The Staff IC: Threat IV: Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon tea party!

[Schismatic]

Shadow Lock looked somewhat downcast as the monk simply leapt away. Not even a 'thank you'? At least her agility was admrable. She quietly pondered whether these ponies could teach her a thing or two to improve her athleticism? She waved off the pain in her left forehoof from connecting with Sweet Echo before, looking triumphant.... all until Bubble Guard's magic caught the Bat pony and brought themselves and a mysterious creature into Shadow Lock's vision.

Suddenly a one on one fight turned into a gang of kidnappers. Of particular note was the insane samurai-esque pony with flaming swords.

"I--You--that's just not fair!" She stammered skittishly. She thrusts out her right fore hoof. "All you poniesare up tono-good! And I know what no-good looks like!" Pointing in turn at Sweet Echo, the samurai, and Bubble Guard. Her accusatory hoof fell upon Celestia and she was just left flummoxed.

"Well, I don't know what you are at all--but no matter! I don't need to know ... I just need to tie you lot down until the guardsponies get here, and they can figure that out themselves!" She said with stirring sense of bravery if at least in the idea help may be coming. Despite the manufactured bravado, her posture told a different story of desperacy.

In that moment she sped forward to create a a fierce air funnel...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

MY character will attempt to create a storming rain cloud with background moisture, nearby clouds, and the remnants of Bubble Guard's failed mist spell to douse the samurai swords, as well as a defensive lightning zapping cloud to engage her opponents next round if possible?

(2d6)[12] + 3 + 2 = 17 // 7 (Check OOC thread)

Body = 3
Doormat to Dynamo = 2

+ Flight + Weather Patrol.

Oh, and Celesta still looks like a Kirin, right? I doubt my character has run into a Kirin before...

[DaOldeWolf]

"Are you okay, Echo?" BubbleGuard replies with concern. BubbleGuard chews his wand as he thinks. He wasnt in the best position and he wasnt exactly the best with words. "Having Miss Agony or Miss Tailwind would be really nice right about now….." He replies wishfully.

BubbleGuard doesnt know how to start explaining or if the other pony would even try to hear what he had to say. His face turns into a scowl the momento he is accused of being up to no good. He cannot believe the pony would really risk every single pony on the rooftop just because he wanted to capture them. Such reckless danger would put the one he "rescued" in trouble. "I must make sure everypony remains safe. I will have to use my signature spell."

Spoiler: Bubble Shield

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A bubble that protects ponies around BubbleGuard with a giant protective barrier.
Target: Area +4
Area: Seen +2
Duration: Sustained: +2
Effect: Forge +1
Subjects; Water & Wind+2 Force +1
DT 12 - improv. Blaster Caster (2d6)[3] = 9 DT
Rolling to cast the spell: (2d6+3)[9]
Wow…. just made it.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Spoiler: Starry Sky and Tailwind in da Shop

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Starry Sky's eyes widen at the donkey's statement. He blinks, then whispers frantically to Tailwind Do you have any idea what the exchange rate should be?! I don't want to cheat him by accident--or cheat ourselves, for that matter.

[Emperor Ing]

Tailwind looks uncertain, before her eyes widened with an idea. I beg your assistance, where shall the nearest bank be located? I will personally oversee the fair exchange of goods! She asked.

[Emmerlaus]

Spoiler: Tea Agony

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The mare nodded. "Very well, I shall get to see to it." And she started to search the shelves.

"Yes! Everything! I have asked for a spell book and they give me this pile of nonesense!" He was visibly angry, showing Tea Agony the book.
Each page had one the name of the spell, and one or two sentences.
For example- "Thunder Control" were explained by
"What sound make a hoof clap, of a single hoof?"
And beside it the page was empty.


Or Earth Manipulation spell:

"How deep is the tallest mountain?"

Starswirl groaned. "And all the spell books here, are like this! And I checked, there is no hidden writing... is this sort of joke? Do you think, maybe they aren't allowed to sell real spell books?"

