Post by Mal on Apr 13, 2016 2:58:20 GMT -5
Yunalesca had so little to occupy her time now with two of their friends gone. While Gleam slept in his room, she was alone, and she was starting to feel what it was like to deal with ponies that were no longer there. It was something she had gotten so used to that she needed to keep telling herself that they were gone. She found few things to do, such as her fortune telling out by the market in Ponyville, sinking into that old act for a while to make money. When she was at the inn, she tried to focus more on the book Lightning left her about magic. There was some difficulty in that, when her mind kept straying.. The next day when she peeked into Gleam's room to check up on him, he was still asleep, but his burnt and tattered robe caught her attention. She promised herself that she would get it fixed up for him, as a surprise.. Something positive. A gift. Yuna levitated it out of his room and left to find a seamstress in town, and through directions, she stumbled across a strange building- though not so strange as Sugarcube Corner, as the alicorn later learned it was called. It was somewhat pretty. Therein she spoke with the seamstress about the robe, a pretty white unicorn, but quite.. enthusiastic. She spent some time talking her down to just fixing it up, when the mare wanted to give it flashy additions. It was a struggle for Yuna to remain polite, but she eventually fought off offers of a new one just so she could get it.. fixed (even cleaned, for that matter). By the time the seamstress was finished, Yuna was happy to pay her and retreated back to the inn with the robe, where she folded it up and spent her time waiting for Gleam's waking.
Gleaming Echo remained passed out in bed for at least a day. Why would he not? His body had been about to the point of dropping when he'd arrived back at the inn after all! Whenever she took his robe he'd only let out a quiet murmur before a snore signaled him returning to unconsciousness. However it was whenever she finally returned with his fixed robe that it seemed like he just 'might' be nearing time to wake. He was more actively shifting in bed and, with a groan, he finally awoke.... He didn't remember falling asleep on the bed! Oooh, wait Yuna was there! She probably put him up in the bed! The cultist yawned and stretched out his limbs only to accidentally roll the wrong way. Unless something stopped him he'd roll right off into the floor; landing with a thump and an 'oooomph'!
Yunalesca, unfortunately, never returned to invade his room again. She kept the robe with her, tucked under a now bare wing while she waited for the time he woke, just so she could show it off to him. She wanted to see the face he made when he saw it was as good as new! The seamstress, despite her vibrant, overenthusiastic personality, knew what she was doing- Yuna was convinced she used spells just to fix up the burns.. The alicorn currently sat outside of her room, but even sitting in the hallway was a little painful. Alas, she sat there, book open, until she thought she heard a faint thump? It was usually silent in the inn, and it caught her attention. Yuna got up and peeked into Gleam's room again- was he awake yet? "Gleam?" She whispered questioningly, ears perked.
Gleaming Echo let out a rather odd sound and raised his head sleepily from his position on the floor ~ aaall tangled up in the sheets! "Good ~yawn~ morning Lady Yuna." the light half would reply as he attempted to shake the last of the fatigue from his head. Of course that would take time... or coffee. "I-I'm sorry about getting back so late this morn'. W-what time is it?" Obviously a certain pony wasn't aware that he'd pretty much been out like a light for over a day!
Yunalesca stepped more fully into the doorway of his room when she saw that he was awake. She didn't want to keep coming in his room while he was asleep, after all. "It's.. not morning. You were out for a day.. and probably a night too. I'm not exactly sure what time it is at the moment, though." She scrunched up her face in thought. Afternoon, midday? She couldn't be sure. "Don't worry about it.. all that matters is that you came back at all." Her voice was softer this time as she walked over to him, holding out a hoof to help him up- or to help untangle him from the sheets if he needed it.
Gleaming Echo stiffened up and his ears laid back. "I w-wasn't gone that long, right? We told you we'd be back by morning!" Did they not return before then?! Memory was rather hazy! Thankfully the alicorn moved over to offer them assistance. Gleam managed to untangle himself from the sheets and pushed himself up. "A few times I was afraid we wouldn't... Tarnished was just so angry and... the creatures he fought. The last one took all our magic to survive..." the light half shivered and would have leaned in to give the alicorn a nuzzle.
