2/29/16; Morning Tea

[Mal]

Distant Lightning's pocket watch harshly reminded him it was the morning. The small alarm, though quite wee, was sharp and squealy. His eyes snapped open, face flushed. Thank the Sands for dark fur. He had ended up rolling on his stomach, face buried in the piles of pillows he had gotten room service to deliver. A sheer mountain of the fluffy monstrosities. His claret mane was washed over his face like rivulets of blood. He twitched at each mental reference. That needed to stop. So did the dull aches in his lower back. His expression flattened as he reached a hoof over, missing the nightstand, several times. He huffed in his chest before tucking his hoof and sitting himself up, quite begrudgingly.
Distant Lightning looked very annoyed. Though he was, traditionally, up with the sun, he missed sunrise and that threw him off his invisible schedule. Being in a foreign land often threw that off entirely. He reached out his wing, letting the pocketwatch hook into his feathers and small claw. He pulled the watch to his face, as he could not see from such a distance. "Ahh--nnng." He was going to shout, but courtesy -- he was not unaware of the form still beside him. His face flattened. He pushed passed the thoughts for now. No need to complicate his morning. No, no. He needed his morning tea and cake, even if it was an hour passed sunrise! He whined as he rolled off the bedding's surface and kept his wings out. He had to braid his mane and tail which would take a while, especially without assistance. He moved to take a step, paused. Nope. He trotted toward the door.
Distant Lightning ordered his breakfast and took to combing out his mane and tail, the book he had been reading on the vanity, split. he had read through it already, but no harm in reading it twice in case he missed something. Seeing as he had no extra hooves, or thumbs to assist him... He used his nimble wings and his hooves to loose tie up. It wasn't neat, but the loose braid did show off he had a bit more mane. Looking at himself he pinned the heavy braid against his skull, staring at the mirror. Before his thoughts could wan, morning tea and cake (and or course, a serving for his visitor should she chose to wak -- and actually ... eat. NOT HIM). He frazzled and moved to sit with his book, and tea. Calm, calm. Calm....

Silent Dusk fidgeted and stirred, then opened her eyes with a soft moan and flapped her wings haphazardly as she yawned and rolled onto her stomach at the same time, then blinked as memories flooded back into her mind and looked over to stare at Lightning. "Mmm.. good morning big guy, slept well? ufh my muscles are sore."

 Distant Lightning was sitting back in his haunches, tea cup rattling in his hooves. The Saddle Arabian did his best to focus his mind but he had become hyper aware of every little sound she was making. He was suffering the morning after syndrome, quite badly. His wings were held out from his body to allow him balance while he sat. His tail was also loosely braided, efforts to look his best were still a priority even though he could not take the mental strain of binding his mane properly. He would nearly drop his tea cup when she mentioned she was sore. "Y-yes adventure is difficult!" He said, more loudly than he had meant to. His feathers were ruffled, and tail feathers stiff.
Distant Lightning's tea cup rattled away, like a chipmunk chittering in winter. He took a slow sip, not turning around, book his focus. But the words on the book were all jumbled. It was like he was losing his mind. His monocle was oddly foggy as well, unaware he was sweating bullets.

Silent Dusk smiled warmly even though his back was turned to her, then slipped out of bed and stretched her hind legs one by one. "Saddle Arabians are a big species.." a chuckle followed that before she grew more serious and hugged him from behind, whispering with a surprisingly meek voice. "Lightning? thank you for not letting me wake up alone.. or having walked away.."

Distant Lightning couldn't understand why the words she spoke were so very clear. It was as if he was aware of her... acknowledging her. No, no. That would mean he cared. He only cared about books, nopony else. No it was just silly, a concept that seemed more prudent to primal animals than educated ponies. Yet his face became redder, to the point where his body was heating up. When she hugged him his higher processes of though screeched to a halt. The teacup slipped from his hooves and clattered to the ground, shattering. What did she mean by that? Leave? Has somepony done that to her before? Was he just a second choice? Did he not meet the standards set by past individuals? Was he a vagrant too now?! He'd be disowned, his license and grants taken from him. He'd be thrown to the streets and be forced to wander the deserts for eternity! Changing his name, eventually become a highwayman!
Distant Lightning's mind tried to process a reply to her worries. He'd not abandon her! Vagrant or not he still had his honor! Or had she his?! AHHHHHHHH! He gasped out, a squeak. "Sorry." Was all his brain could retaliate with. Non-functioning brain caught that. He blinked. "W-what? Miss Dusk, why would you think s-such of me? I am no fatherless heathen! He raised his hoof trying to look down at her, turning his body and tucking in his wings because, confound it! They were in the way with the tiny thestral behind him. He sputtered trying to console her, but he wasn't bit on consoling. "I...y...you said we would speak more of your people..." He glanced away, weak-kneed. This was the most -- peculiar physical reaction. Among others, but this. she seemed to have the capacity to halt his body's instinctive responses to flee!

Silent Dusk sidled up against him once he had turned around fully and kept him in her embrace, smiling warmly at him despite his panicking and just had to ask. "I was your first?" she would not believe that to be the case since surely the noble had met mares before her right? then she kissed him deeply just because she could and explained. "I had a fling once with a mare Distant, we had a nice nice but in the morning she was gone and I never saw her again, but yes I promised education."

Distant Lightning found himself unable to move with Dusk against his body. He looked down at her, storm-grey eyes flickering in confusion. Her mane contrasted against her fur in a most mesmerizing way. Though it was possible many thestrals had dark coats and manes, hers was particularly attention grabbing, though perhaps it was his personal fascination with learning about her -- species. Why did she move from behind him? It was easier to ignore. No, no it wasn't. When she pressed to him more than just her body, but a most intimate question: his hooves flailed, wings snapping to his back as he lost his balance and fell backwards. Ow. Most emasculating. First -- first, what? "First?" he swallowed. "....to bed?" He whispered as if the walls had ears! He snapped his hooves over his muzzle and folded his ears to his skull. By the Sands she was. He had never thought about it, truly. It was just something that had been a thing! Was that -- bad?
Distant Lightning pondered if he should have taken his father's offer up on providing him with escorts. The annoyed pegasus patriarch had offered Distant everything from stallions to exotic young mares from across the seas, but nothing whet the scholars appetite. It became questionable if he even had one. He had to eventually -- marry. He was at the age where he should have already had a harem, already be with an heir. While he had cousins and the ilk to tend to such household responsibilities, he was the only son to his house. He had to eventually make an offspring, or name an heir while in union with another. Too much responsibility for one pony! He could not afford a harem on his salary! So he was not her -- singular. Was the mare perhaps better than him? Could he compare? He had many insecurities of his own. he lay there on his back, mostly stunned and confused. A prone turtle with wings. "Y-yes. How about you eat breakfast and we may begin with the lessons." Maybe that could shift his thoughts.

Silent Dusk crawled on top of him foregoing her breakfast for a bit longer, he looked confused and she needed to reassure him that everything was alright and he wouldn't need to panic so. "By Luna I am so sorry Distant, by the look on your face I can tell that I am saying all the wrong things, please relax you were fantastic, my sore muscles can attest to that." she then rested her head on his chest and sighed. "Will you trust me when I say that everything is alright and you have nothing to worry about? I don't know what is going on in that scholarly mind of yours but please be at ease."

Distant Lightning had everything going on in his mind right now. There was nothing going right in his mind right now! It had turned against him!! All the things she spake sounded so suggestive! At this time no one wanted to know what went on in the educated stallion's mind for it was far from the colorless parchment he he glared at day in and day out. Vivid colors or strange scenarios. Why was Dusk on top of him in all of them? Oh --- he blinked open his eyes, for he had screwed them shut when his brain started yelling at him. This. This was the reason. He became tight-lipped. Lips...lips. hers were close. She had kissed him earlier. Did he process that? NOW HE WAS. "Confound it..." He furrowed his brows, trying very hard to hold his monocle in place because he didn't have his vest on. His eyeglass would fall out of reach. She was quite cute close u---hnnng! Listen here you contrary organ! I am your owner! He raved to himself.
Distant Lightning relaxed under Dusk. He gave up. He was starting to feel like Gleam sounded. Oh dear sister why are things so complicated without a second voice to offer sound, opinionated vices to reconcile with? Why did he not have her capricious nature? He turned his head from Dusk, face flushed beneath his dark fur. He pulled his forehooves up to his muzzle to hide behind it shamefully. "I have become a wanton deviant. To put you in such a position." Actually she put hi-- nnnng. Tiny peanut primitive part of brain, stop. Sincerely, Distant. "It's just -- d..." he whinnied sadly before glancing up at her with his stormy eyes. "Do you like me or were just -- playing with me?" He was a very insecure individual with access to racial prejudices based around his culture and experiences. While Earth Ponies were the predominate group in Saddle Arabia, that put him in a position of minority. Many troubles with the other groups made him unreasonably grumpy.

Silent Dusk flicked her ears and nickered. "A very fair question to ask Distant so listen closely to me and do not make assumptions alright? No I'm not merely playing with you as you are genuinely interesting to me, sure we both have our flaws in manners I mean you probably see me as some street thug, but deeper love is something we must both work on yet, that is, if you desire me for more than just a few evenings while we are in a group not that I'd mind that either, is that a fair answer?"

