Emerald asks how much they know about the Jewel family, and if there are any other kingdoms who would harbor him.

"They are pretty powerful. The Jewel family has great facilities for digging up and shaping gemstones. Things that are especially useful for Hope's family's business." Joyride says, eyeing Hope.

Hope looks dour and then says, "My family produces terrible, deadly weapons… In particular siege weapons used in the war to the southwest. The Jewel family is one of the few groups with the resources necessary to produce the gemstones needed for our weapons, and since your father and mine were friends to begin with… It was a natural partnership… They are making millions off the war effort…"

Hope suddenly stops speaking, so Joyride says, "As for pony kingdoms that would harbor you, there probably aren't any you could easily walk to. None to the north and Haunchhock and Whitherwater are both probably swarming with ponies looking for you. You'd have to head way, way east, and that means going back through the kingdom your father lives in."

Pushing that aside, Emerald asks if he could go straight south from here and end up safe.

"Nope, a little perv like you'd be eaten in five minutes." Joy says flatly.

A bit exasperated, Emerald asks about the zebra war.

"Probably something stupid like most wars are. A struggle over land or resources disguised as some moral or ethical quest." Joy says, leaning back in her chair.

"The official report is that Zebra's began to encroach and claim pony lands on the border of Haunchhock…." Hope says.

Emerald then asks about the deer.

"Most are do-gooders to the extreme, though they have funny ideas of what "good" is sometimes. They are also very concerned about nature and stuff. Pretty hot though." Joyride says.

"They like to keep to themselves mostly…" Hope says rolling her eyes, "I'm afraid I don't know much about them myself."