Gleaming Echo was hopelessly lost, not that he would EVER admit to such a thing. Night had long come and gone and yet he was still following these hoof-prints! He had initially hoped to follow these prints back to Ponyville but the longer he followed them the more footprints there were! How suspicious! Now that he got a closer look... These foot-prints were made by ponies with robes... and perhaps armored shoes! Oh dear - were the cultists more bold than he thought? Were they collecting a force to attack Ponyville! If he were to follow these tracks long enough he could perhaps come to the source of the problem and perhaps warn his friends! If he could make it back to town that is. Tar was still mercifully silent otherwise he'd likely be getting an ear-full about the foolishness of having come out here to scout for the fabled armor of invincibility! How could Tar not understand just how awesome the armor would make him! He'd be an invincible hero! Alas... silly pony was silly...
Gleaming Echo found himself unfortunately hearing a voice groan in his head. "
Gleam... Where are we?" came the restrained voice of Tarnished who was not at all pleased to see the Everfree around them. "The... Everfree." came the hesitant reply. Sometimes they did like to talk out loud to each-other. "
And why are we here? No-no... I don't want to know! Are you lost?" Gleam quickly shook his head and gestured to the trail. "No! I've been trailing cultists all night! They must be gathering up for an attack!" Tarnished looked at the trail through Gleam's eyes and while intrigued began to wonder about something....
Yunalesca rose that morning to a quiet cafe, and no sign of her friends. She had admittedly slept in a little just to get some rest after all of yesterday's events; her wings were sore, too, as she'd expected. Yet after she'd had a small breakfast, she grew a little concerned. They might have all gone out to do something, or perhaps to search for that armor without her. It was fine if they did, but she was left no note about it. Yuna at least considered and gone on heading back to their rooms to knock, but nopony answered either of their doors. She was met with silence, an old friend that she had started to lose touch with ever since the forming of their merry band. A little concerning. She thought that even Gleam would have wanted to let her know, but she saw firsthoof yesterday that he was quite enraptured with the idea of that armor. The alicorn wandered back towards the lobby with a small frown, a little nervous, a little panicky; anypony finally surrounded by friends who were suddenly
not there oft wondered if they'd left.. for good. Or to their deaths, in this case. She had an idea, but Yuna also felt it was a stupid idea; if they'd gone to just get supplies and she went into the Everfree thinking to look for them, they would be forced to drag her flank out of there. And Yuna did not like the idea of being rescued from something that had been her own idea. Still.. it wouldn't hurt to check. She teetered on indecision before just going through with it, leaning on impulsiveness and making her way out to the dark forest on the edge of town. If they'd gone.. their tracks would be easy to find through the dirt and snow, wouldn't they?
Gleaming Echo continued to trail the 'attack group' for what felt like almost another hour before he suddenly heard Tar let out a groan. "
Gleam.... Please tell me about these tracks we're following again?" Tar asked with a tone far more patient than the dark pony felt. "Well! They must be cultists because they're all wearing robes like mine! And they must also have armor because they also have shoes just like mine!" This was all that was needed for Tarnished to let out a shuddering groan. "
Gleam... I have no words. No... words...for... agh!!" The dark side just decided to retreat to the back of Gleam's head where he proceeded to start banging his head against the nearest dreamed up 'surface'.
Yunalesca couldn't have followed anything in town when ponies were already going about their daily business, but it didn't matter. The forest was near, and she stood apprehensively on its borders by the time she reached it. It'd been quite scary when they were in the nightmare.. she couldn't know what lay inside during the day.
It's not too late to turn back. The thought cropped up but she squashed it impatiently. If her friends were here, fine, she'd find them. If they weren't.. she could just head back anyway. It sounded simple enough in her mind, but little did she know it wasn't that easy, normally. Yuna took a breath and headed in through the trees, searching what visible dirt paths there were for any possible tracks. If there were any. There were vague indents that resembled hooves.. maybe, she wasn't at all the tracker but she'd see where they lead her!