Distant Lightning's ears swiveled forward as she spoke. "I would never compare you to a street thug..." More like insufferable heathen! Well, not so much at this point. At least a vagrant was class? His brows furrowed a bit more than usual as he felt a bit guilty for his non-verbal titles for the others. They weren't so bad, though Gleam was still mad and out of his mind. Not touching that with a 12-foot pole. Unless it was sharp. Tame the beast. His face fumbled, confusion painting it. As his eyes widened, his monocle fell. "W-what?" What did she mean. "M-madam " he mumbled a bit behind his hooves. "I don't think intimacy is something you should throw away..." While he was with the group? That's right. he had to leave, He only had so much funds to make it back home in one piece. Oh dear. What has he done?

Silent Dusk had indeed taken that little aspect into account having remembered him saying that. "I'm not throwing it away Distant, not when I think it's being used in a good manner." then she gave his lips a lick. "I heard no complains from you last eve at least." tilting her head she would caress his cheek with a hoof. "If you really do want me then I think there is work to be done in the future regarding our homes and parents for one, but shall we first try to survive next week?"

Distant Lightning's jaws parted, brows knitting when she licked him. He smacked his lips together as if tasting something sweet, but just wanted to reach back. He couldn't raise his head, body heavy. Being on his back was difficult normally, but somehow didn't mind it too much like this. Want her? He felt there was something a bit different in the interpretation. Want? ...Exploit? He desired her. Oh of granpappy saw him now, he'd sure to be whipped. This was -- she was -- He was awestruck, earnestly. He had a string of poetic verbage ready for her. "Okay." But his brain did the dumb.

Silent Dusk sat up on the stallion and looked down at him with a soft glance, running her hoof against his chest in circles. "Are you alright now big guy?" she'd ask as she spread her wings wide and flicked them a few times in unison with her tail to loosen her muscles up more, soft yellow eyes never leaving those of her anxious yet marvelous companion.

Distant Lightning offered a sharp intake of breathe when her hoof brushed over his chest. His wing scrambled a bit, flapping about as it tried to find his monocle. He would manage to hook the chain and toss it up. He reached his hooves out a bit to catch it, placing it back, the wing's claw assisting a bit. "M-m-miss Dusk." He would manage, but that was before she just languidly stretched while sitting on him without any consideration that he was indeed still playing the role of carpet. Not that he minded. Brain, eh, forget it. Whatever stupid primitive brain. "Okay." he exhaled. "Let me groom you? Please." Just touch, a little, preen that fur. Feathers or not. He didn't care anymooore. Stupid, worthless, traitorous body and brain. Dishonor. Dishonor on him and -- oh wait he was the cow in this situation.

Silent Dusk nodded and stepped off of him and folded her wings. "Huh? oh sure love you can groom me, just tell me how you want me and put me into position." she'd smile and waited for him to get up, eyes twinkling with warmth and care for his sweet offer.

Distant Lightning did not quite process her wording, at first. He was stuck at the fact she called him her love. Stupefied. He was stuck on his back for several seconds before he finally rolled up, wings flapping before tucking away like a lord's cloak. He turned to face her, and it was in that moment he functionally heard her words. Put me in position. Normally such a phrase was innocent, without meaning, but why did he get the sinking suspicion she did not mean it as it was meant to be -- as if it were allegory for. High sands! He fluffed up, his tail feathers standing on end as his tail just locked in place, the loosely braindead appendage marking the moment she hit another red -- flag.
Distant Lightning parted his jaws, squinting hard, trying desperately to keep his eyeglass from falling. If it shattered he'd be blind for the remainder of the trip! He could only nicker, brain forfeiting. He slowly approached her, as if sh-- she was a predator. He sat in front of her and scooted close. Looking around suspiciously he leaned his muzzle in to groom the female, starting at her neck of course, before he moved to the base where her wings met her neck and shoulder. Just grooming, nothing suspicious. Nothing weird. Positions though. He froze. "..F-flank." he sputtered. "I have to r-reach your wing's base." yes! That's where all the fur, and feathers in his case, matted up the most! Nothing strange!

Silent Dusk sat down and spread her wings out fully. "Like this Distant?" she'd inquire as soft content sighs left her at the grooming of her neck and gave him a look to see if it was correct, taking the moment to give his ear a nudge, all in all this morning felt far less awkward than she had feared it to be.

Distant Lightning swallowed and made sure to keep his eyes up! He nickered when she touched his ear, a bit sensitive and heated from his brain being an inconceivably terrible organ. He parted his jaws, brushing the edge of her ear with his tongue, just a little kiss. He moved to settle with his side at hers, but turned so he could crane his neck to nibble and groom the base of her wings. His eye drifted down her spine, only for his wings to fluff up and he redouble his efforts into grooming, nibbling down the middle of her back. "So small and soft...." He murmured between passes. His eyes drifted down again, snorting. He'd like to groom her tail, braid it, put ribbo--- Uuugh. He pressed his skull to her back, beneath her wings. He was a deviaaant! Whhhhyh!?

Yunalesca took longer this morning to wake, or perhaps it wasn't morning anymore, she didn't know what time it was. All she knew was that she woke up on the floor and not in her own room. There was something living next to her, warm and breathing the slow, steady breaths of something asleep. Yuna made a little noise in her throat, shifting her body around to face the unconscious form that was Gleam. Oh, right. Yuna recalled the events of last night, slowly, from the horrifying scene next door that she tried to block out to.. what she'd rather not forget. She was almost hesitant to move from his side, just in case she woke him up, but a bath seemed to be in order. It wasn't because of that, but because it'd been a few days since her last one. Hrmm. Yuna couldn't help but wonder what their other companions were up to now, too- she still needed to talk to Dusk about what she saw, and knocking first.

Silent Dusk giggled at little kiss he gave her and cooed softly, at the grooming of her back and the base of her leathery wings, lifting her wings as he nibbled underneath them a small blush appearing on her features. "Ohh that is nice I rarely if ever get groomed." tail giving a swift flick as to banish certain ideas from her mind, down girl tis grooming naught more.

Distant Lightning was quite focused on grooming that most irritating spot beneath and between your wings that always required another. "I'll--" He nipped the stubborn fur. "--groom you every morning when you wake and evening before you sleep." He mindlessly promised, entranced by her moving tail. That plot. He shifted uneasily, pushing his shoulder against her as he resettled himself on his haunches, nibbling down her back with greater pressure. When there was a knock at the door the male had quite a start! He bucked back, rearing a bit as his wings flapped. He lowered, eyes wide. He had caught his monocle's chain on the claw of his wing when he lowered the appendages to balance himself. His rump hovered over the ground and left hoof off the ground, right having landed right on the braid of his tail. He very carefully shifted himself and turned to face the door.
Distant Lightning tossed his loose braid from his shoulder to his back, wing placing his monocle back before they folded at his spine. He pranced toward the door, as Arabians were given to do -- and paused. He glanced at the broken teacup and swept it aside with his tail as he reached the door, hoofing it open. He had his usual, dour expression, though it seemed to border on annoyance for some reason. He was sort of dejected he lost his view of such a lovely landscape. "Oh, tis you. Good morning Miss Yuna. I was expecting the morning paper, but it seems they do not provide that at this facility." He spoke, straightlaced as usual. "Have you come for morning tea?" As much as he did not like the others -- morning tea was usually done in the company of others. So of course he would invite her, and expect that the only reason she would come by his current quarters!

Silent Dusk sat down quickly and turned around, tail caught between her legs as she offered a warm smile towards the door, upon Distant mentioning Yuna she blushed recalling what had set last night's events in motion and she swallowed, ears flicking to the side in embarrassment.

Yunalesca didn't know what she was doing, but she did it. She knocked. Her face darkened slightly when the door finally opened on the foreigner's sour visage. "Nno, I was hoping to talk to Dusk about something." She stated, but the sight of the two of them in the room together got her brain going. The alicorn held particular anger towards Lightning, because of how he treated those around him- especially Gleam. Calling him a madpony and making him feel bad for it. Hadn't she promised herself she'd punch this pompous jerk? The answer was yes, but she wouldn't punch him- she decided to go for something more subtle. "Were you two having fun last night?"

Silent Dusk flicked her ears and widened her eyes just slightly, then trotted over to Lightning and sat next to him looking at Yuna. "Weren't you?" she'd ask in curiosity then flicked her tail against Distant and nodded. "And yes we did, why? did we keep you awake miss Yuna? if so then please forgive us, and um.. sorry if I disturbed you last night.. I'm honestly feeling bad about that."

Distant Lightning's widen. He knew what this was --- a woman's battle. Nope. His tail flicked as he tossed back his hair to get that unruly mane from his face. He'd need to ask for help to get it properly bound. "Right, than if you'll ladies excuse m-E." he voice broke at the accusations and tossing of adverbs and adjectives! Nope, nah. He'd rather company the madpony. Speaking of, he did need to speak to them now that he was awake. Shaking out his body and clearing his throat he would do just that. "Pardon me mares, I've morning business to attend." He pranced out the room, and into the hall like the showhorse he was bred to be. he'd go to talk to Gleam, properly apologize for being insensitive.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a yawn as he himself stirred and pushed himself up to a sitting position. Why was he on the.... floor? The cultist blinked, head quirking to the side... Then rather abruptly his whole face lit up like a cherry. Likely the doing of Tarnished in the back of poor Gleam's mind! With a quiet clearing of his throat the cultist pushed himself up onto his hooves and retrieved a brush for his fur from his pack. He had quite the uh... bed-mane? floor-mane? His mane was a mess! One of the downsides of keeping it so long but he really liked it that way! It made him look somewhat lordly with his robes and all... Plus many of the heroes he'd read about had awesome long manes!

