away from his things long enough for me to search."

Luna nods. "As loathe as I am to treat my subjects with such suspicion, it is necessary. I pray after tonight, however, such things need only exist in memory."

Luna stands up and walks in front of you, lowering her neck. You stare at her in confusion.

"It is an offer to help you up. Has no pony ever done this for you?"

You scratch your chin. "Well, Rose sorta did it back in the cave, but that was just so she could watch me fall over again."

[cont]

>>13073900
A soft smile grows on her lips. "I assure you, this is not the same."

Putting an arm over Luna's shoulders, you use her to get back on your feet, thanking her once you're up. The two of you walk back to the camp in silence, thinking about the inevitable encounter that lies ahead. Whether it be Silver or Steady, it isn't going to be fun.

Celestia sits with Silver and Pinkie at the campfire, smiling and chatting. On your arrival, her counternance turns stoic, yet curious. "What is it?"

"Sister, may we have a moment?"

She nods, giving Silver and Pinkie a farewell. You can't help but feel a little guilty Pinkie is still out here, but you can hardly tell her to stop distracting Silver right in front of him.

You and the princesses take a few steps away, out of immediate earshot of others. Luna explains the situation in a hurried whisper, Celestia nodding as she speaks.

"It is unfortunate we must investigate them both so closely, but I agree: this must be done."

"Is there anything else you can tell me about Steady?" you ask.

"Nothing more than Luna has said. He's been with me for quite a while. In fact, I personally..." Her voice trails off, eyes going wide and mouth withering into horror. "Oh no."

"What is it?"

"It was such a minor thing, it never occurred to me until now. I should have noticed it earlier! Ironsides, the very pony we seek, the one who kidnapped Twilight--he was the one who recommended Steady to me."

"Then I think we have our pony," says Luna.

>>13073917
I hope you have an idea as to how you want to handle the situation.

>>13073917
well shit. Guess we should confront him? or are we still going to distract him so we can investigate his tent so that there is no doubt?

>>13073952
>>13073974
"Guess we should confront him? or are we still going to distract him so we can investigate his tent so that there is no doubt?"

Luna and Celestia exchange glances. "I think it would still be best to distracting him and investigate, first. We want to be sure, and we sacrifice nothing for it."

"Alright. I'll hide out behind some tents while you take him to your tent. I'll only need a few minutes once he's out."

Celestia nods. "Sister, you summon him. I will be waiting in our tent."

The sudden urge to do a huddle and break rises up within you, but you know now isn't the time. Luna walks to his tent while you go back to your hiding spot, watching as Celestia disappears into her tent. This is it. You never imagined you'd feel so sure Steady was a traitor, but all the evidence is pointing at him. It's your job to confirm.

You don't have long to wait before Luna comes back into view... but she's alone. And galloping. Something's up.

Waving down Luna, you come out of your spot and grab her attention just as Celestia bursts out of her tent.

"Steady isn't in his tent!" says Luna.

"And the Worldshard is missing!" says Celestia.

Shit.

>>13074229
That's not surprising, he clearly got a hint of our plan.

>>13074229
How could he have gone?

>>13074229
Go see if the sentries saw him leaving and if so which direction. The quicker we start pursuing him the better.

>>13074276
>>13074327
"He must've gotten a hint of our plan. Let's see if the sentries saw him leaving."

You take off in the direction of the sentries. They look a bit shocked to see you and the princesses barreling down on them. One's more ready than the other and salutes.

"What do you need?"

"Has anyone left the camp recently?" asks Celestia.

"Yes, princess. Two ponies have left with in the last few minutes. They didn't come close to us so I couldn't tell who they were, but one headed off that direction, and the other that direction."

Great. They left in opposite directions. You'll have to split up to investigate both. You glance back at the princesses. Not that they would have a problem with a single earth pony, though.

You're thinking about how to split up when there's a thud of hooves and a holler. Silver jumps out in front of you.

"Hey! I can tell when something's going on. Do you need my help?" He's already breathing hard, though that's probably from excitement instead of fatigue. His eyes are wide open, full of hope.

>>13074486
4 ponies 2 directions. split up into teams of two and each team follows a pony.We'll be paired with Celestia of course

>>13074486
We're looking for Steady. Did you notice colouration, size, horns, wings or anything like that that might help us tell which one was him and which one wasn't?

Do we want to get the two guards to organize others to form a search party?

>>13074552
Of course. We'll want to split the princesses so both groups have a powerhouse with them, and Celestia's more experienced at carrying us, since we'll have to fly.

>>13074692
Sounds good, or at least to come find us and provide backup in case he's meeting others.

>>13074552
>>13074644
"Of course, Silver," says Celestia.

He grins but quickly hides it before turning to the sentries to listen in.