Tea Agony is surprised, whisper back: " It seem like their magic focus on some form of... enlightement? Or maybe you are right and magic advices and guidance are only given to the privileged class? It could be a lot of things Master Starswirl. We should maybe ask the nobility about it once we have the chance but for now, we should focus on buying what we need and regrouping. "

[igordragonian]

Tailwind&Starry Sky

Spoiler

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The merchant bowed again. "Are you sure, Mistress and Master of the clouds? This one leech don't want you to trouble yourselves over my problems.."
After your insists he yell at the corner of the shop.
"Idinkai, you lazy excuse of daughter! Get up, get up!"

A feminine young voice trembled. "B...but O-Father, I am scared of those strange-"

"Do you dare to insult our most exalted customers?! I have to go, and I have some instruction, you ungrateful girl!" The merchant barked, surely know to demand respect at least as much as he has given...

From the corner of the room which was very shadowed corner of the shop, a little female donkey, that looked at early teens at most, she had dusty brown coat, and wore simple grey kimono. She bowed her head deeply, and tried to hide her face with her long ears.
"If that is y..y..your wish.. O-Father." She meeped.

"I have to go to the bank. You shall watch over the shop, and serve the customers with dignity and honor." The merchant said coldly.

"...B..but.. O-Father, I am.. too shy, I.. ca..can't. I am a mere leech, I.. so afraid I will disrespect them.. p..ple..ease..." she whined.

"Such is Karma! Accept it, silence toward a customer is an insult as well. Do not bring shame on me again! Am I clear?!" The merchant barked angerly.

Idinkai nodded, meeping.
The merchant turned again to Starry Sky and Tailwind. "Please forgive my daughter's behavior, I have sinned toward her, by being soft. May I lead you to the bank?"

Bubble GuardVs Shadow Lock

Spoiler

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Ooc: yes. Celestia is disguised as local child noble.

Ic:

Sweet Echo nodded. "I am ok. I just.. need to save the monk!" She said, and flew toward the monk.
Shadow Luck take into the air, and with spectacular speed and skill, to the awe of the crowd, summon, seemingly out of nowhers a storm cloud.
The rain putting off the flame katanas of the Samurai. "Such is karma!" He groaned angerly.
The little monk. 'This is all big misunderstanding-" he was caughed again by Sweet Echo, who were almost struck by a lightning- but Bubble Guard has summoned the protection bubble in time.

Celestia blinked. "STOP!" She yelled.
"...Sweet Echo thought the monk is in danger, but he and the Samurai are actors!"
The Samurai groaned. "Thank you for ruining the show, kid."

Tea Agony

Spoiler

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"Well, I DO need to understand their magic. The Haiku prophecies... do you realize how much can we learn from them, if we can pass the stupid spell, which allow only the subject of the prophecy to read it?" Starswirl wishpered. He sighed. "I guess I'll buy this, and look into it later."

Shadow Void has returned with a three books.
The first was sort of an art album of plants, flowers and tree, of marvelouse water colors.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/b5...be18e22876.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4c/b5...be18e22876.jpg


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...3k4dxmivqyWi8F


https://previews.123rf.com/images/ha...nd-flowers.jpg

Each painting had a short ryhmed description. It was a real work of art.

The second book was "Memories Of An Old Cherry Tree"- It's a history and folklore book. There are also some epic paintings.
At the end of the book, there is "The New Tale Of Mistmane", which mentioning the current Empress, Sable Spirit.

The third book is sort of philosophical and etiqute book, which is guidance how to live, the social structure.
"Wheel Of Karma".
It seems they believe in destiny and reicarnation, and acceptance of it. Further studying might require time.

[Schismatic]

She grinned as you built her storm cloud and gripped the top of it, hovering 10 feetabove the battle as it rumbled angrily, throwing out thick rain against every square inch of exposed surface nearby. The kirin-disguised Celestia's cry brought her a small amount of consternation as she explained what was happening. She visibly sank to roost into her storm cloud that hid her embarassment.

"So you're telling me this was all just an elabourate piece of performance art?" She queried aloud from her stormy roost. Eyeballing the scene for a moment to make sure.

"Ah geeze ... My first few days here by invitation, and I end up striking a pony and attempting to electrocute a handful more... the Empress won't like that one bit. I just came here to look at the foreign architecture" She noted with an edge of distress within that Baltimare accent, as she began dispersing up her storm cloud with a flurry of wing flaps and punching & kicking hooves.

