1835 replies and 48 files omitted.
>>129527"Have you seen many signs around before?"
>>129523"Good armor is must when adventuring."
>>129529He wags his tail
"Where are we going to go to?"
The bed states to take shape, with foundations, then a mattress and then finally the sheets ontop. Well,
not finally, as Mala places an old blanket ontop of the bed
>>129528"Yes, I have seen signs. Many signs. Just last spring I saw the sign of the Thunderbird. The Animiki. The Thunderbird belongs to the Upperworld. Every spring, it migrates, like most birds. It comes to fight the spirits of the Underworld, and of the Great Horned Serpent."
He wheezes rather deeply
"Makade said it was no Thunderbird nor sign of it. He said it was a plane of war, for the Equestrians. You will have to forgive Makade. Be patient with him. He was raised in a pony school further south. He knows many things. But he is ignorant about the spiritual world"
He pauses and blinks
"I did not see the sign of the Thunderbird migrating back in the Fall..."
>>129530"I am afraid I do not have much lined up at this moment, bht I will let you know when I do."
>>129530"Oh. Perhaps it is locked in combat with many dark forces."
Spark realizes what this probably meant, but comforts the priest pupper.
>>129531Mala looks at Silver, with his black muzzle and big, diamond ears
"Okay..."
He sets the chest in place, opens it, and tries to place his sheathed, curved sword into the chest. He finds that it doesn't quite fit, and instead places the sword next to the chest against the wall
>>129532The priest still lays on his belly, seeming to swell in places. He looks about comparable in age to the Cheiftan, probably past middle age, but still not to old age.
"They are supposed to migrate back in the Fall. After the most dangerous of the underworld spirits have been quelled"
>>129533"It may be that there are a lot more to deal with in these hard times."
Spark has the urge to pet, but it might not be seen as welcome in this culture.
>>129534He does right himself, however
"Or perhaps I did not see the migration. I am not as able as I once was. What was this sign, you speak of?"
>>129535"It looked like a clearing in the forest, kind of like a bed."
>>129533"All I have is that I was going to help with corpse recovery for previous mission I had."
>>129536"Who spotted it, and what did they say?" He asks
>>129537"Corpse recovery?" He tilts his head, and his ears twitch
>>129538Silver nods.
"My last mission before yesterday was to clear quarry that had connected to old catacombs of undead. There were plenty of remains of damned ponies and zebras that need to be given proper burials afterwards."
>>129538Spark waves over his new friends.
>>129540Spark looks over to see that Makade is saring at him, and Waabishki is laying down, liking her leg after the leather strap has been removed. She looks up at him.
>>129539Mala's big, black eyes are wide at Silver, and his mouth hangs partly open
"Wow..."
>>129541"The priest would like to hear about what you found in the forest."
>>129541Silver looks up at his gnoll companion, confused.
"Eh? What about it?"
>>129542Her ears stand up, twitch, and then she quickly stands up and runs over towards Miskobag, the priest.
Makade, already standing, walks more slowly over towards him, standing behind her
Waabishki, the white wolf, sarts talking to him
"We found a nest. Needles spread on the ground in a depression, with long, big tracks leading up to it. Just two strides away from where this pony was standing. I think it was a Sa'be"
>>129543"I have never seen zombies before. I had heard about them... I did not think they were real... That is creepy"
>>129544"Indeed they are, on both accounts. They are result of dark magic cast by necromancers."
>>129545He looks up at Silver - his head is lower than his shoulders, though he is almost as tall as Silver - and his mouth goes lower as he stares up in silence for a moment. Then,
"Wow! That's incredible! You do this as a job?!?"
>>129546"Occasionally. Necromancers and undead are not all too common in Equestria."
>>129547"Still... that is like living a film. Can I join in this?"
>>129544"What do you think Miskobag?"
>>129548Silver smiles at him.
"Of course. I did ask you to be my partner, after all."
>>129549He looks over to Spark, slowly
"I will let her explain it"
She takes a step forward
"You were near a Sa'be nest. In the Seven Teachings, the Sa'be teaches us Honesty. I though maybe it was a sign to show that you are honest."
>>129550He wags his tail again
"It'll be great! I know it will"
He looks around
"Well, the room looks about set up"
>>129551"What all are the Seven Teachings?"
>>129551Silver looks around in Mala's room.
"Considering it was just bed and chest, that was very easy."
>>129552He closes his eyes and nods slightly
"The Seven Teachings are virtues.
The Eagle teaches us love
The Buffalo teaches us respect
The Bear teaches us Courage
The Sa'be - the Giant - teaches us Honesty
We Ma'iingan must teach ourselves Humility
The Beaver teaches us Wisdom
And the Tortoise teaches us Truth"
>>129553It's still mostly plain, with no big dresser, no posters, and no decorations, though there are windows
Mala jumps onto the bed, and lays on it looking at Silver
"It' a nice room. All to myself."
He smiles
>>129554"All of those except Sa'be are creatures you can see often. I'm just curious, but how did Sa'be get added to the list?"