Yunalesca flicked her ears back. "You were gone a whole night and I think you must have come back early morning.. but you were out for a while though." She clarified, inching back once the unicorn was upright again, cringing a little at what she heard. It was a better account of what he'd given her when he woke up before, when he was exhausted. "I.. wow." Yuna frowned and leaned into his nuzzling, closing her eyes for a moment. "Tarnished probably needed it, I guess, but he.. you two should be more careful." She didn't want to think about it, but she did have something else she was just burning to show off.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face. "I'm sure the ponies of the town might be happy to know they are down two small packs of timberwolf, an insect, an owlbear, and also one gigantic house-sized bear. Actually think it was as big as this building now that I think about it." he grimaced. "I...we ~ Tarnished and I... We're doing what we can to adapt to suddenly being well... ourselves. But the original's memories don't help us with many new experiences. We've... never had a friend leave before ~ much less two." The unicorn was clamming up and and lowered his head. He didn't know... His ears laid back and he wished he could just hug the alicorn without looking like something was wrong. He had to stay strong, right?
Yunalesca's eyebrows went up at the list of creatures he laid out, and she tried to imagine how big the latter was. She couldn't. There was little she knew on what creatures inhabited the Everfree, having never needed to learn them when she didn't live in Ponyville until a couple months ago. The topic of their friends were brought up and she was quick to notice his change in posture with sympathy- a topic she didn't want to try bringing up herself unless he felt comfortable talking about it. Yuna moved back in to wrap her forelegs around him, cheek brushing against his mane. "I understand. Distant said he was sorry." She felt a little antsy. "We'll see them again, but.." Pulling away a little, she settled her hooves on his shoulders and made use of the nickname she'd heard Tarnished use before. "I have a surprise for you, Gleamy."
Gleaming Echo leaned into the alicorn when she put her forelegs about him. "I just... don't know how to deal with it!" he'd say with a bit of a sigh with ears laying back. "Tarnished just.. did what felt natural, I guess." the light half perked his ears at the mention of a surprise, however. "Oooh? What sort of surprise?" The cultist was quite curious what this surprise might consist of! Was it a hug? A sword? The armor of invincibility?? (what, he still wanted that!) ~ Did none of them actually leave!? N-no... he wouldn't be that lucky.
Yunalesca used a hoof to gently rub his shoulder, soothing him if she could. "I don't know how to deal with it either. I keep thinking.. but I have to remind myself they're gone." She shrugged and let the topic go. "Well.." Her head dipped towards her wing, a violet aura glowing around her horn as she pulled his fixed up robe out with a flourish. She held it out in the air, letting it unfold of its own volition- there were no more signs of wear or fraying, nor any sign of the burns and stains. It was almost like new. "I had a seamstress in town fix up your robe for you! Since it was a mess."
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face as he nodded and sighed. He let Yuna dip her head down towards a wing and then his eyes widened as his robe was pulled out! He hadn't even thought about it! He let out a gasp at the repaired robe! "Oooooh! Thank you Yuna! I was afraid it would be beyond repair soon." The cultist dipped and wrapped his hooves about the alicorn in a mighty heroic bear hug! "Thank you!" he'd look proper once again! How could a hero be in service of his goddess without looking his best?! He didn't want to look like some rabble in the eyes of everypony else!
Yunalesca watched his face closely, and she was pleased with what she saw there. A wide smile of delight swept across her face as she was pulled into that strong hug, burrowing into it. Her own forelegs gave him a gentle squeeze. "I've been wanting to get it fixed up for you for a while, something of a gift. Sort-of gift, anyway, since it's already yours." Yuna rubbed her cheek against the side of his neck and lowered the robe down over his back with her magic, left loose, leaving it up to him to put it on if he wanted. "I'm happy you like it. Took me forever to get that pony to fix it, too."