Yunalesca hid her glee inside the way that Lightning's voice broke mid-word- that was all she needed, a small, vicious satisfaction that she'd struck something. The alicorn moved out of his way with no fuss so that she could properly talk to Dusk. She didn't know whether to be angry with the thestral, or just talk to her calmly, mare to mare. "No, we weren't. When you walked in on us we were.. cuddling." Yuna almost didn't want to use the word, an admittance, but she had to to clear up the situation. Dusk wasn't entirely wrong, as she didn't have the later knowledge, but what she thought she saw was. Yuna was telling the truth. "That was all we did. I just wanted to clear that up before any incorrect news started spreading.. By the way, you really should learn to knock first."

Silent Dusk nodded but still gave a soft shrug. "And now then miss Yuna? name calling and a dagger in the back or do we forgive and move on as a happy group?" she stared at the... alicorn? and gave a soft scream pitiful really. "S-so I g-guess this is it then? you simply make me submit with your true self?" she looked around to see where her blades were.

Distant Lightning hastened his pace to Gleam's door. Horn? Noted. Wings? Ignored. You know after sort of being eaten much of the night after being part of a waking nightmare. This was okay. He was okay with this, what he was not thrilled by was the obvious conflicts in hierarchy going on. He tapped his hoof on the door, ears folding back. Oh dear, he heard a squeal. Were the women fighting now or --his face flushed, knocking knocking. Damn you sorcerer open!

Gleaming Echo was forced to pause his brushing whenever he heard a knock upon the door. Since the room was more or less private he wandered over to the door and didn't even bother with putting the robes on. It was likely either room service or one of the merry band of ponies! Gleam shot a glance at Tarnished, whom lurked inside the large mirror set up across from the bed, and pulled the door open to find "... Distant?" the cultist questioned. The foreigner had sought him out 'willingly'?! There were no visible coercing ponies about... How curious! He did think he could hear Lady Yuna and perhaps Silent but was unsure.

Yunalesca's brow furrowed and she cast her mind over what she'd just told the thestral. "I never called you any names or anything like that." She said, her ears pinning back against her dark mane. "What are you talking about? I'm not here to hurt you. I just wanted to talk, so we can clear up this little detail and move on. That's the adult thing to do, isn't it?" Yuna asked, unaware that Dusk was freaking out about her being an alicorn- she'd discarded her shawl again sometime in the night and didn't even think to put it on. Down the way, she heard knocking. Lightning seemed to be at Gleam's door and that puzzled her. Yuna gave Dusk a last quizzical glance and moved off back down the hall, curious what this was about; Gleam was awake now, from the sound of it.

Silent Dusk swallowed and called after her. "No you didn't and you're right miss Yuna but being an alicorn don't you think it's not surprising that I'm losing it here? you just throwing that in our faces?'' at least she didn't have to try and fight an alicorn, yet if she was all this why had Yuna not been flying or using far more powerful magic? "We could have used your true power in those fights you know? might have saved me being beaten to a pulp."

Distant Lightning had pride, but it was not the sort that said 'bully smaller ponies'. It was the sort that said if you made a mistake, you own up to it. He was mostly bothered that he made the mistake. At his age he still had a temper to lose. Scuffing his hoof on the ground he would move to step forward toward Gleam. "I have come to apologize for my insensitive remarks. They were made under duress. Though -- that is no excuse. I should have not taken my anger out on you with callous, misspoken words." He pulled his wings from his back, lowering them in physical show of his apology. He tucked the wings against his side, wrists touching at his chest. He moved to bump his muzzle against Gleam's in physical apology, were he to allow it. The feathered stallion glanced away. "Would you come to morning tea please? J..just don't put pepper in my food anymore. My stomach is sensitive." He murmured.

Gleaming Echo stared in something akin to shock though he managed not to openly display said shock. He never even budged when the muzzles were bumped together. "I-I... well, thank you." he'd say as he somewhat deflated himself. "Your apology is accepted." he'd say even as he heard a stream of cursing from the back of his mind. Damn it Tar, not now! Distant wanted to make friends! That the light half was all the happy to do. "I feel I have to apologize again... That world... I don't know how much you know but Tarnished is a pseudo Nightmare.... That world made him far more of a loose cannon than he usually is." the cultist pony said with a bit of a sigh. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to keep him contained and he... well.. hurt you." he ducked his head. He winced at the rage in his head, but Gleam wanted friends! "Tea sounds nice... And I'll keep that in mind." he cheerfully smiled.

Yunalesca had to halt halfway towards Gleam's room, at a loss of how to answer the thestral. She also had a moment of- not panic, but a sharp jolt of fear course through her chest when she realized her wings were bare. It was partially her intention to try not to hide them so much after talking to Tarnished, but it would also be difficult to get out of the habit without freaking out. Yuna was also just learning magic, hadn't even begun to fly yet, and she felt sorry that she couldn't have been a bigger help. Alas. She merely shook her head and approached the two stallions, turning her focus onto them with some intrigue. Had Lightning apologized without requiring any sort of push? For that she could probably forgive him and forget her silent promise of punching. "Morning."

Distant Lightning unfurled his wings a bit as he stepped back. The younger male seemed to be in pain. His ears folded back as he raised his hoof to steady him were he to need it. "Yes.. well there seems to be a great deal of magic you Equestrians involve yourself in that simply dangerous." While dream magic was quite common in Saddle Arabia: rarely was it a threat. He cleared his throat "While there is little I know of you-- or this pseudo personality, I think we can talk over tea. Morning tea is a trite boring by yourself." He would need to order more as he dropped his cup. Dusk was rather amorous and his brain mostly pudding.
Distant Lightning moved to turn only to be ruffled by Yuna's sudden presence. He took a few steps back and settled by Gleam. His ears folded against his skull as his eyes drifted toward her wings. She did not do her wings justice. He should have been less foolish as to think something as lovely as they would be a dream's manifestation. Too bad.... though did that mean she wasn't a gypsy? He subconsciously stroked his chin with his hoof before blinking back into focus. "Miss Yuna." he offered, since she had already refused morning tea. He did not know what to say to her. She was quite aggressive some days. Perhaps the mare was upon her lunar cycle? He could never be sure with them sometimes. Distant Lightning leaned in close to whisper to Gleam, motioning his hoof. Mares who housed themselves together often shared such things. He scuffed his hoof on the ground. "Well I shall go ahead and order more tea and cake. When you are prepared to join Miss Dusk and I Gleam do follow with haste. Tea is no good cold." Off to order more tea he went, probably to set it up in the dining room by a window. It must be done correctly after all!

Gleaming Echo quirked his head a little to the side in a curious manner. "I'm sure I could answer many of the questions you might have. I don't really mind." The dark half of the pony smiled quite cheerfully as he turned and beheld Yuna walking down the corridor. His ear swiveled upon receiving the whisper and the poor stallion was left to blink. "Ooooooooh....?" he let out a confused sound. Were the mares really on their cycle? He tossed that to the back of his mind and cheerfully moved to meet Yuna. "Good morning, how's this forsaken cultist's lovely Goddess doing?" the smirk and the level of 'corny' was blatantly Tarnished's influence. "I'll need to finish getting ready and then we can meet up for that tea, yes?" he asked his fellow stallion. Tar was upset they'd moved focus off of Lady Yuna but... Tar was always upset!

Yunalesca quirked a confused eyebrow when Lightning backed away the moment she was there- and there was also a bit of whispering. She couldn't overhear anything, and assumed something private, but the vague gesturing drew some suspicion. What had all of that been about? She was in a good enough mood that morning and now that Dusk had been spoken too to boot, that she hoped it wasn't anything.. worrying. The alicorn grunted when the pegasus moved off and she could turn her attention more fully onto Gleam, slightly puzzled. The question made her blush a little, and she needed a moment to figure out what to say after last night. Yuna settled on stepping close to bump his cheek with her nose. "I'm doing good.. what about you? And.. er, what was that all about?"

Distant Lightning returned to his room a moment to fetch his book and finish getting dressed before anything else distracted him. Vest, cufflinks, saddlebag. He looked down to his garb. After everything it was getting worn and torn. Sighing softly he would inform Dusk of morning tea, downstairs, though whether she choose to join them, well. He did wish to talk to Gleam, curiosity returning now that fear has subsided. He was never a brave pony and fighting of any kind was not on his bucket list of things to do. Heading down to the inn's dining hall he'd order tea for the group and cakes. He hadn't much bits left, but twas the least he could do after failing miserably in his duty as a stallion. Paying for their morning meal. He also called for the paper and settled down with it and his writing tools beside him. He'd await their arrival, quiet and patient.

Gleaming Echo let out a smile as the cultist glanced back the direction Distant had fled. "Dear Distant believes... well.. He fears you and Silent might be on your." he paused and tried to think of a way to put it... ah.. neutrally. "cycle." he gave up and just shrugged. "I think dear Silent caused him a wee bit of harm to his noggin." the unicorn nudged Yuna with a smile. "I need to put my robes on, then we can go join our dear foreigner for morning tea... I wonder what tea it is... I haven't had many teas." The cultist hummed and stepped into his room. Of course Yuna was allowed to follow should she wish.

