>>13233750 (OP)
Looking to the front of the pack, you see Celestia and Luna talking about something. Maybe plans for tomorrow, maybe about Steady... or maybe about you.

>>13233758
I'm not one for eavesdropping, never been very good at it.

File: 1377969028646.png-(402 KB, 900x700, steady and silver.png)

>>13233758
>>13233840
Let's look for Steady first. He seemed to look up to Silver a lot, he might need somebody to talk to. Something to keep his mind off things.

>>13233893
you might want to read the last couple sessions. talking with Steady is no longer an option.

>>13233893
I think you confused something, Steady is the traitor.

But yeah, I agree, lets go and check on Silver. Luna isn't angry at us at the moment, I really don't wanna change that by eavesdropping on them

>>13233893
Pfft, you've got 'em switched around a bit there.
I think we should tell Rose and Silver about the guardian. It's stressing us out and affecting them, and at this stage I don't think there's any reason to keep it a secret from them.
I think we should organize to meet them somewhere private later to tell them.

>>13233917
>>13233906
Argh, yeah, mixed them up. I'm caught up, don't worry.

>>13233940
I don't think it would be a good reason to tell anyone about the Guardian. There is no reason they should have more information about her than the Princesses and it could have pretty negative consequences for us.

>>13233993
>>13233940
I don't imagine Silver would gain much by learning about the Guardian, and I don't think we'd gain much by telling him.
However, Rose's might be an interesting perspective on the Guardian: she has this attitude like she's capable of solving every problem. Could be interesting to see how she reacts to the Guardian's demands.

>>13234076
>>13233993
I'm not really expecting them to be able to provide new information on the situation, I'm just wanting to tell them because they're our friends, it affects them by how it's guiding our actions and how we couldn't give them a straight answer about what we'd be doing once this was over.
Plus as reparations after that whole "Are you holding anything back" line last session, that was harsh.

>>13233893
>>13233917
Readjusting your backpack, you wander the group a moment before you finding Silver. You slap him on the back in greeting and he turns around, shock quickly fading into a smile.

"Hi."

"Hi back. How are you doing?"

"M-me? Well, alright, I guess. It's a little boring packing up and moving like this, but if this trip has taught me anything, it's how to deal with it."

"Yeah, I hear you on that." You tug at your collar. "Are you... okay? Considering what happened with Steady and all. You two seemed close."

He opens his mouth, then closes it, looking down at the ground. Not wanting to pressure him any more than he already, is you give him a moment, patting his back. When he looks back up at you, his mouth hovers between open and shut, like the words are yanked out of him before he can say them.

"I don't know, to tell the truth. We never agreed on some things, but I liked having him around as someone who knew their station but how to have fun with it as well. He saw things a lot like Rose--kind of a pessimist, but I can't say he was totally wrong about it, either." A frown creases his face. "I just wish he didn't have to go off and do something stupid like that! Why? Wasn't he happy here? He seemed happy."

"Are you willing to die for your beliefs? For you country?"

He stomps the ground. "Yeah! Of course! Wouldn't be a soldier otherwise."

[cont]

>>13234203
"Then wouldn't it make sense that you'd do anything less than dying, too? Like spy on an enemy? Lie like you're one of them? That's all Steady did, Silver. He lied because he believed in something." You curl your hands into fists. "He's wrong, but at least he had a reason."

Silver wipes the sweat from his brow, taking some time to consider your statement.

>>13234213
I don't really know what more to say to him.
Lets pat him on the head a last time and see if we can find Rose and apologize for 'grilling' her yesterday.

>>13234213
That something is what's been annoying me, though. I'd been hoping that the reason why Ironsides wants the sisters to go would have become apparent as we'd been traveling about and it hasn't. I might suspect that he was just drumming up trouble for his own purposes if it weren't for Steady.
I'd kind of been hoping I'd be able to talk to whoever the spy was when we caught them, since they'd have a strong opinion on the situation and would know all the enemies reasons, but all I got from Steady before he slipped from us was a vague "Look at the bigger picture"!
We haven't even been here long enough to have a whole picture, all we've got is a bunch of puzzle pieces!

>>13234345
He's great at manipulation, if he wasn't there wouldn't be a following. I'm inclined to resign his motives as selfish.
Stupid Theory:Or he was friendzoned by Celestia and is mad. pfft That's why Steady mentioned "getting burned by the sun"

>>13234488
That actually sounds like a reasonable explanation.
From what we know so far, we can only assume that he is doing it for selfish reasons. Because what can he hold the Princesses accountable for so far? Not sending troops to fight against the dragons is the only thing I can remember - but it could simply be that they don't have enough troops and on top of that the Princesses allowed them to establish their own army to fight of the dragons.

>>13234263
>>13234345
"Just..." Agh. You were never the best at things like this. Silver's hardly more than a kid when it comes to this stuff. "We don't know everything. I'd kind of been hoping we'd be able to talk to whoever the spy was when we caught them, since they'd have a strong opinion on the situation and would know all our enemies' reasons, but all I got from Steady before he slipped from us was a vague 'Look at the bigger picture!' We haven't even been here long enough to have a whole picture, all we've got is a bunch of puzzle pieces. Don't let this get to you because you don't know why. There's an explanation out there, somewhere, and we're gonna find it before this whole thing is over."