>>129556"The Sa'be are one of the first created races, and dear to the spirit of creation. Because they are close to the spiritual, they are authentic. Honest to themselves. And they only show themselves to those who are honest. Many will lie and say them have seen them, only he who is honest tells the same in truth."
>>129555"That it is, friend. If you ever feel like it needs spruced up, let me know."
>>129558Mala looks up and around the room
"It looks good so far. I will earn things to add to it over time"
Mala leans his head down, and places his muzzle under the blanket
>>129559"Enjoy it, friend."
Silver pats the gnoll, then heads for Khoi and Jubilosa.
>>129560Khoi and Jubilosa are sitting on the couches down stairs. Jubilosa has a wine bottle near her. Khoi looks up to Silver
[1d10 = 2]
[1d10 = 6]
[1d10 = 8]
Eenie, Meanie, Minie, Moe, catch a tiger by its toe
1. Light House
2. Year of the cat
3. Flotsam
4. South Harbor
5. Monastery
6. The Monster's request
7. Reservoir
8. Hundred Year Flood Zone
9. Fort Prance
10. Sanitarium
>>129557"How do you learn from each of these when the Sa'be is so elusive? It is hard to study what is often unseen."
>>129569He does another small nod, closing his eyes and reopening them when his head is level
“You do indeed think like a pony. You would get along well with Makade. Teaching is not some one way act, like a teacher before a set of students, silent and listening. It is two ways, teacher and student. The student is active, learning from the teacher. Observing and pursuing knowledge. When you take the pup along for the hunt, you show them how to track, but they must listen and learn themselves. So it is with the lessons the spirits and the animals have for the Ma’iignan, and what the Ma’iignan must teach ourselves.
Take for example the lesson the eagle teaches us. The eagle, when they court and bond, fly high into the sky, and hold each other by the claws. When they have flown so high they see the land under them as far as their sharp eyes will show them, they close their wings and dive to the ground. It is a splendid display as they spiral together, and only at the last moment do they break apart and soar upwards, before they are smashed against the ground. From this display, we Ma’iignan learn what it means to love - to tie yourself to another even in great danger or risk to self. That is how we learn. Through absorbing the wisdom nature provides.”
>>129570"It will take me some time to understand, but I am willing to try."
>>129571His eyes slowly turn over towards the white wolf, who is now standing beside and slightly in front of Spark. She listens intently, with her head lowered below her shoulder Makade is behind Spark a little further back, and is out of sight. Spark does not see his reaction.
“Learning does indeed take time... it can take a lifetime or more. Waabishki has been studying under me since she was a pup. She is a third degree Midew now. I think she will have to become the Midewinini soon”
>>129572"What all does the Midewinini do?"
>>129573“We carry the spiritual knowledge of our people, teach it from one generation to the next, and are the spiritual leaders of the band.”
>>129574"Any sort of ceremonies?"
>>129575He nods again that way
“There are indeed ceremonies. There are many ceremonies. Performed in the Midewigamig and outside of it. Ceremonies for the passage into each season, for birth, and for marriage and for death. Ceremonies for the naming of a puppy, for remembrance of the dead, and remembrance of war... and more.”
>>129576"Are they for your own kind only, or might you invite me some time to one?"
>>129577He gives a weak smile
“It is not normally for outsiders. They do not usually care. We consider our traditions special. We shall see.”
>>129578"I'm honored to be considered. Well, for now I need to finish my business in the forest, then I can begin work for Ziibe. I will certainly love to return to learn more from you if you will have me."
>>129579He nods his head again. He does not close his big brown eyes, but keeps them on Spark.
“We shall see.”
>>129580Spark nods in reply and turns to the two behind him.
"Are you going to stay here, or would you like to accompany me through the woods?"
>>129581Makade
“You think we will just let you go back?”
Waabishki
“Where are you going?”
>>129582"I need to explore a little more to make sure this place is safe from changelings or other monsters as I promised I would do."
>>129583Makade looks around, and his ears swivel every which way. Waabishki says “Monsters... okay”
>>129584"I figured that you wouldn't want me going around on my own, since you still don't fully trust me. So you can guide me around different spots to check, or just keep an eye on me."
>>129585Makade looks up to the sky, trying to see through the clearing of the canopy
Waabishki
“What are you looking for? There are many, many creatures the ponies call ‘monsters.’”
>>129586"Well, it changes whatever it is, so we just have to find something that changes to attack us."
>>129587“Are you talking about the doubles?” She asks
“Quiet. If there are planes, we must hear them” Makade continues his somewhat spooked stance
>>129589A bird chirps along its morning song. There is no droning of engines.
>>129590Spark remains quiet. Perhaps the wolves have vastly better hearing.
>>129591Waabishki: “Incredible. He doesn’t believe in the Sa’be when its own nest is right in front of him, but he sure does believe in planes.”
No immediate sound, though other sounds come from the village, like the pattering of paws.