"I don't suppose we could keep this between ourselves?" She emplored with an embarassed note as she began deconstructing her dangerous weather anomaly...

[The_Iron_Lord]

Spoiler: Like a Sky full of Stars

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Starry Sky watches with growing shock and disgust at the way the merchant treats his daughter. What in Celestia's name...? She didn't do anything wrong! He attempts to curb the anger in his expression, but he is not entirely successful. I want to intervene...but these folk have a strange culture...Should I intervene? Can I?

Starry Sky smiles at the merchant's daughter, doing his best to reassure her that they are not folks to be feared. He replies to the merchant's inquiry You may...however, why do you treat your daughter so? Has she done something wrong?

[Emperor Ing]

You shall do no such thing! Tailwind furrowed her brow. You say you sin to her by being 'soft' yet you sin towards us, your valued customers! You insult me with your cruelty! She is your own flesh and blood, nary by choice nor effort, and is deserving of your respect and love! Though it tears at my heart you live within a society such a noble and necessary profession is so denigrated, glorious karma spurns the heartless, who internalize their degradation and justifies it to loving foals, through abuse!

I shall answer your question, Starry, she has committed NO wrongdoing! If you wish to honor me, do it through deed! Show compassion! Joy! Wisdom! Love! Find strength in humility, and you shall begin, immediately! Apologize to your daughter, or a different, more...honorable establishment shall be blessed by our patronage!

(3d6)[2][2][4](8) 13

[DaOldeWolf]

She grinned as you built her storm cloud and gripped the top of it, hovering 10 feetabove the battle as it rumbled angrily, throwing out thick rain against every square inch of exposed surface nearby. The kirin-disguised Celestia's cry brought her a small amount of consternation as she explained what was happening. She visibly sank to roost into her storm cloud that hid her embarassment.

"So you're telling me this was all just an elabourate piece of performance art?" She queried aloud from her stormy roost. Eyeballing the scene for a moment to make sure.

"Ah geeze ... My first few days here by invitation, and I end up striking a pony and attempting to electrocute a handful more... the Empress won't like that one bit. I just came here to look at the foreign architecture" She noted with an edge of distress within that Baltimare accent, as she began dispersing up her storm cloud with a flurry of wing flaps and punching & kicking hooves.

"I don't suppose we could keep this between ourselves?" She emplored with an embarassed note as she began deconstructing her dangerous weather anomaly...

"I am her guard and escort. And I wont try anything that might put you in danger or in harm´s way but I wont allow anypony to hurt any other pony while I am here." BubbleGuard adds hoping that being honest about his purpose there would help calm down the situation. Hopefully, another fight wouldnt break now that information had been given.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Spoiler: On Tailwind's Check

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For the record, my part shall count as Harmony with Tailwind's check, making the total a:

2 + 4 (Rolls) + 5 (Tailwind's Heart) + 2 (Tailwind's Improved Royal Canterlot Voice) + 1 (Tailwind's Talented: Charismatic)
Base Total: 14
Harmony: + 2 (Base of one plus Starry Sky's Wingpony)
Total: 16

[Emmerlaus]

Tea Agony study everything in detail and finally, give a satisfied smile: " I'll take everything! Thank you for your help! "

Once she paid: " Let's regroup, I have everything I wanted. I trust it's the same for you Master Starswirl? "

[Schismatic]

"I am her guard and escort. And I wont try anything that might put you in danger or in harm´s way but I wont allow anypony to hurt any other pony while I am here." BubbleGuard adds hoping that being honest about his purpose there would help calm down the situation. Hopefully, another fight wouldnt break now that information had been given.

"Peace be with you, stranger. If this is all but a misunderstanding, then I apologize in earnest. You're an Earth pony, right...? Right fancy magic you have there." She said, as she turned from her process of trying to take her storm cloud apart to level a squinted eye at him and observed the Kirin-disguised Princess for awhile.

"All three of you speak Ponish, but I ain't never seen the likes of somepony like her before. You a mercenary, then?" She looked inbetween Sweet Echo, BubbleGuard and the disguised Celestia. "Fellow travelers at least if'n you be under arms of such a dignitary, right?" She added to to her critique of her espying eye as she continued to whittle down her storm cloud.