"T-thanks," says Silver, patting your back with a wing. "I... can I get some time? I want to think about this."

"Sure. You can always talk to me if you need to."

He nods and you wander off, seperating yourself from the bulk of the camp. Your eyes pan over the determined lot, picking out the few you know. The pegasai from Withers, Softwind and Steelwind, march together, talking to one another. None of the other ponies distance themselves, in fact, another two are involving themselves in the conversation. Looks like picking them up was a good decision.

You recognize the unicorn who healed your arm when you first showed up, but can't recall his name. There's also Echo, the pony who lead the small division of pegasai who accompanied you and the princesses to that cave.

[cont]

>>13234668
The Elements march in a group, Pinkie preferring to bounce instead of walk, though. Her infectious optimisim has helped in the past, and you suspect it will tomorrow, as well.

Rose marches on her own, her back loaded up with more than any other pegasus. You can't tell whether she's doing it to prove something or to bleed her stress off through work. That reminds you...

You walk up to Rose, who glances sideways at you on your approach.

"Hi."

"Yes?" she says, clearly expecting something.

"I'm... sorry. For lashing out. It's been a long day."

"Good."

"'Good'?"

She rolls her eyes. "I suppose there's merit in the fact that such things still bother you as much as they do. I'm more used to it, and sometimes... sometimes I wish I was not. But it is good you can recognize a mistake and apologize for it. Perhaps there is hope for you after all. With pride being your main obstacle toward improvement, I would say you've made progress today, wouldn't you?"

>>13234677
That went better than expected.

Hey, if I remember correctly Ironside (or at least someone of his minions) pulled the population if Withers on their side before the cave incident - and Rose was there, too. Maybe she can tell us something about Ironsides motives and why he wants to overthrow the Princesses. I highly doubt that he could have convinced a whole town to follow him was just the ambiguous reasons we know so far. We should just be careful how we ask her, not that she thinks we are repeating our mistake from this morning.

>>13234799
I second this, just in case you're dithering over only one response, SA.

Oh, here's last session on the /mlp/ archive in case anyone wants to refer to it, since it's not in the quest archive yet.

http://archive.heinessen.com/mlp/thread/S13170361

>>13234799
>>13235023
"So, just wondering, has Ironsides visited Withers before?"

Rose raises and eyebrow, but doesn't object. "Yes. He stopped by a couple of days before you."

"I don't mean to imply anything from this, I only want to know: did he say anything about why he wanted to overthrow the princesses? Or maybe you know how he convinced a whole town to side with him?"

"He doesn't agree with how the princesses run things. He feels they are too emotional, put some ponies above others. Such an argument went over very well down here, where we must deal with the dragon threat that Celestia has so convienently not addressed. Most, if not all, of the ponies here see her as a true politician, dealing only with matters that immediately concern her. Only by rising up did they think she would pay attention. I am not sure if a lot of these ponies are away how far Ironsides intends to take this."

"How bad are the dragons, exactly?"

"They are the leading cause of death in the south. They may even be the most potent threat to pony life in the entire nation. There's at least one dragon attack every month, more during the migration season when they pass over our lands."

"Damn."

"'Damn', indeed. If that is the only problem Ironsides addresses, the ponies here will be happy. It does not do, living in fear."


Do you want to skip ahead to nighttime or is there something else you want to do/ask?

>>13235308
skip ahead so we can take Rose and Silver aside for >>13233940. We owe them that much.

>>13235308
I don't believe Ironsides has the ability or the drive to address the problems he has said will be solved, it's the nature of politics.
skip ahead

>>13235308
what he >>13235364 said

>>13235364
How about no, Goldmember

>>13235396
>>13235364
Let's not bother Silver with it, though.
He's got enough on his mind without worrying about any godlike beings erasing his friend from existence.

>>13235430
He's going to find out sooner or later. And we only have a day or so left.

>>13235483
The butterfly effect would be in full swing at that point.
Just having the knowledge affects them.

>>13235483
not if we figure out how to stay before then.

>>13235308
>Most, if not all, of the ponies here see her as a true politician, dealing only with matters that immediately concern her.
That doesn't really seem to be the case, I mean when we were thrown in the battle between Celestia and Ironsides allies, she immediately protected us even though I wouldn't call us one of her concerns.
But I'm sure Rose already knows that and we don't have to tell her, so yeah, lets skip ahead to nighttime.

>>13235387
Ironside obviously makes everything worse than it was. If they kill Luna or Celestia - even just by accident - in one of the battles they are in deep shit because they need them to control moon and sun.
Well, Celestia might be able to control both, but no one knows if Luna could do it, too.

>>13235570
Speaking of which, that's something I keep missing the chance to suggest asking Celestia about; she summoned us here by hitting the worldshard with magic. What was she trying to do? Did she hit it by chance, or was she trying to do something by it? Does she have any theories as to why it brought a random person from another world that according to that summoner pony has little to no contact with Equestria?
Since Celestia has said that the worldshard is now intertwined with the scales and has suggested they're tools of the Guardian, we should probably ask her too what the hell her jewels are doing messing up the balance in the first place.

>>13234529
He just didn't like the fact that Celestia began deferring to Luna for advice and ruling when she returned.
That's apparently what was said at some point.

