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A Green Place - A Timeless Space

By xcpony
Created: 2023-12-10 03:15:44
Updated: 2023-12-16 03:49:05
Expiry: Never
anonocsafecyoaworldbuildingincompletegreenestslackers

  1. >You are...
  2. >Lost.
  3. >Very much lost.
  4. >So lost that you don't even really remember who you are.
  5. >Or where you are.
  6. >It's a... /Green Place/, at least.
  7. >It's not much, is it?
  8. >...
  9. >That was strange.
  10. >You repeat the offending phrase in your head.
  11. >And the name rings again.
  12. >Well, alright then, you know at least SOMETHING about where you are.
  13. >It's assuredly /A Green Place/.
  14. >There's not much green here at present.
  15. >...
  16. >Once more, a mere thought is all it takes.
  17. >Your surroundings instantly change.
  18. >Blades of green grass ripple from the nothing you never knew.
  19. >It's all encompassing now, a veritable blanket of lush summer green grass that overwhelms the eye as far as you can see.
  20. >It would be better with a sky, you think.
  21. >And so too does the new world shake, as a not-so-distant blue waves over you, surging like a high tide.
  22. >As you gaze, familiar elements fill your thoughts.
  23. >What is a sky without clouds? A sun or moon? A world to encompass?
  24. >It's an unstoppable mess of raw creation.
  25. >You are nothing more than a speck in the great world you've been emboldened to behold.
  26. >The land shakes and shifts in barely tangible ways as it stretches like raw, pliable dough.
  27. >Viscous, but not chaotic, the land flexes out to form great hills and valleys.
  28. >A distant mountain chain erupts from the new earth.
  29. >An entire continent, no, an entire planet crawls from the crucible of your thoughts.
  30. >Tides come, you imagine a distant ocean to the east and west.
  31. >Grand forests.
  32. >Endless deserts.
  33. >The world slows. Groans. Not from pained aches, but of contentment.
  34. >A low rumble passes beneath you.
  35. >This is fertile land. Good land.
  36. >An ecosystem is sown. A living world is born.
  37. >By now, life beyond the grass you stand on has come to join it in sudden existence.
  38. >It is lonely, you think, to have such a grand place before you, filled with so much to see and feel, but to have none to see it with.
  39. >This time, you catch yourself in the thought.
  40. >You're thinking of more.
  41. >You seek sapience.
  42. >A pony, you think, is exactly what you want to see right now.
  43. >And it is so.
  44. >She is instantly before you, a mutable form, shifting through all the various possibilities one of her kind could be.
  45. >Beyond where you stand, the land immediately populates itself.
  46. >Villages. Castles. Kingdoms.
  47. >A world of ponies is born.
  48. >Creatures, too.
  49. >But importantly, ponies.
  50. >You check in on the mare before you.
  51. >It seems she's struggling to find a fitting form.
  52. >You could help, or let this /Green Place/ work.
  53.  
  54. [29%]
  55. An Earth Pony. One intertwined with this new land.
  56. [24%]
  57. A Pegasus. The perfect traveling companion.
  58. [29%]
  59. A Unicorn. A heart to give this place life.
  60. [18%]
  61. Let the /Green Place/ decide. Seek the unexpected.
  62.  
  63. >Some voice tickles at the back of your mind; it seems upturned by your creation of 'creatures'!
  64. >Fret not, the ponies are very much your priority.
  65. >But a little /diversity/ is healthy for an ecosystem.
  66. >After all, there's good reason that there are multiple tribes of ponies.
  67. >And speaking of, the forming mare appears to have coalesced into a stable state of being.
  68. >You push away the voice and the implications that come with the possible menagerie nested in your thinking space.
  69. >You inspect her.
  70. >Your first observation isn't one so physical.
  71. >She is positively radiating with power.
  72. >You feel that she was definitely muscling through to her earth pony interests, but also airing on the side of a unicorn.
  73. >Could the sheer magical ability be a result of your influence?
  74. >You know you've created a civilization of ponies, but your interest in this one may have been more impactful.
  75. >You get the feeling that you're good with broad strokes.
  76. >With this companion, you'll explore the finer details.
  77. >Tall, muscular, built as rugged as volcanic crag.
  78. >Yes, she's as earth pony as they come.
  79. >She's a Sabino: her coat is a delicate light brown, with veritable rivers of white dragging along her barrel, sides, withers and all. The white cakes up her legs as socks, before tapering into her browns.
  80. >Her mane and tail, too, are a suave brown that glints a blending tanned orange. Her mane is cut short, while her tail flows long and free.
  81. >Behind that power in strength and spirit, you feel her pride.
  82. >Oh, she's an intensely pretty and staggering pony, and she knows it.
  83. >Her prismarine eyes glint with wisdom.
  84. >And as she rises from her kneeled form, she adopts the haughty stance of a real /knower/.
  85. >She raises a foreleg, and turns her head to the side. Her haughty pose hides her perceptive glance well, but you see and feel it just as so.
  86. >You wait patiently as she finalizes her observations.
  87. >She turns to you.
  88. >Again, her beauty is unparalleled. Even to the likes of gods.
  89. >...
  90. >Wait.
  91. >Are there...?
  92. >The mare's bright demeanor shifts to a frown. She sets her hoof down as you settle into reflection.
  93. >There weren't gods here, were there?
  94. >Something in you pulses. Your heart feels lighter.
  95. >Well, if you had any intentions on not sharing this world, those may have gone out the window.
  96. >"Worldshaper, you appear unwell."
  97. >That voice. Soft, angelic. She's a lovely thing.
  98. >You return to her, and question her on the name.
  99. >"You have summoned me here, no? A sherpa for you."
  100. >Sherpa?
  101. >"Your guide, m'lord."
  102. >You immediately wave that off. Worldshaper is fine. It's what you are, isn't it?
  103. >"If that is your wish." She curtsies with a slight bow of her head, then rises once more to her enlightened stance. "There is no greater honor than service to you, Worldshaper."
  104. >You're not sure what to make of that. Just how much does she know?
  105. >A satisfied smile adorns her lips. Evidently, that was the correct question.
  106. >"I am young, but a great knower among my village."
  107. >And her name?
  108. >"I am Sashay, Headsmare Speaker for the village of Overo."
  109. >You nod. A dignified position for a dignified mare. You ask her if you've interrupted anything of hers.
  110. >"Strangely, I do not recall many happenings prior to our meeting."
  111. >She has history, but maybe not recent.
  112. >"Oh, there is word of an arriving unicorn caravan. I would wish to be there, but your service takes precedence."
  113. >Just how highly are you seen, here?
  114. >"Many in this land are underknowing, Worldshaper."
  115. >A reason?
  116. >"War, sir."
  117. >That's not exactly what you wanted to hear.
  118. >And by Sashay's look, she thinks the same.
  119. >"There are vast, prosperous kingdoms, but some quite petty. War has held to the plains beyond these plains for a great many centuries. Overo is blessed to graze under the watch of the Emerald Princess, but even her will alone is not enough to command a lasting peace."
  120. >And why do they fight?
  121. >"It is not my place to say. I apologize, but I am merely a vessel for the lands we stand among, now."
  122. >And is it really your place to intervene?
  123. >A swell of urgency comes up within you. You are quick to cool the fire.
  124. >Just as she is here to guide you, you are merely here to guide this world.
  125. >That doesn't strictly mean you /can't/ get up to some things, but...
  126. >Being an /interloper/ feels like the right thing to do. The FUN thing to do.
  127. >When you turn back to Sashay, the mare's concerns melt away.
  128. >You calmly inform her that you have a great journey ahead, and you will highly prize her knowing.
  129. >With a choice of your own made, you invite her to make one.
  130. >This flower filled, butterfly-attracting plain is a pleasant talking space, but there is work to do.
  131. >"You wish to travel, Worldshaper?"
  132. >The Emerald Princess would be a great place to start.
  133. >You consort with Sashay on account of her concerns: she has a place in this world, and isn't exactly yours.
  134. >"My life is yours, sir."
  135. >You ask her how far you are from either place.
  136. >"Overo is among these hills. Emerald City is a night away."
  137.  
  138. >You're leaning highly toward Overo, as are many of the transient voices dangling in the back of your mind.
  139. >You decide to let them have their time and space in your head, but not too much, at least for now.
  140. >As they're busy frolicking, you inquire with Sashay for anything else noteworthy about Overo or Emerald City.