Yunalesca didn't think Gleam would tell her, but he had waited until the pegasus reappeared, going in the other direction for wherever he was holding this morning tea. "Wh-.." A most baffled expression crossed her face, snout wrinkling in vague disgust; disgust specifically for the pegasus in question. The alicorn shook her head. ".. Cycle? Pfft." Yuna didn't follow him all the way into his room, but she lingered just inside his doorway while he was getting himself ready. "I don't know about Dusk but I'm not on my 'cycle.' I can't fathom what made Distant think that." She grumped. How ridiculous!

Distant Lightning had settled in his cushion reading the paper. He sunk down to his belly reading over the paper. The ends of his wings held onto his tea cup as he casually sipped over the news. "How troubling." He used his hooves to fold the paper away for now before splitting open his book. He had ordered a fine jasmine-orange tea. A nice kick for so early in the day. He selected a delicate meringue pie to go with the tea. A sweet match of flavor. He still felt very overwhelmed and he found himself unable to truly focus on the details of the book. He had gone over it several times, but much of it seem the ramblings of a madpon... well they didn't make sense. Closing it once more he left his hoof to rest on the cover, sipping at his hot tea.

___

Silent Dusk trotted downstairs after having taken a good long bath, guessing that since Distant wasn't at Gleam's room anymore and had not come back, that the logical place to look would be downstairs, her mane and coat still slightly damp she looked around the place to see if she could catch a glimpse of the stallion.

Distant Lightning sat sipping his morning tea casually. He had taken a few bites of the meringue pie he had cut for himself, having ordered a while pie for the party, and a kettle of tea. He forced himself to continue reading his book, taking notes, as he rest on his stomach on the cushion. His wing's wrists held the tea cup daintily as his monocle was held in place. He had finally gotten dressed: his vest and cufflinks. His saddlebag was sat under the table because it is rude to wear it while eating! His mind was still a bit fuddled and clouded, but hopefully he could have a normal morning tea with the others -- and get back on track.

Gleaming Echo was forced to let out another yawn. Why? Well... he really was still trying to wake up properly! It had been quite the pleasant night after all and a good part of the cultist hadn't wanted to wake up from such a pleasant sleep! Especially as comfortable as it had been going to sleep... Alas here he was in the waking world. At least it seemed like it might be a nice day. Distant was... not being so much of a monumental prick! It took him a few minutes to slip his cultist robes back on and a moment longer to slip the shoes on. Once he was all set he tossed his head and turned to Yuna. "Shall we head down?" he smiled jovially... Yes, today seemed like it would be a wonderful day! No matter the grumping in the back of his head!

Yunalesca was a little sour about the 'cycle' nonsense. Lightning appeared to be educated, but he too had fallen prey to the kind of nonsense the more clueless stallions spread. Ridiculous. While Gleam was busy putting on his robes, Yuna decided to take the time to straighten out her mane with her magic, brushing it out and making it neat. It had been a bit of a mess before. "Of course." Yuna said, heading out the door with a flick of her tail; she had a moment of hesitation about her shawl, but she pushed past it. She wasn't exactly sure where Lightning wanted to meet them, but she strode down the hall regardless, sure that they'd find him easily enough.

Silent Dusk found Lightning seated with his tea and meringue pie, trotting up to him before she sat next to him and lay her head on his shoulder asking him softly as not to disturb him too much. "Did I upset you?" folding her wings a bit before fanning them out to dry them some more she took a quick glance to the book he was reading, if they were meant to stay with each other in the end it would do well to know about his interests.

Distant Lightning stiffened, the poor chicken ruffling up. He was distracted with his mind clutter. Glancing to his side he would spot the dark fur before coming to the realization that it was Dusk herself. "M-miss Dusk. Me? Upset? Hardly." But when Yuna had refused morning tea he was sure she was quite disgruntled with him. He was not bothered that they perhaps had a closer relationship than he. He did arrive late to the party, forcing himself in duty to his lack of preparation. He folded his ears back, insecurities nipping at his thoughts. "I was just a bit concerned with the remainder of our party so I decided to locate the small sorcerer to invite him to morning tea! Tis all." Though with the contrasting members of the group he was bound to tiff with them occasionally. It had been the longest the stallion has been around other ponies. His brows twitched a bit, looking to the mare, swallowing the lump forming in his throat. He was never good enough.
Distant Lightning cleared his throat and closed the book, having no luck finding concentration in it anyway. It was mostly gobbledygook. "Please have some tea and pie Miss Dusk, it is my treat." He dipped his head. "Could we talk for a bit perhaps, about --" He looked down, brushing his hoof over his pencil, as using ink at the dining table was impolite. "--thestral m-mares. Not that I've not learned facts about you." Wait no. "I mean some other details... information. Would you kindly?" His words were pudding too. He was a disgraceful bag of feathers today.

Gleaming Echo paused in the hall long enough to close the door and apply a bit of a locking spell to the door itself. He was a little paranoid about ponies going into where he lived without his permission! It was that way back with the cultists too; one never knew what another pony would do! With that he turned and started down the corridor. It would be a wee bit of a walk to the small place. "I must admit I do quite enjoy seeing you without the shawl." he playfully grinned and bumped briefly against Yuna. Down Tar, Down!

Yunalesca's hoofsteps faltered to wait for Gleam once she realized he'd fallen behind to lock his door, but once he'd caught up she had to smile. "Is that so?" She queried, almost jokingly, and danced away when he bumped into her. "I was going to try to not hide my wings so much, just to see.. I'm still a little iffy about it." Yuna admitted, moving close to his side just to bump her hip up against it; a way of getting him back if he wasn't expecting it.

Silent Dusk smiled nuzzling his neck as she leaned into him just resting her body against that of the pegasus, now knowing he could handle such well enough. "You can ask anything of me Distant and I will answer you the best I can, but you can also come to me with your worries and fears, I will be your anchor in this strange land and promise to treat you with all my care." she then brought her forehooves around him, turning his muzzle to hers with a wingtip and pecked him gently, yup this could work, now if all party members could grow in this bond they might survive just yet.

Distant Lightning sputtered. He had far too many worries and to top it all off she was quite close to him. He was very worried for his self control. "Miss Dusk..." He murmured. "We're in pub--" But the kiss shut him up quite quickly. "...okay." He flustered and quickly looked down. "D-do thestrals live in cities, villages? Do they have holidays s-separate from other Equestrians?" He picked his pencil up in his mouth, doing well to keep that muzzle of his busy.

Gleaming Echo smiled and nodded in delight. "I like that idea... Anypony gives you any trouble I'll burn 'em... Taaaar, no killing ponies.." Gleam all but whined as the dark half got out his piece. The cultist tugged at his robes and looked back and forth once they came to the bottom of the stairs. "Now.. which way did we need to go? That way?" The stallion took a few steps down in the new direction before freezing. "Or was it the other way?" he turned and frowned... When it came to navigating without a map... Gleam was terrible at it. Especially since he'd not been down to that little 'cafe' part of the inn yet!

Yunalesca flicked an ear, snorting a soft laugh. "I do appreciate the length you'd go to protect me, at least.. but, I'd have to agree with Gleam. Don't kill anypony. Unless they try to kill us first." Self defense was always a good excuse, something she hoped would keep the former cultist out of trouble.. She didn't want him jailed! "Uh.." Yuna came to a halt, looking both ways. "I'm not sure. We should pick one and see if it leads us to them?" Yuna suggested, a little unsure herself; she hadn't been anywhere else in this place but the lobby, the bath, and the rooms.

Silent Dusk slipped herself more against the pegasus hoping fiercely to give him comfort and answered his questions as small kisses found his jaw. "Thestrals mainly live in our somewhat isolated village of Hollow Shades, we celebrate nightmare night as a more serious holiday than other Equestrians do, we are primarily nocturnal but can easily endure during the day um as you know by now blood and at times flesh is a part of our varied diet, any partners we make be it one or more we are loyal to until they lose our trust or leave us, we are very tightly connected to Princess Luna, mares outnumber stallions seven to one and usually we bear one foal, was there more love?"

Distant Lightning was given quite a big of comfort -- uncomfortableness that is. It made it difficult to concentrate with her body to cone --pfffbbttt! He snorted, pencil held between his teeth, lips moving it about in his cursive script. It wasn't legible, mostly because it was not Equestrian glyph writing, nor shorthoof. It was his native writing style, but it was also very sloppy. Hard to write when you're clenched down hard on your pencil. Though this Nightmare holiday came up again. He would check the library for a book on it. this book on the Annals of Chaos in Equestria -- was full of time gaps and nonsense writing. When she made mention that flesh was part of their diets he bit his pencil in half. He spat out the splinters and sipped his tea, because that was none of his business. He couldn't trust his mouth to say what it is he was supposed to say. It seemed she had great skill in altering his subconscious to reply with a wholly primal effect. Was this perhaps part of thestral nature?
Distant Lightning he slurped his tea to the bottom of his cup and set it down. He had nothing else to occupy his muzzle, keep it from saying the wrong did. He glanced over to Dusk. She used that term again. L-love? His ears were flat, mane a bit out of place from the mild panic. He looked to her muzzle, that dour look impressively held so he was not blinded without his monocle. He did have something to occupy his muzzle with. He brushed the tip of his tongue over his lips before snorting and averting his gave. It was all very fascinating. A whole subspecies among the native Equestrians. Actually, they were not natives to this land. That much was known, for their records state they occupied the land some time ago, meaning it was occupied. He had turned to face her as the questions filled his thoughts. He refocused on her muzzle and leaned his head closer. "Ah-- are thestrals a native group to Equestria?" Where did they come from and why did this one fancy him?