>>13235364
>>13235387
"I don't believe Ironsides has the ability or the drive to address the problems he has said will be solved, it's the nature of politics."

Rose smirks. "Then we agree on something."


~


The trek is exactly what you expected of it: long and tiring. Rose keeps you company for a while, but you also take some time to talk with Celestia and Luna. They both seem hopeful enough about tomorrow, but you can see a certain apprehension in their eyes. Whatever barriers they'd built up to keep thier feelings inside were breaking down, likely worn by the long journey. As the beating sun falls, Celestia calls for the company to halt and set camp, the scenery the same as the last couple days. Dust, rock, and nothing dominate the landscape, dreary as the soldiers who inhabit it.

By the time the tents are set up, the sun has almost disappeared. Most soldiers are relaxing in circles, some in thier tents, catching up on rest. There's something else on your mind more important than rest, however.

You search the camp for Silver and Rose, finding the former watching the sunset and the latter in her tent. Getting Silver to come along is simple enough, but upon seeing him, Rose hesitates.

"What exactly do you have planned?"

You level your face. Don't need to deal with her right now. "I need to tell you both something. I think it's important enough that you know."

She narrows her eyes but steps out. "Very well."

[cont]

>>13235869
Silver and Rose watch each other, following behind you as you lead them away from camp and out of earshot. Once satisfied, you turn around and sit down so you're closer to eye level.

"There's a few things going on I haven't told you two. Mostly because it didn't directly involve you, but also because I was worried what it might mean. Are either of you familiar with the Guardian?"

Both nod. Good. Explaining that might have been awkward.

"She's got something of a problem with me." Silver's eyes widen at the statement, Rose lets out a sharp breath. "I'm somehow ruining her Balance simply by existing. She's told me if I don't leave and return to the world I came from, everything will fall apart, and I like this place too much to let that happen."

"Then, you're...?" asks Silver.

You give him a strained frown. "That's a very distinct possibility. It may be the only way. That's what the Guardian is convinced of, at least, and she very well could be right."

"But you just got here," he says.

"I know. And a big part of me doesn't want to leave, either." You pat the side of his neck. "I've made friends here." You glance to Rose. "Ponies I don't want to leave. But I had a life back there, too, and if staying is going to destroy this place, I can't in good conscience do that."

"I understand," says Rose, though the way she fights to keep her mouth straight hints otherwise.

[cont]

>>13235880
"I'd miss you, Rose."

"Hmph. At least you wouldn't be the same weaking I met." She coughs and scrapes at the ground. "You wouldn't forget me, would you?"

"Never."

"And me?" Silver's lips quivered and one of his forelegs shook. Rose was doing a much better job of hiding her feelings... assuming that machine of a pegasus had them.

"Of course not. But I'm not gone yet, and I won't know how things end up until tomorrow."

"I wonder," says Rose, craning her neck, "why did you decide to pull us out here and explain this? Why today? Why not two days ago? And why only Silver and I?"

>>13235893
"Because you two are the best friends I have in this place. And I've had enough of keeping secrets from my friends."

>>13235980
Go with this I guess.
I was kinda against telling them so I don't have a better justification for it.

Goddammit I'm trying to keep up with 4CC and this
Imma be lurking most of the time tho

We should ask them if they know anything about the Guardian the Princesses haven't told us yet.

>>13235893
Because the more people know, the worse it would get.
I've known about it for sometime now, but I was afraid if I'd have come out and said it I would be shunned. Tossed away and left alone.

>>13235893
The princesses know, but I've kept quiet beyond them because the last thing we needed was more reasons for unrest, especially with how superstitious I've seen some ponies be about stuff relating to the guardian.
Followed by
>>13235980

>>13236145
>>13235980
"Because I was worried. I was worried how ponies might treat me if they knew I was on the Guardian's bad side. But more importantly, I'm telling you because you two are the best friends I have in this place. And I've had enough of keeping secrets from my friends."

You give them the best smile you can muster and they both nod, Silver much more emphatically than Rose.

"That's good enough for me," says Rose, turning around and heading back toward camp. "I'll see you around."

"Wait!" says Silver. "You might not! Don't you want to give him a hug?"

Rose fakes a gag. "Please. He'll be fine." Her wings flare out and she takes off before Silver can get out another word. He frowns at her, then turns back to you.

"Well, I'd like a hug."

He bounds forward, wrapping his forelegs around your neck and resting his head on your shoulder. Your smile strains wider as your hug him back, rubbing his back as you do. You fear for your safety when his hug squeezes so tight you can't breath, but he breaks away and smiles before you suffocate.

"Thanks. I'm, um, glad you told me. And, uhhh," He scratches the back of his head. "Yeah. Thanks."

"No problem."

Silver takes off, back to camp, unable to hold himself still any longer.

You let out a long sigh, smile wilting as your stare at the rock ground. Leaving was going to be harder than you thought. You stand back up with a groan, strolling back toward camp, wondering what to do next.

>>13236460
Talk to the elements.

>>13236523
What're you planning to talk about? Just the potential upcoming fight?

>>13236569
And to say our goodbyes.
Just in case.

>>13236576
Dunno, we haven't really interacted too much with them. I'd rather try to find Celestia and woo her a bit if she's alone.