"We're looking for Steady. Did you notice colouration, size, horns, wings or anything like that that might help us tell which one was him and which one wasn't?"

"Eh," one of the sentries scratches his mane. "I didn't see any wings, but it's dark. They could've just been folded up. The one I spotted was a little bigger than average. Couldn't make out a color."

"Yeah, the one I saw was about the same, probably a big larger, though. Sorry I can't help any more."

"Celestia, if I might suggest you and I head one direction while Luna and Silver go the other? You're the only one I know who can fly me around."

"Yes, that will work nicely." She wastes no time picking you up with magic and plopping you on her back. Silver salutes before standing next to Luna.

"Which one should Silver and myself go after?" asks Luna. "The larger or the smaller one?"

>>13074922
From memory steady is a fairly large pone correct? I think ti would be better for us to pursue the larger pony.

File: 1377374469372.png-(402 KB, 900x700, 1373139081242.png)

>>13074958
Yup, pretty large.

File: 1377374604566.png-(279 KB, 700x700, Victorious.png)

I almost forgot! Goat Train finished his second drawing, this one of Rose.

>>13075034
Oh yeah, I'd forgotten it was never actually posted in the quest thread.
Took me entirely too long to realise that that was Anon at the bottom there when I first saw it.

Waiting for another suggestion. Don't want to continue with just 1.

>>13075236
We'll chase the larger guy. Luna, can you fill in Silver on the flight over?

>>13075236
It's a question that Celestia should be the one to answer anyway.

>>13075264
>>13074958
>>13075292
"I'd say the smaller one. Celestia?"

"Yes, we'll take the larger one. Good luck. Try not to cause any unnecessary harm." Celestia frowns. "And remember: he isn't on our side any more. Don't let him convince you otherwise."

With a rush of wings and air, you're airborne atop Celestia, rushing toward who you hope is Steady. You clutch Celestia's neck tight, squinting out over the barren badlands below, illuminated only by moonlight. Tonight, though, it's enough to make out plenty. Luna must've boosted it for the search.

"Traveler, I know you haven't known Steady as long as I, so I want you to understand I wish no harm upon him. No matter what he's done."

"But the information he gave away killed most of your camp! Doesn't that piss you off at all?"

"'Piss me off'? It angers me, yes, but there are always two sides to a story and things are rarely what they seem. If I know Steady like I think I do, he acted only in the best interest of his country." Her voice is straining, nothing like the smooth, gentle tone she usually speaks with.

"That's not his call to make. And he had to have known a lot of soldiers would die in the attack."

"I cannot deny you are correct, but please respect my wishes in this."

You shake your head, fingers digging into her neck. "Fine. I wasn't' planning on hurting him anyways."

[cont]

>>13075585
Celestia takes a sudden dive and you yelp. Looking down, you see a lone pony, some sort of light coming from him. Is that magic? Within seconds, you're on the ground, Celestia landing not fifteen feet away from the pony. Hopping off her back, you finally get a good look, the pony's deep purple eyes glaring back at you. It's Steady.

>>13075590
Stop there and relinquish the world shard.

>>13075590
Yo Steady, we've got trouble! The worldshard's gone missing and the guards saw another pony sneaking out!

>>13075590
STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM
Why do I think SA is just baiting us and Steady is just going out for some time alone or something

>>13075737
>>13075671
Steady is performing magic, he has the worldshard.

>>13075648
>>13075737
"Stop there and relinquish the world shard. We know you've got it."

"Hey, Stalky! Sorry to disappoint, but as far as I know the Worldshard's back in it's safe. Don't know why--"

"Steady! Please," Celestia shouts, voice cracking. The clear display of distress from Celestia shocks even Steady.

"Alright, alright. Sorry, princess. You know I can't enjoy doing this." He turns around, rummaging through his things. You notice that glow behind him growing stronger. "No one wanted it to be like this. If it was as simple as you and Princess Luna stepping down, then that's all we would've asked for. Heck, none of this stuff with Twilight ever--"

"No! No, Steady. Do not think this is blown over with a few words. You've betrayed the trust of many ponies and killed many others."

"Don't say that to me like I don't know it. Don't say that to me like I don't hurt for it. If you had just--"

"Do NOT try to judge me for this. This is a result of your actions, and such consequences you reap."

"What do you want from me then, huh? Want me to admit I was wrong? To regret it? I wasn't wrong, and I don't regret what I did."

[cont]

>>13076092
You almost want to cover your ears or Celestia's, spare her from Steady's ranting, or even keep her from speaking out. The pain painted creases across her face, tinted her eyes with the glint of tears, broke her voice and knotted her throat. Once again, you're the outsider. The ignorant one. This is how you felt when you first showed up, lying between Celestia and the unicorns that tried to kill her.

>>13076106
We have to get that world shard from him before he uses it in some kind of escape.