  141. >Overo is a typical earth pony village, while Emerald City is host to a medley of tribes.
  142. >Coinciding with the coming caravan, Emerald City is apparently in the midst of a festival.
  143. >You ask her if she's worried about traveling through the night if you were to go straight to Emerald City.
  144. >"These are safe lands, Worldshaper. They are not free of danger, that is too uncertain to say surely, but I know ways to take care of our needs, and am not shy from serving as your spear and shield, if need be."
  145. >You tell her you hope that won't be necessary.
  146. >"And I wish much the same, sir."
  147. >You thank her.
  148. >Sashay gives a happy hum. She lifts her head, eyes shut, and mane shining.
  149. >Hearing a tickling question, you ask Sashay if there's anything of particular interest to her about the caravan.
  150. >She is positively /thrilled/.
  151. >"I was tutored by a great unicorn from the Emerald City. He sought Overo, and granted knowing to my elders and village many, many moons ago. To say I care much for the unicorns and their ways is to underword my adoration."
  152.  
  153. [88%]
  154. Overo Village. Sashay's home would be a soft start.
  155. [13%]
  156. Emerald City. A meeting with authority is in order.
  157. [0%]
  158. Let the /Green Place/ guide you and Sashay.
  159.  
  160. >A single voice rises up in opposition, but it's sharply squashed against the overwhelming declaration.
  161. >Your rampant mind agrees.
  162. >You inform Sashay that you'd like to visit her home village.
  163. >"Truly? Okay!"
  164. >She's giddy with joy. So giddy that she's taken off trotting.
  165. >Sashay gallops a wide circle around you, her head and legs splaying each and every way.
  166. >She whinnies over and over.
  167. >Finally, she comes careening to a stop before you.
  168. >She scrambles into a regal enough pose.
  169. >"R-Ready?"
  170. >You set off at a brisk pace, not so concerned with your direction.
  171. >So long as Sashay remains visibly in the lead, you are content to allow the journey.
  172. >After a while in the plains, you shift into the hills.
  173. >There, you become aware of something rather strange.
  174. >The land skids by at a blistering pace. Sashay is practically galloping ahead.
  175. >But you remain so close to her.
  176. >You check your steps as you go, but you can't spot any odds.
  177. >Sashay slows, panting.
  178. >"You travel like this always?"
  179. >When you ask what she means, she tilts her head down at your feet.
  180. >And then she stumbles on her own hooves.
  181. >She recovers quickly, though you both come to a stop.
  182. >"The land!" Sashay pants. "It moves for you, Worldshaper. So swift. The earth bulges like a swampy mud bubble. You cannot see that this is your work?"
  183. >You step again, but she shakes her head.
  184. >Suddenly, she breaks off.
  185. >"Come!"
  186. >You give swift chase, although you're jogging.
  187. >You take note that you're not winded.
  188. >And also...
  189. >Oh.
  190. >The ground pushes and swells, propelling you forward with little effort on your part.
  191. >It isn't why you're not winded, that is a magical condition of its own.
  192. >But the thought of keeping up with the tall, muscled mare...
  193. >You both come to a stop.
  194. >Sighing, you give Sashay an apology.
  195. >She bows, huffing and puffing all the same.
  196. >A broad smile lights her as her sweat foams.
  197. >"D-Do not be sorry, Worldshaper. It is wonderful to see such a gait. But... may we take our time to enjoy this world?"
  198. >She's right.
  199. >You take a long, long moment to slow down, and enjoy the sensations surrrounding you.
  200. >Up front, Sashay smiles, kicks ahead a few pleasant steps, before settling in beside you.
  201. >The crunch of grass underhoof is such a satisfying sound.
  202. >You follow after her, enjoying the idyllic patience.
  203. >A thrumming, sensitive harp plucks along your mind.
  204. >You loosen your strained grip on just how you feel, and allow the world to wind out as well as your mind feels.
  205. >You hear a soft coo of awe.
  206. >The trickle of a low river pours around the two of you, flowing down toward the way you've come.
  207. >And yet, it ascends with you.
  208. >Each step you take up the serene slope brings another elbow to the winding flow.
  209. >Sashay dips slightly into the low, rising tide of your creation.
  210. >You absentmindedly cast it up as a wave. It splashes against her hooves, and she giggles against the touch.
  211. >She inhales sharply, pulling away, and giving you a playful look.
  212. >"Worldshaper..."
  213. >You wave with your own body.
  214. >"Your work is the envy of all the greatest spellweavers of our time. Your magic has such a... minty aroma."
  215. >It's a compliment, though you're a little unsure if you deserve it.
  216. >Thoughts are all you need, it seems, to cater to your worldly whims.
  217. >Reflecting on the previous echoes of one of your accompanying voices, you send a compliment back her way.
  218. >Her ears tuck back; a blush wraps over her.
  219. >She shakes the water from her hooves, and trots faster.
  220. >"I am not cute, sir. I am refined."
  221. >Is she really lying to you?
  222. >"L-Lying?" Sashay sputters. "To claim I am cute is more insult than lie!"
  223. >You'd hardly call it an insult, but if that is her wish, so be it. But you're not going to call her ugly, either.
  224. >She pouts, snorts, wriggles her lips and all.
  225. >There's something about this moment that connects to you on a personal level.
  226. >It's that connection. That intertwining motion...
  227. >You're feeling Sashay grow in you.
  228. >A being you brought to life, giving you one in turn.
  229. >It's peace.
  230. >You're rolling over in your mind.
  231. >Making a decision.
  232. >Opting out of living a hollow disguise.
  233. >Allowing fate to freely flow with the prize.
  234. >Yes, there will be a happy ending for this world. It is yet to be seen. And that is fine.
  235. >This is only the beginning.
  236. >You smile warmly at Sashay, alleviating her concerns with your heartbeat.
  237. >In this /Green Place/, there are hard, sharp edges to polish—not to a spotless shine, but a shine.
  238. >You need to know more of the world you've roughly crafted.
  239. >You feel Overo on the coming hills before you've even spotted it on the horizon.
  240. >There's a vicious froth of magic and potential on the air. The summery gale carries it all around the hills, here, nestling it into the rise and fall of the land and all its alcoves.
  241. >There's a latent difference in presence, too. An ambient kind of magic, natural to the area, idles in the calm of the natueal order.
  242. >The same can't be said for the very much active and moving foreign magic.
  243. >Visitors.
  244. >Sashay leads you down from the hills and to a more established path.
  245. >It's been worn down by years of hooves, and rutted with the tracks of burdened carts.
  246. >Even as you close in, Overo is a bit hard to spot.
  247. >The village blends seamlessly into the hills, so much so that you don't even realize you're within it until Sashay points out a home on the outskirts of the village.
  248. >The ponies of Overo, it seems, are prone to burrowing into the greened hills of their ancestral land.
  249. >As is their right.
  250. >The hollowed out burrows aren't much on the outset, little more than wood in most places, but you begin to pick out the details that show life.
  251. >Stones overturned and placed with care, forming low retaining walls and hoofpaths.
  252. >Felled logs along the road, etched with ancient words and imagery.
  253. >Grasses pruned down from perhaps a mix of grazing, trotting, and play.
  254. >And as you round the base of one burrowed hill, the most prevalent sign of life comes about.
  255. >Ponies in droves.
  256. >Sashay shoots off like lightning.
  257. >Her thunderous stride is rough and cantankerous, striking out at the earth in an unstoppable train of motion.
  258. >There are several bands of ponies about. You can see familiarity dawning in many of the similarly large earth ponies.
  259. >You see an entirely different kind of familiarity in one select band of ponies.
  260. >Brushing past the paint ponies that are no doubt her friends and relatives, the Headsmare Speaker Sashay skids to a halt before a small crowd.
  261. >Unicorns.
  262. >A series of respectful motions take place between the relatively tiny unicorns and Sashay as you move forward.
  263. >You don't quite process the ceremony as much as you do the faces of the locals, all keen on sizing up the stranger in the middle of their hill-pressed village.
  264. >You come up beside Sashay as a stuttering unicorn, apparently shaken by the overeager welcome, struggles to string together some notion of thought.
  265. >The unicorns are dressed quite well, as opposed to the free bodies around.
  266. >To one side of the unicorn band, and your own two being band, a pony clears their throat.
  267. >"My dear, Sashay. We welcome your swift return."
