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Post by Moxie on Jul 31, 2015 1:02:01 GMT
Celestia's Gate Main Camp Entrance
Primary cave entrance to Camp New Hayven that faces South. Named for the princess of light as this is a focal point for light within the cave. The immense opening arches high above ponies as the enter and exit camp. Its somewhat hidden by the trees of the forest that come up to greet it from the lower mountain forests. Watch guards are always patrolling its perimeter and always stay hidden to prevent attention from the wrong pony.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 26, 2015 5:19:52 GMT
[Enter Genesee from the Medical Grotto]
The senior camp leader made his way through the main halls of the cavern, greeting familiar faces left and right and wishing them luck in their roles for the day. He tried to keep any talks with ponies short to avoid being kept for too long, showing favoritism was something he tried to avoid, and he had his mind set on making a full lap across the camp today to check in on all the different things going on. It was a task he rarely ever was able to accomplish. The camp had a knack for kicking up some form of emergency each day it seemed. But that was the life of being a pony in charge, he just needed to be there when his camp needed an organized response.
Trudging past the last groups of ponies, Genesee headed for the piercing light of the day shining through Celestia's Gate. The fresh air of outside called to him. Treating himself to some moments alone, Genesee exited the camp with a nod to the guard sentries, and continued on his normal path to a set of boulders not far from the camps entrance, but secluded enough with the cover of large pines and maple trees.
Heaving his old bones up onto a large flat flagstone, the camp leader folded his front legs into his chest and laid belly down upon the warm rock. It felt nice to be alone, hearing the birds chatter instead of the echoing voices inside the cave. His moments of peaceful silence soothed him, but also let his mind's distractions fall away. The tensions between him and his daughter no longer suppressed by the clutter of thoughts about camp, Genesee's heart ached as he finally felt the full effect of her latest icey stare. She had been upset for so long... Genesee began to wonder if there was going to ever be a way to make things right again.
With the departure of her brother years ago and his reluctance to stop him, it had surely caused some strain in their relationship. However, it couldn't compare to the tensions that had arose the day he had seen the healing abilities of her magic spring paint. He had only wanted to help the camp when he had taken them from her.... It had seemed selfless then, but now.... Now he wasn't so sure what he felt.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 26, 2015 5:26:54 GMT
[Enter Trixie]
Trixie stood outside in an area surrounded by trees, which was a delight compared to the cave she just dwelled in. She stopped to take a look around for any dangers that might come her way, but was instead met with some peace and quite. Which was a rather nice change in this new land of her.
"Oh I hope I can find Moon soon.. " She sighed
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 26, 2015 15:47:07 GMT
Genesee was lost in thought when his periphery vision caught the flash of movement. Snapping out of his moral dilemmas and immediately going on the defensive. Genesee, jumped from his rock and ducked low behind it. Whatever was in the trees, he wanted to be the one who saw who first. The risks of being discovered by a foe were catastrophic, campers were trained to kill on sight if an enemy detected their presence. They simply couldn't let them get the news back to the new leaders of Equestria, they would lose everything.
Now, Genesee prepared his body for battle if it came to it. His ears honed in on the approaching figure, and he stole a glance around the rock to try to get a glimpse of what it was, thanking his dark fur for being such great camouflage in this environment.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 26, 2015 23:25:16 GMT
Trixie sat down for a moment, she hated to admit it but this was really nice. Something Moon would probably enjoy too. She looked up at the sky and smiled, there was still a good chunk of daylight left. With that in mind she decided to make a camp here later when the sun when down, but for now she wanted to rest. She placed her cape on an little bit more of an open area so she could see around a bit more and laid on it with a sigh.
"I'll have to remember this place, it's kind of like where you proposed." She smiled and sighed.
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Post by Queen Chrysalis on Aug 27, 2015 0:08:35 GMT
Unsuspecting and quiet, the tan coated saber had successfully tracked its lunch into a corner. Not noticing the caves to the main gate, the feline prepared itself for a timeless attack. Stalking low with advanced reflexes, whiskers spread out as the silent stepping paws of hers continued to move through the corners of the land. Brightening up her yellow slanted orbs for a final decision to strike, the saber tooth tiger had made its move.
