[ORP - PLOT] The Faunies, Welcomed to Laisidhiel

[Mutilated Moogle]

Gypsy slipped away once the Royal Guard had finished speaking, not to help gather food but just to look around the place, she could protect herself, she had to after being on the road by herself for so long that she had to learn a few things to protect herself though, if she was going to be here, she wouldn't mind seeing if someone could teach her a few more things but that would come at a later date. "Right..." she said softly to herself once she was out of sight and ear shot of the rest of the group, making sure though she knew where to get back to them when she returned "let's explore this place a bit, no use laying around being bored or waiting for food" she was a little tired but right now, being a traveling pony and being in a new land, she had to get out and explore a bit, see what this place had to offer her.  

[Wolfs Heart]

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, "Hmm... I wonder what else is different here." She had just kind of assumed it would be the same as her home and hadn't expected change or tried to test the waters on anything. "I don't know what Spitfire is going to do, but if she doesn't I will." Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest proudly. As much as she worshiped the clouds Spitfire walked on, she was certain she could do just as good at running the academy, after all she had showed Spitfire that pushing yourself wasn't always a good thing. Rainbow Dash could hear voices down below the canopy, she hadn't been able to hear people talking before so they must be shouting. Her eyes traveled to the trees and then back to Lightning Dust. "Hey, I think somethings going on down there, we should check it out." Rainbow began dropping altitude.

Spitfire made her way towards where all the ponies were gathered when Shining Armor started gathering everyone's attention. She listened to what he said, it didn't seem like the kind of role she was used to, but she would do it anyways. Spitfire glance around, she wasn't sure who this Thunderlane pony was, perhaps one of the ones from Ponyville. Spitfire took off from the ground so that she could get around the ponies who had gathered and made her way towards the cart, landing beside it, waiting for whoever her partner was to show up.  

[Fea Line]

Lightning Dust glanced down at the scene below, listening to what sounded like someone barking orders. "Probably a good idea, don't want to get left behind..... not that they could leave us behind." she laughed and zipped down to the ground to see what the commotion was , leaving a trail of sparkling lightning behind her again before it faded into the sky. It seemed everyone was getting ready to head somewhere to rest for the night.  

[Daisicle]

Celestia nodded to Luna, handing over her power for the moment as she turned back around and began to walk towards Faroth and where the clearing would be. Yes, tonight she would just serve as council.

Twinkleshine looked towards actually being called out, feeling as if she was on top of the world with this special recognition. Grinning, she called back, "You got it!" before quickly heading to the rest of the group. Sure, it was only gathering, something she was to 'famous' and 'wonderful' to do, but she had been specially selected by her 'skills' for the test, so damn the world she was going to be the best at it.  

[FA Strafe]

Nafretiti

Gypsy slipped away once the Royal Guard had finished speaking, not to help gather food but just to look around the place, she could protect herself, she had to after being on the road by herself for so long that she had to learn a few things to protect herself though, if she was going to be here, she wouldn't mind seeing if someone could teach her a few more things but that would come at a later date. "Right..." she said softly to herself once she was out of sight and ear shot of the rest of the group, making sure though she knew where to get back to them when she returned "let's explore this place a bit, no use laying around being bored or waiting for food" she was a little tired but right now, being a traveling pony and being in a new land, she had to get out and explore a bit, see what this place had to offer her.

Noise. Movement. So many bodies, traveling together; not the most subtle traveling party. Easy to follow without being noticed. But, how to make a move? Too many bodies. Too many eyes.

Hope spiked, hearing some would leave to gather food and other supplies...but no, still too many in one place. Too much risk.

Fortune smiled on the hunter; despite warnings, one foolish female broke away from the rest and slipped off by herself! Nearly giddy, the shadowy figure slipped along after her, waiting until they were a safe enough distance to attack. Defenses must be tested, though from what it had seen so far, these beings seemed completely lost and out of their element. Minus the Faun and his wolf. Still, the prospect had the beast's blood boiling, excitement had its heart pounding. As it melded into the shadows after the loud creature's clamor into the forest, it left a few drops of slaver in its wake, bubbling and hissing softly as it sank into the ground...  

[Mutilated Moogle]

Gypsy moved along as, defences were up but as much as she tried to keep them up, making sure to take note of the noises around her and what not, it was rather hard to do that here, this place was new and her curiosity was getting the best of her, she just wanted to see everything and what new and strange animals could be here etc. Gypsy carried on for a bit but stopped, hearing a noise she looked around to see where it may have come from but seeing nothing she carried on for a bit and just thought of it as something her imagination created and so, to keep her spirits up a little more, given she was in a dark forest she decided to softly sing a song that Pinkie had made up:

"It doesn't matter now (What's up?)
If you are sad or blue (Howdy!)
'Cause cheering up my friends is just what..."