>>13236523
>>13236594
which one? or both? we can have a short chat with the elements before looking for celestia.

>>13236724
Oh well, then both I guess. Can't hurt to see the elements if we still have enough time to visit Celestia afterwards

>>13236724
Meh, the Elements can wait.

>>13236774
Na man, lets go to the elements first if we want to visit both.
Maybe we can sleep under Celestias wing again

>>13236796
>This

>>13236766
>>13236796
>>13236823
Deciding you owe the Elements a visit too, you find their tent next to the princesses', stopping a moment to glance at it. You'll have to find Celestia next.

Peeking your head inside, you find all the Elements sitting in the center of the tent, talking.

"Hey! Mind if I come in?"

"Nah, sure thing!" says Rainbow Dash, motioning to the ground next to her.

You step inside the tent, the Elements' eyes all on you as you sit down in their circle. Oddly enough, you don't feel out-of-place. You'd gotten used to the stares, and you know these ponies don't mean anything by it. Rarity is the first to speak.

"How are you doing? I know these past several days have taken a tax on all of us, but you must be in a dreadful position, not being from this world and all."

You put up a hand. "Thank you for the concern, Rarity, but I think I'm coming out alright. I'm eager to get this whole thing over with so I can figure out where I'm going next, in addition to rescuing your friend, of course."

"Heck yeah! We're gonna show those flank-faced numbskulls what happens when you mess with us!" Rainbow Dash waves her forehooves out in front of her.

"Don't you think you're being a touch, ah-hem, 'gung-ho' about all this?" asks Rarity.

"They haven't taken me down yet, and I don't intend on letting 'em! And isn't 'gung-ho' something Applejack would say?"

Rarity coughs, trying to hide a blush. "Perhaps."

[cont]

>>13237159
"So what ARE you going to do next?" asks Pinkie, that ever-present grin on her face.

You shrug. "That's the thing. I really can't know until this is dealt with. There are reasons to go home and reasons to stay here. I can't tell which will weigh more until we've found some peace." You ruffle Pinkie's mane. "You all are definitely one of the reasons for me to stick around."

Pinkie shows you her teeth before nuzzling your hand.

"Um, well, I know I haven't said much, but, uh, I'm glad you're still here," says Fluttershy from behind her mane.

You nod in acknowledgment. "Thanks."

You spend a short while chatting with them, telling them a little more about Earth, what your experiences were here, and how the two compare. Whenever the conversation steers toward the more grim aspects of it, you deflect. There's been enough of that talk for now, and you'd rather enjoy your time with these ponies on more positive things. You suspect Rarity has caught on to your tactics, but she thankfully says nothing to it.

Eventually, you stand up, figuring it's time to move on to the next thing.

"Bye, everyone. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for everything."

They all say goodbye, with Rarity adding, "Don't let any of this get to you. Equestria's normally a much more wonderful place."

You're sure it is.

Now outside the tent, you walk to the princesses' tent, calling out before entering.

"Celestia?"

[cont]

>>13237185
"She is not here at the moment," replies Luna, sticking her head out. "Did you need something?"

"Just wanted to talk with her. I'm sure I'll be able to find her, though."

>>13237199
Take a few steps from Luna and check the compass. Should that fail to give any ideas we'll have to look around.

>>13237199
What the other Anon said. We should check if the compass can find her. If not we can ask the sentries if they saw her leaving.

>>13237233
>>13237256
Pulling out the compass, you watch the needle closely for a few seconds, but it's only pointing straight at Luna. She must be too close and overpowering whatever the compass uses to find Celestia, too.

"What is that?"

"This? Oh, just a compass. It can point me to you or Celestia. She said it probably works on magic, but neither of us really know for sure. Anyways, I'll--AH!"

Luna yanks the compass from your grasp with magic, inspecting it a moment before holding it behind her. "No. Not tonight."

"C'mon, give it back! Why do you want to keep me from finding her anyways?"

"Because she needs some time alone, regardless of certain other things I may object to."

You lunge forward, grasping at the compass, but Luna pushes you back. "I said no. I understand your position and know you mean well, but you do not know my sister like I do. She needs this."

You grit your teeth. This is probably your last chance to spend a night with Celestia. Tomorrow... who knows what'll happen then.

>>13237445
Then at the very least hand me my compass back.

>>13237445
"This might be the last chance I ever get to talk to her in private. Do you really think it is in her best interest to deprive her and me of this chance?"

Man, that's a bitchy move. If she really doesn't give us the compass back, turn around and leave without another word. Though I doubt she cares.
We can still ask the sentries.

>>13237618
I'm inclined to give Luna a little more credit, if she's being this forceful about it. Just trying to work out what a good approach would be, though.

>>13237618
Anon, that was dumb.
I just thought you should know, it's best not even to bother arguing with Luna.

>>13237758
Well, we have nothing to lose anyway, do we? Luna would send us back right this second without asking anyone for a second opinion if she could, it's not like it could get much worse.

How close are we to the scales, on the map?

>>13237758
>>13237752
they don't tell each other so much. maybe we should bring that up? Not in an accusing way, but maybe as a, "you both tell me a lot you don't tell each other. maybe I can help in that way."

I mean, the entire time we've seen them not telling each other stuff.

