Post by Mal on Apr 6, 2016 21:04:05 GMT -5
Bygone Echo was up to mischief? Well, not really.... The changeling in disguise was slipping out of his cart which had been parked in one of the many courtyards! He looked back and forth and... then he was off! Perhaps he could find Dissy or Miss Luna and spend a little time with them! He was just happy to be home! He had no idea how he wound up in that strange place! Alas with the aid of some strange not-pegasus he'd found himself toppling onto his face in his cart! Now where would he find the two?
Princess Luna had little to do in court this night, the first in a while. There were few ponies to speak with and once they were gone, she was free to get up and leave. She didn't like being kept in the throne room for too long, not when there were so many other things to do in the night. There were no monster attacks she had to deal with, either, so it was something she didn't have to focus on, too. Just dreams, and whatever else might call her attention such as the mysterious goings-on in Canterlot. Where was Discord when she needed a distraction, or ser Bygone? It had been a while since she had seen the latter, but the changeling was probably up to something, somewhere. Hmm.
Discord Draconequus clearly had a perfect sense of time, damn near it, because a wizard of time was always precisely when he was meant to be where -- or something to that affect. "And me, here, without my cloak or wizard hat!" The spirit cackled as he hovered about with a cobweb strung between his horns that read: Excellent in glistening gossamer. Levitating about he would pap the grass as he passed, overgrowing it, making it seem as it it were never mowed. A veritable jungle habitat behind his wake. Poor gardeners. The courtyards would be inescapable by morning.
Bygone Echo let out a frown as he caught sight but naught but empty courtyard and guards! The little changeling had lost a lot of weight in chaosville, unfortunately. There had been literally nothing for him to feed on. No emotion, only magic and that only went so far when it was chaos magic.. Alas the first pony he came upon that wasn't a guard was Luna! His eyes went wide and he happily bounced forth with a joyous! "Miss Luna!" Whether she saw him approach or not he'd still try to bounce and hug one of the alicorn's forelegs! He'd missed her! That much was obvious by the brief sniffle the hat-wearing changeling tried his best to cover up. He wasn't crying! He was somewhat angry with Dissy but he would probably instantly forgive the draconequus as he was apt to do....He was just so.. naive! Dissy didn't have malicious intent! At least that is what he told himself.
Princess Luna didn't have much of a particular destination in mind in the castle, save perhaps.. the gardens? With winter gone, the Canterlot Gardens would be in full bloom again, but her way there was brought to a halt by a familiar little voice. Speak of the devil- er, changeling? "Bygone?" The princess queried as she found him springing her way, and onto one of her legs. Luna tried to kneel a little to hug him, pleased to see him again. "Where have you been, in Ponyville? It has been quite some time since I have seen you. The castle was quite empty, without.. and Discord will be happy to see thee too!"
Discord Draconequus would now consider the gardens overbloomed. Whoops. Time slipped. He cackled and floated along. Vanishing the spirit searched for somepony to annoy, vex, or even jinx. He would reappear crouched behind a boulder. From the distance he could spot a magical, flow tail of stars. What ho? Prey.... he settled himself into pounce position, yet aware of another individual about.
Bygone Echo could only smile up at Luna as the alicorn knelt in order to hug him. He moved from hugging the leg to giving the alicorn a proper hug himself! Even his disguise was painfully thin! Hopefully he'd be able to recover now that he'd returned.... "I... Dissy put me in a box and then I wound up in this strange place. I-I didn't know how to get back." the little changeling was a little clingy. That was rather understandable since he'd been worried he'd never see his friends again!
Princess Luna shifted a little so that she could better wrap a foreleg around the changeling. He felt so light and frail in her grip. ".. Did he now?" Her lips thinned a little, but she wasn't angry, just a little upset. That would explain why Bygone had been gone so long! Unless it happened somewhere in that in between time. "We ought to find Discord, should we not?" Luna offered, straightening and made to lift Bygone up in one foreleg- should he allow it. She would be happy to carry him, unless he preferred to walk on his own hooves. Luna turned a little in place, puzzling over where to start. She could easily just call his name and save time..
Discord Draconequus would flash out and make attempt to appear and pounce Luna, of course the ruffling of bushes as his larger body gets caught amonst them didn't make for a quiet approach so he fumbled a bit and would reappear flopped in the grass beside the princess but slid with such majesty that he lay lounged ais if that was waht he was meant to do-- grass stains on his feathers aside.
Bygone Echo was fixing to let go of Miss Luna whenever she did the unexpected and.. picked him up with a foreleg! The little changeling managed to suppress an 'eep' and clung to the alicorn as he looked about. "Y-yeah! We should." Was the somewhat uncertain tone from the changeling. Why did Dissy send him away like that? Did the chaos spirit forget or... just was it an accident? Or did he want to get rid of him? The little changeling was both excited and somewhat fearful even as discord crashd down in the grass. He lit up and looked like he was about to cry out but he cut himself off and his ears slowl fell back. He didn't know what he should do - or say... Nerve had suddenly taken an extended LOA...
Princess Luna cradled the changeling, pleased to still have him back. It'd been far too long since she'd seen Bygone, though now that he was back, his similarity to the other foal was a bit striking. Just a coincidence, perhaps. The lunar princess turned towards the rustling bushes with some confusion and, lo' and behold, Discord appeared. She peered at him, eyebrow quirked up. Her head bent to loom over him and she held Bygone up in her grip. "Ah, there you are, Discord. Look who has returned to us!" She had no idea what he was doing, or had been trying to do.
Discord Draconequus couldn't remember sending Bygone off, just figured he was playing in Everfree as he did! "Hey By!" But the foal's apprehension caught the spirit's attention, struck a nerve even. His ears folded back as he looked between the Changeling and Luna. "what's --?" Was he hurt or something?
Bygone Echo managed a bit of a smile at his big brother, but... what foal wouldn't be apprehensive after that? The little changeling in disguise clung a little more to Luna even as he saw the ears lay back. Did Dissy not know? Not remember? Dissy sent him away and forgot about him! - Until he managed to find his way back of course. He was that unimportant? The changeling's hat slid forward some; enough to cover his eyes as he sniffled. He wouldn't cry in front of Dissy! It was just like the 'hive' he'd visited... They laughed and smiled with him, and he adored his nickname - but some part found being called 'jester' as somewhat inappropriate, perhaps even hurtful. ~ Even if he'd never voice that. He adored his friends too much...
Princess Luna felt something was a little off.. Bygone didn't seem as enthusiastic about seeing Discord, as he usually was. She carefully folded her legs underneath her to settle down on the grass, her brow furrowing. She couldn't see his face, but she felt him clinging to her. Teal eyes flicked over towards Discord, clearly confused. "Bygone, are you doing okay?" He had looked unusually thin. How did one feed a changeling? "Did something happen to you while you were gone? We can help." There was concern in Luna's voice as she settled him comfortably in the dip between her curled forelegs.
Discord Draconequus was the most confused...given that Bygone was hardly chaotic in the least. The spirit pushed to float, barely hover off the grass. "Yes, where have you been all this while? I couldn't find you anywhere." Of course he looked about but the foal was neither here nor there. Time was fickle and strange that way. He could only find what was meant to be found, sometimes only unfind what was already found.
Bygone Echo was actually heartened a little whenever he heard that Discord couldn't find him. He did look? The little changeling could also hear the concern in Luna's voice and that as well as the way he was settled between her forelegs helped him get the gustas needed to talk. "W-when Dissy mailed me I managed to get out in some wierd place. Nothing worked right! There were floating islands, fish swimming in the sky, living plushies, hoozles and weffalumps, pink bubble-mammoth parades... S-so many w-wierd things! I didn't know where to go ~ a-and I couldn't find anypony. And there was only c-chaos magic b-but nothing else to eat but my emergency supply..." he rubbed one foreleg with the other while his ears laid flat. The emergency supply lasted a week.
Princess Luna mulled over the situation, her eyebrows furrowing down as she looked at the top of Bygone's oversized hat. What in Equestria was he talking about? None of it made sense to her, either. She cast another look at Discord, as though asking him about that very topic nonverbally- why did he mail Bygone, and to where? "What might we find you to feed you? You look quite starved." Luna wasn't sure how to handle the first bit, but for food for the changeling, she felt she could tackle that at least.
Discord Draconequus tilted his head. "what were you doing on that side of Chaosville? Don't you know that's no place for foals?" That seemed -- odd. "I properly addressed the box. You should have been straight in Everfree by the morning.." He pondered the security of the mailing system. "Perhaps we should have a talk with Muffins, bubbles --oh whatever you ponies call her these days. Derpy has been slacking. Putting Bygone in such a dangerous situation. No one lives on the fringes of Chaosville!" He would know. His neighbors were far, few and inbetween.