Gypsy stopped as she noticed some strange substance on the ground, kneeling down a little to get a closer look she wondered what it could be but shook it off "new place so new stuff" she said to herself as she carried on singing and walking along, whatever it was she would probably learn about it sooner or later but right now she was still wanting to explore this place so she carried on, wondering if there was something around she could eat, Big Mac went to gather food so surely there were other fruit trees around then just where he went.  

[Teigra]

Faroth and the Food Gathering Party

Faroth took a few moments with the main group, giving Shining Armor some basic information on the nearby lake and shoreline as well as directions, then left Raina and Ranuin with Pinkie Pie. "Don't worry, everything will be fine," he whispered to the wolf reassuringly, scratching her ears before sending her with the group. They wouldn't be separated by any great distance and he'd be back shortly once food had been gathered.

Turning back to his group of 'Ponies', he put on a confident smile and asked, "Well, shall we be off?" He'd not noticed the odd Pony from earlier who had ignored his warning and slipped off on her own. The sun would be setting soon and the woods would be getting dark, so best to get this work done and get back. Besides, they had to be getting hungry by now. He glanced over his group; three ladies, two of those winged, flying Ponies, both male, and an impressive-looking red male, the one previously pulling the cart. Faroth knew that he had decent enough strength when pulling carts, as well, but this guy seemed to tower over everyone whether performing feats of strength or no. He couldn't help but think that he'd be a good guy to have on your side in a pinch.

He led the group to a cluster of apple trees before halting and glancing around. "Well, here we are. Plenty of apples. I'll take a look over that way, I think there might be a couple of pear trees around here too. Oh, and watch around the bases of the trees! Looks like some of them have blackberry bushes as well. Those should be tasty, just watch the thorns!" Still feeling a bit odd in his role as a 'guide', Faroth waved and trotted off to check out the pear trees on the other side of the clearing.

*****

Back with the Main Party on the Lake Shore

The sun was setting low in the sky, casting dying rays of sunlight that glittered on the surface of the lake. The waters were mostly still, the surface broken only by ripples from the gentle breeze crossing the Isle with the decline in temperature as the great orb settled on the horizon. A different celestial body had begun its climb in the sky, waiting for darkness to come to shed its silvery light over the land.

The beach was a wide swath of sand, clean and clear except for a few flat rocks protruding from its surface. There was plenty of open space for the Ponies to settle in, with blankets or whatever they had brought with them, and even rocks to sit on if they'd prefer not getting so much sand in their hair and tails. The water itself was clear and cool, perfectly safe for drinking, or they could move further away from the campsite for bathing to remove the dusts of the trail, so to speak.  

[Teigra]

Back at the Shipping Docks

A few days travel behind the Ponies, a smaller ship sailed in to dock on Telrunya. A chill swept through the docks, many of the Avalon fairies fleeing on instinct, going into hiding until the dark force passed. The ship was cloaked in shadow, though a number of figures could be seen moving about, as if in thick fog. They rushed with a sense of urgency, balancing the craft, pulling it in to dock, keeping it steady on course with a minimal amount of noise or disruptive jarring movements. A tall figure stood at the prow, still and steady, eyes fixed on the new land beyond the docks.

As the craft came in to dock, a number of the dark figures leapt to the landing, dragging lead lines to secure the craft. Shortly behind them, there was a buzzing of wings as the tall figure leap from the ship onto the dock. As she emerged from the shadowy cloak, her eyes flashed and one of the Avalon fairies squeaked in fear, cowering deeper in their hiding place.

Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings had arrived on Telrunya.

She glanced around, a wicked grin crossing her face. Nevermind the pests; they were of no consequence, but it was good to see that they recognized their place. She stilled, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply. Ah, like euphoria...a shiver traveled down her spine. This land...so magical, so full of...love.

And she'd thought that the last place had been heaven. Pesky Ponies had to up and flee, however, leaving no food supply for herself and her own. But here...she'd hoped to find Ponies, but, there was obviously so much more! She could smell it, taste it on the air! This new land was a veritable buffet! They'd never have to worry about food ever again!

"Come, my children," she crooned over her shoulder with a purr. "We've found our new home...now, go forth and feed."
 