>>13076106
'Why Steady? I trusted you, why would you betray us like this?'

>>13076106
Lean in and talk to Celestia quietly.
"Grab his whole bag with magic, I feel a trick of some sort coming on."

>>13076339
Amend that to "Grab his bag and be ready to move".

>>13076170
>>13076339
>>13076380
You nudge Celestia, whispering, "Grab his whole bag with magic, I feel a trick of some sort coming on."

She whispers back, "I tried already. Whatever is happening has already drawn on the worldshard's power, making it impossible for me to get a hold of."

"Planning something?" says Steady.

>>13076295
"Why Steady? I trusted you, why would you betray us like this?"

He shakes his head. "I wish you understood what was going on. Then you might realize you're on the wrong side of everything. Equestria can't go on like it is any more, Stalky. The princesses have shown they can't handle it. The burden that comes with the station. I'm doing this because I want to save the citizens from the dark fate ahead, the one the princesses will take us to. What's happened in the south with the dragons? That's just the start."

While Steady talks, Celestia slowly circles around him, trying to get a bead on the glowing back, but he keeps himself in-between it and her. You start to walk the other direction.

"You know Celestia hates what happened here. She hates that the dragons have decided to prey on her citizens, but what can she do?"

"Damnit, this isn't the problem, it's just a symptom of it! Stop getting tied up in the specifics and look at the whole!" He opens his mouth to continue, but when he realizes he can't hide the bag from both of you any more, he backs up a step, allowing you to see it.

[cont]

>>13076559
The Pegasus Worldshard is lying on a book, both objects glowing a bright green. You can't tell what going on with them, but whatever it's getting ready for, it's about ready to do it.

>>13076569
Tackle him!

>>13076569
Spring at the shards, we have to separate them or something, those are the only bargaining chips for Twilight and our way home.

>>13076559
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of everyone around me acting on things I've never known as if it's the only possible course left to them. I'm sick of regrets guiding decisions. I'm sick of spinning my wheels in place in frustration. But I do know this. You've deluded yourself into thinking you've got any steadier a grasp on the situation than I do.

This is the part where you come down on him like a ton of bricks.

>>13076569
>Book
Another teleport, perhaps? First one was instantaneous, though...

Seconding
>>13076600

>>13076586
>>13076600
>>13076623
Tackling him requires a roll since it's combat. It's a hard difficulty roll. Do you want to try?

>>13076716
What good would it do anyway, that could potentially injure him which is what Celestia told us not to do in the first place.
Would rather attempt to disrupt the ritual.

>>13076716
Shit!
What about going for the shard/book?

>>13076733
I'm not sure that'll be so easy while Steady is right there. I mean, he's a sturdy earth pony, surely a tackle won't hurt. Besides, Celestia can back us up and grab the book.

>>13076733
>>13076744
>>13076759
Regardless of whether we go at Steady or the shards, they're pretty close together and I bet it's going to be a pretty hard roll either way.

I think the best we can hope for is to be an active distraction and disrupt him long enough for Celestia to act.

>>13076744
It won't require a roll, but consider if you don't do anything about Steady, he might have something to say about your action.

>>13076799
Can't Celestia just pick him up and move hime out of the way with magic? I know we've seen Twilight move heavier things in-show.

>>13076799
Yes this, just keep him talking, maybe it'll distract him enough for Sunbutt to do something

>>13076803
Yeah, okay, so if we manage to get the shard/book, we're going to need a good plan of escape and if simply taking them doesn't disrupt whatever's keeping Celestia from doing it with her magic then we can't rely on her to bail us out immediately.

>>13076819
>move hime out of the way
>hime

>The crystal suddenly flares up with a bright light, blinding all as it unleashes a potent magic
>As the light and dust clears, it reveals Princess Steady

But yeah, yell at Celestia to move him and rush the book.

>>13076819
that's not a bad idea

>>13076819
>>13076873
>>13076906
"Celestia! Pick him up so I can get to the shard!"

You see Steady grin as he places a hoof on the shard. Celestia's horn glows and she frowns with effort, but nothing happens to Steady.

"I can't touch him with magic, not while he's touching that active worldshard!"

>>13076868
Escape what, anon.
No one is out in the middle of nowhere yet.

>>13076944
Oh for fuck's sake.
Rush him! Even if he dodges/counters he'll probably have to let go of the shard.

>>13076944
Dagnabbit. Twin rush, then. He can only stop one of us.

>>13076968
Escape Steady. If we go in for the shard he's RIGHT THERE, we'll probably end up in a fight anyway.

>>13077012
Oh no!
Not the earth pony!