Gleaming Echo honestly wondered what Tarnished's problem was! He was doing a good thing by following this band of cultists, right?! What if they were to attack Yuna?! Their numbers just kept growing as new fellows joined the band! But... Why weren't they making camp? The old castle must be somewhere around here! The cultist pony hummed only to perk an ear when he thought he heard a sound ahead! Oh-Oh! Did he catch up to them?! Gleam let a smirk steal over his features. Lets see the looks on those cultist's faces whenever he got the drop upon them! He ducked down against the grass and snow, stalking forwards. He only had one shot at this... Yes - He could vaguely make out a shape ahead. Perhaps one of the cultists? Little did he know.... It wasn't a cultist!
Yunalesca followed the tracks for some time as they meandered through the trees and past exposed roots. It eventually came to her that there seem to be only one set, rather than two or three traveling side by side; she knew Dusk to be an avid flier, but not Lightning.
Hrm. If she knew anything, it probably only was one set. The alicorn had made no attempt to move silently the deeper she walked in, having encountered nothing dangerous in the Everfree thus far- nor had she heard anything, other than the wind and leaves. Her mind was too deep in thought, and too focused on following what she assumed was a trail- and she had to question, who was she following then?
Gleaming Echo stalked closer to the pony only to grin wide and prepare himself. Okay! He only had one shot at this! The cultist steeled himself and leapt out from the bushes with a spell alight upon his horn. He was 'this' close to casting it when he realized that the pony in question was none other than Lady Yuna! Abort-Abort! The cultist's horn fizzled out and he landed quite wrong! The end result was he crashed to the ground face in a face-fault and let out a groan. "Lady Yunaaa ~ What are you doing out here! I could have hurt you! And the cultists I've been following might find you to before they find out you're out here! You best head back to town!" worried Gleam was worried.
Yunalesca thought she was entirely alone in the forest, other than what probably prowled in the undergrowth.. though for winter it was silent. Everything in hibernation, awaiting the rebirth of spring. It made the sudden rustle of a bush and what exploded out of it that much more alarming. There was a quick flash of a glimpse of a grinning face and a shining horn. A yelp found its way out of the alicorn's mouth and she scrambled back, nearly tripping over her own, stupid hooves in the process.. She had not yet learned the instinct to have a weapon at the ready drilled into her when such unexpected things happen, only her flight response. And Yuna would have run, had she not recognized the voice of the stallion. "... Gleam?" She managed, folding wings she hadn't notice she unfurled in her fright and rushed over to him on shaky legs. "C-Cultists? How can they be here? I.." Yuna shook her head, at a loss.
Gleaming Echo scrambled back up onto his hooves and brushed the dirt off of his robes. "I went out to scout and I came across a trail... I've been following that trail ever since then and it is like some sort of cultist strike group is forming to attack Ponyville! I was hoping to catch up to them so I could get the drop on them." he smiled wide indicating the direction that the trail he'd been following was. This was followed by an exasperated groan in the back of his head. What was Tar's problem? The sound of 'thudding' began once again.
Yunalesca took a deep breath to try to calm her pounding heart and gave herself a shake. She needed to think clearly. Her face scrunched up a little at what he'd told her and looked in the direction he'd gestured to what looked like well-trodden ground. "I.. see. I'd like to ask what you came scouting for but.. it seems odd cultists would come after us to Ponyville. Not when it has a princess now, and our diarchs in Canterlot if she needed backup.. ?" Yuna left her question to hang, frowning. It was why they'd come to Ponyville, after all. "I thought maybe you and the others came looking for that armor. I know I said I didn't want to go, but I got a little worried when I didn't see anypony around." She admitted, shrugging and looking away; after Dusk had signed on last night, it was when she felt she possibly ought to come, just to make sure they were safe. Waiting alone back at the inn didn't seem all that ideal.
Gleaming Echo looked at Yuna in concern and he let out a sheepish grin. "I was trying to scout out the location of this cave! See what I could find ~ But alas what did I find but trouble! First there was one, and then there was another! And on and on they gathered one by one upon the trail! At least twenty now!" He looked back towards the path only for Tar to suddenly interject. "
You're following your own path you idiot! Every time another pony joins that is you following the path yet again!" One eye turned slit pupil and was visibly twitching. "
Yuna... Take the idiot home.. By force if you have to." the dark half practically begged.