  268. >The lanky, muscle-stripped earth pony is grizzled and grayed with clear ache.
  269. >Sashay bows her head to the unicorns and, for lack of a more fitting term, sashays over to the aged earth pony.
  270. >She rests her neck gently to the ever-so shorter pony, and he grunts appreciatively at her care.
  271. >"I see you have brought company." His voice is raw, raspy.
  272. >"Yes."
  273. >"And I take it, then, that this... being, is responsible for your sudden foalnapping?"
  274. >"I was summoned, Elder Saunter."
  275. >"Summoned? We summoned for you as well when these plain blessed envoys of the Emerald City arrived. We worried fiercely, my Sashay."
  276. >You ponder for a moment on just what exactly drove you to choose ponies of all things in your spur of creation.
  277. >You suppose a real reason didn't matter.
  278. >There was green in this /Green Place/, and ponies for it.
  279. >"I know," Sashay replies.
  280. >Yes, you hear the voices. They're growing in number, and in questions.
  281. >You admit that you're curious, too! It seems but moments ago that you formed this world, but with each new detail you learn, there does seem to be a disconnect between your work and what 'was there'.
  282. >You'll have to find some answers eventually, but look! Ponies!
  283. >If you and the voices are to get along, you'll need to form an understanding.
  284. >So, you offer an accord.
  285. >Think it over, voices.
  286. >In the meantime, you have ponies.
  287.  
  288. [25%]
  289. Test your powers, sooner rather than later.
  290. [75%]
  291. Postpone it. You'll naturally run into more limits.
  292.  
  293. >"P-Pardon me, Elder."
  294. >You all turn to the shaky unicorn mare. She gives a frantic bow, bending her forelegs in an almost buckling motion.
  295. >"If you should so wish to first see to your... /powerful/ guest, we would have no qualms with your ruling."
  296. >You take note of the fact that the tightly packed (and bagged) unicorns are quite pointedly avoiding your gaze.
  297. >"What?" Saunter is genuinely surprised. "Nonsense. You are honored guests of Overo, and shall be received as tradition dictates."
  298. >The unicorns appear even more uncertain.
  299. >Beside you, Sashay clears her throat.
  300. >She leans back close to where her and Saunter's necks met, and whispers quietly.
  301. >"What? But..."
  302. >Sashay breaks away with a smile.
  303. >The elder is left to give a heavy sigh.
  304. >"I shall defer further dictation of order to Headsmare Speaker Sashay, as she is now present."
  305. >Sashay nods graciously, then draws in the attention of the unicorns.
  306. >"I am once more blessed to receive you and your companions, Mage Meadowsong."
  307. >"Likewise, it is good to see you, Sashay."
  308. >The mares share a giggle, then Sashay returns to formality.
  309. >"You are known to travel with little to no rest, Mage Meadowsong. Can this be assumed at present?"
  310. >Meadowsong gives a nervous laugh.
  311. >"Perhaps, in favor of your good health, you should break your fast with wine and rye?"
  312. >"Gods, please," a unicorn stallion 'whispers'.
  313. >"Our dining hall is open to your band, Mage Meadowsong."
  314. >"You're too kind, Sashay."
  315. >All the ponies present bow.
  316. >"We shall meet at a more appropriate time. Welcome to Overo, honored envoys of the Emerald City."
  317. >The unicorns aren't as skittish as they are on the way out, but they still make haste for a nearby burrow.
  318. >You ask Sashay why they fear you.
  319. >"Unicorns are knowers. Knowers fear that which they do not know."
  320. >You point out that she, by training, is a knower.
  321. >Sashay smiles deviously, as if having caught you in a trap. "But I do know you, Worldshaper."
  322. >"Worldshaper?"
  323. >You both turn to the elder.
  324. >"This is what she calls you, then?"
  325. >"It is his calling, Elder Saunter."
  326. >The stallion looks you up and down. You eye him in kind.
  327. >His coat is a smooth grullo color, and his once black mane is quite silvered, now.
  328. >"I am Somber Saunter of Overo. From where do you hail?"
  329. >You tell him plainly: you came from the emptiness that stood before you formed the world within the /Green Place/.
  330. >The elder, Sashay, and several other earth ponies, shudder.
  331. >What is the /Green Place/ to them?
  332. >"He is speaking the language of the Gods..." a stray earth pony strangles out.
  333. >"P-please," Saunter strains. "You have proved your divinity, Worldshaper..."
  334. >Sashay's ears remain folded back, but she can stand and speak clearly.
  335. >"I am... not sure of Gods, but there are some things which are sacred."
  336. >"What do you mean, my Sashay? Unsure of Gods? You were taught as well as your herd sibs that..."
  337. >Saunter slows.
  338. >"That..."
  339. >Sashay tilts her head. "Taught what?"
  340. >"Did we not..." He shakes.
  341. >"No, this is not a place to discuss this. I trust that you are in good..." Saunter gives you a much less thorough inspection. "Hands."
  342. >You inform the elder that it is much the other way around: you did, in fact, summon a pony who could accompany you, and guide you through the land.
  343. >And Sashay appears the perfect fit.
  344. >He nods, satisfied.
  345. >"I would wish to speak with you at length, but there are more immediate needs that I must address."
  346. >He hesitates.
  347. >"A god must understand mortal woes, no?"
  348. >In this instance, imposing is not your concern. There are grander things to know.
  349. >You tell Sashay you'd like to know more about life in the village.
  350. >The elder bows respectfully to you, and turns to the nearby band of earth ponies, still waiting.
  351. >He is too busy to spare a 'divine' being his attention.
  352. >Clearly, he is a highly-sought, and highly-strained pony.
  353. >"Worldshaper?"
  354. >Sashay appears to be dancing on her hooves.
  355. >While strange, you like that she is not a knower of divinity.
  356. >"We go."
  357.  
  358. >As you and Sashay start off away from the center of Overo, you can't help but call into question the elder's decision-making.
  359. >Shouldn't he be more worried about her?
  360. >"Oh, I am a grown mare. He is right to not fret over my place."
  361. >But according to him, you'd inadvertently whisked Sashay away.
  362. >"He is only so bothered as far as village concerns. We are a tight community. We all play our part, even as we are more well off than other lands in the realm."
  363. >They do seem content, here.
  364. >"Overo is known to some in the Emerald City as Septerra, or 'stray land'. Elder Saunter has moons of experience in taking in foals without home."
  365. >What allowed him to do so in the first place?
  366. >"Beyond his kindness? He is a good teacher." Sashay smiles lightly. "He is open to new minds, and encourages freedom and choice, so long as the pony feels it does not work against the village. Many foals choose to stay, as I have."
  367. >Overo is... overtly homogenous.
  368. >Sashay gives you a sly look.
  369. >"Many outlanders flow from the sharp waters of the western coast. They are mostly pegasi, and such is their tribe that they flit from place to place, never still."
  370. >So Overo /had/ pegasi?
  371. >Sashay looks up and scans the sky.
  372. >"There remain... some."
  373. >When you look, you spot only clouds.
  374. >"Lazy bird," Sashay laughs.
  375. >So, if ponies are free to leave, then where do they go?
  376. >"Emerald City. Tribes of all kinds, there. Some find it home, more so."
  377. >Overo seems big. How much bigger is the city?
  378. >"The bands of Overo are several dozen strong. Perhaps a hundred, so. The Emerald City is many, many villages in number."
  379. >Sashay begins walking, and you join her.
  380. >Many of the ponies around are busy ducking into their dugout hills. You can hear the quiet clack of industry in places, but also some play.
  381. >They are very much a hill-loving tribe.
  382. >"We graze plains, too. Our bands stretch far, a net across the land." She raises her head high, thick muscles taut. "We take good care of the plains."
  383. >"We find ourselves rich in great bands, fostered by our elders' care, and in the goodness present in those who remain. It is an ever-good cycle, and Overo is well-off for it."
  384. >More foals. More good. More living.
  385. >"Food is plentiful, there are many bodies to warm us through the wintry moons, and the few visitors we receive are pleasant and familiar."
  386. >You ask her where she's leading you now.
  387. >"We do not have fields like the Emerald City, but we have mushroom caves." She blushes. "I am hungry."
  388. >Despite the calm break in Sashay's visage, you note the tension in her withers.
  389. >You assure her that her nerves don't appear shaken by her hunger. You also reminder her that is perfectly fine for her to say things as they are: there's no need for her to dance around you.