Bygone Echo quirked his head to the side. "Ch-Chaosville?" Was the rather odd sound from the little changeling. Isn't that where Dissy and the Chickens lived? How had he never found them?! His attention was diverted to Luna whenever the princess asked what to find to feed him! W-Well... Magic was okay, but...M-maybe a few pastries and some time in canterlot market. I-I need emotion...The concern from the alicorn was actually like water to the thirsty! Emotions directed at him were the most potent, and he was guiltily taking advantage of it.
Princess Luna made a noise in her throat. "Chaosville?" She echoed. "Discord, perhaps you should not go about shoving foals in boxes. Really." She chided. The state Bygone in was terrible, and she would hate to think of what would happen if he never managed to find his way back.. "I think I can send one of the castle staff to the kitchens to bring you back some food." Luna offered Bygone. She would have to get up to do it, but she wanted to make sure the changeling was doing okay before she released him.
Discord Draconequus folded his ears and glared when Luna scolded him. "Well how was I supposed to know the mailponies were unreliable?!" He did not like the way she expressed that towards him, but he was generally malcontent when being told what to do at his age! You know, eons old. He grumped a bit, curling his tail around his haunches as he lowered to the ground. Stubborn dragon. "You know if you're so worried about him why not have him sleep over with us?" He grinned, offering Luna's company without asking her. Ah, how he enjoyed not without her permission, very much. How could she say no? ....She couldn't. Buhehehehe.
Bygone Echo looked between Luna and Discord. The little changeling perked up at the idea of food... Food after these months! He'd been practically spoiled by living at the castle until he'd been stuffed in the box and shipped to Chaosville! "Yay! I'll take ANYTHING!" He'd happily cheer... he probably would take just about anything. And he'd probably put it away to! Thank the stars for his ability to digest pony food! He looked to Discord as he grumped and then perked up. Sleep over with Dissy and Luna? Hopeful changeling was hopeful! He didn't wanna be away form his friends!
Princess Luna flicked her ears, uncertain how to approach that with the draconequus. One did not put foals in boxes and try to ship them, unreliable mail ponies or not! She didn't say this aloud and merely huffed, loosening her hold on the changeling foal, and instead focused on the rest. "A sleepover does sound fun.." Luna admitted, looking down at Bygone. It had been a while, and they could catch up, play games.. make sure Bygone was fed, too. Luna nodded. "Of course. We can do just that and find us snacks from the kitchens!"
Discord Draconequus did not seem to pursue his sass when Luna dropped it on the way in! He pushed back to float, vanishing before blinking in behind Bygone, chuckling. "Oooh you must tell me of the Pink Mammoth Lands though Bygone. I've actually never been over there. Noisy sort." He professed before glancing to Luna. He looked away and lowered his paw to attempt and ruffle Bygone's mane.
Bygone Echo could hardly help but make an 'eeeeeeee' type of sound as it was decided that he'd be staying over with Luna and Dissy! However while he didn't actually 'say' much he was visibly bouncing.. or perhaps vibrating? He wasn't bouncing very high. However the mention of the pink mammoth lands made him clam up and shiver. "That was a terrible, terrible place!" he'd squeak; too distracted by the flashes of the horrible place to get upset over his messy mane being ruffled! He liked his particular mess!
Princess Luna properly moved her forelegs away just so that she could back up off of the grass, smiling at how excited Bygone was. As long as he was happy.. She turned away, missing the mane ruffling, as she moved off to find one of the staff to send to the kitchen as she'd said she would do. Enough snacks for all of them, and tea. "You need not worry about it any longer, you are back with us now and in comfort. Come, perhaps we should go inside."
Discord Draconequus floated along behind them, forelimbs tucking, "Well, that seems boring. It's such a nice day. Why not have it outside? We can get to the pillow forts after a good snack!" Was he just mooching for the food? The spirit moved his paw to attempt and levitate By to roll him in teh air. "I mean does he look like he needs to be stuffed inside that boooring castle? He just got back!"
Bygone Echo pushed himself up to a sitting position so that Luna could stand and move to find the staff. WHat sort of food woudl they have?! That thought caused the little changeling to nearly drool in anticipation! A quite pony reaction but considering what he was it wasn't totally surprising. He hadn't had a good confection for too long! "Okay!" with that he hopped after Luna one hop only to be suddenly brought up off the ground to roll in the air! As always what was the first thing he did? He tried to swim in the air. Futile.... And silly looking because he was rolling around in the air. It was such fun b-but he was getting disoriented!
Princess Luna paused at the doorway, thoughtful. She turned her head to look up at the sky- day? "I suppose that will be a good idea, but he does not seem to mind." The princess jerked her chin up at the changeling that now floated in Discord's grip. Some time outside would probably do her good, too. Smiling a little at Bygone's flailing in midair, Luna walked off to go and pester one of the castle staff with no further distractions. To be delivered out to them in the gardens~.
Discord Draconequus cackled at Bygone's struggle. "Well, at least you didn't fall into the bottomless pit!" That would have taken him the longest to fish Bygone out, though maybe easier to realize he was about in the first place. The owners of the bottomless pit certainly hated when you threw ponies in there! "What shall we be having Lulu~?" He moved to lower Bygone before appearing dangling in front of the princess, grinning widely. "I mean we are having cake, right? We must celebrate Bygone's return!"
Bygone Echo wobbled and staggered about whenever he was finally set down. The little changeling was thoroughly... dizzy? quit possibly. He tried to stand back on his hooves a few times only to topple over. However his equilibrium seemed to return after a few and he was able to get back onto his hooves. "Cake would be amaaaaazing!" He hadn't had a good cake in how long now? He hadn't even had cupcakes, and those made him fear for his life! Especially when he came across one and it nearly ate him instead!
Princess Luna was forced to come to a halt when Discord blocked her way, frowning a little. Cake? She could hear Bygone excitedly agreeing somewhere behind her. "Yes, cake, and tea. Perhaps cookies, or cupcakes.. even brownies. Small sweets." The princess told them both, shrugging. "Whatever it is the pair of you wish to have, but I must put the kitchens on it. Unless you have no desire to wait, but I am coming to understand you cannot manifest anything.." For reasons, but she couldn't really remember that detail.
Discord Draconequus had been pleasantly smug when cake was offered but he would still, the princess likely getting a chance to pass as the spirit of disharmony and confusion was met -- with just that. Di-- did she just? "Excuse you, princess?" He arched a brow and turned his head to look at her. "I'll have you know I am capable of transcending time and space!" A short manifested on his body as he 'rolled up his sleeves'. Was that a made doctor's jacket? "Sweet, strawberry chocolate birthday cake, and companions for it!" He did a biit of posturing but, in the end, merely snapped his fingers and manifested a picnic which included a delicious cake, desu, as well as cupcakes with strange looking, hardboiled eggs.
Bygone Echo cheered when it was said that there would indeed be cake! Cake, tea, cookies, cupcakes, even brownies were said! Small sweets - candy?! Ooooh yes, they all sounded so good. "All of it!" with the 'bouncing' the changeling was doing did he really need sweets? He hadn't had sweets in this long and yet he was STILL bouncy! However something Luna said seemed to cause Dissy some... strife... With some posturing and but a snap there was a picnic including the oddly placed potato salad amongst various confectioneries of delight! However something was familiar. "Haven't I seen..." he was confuzzled. The hardboiled eggs were familiar... Did he see something like those before? He was squinting at them.
Princess Luna made to step by the draconequus, but that phrase brought her back to a halt. "What?" She thought she remembered something about his magic, but, clearly that was not the case. It got the job done, and she had no need to return to the palace. "Why, Discord, this saves me a lot of time." Had it been intentional of her to do so? She couldn't really tell for certain, herself. Luna turned back to join them at the spread out picnic and settled herself down on one side. Potato salad? She sniffed at it curiously. "Is anything the matter, Bygone?"
Discord Draconequus crossed his forearms over his chest as he snorted, giving a bit of a scoff. "the least bit you could do is try my potato salad Lulu~" He manifested a hankey and dabbed his eyes. "I worked so hard on it! It is probably the most famous potato salad recipe in the universe!" He was such a drama queen. Settling down on the blanket he lounged on his side. He felt something off about her comment. She knew very well he could create anything! Right...? How much did Luna know about him. His ears folded back as he looked to Bygone, dragging the potato salad bowl towards him with his magic.