Gleaming Echo gave the mare a few gentle nuzzles as he held her! However he was soon forced to let go lest he send them both toppling over due to balance issues! He fell back to all fours and smiled wide as the robe was settled down over his back. A few spells and stuff and the robe was fastening about his shoulders and tightening into position. "Oooh ~ It looks SO much better than it did." Happy unicorn was happy. All to the point he was practically bouncing like a foal that was given a new toy!
Yunalesca closed her eyes to his soft touches, enjoying his closeness until he released her. She bumped her nose gently to his and withdrew, inching back to give him the space he needed. Her head was leaned to the side while he put on his restored robe, eyeing it- she had to agree, it looked a lot better. Back to how it used to be. His bouncing brought out a chuckle before she grew a little serious again; now that he was here, awake, they probably had to talk. "Since.. well," Yuna didn't like mentioning it, a sore reminder, "we should probably save the bits on the empty rooms.. Strangers or no, it seems pointless to waste money, right?"
Gleaming Echo let out a shaky breath and nodded with a flick of his tail. "I- Well... perhaps we could go with our original idea and find ourself a little cottage on the edge of town? Maybe we could, um... buy something big enough for them if they ever come back, but...." He didn't want to say too much since it would just cause himself to feel upset again. Tarnished was still sleeping... "It would be nice to sleep in a bed that we'd 'own.'" he mused with a rather amused tone of voice.
Yunalesca's ears perked at the mention of a house for them; she had honestly forgotten about it. A hoof scuffed against the ground as she thought about it, nodding. Her smile had faded but it returned again, faintly. "It would be nice. We wouldn't have to worry about dealing with strangers, especially not in a bath." She smirked at him, lightly teasing. "I suppose while we have the chance to, we could start looking around or something if you want?" Yuna asked, head tilted a little. "My cart, we could probably use whenever we go wandering around outside of Ponyville or traveling or whatever.."
Silent Dusk flew towards the border with a heavy heart, leaving her loved ones behind just for a chance to save Lightning from his homeland and bring him back through military contacts.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face as he scuffed his own hoof and smiled. "Well.. we can always try to save up money and... stay in your cart otherwise. I-I mean.... It would just be both of us there, yes?" they could survive a little while in her cart if necessary! It would save the nightly bit cost. "It is up to you, Lady Yunalesca." he smiled and sat on his haunches. As long as he still had Lady Yuna he'd survive, he thinks... If he were to be abandoned out here then who would he have? That thought sent a pang of fear through the pony that even Tarnished felt!
Yunalesca nodded again and moved over to his side, drawing one wing up, extending it towards him invitingly. "It would. I.. think there might be enough room for us in the bed, but it might be a little cramped." She shrugged and peered down at her hooves for a moment; staying out in her cart meant the loss of baths, though.. there were always rivers. They just couldn't use soap. Something she was used to when she was out on the road, but it was a nice thing to have regardless. "If you think it'll work better, we could do that. I'm fine either way."
Silent Dusk arrived at the border post from where she would infiltrate Saddle Arabia, under the cover of night the bat would eventually find the Storm household, she was sure of it, influential families were never hard to find.
Gleaming Echo inclined his head some. "Nothing says we can't have the occasional nightly stay in the inn... Share a room for a bath." he'd say with a playful waggle of his eyebrow. Alas he wondered what their companions were doing. Distant had gone home and Silent had gone off to do stuff for the Equestrian Guard. He wondered if he could join the guard. Then again he probably couldn't... What would everypony think of his having a nightmare? Not good of course. Tarnished would probably wind up killing somepony though....
Yunalesca spied that waggling of the brows and giggled softly, leaning over to nudge his shoulder playfully with the wrist of one wing. "I'd be quite happy with that arrangement." She sprang up to her hooves, though she wasn't feeling as sprightly as she pretended to be. It was hard that their companions were no longer here, and the knowledge of that absence made the inn seem that much emptier. Yuna twitched her bound tail towards him with a flick, eyebrows raised. "We've got all the time to do.. whatever we want. I'm not sure what there is, but.. hey."