Ducking low and picking up speed within seconds of low running, the paddle of heavy paws could soon be heard as a roar echoed through the trees. Lunging with momentum, the feline had been in full aerial mode, claws out as it hopefully attempted to land on the pony's back. The instinct to dig into the creatures throat the moment she hopped on was too much to bare, the distance between the two was inches apart. Speaking through the air and already emotionally tasting her food, claws brushed against Trixie's fur as the attack was seconds away from being an overkill.
"Goodbye BREAKFAST."
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 27, 2015 3:06:54 GMT
It was a unicorn mare, and from what he could tell, she was without company. However, as she got herself situated among the trees, Genesee's eyes flicked to new movement from behind the intruder. A Saber! Genesee's muscles and jaw clenched. His mind raced as he saw the scene play out in his mind before him. If the mare was an enemy, maybe the preditor would chase her off and he wouldn't even have to worry about having to... eliminate her. On the other hoof, what if she was just a refugee? She'd be killed in seconds before his eyes...
As Genesee's thoughts raced, his natural born character of being a protector burst forth when the Saber suddenly crouched and sprang with a cry. Hurtling out and over the rock, Genesee rushed the mare as the saber dropped upon her. "Get down!" He bellowed to the unicorn as he slammed full force into the Saber hooves first.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 27, 2015 3:29:43 GMT
Trixie quickly ducked when the stallion told her too. Wether he was friend or foe she and no time to think about it, and she gave him the benefit of the doubt. She used a precise spell of her gravity magic to pin down the Saber with double the normal gravity on it.
"Thank you very much, I got it pinned"
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Post by Queen Chrysalis on Aug 27, 2015 3:57:39 GMT
So focused on the kill at hand, the Saber's full attention had been on the one hunted. Not expecting the blow that was to come, the wild and untamed feline barely managed to scratch the unicorn mare with a claw tip before getting a surprise attack. Not hearing the older stallion nor picking up on his scent for that matter, the saber was sent crashing to the hard dirt path below. Cracking some ribs in the process of getting hit or falling, she couldn't tell which, the forest cat struggled to get up. Before she could fully collect herself however, a forceful gravity spell had soon shoved her into the ground harder without means for escape. Painful and no longer conscious, the saber was nothing more then a useless body laying without its need for food.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 27, 2015 16:22:18 GMT
Genesee naturally kept a defensive stance between where the Saber had fallen and where the blue mare laid. Nostrils flaring as he breath stayed quicked from adrenaline, it took him a moment to shake himself out of defense and realize the Saber had already been suppressed. Standing up from his crouch, Genesee took a long gaze at the Saber, slightly concerned that the unicorn had killed it with her magic, but dismissed the idea as he saw it's side rise and fall. Genesee was a protector of ponies first, but he also didnt want wildlife killed if he could avoid it.
Turning his attention to the mare behind him, Genesee silently scolded himself for turning his back to the strange mare. If she had been an enemy, she could have easily gotten the better of him by now. The fact that she hadn't made a move made him see her in less scrutinous light, though he kept his gaze steady and measured, giving her less ability to judge if he were a danger to her or not. He needed to keep this mare guessing until he made out what she was here for.
Keeping himself a good 10 feet away, Genesee prompted her the usual initial questions they had for strangers, "Who are you, and why are you in these mountains?" His voices did not hold anger, but it did not exactly carry a message of friendliness. This was as intended.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 28, 2015 0:13:09 GMT
Trixie stopped using her magic against the beast when it seemed out, but kept a close eye on it as it had come to be an enduring annoyance. She then cast a glance at the Stallion talking to her, he hadn't attacked her which means he either didn't know about her or he was a friend. Either or would be perfect for Trixie.
"I came to the mountains in search of my fiance Moonlight Scroll. I heard of a possible camp up this way from a group of survivors a while back and decided he would likely go to where ever he was needed. Even if he isn't here I would like to lend my services to such a place if it existed.." She smiled a bit, eyes never wavering from the beast and the pony.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 28, 2015 3:42:51 GMT
Genesee noticeably flinched when the mare spoke the name of one of his campers and good friends. His eyes narrowed before she went on, and slowly his defensive stance relaxed until he stood tall and casual once more. She seemed to fit the stories he had listened to from Moon...
"You must be Trixie," Genesee nodded, as if that was already decided. "You have indeed come to the right location.... I am Genesee Rover, the leader of Camp New Hayven refugee camp. Moonlight is indeed one of one of our cherished members." He gave her a smile. "I'm not sure all of us would still be here if it weren't for his medical abilities."