Bygone Echo continued to squint at the egg for just a while longer until he heard his voice said. "Huh?" was the eloquent reply until his brain caught up with what had been said. "No ~ NononoNo ~ no... Nothing wrong. These eggs are strangely familiar though.." The little changeling hoofed at one of the eggs only to turn back to look at the potato salad bowl that was being dragged along via magic. "Oooh ~ What should I try first?" There was so much to choose from! He experienced much in the fringe of Chaosville.... far too much...He seized one of the cupcakes finally and took a large bite.
Princess Luna had been thinking about the potato salad, she just wanted to make sure it really was that and not something else as a trick. "Of course I will." She said and.. found the bowl being dragged away from her. Oh. No potato salad for her, it seemed. "They look very strange. What sort of eggs have those markings?" Or were they just painted on? Decoration? Leave it to Discord to manifest something weird. "Try anything." Luna suggested and levitated up one of the cupcakes herself to nibble into.
Discord Draconequus dunked his muzzle into the potato salad. He pricked his ears when Bygone dove for the cupcakes, though biting into one might release a strange, robotic sounding --weird. Maybe it was the air releasing? Discord looked over to Luna before chuckling. "You know Bygone, now that you are back we can have such wonderful adventures. It's been so boring that all I find myself doing it keeping Luna up all day." He cocked his head, pondering upon a thought. Where had that come from?Why was he --- considering if what he got for her was well received, or received at all.
Bygone Echo gathered a few more cupcakes and then turned to hop back over to Discord.. The thin little 'unicorn' flopped down next to his 'big brother' and took another bite from the cupcake. Two more floated to settle down next to him. "Adventures? Adventures are fun!" he smiled wide. He'd dreamed about some adventures in chaosland; but alas that thought brought out a somewhat sad smile for a moment. They were merely dreams; nothing more.
Princess Luna twitched her ear at the sound from the cupcakes. What was that sound? Was there any point even questioning something manifested by the spirit of chaos himself? Probably not. She could ask, but she would never get a straight answer. The picnic was pleasant enough, and she didn't want to do anything. "Indeed, he has been. It has left me quite tired at times." Luna agreed, looking over at the changeling in disguise. Without him, Discord was practically all over her, not that she minded sometimes, but she did need sleep during the day..
Discord Draconequus seemed utterly amused at their confusion. He licked the cremey potato off his muzzle and glanced over to By, his chin coming to rest on his paw's palm. "so Bygone, have you encountered the Jabberwocky? I heard he lives passed the field of ears." Chaosville was a strange and mysterious place full ob backwards obscurity best left in the back reference of a book. He glanced to Luna and levitated the potato salad bowl teasingly.
Bygone Echo made a bit of a face. "Was that west of the rainbow gate or east of the lollipop graveyard?" a fore-hoof was brought up to rub the side of his head. "Or... was... that near the forest of dragonfly?" The little changeling had got quite lost out there in the fringe of chaos! He finished the first cupcake and went to start on the next as he turned his attention to Luna. "Ooooh! That isn't nice, Dissy! Ponies need sleep!" he'd say as he turned and poked the draconequus a few times with a hoof. "I go crazy when I can't sleep!" When... wasn't he crazy already?
Princess Luna found their conversation most strange. She knew of Chaosville because of passing mentions by Discord, but not what it contained. None of it made any sense to her, but that was probably the point of Discord's home. She munched quietly away on her cupcake while she listened, trying not to think too hard about it. "Now that you are home with us again, Bygone, I might have a better chance to get the sleep I need. You will keep him busy for me, will you not?"
Discord Draconequus would vanish, only to reappear by Luna's side with the bowl of potatoes. "Oh, no, no it's South of the Whaling Willows." Willows that grew on the backs of flying whales. He allowed the bowl of potato salad to rest between his paw and claw. "Oh please, I am already mad, and keeping Luna up all day isn't mean~it's counter productive." He asserted. Letting his tail flop over the princess' back he chuckled. "Speaking of whale willows, Lulu: did you get my gift?" He cooed, moving a to tug at her ear as he levitated the bowl up towards his muzzle. After teasing the lunar mare a bit he would finish the potato salad, bowl and all!
Bygone Echo inclined his head. "Ooooooh... I never made it to the whaling willows. I mean... It was difficult to get across the dune sea (pun'd) because rainbow road was under construction!" he'd say with a bit of an 'eew' face.... He didn't really like rainbow... tasted spicy... or did it taste bland? Maybe it was bland in chaosville... The little changeling smiled at Luna and made a gesture that was akin to a salute. "Yes ma'am miss Luna! I'll keep Dissy occupied so you can sleep!" The changeling smiled wide. He would long as Discord didn't try mailing him again!
Princess Luna smiled at Bygone's enthusiastic agreement and turned her attention to Discord's reappearance. She eyed the bowl of potato salad, but he was already eating his way through it. Oh well, she had cupcakes. "Gift?" She faltered for a moment as she thought- she had been busy getting back onto schedule with her usual duties in the night she had almost forgotten. "Ah! I have, 'twas out on my balcony in a box. I never knew roses could be blue.. It was quite pretty." Luna expressed, turning a smile upon Discord himself. "It is in a vase on a table in my room, now, where I may see it."
Discord Draconequus rolled his eyes. "Rainbow road is always under constructions. Those turtles are always destroying it." He remarked before looking to Luna. His ears folded back when she seemed unable to remember. He gave a nod and chuckled. "They were indeed rather unique." He inched close to settle his noodly self close to the mare before pricking his ears, a grin drawing on his features as he tilted his head to bump against Luna's. "You knooooow~ I could properly show you two my realm." Was it his -- or something there before even he-- "Oh look, you've a little something --here." He moved to raise his paw and stroke the underside of Luna's chin, quite gently, as if brushing off crumbs. No he was being a rather sneaky snek.
Bygone Echo made a face and nodded. "Yeah. I avoided them." he'd say as he polished off the second cupcake. The third cupcake found itself being nibbled on a little slower but at the same time he was still quite hungry. The little changeling found his gaze turning to Discord and Luna as they did...something. He didn't know why but it caused him to have a bit of a foalish 'eeew' reaction though he distracted himself by munching on sweets...
Princess Luna found her attention caught by that offer of exploring Chaosville. What an adventure that would be, from the sound of it. All the strange things it seemed to hold within. Her ear twitched- she had something on her chin? No, Discord was just being.. affectionate. She leaned into the soft touch to her chin, glancing over at Bygone as she did- he had been gone long enough that he had missed some development. Clearly he was reacting as all foals did, which drew a chuckle from Luna.
Discord Draconequus smirked a bit at Bygone's reaction. "Oh--" He considered a way to make the foal spaz a bit. He tucked his head so it brushed under Luna's chin, though he was careful with his sharp and twisted horns. "Are you-- disgusted by the idea of my home, to make such a face?" He snickered into his claws. "Ah-- too bad you would have liked to meet Jaques and Marie!" Little did Bygone know they were giant Star Spiders. "Ahhh Luna, By doesn't want to hang out with meeeee." He pushed forward to brush into the princess like an obnoxious cat and throw his weight around.
Bygone Echo was watching the two now with attention that was only born from the 'since when/how the buck did this happen?' part of the brain. That type of feeling when watching a train wreck or.... seeing something that would normally be horrifying but turns out to be fascinating. And why was he feeling better?! he'd hardly ate more than three cupcakes and yet now he was feeling better.... The changeling quickly shook his head and then recoiled in horror upon hearing what Discord said. "NO! I just.. I dont' wanna get lost out there again!" he'd say only for the last nail on the head to be hit when Discord seemed to proclaim he didn't want to hang out! "No! I do wanna hang out with you! You and Miss Luna! Don't leave me alone!" he pounced the draconequus... attempted destination? Face, what else?
Princess Luna was amused by the draconequus's actions and rested her head on top of his, watching Bygone over it. "Nonsense, he clearly wants to hang out with you." She pointed out teasingly. "You need not worry about getting lost in Discord's realm, not with us there to keep a careful eye on you." Luna added towards the changeling as he dropped everything to.. what? The princess sat there to watch Bygone pounce at Discord, eyebrows raised.
Discord Draconequus blinked and turned his face, but he was unable to Dooooooooodge and found himself with a serious case of face-lings. He looekd to Luna, the changeling attached to his face like a furry flea. "Hmm, I seem to have something on my face." Certainly it was not the potatoes.... He would move his head to than smear the foal against Luna as he pretended to try and rub off the stain. "Oh my, whatever has latched itself to me, I do hope it is not some mind controlling symbiote!" Rub smoosh.