"Why, such a strange collection of ponies. I hail from the colony at Baltimare, myself. My name's Shadow Lock and please allow me to extend my hospitality to you and your associates if'n only for a spell, you hear?" She said cheerfully. "Allow me to apologize properly someplace less public-like..."

[igordragonian]

Starry Sky

Spoiler

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The merchant donkey gasped, quite unprepared for the justified rage he has triggered.
He fell to his foreknees. "I... I am sorry... Idinkai.. I just wanted to-"
Idinkai tried to pull her father to get up. "No, O-Father! You have done nothing wrong.. please.."
But he refused to move. "Forgive me for my cruelty, or I'll reborn into an actual leech!'
"Oh-Father! But those forieners, don't understand my terrible failings!" Indinkai said with begging tone.
"Then explain it to them."
Indikai blushed and mambled. "..B..but.. I can't-"
"And, I won't speak ill of you anymore. From now on, I will trust you to do your best. And if you fail, such is karma." Her father said with painful and sorrowfull tone.

Indikai's eyes teared and she turned to Tailwind and Starry Sky, "...O-ponies blessed with feathers of Divine Mandate, I... am th..the only daughter. And my kar...karma is to be... to be.. merchant like my father."
She looked away, struggling to talk.
"...My shyness turned off.. m..m..many customers.. and.. and.. somepony even canceled a big o..rder and we rem..remained with a.. b..big debt becau-because of me." She whimpered.
"...It's so hard for me.. to.. speak with p..ponies. B..But... I.. h..have to be merchant. Su..such is Karma." She explained shivering.
Her father gotten up, and gave her a hug.
"Maybe, we could find a husband for you, and he will take my shop.. we.. can... find a soluation. Such is karma." And then turned to Starry Sky and Tailwind. "...I deeply apologize for shaming myself... please take the items you wanted for free."

Harmony Won!

Spoiler

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The monk bowed. "It's all our fault, O-kind foriegners. We have fooled you to believe I were in danger, and you two-" he have motioned to Shadow Lock and Sweet Echo. "Have acted on your noble instincts. Please accept our apology." He bowed.
The Samurai grunted. "I have nothing to apologize for! My honor as actor have been stained!"
"Not at all!" Sweet Echo said cheerfully. "You made me believe, you really have meant to hurt the monk!" She said sweetly.

The samurai looked surprised, and then pleased. "I did? Of course I did! Please accept my most honorable apology! You have stood no chance against my superior acting skills! Such is karma! Ha ha!" He laughed with a statisfied pride.

The monk looked at the crowd, and at few angry looking guards which have arrived. "I think we should talk to the guards."
The Samurai sighed. "Such is karma. I guess we owe the foriegners as much." The monk has jumped gracefully summoning winds to aid his soft landing, and the Samurai has summoned fire jets and rocketed himself with a spectacular display, and landed quite flashly.
They have spoken to the guards in quite dramatic fashion.


Sweet Echo has shaken her head cheerfuly. "Nope! I am an errand mare of my mistress and marefriend, of this handsome brave Bubbly Doo!" Which she has nuzzled with a coe. "My hero!"
"Uh. My name is Sweet Echo, and this one is.. Bubbly Doo!"

Celestia has giggled. "My name is.. umm.."

You notice Tea Agony and Starswirl arriving to the scene.

Tea Agony

Spoiler

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"Um. Yes. I suppose." Cleary annoyed with the mind block, which stopping him from understanding their magic.
Starswirl, has payed them, and alongside Tea Agony trotted outside. It must be refreshing for her, just to trot around, without having to worry about Midnight Snack.
The streets are beautiful and colorful, and with a bit of search, you find a commotion- shaved headed small looking monk, and red armored Samurai talking to angry looking guards. On the top of a building which an excited crowd is gathered around are, Bubble Guard,Sweet Echo, Celestia and new pegasi you haven't met before.

Ooc:
Tea Agony, Bubble Guard and Shadow Lock now in same scene.

[Emmerlaus]

Tea Agony is teorted next to them, thanks to Starswrl. She put herself between Starswirl group and the locals : " I am with this group of ponies. Is there a problem here ? "

OCC: Tea Agony is a grey mare unicorn with a pitch black mane. Very distingued, with a air of nobilty around her. Like Octavia.