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 28, 2015 3:51:36 GMT
Trixie blinked at hearing her name from the Stallion and then smiled a big goofy smile. "You mean it? He really is here?! Oh please take me to him"
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 28, 2015 21:19:38 GMT
Genesee glanced back towards the cave entrance, thinking for a moment. A new pony coming in the camp always caused a bit of a commotion in the mornings, but it might be late enough in the morning to have avoided most of the breakfast rush. Genesee turned back towards the mare and began to walk towards her. "I will soon, but first I need to check over your belongings for weapons. Do i have your permission to search?" Genesee paused with an outreached hoof next to her. His gaze was gentle and his tone was calm and reassuring.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 29, 2015 3:30:35 GMT
Trixie looked at her saddle bags and back to his hoof. Then she looked down briefly before letting out a sigh.
"Yes you may search, it's mostly just books, peanut butter crackers and a few other foods. Though.. I don't know if you know of it.. But the Alicorn Amulet is in my bags. It has no power anymore, but I keep it as a keep sake.." She said softly as she floated over her bags to the Stallion.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 29, 2015 4:24:27 GMT
The earth stallion's ears twitched at the last word 'keepsake' and he took her bag and began his search. Uncovering the books first and padding through them, Genesee spoke to himself as he browsed. "Hmm.....mmhm....hm....." Noting some of the book titles, he was happy to see the mare had books that would be new to the camp library. Setting the books aside on a soft patch of grass, Genesee soon uncovered the Amulet Trixie had spoken of. It gleamed in the sunlight but its core was dull, housing no magic.
"Hmm, yes, it does look to be harmless.... Even still, if you decide to become apart of Camp New Hayven, I hope you consider donating or approving the storage of your books and amulet to our Keep-sake Cavern. It's the only place we secure items in with guards, and i'd hate for precious items like these to be stolen in our sleeping quarters. We do get the occasional sticky hooves unfortunately... You'd be surprised how precious even books have become.. However, items put in the keepsake cavern are considered apart of our library, and while they will never be allowed to leave the cavern without special permission, they are available to the public to view or read inside the secured area."
Gently returning her items to her bags the way he found them, Genesee hooves the bag back to her with a nod for her to take it back for now.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 29, 2015 5:13:10 GMT
Trixie took her bag back with a smile and nodded. "I planned to give the books to Moon, what he does with them is no concern to me after that. The amulet on the other hoof, stays with me. I do not wish to part with it even for a moment. It serves as a reminder, a powerful one. Also if it were to somehow become embued with magic again, I would not let it fall into any ponies hooves. I hope you understand I feel responsible for it."
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 30, 2015 5:37:54 GMT
Genesee looked the mare over for any signs of doubt or worry, feeling slightly uneasy about the amulet staying in her keep. Her words seemed genuine enough, but he wanted to be sure she understood him fully. "I understand taking on responsabilities for burdensome items, but I want you to know it is your safety I am more concerned about then the amulet.
Our camp protects all walks of life, and while many are as kin to us all, I must say like any town we have our share of troubles with some members that cannot always be policed. Greed can get the better of even the best of ponies in these hard times, and I want to be sure you are fully aware of the risks to keeping such an item that could get you mugged..." The old stallion's eyes simply looked concerned for the unicorn, he wouldn't push her farther then this, but the safety of his campers came far before pride and duty be it his own or another's.
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 30, 2015 6:24:30 GMT
"I understood the risk of carrying this amulet, and it isn't any greater or less away from me. Besides, I'd love to a see a pony challenge me for it. I'm not advertising I have it, only you, Moon, and I even know I have it." She sighed tucking the amulet away deep in the bag. She looked back up at the Stallion and smiled briefly.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Aug 31, 2015 21:36:41 GMT
Genesee had to admit he enjoyed her fighting spirit and stubbornness, it reminded him of his children, especially Moxie... He couldnt help but feel a twinge in his heart as he was again reminded of the unsettled tension between them. Shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts, Genesee smiled to Trixie and noded. "Well alright then. Right this way."
Genesee turned and lead the way towards the entrance of the cave, alerting the guards and informing them of the large saber needing to be relocated just to the side of the camp's main gate. That done, he motioned for Trixie to follow him as he entered the mouth of the cave.