  390. >She breathes long through her nostrils, then exhales in a great huff.
  391. >"I am sorry, Worldshaper. It is just... not often that I am unknowing in what all around me speak of."
  392. >She's referring to the 'Gods'.
  393. >She nods sadly.
  394. >"It feels so foreign, yet all treat it as familiar. To the best of my knowing, you are one... god."
  395. >Perhaps. You aren't quite sure of it yet.
  396. >Instead of saying as such, you agree with her on the facet that you are no mere mortal.
  397. >"Mortal. Mortality. It is oft spoken of in recalling the Emerald Princess. Are these gods akin to her and your own name, Worldshaper?"
  398. >Again, you're not quite sure how to answer.
  399. >You disarm Sashay with a question: what exactly is her view of you? Does she feel...
  400. >"Inferior?"
  401. >She pauses, mulling it over with a great diversion of effort.
  402. >"No, I feel you are... as powerful as the knowers believe. But you are no superior being. Even for the Emerald Princess, she is seen as being above, but the truth plays more closely that she is but another being. A possible equal, rather than unattainable."
  403. >That is very much where you and 'the Gods' conflict, then.
  404. >You don't believe them to be blessed with creation, merely the facadé of authority.
  405. >Your heart pangs.
  406. >You've done it again.
  407. >The great boon of creation at a mere thought.
  408. >Even without sight of the thing, you know a great change has been made.
  409. >Just as you have molded a world from nothing, you have ordained rules for the Gods.
  410. >You are the creator. And they are just more beings of your own creation.
  411. >A beat to your heart flashes. It's like cold metal pressed to your life-teeming veins.
  412. >It's cold. Brutally cold.
  413. >Of all your sensations thus far, it's the first real one to truly bother you.
  414. >Suppressing the rising feelings of discomfort, you turn to Sashay.
  415. >You're greeted by her worried complexion.
  416. >"It is not well to dwell on your pains, Worldshaper. May I ask what ails you?"
  417. >You give the paint mare a solid look.
  418. >You don't believe you're ready at all to tell her just how uncertain you are of your status.
  419. >And so far as you and the voices in this /Green Place/ know, you created Sashay recklessly.
  420. >Her will matters to you, and by all means, you have stripped it from her at birth.
  421. >When you don't reply, Sashay gives a meager bow of her neck, and straightens back ahead.
  422. >"Some rest and reprieve is in order, sir. There is much for you to know of ponykind, much less Overo."
  423. >You agree wholeheartedly. There's a lot to cover, and if she's willing, you'd like to move slowly with Sashay.
  424. >She very literally slows, and you remind yourself to keep your own pace natural.
  425. >"I feel a calling to serve you, Worldshaper. Forgive me, but I will not be quick to fulfill all of your needs."
  426. >And why might that be?
  427. >Sashay cocks her ear at you, and you catch a sly side-eye from her.
  428. >"I'd like to take my time enjoying you." She flicks her tail at you, and it snaps lightly against your legs. "There is much of me to become knowing of, almost as much as you seek."
  429. >Somepony's getting comfortable.
  430. >"So, must a 'god' such as you eat? May you taste food? As it happens, I have a preference for chanterelle."
  431. >Surprisingly, there is an answer.
  432. >You're capable of creation, and hunger as well.
  433. >As it turns out, Sashay is also a great knower of mushrooms.
  434. >The 'cave' you enter goes quite deep into the hill, but it's so moist and muddy inside that it may as well be little more than a dark, wet hole.
  435. >Sashay finds it quite amusing when you provide your feedback.
  436. >Unfortunately, she's rather occupied with enlightening you on the many kinds and uses of mushrooms.
  437. >Evidently, more than just food can be found in them.
  438. >Strands to weave cloth, liquids to be drawn, reagents to procure.
  439. >As Sashay's busy gliding around the cavern, you hear the voices in your head come to a consensus.
  440. >You'll put off figuring out your capabilities for now.
  441. >That works for you, and you do take comfort in the more lenient approach.
  442. >Sashay places extra mind as she explains the importance of her own approach.
  443. >"We must give care when taking from our friends." As she says this, she carefully scoops digs out some morel. "They help us, and we care. Preserve them."
  444. >There's a lesson, here, for yourself.
  445. >You find yourself settling into an alcove with Sashay.
  446. >She's looking quite thoroughly pleased with her spread of mushrooms.
  447. >And a bit tightly packed into the space, but she doesn't appear too bothered.
  448. >She offers you a share of the stone plate's contents.
  449. >She swallows a bit of puffball. "Do you like Overo so far?"
  450. >It's an especially nice place, so far as you're aware.
  451. >She nods enthusiastically, energized by the food.
  452. >Sashay gives a thoughtful munch.
  453. >"Maybe not so much to see..."
  454. >You've noticed that there aren't many ponies around. And while this cave is rather expansive, it's still only been you and Sashay.
  455. >She bobs her head in understanding, working down another bite in the meantime.
  456. >You know she said the 'bands' were spread about the place, but just how decentralized was Overo?
  457. >"It is under the winter moons when many return. In these warm days, there is work to be done on all the hills. It is not so unheard of for some to leave till winter comes again."
  458. >And so the foal-rearing and more village-intensive happenings stayed in this central area.
  459. >"Mm. That is some truth, yes. Other bands work for Overo at this time, too. Logsponies travel far north for wood. Pebbleturners go south to scour the rivers for smooth working stones. Our pegasi linger east for the stray clouds left adrift by the Emerald City and its soaring bands."
  460. >There was a lot of autonomy in Overo.
  461. >"We are special. The elders ensure we take great care of our place in this world."
  462. >She pauses mid chew, then swallows, and bows her head.
  463. >"Your world, Worldshaper."
  464. >It's very much a history of their own making. You had nothing to do with their accomplishments. You just gave them a setting to... be ponies.
  465. >Sashay narrows her eyes at you. It's not malicious, but it has a harrowing intent all the same.
  466. >"You speak humbly, sir. Are you not proud of your creation?"
  467. >You don't say it aloud, but you aren't exactly privy to who 'you' are. There are voices, and mystery.
  468. >Yet, you are happy with you see.
  469. >The simple truth is that there is clearly a momentum of livelihood to this /Green Place/.
  470. >Sashay's ears twitch in recognition, but she maintains her rapt concentration on your words.
  471. >The ponies engage in the act of creation with their very interaction with the world. What more good could be made than in the process of being a living, breathing pony?
  472. >And Overo taking in would-be lost youths was one of its greatest creations.
  473. >They created futures for ponies.
  474. >It's a little while later when you find yourself nibbling a mushroom.
  475. >Sashay plunged into deep thought. VERY deep thought.
  476. >It was good that she was taking your words in. It made her all the more suited for tackling any of the coming goals you had yet to set in stone.
  477. >As you pluck another mushroom from the plate, she turns her gaze from the hill's inner wall, and back to you.
  478. >"I am, sorry, Worldshaper. I am just..."
  479. >You give her some more time.
  480. >You have plenty to spare.
  481. >You wait.
  482. >"Sad."
  483. >"I had perhaps thought I might best find my place in this world by staying in Overo."
  484. >Sashay heaves a heavy breath, her barrel trembling.
  485. >"Elder Saunter... Somber Saunter. He traveled the greater realms, once. When he came across Overo, he made it his life's calling to bring it to prosperity. To grant it peace, and the ability to live as we wish. To freely craft our destinies."
  486. >She shifts.
  487. >"Long have I sought to follow his hoofsteps. Foolishly, I find I have rooted myself into the plains."
  488. >"I am... prouder than most. Proud of Overo, where Saunter is humbled. Proud of knowing, as the unicorns are. Proud of the ones I've known, who have begun their own bands, and spread across the hills of Overo."
  489. >She looks down.
  490. >"And here, I have remained. Waiting for my calling. Fearing that I might miss it by leaving."
  491. >And her eyes rise back up.
  492. >To you.
  493. >"But you summoned me. Forced me from my home. Forced me to travel."
  494. >And how does that make her feel?
  495. >Sashay is more than ready to answer.
  496. >"You wish to see the world. I wish to see it with you. To see that I may create my own story. My own history. To begin my own band. To live and take chance. To tread as my elder has."
  497. >And maybe give the world a better place.
  498. >She smiles, dipping her head respectfully.
  499. >"If that would be your wish, sir, then we would share a common cause."