[FA Strafe]

Nafretiti

Glee! Foolish Faun thing! She was going in circles! Silly thing stopped where she'd already passed through earlier, stopping to look at the ground. Not that she seemed to have any idea what she was looking at. Though, the point was to wait until she got away from the others. Far enough they wouldn't hear any noises she might make. Noises gave away clever hunters. Stupid thing was going in circles.

Impatience wouldn't help. It kept still, only moving when she moved, her hooves making more than enough noise to cover its quiet movements. Clever feets, quieter than noisy hoovsies. It kept moving, heart pounding with excitement. Big thing had no wings. Little hunter had advantage! Scrabbling quickly up a tree trunk, it began traveling soundlessly from branch to branch, looking down at the tasty Faun thing.

Master said to watch, see things, then come back and tell. Didn't have to fight them, but, if one dumb enough to go off alone... Well, there were plenty more, Master said. It was okay to lose one or two. He wanted the smart ones anyway. Wouldn't miss this one. This one would show what defenses they had. Could they fight? Probably not, but best to know.

The next time she paused, it froze, staring down at the top of her head. The was the tiniest leathery rustle as wings unfurled, covered by the great thing's loud singy noises. Licking acidic spittle from its gaping jaws, the beast leapt, wings spread. It looked like a weasel, or some sort of lithe, lean animal, though it's fur was mottled, and it had a pair of bat-like wings sprouting from its back. Oh, and acidic saliva that burned slowly through anything it dripped onto. For now, it sailed towards the back of the unsuspecting Faun's head in silence, sharp claws raked forward for a quick hit-and-run test strike.  

[Mutilated Moogle]

Gypsy was about to move on, thinking of going down a different path when she felt like there was something behind her, watching her, looking around she saw this...thing...? Coming straight at her, as she looked the creature over quickly as she ran away from the scene, scared of the creature and what it could do to her and ran back the way she came she was curious as what it was but that would keep for another day.

After a while of going in several wrong direction, trying to keep a safe distance between her and that creature she arrived back at the group, having taken note where she first left and looked around to see if her guide was back yet with the food but as he wasn't she just fell to the ground trying to catch her breath at the side of those waiting around for dinner, pondering over the thing she saw, curious as to what it was.  

[FA Strafe]

Quick hunter was rewarded with one taloned paw full of dark hair, another sufficiently bloodied before cowardly Faun fled. It reminded itself that it was keeping quiet, so no proud screech to the skies on a successful hunt. Not tonight, but maybe another night. Silly things couldn't fight; couldn't defend themselves. Easy prey.

The foolish thing had showed some smarts finally, fleeing back towards the light and noise, other things out here, noisy and big. Not small and quick, but even they could get lucky and squish sometimes. So, stay here in the quiet and dark. Maybe more fools. If not, return to Master with findings. Well, some findings. It perched in the tree, gleefully licking the blood from its claws.  

[Fea Line]

Cadence had gone with the hunting party, listening eagerly to Faroth and glancing around at the many fruit trees this forest had. It was perfect! It couldn't have been anymore perfect. Well maybe a nice warm place to call a proper home but still. She felt as if things were just beginning to look up. "Check everything my little ponies! We have a lot of mouths to feed! Soon we will all get to fill our bellies with tasty fruit." she called, trying her best to keep the ponies spirits high and hopeful.

Luna cast her gaze to the sky, stopping a moment to watch as the sun set without the aid of her sister. The last bit of rays danced across the waters and she knew that soon the all too familiar silvery glowing orb she felt a kinship with rose high into the sky. Inside she was waiting for this moment over anything. Right now she could care less about a home or a proper place to rest her hooves. She needed to know the night was the same as it was back in Ponyville. That it held the same meanings to her, the same feelings deep down inside. That same sense of true belonging. Only after a few moments did she cast her gaze back around the beach. It was a perfect place to settle down for the night admiringly. Out in the open under the soon to be moon and stars. A faint smile rose on her lips though in her mind she feared that real peace would not yet find these ponies. She cast one last glance back at the docks in which they arrived, her eyes narrowing as if trying to see so far away before casting such foolish thoughts from her mind and going back to weaving about the ponies and helping to prepare for the night.  

[Wolfs Heart]

With such a large group traveling completely across the isle it was difficult for word to not reach Telrunya City, curiousity and a sense of adventure had filled Genesis when she had heard of such a huge event. So many strange things had been happening as of late. Being alone, and having the ability to fly had the squire approaching the herd in no time. Genesis stuck close to the trees as she got closer to the group, her green and brown flesh allowed her to blend in almost perfectly as she perched up in the branches. 'Ancients? Liars... but they have wings... blasphemy... blood and ancient...' the thoughts disgusted her, but she knew these hybrids were present on her own island, but such a large presence of them concerned her. What strange darkness had brought these... ancients... to Telrunya. Genesis observed them for a long time, they were different from normal faun, were these heretics as well... she would need to ask Asatira when she got back to the city.