Gleaming Echo let out a sound and smiled with a happy nod. "Schweet! We have plenty of time to try to find somewhere to live." he'd say with a bit of a thoughtful tone. "I suppose we should check out here. Lucky I haven't paid for the night yet!" he grinned with an amused look. Thus the unicorn stretched and nuzzled the mare before him. They had work to do! Ergo ~ House hunting! Alas there was little to no luck; and both would be stepping into Yuna's cart as the sun set! The cultist was still in a good mood. There were actually a couple of tempting villas! Alas they were currently out of their price range.. Perhaps if Tarnished went out hunting again?
Yunalesca found she would miss the inn a little, at the thought, nodding and moving into his nuzzle with affection. On their way out, she thought to gather up her few belongings before they left it, carrying them along as they explored. It was a pity they were more than they had; Yuna herself had only a little over a hundred bits saved to her name. She could save up more to pool with Gleam's, she was sure. In time. When they returned to her cart, she unlocked it with her magic and stepped inside, the boards creaking slightly under her weight as she moved through the familiar, slightly cramped, space. It wasn't too bad though, and part of her felt it was nice to see it again. Yuna put away her things in their usual spot and settled down on the bed, getting comfortable without her shawl.
Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a yawn as he shed his own robe and carefully placed it somewhere it wouldn't get in anypony's way. "How about we... perform another shared dream? I'm fairly sure the Night Princess won't bother us this time." He hoped... The unicorn climbed up next to the shawl-less alicorn and cuddled right up, nuzzling the side of her head and neck as he settled in on the bed himself. "That would give Tarnished a little time with you to help... well.. with things." he'd say with a hesitant smile. The good half was trying to tell himself that he was okay now, but... NO, he was fine! Tarnished was the one still not dealing with things well!
Yunalesca turned towards him, her ears perking forward again at the mention of shared dream. She inched over in the bed, giving him room to lay down beside her. "I think that'd be quite nice. He probably needs somepony to talk to after that.." A frown was about to cross her face, but his nuzzling stopped it before it could form. Yuna tilted her head to allow him better access to her neck, and later turned to plant another, loving kiss on his forehead. A wing was draped over his back, additionally, as she got comfortable in the cuddling with him. "I think we'll be fine, this time."
Distant Lightning was exhausted when he got home, but he wasn't allowed a moment's rest. The male was sent directly to the academy to hand in his research. After long hours waiting for the chairs to meet concerning his data, which he had collected of Ponyville, their natives and a species of Pony called Thestrals, or Bat Ponies. Much of what he had wrote was extremely detailed, detailing the social environment and the common discussion of lore in everyday conversation. He had enough work to propose an opening, a chance to study the rural country, that seemed to hardly develop since ancient times, in depth. It was concluded that the cost for researching wasn't worth the data received. It was to be entered into the databases, stored for future consideration. Distant was dismissed and sent home. After arriving home he could only dream of entering the washing rooms to sooth his swollen ankles, having been forced to stand and wait after his journey, than stand and listen to old horses talk.
Distant Lightning's trip took nearly three days to complete,, delayed die to the Sandstorms that would, at this season, wash over the lands periodically as the rainclouds were gathered from what little moisture was retained in the sand. He stepped through his door only to come face to face with his granpappy. His ears pricked as he stood tall, ignoring the pain from his tired body. "Greetings grandpap!" He called, but granpap was not happy to see him. His parents stood off to the side looking rather distressed. His mother pulled a handkerchief over her muzzle and turned into her husband. The father looked up. 'We heard you were dismissed early from your meeting -- for going on about ponies with bat wings? Are your trying to bring us shame?' Lightning parted his jaws before lowering his head. Vampires were a taboo subject in Saddle Arabia. Many were said to roam the deserts at night, rousing from the sands to attack travelers. Distant Lightning could not argue against the accusations so remained silent. 'Follow me boy.' His grandpap ordered, taking him upstairs into his office. Granpap was an old Earth Pony, his parents pegasus. The family seemed to share their sandy brown manes and dual toned wings. When compared to Lightning they were a bit thinner, built more for acrobatics than the body of a workhorse like Distant was cursed with. The door of the grandpap's office could be heard closing.