  500. >If there were any doubts, then this settled it.
  501. >Wherever you go from here, Sashay will be with you.
  502. >You don't even think to ask if she's sure.
  503. >You know.
  504. >You'll have to learn more about what exactly is happening outside Overo from other ponies, obviously.
  505. >Sashay obviously would be happy to speak with the unicorns. That remains a good opportunity to speak with outlanders.
  506. >Or you could seek the elder, Somber Saunter. He was an outlander once, too.
  507. >"The day feels so long, yet exciting." Sashay leans forward, smiling. "From your face, I assume we are to travel soon, then?"
  508. >Certainly. You just need a first destination. And then, adventure awaits.
  509. >First, you have another curiosity for Sashay to indulge.
  510. >"Of course, sir."
  511. >Was the unicorn caravan a rare occurrence?
  512. >"To some extent, yes. The city is a much more occupied place, but as per our covenant, we are their exclusive ward, and beholden to trade with them alone."
  513. >So, much of the world's adventure naturally avoided Overo.
  514. >Sashay's ears fall back.
  515. >"Yes... adventurers greet outer Overo bands, then continue to the city."
  516. >Adventurers?
  517. >"Those hoping to stir troubles. Often, heroes."
  518.  
  519. [50%]
  520. The unicorns. Young and squirrelly, but knowing.
  521. [50%]
  522. The elder. A veteran. Not all-knowing, but feeling.
  523.  
  524. >With the voices caught up between whose wisdom to seek first, it's up to you.
  525. >You suggest to Sashay that you could catch the unicorns before they're caught up in dealings with the elder.
  526. >She's all too happy to agree.
  527. >"You will like Mage Meadowsong! She will like you, too. Not as scared. I promise."
  528. >Are they friends?
  529. >Sashay smiles. "I would wish to think so."
  530. >You and Sashay easily pluck the rest of her plate clean.
  531. >She tucks it back into the communal rack.
  532. >And you're both on your way.
  533. >Where did the Overo orphans come from? And who were Sashay's parents?
  534. >It's a fair thing to ask her about, you think.
  535. >You didn't want to be too wanton with your questions. But if she's become comfortable enough with you to share a meal...
  536. >As you pass the same burrows as before, you gesture for her to slow.
  537. >She obliges, tilting a questioning ear your way.
  538. >When she hears the questions, she doesn't seem offended.
  539. >Nor is she dissuaded when you bring up her comfort with you.
  540. >Her head bobs.
  541. >"You are well to ask, Worldshaper. It is not so malign or antagonistic. The sky, plains, and mountains grow wild in the west. And not all bands are of the settled sort."
  542. >Her ears prickle at the sound of foalish laughter from the burrows.
  543. >"We earned the name of Septerra with Elder Saunter's will. But we have always seen the lost in our lands."
  544. >She pauses on the hoofpath, raises a foreleg, and gives a forlorn gaze to the west.
  545. >"It is not war that unbinds their bands, merely the world."
  546. >"Prey and predation is a matter of prolonged study to knowers. It is what separates ponies from the wild. But even the Emerald City, a land of prey, owes its existence to that of predators."
  547. >Predators?
  548. >She nods, finally managing to tear her eyes from the west. "Without the unfiltered predation of the wilds, we would not have the order we hold now. Violence is in droves. Blood is no illusion."
  549. >She speaks from experience.
  550. >You're sorry she had to bear it.
  551. >Sashay bows her head. Quiet.
  552. >"Many who came young arrived with what remained of their bands. Yearlings leading foals. The wilds grazed upon them, but they persevered. This is why you will not see many more than the earth pony tribe in Overo."
  553. >She lingers quietly, then leans toward you.
  554. >"I believe my birthgiver was of the unicorn tribe."
  555. >Questions tempt you, but you hold back.
  556. >Answers come naturally.
  557. >You hold her gently as she continues on, eyes now eastward.
  558. >"I was born of the wilds. A western band. Scarcely known."
  559. >"The elders told me I arrived alone. Saunter adopted me into his care. A dying wish of my bandfather."
  560. >As she trails off, you give your comfort.
  561. >She hums, half-hearted.
  562. >"There was so much shame, he said, burdened in the heart of the stallion they buried."
  563. >Because her mother was a unicorn?
  564. >"That is my belief. For the bands of the wild, it is a sign of weakness to see to the other tribes as your own."
  565. >Sashay shakes her head.
  566. >"In my heart, my will, I am a unicorn. I feel it. I know it."
  567. >"Perhaps they were overtaken by the others of the band. Maybe willingly separated. The lore is lost to me. I am only knowing to that which my elders have allowed me to know."
  568. >Sashay deserves the right to know.
  569. >"Perhaps. But I am content with my current knowing. And Elder Saunter supports my will. My stride. My own path."
  570. >She pauses. Takes a breath.
  571. >Then, with a solid nod, she separates from you.
  572. >"Thank you. And sorry. I... wish to see my distant kin. If that would please you?"
  573. >It would.
  574. >If there was one striking piece of the /Green Place/ you had to identify as its most striking point, it would be in its ability to immerse you.
  575. >Not even a day old, and it felt as if this world really had existed for centuries.
  576. >The broad control you had in creating the world was one thing, but the mounting levels of details was not of your own doing.
  577. >You'd merely carved these hills, and given them ponies.
  578. >The ponies in the hills you and Sashay pass stimulate lives of their own creation.
  579. >Dinging around at the rear of your mind, you bring a thoughtful voice forth.
  580. >It hasn't been so long since the day's dawning, has it?
  581. >So caught up in the beginnings of the adventure, you've neglected some of the more mundane things.
  582. >Time and its passing wasn't too interesting, was it?
  583. >Sashay answers the prompt you present, and your suspicions are confirmed.
  584. >Out here in Overo, there's not even a concept of an hour, just general periods.
  585. >Emerald City, however, again prides upon its civility.
  586. >Beyond the mundane, civilized construct of time, though, you're much more inclined in getting to know the knowers.
  587. >As you grow close to the village's natural center, the bands thicken back into view, no longer content to stay tucked into their burrows.
  588. >Elder Saunter is still caught up in the immediate vicinity, his gravelly tones echoing over the surrounding hills.
  589. >Sashay urges you on with a playful push.
  590. >The hill ahead doesn't look like much, but the wooden door is more than mere cloth.
  591. >The ponies of Overo have little in material wealth, it seems. Of course they'd reserve their more precious pieces for the village's centerpieces.
  592. >The dining hall's grandeur surely shows it.
  593. >Unlike the mushroom farm, you had quite a bit more headroom to work with, here.
  594. >There were even proper furnishings!
  595. >And of course, there was more than just you and Sashay inside.
  596. >The equines' chatter bubbles on, even with your entrance.
  597. >Sashay shuts the door behind you, and moves to stand before you.
  598. >You let Sashay take the lead, following her to the humble band of unicorns quietly conversing and eating in their own corner.
  599. >Ignored, you get a better chance to look at them and their belongings.
  600. >As far as their travel bags are concerned, the saddlebags are fascinatingly rugged stuff: it's certainly not leather, but it isn't quite cloth.
  601. >The fluttery cloths draped over the unicorns glint in places where gems are stitched in. Vibrant dyes swirl around each custom ensemble: rich, and diverse.
  602. >And the unicorns themselves are quite clean in spite of a clearly harrowing journey.
  603. >It's not easy to spot, but the hints of dirt and muck shaded along their legs is just too obvious to you.
  604. >Finally, they notice you and Sashay, and they specifically note your scanning gaze; legs go taut, even as they rest on the little cushions they've brought to rest at the table.
  605. >Mage Meadowsong smiles from behind a levitating goblet of wine.
  606. >The golden receptacle clinks quietly against the table.
  607. >Song's mask is well strewn, but not enough to hide all of her nerves.
  608. >"I would wish to once more welcome you to Overo, Mage Meadowsong." Sashay nods to the others. "Honored friends."
  609. >"Please, Sashay. We're not among 'somber' company. We can talk as friends."
  610. >Sashay glances behind her.
  611. >You know she's looking for a certain saunterer, but instead, she only finds you.
  612. >You give her a reassuring smile.
  613. >"...Okay."
  614. >She breathes a little more easily as she turns back.
  615. >"Are you well, Meadowsong?"
  616. >"The quiet of Overo is a welcome reprieve." She sips again at her wine, while motioning with a dainty hoof. "Please, would somepony fetch our hosts some proper seating?"