Bygone Echo clung to Discord with little hooves of... steel? He had a bit of a death grip on Discord's face! "Yes - yes! I wanna hang out!" he'd say only to suddenly find himself being smeared against Luna! He made a few 'eeep' type sounds as he tried to cling, however he'd have slipped after one rub. Sadly he was dislodged after several rubs and tumbled off! Luckily Luna was there; thus he tried to grab ahold of the alicorn instead! Not her face of course but her neck or a foreleg at the least!
Princess Luna should have guessed. Bygone always went for the face! She grunted when Discord made to rub Bygone off by using her, unfolding a wing forward to catch the changeling once he slid off. A soft landing, or at least something to hold on to if she couldn't manage that. "'Tis but a Bygone, nothing to worry about, ser Discord." Luna joined in on the fun, giggling softly. "There is no chance we will ever leave you behind, it has been quite a while, how could I pass up on hanging out with you?"
Discord Draconequus snorted and laid his head down against Luna. "Yes, yes. Who could leave such a troublemaking foal behind? He's far too entertaining~" Never was one to dismiss trouble but it was never dangerous trouble! Though someponies made it out to be. "Besides you're my dear little brother. I'm bound to misplace you, but it does not mean I worry..." He grinned at Luna. "besides if we have the ever responsible Lulu with us we can get her into trouble too~" He wiggled his forked tongue against her cheek.
Bygone Echo was caught by the wing and moved to climb onto the alicorn's back. Who knew alicorn were actually rather... comfortable! He sure didn't! Alas the little changeling settled down on his new perch and nodded as he hugged luna from the back? And by hugged the little changeling... tried? Short forelegs be short so best he did was just sprawl out really. His ears perked and he turned his head to Discord. "ooooh ~ I don't try to cause trouble though! It always finds me!" the thought of getting the 'ever responsible Lulu' in trouble as it were made him lower - perk - and then lower his ears again. "But Miss Luna is a princess ~ can she get into trouble?" perplexed changeling was perplexed. Even Luna could get into trouble?! Amazing!
Princess Luna pondered that herself. She could get in trouble as much as the next pony, couldn't she? But as a princess, maybe more. She let Bygone climb up around and on her back, which provided the perfect perch for him. Her wings folded back against her sides, held up a little as though to prevent any possibility of him rolling off. "It depends on what the trouble is. Should I do something to make my citizens unhappy with my rule in any way, I very much could. Or in trouble with my sister should I hide all her cake." Luna stated such aloud, nose twitching as Discord's tongue tickled her cheek.
Discord Draconequus chuckled and nuzzled the Princess as By seemed better! He wasn't crabby! He looked off to the side, ears flicking as if he had heard something. "Yes, how about... tomorrow evening we can go together..." He cooed. "Oh you get to see... where it is I live." He smirked. "but be assured, you cannot stay from my side -- not for a moment. Especially if you haven't levitation." At least of the self. He smirked. "Are you interested in seeing my realm Lulu~?"
Bygone Echo let out a hum-like sound as he rest upon the alicorn's back. He was feeling rather full... why? Oh, who knows but he was fed and happy now! Who needs to go out into canterlot now?! "Oooh! Can I play games with the chickens again? I rather liked that game with the puzzles ~ and the boxes ~ and the lasers!" he'd say with a wide smile. He wished he could get that thing that played the chickens' games but... he could only get that from Discord. Maybe he could ask for one?
Princess Luna was certainly considering whether she should go. She nudged Discord with her nose in turn, nodding. "It sounds like quite an interesting.. place. I would not mind visiting it to see what it is like, and where you live." Or had, anyway, considering Discord spent a lot of time around Canterlot and the palace itself. Her ear twitched back towards Bygone. What was a laser? Her brow furrowed a little, but the changeling seemed quite thrilled about it. "Tomorrow would be a good time to visit this realm of yours."
Discord Draconequus scratched at his beard. "If they aren't too tired from foalsitting Ruby, she can be a pawful." He chuckled, knowingly. The male continued to enjoy the mare's attentions, though... he sometimes did worry about it. "It is not like Canterlot nor any part of Equestria, or the world." He seriously expressed. "The logic you hold in this world, have no bounds there. If you felt Equestria was in ruins under my former rule... well let us just say it was just a mirror."
Bygone Echo let out a quiet yawn from his Luna bed. He was fed, safe, and comfortable ~ What else did the little changeling need? Another yawn brought out a nod. "Gooood... I wanna play that game again. Ooooh Dissy; think you could make me a game system like they have?! Pleeeeeease?!" It was, after all, impossible to get one like that anywhere in equestria. Dissy and his reality breaking ways! The foal tried to use the 'I'm an adorable foal now do my bidding!' look on the poor draconequus.
Princess Luna mulled that over. "That of which you and Bygone were discussing made little sense to me as is, perhaps may never make sense even once I see this realm of yours. Regardless, I will stick close to your side when we get there, as I have little interest in getting lost." Speaking of, what was Bygone on about? Luna looked over at where he was sprawled on her back- he sounded like he was getting sleepy. D'aw.
Discord Draconequus crossed his forepaw and claw thoughtfully. "I'll think about it. It may do a little more than create chaos here." Chaos was one thing. It was controllable, but Paradoxes were a bit more difficult for him to resolve. He was no cat, only had a part of a cat on him! Who was the say about it: maybe he wasn't part cat at all! "Very curious things do exist in that realm, because they cannot exist elsewhere, but have existed somewhere. All rather complicated." He assured before his ear swiveled back, following his head turning. Oh -- Bygone was falling asleep. How boring! Well, even though he thought that, twas not how he felt about the matter. He worried his paw and claw. Sometimes the peace bothered him.
Discord Draconequus felt that when things were quiet they were perfect, in order, and he had to destroy it. It was the nature of the beast. Sure he wasn't as afraid as he was before, given the nightmares being quelled, but there too was the difficulty and worry that he simply did not know how to care for others in how they needed. He shook his head, tilting his skull at Luna. His claws came to his chin in the most mischievous manner. "Oh Luna my, that is quite a step forward, visiting my home." He teased, a deflection. He let out a laugh before moving to allow his body to relax on the picnic cloth. "I suppose it is late for him, though I have no desire, yet, to depart for I have grown curious over a few things, for the sake of my amusement of course." He paused. "But, I do suppose little foals tucker out eventually." Puh.
Bygone Echo made some sound that sounded like a barely coherent ~ "B-but gameeez"... Alas the little changeling was drifting off since he had been returned to friendly company. It was like he'd eaten his fill! He indeed had between the two.... The little disguised changeling nestled down between Luna's wings with eyes closed and unless something happened to change his state he was indeed quite tuckered out. Over four-maybe more weeks of too much excitement was catching up with the 'fat 'n happy' changeling! He didn't know how time passed in chaosville compared to ponyville... but he'd spent too long there for anypony sane. Thankfully he never claimed to be sane.
Princess Luna let Discord handle the matter of this 'game system' Bygone spoke of. She was completely out of the loop of such things, and merely served as a comfortable bed for the changeling. Another cupcake was lifted up to be nibbled upon while she listened, up until Discord addressed her again. She shot him a smile. "Curious, of what?" Luna thought to ask as she peered back around at Bygone again. He had gone quiet, and it was no surprise, he had fallen asleep. She would have to put him to bed, but he was fine where he was, for now.
Discord Draconequus scowled when Luna looked to him with such an expression. He was becoming increasingly comfortable with such and it bothered him, just a little. "I was merely curious as to what you think our current state of companionship." He really had no other way of wording it, given that it was new to him. How did one refer to the princess? He raised his paw to brush his feathered chest. "It is rather befuddling, in truth to not --- prod around a pony's mind to obtain answers I want. Asking, wondering..." He has tried hard since the incident with Flutters now to poke around ponys' brains!
Princess Luna took another small bite of her cupcake, giving Discord some time, and pondering when he answered her. "Surely more than friends, if the question you asked me back in.. the office was anything to go by. A special somepony?" She queried aloud, uncertain herself. "I am certain there is a way we can describe this companionship of ours. Such as if it would make thee my, as the ponies call it, 'coltfriend'?" It was all very new to her too. "Courting?"
Discord Draconequus looked towards her as she responded. In earnest he was not expecting a reply that was straight forward. Maybe it was that he was expecting something else entirely. To be ignored, laughed at, even rejected. The spirit was never one who could handle being told no, but that was something he was slowly learning. One could not always force his opinions and ideals onto others, though when it came to chaos... that was one thing he had no choice but to force onto others. "Well, I would suppose it is courting." He turned his head away, ears folding against his skull. Forelimbs would tuck against him as he loafed, feeling a bit vulnerable.