Yunalesca didn't know what to think about that, not without assuming, but Tarnished was quick to clear that right up. So was Gleam just walking in circles all this time.. ? It was baffling. "O-Oh. Uh, okay. I understand the whole thing about the cave and the armor is probably..
tantalizing, but you shouldn't put yourself in trouble. The others would be happy to help you, and Lightning has a map I think.. ?" Yuna couldn't remember if there was such a detail, but it probably didn't matter. She moved close, hesitantly so. "C'mon, I don't want you getting killed by something. I know you can fight, but.."
Gleaming Echo made a face. Was he walking in circles all this time? Now that he thought about it.... His head hung and a hoof was slowly brought up to press against his head. "I don't even..." embarrassed Gleam was mortified! "Lets just.... head back. And not mention this to
anypony...." the light half wanted no mention of the 'walk in circles' incident to eeeever be heard from again! "
Idiot."... Was all that came from Tarnished....
Yunalesca bit her lower lip when the realization blossomed over Gleam's own face. She.. supposed she understood his concerns, and why, but how could he have not noticed.. ? "I won't. I don't think they even realize you're gone; I don't even know where they are." She assured him, reaching a hoof out to cup him under the chin and gently lift his head. Yuna bumped her nose to his before she released him and started off, back the way she'd come. It wouldn't be too hard to find their way out, considering how she followed him in.
Distant Lightning was blissfully unaware of Dusk's violence and made his way to the rooms again. Leaving his door open he would rest himself and books on the floor. He had studying to do! He would lay out on the ground.
Gleaming Echo gave Yuna a bit of a smile but the poor stallion was far too embarrassed yet. Perhaps it was the excitement of finding the armor and then the possible threat that caused him to miss such an obvious detail. The unicorn returned a nudge of his own and quickly made to join Yuna. They actually weren't too terribly far from the forest edge thankfully! Gleam kept close just in case, however... Never know when one of the everfree monsters might crop up. He was lucky he hadn't run into any while lost!
Yunalesca had smiled faintly when her affection had been returned, but she had to focus on the way she'd come in. The faint indents in the dirt that spoke of, not hooves, but the shoes that Gleam wore. It seemed pretty obvious now, considering the tracks he'd worn into the ground while he was going in circles.
Goodness. "How long have you been out here?" Yuna asked with some concern, but her eyes were kept on the path that they now followed- it wouldn't be long before they reached the edge and the snowy ground out beyond. Yuna couldn't help but notice that the Everfree itself seemed untouched.
Silent Dusk looked pleased with herself and slipped the bag of bits in Distant's wherever he holds his stuff, wondered where the other half of their jolly cooperation was.
Distant Lightning settled to his reading. He had more of an idea than yesterday abut the whereabouts of the armors, as the book seemed to write it, and went over the plan of attack. It had to be safe. In and out. he would be sure the map was as accurate as possible (with notes in his script to it was easier) and the ... weapons. Ugh.
Gleaming Echo turned a good shade of red when Yuna asked just how long he'd been out here. "It was...uh... before nightfall when I came out here..." he'd say as he heard several sounds that were a combination of amusement and despair in the back of his head. Tarnished couldn't believe just how.... ugh! "I might need a nap or something." he had to admit as he walked with the alicorn back towards Ponyville. "Again, I'm terrible at navigating without anything to go by... went off the beaten path and got lost." he turned his gaze away.
Yunalesca almost came to an utter halt when he answered, but she forced her hooves to keep moving. "You were up all night just looking for that armor?" She repeated, coming across bafflement again. Yuna didn't want to make him feel bad for it, but it was.. Huh. ".. Understandable, but please don't go wandering off without a map first, just so.. you know.." Yuna suggested, glancing over at him- his face looked red again. "When we get back, you probably should nap," She agreed, "if you don't, I'll probably have to force you."
Silent Dusk would leave Distant to his reading and wandered back outside to the yard of the inn, unsheathing her hoofblades as she practiced a series of stabbing and hindleg kicking techniques.
Distant Lightning would likely have to spend at least four hours translating the map to something useful. He was rest on his room's floor, pillows piled about. Even though it was easy to move the majority of the map over, but many of the traps and secret doors would be lost in translation. Whoops.
Gleaming Echo turned his head away. "I reeeeally want to find the armor and then rub Tarnished's face in the fact it exists!" He whined foalishly as he walked along again. Indeed it was a terrible plan to sneak out! Thankfully they were back in Ponyville after a bit. "I think... it is time for me to get a little sleep." He leaned over and gave Yuna a nuzzle if he could and then sheepishly disappeared! Ooooh Tar was never going to let him live it down..
