> Nightshad321 said:
> How bout we take it easy for a bit n go around the town check up on all the ponies as suggested, maybe we could find the previous oracle and ask for any advice if that's even possible. If the militia group is still around why not ask if they have any idea, any opinion counts especially with the seed n lives of ponies is at stake

Following Crystal Charm's advice, you begin to prepare leaving the house.

Moonflower lends her cap to Apple Basket once more, then opens her satchel to secure the Yggdrasil seed within, only to find it overflowing with golden coins. You agree to hang onto some of her bits for the time being.

You get 100 Gold Bits!

As you open the door, you come face to face with the medic from earlier, who seemingly was just about to come in.

Winter Berry: "Ah, is she awake? Good. I was just about to come get you. We finished clearing the exit, and Sapphire Kite wants everypony there."

You nod, and follow the unicorn southward, until you cross one final bridge, and join the small crowd by the town's glowing entrance. On one side stand the townsponies, and on the other, the militia.

Skeptical stallion: "There she is!"

Motherly mare: "Thank goodness."

When you arrive, you decide to bring Moonflower to the elder first. You part ways with Crystal Charm's amber light with a grateful nod, and make your way to the group of bat ponies. At first glance, it appears that nopony was hurt.

Elder: "Outsiders. You bring our Oracle back to us."

As the elder speaks up, every conversation around her falls silent, and all attention turns to her. She looks over every member of your party, then meets your gaze with her own.

Elder: "Allow us to express our boundless gratitude for once again protecting her when we could not."

Bat ponies young and old bow their heads to you, some in thanks, others in shame. Lest you take all the credit for what happened, you invite Moonflower and Starbolt to recount their own experiences, following which you ask the elder about her thoughts on the matter.

Elder: "… I see. If the Oracle was indeed given the means to travel from dream to dream, then such was the choice of our ancestors. A wise choice indeed, given all that has occurred.

Learning to use such powers will take time. Do not worry; as the elder, it falls to me to guide the Oracle into her new role. And I will. But as is tradition, she must first complete the ritual of ascension."

Sapphire Kite: "Whatever that ritual is, it'll have to wait. Is that everyone?"

The elder scans the crowd for confirmation, then slowly nods in turn.

Apple Basket: "Uh, what's goin' on?"

Winter Berry: "Sapphire Kite wants to evacuate the town, but most of these ponies are afraid to so much as step outside."

Sapphire Kite: "Afraid or not, I'm not letting them stay in here. That grootslang shook the ground halfway to Hoofington. For all we know, this whole cavern is liable to collapse at a moment's notice, and I'm not about to risk any of the lives we just saved.

I'll hire an expert to better assess the damage done, but that will take time. Until then, my highest priority is to get these ponies outside."

Sapphire Kite glances beyond the stone gateway, where a wide expanse of gently waving grass beckons. Above, the sky's afterglow paints a pink cloudscape upon a darkening blue canvas, evening quickly fading into night.

Sapphire Kite: "With how few they are in number, we'll be able to pitch a dozen tents out there for shelter, share Sungrain Fields for food and water, and extend our watch over to this side for security. It should be enough for now.

Trailblazer, you and your friends have done well here. Thanks to you, we have the situation well in hoof. Feel free to retire for the night — you've earned it."

— —
Previous Page: >>2807731
Next Page: >>2816681
— —