Gleaming Echo flicked an ear and smiled, inclining his head. "Tarnished will be really happy to see you...." With that his horn lit up with magic which touched gently against her own. It was much easier to create a shared dream this way at the very least! The cultist's spell went into effect just about the time that he moved to give the mare a nibble to the side of her neck. However that was about it since he both He and Yuna were going to be feeling the effect forcing them both to fall asleep! Both would once again wake in the castle ruin; the familiar setting from the night before. A place important to the cultist and Nightmare, it was! Yuna was of course once again alone, but this time in a more posh and comfortable looking room in the ruin. Obviously 'somepony' perhaps had been living there? At least it seemed like it in the dream.
Yunalesca's eyes moved up when he came close for the spell, though their horns were out of her view. Its effects were quickly noted, as was the nibble to her neck. She shivered, but she lay her head down on her worn pillow rather than try to reciprocate it. That heavy feeling of sleepiness, it called her. She could use some sleep.. Her eyes closed, and the next time she opened them it was to the sight of the castle's dark, weathered stone; but this time she was on something soft. Yuna shuffled, readjusting her wings as she studied her surroundings before she bothered to stand, poking around. "Hello?" She called out, but she was sure both of the unicorns already knew her location. It was their dream, after all.
Distant Lightning left the office after a short while. His hoof came up to touch his swollen cheek, the flesh split from the force of the strike. He scuffled up to the highest point of the manor where his room was located. A decadent display of beauty as his walls lay as decorated as his floors. Luxurious blues and golds dotted every inch of his room including his sleeping area and the mounds of pillows he kept. The male couldn't even bother to bath. He flopped down onto his nest of pillows. There was no proper bed to speak of, just a thick feather-filled mat with pillows to entertain his loneliness. Once he hit upon them -- he fell fast asleep.
Gleaming Echo stepped into the room Yuna was located with a bit of a smile. "Hiya Lady Yuna!" The light half smiled. The dark half was currently nowhere in sight. "I'm afraid Tarnished wasn't wanting to move so we'll have to go to him." he'd say with a sigh as he leaned in to give the alicorn a nudge. "We tend to 'relax' in different parts of our mind whenever the other is in charge... This is well... my area!" he smiled only to get a bit of an odd look. "Oooh... I wonder what would happen if I tried to see if I could locate Distant! Though would Tarnished want to see him? I'd suggest seeing if Dusky is asleep but she IS a nocturnal pony so chances are...." The light half of the pony was rambling!
Yunalesca's attention jerked towards Gleam at his entrance and she nudged him back, but she looked worried. "It must be bad if he wasn't jumping to come and see me." Her ears lowered. The room they were in was given another, closer look than before- his area? Their mind, of course. "It's nice." She didn't think they had such a representation to go to when one of them wasn't in charge.. It made her think how any of it even worked. Huh. Yuna refocused. "Oh.. that would be interesting, but would you even be able to get him into the dream? If the cultists needed a lot of magic, wouldn't you.. er.. us?" Working together, they could do something about that. "Let's go find Tarnished and see."
Distant Lightning was out harder and faster than he had ever been. His body was crumpled to pieces at this point, his energy sapped and spirit half dead. The stallion only had one place to go in his sleep. Just an empty place, nopony around, save for his sister. There they lay, just silence. It was his only safe place here in Saddle Arabia. Eve his room was occasionally intruded by of servants trying to tend to his every whim, of which he had few. For now, the dark, cool evening he slept with his windows open, the familiar desert air brushing over his resting, broken body.
Gleaming Echo led Yuna through the darkened halls and several times it would have been like they abruptly changed position in the castle. Where one hall would look one way it was suddenly looking different! However soon enough they came to a second room. The part of the castle they were in was far more ruin with crumbling walls and holes in the ceiling. "Here we are." he'd finally say as he knocked gently. The only answer was some noncommittal grunt. The nightmare was curled up onto the only pillow in the room and was... sulking? Now that he'd been on a rampage he was now just... laying there. "Hey Taaarnished, why the long face?!" The nightmare didn't even bless that with a response.