>>13077012
Well from what we've just seen it seems he's vulnerable as long as he's not touching the stone. Given our goal is to get the stone away from the book, if we succeed then either we've got the stone and he's susceptible to Celestia's intercession, or we'll have the book and he can no longer complete whatever he was trying to do (teleport it to Ironsides? Twilight's teleport book was instantaneous, though...) and is now stuck in the middle of nowhere against two foes with Luna and Silver coming in soon as backup.

As for plan of escape, I say run in the opposite direction to wherever Steady is.

>>13076983
>>13076987
Steady smirks at you. "Gonna be a hero? Is that what you think? There are no heroes, kid. Just good-natured ponies in the right place at the right time."

"I'm sick of this. I'm sick of everyone around me acting on things I've never known as if it's the only possible course left to them. I'm sick of regrets guiding decisions. I'm sick of spinning my wheels in place in frustration. But I do know this. You've deluded yourself into thinking you've got any steadier a grasp on the situation than I do," you say, readying yourself. "Celestia! Rush him!"

You explode into a sprint, making straight for Steady and lowering your shoulder, eye on the worldshard. Maybe you can knock him off it or hit it away. A thunder of hooves comes from Celestia's direction as she starts her own charge. Your focus narrows. Each step digs into the rocky dirt, scraping against the bottom of your shoes, straining to push you faster and faster. You're only steps away when Steady springs into action.

From his bag he grabs another books and turns to Celestia, opening it in her direction. The air turns white for a split second, a searing light emanating form the book. Celestia cries out and stumbles, holding a hoof over her eyes. Steady then spins to you, lifting his hoof off the worldshard in order to rear up for a buck.

[cont]

>>13077237
You try to dodge, but your momentum is only betraying you now. While his kick doesn't connect with your head, where you suspect he was aiming, it does nail a shoulder, knocking you off your feet.

"Sorry" is the last word you hear before the book, shard and Steady all flash green, blinking out of existence.

>>13077246
God DAMMIT!

>>13077246
No you're not, bastard.

>>13077246
...
Swear. Possibly for a little bit.
Check on Celestia.
Make sure we check the site of the teleport for anything he may have left behind.

>>13077237
>>13077246
Welp. We took too long. Now we'll never know if our death dive would have worked.

>>13077246
Get up, dust ourselves off.
Groan at the pain.

Check to see if Celestia's alright.

>>13077282
"No, you're not, you bastard," you say to yourself, brushing yourself off.

>>13077368
>>13077560
You rush over to Celestia, laying a hand on her neck and holding the hoof she's using to cover her eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes, I'll be fine in a minute. What happened to Steady?"

"He's gone. The worldshard was charging a teleport spell. My guess is it sent him to where-ever Ironsides is."

She sighs. "That is unfortunate." She lowers her hoof, but keeps her eyes closed. "Though I must admit a certain small relief nothing happened to him. Please don't tell anyone I said that." Her neck dips low. "My sister is better at these sort of things. Always able to stay objective when it matters. I got too caught up in the moment and let him delay me. It will not happen again."

You pat her neck before turning back to the spot where Steady teleported. The only thing left is his bag. You jot over to check it, but there's nothing important inside. Just some provisions which he must've taken from the supply tent.

>>13077275
You allow yourself a few curses under your breath as you throw the bag away. It kicks up dirt as it hits the group, a dusty mist dissipating into the air as you watch it. You can't believe he fooled you so completely and you feel like an idiot for ever believing him.

[cont]

>>13077705
The clop of hooves approaches you from behind and you feel a wing drape over you, curling around your shoulder. Celestia then rests her head atop yours, saying nothing, as you both stare down at the bag.

She's probably more frustrated than you are. Ten years he'd been working for her, and she'd never suspected a thing. How can she keep from kicking the dirt or shouting curses of her own? Where does she get this strength? Or is it apathy from a long life of seeing things like this?

You reach up, stroking her mane, wondering how much worse things just became.


~


That's all for today. Next session is Wednesday, 7pm central american time. We're closing in on the end. I suspect the last session (assuming no change in the usual schedule) will be either 2 or 3 weeks from today.

>>13077766
closing in on the end

r-really?

>>13077766
>almost over
O-oh

>>13077785
>>13077838
You know what they say about all good things.

>>13077766
Thanks, mate.

>>13077766
Wonder if they've got all three now. We know they've got the pegasus, the unicorn dissapeared in circumstances that could mean they have it and the complete absence of the earth inspires pessimism.
Damn and blast though, that's a setback on our personal quest too, I'd really been hoping to have that with us for the scales.

>The end, so so soon
Aw man, that's kinda sad.

Thanks for the session!

>>13077859
They get picked up for another season?

I liked this story, sad that it's already coming to a close. But I guess you have other projects you want to do too. Thanks for the sessions

>>13078097
This has been a long ass quest already.
>>13077889
They die or live long enough to see themselves become the villain.