Discord Draconequus looked around the gardens, the bit of a forest he made would take them a while to cut through. "DO you -- believe -- I could be somepony -- special? Somepony dependable?" His skull rolled so he could fully turn and face the lunar deity. "Or am I simply fooling myself into a false sense of security?" He tilted his head. "While such close relationships are sought, is it, truly, alright?"
Princess Luna had little to do in court this night, the first in a while. There were few ponies to speak with and once they were gone, she was free to get up and leave. She didn't like being kept in the throne room for too long, not when there were so many other things to do in the night. There were no monster attacks she had to deal with, either, so it was something she didn't have to focus on, too. Just dreams, and whatever else might call her attention such as the mysterious goings-on in Canterlot. Where was Discord when she needed a distraction, or ser Bygone? It had been a while since she had seen the latter, but the changeling was probably up to something, somewhere. Hmm.
Discord Draconequus clearly had a perfect sense of time, damn near it, because a wizard of time was always precisely when he was meant to be where -- or something to that affect. "And me, here, without my cloak or wizard hat!" The spirit cackled as he hovered about with a cobweb strung between his horns that read: Excellent in glistening gossamer. Levitating about he would pap the grass as he passed, overgrowing it, making it seem as it it were never mowed. A veritable jungle habitat behind his wake. Poor gardeners. The courtyards would be inescapable by morning.
Bygone Echo let out a frown as he caught sight but naught but empty courtyard and guards! The little changeling had lost a lot of weight in chaosville, unfortunately. There had been literally nothing for him to feed on. No emotion, only magic and that only went so far when it was chaos magic.. Alas the first pony he came upon that wasn't a guard was Luna! His eyes went wide and he happily bounced forth with a joyous! "Miss Luna!" Whether she saw him approach or not he'd still try to bounce and hug one of the alicorn's forelegs! He'd missed her! That much was obvious by the brief sniffle the hat-wearing changeling tried his best to cover up. He wasn't crying! He was somewhat angry with Dissy but he would probably instantly forgive the draconequus as he was apt to do....He was just so.. naive! Dissy didn't have malicious intent! At least that is what he told himself.
Princess Luna didn't have much of a particular destination in mind in the castle, save perhaps.. the gardens? With winter gone, the Canterlot Gardens would be in full bloom again, but her way there was brought to a halt by a familiar little voice. Speak of the devil- er, changeling? "Bygone?" The princess queried as she found him springing her way, and onto one of her legs. Luna tried to kneel a little to hug him, pleased to see him again. "Where have you been, in Ponyville? It has been quite some time since I have seen you. The castle was quite empty, without.. and Discord will be happy to see thee too!"
Discord Draconequus would now consider the gardens overbloomed. Whoops. Time slipped. He cackled and floated along. Vanishing the spirit searched for somepony to annoy, vex, or even jinx. He would reappear crouched behind a boulder. From the distance he could spot a magical, flow tail of stars. What ho? Prey.... he settled himself into pounce position, yet aware of another individual about.
Bygone Echo could only smile up at Luna as the alicorn knelt in order to hug him. He moved from hugging the leg to giving the alicorn a proper hug himself! Even his disguise was painfully thin! Hopefully he'd be able to recover now that he'd returned.... "I... Dissy put me in a box and then I wound up in this strange place. I-I didn't know how to get back." the little changeling was a little clingy. That was rather understandable since he'd been worried he'd never see his friends again!
Princess Luna shifted a little so that she could better wrap a foreleg around the changeling. He felt so light and frail in her grip. ".. Did he now?" Her lips thinned a little, but she wasn't angry, just a little upset. That would explain why Bygone had been gone so long! Unless it happened somewhere in that in between time. "We ought to find Discord, should we not?" Luna offered, straightening and made to lift Bygone up in one foreleg- should he allow it. She would be happy to carry him, unless he preferred to walk on his own hooves. Luna turned a little in place, puzzling over where to start. She could easily just call his name and save time..
Discord Draconequus would flash out and make attempt to appear and pounce Luna, of course the ruffling of bushes as his larger body gets caught amonst them didn't make for a quiet approach so he fumbled a bit and would reappear flopped in the grass beside the princess but slid with such majesty that he lay lounged ais if that was waht he was meant to do-- grass stains on his feathers aside.
Bygone Echo was fixing to let go of Miss Luna whenever she did the unexpected and.. picked him up with a foreleg! The little changeling managed to suppress an 'eep' and clung to the alicorn as he looked about. "Y-yeah! We should." Was the somewhat uncertain tone from the changeling. Why did Dissy send him away like that? Did the chaos spirit forget or... just was it an accident? Or did he want to get rid of him? The little changeling was both excited and somewhat fearful even as discord crashd down in the grass. He lit up and looked like he was about to cry out but he cut himself off and his ears slowl fell back. He didn't know what he should do - or say... Nerve had suddenly taken an extended LOA...
Princess Luna cradled the changeling, pleased to still have him back. It'd been far too long since she'd seen Bygone, though now that he was back, his similarity to the other foal was a bit striking. Just a coincidence, perhaps. The lunar princess turned towards the rustling bushes with some confusion and, lo' and behold, Discord appeared. She peered at him, eyebrow quirked up. Her head bent to loom over him and she held Bygone up in her grip. "Ah, there you are, Discord. Look who has returned to us!" She had no idea what he was doing, or had been trying to do.
Discord Draconequus couldn't remember sending Bygone off, just figured he was playing in Everfree as he did! "Hey By!" But the foal's apprehension caught the spirit's attention, struck a nerve even. His ears folded back as he looked between the Changeling and Luna. "what's --?" Was he hurt or something?
Bygone Echo managed a bit of a smile at his big brother, but... what foal wouldn't be apprehensive after that? The little changeling in disguise clung a little more to Luna even as he saw the ears lay back. Did Dissy not know? Not remember? Dissy sent him away and forgot about him! - Until he managed to find his way back of course. He was that unimportant? The changeling's hat slid forward some; enough to cover his eyes as he sniffled. He wouldn't cry in front of Dissy! It was just like the 'hive' he'd visited... They laughed and smiled with him, and he adored his nickname - but some part found being called 'jester' as somewhat inappropriate, perhaps even hurtful. ~ Even if he'd never voice that. He adored his friends too much...
Princess Luna felt something was a little off.. Bygone didn't seem as enthusiastic about seeing Discord, as he usually was. She carefully folded her legs underneath her to settle down on the grass, her brow furrowing. She couldn't see his face, but she felt him clinging to her. Teal eyes flicked over towards Discord, clearly confused. "Bygone, are you doing okay?" He had looked unusually thin. How did one feed a changeling? "Did something happen to you while you were gone? We can help." There was concern in Luna's voice as she settled him comfortably in the dip between her curled forelegs.
Discord Draconequus was the most confused...given that Bygone was hardly chaotic in the least. The spirit pushed to float, barely hover off the grass. "Yes, where have you been all this while? I couldn't find you anywhere." Of course he looked about but the foal was neither here nor there. Time was fickle and strange that way. He could only find what was meant to be found, sometimes only unfind what was already found.
Bygone Echo was actually heartened a little whenever he heard that Discord couldn't find him. He did look? The little changeling could also hear the concern in Luna's voice and that as well as the way he was settled between her forelegs helped him get the gustas needed to talk. "W-when Dissy mailed me I managed to get out in some wierd place. Nothing worked right! There were floating islands, fish swimming in the sky, living plushies, hoozles and weffalumps, pink bubble-mammoth parades... S-so many w-wierd things! I didn't know where to go ~ a-and I couldn't find anypony. And there was only c-chaos magic b-but nothing else to eat but my emergency supply..." he rubbed one foreleg with the other while his ears laid flat. The emergency supply lasted a week.
Princess Luna mulled over the situation, her eyebrows furrowing down as she looked at the top of Bygone's oversized hat. What in Equestria was he talking about? None of it made sense to her, either. She cast another look at Discord, as though asking him about that very topic nonverbally- why did he mail Bygone, and to where? "What might we find you to feed you? You look quite starved." Luna wasn't sure how to handle the first bit, but for food for the changeling, she felt she could tackle that at least.
Discord Draconequus tilted his head. "what were you doing on that side of Chaosville? Don't you know that's no place for foals?" That seemed -- odd. "I properly addressed the box. You should have been straight in Everfree by the morning.." He pondered the security of the mailing system. "Perhaps we should have a talk with Muffins, bubbles --oh whatever you ponies call her these days. Derpy has been slacking. Putting Bygone in such a dangerous situation. No one lives on the fringes of Chaosville!" He would know. His neighbors were far, few and inbetween.