>>13237844
Oh, that is actually a good point. I kinda forgot about it, but as often as it got mentioned it's probably a rather important thing.

>>13237822
It can always get worse.
I just want the compass back since it's all we have from home. Besides, what makes you so sure Celestia wants to see us anyway?

We do have an ace in the hole, though. We're visiting the scales tommorrow, the place of the Guardian's power. It's going to be a mess, and I don't really have any idea what could happen. Tonight could be the last time we get to see her in private, and we know that she would greatly regret it if we didn't have a chance to talk before we were seperated... as would we.

>>13237844
If she does look like relenting, promise that we'll make it clear to Celestia that we don't mind if she does want some time to herself, as her sister suggested she might.

>>13237492
"Then at the very least hand me my compass back."

"I am sorry, but I think I will keep it until tomorrow."

"So you don't even trust me that far?"

"I think you are someone with very little to lose and who thinks they know what's best for my sister moreso than I."

>>13237618
You pull at your hair. This feels like such a silly thing to get hung up on. 'I know what's best.' Really? How can she know for sure?

"This might be the last chance I ever get to talk to her in private. Do you really think it is in her best interest to deprive her and me of this chance?"

"And how might that help her?"

"Because we know each other. Because we have a unique connection. Don't tell me you know our relationship better than me."

She huffs, considering the argument. "Maybe. I am still unconvinced."

Well, shit. There's something else you can bring up, but you're not sure how well she'll take it. You stare at the compass, then Luna, then back again. Tomorrow's gonna be your last day, you both know it. You've got to try everything you can.

>>13237844
"Luna, I haven't mentioned this before because I didn't really want to meddle in what you and your sister have. It seems to me it's worked out great. But... there's a lot of things you don't tell each other, and I don't mean that in a bad way."

[cont]

>>13238418
She lifts her snout, curious. "Things we don't tell each other? What do you mean?"

You pinch your nose trying to come up with an example. "You know the whole thing with Steady? How you couldn't figure out what to do?"

She hesitates before answering, "Yes."

"Well, both of you said the same thing about it: 'My sister is better at these things.'"

Taking a step back, Luna turns to the right and regards you closely with one eye. "She said that? Truly?"

"Yes. I swear I'm not lying. And right before we went out to the cave, you said Celestia was naive and too trusting when it came to her subjects. Guess what? She told me later she was worried about how she treated her subjects. I know you two must know her very well, but you're still two different ponies with two different lives. At least give me the chance to speak with her."

"I do not think you are a liar." She looks between you and the sky, watching the rising moon. Sighing, she brings the compass in front of her. "Perhaps you have a point. I didn't know Celestia had such concerns. Or that she felt I was better at handling tough situations such as this. Maybe it's best I leave the decision up to her." She floats the compass back out to you slowly. You close your fingers around it, but she still hasn't released her grip. "If she does tell you she wants to be alone, you will respect her wishes."

"Of course."

[cont]

>>13238426
You feel the compass go slack in your hand and you pull it back in, then turn to find Celestia when Luna taps your shoulder.

"That compass alone will likely not be enough. My sister has gone to a special place, one that may skew any sort of magic detection."

>>13238418
>"I think you are someone with very little to lose and who thinks they know what's best for my sister moreso than I."
Maybe she knows us better than I thought.

I'm a total retard when it comes to conversations like that. I want to ask her where that place would be while at the same time thanking her for giving me the chance to talk to Celestia in private for probably the last time and that she trusts me, but I don't know how to word it.

>>13238435
"A special place?"

I suppose we have abandoned ship.

>>13240278
I bet he's just eating or has something important to do. Happened a few times already, he'll be back.

>>13240387
Or he died.

>>13238776
"A special place?"

"Yes. It's not far from here. I hesitate to state the nature of it, but it's the ruins of a very old building, a site of note because grass and other plants still grow there. It's the only fertile place in the Badlands. The residual magic may interfere with that compass."

"So, could you tell me how to get there, then?" You wince, hoping she doesn't change her mind.

"Yes, yes. One moment." She disappears into the tent and a few seconds later emerges with a map. "Here," she says, pointing. "That's were you'll find her. From where we are right now, it's out that way." She points east and you nod. "Keep going straight, don't wander. You'll find what you're looking for after a mile or so. And for both our sakes, be careful."

Keeping your face rigid, you nod again. "Will do."

You take off at a light jog, wanting to get clear of the camp and get to Celestia as soon as possible. One of the sentries sees you leaving and waves. You wave back.

A couple minutes into your jog and the camp is a fairly small point of light behind you. You pull out the compass, hoping it might work regardless, but it's still pointing back to Luna. 'Oh well,' you think as you stuff it back in your pocket.

You start thinking about what to say to Celestia. It's possible what happened with Steady really got to her, or it's everything all at once. It's tough to tell with her, given exactly how much older she is. You just don't think the same way.

[cont]

>>13240463
And what about your relationship? Is it something real or is it going to end tomorrow? You shake your head, wishing tomorrow would be here already. It'd certainly relieve a lot of stress.

The 'special place' comes into view and you stop a moment to take it in. It's like an oasis, a lush green splash of grass, short trees and bushes. The familiar rustle of leaves is a welcome sound in this barren land. You jog the rest of the way there, stopping just before taking a first step on the grass. What are you going to say to Celestia? Or should you say anything at all?


sorry, was watching the /co/-/mlp/ game.