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a grump-like sound. Influence from Tar of course because he really wanted to kill something! Gleam was being nice to the foreigner pony a-and.... forgiving him! What in the ever living Tartarus; was the light side of him an idiot?! Wait... The dark half groaned and face-hooved in the back of Gleam's head. Forget he thought that.... "Well... lets try this way!" Thus they started down the corridor and eventually found their way outside. Evidently that was not the right way unless the 'cafe' was located in another building!

Yunalesca was a little concerned, but she followed after the unicorn once he picked a path. When it lead outside, she lingered back in the safety of the hall, peering out to the snowy world beyond. She probably wasn't ready to go outside around other ponies yet, not until she could get a chance to ask Dusk to help her with flying lessons.. If the thestral would want to teach her. "Oh, well, uh. Maybe we should have gone the other way?" Yuna suggested, hoping to steer them away from the outside. Whether or not he agreed, she'd probably head back from whence they'd come, to the other hall- moving a little slowly just in case Gleam wanted to catch up.

Silent Dusk saw Distant's reaction to her calling him that and withered lightly. "I'm sorry, way too soon for cute nicknames huh? um I'm very young Distant I'm only twenty I don't really know if we were born this way or if it was Luna's will in any case I'm not unhealthy or some mutant breed if you fear that."

Distant Lightning startled when she deflated, her airy nature just a bit too much for the apprehensive, stick-in-the-mud. He'd gone and hurt her feelings somehow. That was not courteous thing to do, in the very least. Fix it! Fix it! He flustered, trying to position himself properly from his lying position. "Nonsense!" He assured, raising his right hoof to drape over her shoulders, in front of her wings. His own wings were laid out in a relaxed, prone position, the ends flexing out as he ruffled at her negative response. "Far from such inconsequential things. Evolutionary divide, not mutation. No -- it just means you became better than anypony else." he moved to press his muzzle to hers and lick at it gently, brushing his muzzle to hers apologetically. "I fear my words may have come out ambiguously." As they did, mouthy, long-winded scholars had such habits. "I was just curious how long your kind existed in these lands." She was so very young, how foolish of him.
Distant Lightning should be the one protecting her, being her anchor, yet there he was a poor excuse for a stringless balloon. "By all accounts you are quite a specimen. Small, with soft, dark fur." He tucked his hoof back against his body and kept his head close to hers. "Soft, furless wings with an intriguing structure very different from my own. Large, soft ears..." And a fantastic plot. Ah, she was quite cute and, oh he was terribly lanky. He probably look misshapen and his coloration was too loud, making him stand out. His mane was -- unpleasant. Too bright to dye, specks of orange attesting to the failure to brown it. If anything he was the negative mutation. "You are granted to do whatever it is you please Miss Dusk, if it stirs joy in your heart." Though he had a code to live by, his honor to submit to. Behaving in a certain way in public was burned into his manners. He was sure he would never be able to change the fear that shook him whenever he dared considered the contrary.

Gleaming Echo turned when he heard Yuna suggest that perhaps they should have gone the other way. Aha! That was a novel idea! Thus the cultist unicorn turned and quickly hopped to catch up with Yuna. It was a foalish move for the silly stallion and drew a few stares should there have been any ponies around (Distracting them from Yuna perhaps?) especially the way he was oddly dressed but meh... Did the light half of Gleam care all that much? Nah... Once he caught up they were back on their way. He could only hope he wasn't causing the other half of their merry band too much trouble by taking so long.

Yunalesca ignored any other ponies they may have passed, if they had- it was an easy enough task for her, when she'd spent much of her time pretending they didn't exist. A way of avoiding social situations, or too curious ponies. There was still the worry, but she focused on where she was going, glancing back once as Gleam caught up to her with a spring in his step. Once they'd backtracked their way to where they'd started, Yuna lead them down their other possible path, hoping it lead them exactly where they needed to go. Maybe they hadn't noticed their absence.. ?

Silent Dusk brushed her muzzle to Distant's. "I too will try and adjust to cater more to your needs Distant, I know you are uncomfy with some things in public so I shall tone it down, may I still kiss you now and again and will you really groom me every morning and evening?" she smiled as she leaned against the stallion, he shouldn't be the only one to adjust, she would put in effort too.

Distant Lightning folded his ears back. "Madam, certainly not. Tis a stallion's duty to cater to the needs of his herd." She was sacred, meant to be protected and given a safe place. He should not be the cause of their despair -- yet Yuna seemed quite distraught with him. He does not recall being impolite to her. Gleam well, he was sorry and still a bit uneasy with him. In general the stallion was in a very confusing land, with confusing customs that were unexpected. He supposed he had quite a bit to study and learn how to be more appropriate in this land. "I... I suppose that is acceptable." Kisses were not taboo, at the very least. Right? He'd hope not here, for affection was important for good relations. Maybe that was why they were mad at him? "How do Equestrians show communal affections?" His ears pricked up. Was Gleam finally arriving? He'd hope the tea wasn't too strange.

Gleaming Echo was the first to catch sight of Distant and Silent! "Wonderful idea, turning around." he'd smile at Yuna only to wander over in the direction of the pegasus and the thestral. "Sorry that took a bit... Got a bit lost." he'd say with a wide grin as he plopped himself down at another spot on the table. "My sense of direction when it comes to 'not' using landmarks and a map has a lot to be desired apparently. If it weren't for Lady Yuna's wonderful idea of turning around I might have wound up at another cafe in the town!" he smiled cheerfully at that notion.

Yunalesca's eyebrows lifted as they came upon the cafe and she gave Gleam a smile in return. She had made a good call, and now they knew where the place was. "We almost ended up outside." The alicorn put in, amused, and found herself a seat at the table across from the two lovebirds. Yuna chuckled quietly and gave what was present on the table a curious look, the promised tea and what looked like pie. She recalled turning Lightning down for it, but yet here she was. It didn't matter, it opened up a chance for her to try to talk to Dusk again about flying lessons now that she'd been thinking on it.

Silent Dusk kissed Distant not at all feeling bad about it and smiled. "We show affection with hugs and kisses mostly Distant though pegasi and thestrals use their wings too." then she looked at Yuna and looked down some. "Yuna I'm sorry for what I said back in the room but why didn't you use your powers?" she thought all alicorns were immensely powerful.

Distant Lightning flustered at the kiss but returned it. He furrowed his brows at Gleam. "Do remind me not to give you consent to lead us in areas we are without maps." He glanced to Gleam, quite worried if that had been the case in the Nightmare. Though he did not think he would be with the party much longer, so it did not matter. Shame. He was just learning their likes and dislikes. Mostly dislikes. He sighed at the loss of his pencil. He tried to remain calm, but it was a little difficult with Dusk keeping proximity with him. He fumbled another pencil from his saddlebags before tucking his wings so they hooked over his shoulder. While normally pegasi did tuck their wings away, he did use them for balance and handling objects. They were not very precise, but more so than hooves and were -- ah, useful for a measure of things. He did emote with his wings, often. A wing-talker, since his face was rather inexpressive and had to hold his eyeglass.
Distant Lightning wanted no part in any conversation involving Alicorn - anything. He felt they abused their positions, but when he thought on it. Did Yuna have some sort of position? She nagged him about being a noble, yet she was a pony of rank? It was all confusing. Weren't all Equestrian Alicorn royalty? In Saddle Arabia Earth Ponies ruled, for obvious reasons of power, heritage, and prestige. An earth pony could survive the desert better than a pegasus alone, but they too helped with the growth of civilization in the harsh environment. Scholarly positions for them were not uncommon, though they were more inclined as entertainers and -- dancers. Powerful, huh? She did not even seem able to use her wings. They were so lovely too. Shame. He cleared his throat, looking at Gleam. "So sorcerer, I do wish to ask: was this personality something to manifest during your time with the cult? Or were you born with it?" Maybe the cult purposefully selected these sorts of individuals...

Gleaming Echo gave a sheepish grin to Yuna when she affirmed his story. How was it his fault that it was so hard to navigate to somewhere he'd never been?! With a pout the unicorn swiveled an ear to listen in on Silent and Yuna's conversation even as Distant asked his own question about his... ah... personality problem. "I wasn't born with it." he shook his head and paused. "To tell the story in its entirety would take... well... too long. The raiment of my... previous Lady (why, like he'd say Lady Nightmare in a public place) has the nasty effect of causing the wearer to experience heightened emotions; primarily those of anger, jealousy, paranoia, ehem... lust, and ah... you get the picture. Everypony in the cult was allowed to wear the raiment for an hour for a 'Blessing' they liked to call it. Eventually the effects mounted and ponies started to get violent. To be honest I was lucky ~ Or rather the original Gleam was..." Gleaming Echo scuffed a hoof upon the table. "Our psyche was split down the middle in a... rather more severe case of multiple personality disorder. Tarnished is composed of all the 'tainted' emotions while I received what was left." he rubbed the side of his head with a hoof sheepishly. "Turned my memories of 'before' into swiss cheese too."