[Schismatic]

Harmony Won!

Spoiler

Show

The monk bowed. "It's all our fault, O-kind foriegners. We have fooled you to believe I were in danger, and you two-" he have motioned to Shadow Lock and Sweet Echo. "Have acted on your noble instincts. Please accept our apology." He bowed.
The Samurai grunted. "I have nothing to apologize for! My honor as actor have been stained!"
"Not at all!" Sweet Echo said cheerfully. "You made me believe, you really have meant to hurt the monk!" She said sweetly.

The samurai looked surprised, and then pleased. "I did? Of course I did! Please accept my most honorable apology! You have stood no chance against my superior acting skills! Such is karma! Ha ha!" He laughed with a statisfied pride.

The monk looked at the crowd, and at few angry looking guards which have arrived. "I think we should talk to the guards."
The Samurai sighed. "Such is karma. I guess we owe the foriegners as much." The monk has jumped gracefully summoning winds to aid his soft landing, and the Samurai has summoned fire jets and rocketed himself with a spectacular display, and landed quite flashly.
They have spoken to the guards in quite dramatic fashion.


Sweet Echo has shaken her head cheerfuly. "Nope! I am an errand mare of my mistress and marefriend, of this handsome brave Bubbly Doo!" Which she has nuzzled with a coe. "My hero!"
"Uh. My name is Sweet Echo, and this one is.. Bubbly Doo!"

Celestia has giggled. "My name is.. umm.."

You notice Tea Agony and Starswirl arriving to the scene.

Tea Agony is teorted next to them, thanks to Starswrl. She put herself between Starswirl group and the locals : " I am with this group of ponies. Is there a problem here ? "

OCC: Tea Agony is a grey mare unicorn with a pitch black mane. Very distingued, with a air of nobilty around her. Like Octavia.

"No-no ... it's my fault. I over-reacted..." She lowered her head to the monk and samurai as she fluttered to the ground. She cast a passing eye to the guard. "Ah... yeah. Also my apologies to the gendarmerie and the crowd..." She noted apologetically, before turning to the disguised Celestia.

"If you'd rather not say--" Her words cut off as Tea Agony teleported. "Steady on!" She gasped and skipped back a beat, lifting herself into the air with a quickened series of wing flap before achieving a more static aerial position with a slower, more rhythmic beat of those charcoal feathers.

[Emperor Ing]

Tailwind looked over to Starry Sky, not willing to take advantage, but recognizing that insisting on paying would only distress them further. Instead, she winked to Starry, and gave him a playful smirk. Karma surely beholds thy gregariousness and willingness to look upon family with kindness and affection, and shall bestow upon you great blessings in your future! We are honored by your generosity, and graciously accept! Yet my heart breaks for the burden of debt that weigh upon your backs so! Please, accept my charity, that such great burdens be eased, even a little! Tailwind said, giving a hooffull of bits, roughly the equivalent of what she imagined the value of their purchase to be plus a little extra to be fair.

[DaOldeWolf]

"What really matters is that we are all safe and sound and we can continue working on fulfilling our purpose here." BubbleGuard didnt want to waste any more time. They had already taken a detour once and it only brought trouble. The best course of action was the safest one.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Starry Sky nods along to Tailwind's speech, grateful that the mare had managed to word what he wanted to say. He returns her smirk, a sparkle in his eye. Indeed! The pegasus bows to the merchant and his daughter, smiling, then he flits forward and hugs the daughter, patting her on the back with a hoof. I know you can succeed, whether you become a merchant or find another calling in life! Good luck! Starry Sky steps back, releasing the mare from the hug, then picks up the hats and vests that the pair bought.