Yunalesca frowned a little and wondered why that was. Was it because the two were always at odds, even over the armor, or was it because of her actions.. ? She pondered over that the rest of the way to the inn and nuzzled the unicorn back before he pulled away. "Alright then. Sleep well." Yuna bid him quietly as he went inside. She didn't follow him, but lingered outside- she'd spotted Dusk who seemed to be practicing. "Where've you been?"
Silent Dusk stopped her practice and flushed a dark crimson. "I eh was asleep in my room Yuna, where have you been?" yes smart bat return the question that'll throw her off.
Distant Lightning faceplanted the spine of the book he was currently reading, finding that he could not focus. Tea. Yes he needed tea. Something about the translation seemed to bother him, but he couldn't pinpoint it. He had to remain confident! Off he went down the steps to fetch some tea, his mane and tail in its usual, tight braids. He'd wonder what Yuna and Gleam were up to. He hoped the little, mad sorcerer hadn't been a hoofful for the alicorn maiden. He had stopped, mostly, using slurs against them both as he grew used to them. Trotting down his head turned, spotting the mares together... but he backed up and remained hidden a moment.
Yunalesca's brow furrowed and she gave the thestral an unreadable look. "Asleep? Oh, that would.. make sense. I went around knocking to see if anypony was around but.. nothing. I thought maybe you all went off looking for that armor without me." Yuna chuckled lightly. "Nowhere really.. I found Gleam out on a.. walk." Yes, a walk, that was good enough. "Everything alright?"
Silent Dusk nodded at her and smiled. "Yes, a little sore in the hips and hind legs that's why I went out to practice a little." her face flushed still.
Distant Lightning was a little jealous the mares could speak so casually with one another. Sometimes he found it was difficult to talk to other ponies. Out here in this land he was a bit lonely, too, without company. He had to leave his pet at home as well. The long journey would not have been good for her. Shaking out his head the male headed off in another direction, so as to not pass their notice, and fetch his tea. But his retreating steps could be heard, those heavier steps.
Yunalesca quirked an eyebrow at her answer, seeing an opportunity to tease her in turn. "You might want to go easy, or give yourself a night's break from doing anything." The alicorn quipped, her tone of some amusement. She wasn't out to attack Dusk or anything, but if she was going to tease her and Gleam.. why not return the favor? Yuna turned away for a moment, catching the sound of heavy hoofsteps. Lightning's?
Silent Dusk found the return tease a totally alright thing and smirked. "Oh gosh Yuna a whole night? I don't know if I can handle that." she too caught Distant's retreat and nickered after him. "Have room service change the sheets will you love!?"
Distant Lightning let out a stream of incoherent words at Dusk. "Yes, I shall when I get tea." He was thrown off by her endearing nicknames. After he got his tea he would return with the steaming cup to where Yuna and Dusk had been. He sipped the steaming tea, the cup clutched in his wing's claws. "My dear maidens."
Yunalesca almost lifted a wing to hide her face, and perhaps her amusement when Dusk called out after Lightning's retreating hoofsteps. "I'm not sure how or why you do it." The alicorn said, keeping herself collected. When Lightning approached, she glanced over at him with some curiosity. That was.. new? "Hey. How's your research been going so far?" Yuna asked, recalling the small pile of books that Lightning had toted back to his room. He must've been busy, if Dusk hasn't been distracting him too much.
Silent Dusk tilted her head at Yuna with a warm smile. "How? good stamina and natural lust, Why? he's hot and yummy when you get him alone." she would then squeak a laugh and nuzzle Distant on the nose. "I'll go rest a bit in your room." then trotted off winking at the two good naturedly.
Distant Lightning snorted at her deviousness. "Hmph." He replied to Dusk's desire to use his room, not that he could tell her no. "Very well." He looked between them. Envious. "Ah, Yes, very good. I have completed the map." He trailed off watching Dusk retreat. "...how have your endeavors today been?" He looked back to her, regaining his focus (nearly dropping his tea cup). Siip.