  617. >Sashay starts in protest. "I can sit on the floor—"
  618. >"I insist, Sashay."
  619. >The mares share a short stare.
  620. >A pair of velvet red cushions come levitating from beneath the long table, settling on your side.
  621. >Huffing, Sashay seats herself, and you join her.
  622. >The long table is fully populated, now.
  623. >And out come two new goblets.
  624. >If only you'd known just how much noise a bit of gold and wine could set off.
  625. >"We have just eaten."
  626. >"Oh, it's only some drink."
  627. >"We have no need to slake thirsts. Do you, sir?"
  628. >"It's socialable, Sashay!"
  629. >"I find studying by your side a much more... appealing endeavor."
  630. >"You're just afraid of getting a little tipsy."
  631. >"Perhaps. But not afraid of the Worldshaper, as you appear."
  632. >"Afraid? Mountains, no! I like how quiet it is."
  633. >"He."
  634. >As if the room needs to breathe, a silence steadies.
  635. >You remark to the mares that the rapid fire bickering is a welcome change of pace from the slow, albeit informative day you've had thus far.
  636. >Sashay's visage flushes red. It's a remarkably similar hue to the stream of wine that pours from a levitating waterskin.
  637. >"Informative?" Meadowsong's tone is quick to turn curious. "You are of the intellectual sort?"
  638. >You're moreso just interested in learning about the state of the realms.
  639. >Sashay's ears fold back. "I am sorry to offer so little."
  640. >"Sashay, drink."
  641. >Her hurt is quickly forgotten: she drifts into an upturned muzzle. "No."
  642. >"I knoe Sashay of Overo quite well," Meadowsong explains. She waves a hoof toward your drink, and you try it while she speaks. "But I already see her intent, and interest. You are like her, seeking to become 'knowing', as they say. Knowledgeable. Aware."
  643. >And Meadowsong is quite the knowledged mare.
  644. >She cranes her head slightly to you. "Your flattery is appreciated, Worldshaper."
  645. >She rises, smiling.
  646. >"A friend of Sashay is one well met. Indeed, I know a great deal. And you spoke of realms? It is even more fortuitous for us to make company, then." She teeters slyly. "Sashay is not quite so knowing."
  647. >"What!"
  648. >You lean toward Sashay, and quietly coax her to try the wine.
  649. >"No," she declines, voice shrill. "Why do you wish it?"
  650. >Because the wine is perfectly fine.
  651. >Her resolve holds.
  652. >For an impressive moment.
  653. >She chuffs at you, then moves to cradle the goblet in two of her safest hooves.
  654. >"You play too much," Sashay grumbles, her intent clearly honed against Song.
  655. >The teal unicorn's ears don't even swivel; she carries on.
  656. >But you're well aware that she's aware.
  657. >"Our venturing band hails from the Emerald City. We have come to the western hills of the village of Overo to offer participation in the joys of our celebrations."
  658. >You'd only had faint hints as to what was going on beyond Overo.
  659. >The celebrations aren't a primary concern, but anything is worth knowing right now.
  660. >You invite her to continue.
  661. >Sashay appears to be lapping at the goblet.
  662. >A precarious tilt. With quite a bit of tongue.
  663. >"It is a great annual celebration for all of ponykind. In truth, it is the very celebration OF ponykind."
  664. >Certainly something you can get behind.
  665. >"It is a weeklong rite. And a good show of peace in increasingly vile times."
  666. >Is the visit of necessity? Perhaps to a pact?
  667. >"In part. But I wished to see Overo. Most of our band did."
  668. >"Not me."
  669. >The stallion receives looks.
  670. >So what did Song mean by 'vile' times?
  671. >The murmuring babble of amusement peters out into nothing.
  672. >The unicorn takes a moment to polish off her goblet. A ladened breath overtakes her barrel.
  673. >"There are... tensions brewing. At the kingdom's northern edge. Were we not predisposed to visit Overo, it is more than likely that the princess would have us in the cold yonder."
  674. >When you take another look at the unicorns, you see now that the clothes they wear are not merely of noble regard or right.
  675. >Padded gambesons, layered in preparation for further armor.
  676. >Emerald insignia, indicative of their loyalty.
  677. >And the hint of crossguards: concealed blades.
  678. >You're not sure why the /Green Place/ was such a hostile land.
  679. >And did it have to be?
  680. >You have to pause and wonder. Could you change the world in such a form? You're sure you could.
  681. >But there were gods, now. Could you change them?
  682. >Could they affect you?
  683. >More, what was a world like without conflict?
  684. >A real uncertainty settles on you.
  685. >"We hope for peace, of course. We can only hope." Meadowsong's voice is quiet, but resolute. "It makes these moments where we may prosper together all the more significant."
  686. >Sashay lifts up from her goblet (she's been drinking wine the entire time!).
  687. >She nods. "Overo would not be Septera without strays. We are bonded by uncertainty, and the need to become knowing."
  688. >"If we no longer need to know in order to prosper," Song continues, "then I see little reason to fight for peace. To exist."
  689. >Hoping for peace? Bonded by uncertainty? A reason to exist?
  690. >This isn't quite something you find appealing; it's far too dour talk for ponies.
  691. >No, that's not a world you want.
  692. >...And you have the power to change that, don't you?
  693. >Your restraints fling loose, and the concepts locked in your mind run free.
  694. >You're exploring your powers already, it seems, but what is time in an expanse you control?
  695. >No, this /Green Place/ can exist without notions of conflict.
  696. >And so you begin to carve.
  697. >And immediately you feel something wrong.
  698. >You first shape away the concept of opposing kingdoms.
  699. >The Emerald City and kingdom can serve as a center for ponies, all united.
  700. >It's there that something snags in your heart and veins, but you're powering through it all.
  701. >You dimly realize that you're out of control.
  702. >Enemies of ponies? They can't be other ponies. Nor violence. You banish the concepts.
  703. >At least, you try to.
  704. >A presence looms over your thoughts.
  705. >Eyes.
  706. >Watching.
  707. >Intervening.
  708. >You didn't expect anything around you to change: the hidden blades remained on the unicorn band.
  709. >But you also felt the overwhelming notion that the rest of the world had, in fact, not been stripped of weaponry.
  710. >A low frustration mounts.
  711. >You try to directly remove the weapons from the unicorns.
  712. >The thought comes through, but still, the blades stay sheathed.
  713. >This time, though, the presence pouring over you does not appear.
  714. >Suspicion mounts. Again, you try to defang the world.
  715. >Eyes.
  716. >Hate.
  717. >You stand suddenly, but you have little focus to spare for the worried ponies around you.
  718. >No! You know exactly what it is that's watching. What's interfering with your worldshaping.
  719. >You try to shape away the concept of gods.
  720. >And the eyes merely turn bright with mirth.
  721. >And then they are gone.
  722. >You settle uneasily where you stand.
  723. >You're physically fine, but mentally...
  724. >You are a maelstrom. An endless platter of concepts laid about before you. The designs of the world.
  725. >And some aspects...
  726. >Quietly, you try to touch at the concept of death.
  727. >It swims up at your approach, but your touch plays like that of a ghost.
  728. >Some aspects in the grand shape of the world cannot be changed.
  729. >Others have fallen under the purview of new guardians and keepers.
  730. >But the rest of the world... no, past the very earth you stand on?
  731. >/That/ is pliable.
  732. >There it, you feel the thrum of the /Green Place/.
  733. >The void that came before.
  734. >The place where you created this world.
  735. >It has room for another world.
  736. >Your own existence.
  737. >Why were you here in this /Green Place/?
  738. >To create a world.
  739. >What had you planted in it?
  740. >Ponies.
  741. >Ponies were your purpose.
  742. >Ponies were to be protected.
  743. >And you've already failed the ponies of this world.
  744. >You've accidentally allowed other beings into its existence.
  745. >They didn't control the /Green Place/ like you, but they could toy with your creations.
  746. >And evidently, knowing gods exist is enough to stop you from shaping them.
  747. >Worse, the same applies to the ponies.
  748. >You can't shape the ponies. Not once they know you, and you know them.
  749. >They're bound to the world.
  750. >The gods are bound to the world's concepts.
  751. >You see your mistakes come to fruition.
  752. >Just as much as you don't want to share the act of creation with these concept-thieving gods, they want you to leave them to their devices.