[igordragonian]

[Tailwind&Starry Sky]

Spoiler

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Indikai the little donkey gasped and blushed deeply, as she was hugged.
"T..th..thank you.." she said shaken.
Her father took the money from Tailwind, with a deep bow, and was thankfull, with tears in his eyes, and Tailwind could tell, he has understood the depth of her gesture.
They thanked over and over again, barely letting them out. But right before they leave, the merchant call. "O- noble ponies! You probably sooner or later will get to the palace... be careful. Sable Spirit is indeed an exalted and wise pony, but Lady Radiant Honor despise anything which come beyond the border. She want to be the new Shuggon and shut the border for good. I value the ideas you have taught me, but Radiant Honor might see it as a threat to the peace of Cherry Blossom Empire."
Indikai took a deep breath. "I... have a cousin in the palace. If you are in trouble ask her help. Her name is Dobokashi, she might seems like just a maid, but-" Indikai has explained with a burst of excitment.
"Such is karma! One moment you can't even greet people and the other you are telling everything?!' His father laughed nervously.
"...You might be correct O-father. But... I want them to have at least one ally at the palace." Indikai said, looking determined.
The merchant all of the sudden hurried to say good bye, and even closed the door behind you.
You travel around, maybe buying some more goods, and finding the others, who have met a new pegasi.

Tailwind and Starry Sky has joined the scene.
There were a bit of a commotion, and few slightly annoyed looking guards.
Sweet Echo waved to Starry Sky and Tailwind:"Everything is under control! I think?"

A mole has apeared next to their commander. The mole was made of earth, and clawed over a signed scroll to the commander who has opened it.
He sighed. 'Very well. The Empress want to meet all the foriengers now." He said.
"Unless there anyting VERY urgent, enough to make the Chosen Of Rising Sun Dragon to wait?" He has added, clearly not fond of any of you.

[Schismatic]

Shadow Lock sighed as she observed the guard. She fluttered lower to the ground and mewled as she took her eyes from the kirin-disguised Celestia. The mole took her attention, and upon the guard-captain's declaration her demeanour immediately fell downcast, even with the good news that whatever potential violence had been curtailed.

"I--I serve at the pleasure of the Empress. I suppose we should follow you?" She fluttered down near the captain.

[Emperor Ing]

Tailwind smiled, and gave her thanks to the merchants before looking to rejoin the group, and rejoin she did, just in time to see this confrontation.

Oh my, is this a time most inconvenient?! She asked. I will certainly go and see the Empress!

[Emmerlaus]

Tea Agony give a hard stare at the newcomer IN our group. Her looks are wary, icy and close to be venemous: " I don't remember YOU being in our group, Miss...? "

She instinctively pull Celestia closer to Starswirl, making her go behind her.

[Schismatic]

Tea Agony give a hard stare at the newcomer IN our group. Her looks are wary, icy and close to be venemous: " I don't remember YOU being in our group, Miss...? "

She instinctively pull Celestia closer to Starswirl, making her go behind her.

"Shadow Lock...," She introduced herself. "--I'm pretty sure the guard captain wants all of us to make an appearance at the court. No doubt perhaps an explanation." She scoffed at Tea Agony, turning to her and flutter up on high above them, pointing down a right forehoof.

"Look, I doubt whatever business you have with the Empress has anything to do with me ... but if'n your passions fade and reason returns, let's just get this interrogation over with and we can go on our merry way and our paths never cross again." She explained with a practiced patience.

[The_Iron_Lord]

Starry Sky bows to the merchant and his daughter, smiling when the mare (well, female donkeys are called jennys I think actually) gives them advice. We will keep that in mind! A thousand thanks, and farewell.

He flies out of the shop only to see the commotion outside. He shifts his weight mid-air to ready for combat before realizing that the scene appears to be resolved. He gives the mole a curious look, then nods and says I suppose we shall be going then?

The pegasus grins at seeing the new group member. He flits up to her and extends a hoof for a hoofshake, friendliness a contrast to Tea Agony's suspicion. Hey! Nice to meet you! My name's Starry Sky--what's yours?

Spoiler: Starry Sky (well, a really old drawing of him anyways...I should update that)

Show

[Schismatic]

Starry Sky bows to the merchant and his daughter, smiling when the mare (well, female donkeys are called jennys I think actually) gives them advice. We will keep that in mind! A thousand thanks, and farewell.

He flies out of the shop only to see the commotion outside. He shifts his weight mid-air to ready for combat before realizing that the scene appears to be resolved. He gives the mole a curious look, then nods and says I suppose we shall be going then?

The pegasus grins at seeing the new group member. He flits up to her and extends a hoof for a hoofshake, friendliness a contrast to Tea Agony's suspicion. Hey! Nice to meet you! My name's Starry Sky--what's yours?