Bygone Echo quirked his head to the side. "Ch-Chaosville?" Was the rather odd sound from the little changeling. Isn't that where Dissy and the Chickens lived? How had he never found them?! His attention was diverted to Luna whenever the princess asked what to find to feed him! W-Well... Magic was okay, but...M-maybe a few pastries and some time in canterlot market. I-I need emotion...The concern from the alicorn was actually like water to the thirsty! Emotions directed at him were the most potent, and he was guiltily taking advantage of it.
Princess Luna made a noise in her throat. "Chaosville?" She echoed. "Discord, perhaps you should not go about shoving foals in boxes. Really." She chided. The state Bygone in was terrible, and she would hate to think of what would happen if he never managed to find his way back.. "I think I can send one of the castle staff to the kitchens to bring you back some food." Luna offered Bygone. She would have to get up to do it, but she wanted to make sure the changeling was doing okay before she released him.
Discord Draconequus folded his ears and glared when Luna scolded him. "Well how was I supposed to know the mailponies were unreliable?!" He did not like the way she expressed that towards him, but he was generally malcontent when being told what to do at his age! You know, eons old. He grumped a bit, curling his tail around his haunches as he lowered to the ground. Stubborn dragon. "You know if you're so worried about him why not have him sleep over with us?" He grinned, offering Luna's company without asking her. Ah, how he enjoyed not without her permission, very much. How could she say no? ....She couldn't. Buhehehehe.
Bygone Echo looked between Luna and Discord. The little changeling perked up at the idea of food... Food after these months! He'd been practically spoiled by living at the castle until he'd been stuffed in the box and shipped to Chaosville! "Yay! I'll take ANYTHING!" He'd happily cheer... he probably would take just about anything. And he'd probably put it away to! Thank the stars for his ability to digest pony food! He looked to Discord as he grumped and then perked up. Sleep over with Dissy and Luna? Hopeful changeling was hopeful! He didn't wanna be away form his friends!
Princess Luna flicked her ears, uncertain how to approach that with the draconequus. One did not put foals in boxes and try to ship them, unreliable mail ponies or not! She didn't say this aloud and merely huffed, loosening her hold on the changeling foal, and instead focused on the rest. "A sleepover does sound fun.." Luna admitted, looking down at Bygone. It had been a while, and they could catch up, play games.. make sure Bygone was fed, too. Luna nodded. "Of course. We can do just that and find us snacks from the kitchens!"
Discord Draconequus did not seem to pursue his sass when Luna dropped it on the way in! He pushed back to float, vanishing before blinking in behind Bygone, chuckling. "Oooh you must tell me of the Pink Mammoth Lands though Bygone. I've actually never been over there. Noisy sort." He professed before glancing to Luna. He looked away and lowered his paw to attempt and ruffle Bygone's mane.
Bygone Echo could hardly help but make an 'eeeeeeee' type of sound as it was decided that he'd be staying over with Luna and Dissy! However while he didn't actually 'say' much he was visibly bouncing.. or perhaps vibrating? He wasn't bouncing very high. However the mention of the pink mammoth lands made him clam up and shiver. "That was a terrible, terrible place!" he'd squeak; too distracted by the flashes of the horrible place to get upset over his messy mane being ruffled! He liked his particular mess!
Princess Luna properly moved her forelegs away just so that she could back up off of the grass, smiling at how excited Bygone was. As long as he was happy.. She turned away, missing the mane ruffling, as she moved off to find one of the staff to send to the kitchen as she'd said she would do. Enough snacks for all of them, and tea. "You need not worry about it any longer, you are back with us now and in comfort. Come, perhaps we should go inside."
Discord Draconequus floated along behind them, forelimbs tucking, "Well, that seems boring. It's such a nice day. Why not have it outside? We can get to the pillow forts after a good snack!" Was he just mooching for the food? The spirit moved his paw to attempt and levitate By to roll him in teh air. "I mean does he look like he needs to be stuffed inside that boooring castle? He just got back!"
Bygone Echo pushed himself up to a sitting position so that Luna could stand and move to find the staff. WHat sort of food woudl they have?! That thought caused the little changeling to nearly drool in anticipation! A quite pony reaction but considering what he was it wasn't totally surprising. He hadn't had a good confection for too long! "Okay!" with that he hopped after Luna one hop only to be suddenly brought up off the ground to roll in the air! As always what was the first thing he did? He tried to swim in the air. Futile.... And silly looking because he was rolling around in the air. It was such fun b-but he was getting disoriented!
Princess Luna paused at the doorway, thoughtful. She turned her head to look up at the sky- day? "I suppose that will be a good idea, but he does not seem to mind." The princess jerked her chin up at the changeling that now floated in Discord's grip. Some time outside would probably do her good, too. Smiling a little at Bygone's flailing in midair, Luna walked off to go and pester one of the castle staff with no further distractions. To be delivered out to them in the gardens~.
Discord Draconequus cackled at Bygone's struggle. "Well, at least you didn't fall into the bottomless pit!" That would have taken him the longest to fish Bygone out, though maybe easier to realize he was about in the first place. The owners of the bottomless pit certainly hated when you threw ponies in there! "What shall we be having Lulu~?" He moved to lower Bygone before appearing dangling in front of the princess, grinning widely. "I mean we are having cake, right? We must celebrate Bygone's return!"
Bygone Echo wobbled and staggered about whenever he was finally set down. The little changeling was thoroughly... dizzy? quit possibly. He tried to stand back on his hooves a few times only to topple over. However his equilibrium seemed to return after a few and he was able to get back onto his hooves. "Cake would be amaaaaazing!" He hadn't had a good cake in how long now? He hadn't even had cupcakes, and those made him fear for his life! Especially when he came across one and it nearly ate him instead!
Princess Luna was forced to come to a halt when Discord blocked her way, frowning a little. Cake? She could hear Bygone excitedly agreeing somewhere behind her. "Yes, cake, and tea. Perhaps cookies, or cupcakes.. even brownies. Small sweets." The princess told them both, shrugging. "Whatever it is the pair of you wish to have, but I must put the kitchens on it. Unless you have no desire to wait, but I am coming to understand you cannot manifest anything.." For reasons, but she couldn't really remember that detail.
Discord Draconequus had been pleasantly smug when cake was offered but he would still, the princess likely getting a chance to pass as the spirit of disharmony and confusion was met -- with just that. Di-- did she just? "Excuse you, princess?" He arched a brow and turned his head to look at her. "I'll have you know I am capable of transcending time and space!" A short manifested on his body as he 'rolled up his sleeves'. Was that a made doctor's jacket? "Sweet, strawberry chocolate birthday cake, and companions for it!" He did a biit of posturing but, in the end, merely snapped his fingers and manifested a picnic which included a delicious cake, desu, as well as cupcakes with strange looking, hardboiled eggs.
Bygone Echo cheered when it was said that there would indeed be cake! Cake, tea, cookies, cupcakes, even brownies were said! Small sweets - candy?! Ooooh yes, they all sounded so good. "All of it!" with the 'bouncing' the changeling was doing did he really need sweets? He hadn't had sweets in this long and yet he was STILL bouncy! However something Luna said seemed to cause Dissy some... strife... With some posturing and but a snap there was a picnic including the oddly placed potato salad amongst various confectioneries of delight! However something was familiar. "Haven't I seen..." he was confuzzled. The hardboiled eggs were familiar... Did he see something like those before? He was squinting at them.
Princess Luna made to step by the draconequus, but that phrase brought her back to a halt. "What?" She thought she remembered something about his magic, but, clearly that was not the case. It got the job done, and she had no need to return to the palace. "Why, Discord, this saves me a lot of time." Had it been intentional of her to do so? She couldn't really tell for certain, herself. Luna turned back to join them at the spread out picnic and settled herself down on one side. Potato salad? She sniffed at it curiously. "Is anything the matter, Bygone?"
Discord Draconequus crossed his forearms over his chest as he snorted, giving a bit of a scoff. "the least bit you could do is try my potato salad Lulu~" He manifested a hankey and dabbed his eyes. "I worked so hard on it! It is probably the most famous potato salad recipe in the universe!" He was such a drama queen. Settling down on the blanket he lounged on his side. He felt something off about her comment. She knew very well he could create anything! Right...? How much did Luna know about him. His ears folded back as he looked to Bygone, dragging the potato salad bowl towards him with his magic.
Bygone Echo continued to squint at the egg for just a while longer until he heard his voice said. "Huh?" was the eloquent reply until his brain caught up with what had been said. "No ~ NononoNo ~ no... Nothing wrong. These eggs are strangely familiar though.." The little changeling hoofed at one of the eggs only to turn back to look at the potato salad bowl that was being dragged along via magic. "Oooh ~ What should I try first?" There was so much to choose from! He experienced much in the fringe of Chaosville.... far too much...He seized one of the cupcakes finally and took a large bite.