Yunalesca's head jerked back towards Dusk and stared; it seemed it wasn't easy to fluster her, when she seemed to have everything handled. "Yikes, okay. See you later, Dusk." The mare bid her and returned her attention to the scholar, interested. "Really? That sounds great." It meant there was no chance of them getting lost like Gleam had just prior, but she wouldn't mention that to either of them. When she promised to keep a secret, she kept it. "They've been alright. I just had a walk with Gleam, but he retired to his room for a nap. I.. don't think he slept well last night, or he was restless."
Distant Lightning held his cup, a bit uneasy. Now they were alone. Oh dear. He was still with feeling she had a distaste for his presence. Glaring down at his tea, as he did given his hold on the monocle, he cleared his throat. "Would you like to sit?" He wasn't sure what to say. "Ah, I-I could perhaps show you the map...." he lost his nerve towards the end.
Yunalesca flicked an ear and glanced back towards the inn, nodding. It probably wasn't a good thing to stand out in the cold for very long. "Sure, I'd be interested in seeing it." It seemed like it might be something that would exist, after all, but Yuna still had her doubts.
Invincible armor, it was almost something to scoff at, but if it would calm Gleam.. or make him happy, either way. "Did the texts make any mention of the dangers there, or is it just a map to see it?" She asked as she walked past the pegasus, heading into the inn- the same way Dusk had gone not too long ago.
Distant Lightning nodded his head, leading the young mare back inside. As he would, the pegasus held open the door for Yuna before he, himself, strode in. By the time he led her toward the inn's sitting room, he would seat himself down, tea cup empty so also set aside. He unfurled the map in question, which had been resting in his vest pocket. "Well yes and no. There are mentions of traps and changing paths, rerouting walls, but I am confident I have located the best route in." Out was another matter entirely.
Yunalesca fell into step behind him, muttering a thanks when the door was held open for her and headed inside. He wasn't as.. grating as he'd been on their trip to Ponyville, seemed nicer, even. The more she came to know him, at least, as little as that was. Her thoughts went over this as he lead the way to the sitting room, and she made herself comfortable in one seat. Yuna leaned over curiously to look at the map once it was brought out, humming thoughtfully. "That sounds pretty helpful. We'll know what to avoid."
Distant Lightning nodded. "Unfortunately, though," he noted. "The cave appears to have several levels. We would have to prepare diligently." He warned. The male held up the map to the mare to allow her to see. The map he translated had been broken up into levels and had strange markings here and there. "These markings had a strange meaning I could not clearly transfer."
Gleaming Echo stirred and let out a long-suffered sigh. The idiot had finally fallen into deep enough a sleep he could stand. By the moon he'd 'slept' enough while being stuck in the dream prison that Gleam had thought up! How in the name of chaos had the idiot thought up something that good! Then again it had taken the most... out of the box thinking he'd ever come across. Perfect for an idiot! The dark half of the cultist left their room and made his way to the sitting area of the inn. Much to his delight Yuna was there! Of course Distant was there to, but... he was too 'miffed' to argue with anything. He slid into a nearby chair and let out a long exhale. "
So... Anything new?" he asked as he tried to give both a smile but it still came out as a bit of a grimace.
Yunalesca looked intrigued, and a little put off that there was more than just a cave. She had been thinking of something simpler, perhaps a long tunnel-like cave with the armor hidden somewhere.. not levels! "Sounds like it." She agreed, peering at the map as he held it up for her. The markings.. she didn't know very much about strange symbols or other languages to have been much help in that department. Yuna made a confused noise and leaned back once she was satisfied with studying it- the arrival of somepony else was soon to draw her eye. Oh. "Hey. Uh, he finished the map." Tarnished still looked disgruntled, most likely after what Gleam had done earlier.
Distant Lightning was quite proud of his map and generally glad it had been done. Regardless of whether this map led them any where it was a good way to learn of the tombs beneath Ponyville. After all what but tombs lay underground? He looked up toward Gleam's madness. "Yes, that I have. Preparedness is the most important part of a journey. I have even sought armor and weapons for such!" Sorta. "The symbols were in the book, an older dialect perhaps..." He muttered thoughtfully.
Gleaming Echo was honestly trying to forget about 'that'.... Oh yes, even he wouldn't torment Gleam about this. At least until he had his own body. Right now this reflected bad on both of them and not just Gleam. Ugh.... "
Thank you for... earlier, Yuna..." with that he turned to look at the 'map'..."