>>13240484
Take in the surroundings, am I looking at palm trees like a stereotypical oasis or something more like an isolated rain forest?

>>13240484
It's kinda hard to decide what we should say to her without knowing her current moot.
I'd suggest we just search for her and then decide - for example, if she's sitting somewhere, just sit down next to her and find out what she's looking at and use that as a conversation starter.

>>13240692
She's probably thinking about how she's going to get Twilight back from a power hungry maniac.

>>13240484
Not suggesting words to be said, but I think some clarity on why Celestia seems to be interested in you would be nice. Is it just the novelty of a new species after millennia of the same, your actions, who you are or what?

>>13240780
Maybe, but this is meant to be a special site, right? Why come here to think about that? Luna also seemed pretty bent on keeping us away.

I think the place might be something significant from their past or something.

>>13240998
Could be a symbol of how they ended up as Alicorns who control the sun and moon.
Not unlike the rainbow is a symbol of God's pact with Noah.

>>13240614
>>13240692
There aren't many tall trees, most are maybe ten feet tall or shorter. It's enough to keep whatever's in the middle well-hidden from where you stand, though. The brush is particularly thick, but you spy a broken-up pathway leading in and start down it. A few vines loop from tree to tree, and the ground is hidden in places by shorter plants, though you don't know what any are called. At least, you don't see any poison ivy or oak.

You're unable to get through the layer of brush silently, so you're such Celestia knows you're here already, assuming she's not plugged her ears at all.

Breaking through the last few plants, you finally make it to a much more open area, glass covering the ground, leading up to what you figure is the ruins Luna talked about. They don't go very high, but you can make out large piece of rock fallen on each other. Sitting in front of the ruins, staring at them, is Celestia.

You lose your breath looking at her; a font of beauty amoungst beauty. Her mane and tail blow to one side, loose and slack like that one night where she let it go. Her wings are extended, dipping up and down on the air currents, a massive white wall on either side of her. The royal jewelry is absent, leaving her splendid coat purely uninterrupted but for the symbols of the sun on her flanks.

Your feet feel like they're made of lead, but with some effort, you're able to approach her, slowly walking forward, growing more nervous with each step.

[cont]

>>13241189
Why do you feel this way now? Taking care to avoid her mane, tail, and wings, you sit down beside her, swallowing, keeping your eyes focused on the ruins.

"Hello, traveler."

"Hello."

Silence fills the gap between words like water rushing into a lake.

"I'm a little surprised you found this place. But you've always been a resourceful one."

You grin. "I had some help."

"Help?" She turns to you. "My sister?"

You nod.

"Well, now I must certainly admit shock. What did you say to her?"

>>13241214
... that doesn't really sound like she's super happy about us being there. I have the feeling that telling her how we convinced Luna and thus admitting our feelings would be the best idea right now.
Maybe dodge the question by asking her what those ruins once were.

>>13241347
*would not be the best idea right now

>>13241214
I mentioned that this may be the very last time we get the chance to speak.
Wherever I'm going, it's going to be decided tomorrow.

>>13241347
>>13241385
"I mentioned that this may be the very last time we get the chance to speak. Wherever I'm going, it's going to be decided tomorrow." You hope a half-truth is enough; she doesn't sound like she wants to be taught about her relationship with her sister.

"Then it was kind of her to show you the way here. I would've expected more resistance to allowing such a situation in which you and I sit here together, but I suppose she has grown more than I thought." She takes a deep breath. "I think she has grown much more in general. I should give her more credit."

You fumble with your fingers, wondering what to say next. You still can't tell if she's happy you're here or not.

"So, uh, what were these ruins?"

"She did not tell you? Ah," she says grinning, "I see why she allowed you to come, now."

"They're pretty significant, then?"

"Depends on who you ask. This structure, alone, is not so special. It was once a mostly-underground shelter, no more. There is a wonderful story behind it, though."

You perk up. "A story? Mind sharing?"

"Yes, of course. But first..."

A wing swoops out and wraps around your, pulling you up against Celestia's side. The scent of her coat, a thick floral mixed with vanilla, overwhelms you. She strokes your back and arm with her wing a few times before laying it over your shoulders.

"I have a few questions for you. Why did you come out here?"

>>13241921
"I wanted to see you one last time, in case tomorrow is my last day here."

>>13241921
To speak with you, perhaps get a better handle on my situation. Tomorrow raises a lot of questions that won't be answered until the events have passed.

>>13241921
"I'm worried we might not have much more time. Tomorrow's a... big day."

>>13241921
I couldn't bear the thought of missing my possibly last chance to spend some time with you in private. You've been so kind and understanding since I've appeared in that cave - you even helped me to find Rose after the battle, even though you had no obligation to and she stated multiple times that she doesn't fight for you - but just because it was important to me.

>>13242076
>>13241921
Things are far easier when speaking with you. There has been nothing but trials and trepidation everywhere I've seen except when speaking with you.