Princess Luna had been thinking about the potato salad, she just wanted to make sure it really was that and not something else as a trick. "Of course I will." She said and.. found the bowl being dragged away from her. Oh. No potato salad for her, it seemed. "They look very strange. What sort of eggs have those markings?" Or were they just painted on? Decoration? Leave it to Discord to manifest something weird. "Try anything." Luna suggested and levitated up one of the cupcakes herself to nibble into.
Discord Draconequus dunked his muzzle into the potato salad. He pricked his ears when Bygone dove for the cupcakes, though biting into one might release a strange, robotic sounding --weird. Maybe it was the air releasing? Discord looked over to Luna before chuckling. "You know Bygone, now that you are back we can have such wonderful adventures. It's been so boring that all I find myself doing it keeping Luna up all day." He cocked his head, pondering upon a thought. Where had that come from?Why was he --- considering if what he got for her was well received, or received at all.
Bygone Echo gathered a few more cupcakes and then turned to hop back over to Discord.. The thin little 'unicorn' flopped down next to his 'big brother' and took another bite from the cupcake. Two more floated to settle down next to him. "Adventures? Adventures are fun!" he smiled wide. He'd dreamed about some adventures in chaosland; but alas that thought brought out a somewhat sad smile for a moment. They were merely dreams; nothing more.
Princess Luna twitched her ear at the sound from the cupcakes. What was that sound? Was there any point even questioning something manifested by the spirit of chaos himself? Probably not. She could ask, but she would never get a straight answer. The picnic was pleasant enough, and she didn't want to do anything. "Indeed, he has been. It has left me quite tired at times." Luna agreed, looking over at the changeling in disguise. Without him, Discord was practically all over her, not that she minded sometimes, but she did need sleep during the day..
Discord Draconequus seemed utterly amused at their confusion. He licked the cremey potato off his muzzle and glanced over to By, his chin coming to rest on his paw's palm. "so Bygone, have you encountered the Jabberwocky? I heard he lives passed the field of ears." Chaosville was a strange and mysterious place full ob backwards obscurity best left in the back reference of a book. He glanced to Luna and levitated the potato salad bowl teasingly.
Bygone Echo made a bit of a face. "Was that west of the rainbow gate or east of the lollipop graveyard?" a fore-hoof was brought up to rub the side of his head. "Or... was... that near the forest of dragonfly?" The little changeling had got quite lost out there in the fringe of chaos! He finished the first cupcake and went to start on the next as he turned his attention to Luna. "Ooooh! That isn't nice, Dissy! Ponies need sleep!" he'd say as he turned and poked the draconequus a few times with a hoof. "I go crazy when I can't sleep!" When... wasn't he crazy already?
Princess Luna found their conversation most strange. She knew of Chaosville because of passing mentions by Discord, but not what it contained. None of it made any sense to her, but that was probably the point of Discord's home. She munched quietly away on her cupcake while she listened, trying not to think too hard about it. "Now that you are home with us again, Bygone, I might have a better chance to get the sleep I need. You will keep him busy for me, will you not?"
Discord Draconequus would vanish, only to reappear by Luna's side with the bowl of potatoes. "Oh, no, no it's South of the Whaling Willows." Willows that grew on the backs of flying whales. He allowed the bowl of potato salad to rest between his paw and claw. "Oh please, I am already mad, and keeping Luna up all day isn't mean~it's counter productive." He asserted. Letting his tail flop over the princess' back he chuckled. "Speaking of whale willows, Lulu: did you get my gift?" He cooed, moving a to tug at her ear as he levitated the bowl up towards his muzzle. After teasing the lunar mare a bit he would finish the potato salad, bowl and all!
Bygone Echo inclined his head. "Ooooooh... I never made it to the whaling willows. I mean... It was difficult to get across the dune sea (pun'd) because rainbow road was under construction!" he'd say with a bit of an 'eew' face.... He didn't really like rainbow... tasted spicy... or did it taste bland? Maybe it was bland in chaosville... The little changeling smiled at Luna and made a gesture that was akin to a salute. "Yes ma'am miss Luna! I'll keep Dissy occupied so you can sleep!" The changeling smiled wide. He would long as Discord didn't try mailing him again!
Princess Luna smiled at Bygone's enthusiastic agreement and turned her attention to Discord's reappearance. She eyed the bowl of potato salad, but he was already eating his way through it. Oh well, she had cupcakes. "Gift?" She faltered for a moment as she thought- she had been busy getting back onto schedule with her usual duties in the night she had almost forgotten. "Ah! I have, 'twas out on my balcony in a box. I never knew roses could be blue.. It was quite pretty." Luna expressed, turning a smile upon Discord himself. "It is in a vase on a table in my room, now, where I may see it."
Discord Draconequus rolled his eyes. "Rainbow road is always under constructions. Those turtles are always destroying it." He remarked before looking to Luna. His ears folded back when she seemed unable to remember. He gave a nod and chuckled. "They were indeed rather unique." He inched close to settle his noodly self close to the mare before pricking his ears, a grin drawing on his features as he tilted his head to bump against Luna's. "You knooooow~ I could properly show you two my realm." Was it his -- or something there before even he-- "Oh look, you've a little something --here." He moved to raise his paw and stroke the underside of Luna's chin, quite gently, as if brushing off crumbs. No he was being a rather sneaky snek.
Bygone Echo made a face and nodded. "Yeah. I avoided them." he'd say as he polished off the second cupcake. The third cupcake found itself being nibbled on a little slower but at the same time he was still quite hungry. The little changeling found his gaze turning to Discord and Luna as they did...something. He didn't know why but it caused him to have a bit of a foalish 'eeew' reaction though he distracted himself by munching on sweets...
Princess Luna found her attention caught by that offer of exploring Chaosville. What an adventure that would be, from the sound of it. All the strange things it seemed to hold within. Her ear twitched- she had something on her chin? No, Discord was just being.. affectionate. She leaned into the soft touch to her chin, glancing over at Bygone as she did- he had been gone long enough that he had missed some development. Clearly he was reacting as all foals did, which drew a chuckle from Luna.
Discord Draconequus smirked a bit at Bygone's reaction. "Oh--" He considered a way to make the foal spaz a bit. He tucked his head so it brushed under Luna's chin, though he was careful with his sharp and twisted horns. "Are you-- disgusted by the idea of my home, to make such a face?" He snickered into his claws. "Ah-- too bad you would have liked to meet Jaques and Marie!" Little did Bygone know they were giant Star Spiders. "Ahhh Luna, By doesn't want to hang out with meeeee." He pushed forward to brush into the princess like an obnoxious cat and throw his weight around.
Bygone Echo was watching the two now with attention that was only born from the 'since when/how the buck did this happen?' part of the brain. That type of feeling when watching a train wreck or.... seeing something that would normally be horrifying but turns out to be fascinating. And why was he feeling better?! he'd hardly ate more than three cupcakes and yet now he was feeling better.... The changeling quickly shook his head and then recoiled in horror upon hearing what Discord said. "NO! I just.. I dont' wanna get lost out there again!" he'd say only for the last nail on the head to be hit when Discord seemed to proclaim he didn't want to hang out! "No! I do wanna hang out with you! You and Miss Luna! Don't leave me alone!" he pounced the draconequus... attempted destination? Face, what else?
Princess Luna was amused by the draconequus's actions and rested her head on top of his, watching Bygone over it. "Nonsense, he clearly wants to hang out with you." She pointed out teasingly. "You need not worry about getting lost in Discord's realm, not with us there to keep a careful eye on you." Luna added towards the changeling as he dropped everything to.. what? The princess sat there to watch Bygone pounce at Discord, eyebrows raised.
Discord Draconequus blinked and turned his face, but he was unable to Dooooooooodge and found himself with a serious case of face-lings. He looekd to Luna, the changeling attached to his face like a furry flea. "Hmm, I seem to have something on my face." Certainly it was not the potatoes.... He would move his head to than smear the foal against Luna as he pretended to try and rub off the stain. "Oh my, whatever has latched itself to me, I do hope it is not some mind controlling symbiote!" Rub smoosh.
Bygone Echo clung to Discord with little hooves of... steel? He had a bit of a death grip on Discord's face! "Yes - yes! I wanna hang out!" he'd say only to suddenly find himself being smeared against Luna! He made a few 'eeep' type sounds as he tried to cling, however he'd have slipped after one rub. Sadly he was dislodged after several rubs and tumbled off! Luckily Luna was there; thus he tried to grab ahold of the alicorn instead! Not her face of course but her neck or a foreleg at the least!