A map to what?" he asked in curiosity as he leaned up to look at the image. "
Are those... tombs or something?" The dark half of the pony had somewhat similar ideas. What else but tombs would lie underground with...ugh... an 'armor of invincibility'. The dark pony had all but resigned himself to being drug along on this 'fools quest!' How much he'd rather just stay in Ponyville and just cuddle up with the alicorn after Gleam's little stint. The dark half of the pony was frustrated and just all rather... bah! He just wanted to be lazy ~ And maybe set something on fire for amusement. Catching timberwolves on fire was always entertaining.
Yunalesca puzzled over the pseudo nightmare's thanks. Thanks for what? For what they'd done together, or dragging Gleam out of the woods? It was possibly the latter, but she couldn't ask with Lightning right there. The mention of armor and weapons snagged her attention and she gave the pegasus a quizzical glance. Had that been what they were out doing earlier, before she left? It would explain why she found nopony. "That armor that Gleam's so hot about." Yuna stated, frowning a little. She hoped going after it wouldn't put any of their lives at risk, she was far more content with the idea of being alive and unharmed. If there was anything else of interest down there, though, it would at least be a bonus.
Distant Lightning grunted and continued to look at the map. "Ah, but I have not forgotten your request. I am not yet confident that I could do so without harm to ... either of you. I need more research, but the current books I have borrowed yielded minimal information." This armors... "The place this object sleeps seems to be a tomb, and you can learn much!" Much from the dead. Ah the little scholar was excited to learn.
Gleaming Echo made a rather odd noise and nodded. "
Perhaps ~ If there are tombs down there we might be able to have a little fun! Tombs are usually enchanted in some way. Especially the old ones." he could hardly help but smile. "
Maybe I can take my frustrations out and burn something!" he mused with a scuff of his right fore-hoof upon the table. "
Take what time you need, it is just getting really trying at times to share this body with the idiot." The grumpy pony sat back and crossed his forelegs.
Yunalesca thought over the information that Lightning had found thus far. It took her a moment to remember the request he spoke of- Gleam and Tar, or just Tarnished, wanting his own body. "I'm sure the princess's library might have more information about it- she seems pretty well stocked on books, from what I saw." Yuna mused, frowning a little. It would be hard for anypony to find a solution to such an issue, when it.. possibly never happened before. "A little more patience.. I can try to help, if I can."
Distant Lightning was troubled. As a researcher he was proud of the work he did, so needing help made him feel inefficient, worthless. He puffed up a bit. The map would be folded and tucked back into his vest. "...yes." he turned to Yuna after Tar's little rant on destruction and relative chaos. "...she did have a few books. I will be returning the ones I finished before we journey outward, but miss Yuna you should not expend yourself on my account. You can be a greater help..." he did not want to be a burden, having a mare help him in his duties. Such dishonor. "....preparing for the journey with a mare''s sharp eye!" Yes, yes. Hopefully such a was satisfactory.
Gleaming Echo inclined his head to the side and looked between the two. He had a feeling he was missing something... Something interesting! The dark pony inclined his head and let out a bit of a chuckle. "
But is it not aaaalso rude to turn down help from a mare such as Yuna like that? After all ~ She could potentially help you out a little on the magical side of things." he smirked some and let out a sigh. He wanted something to munch on. Were there any cupcakes left somewhere? He had a craving for cupcake! He was hoping Yuna helped Distant with his project. Though for a much different reason. He wanted her to make sure he didn't do anything shady! He didn't trust nobles that well!
Yunalesca canted her head, puzzled with this answer. Tarnished supported her in this, but she really didn't want to bother the scholar if he didn't want her help. "I.. guess. I'm not really sure what I could do, even with magic, but it's worth a shot if it's needed." The alicorn admitted with a little shrug. What even could such as she do to help prepare for the journey, other than to make sure all of the things they intended to bring were in one place? She didn't even know what they needed to bring! "Just.. ask if you need anything."