[Exit Genesee to Common Quarters]
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Trixie
Junior Member
Posts: 143
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Post by Trixie on Aug 31, 2015 23:10:55 GMT
Trixie nodded following him taking in her surroundings as they walked in.
[Exit Trixie to the common quarters]
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Pumpkin Vine
Junior Member
Camp New Hayven Refugee: Main Defense Trainer and Combat Leader.
Posts: 54
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Post by Pumpkin Vine on Sept 10, 2015 13:50:47 GMT
[Enter Pumpkin Vine.]
Passing a few guards and standing still in the shade before heading to the sunlight, the light colored amazon took in a deep breath. How long had it been since she ventured out there? Certainly she wouldn't be long and is well capable of taking care of herself. Turning to the guards and noting that she trained some of them, a firm nod was all that she needed to keep in the peace. Knowing she always had good intentions, Pumpkin Vine stayed in the shade for a few moments longer, her head rambling on as she closed her eyes for a second of peace. 'Genesee, how long until we are no longer safe..'
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Post by Moxie on Sept 12, 2015 23:07:27 GMT
[Enter Moxie from Barracks and Training Hollow]
Moxie emerged from her long brisk trot through the caves, avoiding eye contact with many ponies along the way. Her eyes were still red and puffy from crying, and anypony who knew her would be able to tell right away that something was wrong. Fearing being confronted by friends or, heaven forbid, her father, Moxie had kept her head low and had stuck to the cave wall's edge as she lead the way out of the camp with Flux behind her.
Once they were outside, she smiled and raised her head to the sun beaming down brightly from the clouds above. She closed her eyes, opened her wings, and basked in the warm light. "I already feel better... I miss the sky." She breathed to Flux.
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Post by Flux on Sept 13, 2015 6:02:58 GMT
[Enter Flux from Barracks and Training Hollow]
Flux had the shield his eyes as he emerged into the light next to Moxie. The sting of the sun's rays almost felt good, and when his oversaturated pupils finally brought the view of the forest back from the blinding white it seemed like everything stopped. There was only him and nature, and the feeling nearly overwhelmed him. The mountain winds blew through the caves enough to stir up the air and keep it from getting stale and stuffy, but the air outside was...alive. It was crisp and cool; a pony couldn't breathe it without feeling renewed and invigorated. His ears flicked and turned seemingly of their own volition, taking in the sounds of the forest that he couldn't hear from inside the mountain. He took a breath and closed his eyes, facing up to feel the sun on his face.
"Me too," he murmured back, his voice slightly shaky as he found himself once again in his element. "We're not meant to live like this..." He could feel the cleansing air moving over every feather on his wings, causing him to ruffle them unconsciously. He soaked it in for a few long moments before he turned to ask where they would be patrolling, but before he could form the words his eye caught sight of the other mare that was out here with them. Pumpkin Vine, he recalled. She was a skilled fighter that Flux was sure he'd never forget. Taking in her look, he wondered if she was perhaps longing for the freedom of the sky once again. He gently nudged his friend and nodded towards where the older mare was with a question in his eyes. He didn't want to cause any anxiety or tension so left any invitation up to Moxie.
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Post by Moxie on Sept 13, 2015 6:20:18 GMT
About to reply to Flux's comment, Moxie's mouth had opened before she paused and noticed Flux's own hault. Looking around and following his nod and gaze, she caught sight of the light colored Pegasus mare laying beneath the shade. It struck her out of the blue how natural the Amazon mare looked out in nature, and her intimidating gaze seemed much less so away from her intense battle classes. Moxie felt an almost daughterly love for the mysterious Pegasus, probably even unknown by Pumpkin herself. She idolized her independence and confidence and hoped to one day be a lot like her. She felt a twang in her chest as she considered how she had failed to be as strong as she this morning. An Amazon would never let herself succumb to something as silly as a panic attack, she thought to herself disappointedly.
Pushing her inner thoughts aside, she took a few steps toward the mare with a friendly smile, and still red and swollen eyes. She wondered why she was out here away from the training hollow so quickly after her class, but refrained from asking for now. "Hey Pumpkin, I know your Primary is battle training... But would you like to accompany us for a perimeter patrol flight around the west gate? Give your wings a stretch?" She added with slight embarrassment, hoping the Amazon wouldn't think of her assuming anything.