Princess Luna should have guessed. Bygone always went for the face! She grunted when Discord made to rub Bygone off by using her, unfolding a wing forward to catch the changeling once he slid off. A soft landing, or at least something to hold on to if she couldn't manage that. "'Tis but a Bygone, nothing to worry about, ser Discord." Luna joined in on the fun, giggling softly. "There is no chance we will ever leave you behind, it has been quite a while, how could I pass up on hanging out with you?"
Discord Draconequus snorted and laid his head down against Luna. "Yes, yes. Who could leave such a troublemaking foal behind? He's far too entertaining~" Never was one to dismiss trouble but it was never dangerous trouble! Though someponies made it out to be. "Besides you're my dear little brother. I'm bound to misplace you, but it does not mean I worry..." He grinned at Luna. "besides if we have the ever responsible Lulu with us we can get her into trouble too~" He wiggled his forked tongue against her cheek.
Bygone Echo was caught by the wing and moved to climb onto the alicorn's back. Who knew alicorn were actually rather... comfortable! He sure didn't! Alas the little changeling settled down on his new perch and nodded as he hugged luna from the back? And by hugged the little changeling... tried? Short forelegs be short so best he did was just sprawl out really. His ears perked and he turned his head to Discord. "ooooh ~ I don't try to cause trouble though! It always finds me!" the thought of getting the 'ever responsible Lulu' in trouble as it were made him lower - perk - and then lower his ears again. "But Miss Luna is a princess ~ can she get into trouble?" perplexed changeling was perplexed. Even Luna could get into trouble?! Amazing!
Princess Luna pondered that herself. She could get in trouble as much as the next pony, couldn't she? But as a princess, maybe more. She let Bygone climb up around and on her back, which provided the perfect perch for him. Her wings folded back against her sides, held up a little as though to prevent any possibility of him rolling off. "It depends on what the trouble is. Should I do something to make my citizens unhappy with my rule in any way, I very much could. Or in trouble with my sister should I hide all her cake." Luna stated such aloud, nose twitching as Discord's tongue tickled her cheek.
Discord Draconequus chuckled and nuzzled the Princess as By seemed better! He wasn't crabby! He looked off to the side, ears flicking as if he had heard something. "Yes, how about... tomorrow evening we can go together..." He cooed. "Oh you get to see... where it is I live." He smirked. "but be assured, you cannot stay from my side -- not for a moment. Especially if you haven't levitation." At least of the self. He smirked. "Are you interested in seeing my realm Lulu~?"
Bygone Echo let out a hum-like sound as he rest upon the alicorn's back. He was feeling rather full... why? Oh, who knows but he was fed and happy now! Who needs to go out into canterlot now?! "Oooh! Can I play games with the chickens again? I rather liked that game with the puzzles ~ and the boxes ~ and the lasers!" he'd say with a wide smile. He wished he could get that thing that played the chickens' games but... he could only get that from Discord. Maybe he could ask for one?
Princess Luna was certainly considering whether she should go. She nudged Discord with her nose in turn, nodding. "It sounds like quite an interesting.. place. I would not mind visiting it to see what it is like, and where you live." Or had, anyway, considering Discord spent a lot of time around Canterlot and the palace itself. Her ear twitched back towards Bygone. What was a laser? Her brow furrowed a little, but the changeling seemed quite thrilled about it. "Tomorrow would be a good time to visit this realm of yours."
Discord Draconequus scratched at his beard. "If they aren't too tired from foalsitting Ruby, she can be a pawful." He chuckled, knowingly. The male continued to enjoy the mare's attentions, though... he sometimes did worry about it. "It is not like Canterlot nor any part of Equestria, or the world." He seriously expressed. "The logic you hold in this world, have no bounds there. If you felt Equestria was in ruins under my former rule... well let us just say it was just a mirror."
Bygone Echo let out a quiet yawn from his Luna bed. He was fed, safe, and comfortable ~ What else did the little changeling need? Another yawn brought out a nod. "Gooood... I wanna play that game again. Ooooh Dissy; think you could make me a game system like they have?! Pleeeeeease?!" It was, after all, impossible to get one like that anywhere in equestria. Dissy and his reality breaking ways! The foal tried to use the 'I'm an adorable foal now do my bidding!' look on the poor draconequus.
Princess Luna mulled that over. "That of which you and Bygone were discussing made little sense to me as is, perhaps may never make sense even once I see this realm of yours. Regardless, I will stick close to your side when we get there, as I have little interest in getting lost." Speaking of, what was Bygone on about? Luna looked over at where he was sprawled on her back- he sounded like he was getting sleepy. D'aw.
Discord Draconequus crossed his forepaw and claw thoughtfully. "I'll think about it. It may do a little more than create chaos here." Chaos was one thing. It was controllable, but Paradoxes were a bit more difficult for him to resolve. He was no cat, only had a part of a cat on him! Who was the say about it: maybe he wasn't part cat at all! "Very curious things do exist in that realm, because they cannot exist elsewhere, but have existed somewhere. All rather complicated." He assured before his ear swiveled back, following his head turning. Oh -- Bygone was falling asleep. How boring! Well, even though he thought that, twas not how he felt about the matter. He worried his paw and claw. Sometimes the peace bothered him.
Discord Draconequus felt that when things were quiet they were perfect, in order, and he had to destroy it. It was the nature of the beast. Sure he wasn't as afraid as he was before, given the nightmares being quelled, but there too was the difficulty and worry that he simply did not know how to care for others in how they needed. He shook his head, tilting his skull at Luna. His claws came to his chin in the most mischievous manner. "Oh Luna my, that is quite a step forward, visiting my home." He teased, a deflection. He let out a laugh before moving to allow his body to relax on the picnic cloth. "I suppose it is late for him, though I have no desire, yet, to depart for I have grown curious over a few things, for the sake of my amusement of course." He paused. "But, I do suppose little foals tucker out eventually." Puh.
Bygone Echo made some sound that sounded like a barely coherent ~ "B-but gameeez"... Alas the little changeling was drifting off since he had been returned to friendly company. It was like he'd eaten his fill! He indeed had between the two.... The little disguised changeling nestled down between Luna's wings with eyes closed and unless something happened to change his state he was indeed quite tuckered out. Over four-maybe more weeks of too much excitement was catching up with the 'fat 'n happy' changeling! He didn't know how time passed in chaosville compared to ponyville... but he'd spent too long there for anypony sane. Thankfully he never claimed to be sane.
Princess Luna let Discord handle the matter of this 'game system' Bygone spoke of. She was completely out of the loop of such things, and merely served as a comfortable bed for the changeling. Another cupcake was lifted up to be nibbled upon while she listened, up until Discord addressed her again. She shot him a smile. "Curious, of what?" Luna thought to ask as she peered back around at Bygone again. He had gone quiet, and it was no surprise, he had fallen asleep. She would have to put him to bed, but he was fine where he was, for now.
Discord Draconequus scowled when Luna looked to him with such an expression. He was becoming increasingly comfortable with such and it bothered him, just a little. "I was merely curious as to what you think our current state of companionship." He really had no other way of wording it, given that it was new to him. How did one refer to the princess? He raised his paw to brush his feathered chest. "It is rather befuddling, in truth to not --- prod around a pony's mind to obtain answers I want. Asking, wondering..." He has tried hard since the incident with Flutters now to poke around ponys' brains!
Princess Luna took another small bite of her cupcake, giving Discord some time, and pondering when he answered her. "Surely more than friends, if the question you asked me back in.. the office was anything to go by. A special somepony?" She queried aloud, uncertain herself. "I am certain there is a way we can describe this companionship of ours. Such as if it would make thee my, as the ponies call it, 'coltfriend'?" It was all very new to her too. "Courting?"
Discord Draconequus looked towards her as she responded. In earnest he was not expecting a reply that was straight forward. Maybe it was that he was expecting something else entirely. To be ignored, laughed at, even rejected. The spirit was never one who could handle being told no, but that was something he was slowly learning. One could not always force his opinions and ideals onto others, though when it came to chaos... that was one thing he had no choice but to force onto others. "Well, I would suppose it is courting." He turned his head away, ears folding against his skull. Forelimbs would tuck against him as he loafed, feeling a bit vulnerable.
Discord Draconequus looked around the gardens, the bit of a forest he made would take them a while to cut through. "DO you -- believe -- I could be somepony -- special? Somepony dependable?" His skull rolled so he could fully turn and face the lunar deity. "Or am I simply fooling myself into a false sense of security?" He tilted his head. "While such close relationships are sought, is it, truly, alright?"
To be continued.