Then Genesis felt something strange, but a familiar strangeness. It was like when she had been in the swamp and she followed the feeling away from the herd of strange pae. A lone... Genesis was just going to have to call it a faun... she watched the faun, the darkness seemed to be with it. Genesis wondered if she should attempt to cleanse the ancient. 'I have not the strength to cleanse a matured pae...' she thought as she stayed in silent observance. Genesis was always slow to act, working through logical thoughts before coming to a decision. Her golden eyes flashed as she realized that this faun wasn't the source of taint but being followed by it. Genesis drew out her sword, she had found it most effective to channel her light magic from her weapon to give her a source of focus.

The angel froze, unsure if she should protect this unknown newcomer from the taint or let it be, it was a heretic after all. She breathed a sigh of relief when the faun managed to escape, she wouldn't have to make a decision or expose herself after all. Watching the taint perch itself in a tree a distance from her, Genesis was certain he was waiting to attack again. It would be an unrecognized act if she defeated him, with no witnesses she could not give the glory to the guardians and teach these new fauns the truth. However, this could be good practice, she had an advantage over him and he did not seem as dangerous as the swamp. The sword was pointed in the direction of the beast and Genesis felt a sap of her energy as she attempted to draw the taint from the beast.  

[FA Strafe]

Energy draining...getting weak...then it started to burn, to hurt. Talons grasped tightly around the lock of hair, the creature whirled, hissing at the winged thing nearby. It had a weapon! Pointed, and shining! It was making the hurting!

Weak meant scared, and panic started to grip the little hunter. It was supposed to scout, not to fight warriors with big cutting blades! Besides, something else was making the hurt, something it couldn't see, draining energy, life, connection to Master...

'Srreeeeeeeee!!!' A combination of a hiss and a high-pitched noise, not unlike a quiet screech, marked the creature's decision to make a rapid departure. Desperate to make good on its escape with its prize clutched tightly in its talons, the beast whirled on the winged teen and spat, acid splattering forwards. Without even pausing to take the time to aim, he sent the acid flying, then scrambled off down the limb with wings unfolding to carry it off into the darkening forest where it quickly vanished in the shadows.  

[Teigra]

In the Forest with the Gatherers

Faroth had to smile at the sound of the cheerful voice ringing out over the air. Well, she was certainly a friendly spirit. He'd noticed her paying particular attention to the little details he'd pointed out along the way, as well as always keeping a smile on her face while speaking with the others. And, if he recalled, she'd been one of the more receptive of the leaders he'd been talking to, well, aside from Shining Armor. And the two seemed pretty close.

Pushing aside some low foliage, Faroth leaned in to discover a cove of blueberry bushes. Straightening up, he waved a hand towards Cadence and some of the other Ponies to get their attention. "Looks like some late season blueberries over here, uh...Princess?" he hoped he got the title right. He wasn't particularly familiar with the title, but from what little he knew of those in power, those with titles generally preferred that they be used.

*****

Back on the Beach

The waters were mostly still, only rippling with the twilight breeze.

Right?

Most of the Ponies milled about, setting up a place to stay for the night, making themselves as much at home as they could under the circumstances. A strange land, no idea where they were, having left their home far behind with nearly all they had...yeah, nice and comfortable here on the beach.

So many strangers, all in one place. The 'hunters' would return soon with food, most likely, then they could at least have something to eat before settling in for the night. Still, they were greatly numerous, at least for a traveling group on Telrunya, spread over much of the sands on this stretch of shoreline.

So many of them.

The water rippled again, the opposite direction of the evening breeze...

Vinyl watched the sun set over the horizon, distracted at the moment from her current compatriots, odd though they may be. Her typical grin rested on her lips, and she had to shift her shades back down over her eyes as she watched the sun sink below the land. Ah, night time.

Princess Luna passed close by not long after, and Vinyl offered her a silent smile and nod, needing nothing more at the moment. What an interesting land this was. Funny looking pegasi and all. She chuckled, about to turn back and see what her new friends were up to when a flash of movement caught her eye. "Woah..." She frowned, watching the water through her shades, despite the darkness. Just the breeze, right? Or was it? She could see...something beneath the water, moving. Fish maybe? "Anyone else see something out there?" she asked curiously to anyone within hearing range.