Yunalesca followed after Gleam, studying the hallways and places as they passed, puzzling over the strange changes. The thing about it being in a mind, she guessed, was that nothing ever stayed the same for long. Specific details, even in something known well, were hard to pin down. She faced forward again, noting the damages to this part of the castle, and came to a halt at the door Gleam lead her to. Her ears twitched forward at the grunt, and the curled nightmare. A faint, amused smile quirked at the corners of her mouth at the teasing and stepped over to Tarnished, reaching out a hoof. "Taarniished~." Yuna singsonged quietly. "I'm here too. Do you want to.. talk or something?"
Distant Lightning seemed perfectly at peace, a painted picture that displayed the lavish ideologies of what Saddle Arabian life was meant to be. Beds of silk from silkworms. Cotton plucked from the fertile river. Feathers from the finest birds. In his room, caged, was a small, leucistic peafowl. It warbled in an attempt to get the attention of its master, but with his face sunk in his pillows, monocle hardly fell to the side, he removed himself from the world for now. IN his dreams just a vast emptiness, a silence he oft hadn't privy to in his daily hours.
Gleaming Echo tried to hold back a snicker as Yuna walked up to the grumpy Nightmare. Oh yes, this was going to be good! The moment Yuna spoke up the dark half of the pony shot up like a rocket with ears perked. He spun upon the bed and took in the sight of the alicorn before him and let out a rather odd squee like sound? The alicorn quite likely found herself being plucked up via magic and pulled into a bear-hug from the larger pony! He said nothing yet but after a while the Nightmare released the pony and glanced at Gleam quizzically. "Shared dream again, Tarnished. Say.... Do you think we could get Dissy in here from Saddle Arabia?" The dark half blinked owlishly at the thought. How... novel! How... he never even thought of anything like that! However Tarnished was forced to remember about the alicorn in his forelegs. He quickly diverted his attention back and... "I'm..uh.. fine, Yuna..." villains couldn't be seen as weak, right? Then again was he a villain? He didn't rightly know anymore.
Yunalesca nearly flinched back from Tarnish's abrupt reaction to her presence; she thought he'd known she was coming. Apparently not, if the magic and the tight hug by the large nightmare was anything to go by. She accepted it willingly, trying to wrap her forelegs around whatever part of him she could manage and nuzzling her face into his chest, ruffling the dark fur. "You seemed quite sulky for somepony who's just 'fine.'" Yuna observed, looking up at him, eyebrow quirked. "After the way you left the other day. You guys can talk to me, you know.." Her head tilted up and she left a kiss on his collarbone. "Can we though, is that something that's doable to bring Distant here?"
Distant Lightning had made no effort to move. In this dream it was a silent peace he could tolerate. It could explain why the pegasus was quite good at sleeping when he did sleep: like a rock. His skull was pressed to Thunder's, the pair like cribbed foals. They were without their reading spectacles or ornate clothing, so it was quite difficult to tell them apart. If not for the slight difference in muzzle length one could mistake the pair easily. The pegasus clearly had no imagination though as it was simply a sand-colored void. No end, no beginning, no up or down.
Gleaming Echo sat not too far away from the duo as Tarnished gently pulled Yuna to join him on the somewhat small pillow bed. The mention of Distant cause a bit of a shadow to appear over his eyes as he twitched. He still wasn't very happy with a few things; however he quickly nodded. "O-of course lady Yuna. I just...I don't know how to deal with things most ponies would." he deflated and rest his head upon hers. However it was from there that he nodded. "I believe we can. I might have to draw on your own magic to help us bring him here though, Yuna..." It did take a good bit of magic to do such a thing as bring somepony to his dream!