Yunalesca didn't know how to take their public affection other than with a straight face, but Dusk had focused on her again with that question. She didn't answer it before because she had no idea how to.. admittedly, she had a little time to think on it. The alicorn remained silent for a moment longer, letting Gleam speak his piece before she could properly answer without interrupting anypony else. "I can only really predict the outcomes of things, that's my talent. Gleam was only just beginning to teach me magic, so I'm.. not really.. powerful. I'm not like the princesses. I don't even know how to fly since, y'know, I didn't exactly have a teacher." Her voice fell quieter as she talked, an almost embarrassed mumble as she explained to her clueless companion- perhaps both of them. ".. Sorry I couldn't have been of more help." There was a little more, such as her visions, but Yuna wasn't entirely sure if there was any point in bringing that up. It'd been a while since she had one, and they always came at the most unexpected times.

Silent Dusk nodded that was all she needed to know, that Yuna had not intentionally held back her strength for selfish purposes. "Blunt as it may be towards my stallion here Yuna I think I'm the better flyer of us two and if you want we can practice easy lessons? mostly for foals but it's a start." then gave Distant an apologetic nuzzle. "I want to say something else and that is, really we shouldn't fight amongst each other anymore, we're only helping the enemy that way, when we split up I was terrified knowing I couldn't defend Distant alone."

Distant Lightning did recall them speaking of the Nightmare Moon maiden and how it was involved in the cult. She was a princess -- or something now? He would need to read up on it and this Nightmare Moon festival. It seemed quite a significant part of Equestria's history. But, if so, why was he only now picking up on it? He had come here, originally, with the intent to study the pieces of Equestrian history that were not known in Saddle Arabia, which was many. But such a large event one would think-- well social tension he supposed was not to be questioned. There was a reason they had quarrel with the country and it was his nationalism that would keep him bound to it. He mulled over his thoughts. "That is the problem with enchanted or other ritualistic objects. They test a wearer's abilities and strengths and if one is not strong enough they are often corrupted by the objects power. A pony is designed to have an allotted amount of power, no matter how skilled they become."
Distant Lightning glanced up to Gleam, furrowing his brows. "There is actually no such thing as a negative emotion. Love, rage, violence -- these are some of the most primal forms of living beings. The only reason we associate them with predators is because they no longer have a place in civil societies. Many primitive cultures still practice violence along with more salacious practices of art." He cleared his throat. His ear swiveled toward Yuna, but he really could not address her. As a pegasus the only skill he had were in manipulating weather, and even that he sometimes found he had difficulty with that because his courage was -- lacking. He ruffled a bit at Dusk's assertion... but she was more compact. He snorted a bit and resumed his writing. He would not protest. While proud of his wings -- they were big and suited for long distance gliding. Stamina. Bookponies didn't need agility. He brushed his muzzle against her own, accepting the apology. Distant Lightning was a bit troubled by her words. "Please Miss Dusk." He should be protecting her. "I am fit, I can take a few whippings, hmm? I just prefer not to be on the front lines of a confrontation." He'd never fight back.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a chuckle. "Fine, fine... Then the heightened 'primal' emotions were given to Tar to deal with. In any case my.. former compatriots.. friends... should be free of the armor's influence within a year or maybe two. They will likely never forgive me for stealing their artifact though." he rubbed the side of his head with a hoof. "Aaaand unfortunately I'm stuck with it." he continued whilst waving a hoof at the raiment that was visible. "At least it goes well with the robes." he let out that off comment and sighed. "Whenever the split happened it changed a lot. My cutie mark even... After all, two independent halves don't necessarily make the 'same' whole in the end." With that said he fell silent and simply listened. Ooooh! Lady Yuna was going to get flying lessons from Silent! He'd have to offer his support! However much he could give really! Tarnished would rather be burning things or eating cupcakes.
Gleaming Echo had to bite his lip with the word choice that Distant used, however, in his last statement. He was going to resist the snark! However this resistance was thrown completely out of the window when he felt a 'pulling' sensation on his mind and... uh-oh... Tar was suddenly the one in control! That much was made obvious by the usual teeth/eye change. "Why dear Silent, did you hear that? I dost believe that Distant might have a bit of a 'kinky' side to him beneath all the peacock! Why, you should keep note of that for when you two are ~ alone again." he all but purred with a rather predatory grin. That opportunity was far too golden to pass up!

Yunalesca perked up a little when Dusk solved her problem by offering to teach her herself. She wouldn't have to ask the question after all. A glance was cast towards Lightning as he was mentioned, thoughtful. He was probably the only one in their little group she couldn't get along with very well, mostly because he tended to get a little annoying sometimes. Arguing back, going on long winded explanations in correcting somepony; which didn't help since she was fairly stubborn and argumentative sometimes herself. "I've never been a very social pony, but I can certainly try to get along." Yuna said to Dusk, and went quiet from there as Lightning spoke to Gleam of emotions. She wondered if that made Tarnished feel any better about what he was stuck with, but she wouldn't get that chance to see. Something of whipping came up and prompted that very pony to come out with sass. Yuna covered her mouth with a hoof to quiet a laugh; that was terrible!

Silent Dusk nodded and looked between her group's members wondering what would happen after all this business.

 Distant Lightning let the mares speak. They seemed close... ah private flying lessons made a pony feel special. He had to learn in a peer group. Critiques were brutal, militaristic. Anything short of perfect put you at the bottom of the class. The majority of his bad marks came from being unable to perform under pressure. The stress would cause him to lock up and be unable to complete the given task. Emotions were strange. Civility made them control it, society guilted them into continuing them. The pegasus listened to Gleam, the relic. Was it unable to be removed? He seemed quite troubled. He did feel a sense of pity for him until... His expression flattened as he watched Gleam's face be consumed by madness. He deep sigh was exhaled as his pencil fell from his muzzle's lips, just clattering to the parchment. He clopped his hoof against the ground, a moment of seething filling him with words. Many, slandering, cruel words. They were not words he dare to speak in the presence of mares.
Distant Lightning pointed his hoof at Gleam's madness. "Now forward *you*." He verbally approached. "I do not quite defer to agree that I know what you are inferring..." He didn't know what Tarnished was getting at but there was no way he'd stand for it, after he encouraged him to continue being a lecherous vagrant. "But hold your slithering tongue before the young mares. What are you encouraging Miss Dusk to partake in?" He -- had no idea that his words incited quite the sass from the dark side of Gleam's moon. "Hold that lecherous gaze. While you may be pure in your words and feelings, there are times in which such things are to be shared. Not -- at morning tea." He stared at Gleam's madness and sipped the tea. He tried very hard not to call him a madpony and understand it was just the feral emotions of a broken colt. But still, a stallion had a line. No naughty talk at morning tea! Leave that for the stableroo---ah he ruffled himself.
Distant Lightning would not have his jimmies rustled today. "Socializing isn't important." He muttered over the cup his wings were handling. "What is important is that you know what to say, when. Knowing how to let down a landlord is as important as knowing how to turn away a friend. There are ways to do it, that do not leave others with a negative image of you. Nobility is not born, it is something earned. If you are a noble, who uses your power to bully the weak, you are naught any different from a warlord." He expressed. There he went on his rant, but he was being patient with Gleam's madness -- sort of. Seriously set him off? He snorted. "Now, Gleam -- if your tantrum has passed, I would like to ask you more questions, mostly concerning the daily rituals you had at the cult."

Gleaming Echo inclined his head and the grin simply grew to the point that it was well.... well past looking to be unnatural! "Gleam isn't here right now. I stuck his mind in a box, and then in another box, and then mailed him to a bubble cell surrounded by molten rock! Dear gleam will be taking a time out. I so love dreamscapes when I have the power over them!" the dark half waved a hoof and glanced at Yuna for a moment before his gaze returned back to Distant once again. "I wager I can probably answer these... questions you had for our dear resident idiot. Two halves of the same coin and all that jazz. I know what he knows... mostly." he rumbled and rest his head upon a hoof with an almost mocking grin. Tarnished really was trying to behave but he was horribly failing.

Yunalesca crossed her forehooves across the table when all attention seemed to shift to the two stallions- Lightning seemed to be struggling to keep his patience with Tarnished. An amused smile still lingered on her face, not that she got any joy out of the way the pseudo nightmare antagonized him, but Tarnished was funny in a mean sort of way. Poor Gleam, though. Yuna had to shake her head and cast a glance Dusk's way, curious about something. "When would you want to teach me to fly?" They didn't exactly have busy schedules, but it was good to figure something out.

Silent Dusk cracked a yawn and smiled at Yuna. "After I've had a long nap, Distant kinda wore me out last night and my instincts still try to tell me I'm nocturnal, I swear if I had known that big guy had that much energy when he puts his mind to it..." she then kissed Distant teasingly and brushed her tail along his. "Mmm see you when I wake up." then waved kindly to the three and headed back to Distant's room.