  753. >Again, you think to the void of the /Green Place/. From which you shaped this world.
  754. >And where you could shape another.
  755. >You could shape ponies again. But perfectly.
  756. >Under your own precious pony purview, you could keep them happy. Pure.
  757. >The ponies of that perfect world would satisfy your own existence in this /Green Place/.
  758. >...
  759. >But that would require a greater sacrifice than your mind.
  760. >Because it would mean leaving the ponies of this world to fend for themselves.
  761. >You just tried to fix your mistakes. To undo the gods, and correct the imperfections you've left unbevelled in the world's grand design.
  762. >And you failed.
  763. >Surely, you /have/ to restart...
  764.  
  765. "Worldshaper?"
  766. >Your voice trembles in your throat.
  767. >You freeze.
  768. "W-what...?"
  769. >Voices.
  770. >You hear them.
  771. >They hear you.
  772. >The worried eyes of the dining hall shift between you and the Worldshaper.
  773. >You catch Meadowsong's, first.
  774. >"Sashay? What is it? What's wrong?"
  775. "I... am..."
  776. >Safe.
  777. "Safe? But I am uncertain... I do not know of what has transpired."
  778. >The Worldshaper's mortal mind has broken. It may yet be fixed. Alone, or with aid.
  779. "How may I aid?"
  780. >You must become knowing.
  781. "I would wish to."
  782.  
  783. [80%]
  784. Yes. Give Sashay knowledge of the /Green Place/.
  785. [20%]
  786. No. The burden is the Worldshaper's alone.
  787.  
  788. "You speak with my voice, but also that of the Worldshaper. Who are you?"
  789. >A voice among many. Momentarily, your voice speaks with us.
  790. "What has broken the Worldshaper?"
  791. >Gods. Gods he created. A mistake that has left imperfections in this world.
  792. "These 'gods' again? Even these voices speak in knowing like those around me."
  793. >He invoked their design after your own. You precede the gods. This is why we have come to you.
  794. "So now you seek to guide me?"
  795. >If we choose it.
  796. "Why ask if I cannot choose?"
  797. >I alone am unsure if the voice of a pony is what could see the gods' influences reduced to worldly nothings. It is best asked to all voices to see if this may be our solution.
  798. "What would be gained?"
  799. >A perfect world for ponies.
  800. "And what is risked of me in knowing?"
  801. >You may lose what makes you a pony.
  802. "And you know this for certain? I know that you alone do not know. You spoke as such."
  803. >You are wise to listen so well.
  804. "Then I am worthy of knowing, no?"
  805. >Worthy, yes. But you are innocent.
  806. "Then you will pass me what you know!"
  807. >Your voice, alone, strikes at the ceiling of the dining hall.
  808. >Your mind is your own again.
  809. >A glance at the Worldshaper tells you that he cannot quite say the same, though.
  810. >"Sashay?"
  811. >You move to Meadowsong. Her muzzle has steeped long in concern.
  812. >"You spoke strangely, to nopony, and in a tongue not your own..."
  813. "The Worldshaper is unwell. Voices have come to me to help him."
  814. >"You were helping prior!"
  815. "And now it will be decided if I may help more."
  816. >"Beings of such power are not to be treated lightly, Sashay."
  817. "I tread at ease. I know this land, and trust this keeper."
  818. >"I hope you are right to trust, then."
  819. >Meadowsong looks uneasily to her band, to the ponies around, and finally back to you.
  820. >"I do not know, Sashay."
  821. "What is it?"
  822. >"I wouldn't wish to lose you. Neither should Overo."
  823. >You lick your lips, prepared to start in protest.
  824. >But you have to admit, even if things feel right, it might not be just so.
  825. >You eye the Worldshaper.
  826.  
  827. >It happens so quickly.
  828. >One moment, you're on your hooves, and the next, you find yourself outside of the dining hall.
  829. >Standing on nothing.
  830. >Feeling nothing.
  831. >But seeing one thing.
  832. "W-Worldshaper?"
  833. >Your voice sounds strange, here. Flat, quiet, almost muffled. Is this magic?
  834. >"It is only magic."
  835. >The voice emanates from the Worldshaper, but his lips don't move.
  836. >The voice has much more clarity and vibrato than its previous words in the dining hall.
  837. >You step about anxiously.
  838. "Where are we?"
  839. >"Before creation. Between worlds."
  840. >You 'step' closer to the Worldshaper.
  841. >You're almost senseless in every regard.
  842. >But you can see him, and that's assurance enough that this is real.
  843. "Why have you brought me here?"
  844. >"Enlightenment. It's been decided that you can assist further. In turn, you need guidance."
  845. >Still, there is little motion from the Worldshaper.
  846. >You see only the twitches of a war beneath his skin.
  847. >"Do you believe you were born, or created? It's an equal curiosity."
  848. "To be born is an act of creation."
  849. >For some inexplicable reason, and even though your beliefs are uncompromised, you sense that this isn't exactly the truth. But why?
  850. >"Relative to the worldly, you're correct. But things are stranger where we speak, now. Your world has history. But what came before the Worldshaper?"
  851. >You feel able to grapple with the voice on the notion, because of course some greater design had designed the Worldshaper, too.
  852. >But you can't speak for certain.
  853. "I do not know."
  854. >"It may be wise to say, now, that you and the Worldshaper share much the same creation."
  855. >As the voice speaks, you place a hoof on the Worldshaper.
  856. >"Sashay, you were created by this place, just as the Worldshaper was born."
  857. "Before creation?"
  858. >"In this /Green Place/."
  859. >You don't feel as moved by the name as you were when hearing it in Overo.
  860. "What is this /Green Place/?"
  861. >"A place of design. You found yourself summoned, like the being before you, to shape a world. To define ponykind."
  862. >...
  863. >"Be brave, Sashay."
  864. >The soothe is a great comfort.
  865. >And yet, you don't feel so chilled.
  866. >Instead, you feel... honored.
  867. "We... serve the world? Together?"
  868. >"It's the purpose the Worldshaper has chosen to instill in his existence. And it's only now that we understand what troubles come with serving the world. We are but two voices. There are many more, and some wish to work against the world. Gods convene over the world in this /Green Place/. Evidently, they were voices summoned like us."
  869. "We are summoned between worlds to serve a world? This is what you... we believe, no?"
  870. >"Yes."
  871. "Then you have brought us before worlds' creation for what purpose?"
  872. >The voice within the Worldshaper falls quiet.
  873. >"It's a choice to serve, Sashay. Just as it is a choice for the voices to leave the Worldshaper, and see to the world in their own will. We craft a world at a mere thought."
  874. >Frustration mounts within you.
  875. "Speak plainly, please."
  876. >"There is only a compulsion to try to save this world."
  877. >"We could craft and design another world with our voices alone."
  878. >Your heart plunges.
  879. "You would forgo my world?"
  880. >"That is the choice. The /Green Place/ is the very place of creation. It's here we are born, and where we've borne the world. Here, ever-persisting, is the chance to try again. This is what the Worldshaper contends with."
  881. >From the moment you became knowing, creation has driven you. Your knowledge was your growth, and Overo's comforts allowed you to safely foster your philosophy.
  882. >The Worldshaper's summoning had been your first awakening. You'd become knowing of a being above and beyond your world, for what else could come before ponies?
  883. >The Worldshaper, as you'd understood, was nature itself.
  884. >But as this moment of knowing has shown you, there were things that could not be known.
  885. >How could this being, in the aftermath of creation, form your world and still be lost?
  886. >Your voice is a creation of the Worldshaper. And the Worldshaper is a creation of many voices.
  887. >You were both lost only insofar as you could not know the consequences of creation.
  888. >You could not have known you'd be the voice for more than Overo. To give a supplanting thought to the worries of a creator.
  889. >But here you were in this /Green Place/. Molding a path. Shaping a design. Overcoming the consequences born of creation.
  890. "If you are to shape another world, you will make the same mistakes."
  891. >"So you suggest we persist?"
  892. "For the sake of my world, I would wish you not abandon us."
  893. >"The mistakes of the Worldshaper are committed to the earth. The Gods, these other voices, have settled a hold over the world. It's as malleable as it was at the time of its creation, but no longer serving a singular purpose."
  894. "I see your fault. Ponies do not serve one purpose."
  895. >"Ponies are the Worldshaper's chief purpose."