Spoiler: Starry Sky (well, a really old drawing of him anyways...I should update that)

Show

She shifted her gaze to the blue coated colt and extended her right hoof to meet with his as she reciprocated in kind.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Shadow Lock, from the new nation of Equestria! If'n under better circumstances, a mite more neighbourly I'm afraid." She tried to apologize with that Baltimare accent, first of all for disrupting the Cherry Blossom pony play and also the fact that they were about to be reined in afore the Imperial Court.

"I'm not entirely sure what's going on. But 'tween you and me I'm sussing something no good. Seems like an ol' dragnet of foreign type ponies if'n you take the circumstances into account." She said pulling him closer in for a whisper.

"Don't suppose you're with the weird featherless Pegasi and ....--" She turned to observe the kirin-disguised Celestia for a moment. "The young miss here? If not you might want to make iyt abundantly clear to her Highness."

[The_Iron_Lord]

Starry Sky nods in acknowledgement to her statements, grinning slightly upon hearing that Equestria's a "new nation". Heh, that's a funny perspective.

He perks an ear up when the mare pulls him in closer for a whisper, then quirks his head in confusion at her last words. Featherless pegasi?

[igordragonian]

Thr guard groaned, looking at Tea Agony. "To us, you are all the same. The meeting is just a disturbance the Empress will have to deal with. The Minister Of Ceremonies Radiant Honor wisely have merged your meetings, to minimize the suffer of the Empress." He has explained.
"Sound like fun, O-great guard!" Sweet Echo squeaked.
"Yay?" Celestia said, looking worried.
"We are honored to meet The Sunrise Princess." Starswirl said with a bow, and led the group after the guard. Guards have sarounded the group, from all angles, and this small parade drew the gazes of everypony on the streets.


The buildings have became more and more impressive around you, and yet kept ellegance. Quite worth noting is the monastery, which had open grounds around it.
Shaved head curvnicorns in orange attire have practiced meditiation, martial arts and elemental magic. And they did it with grace and almost perfect silence.
It was a marvelouse sight: In circle, five monks trained together.
They chanted
:"...Earth, Fire are making the roots-"
A pony sized serpent like dragons, one made of earth with rocks for eyes, and the other made of fire, danced around each other with a divine grace, and then they colided into each other, turning into magma, which splat on the ground as roota made of magma.

- "Water, Plant are branch"
Another pair of dragons are created. One is made of vines with flowers for eyes, and the other made of water. Their dance was even more agile, and they have merged as well, turning into floating branches like form, made of lotus flowers.
"-Wind making the trunk. Balance."

A transparent dragon is created spinning around itself, turning into a small tornado which form the trunk of this strange constructed tree.

Celestia stared. "Wow.. it's beautiful.. but what does it mean?" She has asked.
Sweet Echo giggled. "It sure is! They do it quite a lot, but I have no idea what the meaning of this. When I have asked them, they just has told me the haiku:
" Earth, Fire are making the roots
Water, plant are branch
Wind making the trunk. Balance
She repeated.
"But what does it even mean?!" Celestia has asked with an almost whine.
'Another riddle which make no sense." Starswirl groaned.
"Maybe if they were using noble ducks, instead of gooffy looking dragons..." he wondered.
Also, in the center of the city, there were more palanquins- the more modest ones carried by donkeys and the fancier by Curvnicorns.

After this short walk you have arrived at the palace. It probably... smaller then you have expected.
Around the palace, there are walls barely taller then fences, and also having slate roofs on their tops made them ultimatly impractical in terms of defence.
The walls were short enough to expose top of cherry trees, and two store palace with a huge golden statue of dragon on the top.


Guarded by pair of Samurais, were double bronze gate, with emblems of rock, flame, flower, wave and a blowing cloud.

"Ah. they." One of the Samurais hissed.
"Yes, O-comrade." Agreed the Captain. "The Most Exalted Of Ponies is waiting."
The pair of Samurais have used telekensis to open the gates.
"Cause no trouble!" The Samurais have warned.