>>129592"Is it coming this way, Makade?"
Spark ponders how little contact the wolves have had with ponies to not know of their industrial revolution and the events of the war.
>>129593He bares his teeth to Spark
“You tell me. Did you agree to shoot up a flare into the sky with your horn when you found our location?”
>>129594"The only time I used my horn was back at the mine to repel the monsters I encountered. There would be no way to trace it here."
>>129595He closes his mouth, with a general look of displeasure. He looks around again, then lowers his tail and turns around, moving back a few paces. He tries to pick up the rifle he was carrying earlier.
Waabishki: “If you are looking for Changelings, why did you come up here?”
>>129596"Because the main changeling force refuses to go into forests. Some say there is a monster there. And since we were attacked by such, I figure that we need to make sure no more are about to strike. If it is a rival changeling force, then to keep both of us safe, it is best to keep the problem from boiling over."
Spark tries to take a look for the plane.
>>129597The sky is almost perfectly clear. Makade looks at him.
Waabishki: “.... Are Changelings fighting Changelings?”
>>129598"No idea. Whatever is causing the monster attacks needs to be stopped. Otherwise the changelings outside the forest might just change their minds about the forest and roll in with tanks."
>>129599She twitches her ears in concern, as a smile disappears
Makade comes in
“You can tell them we have not been harboring any changing, rebel or otherwise. I have made sure of that.”
>>129600"I don't think they will be so kind as to care if these attacks don't stop. That is why I have take up this request. Otherwise neither of use are going to have any relationship with the changelings beside combat. If you don't want to tag along, you don't have to. However, I am going to have to make sure there is no more threat in the forest in order to keep the peace."
>>129601"And if we can help track down these rebel Changelings? What will they offer us?" He asks
>>129602"For starters they won't invade. Second, I'm sure that they will not mind trade in the future. Rushing relations with changelings on the warpath with the ponies eastward is not the wisest move."
>>129603Makade comes closer
"Then perhaps they will appreciate this token"
>>129604Spark steps back.
"It is not wise to make brash decisions that will impact your whole tribe."
>>129606Spark nods and heads off into the woods.
>>129561The unicorn waves at Khoi, and heads to the couch. He pulls the toothbrush he got for Khoi, and gives it to her.
"Here, I got toothbrush for you."
He also gives Jubilosa both sets of gloves.
>>129607Makade stands straight, and watches Spark. Waabishki is confused, and walks over to Makade.
"What was he about?"
"I have no idea. But stand firm as you would against a bear. Ponies do not show you respect when you show force, but you will know their lack of respect without it. He tells us the doubles are spooked. Either he tells the truth or he is lying to us and they are scheming. Either way, we are in danger. Get your bow, and prepare."
Waabishki is not normally inclined to accept his interpretation of events. But having no more information than he, and knowing no better, she walks off back to the village, and gathers her bow
Spark has a better view of the forest now, with light breaking through areas of the canopy. There is a monotony the endless trees, expanding in every direction. It may be peaceful, or perhaps even terrifying, depending on your perspective.
>>129608She looks at the toothbrush in almost confusion, but takes it with her own magenta aura
Jubilosa takes the gloves and looks down at them. She looks up and smiles mischievously at Silver
>>129609Silver smiles mischieviously back at Jubilosa, then looks over to Khoi.
"What is it?"
>>129610She looks at him and blinks
"You gave it to me"
>>129609Spark is perhaps both, because he is alone in a forest. He continues his rather aimless search for the monster.
>>129611"No no, I mean what is wrong?"
>>129613"... Nothing is wrong" She answers, confused
>>129614After a couple seconds, Silver shrugs and joins the two in lounging around.
>>129615Khoi places the toothbrush on the table, and sits down
Jubilosa picks up the bottle of wine
"Want some?"
>>129616Silver makes a small grimace, but he accepts, taking a small drink of the liquid and swallowing quickly.
>>129617A red wine, ever so slightly sweet
Jubilosa picks up the bottle to show the label to show to Silver
"A Sicameonese wine"
She grimaces
"I don't like to think how it got here... But I am glad to have it"
>>129618"Yes...I am not biggest fan of wine, but I will admit that was not bad. It explains why you have had so many."
>>129619"Oh I haven't even finished the bottle"
>>129620"Huh. Nevermind then."
He shuffles about awkwardly after that reveal.
"So...I know he was from different part of Griffonia, but does this house at all remind you of home?"
>>129621"Oh this is like somegriff's house, just not mine. I lived in a small house on a hill in the town, and in a small apartment in the city."
>>129622"Huh. And where did you live, Khoi?"
>>129623"In a farm outside a village"
Jubilosa
"We were both on farms, sorta"
>>129624"I lived out in middle of farms, before I moved here."
>>129625"Oh?" She moves a little closer to him
"Tell us more"
>>129626"I lived up north outside of Manehattan before War. It was just simple log cabin I had lived in for many years, on hill near some local farms. I helped fix up farmers' tools for Bits after I had retired."