>>13241980
>>13242076
>>13242098
>>13242232
"I wanted to see you one last time, a chance to speak with you, perhaps get a better handle on my situation. Tomorrow raises a lot of questions that won't be answered until the events have passed. I'm worried--no, I KNOW we don't have much time. You've been so kind and understanding since I've appeared in that cave. You even helped me to find Rose after the battle, even though you had no obligation to. She stated multiple times that she doesn't fight for you, but you did it anyways because it was important to me."

She nods, betraying nothing in her face. "I am glad you came. In truth, I wanted you to come, even if I made things a bit difficult. Forgive an old mare her silly games, it is merely difficult to expose myself so."

>>13242289
"It's... easier to speak with you, in the face of all that has happened. You seem to know how to melt my stress away."

Grinning, she sticks out her tongue and you chuckle. "Yes, like that."

"If you found a way to stay, would you have me as a friend? A ruler? Something else, maybe?"

>>13242396
"...Something else...?"

>>13242396
"Something else yes."
Turn to look at her.

>>13242396
That's something both of us would need to decide. Would we be capable of something more if I was able to stay?
Would you have me as something more?

File: 1377990873890.png-(Spoiler Image, 18 KB, 200x200)

>>13242396
>Something else, maybe?
Oh geez...

"If there was a way for me to stay, I would love to keep you as a friend.. or something else, maybe."

Run a hand over her back - she's been caressing us with her wing, I don't think she'll have any objections

Still here. The next post is really long, though.

>>13242925
Take your time.

>>13242925
It's okay, gives me some time to do the dishes

>>13242526
>>13242544
>>13242594
>>13242603
"Something else, yes." You run a hand over her back, rubbing the nubs where her wings met her body.

She nods. "Then I have a story for you." She gestures to the ruins before you.

You take it in, though from what you tell it's nothing more than a pile of stones. Most look unnatural, as if carved by a pony, part of the construct that once was. Moss and vines run rampant over everything, a scene truly given to nature. It would've been ordinary anywhere else besides the Badlands.

"What makes this place so significant, then?"

"This is where a certain phrase, born of the extinct language Equinin, came to what we speak now, Equestrian."

"Really? How so?"

"Long ago, long before even my sister and I, two ponies, lovers, lived in this area, but on one particular night, they were set upon by misfortune. A vicious pack of timberwolves was chasing them, and neither knew how to fight. Both were earth ponies, so they had no means of magic to repel the wolves and no way to fly to safety.

"So they ran.

"Miles and miles they ran, hunted. They ran for their lives, thier love, for each other. They ran without food or water, without an end in sight. Even back in those times, the Badlands was sparsely inhabited, so there was no town they could find shelter or protection in. It was odd for wolves to chase prey for so long, but these creatures were desperate, so they never gave up.

[cont]

>>13243244
"The two ponies fled to the point of collasping, and just as they were to give up, they found this place. It seemed like exactly what they needed, but alas, it was old and abandoned even in their time. The entrance was in shambles, with no way to seal it. If they took shelter here, it would be nothing more than a grave.

"The stallion came up with a plan. He told the mare to continue to run, while he would fill this place with thier scent. He took a piece of her clothing and dove inside, telling her he would catch up as soon as he could. The mare protested, having only found the strength to flee in her partner, but he insisted and they had little time to argue. She acknowledge his commitment, weeping, and ran off. The stallion then did as he told her he would, smearing their sweat and clothes all over the place in an attempt to lure the wolves down there... but such was not the entirety of his plan.

"When they first spied the entrance, he saw something she did not: a weak point in the rock structure around the entrance. With a good buck, it would collapse the place, sealing it forever. But the weak point could only be struck from the inside. So the stallion waited for the wolves. He did not have long to wait.

"They fell for the trap, rushing into the shelter, only to find it empty. And when they turned to leave, they came face to face with the stallion, growling at him a moment before he shattered the entrance and sealed everything inside.

[cont]

>>13243260
"His mate, the mare, heard the thunderous sound of the rocks crushing the entrance to nothing and she immediately turned around. Even with her exhaustion, she strained, weeping, hoping the worst had not happened, calling herself a fool for leaving her stallion behind. Upon returning, her fears were confirmed, and she feel down, broken. Her tears soaked the ground, bleeding her pain and rage and frustration into the dirt. For hours she cried, and contemplated ending herself, for she was nothing without her lover.

"But there."

Celestia points to a rock, the only one standing upright. You squint at it, but see nothing, as it's covered in moss. Standing up, Celestia walks over to the rock and you follow close behind. She scrapes away the moss and you can make out an engraving in two distinct handwritings.

"She found this message, one word, in Equinin. It was all her lover had time to enscribe before the wolves arrived."

You trace the first word with your fingers, the groves rough to the touch. "Yev."

"The word for otherworldly or indescribable affection. A connection beyond what mouths can speak. It was a message from the stallion, telling her all he felt in a single word. Then, the mare did something never done before: she added a modifier."

[cont]

>>13243283
You turn to the next word, feeling your heart race as your read it. "Ruu."

"In Equinin, adding a modifier to 'Yev' would be seen as pointless. It's putting words to a thought that cannot be described with such words. One cannot have 'strong' Yev or 'intense' Yev. It makes no sense. But this word, 'Ruu', means 'genuine'.