Distant Lightning sighed. Joy, now he had to try and deal with madness? Fantastic. Really he would rather crawl about the belly of a sandworm than deal with this. Though no one has ever had the chance to study the inside of a sandworm, so perhaps that too would be worthwhile... hmmm. Two halves of the same coin... Wait? What? He looked up when Dusk yawned, ears twitching. She couldn't move or talk as of late without the stallion just feeling her everywhere. He looked over, ears pricking up. His hooves had laid against the parchment as she spoke. Snap. He crushed his second pencil, forelimbs shaking a bit. His wings locked up as his eyes went wide and monocle fell. "N-n-no such talk at m-morning tea." He was utterly just brain-dead at that point. Just bury him in a deep pit in the sands, let him whither away, dry up, mummify. He faceplanted his parchment. The noises she made retreating, did not help.
Distant Lightning wallowed in his embarrassment for a little bit before sighing, though he did not lift his head. "As...as I was saying." He wasn't sure to call him Gleam or -- thing. "What did you do, on a day-by-day basis in the cult. Sure they even had schedules to adhere to?"

Gleaming Echo continued to sit with that overly wide smile that could only grow. "My-oh-My... The foreigner can apparently please our dear ole bat to the point she still cannot walk! I must apologize Distant Lightning." Tarnished mused with his head still resting upon his hoof. Mercifully that was as far as Tarnished pushed the poor pegasus... Soon the question was asked and Tarnished made a sound in the back of his throat. "We were.... a field healer...The cultists liked to call us a paladin in our fair order. Of course the idiot loved the title... Paladins are heroes, I wanna be a hero. ~ Good thing I talked him out of the accursed armor of invincibility! Just dropped an invincible armoire on him in a dream." he snickered some and waved his other hoof.

Yunalesca found Dusk's answer suitable enough, however long the nap was, the flying lesson would be toda- what? The alicorn froze and stared after the retreating thestral, unable to wave back as she'd covered her mouth with both hooves. Her eyes flicked Lightning's way when the snap marked his pencil being broken in two, and the beginning of his embarrassment. An awkward situation, but Yuna's shoulders shook a little in silent amusement- though Dusk probably needed to stop. Yuna coughed a little to bring herself back to seriousness to listen in; at least with the thestral gone, there would be conversations focused on normal topics.

Distant Lightning snapped his head up. "Why do ponies fail to grasp that morning tea is not for such talk?" he nearly squeaked, snorting out as he lowered his head to look between his hooves as they scuffed together. "Tis I who should apologize. She has become fascinated with such topics and I fear what it may do to a feral drive such as yours." he calmly quipped! It wasn't malicious, but the stream of sass slipping from the noble's lips was not lost. He would give up on note taking for now. "How does one locate armor of invincibility? Where would one discover such things inside a cult? Are you allowed outside the confines of your shrine?" He has not heard of many that did this, but it was intriguing. "You know it would not be such a bad idea to locate this armor."
Distant Lightning noted as he motioned his hoof, glancing at Yuna who just tittered like a schoolmare aflutter with gossip. Why did mares find such topics amusing? He was sore too, he didn't go around announcing it. But he was lying on his stomach for a reason. "And your regalia as well. You know it could benefit historical societies to have such objects, perhaps increase one's fame." Though speaking of... "Are we actually, well, safe from this group? Your cult? Could they do such again?" He would like to sleep with peace of mind.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a chuckle. "Oh, it is no trouble at all. I was made to deal with that sort of thing. Of course... Lady Yuna has to deal with me. Luckily Gleam is typically here to act as a buffer." He fell quiet and let out a bit of a groan when even Distant asked about the 'armor of invincibility'... "Distant Lightning, only a fool would desire an armor like that. The moment it is known as an invincible armor... Well, creatures do have very underhanded ways to get what they want. Toxins, Magic Bolts to the Face, Fire - Oh yes, the armor may be invincible but is it resistant to heat? I mean.. cooking the idiot in their own armor was once a legitimate tactic waaaay back when! Please tell me you, at least, are intelligent enough not to seek out such a stupid thing." Gleaming Echo let out a sigh. "I will tell you the same as I told Lady Yuna... A spell such as the one we were subject to takes a LOT of magical power." he shrugged and chuckled. "So long as I am awake while Gleam sleeps.... If another such dream is created one of us will be able to break the spell without another 'adventure' persay." he smiled.

Yunalesca couldn't tell if Tarnished was being suggestive towards her again, but he probably was considering what he was addressing. She tried to keep a straight face and just listened in on the two, ears flicking back at the cons of such an armor. It didn't seem likely such a thing even existed at all, like it was some artifact in a mare's tale. "I really hope not." Yuna commented on the nightmare, taking advantage of the situation to retrieve a slice of the pie that had just been sitting there throughout their talks. It was morning, maybe, and she was getting hungry.

Distant Lightning motioned his hoof in a dismissive manner. "Regardless of it being a tale, legitimacy, or legend--" Which legends are steeped in a bit of truth. "What matters to me is learning the truth, recording it, and learning from it." So far he's got notes about the misuse of dream magic, madponies, Alicorn gypies and bat winged ponies. He felt -- annoyed. "It doesn't matter what I believe, or think I saw. I am a scholar. It is a matter of honest observation from outside discriminating views." As much as he questioned the sound nature of Equestrian life, he still listened to them about it, and took it to heart. "I have attempted to take your customs into account, but your cultures are far too many to truly have fortune to perfect them when one moment you are in a city, the next the rural countryside." He would never understand Equestrian country-isms. "What of Miss Yuna, why have you come to regard her in the stead of your former cult's goddess?"
Distant Lightning presented a legitimate question. For ponies raised in such environments it was sometimes impossible to turn them away from the fanatic loyalty to a certain deity. His calls to the mare as a 'lady' when she seemed to sire no such title, by her conversations with Dusk on her state of powerlessness... there had to be something to turn him from that. Even if the madness was thinking with more questionable, carnal intentions, Gleam should not, accounting their conversation. He was an observer, a listener. Ranty, loudmouthed, over-educated bookpony -- did take into account a pony's words, and actions.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a sound and hoped to that by the name of the sun the foreigner wasn't seriously thinking about pursuing the armor of idiocy! "Equestria has far more cultures than even here in this quaint little township.... Ponies, Griffons, Minotaurs, Buffalo, the occasional zebra wandering about. I heard they have one living in the Everfree of all places. A brave creature if there was one." the dark pony hummed only to find his face splitting into another grin when the question was posed. "Why... A stallion should treat their mare as if she were a goddess at all times; it is only right...! Why should I hold a rival higher than I? I'm my own nightmare, not her worshipper! And I still live while she was 'purified'. It just took a little 'push' and Gleam agreed! Lady Yunalesca IS far cuter anyways..." he'd say with a smirk towards said alicorn. "After all, what cultist doesn't have a beautiful goddess to bow before her majesty!?" he smirked at Yuna.

Yunalesca tried out a bite of the pie while the two talked on and found it tasted like meringue. It was good enough for her. She leaned her jaw against one propped up hoof while the stallions talked, learning what she could about what she didn't know already. Her fork stopped midway to her mouth with another bite the moment Lightning asked that question, prompting Tarnished to go on with something that made her blush lightly. It was never going to fail to happen upon being called cute or beautiful. "You flatter me. Ain't he a gentleman?" She passed it off with snark.

Distant Lightning listened carefully as he made a bit of an eye roll as he settled his monocle back in from Dusk's earlier shocking verbage. "well at least that is one thing in our culture we share." He looked to Yuna, a bit baffled. "Tis not flattery miss Yuna. Tis an honest observation from the view of mortal ponies. Haphazardly casting about the description bastardizes it. If spoken it is one that is true and not meant to falsely attribute. You are quite lovely." he felt all mares were beings to be worshipped. They had hardships most could not account for. "In this I would agree with him, and one can be assured there is little else I would openly agree with when it comes to untempered emotions." He noted, looking to Gleam's madness. "Though I was more curious about your cause for abandonment."
Distant Lightning would think for a moment. How to word if for a mad simpleton? Ah! "Did something occur to make you despise your former goddess? The qualities the cult presented, compared to the qualities Miss Yuna presents. Is her nature morally sound in compare?" Or was it a body worshipping cult? The details were intriguing. "While it seems inane, such would allow me to better understand what drove your group."

Gleaming Echo wouldn't have been able to help but let out a laugh and incline his head towards Distant. "Ah, that is... One thing I can easily agree with you with! I told dear lady Yuna that her wings were far too lovely to try to hide. If anypony dares to bother her about them I'd just introduce them to fire! Or perhaps lightning... or acid! Drop them into acid or something! Hehehe." he'd say with a wide grin only to turn his attention back once again to Distant when he asked further detail in why he'd stopped ah... 'following' Nightmare Moon. "I am a Nightmare in my own right. Nightmares do not worship weak goddesses! We destroyed a construct of her that was fueled by zealotry, that is close enough for me! She is weak. By the time I am done with dear Yuna... She will be strong." He sat back in his chair. "It would help if I could split away from this idiot and get my own body though." he griped foalishly and crossed his forelegs.

Yunalesca's fork was lowered a little, baffled by the response she received from Lightning. She was just being snarky, but.. The alicorn made a strangled noise upon being complimented, by both of them. 'Lovely' they'd used. She expected it from Tarnished, but not from the foreigner. Yuna lifted her fork again and shoved her bite of pie into her mouth, chewing- she needed time to ponder over having been given a sincere compliment by somepony she usually found somewhat annoying. The topic of Tarnished finding his own body cropped up again, but she could make no comment.