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Pumpkin Vine
Junior Member
Camp New Hayven Refugee: Main Defense Trainer and Combat Leader.
Posts: 54
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Post by Pumpkin Vine on Sept 17, 2015 7:06:35 GMT
'We're not birds.. we're ponies, we deserve the same rights, don't we?' Speaking with her mental state on the situation they were all in, Pumpkin Vine sighed. Noticing the two ponies coming out from the caves, it became clear she was overly zoned out for her own good. Twitching an ear in the yellow and pleasingly yet hesitate mare that begun to make her presence known, her offer had only opened up a small smile on her own lips. Upon laying eyes on the pegasus speaking, questions begun to rise. Never one to speak about her personal life, the amazon was always the listener. Always keeping personal information with her students to herself unless it involved danger to the camp, the light colored equine had curiously responded. With concern reading into her voice, the older mare had thought of this one to be a pocket of sunshine. So what would make her so upset? These were the questions looming over her cranium as she spoke.
"Moxie. How sweet of you. Tell me child, what is wrong? Is it your friend? Is he causing you trouble?"
Never being one to like stallions at the best of times, this biased personality has been something she was slowly working on. No longer in her tribe and needing to accept the fact that they lingered here permanently, her mentality was at the very least trying to accept what she could not change. Turning to the stallion, her burnt orange orbs were vague on her emotions, showing nothing more but care for the camp's citizens.
"Would you rather tell me through flight? I would gladly join you."
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Post by Flux on Sept 22, 2015 4:31:12 GMT
(Sorry, I know I suck)
Flux had to admit to himself that while he would enjoy Pumpkin's company and joining them would give her a chance to clear her own mind, he was slightly apprehensive of her. He held her fighting skill in the highest regard, and perhaps once the members of the camp were prepared enough to consider venturing back out into the rest of the world he would ask if he could learn from her to add to his already decently large knowledge base of fighting. Encountering opponents that could match or best him left his mind wary; he found that he always had to remind himself that Pumpkin was a friend, or at the very least, an ally.
"War has changed so much," he said, "but the skies are yet free. We're on our way to do a patrol and get some fresh air, if you'd like to come with."
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Post by Moxie on Sept 22, 2015 14:37:14 GMT
Moxie's face immediately turned even redder with embarrassment and surprise at how easily the mare was able to spot that she had emotional turmoils. She quickly glanced to Flux when she asked if it was he who cause it and quickly shook her head. "Oh no no no, that was.... before other things..." She got tongue tied and found herself unable to not spill a bit of truth to the mare, saying the last part quietly and hoping Flux wouldn't catch on. "I just.... " She sighed, looking around at the guards by the entrance before glancing to Pumpkin with a hint of desperation in her eyes, "Maybe talking in the sky is best..."
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Pumpkin Vine
Junior Member
Camp New Hayven Refugee: Main Defense Trainer and Combat Leader.
Posts: 54
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Post by Pumpkin Vine on Sept 22, 2015 20:45:42 GMT
"Yes, perhaps it is." The yellow colored mare's stuttering had only added to the intrigued concern filling the trainers uncertain mind. Moxie's eyes were swollen, however healing in the mindset of a friend perhaps? Nodding politely and shifting her attention to the stallion next to her, Pumpkin had seen him around camp numerous times. Never joining her classes, the one called Flux held himself rather well. Seemingly postured for opponents to at least believe he knew how to fight, the mare respected that. The moment war was brought up, her mind shifted to the realization of such words. Change. The amazon opened up her wings, ready to lift off into the sky.
"Perhaps change is what we needed. We were separated with beliefs that two alicorns could save us all. No. We should have known, they needed our help. For now, we keep ponies and creatures alike safe."
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Post by Flux on Sept 24, 2015 5:09:19 GMT
Both mares' words struck Flux and his brow furrowed slightly as he filed the conversation away for later reflection when he could think more reasonably. Moxie's words elicited a curious sidelong glance, but he wasn't about to push her even a little in the state she was in. It seemed that camp life had been taking its toll on others as well, and for a while by the looks of it. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't crazy after all.
Pumpkin's words, however, brought back memories of the princesses, of what the land used to be before it was so needlessly and thoroughly destroyed. "We can still help them," he said firmly as he unfurled his wings and stretched then wide. "We just have to believe we can make a difference."
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