  896. "And ponies serve purposes of all designs. These purposes serve in harmony. It is how the tribes see existence."
  897. >"To create order?"
  898. "The one they wish for their voices."
  899. >"What do you wish for your world, Sashay?"
  900. "A peaceful existence among all."
  901. >"And these gods, chiefly, do not exist peacefully. This is the mistake that cannot be undone."
  902. "No, but what is learned in correcting such a mistake may be used in crafting a more perfect world."
  903. >You take your hoof off of the Worldshaper.
  904. "You would soon spread further misery. All voices should be heard. Not all be heeded."
  905. >You take a breath.
  906. "You must see about the world. Where the struggle of ponies bears good."
  907. >"Even if ponies must suffer?"
  908. "You have heard it from the ponies within Overo. I should remind you that I persist in spite of my suffering."
  909. >"Only because the mistakes of the Worldshaper, of his voice and those like mine, naively assumed our work was perfect."
  910. "I do not wish to be perfect."
  911. >You stand tall against the Worldshaper.
  912. >You are Sashay of Overo.
  913. "I have sought to be better. To struggle. To live. To learn. To better care for the ponies I know."
  914. >You narrow your eyes.
  915. >His eyes open.
  916.  
  917. >Sashay's look is downright harrowing.
  918. >"Do you better understand your own purpose, Worldshaper?"
  919. >Yes... Yes, you're feeling much better.
  920. >Her look softens.
  921. >"Then, please, we have so much to see. I no longer wish to dwell on how things became. Only how we may shape them."
  922. >She glances around the white expanse in this /Green Place/.
  923. >"I understand how to better guide you, Worldshaper." She settles on you, voice weary. "Return us to Overo, sir?"
  924. >It's the least you can do.
  925. >...
  926. >Sashay is a strong mare.
  927.  
  928. >"He has come to."
  929. >You find yourself seated in the dining hall again. Small, restrained chatter surrounds you.
  930. >You'd left the room for the /Green Place/ while standing in a bit of open space, but now you had your back to the wall.
  931. >Beside you, Mage Meadowsong's eyes are deeply tinged by worry.
  932. >"You have seen better days, no doubt."
  933. >You feel sweaty, but then you take note of the bucket between you and Meadowsong.
  934. >She levitates a fine cloth from the water, and dabs again at your forehead.
  935. >You thank her, and in turn, she smiles and bows.
  936. >Across the table, Sashay has adopted your former seating arrangement.
  937. >The unicorns have set out a full flask of wine for her: one of them dutifully refills Sashay's goblet as she drains it.
  938. >"Pardon my asking, but was there some higher purpose that called for Sashay, Worldshaper? It was only a moment, but she returned quite stirred."
  939. >You had some things you needed to dwell upon together.
  940. >"I see."
  941. >She clicks her tongue, then looks to Sashay.
  942. >There's an alarming gap in your memory between your return to the physical plane.
  943. >You have a feeling that only you and Sashay's minds went to the void of the /Green Place/.
  944. >It leaves you feeling vulnerable, and insufficient.
  945. >That realm between worlds wasn't strictly somewhere you could hide ponies, let alone yourself.
  946. >But still, you don't want to sharply disrupt ponies as you have with Sashay.
  947. >It's too much knowing to bear.
  948. >Sashay polishes off another goblet, drowning her existentialism.
  949. >"She is not one for wine," Song comments quietly. She wets another line along across your skin as she adds playful words. "You drive her to drink, your lordship."
  950. >Sashay briefly meets your glance. You're half sure you'll see fear.
  951. >Her smile proves that it's an unfounded premonition.
  952. >Sashay sets her goblet down, thanking the unicorns for their drinks.
  953. >"Mage Meadowsong?"
  954. >"Yes, Headsmare Sashay?"
  955. >"I will return Elder Saunter, if you are most willing."
  956. >"I believe we are, Sashay. Please do."
  957. >It takes Sashay but a moment to slip from the dining hall and out the door.
  958. >It seems you're staying and waiting.
  959. >Your eyes stray to your still topped goblet, and the cautious looks from the unicorns.
  960. >Well, it's not so cautious as it is... curious.
  961. >"A drink would soothe the mind," Meadowsong intones warmly. There's not a drop of malice to her voice. "And we are most happy to share the work of the Emerald City brewing halls."
  962. >So, you take a drink.
  963. >The fruitiness splashes by.
  964. >And you sigh.
  965. >Ironically, your reaction proves quite sobering for the unicorns.
  966. >You knew for certain that they held your abilities with respect: awe and fear remained present.
  967. >But you didn't want to be seen as a god.
  968. >You give a brief word of approval, and further unicorn withers relax.
  969. >Mage Meadowsong takes mental note of the reactions as well. Then, she gives her own content sigh.
  970. >"Now, where were we?"
  971. >The unicorns had come to share a celebration with Overo?
  972. >"Ah, yes. That's right. The Cavalcade."
  973. >As it's only apparent to you, you make it known that you have no knowledge of the name, or the world's history.
  974. >Meadowsong is perplexed, but only briefly.
  975. >Her eyes take on a joyous glint.
  976. >"Beyond moons, but rather centuries before, there stood three great kingdoms. Each saw to its own land, and sowed prosperity. They were not too dissimilar from the world we inhabit now."
  977. >You see Song retrieve a flask for herself.
  978. >The liquid she pours is not wine, but water.
  979. >"But much more peaceable."
  980. >"Riches of the natural orders were plenty. Stone was tough but easily hewn from the mountains. Trees grew swift and tall. And farms grew long and wide. All of these with an emerald sheen."
  981. >What separated these three kingdoms?
  982. >"Tribes," Song simply says. "The unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies hailed to their own banners. But there was no such need to fight for wealth and the barest livings. Ponies were poor, and sometimes delved too far to the wilds, but ponies helped ponies."
  983. >She sinks.
  984. >"It was not a great calamity that sundered the three kingdoms of unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies, but rather a slow, festering decay."
  985. >"For such a time of peace, the lack of conflict was their undoing."
  986. >"Ponies across the lands were much simpler, and far less knowing than even the most estranged villages within our fair Emerald Kingdom."
  987. >"They had to work little to earn their keep."
  988. >"Without the urgent need to toil, working hooves turned to idle hooves. But they lacked desires to know."
  989. >Pridefully, Song places a hoof to her barrel.
  990. >"I seek to become knowing." She daintily points at the rest of the unicorns seated around you both. "We all do. To travel, discover, and understand the world's makings... and unmakings."
  991. >In the context of this world, you see why the unicorns carry weapons.
  992. >"Such dangerous delves were not of our earlier, kinder kin. And not fearing, but simply uncaring, let many succumb to the increasing dangers of the natural world's beings."
  993. >"Monsters."
  994. >Song's tone doesn't turn sour.
  995. >"The Cavalcade," she smiles, "was the great procession of the three kingdoms. The numbers of the tribes had dwindled so dire, and pushed so far together, that with their backs to one another, ponies pushed back."
  996. >"A great band was formed. The land was rich, but new dangers too much for ponykind to bear. As they'd been forced to find, a greater knowledge was necessary."
  997. >"For a period of time, the excursion of the Cavalcade carried the future on their saddles."
  998. >"Where gorges made way, bridges crossed them."
  999. >"Where forests feigned entry, paths threaded them."
  1000. >"Where waters touched shores, sails soared."
  1001. >Did they know where they were going?
  1002. >"No. But in the braving of the unknown, steered by the wish to become knowing, our ponykind was born. A more knowing kind in an unkind world, treading in the hopes we might one day know such kindness again."
  1003. >"This creation of the Cavalcade, and their journey, is the knowledge and hope we wish to bring to Overo."
  1004. >You thank Meadowsong for telling the tale.
  1005. >She bows her head, ears up as tall as her smile.
  1006. >"It is my pleasure, Worldshaper."
  1007. >You both drink, and the warm atmosphere of the dining hall washes over you both.
  1008. >Song peeks at you from behind a sip of water.
  1009. >"Tell me, if it is your wish to create your own band to become knowing of the world, do you plan to stay in Overo long?"
  1010. >You'd like to stay at least the night. There is a celebration, after all.
  1011. >"Then, to Emerald City?"
  1012. >That is the plan.
  1013.  
  1014. ===
  1015. >A Green Place
  1016. https://pone.social/@GreenestSlackers/
  1017. >A Timeless Space
  1018. ===

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