Distant Lightning glanced toward the mare, pushing to sit up and have another piece of cake. "Yes, her wings are lovely." It was a shame -- she couldn't use them correctly. "A very light color, suiting a young mare as herself. Not flashy, yet attention grabbing, but they are quite grandiose. Many in my home would say she was created for the lap of luxury." Without a pencil he couldn't write his notes. The broken stump was too small to hold. He brushed it aside, to rest on the ground with his other broken pencil, that one looks like it was chewed in half by a squirrel. He adjusted his monocle. "Though bringing rampant harm to other ponies it not something you wish to do, were you seeking to keep the mare safe. Try to at least use your impulses positively." He sighed and ate some pie, his own hindquarters finding it difficult to rest, even with the soft cushions. He took light nibbles into the soft, cremey pie, mulling over his now, clearer, thoughts.
Distant Lightning could understand that he found the object of worship inferior. Was it a copy, or an Astral Projection of some sort? Magic didn't interest him in the least, but this knowledge was quite intriguing, and from a firsthoof account. He could attest how dangerous cults like these were, but they seemed rooted in manic worship of everyday mares, as he can see with Yuna. "So long as you don't go overboard. Venerating a specimen of quality is one thing, but outright making it a deity demeans its worth, for it shows one has removed all the bits that has made it vulnerable and worth protecting to begin with. A deity doesn't need to be protected." At least this was what he understood from his studies. Once something or somepony became worshipped, they lost all inherent reason to be protected, to be shown off -- it became imprisoned by obsession. "Wild as you may be I do hope you understand the line, for the sake of your companions."
Distant Lightning had not meant himself though -- meant the mares. He was too one meant to act in their rescue but ... He poked his pie with his hoof, making it wiggle a bit. "Why do you not just exorcise yourself from -- yourself?" He took a big bite of pie, muffled grumbles of content. At least the pie was sweet enough to balance the strength of the tea.

Gleaming Echo hummed and looked upon Distant with an eyebrow raised. "For the first time since we began to travel with each-other I believe we can truly get along on a topic!" the dark half chirruped with a playful grin the pegasus's way! "I know that Lady Yuna isn't a true deity, those are boring! By all means Lady Nightmare isn't either... Gleam was just too... indoctrinated... to believe much otherwise before." he hummed an off-note sound. "It takes quite the upheaval to cause the devout to question their views! I took advantage of such a situation and now Lady Yuna is 'our' goddess now! I must admit a good part of it is because Lady Yuna is much easier on the eyes and doesn't have the reputation for eating foals! Even if the eating foals part is funny ~ Ridiculous even..." At the mention of exorcism the dark half of the pony shrugged. "To be honest. ~ I have no idea how to even go about such a thing. We were a combat healer, not an arcanist...!"

Yunalesca fixed Lightning with a nearly unreadable expression- perhaps none of it was flattery after all, but it was praise, compliments. If he had such high opinion, perhaps he wasn't so bad. And Tarnished.. "We can always try to do a bit of research. I don't know where we could possibly find the books, but it would be worth looking?" Yuna spoke up at last, quietly bending out a wing to nudge his shoulder. It seemed an impossible task if it dipped into darker arts, but that she wouldn't have any clue about. "There's.. always a chance."

Distant Lightning chewed on his cake for a bit. "Well you don't need to be an arcanist to do it." He licked his lips and glanced over. "I told you, Saddle Arabians are experts at dream magicks. Waking a pony from a dream, or Sleeping Sickness can be done through magical and non magical means, but --" All those books were back home. He poured himself a bit of tea. "We could make a trip to the library priority. Were I to see the passage, I could recall it." After all Equestrian books were very different and in a whole other script. he could read it, but sometimes things got translated differently, finding a tittle may be impossible. "Though such a rural town may not hold access to such documents..." Alas.

Gleaming Echo inclined his head at Distant and gave the pegasus an appraising gaze. If there was one way to keep on Tarnished's good side it was to be well... useful. "Perhaps we could take a trip to the library. Or perhaps... You all could. If I recall the library is where the princess lives. I'm not all that ready to run into her...." the dark half of the cultist took a few bites of the bit of pie he'd been neglecting. "Oooh, nice! Pity it isn't evil pie!" and he was now distracted by pie...

Yunalesca tucked her wing back in, ponderous, and gave a start at the word 'princess.' "There's a princess involved?" She was sure Gleam mentioned something of the sort, but.. "I'm not all that fond of the idea of running into her either. I'll go to look with Distant, but I'm covering up my wings for that." Normal ponies, fine, but another alicorn? Not fine. Yuna snorted and turned back to her own, nibbling on the rest. "Hopefully her library will be useful."

Distant Lightning folded his ears back. He was no more willing to deal with an Alicorn princess in any way, shape or form, but he needed that library for his own studies and -- "Unfortunately I am the one most trained for diplomacy." As a scholar, he had to be. He had to be able to speak to other ponies, ponies of status, and get permission he needed to get places he shouldn't normally be. He was quite submissive and did not seem the sort to really cause a fuss. He kept his head low, as the others perhaps have seen in the small amount of time they had been together. "Well -- this afternoon would be a good time, just before luncheon. I am sure other ponies will be busy and keep the halls of the library sparsely populated." He did need a nap. He too was sore and a little tired. The studious bookpony was an insomniac. Late nights with his notes, books, reading -- yup.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a grunt. "Then I propose a bit of nap time since you seem like you could use some... And I can use it as an opportunity for some more time with dear Yuna." he had a trollish grin on his muzzle as he glanced at the alicorn and raised an eyebrow. "The princess in question, however, is the princess of 'friendship' of all things! She's also one of the ones that defeated and ugh... 'purified'... Miss Nightmare." he grimaced at that sickening thought.

Yunalesca frowned a little, finding the pegasus's statement odd. "Unfortunately? You're better suited to talking to her than I am. Please, do be the one to talk to her and not me." She expressed. With her lesson planned after Dusk's own nap, the library trip would no doubt happen after that. A busy day this was turning out to be, but better than just sitting around. She cared not for Nightmare Moon, or what happened to her, it had been Tarnished's other comment that made her jerk around to look at him. "Bold, aren't you?"

Distant Lightning grunts. "Yes, unfortunately madam. Though it seems you are without awareness of the topic and equally without will to -- cooperate with this princess. It is of no consequence. So long as goals meet at the end of the path, roads taken shall only strengthen the experience of a group." That and kill stealing. He glared up at the madness' remark. "I can see where Miss Dusk appropriates some conversational skills..." He took one last sip of his tea before standing. "well I shall retreat. Morning tea was lovely. I have a few notes to..." He looked to his broken pencils and sighed. "Write." He lowered himself to pack his parchment in his saddlebag and what remained of the splintered writing tools. "Before I can sleep." As he would forget or misconstrue their words. "Tidings." He offered before turning to trot away. Little did the Arabian realize was there was a wild Dusk in his quarters.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a chuckle. "What do you expect?" he glanced at both ponies as his grin widened. "I'm the half that is most affected by Lust and Carnality! And there Silent was talking about how ah... she couldn't walk." he'd say with a bit of a snigger. "If I wasn't trying to hold myself back I'd probably be nibbling on Yuna's neck already... amongst other things." he cheerfully declared as he took the last bite of pie and tossed the utensil into the nearby drinking glass. How evil!

Yunalesca had little fuss to make about who would talk to the princess and merely shrugged. The pegasus could knock himself out, even now, before Tarnished said too much. Speaking of.. She ducked her head to hide her face. "Goodni- or, have a good nap I should say." Yuna bid quietly, moving to keep her back to Lightning while he left, and gave the pseudo nightmare a quizzical look, uncertain how to handle all of this suggestiveness. "Shouldn't that be private~?" Yuna's voice was quiet, not wanting to risk the pegasus overhearing her.

Distant Lightning wasn't that far before Gleam's madness shouted. He paused and sighed. "That's a little depressing." To think Gleam's madness held back while he -- ugh. He lost in that respect. "Fine, fine... I just find myself ecstatic that morning tea is over." He trotted away in a hurry so did not hear Yuna's musings. Off he slipped into his room. Nopeity nope nope. Not liking that he had less self control than madness.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a chuckle and rest his head back upon his hoof. "Dear Lady Yuna..." he'd start with his somewhat gravelly voice. "Given what we've gone through and what we 'saw' Silent Dusk and him doing... and what Silent likely 'thought' she saw.. I believe we can throw a 'few' of those pleasantries out the window. You have no idea how much it is killing me to hold back! Remarkably restraint is something I can lord over our dear Distant. Even though I am evil I do try to be a gentlecolt... sometimes... And that so soon is ah.. not up to me however much I want to just take you back to my room and go to town! Make up for lost time as it were!"

Yunalesca couldn't help her shoulders bunching up a little and hiding her face in her hooves, as though to hide how flustered she was with the idea. It was.. She didn't know what to think, exactly, other than that it sounded tempting. "How.. how nice." The alicorn managed at last, shaking out her mane and peeking over the tops of her hooves at him. "I.. wouldn't mind I suppose. Time to.. kill and all.. that." Yuna's voice went down to a shy mutter; why not? After what they'd been through, before something else horrible came along?

The End.