Yunalesca tried to adjust herself in the nightmare's embrace, turning her side up against his front so she could hook her forelegs over one of his. "I.. understand. As I told Gleam, I don't really know how to handle it either." The alicorn frowned and leaned her head back against his chest, cheek against the dark coat as she thought it over. For her friends, she would do it. "Of course. I'm sure I've got enough to give to do this. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it." Yuna said, looking between the two unicorns. She only ever really used her magic for carrying things- at least, as of late after the simple spell from days before.
Distant Lightning slept, like a rock. He would hide in his dreams forever if he could, but that was the coward's way out. His body was in a deep sleep, mind clinging to a memory that did not grow. Who knew what Thunder looked like when she was small save for Light and close members of his family. What he saw now, mirroring him, was perhaps just that: a reflection of a memory he could not quite piece together.
Gleaming Echo smiled some, more than happy that the alicorn was in their dreams. Hehe... The alicorn of their dreams was IN their dreams? How did that work? Meh, who knows! "Just lay right there and look adorable milady." Tarnished rumbled in a cat-like purr as the nightmare's horn lit up with magic. Gleam's own did as well! The light half would vanish~Out in search of their wayward companion. It actually took naught but ten minutes, although perhaps time passed strangely, before Gleam returned and smiled. "I found his dream... Let's pull him in!" And thus the two unicorn used their magic as well as some of Yuna's to try to pull Distant into their dream!
Yunalesca's eyebrows went up; no effort on her part? Disappointing, but she was still helping in away, while they drew off her magic. She made a high, 'hm' noise in her throat. Look adorable? She could.. do that she guessed, but she still had no idea how or why either of the unicorn saw her as adorable. She would ask, but they were both concentrating on magic. Gleam vanished and she blinked, staring at the spot he was just a moment ago. In the time that Gleam was gone, she was tempted to cuddle up more to the nightmare, perhaps go to nibble at his chin from beneath from her closeness to it, but she resisted the temptation. They were busy. Instead, she looked around the room Tarnished spent his time in, wondering if the damage left there was what he had caused, or just natural to the castle in their mind- her gaze quickly averted the moment Gleam returned. "That's great!" Yuna exclaimed and.. was left to wait, while they did what they had to do.
Distant Lightning looked up from his resting place, but his head was forced back to lay down by Thunder's. He sniffled and snuggled against her, storm-colored orbs looking toward the strange feeling. He wasn't waking up was he? He did not want to wake up. He would be okay staying here forever. He didn't want to stay, but he had no choice. they were preventing his return to Equestria. Calling his research -- foalish, among harsher words which were quite devastating to a scholar who has struggled over twenty some years just trying to get his hoof in the door.
Gleaming Echo gave Yuna a gentle nudge and glanced to Tarnished. The nightmare narrowed his (or her depending on one's point of view) eyes and finally let out a breath. The dark one wasn't sure about seeing the foreigner again. After all; parting already drove him to a frenzied madness! The dark half of the pony let out a quiet breath and focused, horn lighting along with Gleam's own. Should nothing go too terribly amiss Distant (and maybe even Thunder - depending for the lulz~) would be pulled into the dream; appearing not too far from the group.
Yunalesca nudged Gleam back and looked between the two unicorns while they exchanged glances. She offered Tarnished a nuzzle in kind, backing off once his horn was alight yet again. They were going to do it, or try to, and she could only hope the magic between the three of them would be enough to share a dream with a pony who was separated from them by a great distance. Her tail flicked and she watched the both of them, studying their faces and waited a little anxiously. The ripple of something nearby drew her eye, both of which widened. "Did.. ?"
Distant Lightning and Distant Thunder were not 'happy', persay. it was thought the dream being had was broken and back to the damnable world of the living. The twins were cross, but it took them a moment. No separation. They were still together? "What goes on here?" Were they pulled into another -- nightmare? 'It's the magic cat and his dame.' Thunder bit. Lightning winced and stood side by side with his reflection of sorts. "What-- are the cultists back--?" He worried. 'Putz, I don't think this is the same situation. Someone's touching your head without your permission.' The twins glared towards the pair. Who did what now in teh butt now?