"For years this story spread, of the lovers and the sacrifice. This place became of certain note of the ponies that lived in the south, and many, many years later, word reached my sister and I. We came down here, and saw this phrase, these words, and were moved. We partitioned this place with magic, removed it from the rest of the dying Badlands, and gave life a place to flourish. We took the message back home in our hearts.

"Equinin had long since died, but we introduced the translation into Equestrian as a phrase, one you might be familiar with."

>>13243296
Love?

>>13243296
"Ruu yev...ruuyev..."
"...Love..."

>>13243296
>>13243554
True love.

>>13243296
Time to gulp and wipe a tear away before she sees it.

I'm not quite sure what she is aiming at - I assume love?

>>13243554
>>13243580
>>13243584
>>13243587
"Love? No, wait... genuine... true love?"

Celestia's smile fills her face. "True love. Something beyond time, beyond location... or even dimension. Something, I think, we all hope to find within our lives. Someone to complete us, make us more than we are. An odd thing to think about at such a time, but perhaps now is the most important time to consider it." She lays a hoof on the inscription. "When you told me that story about Snow White, my thoughts went here. It's such a silly thing, I had thought. Impractical. Impossible, even, for a being such as I. We tell fairy tales to the young ones to give them hope, the message is never to be taken literally. That is always how I had felt." Her voice is cracking. Concerned, you step forward to get a better look at her face, and those striking magenta eyes meet yours.

"Why did you have to go and change my mind?"

>>13243942
FUCKING KISS HER!

I mean, uh, give her a romantic kiss.

>>13243942
There are no words.
Words have failed me.

Speak with actions instead.

>>13243942
Pull her into a hug and whisper into her ear that we love her, too.


Fuck man, I never asked for these feelings.. now I have to wipe a tear away because a fictional magical cartoon pony confessed her love for me.

>>13244010
This all the fucking way.
Not a weak peck or even a regular deep kiss either, I mean a fucking passionate makeout god tier kiss.

>>13244010
>>13244046
>>13244058
>>13244076
Here she is, practically offering herself to you, and you've done nothing but stand there like a fool. It doesn't matter what happens tomorrow, life's too short and you both want this more than anything.

You grab her head and pull her into a deep kiss, wasting no time in opening your mouth to hers and exploring with your tongue. Hers meets with yours and the two play with each other, pushing and intertwining in a salacious dance. You hear a ruffle of feathers as Celestia's wings burst open, a backdrop of white stiff over her back.

You heart about bursts from your chest, pulling Celestia's head in tighter, relishing the kiss without letting it lose its refinement. You're almost out of breath when you pull away, eyes finding Celestia's. You nearly lose yourself their depth, a reckless grin growing on your face. Celestia's breath comes out hot and heavy, the only sound aside your thumping heart.

"Kiss me again before I do it for you."


Do you want to go all the way?

>>13244167
Why is that even a fucking question, Smut?
What word is in your name? SMUT.
We've got a fucking job to do.
All.
The.
Fucking.
Way.
Give her the D.

>>13244167
I don't know.. I think I'd prefer to spend the night with her without going all the way, but I assume that the other Anons will disagree. Also you probably have been waiting for this.

>>13244167
maybe we should ask her

>>13244167
Already?

>>13244243
>>13244284
>>13244325
One yes, one maybe, and one ask her.

You don't HAVE to go all the way, but if you do, it'll be slow, romantic sex.

>>13244167
>>13244459
Eh, screw it. This could very well be our last night on this planet.

Let's go for it.

>>13244459
This is our last and only chance, anon. I think sunbutt knows that, too.

>>13244167
Not until our problems are resolved. Even if it means blueballing Quest anon.

>>13244466
Just what we needed, not even sarcastic, slow romantic sex with someon- pony that actually gives a damn is best sex.
Ask with actions, not words, you can do it.
You ain't a sperg, are you, son?

>>13244488
>>13244518
>>13244534
It looks like 1 against, and 3 for. Questanon is going for it. The scene will take some time to write.

>>13244606
Godspeed, questanon.

>>13244606
Make sure to kiss her neck.

>>13244606
Oh well, at least it's slow, romantic sex. I can live with that.

Oh, good, this is still going, I was afraid I'd miss today's session.

AGH I MISSED PARTICIPATING IN ALL THAT ;_;

File: 1377996064499.jpg-(175 KB, 474x595, rxn all these thumbs up.jpg)

Sorry guys, got distracted and couldn't participate in the thread, what's going on no-AWW SHIT
>mfw

>>13244642
>>13244654
>>13244677
Done. http://pastebin.com/XfsHzbQy

This ends today's session. Things will start back up again next Wednesday, when we set out for the confrontation with Ironsides.

>>13245080
Oh lawks, thanks SA

Don't break our hearts ;_;

>>13245080
And that night, The Traveler became a man.

Thanks SA.

>>13245080
Thanks for the session.

Please don't break my heart, SA.

>>13245080
Thanks for the session. Time to sleep.
Maaan, I didn't even waifu waifu Celestia before this quest, but...

>>13245080
Excellent, thanks, SA.
We fucking did it, after all this fucking time we fucking did it, pat yourselves on the back, everyone.

>>13245080
That's so sweet.
I don't want this to end badly ;_;

>>13245080
>"I know exactly what you mean, Snow White."
>tfw that nickname was your idea
I feel giddy