> arachnoTherapist said:
> Well, you heard the mare. Let's not dither any longer. We have an oracle to see!

You decide to take Starbolt's advice to heart, and not delay any longer. You wish the sleeping tailor a good rest, and with renewed ardor in your step, you set off eastward…

Before long, you find the entrance to Starfalls Town basking in the swaying shadows of the Everfree Forest. Once inside, you pause, waiting for your eyes to adjust to the dimly lit cave. Slowly, sparkling waterfalls and glowing rivers unveil the underground hamlet.

Apple Basket: "Whoa… there's a whole town right here? With no roads leadin' up to it or nothin'?"

Moonflower: "Yuh uh! We don't get a lot of visitors."

You walk past empty streets and across lush rope bridges, quietly making your way up to the Oracle's house on the other side of town. There, an open doorway beckons you inside, where you are greeted by a familiar pair of glowing eyes.

The room is then illuminated by the orb at the elder's hooves, though unlike before, only a single star shines from within it.

Oracle: "Welcome, young ones. As was foreseen in my final vision, you have returned from your great journey. I have, alas, grown blind to your fate beyond this very moment. So tell me, Chosen One, were you successful?"

Moonflower: "We did it! We got a seed of the Yggdrasil tree! It's a lil' beat up, though."

As proof, you pull the Yggdrasil seed from your sidereal bag, and show it to the Oracle.

Oracle: "Yes… I see. Such is the path laid before you; the fork in the road that brings you together. You have passed the trial.

Now, Chosen One, the time has come for you to make a choice: will you continue to live your life as an ordinary pony, and spend each night pursuing your own happiness? Or will you divest yourself of this freedom, and don the mantle of the Oracle of Starfalls?"

In a moment of hesitation, the young bat pony's eyes meet your own. Knowing what she truly wants, you give her a reassuring nod, which seems to strengthen her resolve.

Moonflower: "I gotta become the next Oracle!"

Oracle: "If that is your answer, then let it echo in the voices of your clan. The ritual of your ascension will be held here, at dusk.

In this ritual, you will be given your mantle, and made to present the seed of Yggdrasil as the new Oracle's Eye. Should your ancestors approve, they will lend you their powers as they see fit.

Regardless of the outcome, you will then address your clanmates. As the Oracle, your vision may differ greatly from theirs, yet you must all see eye to eye before the night is over. Be ready to compromise."

Suddenly, the orb grows dim, and its last light flickers out, along with the glow in the Oracle's eyes. All that remains is a hooded silhouette in the dark room.

Oracle: "My time as Oracle has passed. Our ancestors' gaze is now upon you, Chosen One. As is tradition, I cannot offer you my guidance until the ritual is done. Take this time to collect your own thoughts; you will need them. Now, go."

And with that, you bid farewell to the Oracle, and exit the house. A quick look at your pocket watch indicates half past two; three hours and a half until sunset.

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