Distant Lightning flicked back his ears and glanced at Gleam's madness. He lowered his head with a soft glare. "One does not force a mare to do his share of the work. Tis irresponsible." He assured, though his reasons were a bit more, truthfully, lack of confidence. If Yuna did better than he -- he would look badly. The pegasus did not understand the value of teamwork just yet, hence his desire to plan everything out without the input of others! Nope! He spread out his wings, almost in a threatening manner, before flapping them and folding them back neatly. The act of flapping them relaxed and aligned feathers, allowing him to fold them like a cloak: loose enough to unfurl at a moment's notice. "Yes, of course dear Yuna. Perhaps this one could start putting in some effort as well." He took a book from his saddlebag to hand it to Tarnished. "Read." Educate yourself you illiterate... "You may find interest in this book. I could not make use of it." He would stand to head out for the afternoon. Distant Lightning looked between them. "I will be making a short trip to the library and find more books, returning those I have completed." He professed. "I will be back before dinner." He assured.
Gleaming Echo stared at the book that was held out. Then it was set back upon the table. "
Oi! I'm not reading a book about fecal droppings you Mr Peacock! Even if ya might find the topic interesting!" Yes, Tarnished seriously yelled that out and practically threw the book back at the pegasus. Or rather... He threw it and the book teleported in a flash of magic only to land upon Distant's head. Tarnished really didn't need that after what he had to put up with Gleam. "
I'm going back to bed." he grumped and stood. He briefly turned to Yuna and hesitated only to lean over and give her a nudge. Then the unicorn turned on a hoof and stalked off himself!
Yunalesca couldn't see where Lightning was coming from, but he seemed to be the book nerd of the group. If he would rather handle looking through all of those books, without getting as bored as she probably would have, then he could certainly have fun with it. She didn't know what to do otherwise, however, but merely shrugged- she was given pause to be called 'dear Yuna' by the pegasus, and she wasn't sure how to take it. Only the split unicorn had ever called her that.. or Tarnished did. Yuna refocused on the two when Lightning passed over a book, which the dark pony immediately returned, and his raised voice caused her to jump a little.
Yikes. They were going their separate ways and.. she didn't know what to do. "Sleep well?" She bid Tarnished after he'd nudged her, uncertain.
Distant Lightning staggered, sputtering and flapping at the surprise of a book falling on him. Wasn't the first, or the last time in his life a book would hit him. He spread his wings, catching the book before it fell, trotting around to face the madpony. "How dare you treat books this way!" he pouted. "I would have though you'd like a book filled with obscene jokes." He harumphed. "You seem to make them enough." he cocked his head and flicked his braided tail at the thought. He huffed and rolled his wing a bit to slide the book back in his pack. "Could have said no thank you, illite..." He muttered, before dipping his head to Yuna, trotting toward the inn's exit.
Gleaming Echo let out a snort. "
Obscene jokes my flank. Lavatory humor is SO not my style. That isn't even EVIL! It's just.... stupid. Something that the idiot would like and by no means do I even want memories of the words on that book even in this head of ours for him to find. Ugh....please no..." he grumped and sat back. "
I do ugh ~ appreciate the thought though." he'd add perhaps too quiet to hear. Yuna was his only friend... He rather liked friends but had no idea how to go about this whole 'being nice' thing. By the sun and moon he was evil consarnit! How did evil try to be nice?! The thought made him almost queasy! Kindness was SO not a villain-y thing!
Yunalesca watched the two carefully when the pegasus moved close to Tarnished. She was almost expecting a fight, but Lightning just seemed.. to not be the fighting sort. She didn't know why she cared if they did or not, either, or why she would bother. It hadn't normally been her thing to.. keep the peace. A hoof drifted up to her mouth when she heard exactly what the topic of the book had been- it was no wonder! Yuna snorted, and thought to return the nod to Lightning before he'd gone on his way out the inn.
Distant Lightning went off to do more book digging. While wary of the Alicorn prince-sass... he could do well to make it there on his own this time and just get what he needed. She didn't seem any the wiser. He did hope Gleam and his madness would have enjoyed the potty joke book. He did not mind potty humor, though there was always a time and a place.
Gleaming Echo let out a long sigh again but he turned to Yuna again. "
Okay... NOW I'm going back to bed. Wake us if we're needed." With that he leaned in to give Yuna a nuzzle and turned to wander his way off to the comfortable bed and collapse. While the joke book might have been amusing... Stars forbid he could just imagine how insufferable Gleam might be!
The End.