Celestia wishpered. "They aren't nice..." but her worries and fear were softened by the beauty in the Palace's grounds.
Elegant beautiful garden, with groove of blossoming cherry trees which gave sweet aroma to the air. A tiny river crossed the garden, and small wooden bridge were built across. Flowers grew, beautiful as love songs, rocks were placed around adding to the harmony. Red-white fish(Koi) swam through the river with hypnotic movements.

Few ponies here and there sat, meditated, or even very calmly talked.
You could hear the water, the wind, even the petals of the cherry trees landing on the ground. Did it magicly enhanced your senses?
The garden felt... sacred.
Even the frowns of the guards have softened here. Sweet Echo leaned on Bubble Guard, closing her eyes.
But the guards didn't let you, enjoy the garden, and let you into the building.

The floor are wooden and creak softly under your hooves and the walls are made from paper, with epic nature paintings or folk tales. The walls were movable and were used as doors as well.
You were led inside of s room with a walls decorated by some sort of tale about a scorpion and a frog? Though, you couldn't tell the begining and end.
Infront of you, were a wall with a scorpion riding a frog, on your right the scorpion and frog seemed to drown, on your left the Scorpion bowed to the frog.
The room were designed simply:

Short tea table, with pillows around it. A beautiful mare sat behind the table, her mane is crimson, shaped in complicated manecut, tied with a pin shaped like frog. (https://pre00.deviantart.net/4964/th...ka-dbylqsd.jpg - something like the 1780 one).
Her coat was white as snow, and red make up over deep brown eyes. She was writing on a scroll using telekensis something.
Her colorful kimono robes floated a bit, as she gotten up.
"Ah! The self claimed best wizard of the land! Starswirl Overbeard!" She smiled, without any hint of happiness, and bowed her head very slightly.
"And accompanied by a young noble of our own. Karma is sure generouse with you." She said.
Sweet Echo blinked. "Oh. Right. We are of Swirl-Clan, honored to meet the ceremony minister, Mistress Radiant Honor!" And added a bow, moitioning to the others to bow as well.

"We are making this pre-meeting, to make sure there are no misunderstandings. Our tradition is sacred and will be respected." Radiant Heart said firmly, but keeping her fake offical smile.
"You will join the Empress in a Tea Ceremony. After you being anounced you wave your forelegs as pleasant greetings, and call her Sable. She will let you sit, and you can drink the tea right away. Any questions, O-most wise foreigeners?" She said a bit more sweetly.

Sweet Echo has crounched her muzzle. "Mmm...."

[Emmerlaus]

Tea Agony is actually curious and posing acute questions: " Will there be servants serving u or should we have a more active role to play in this tea ceremony? Is their something we must avoid at all cost? "

She look interested and invested.

[Schismatic]

Starry Sky nods in acknowledgement to her statements, grinning slightly upon hearing that Equestria's a "new nation". Heh, that's a funny perspective.

He perks an ear up when the mare pulls him in closer for a whisper, then quirks his head in confusion at her last words. Featherless pegasi?

She pointed to Sweet Echo with her right forehoof. "Featherless Pegasi ... I ain't ever seen a flying pony ike that before." She noted aloud in a curious tone. "So where is it you ponies hail from--" Her words cut off as the demands of her presence caught her offguard.

"Apparently a discussion for another time, friend." She noted as she fluttered down to collect her prior discarded cloak and she wrapped herself in its heavy woollen fibres. Its material casting a darkened pall across her body as she pulled its cowl over her head and tucked her wings beneath its shrouding garb.

She began walkin towards the rear of the group. Taking note of the structure as she espied its entrances and examined the palace's construction. She looked a little tense as the guards barked their orders and as taken aback by their terse nature. The thought crossed her mind that they were being leaad to a gaol-cell rather than a meeting with the princess.

Raising an eyebrow at Starswirl's introduction, and the declaration of a 'young noble', but she thought it better not to ask questions of that. At least in this instance. Instead just lowering her head in greetings. Radiant Honor's offer of 'tea ceremony' was somewhat perplexing.

"Sorry, I have a question... I was extended an invitation to be here in this nation due to an appeal tosee your nation's architecture and infrastructure, but I have only met some of these ponies today. Are you sure Her Highness wants to see me? I would not wish to insult them by being someplace I didn't belong." She said with diplomatic airs, likely to make it known she had no idea why she was here but asked in a way as to appear less crass and merely bewildered.