Gleaming Echo rolled his eyes, but then Tarnished did the same. "Oi, don't you look at me like that. I'd rather not blast yer crazy peacock arse back into yon dream! I mean; c'mon, can't an evil creature miss his fri-victims?" There was a pout there. Gleam was looking at the nightmare in amusement at the whole thing before his attention once again turned back to the new duo of Distant and his... mind-twin? Twin? Whatever..... "If you are b-bothered by it we could just... send you back. This isn't a curse.... And this isn't your head either. For better or worse you're in our head. Better than losing track of friends, r-right?" the light half of the pony looked hesitant and perhaps a little fearful? This was all his idea after all.
Yunalesca sat up, draping her forehooves over Tarnished's back, something comfortable for her to lean on, so she could be visible to the newly arrived pair. It was strange that Lightning's twin was here too, unless.. he had been dreaming of her? Or it was just like the nightmare again, in that aspect only. "Hey Lightning." Yuna chirped up quietly after the dual unicorn fell silent, ears twitching back as she glanced over at Gleam's uncertainty. "It's just a shared dream. To see you again. Did you.. make it home okay?" Yuna wanted to ask more, but she would rather not dump a flood of questions on him. His twin was given an unsure look; she remembered her attitude, and how uncomfortable she'd felt.
Distant Lightning seemed confused. This was not normal for him okay? "W-what do you mean?!" 'I told you he is rubbing his hooves all over your mind.' Thunder reminded. Disgruntled noises escaped the peacock as he fluffed up a bit. thunder would do the same, though more in excitement. 'Lookit, it's the hot, evil, piece of ass. You know I have to say you can try that again, but bet Lili won't come back if you do.' She threatened Tar. Distant backed up a bit, hiding beside Thunder. "In your head... I don't understand." He looked to Gleam. Lightning seemed a little distressed, more so than usual. Thunder narrowed her eyes at Yuna. 'What am I a ghost?' She thought on that a moment and laughed. 'Probably, but that's no reason to be so rude, where's my greeting? This is why you unicorn are hated. Doing as you please, not even asking permission!'
Distant Lightning shirked back a bit. "T-thunnie it's okay..." She glared at Light. 'Don't you let them walk all over you too Lili. Grow a spine, and an imagination. Could have at least like put something on entering the manic's dream.' He hadn't any of his usual vestments and -- did his wings look smaller than usual? "Um.. it's okay, I-- this is strange. Maybe I am just dreaming." He did not quite get the concept of Nightmares and their abilities, at least how far the could go. Forced astral projection -- on other beings?
Gleaming Echo let out a sigh as Tarnished bristled. "Here I am trying to be -ewww- nice and -ugh- cordial but nooooo!" he'd start as his eye twitched. "I meant boot you back to the dream you two were in since you so obviously would rather be there, but if you want another fireball to the face just keep pushing those buttons!" The dark half had a notoriously short temper, obviously, and the way those dagger-like teeth were grinding he was at least trying to clamp down on his reaction of blowing up things that irritate him! "Calm down, Tarnished. She'd probably trying to get a rise out of you." the light half just shook his head and sat down not too far from the pile that Yuna and Tarnished made. He was tempted to lay down himself. "Remaining is entirely your choice. Be kind, or please let us know to send you back." the light half's ears were flat at this point.
Yunalesca's mouth dropped open a little, but she had nothing to say to.. any of it. She sank back a little behind Tarnished, but her hooves were still draped over his back as she frowned at Thunder. This twin, she did not like, and the meeting wasn't as.. happy as she'd hoped.. She let the unicorn handle most of the talking. "The only pony I'm happy to see again is Lightning, and he's the only pony I planned on greeting, other than Dusk. Unfortunately, we don't have her with us." Yuna bit down before she could say more and turned away, towards Gleam, reaching out a wing for him invitingly for their little pile.
Distant Lightning winced when Tar lashed out, Thunder perking up. 'Oh I'll push his buttons if I get a rise out of him.' Lightning didn't even have the strength to be mortified anymore. "Good evening Miss Yuna..." He turned to look at Gleam. "Good evening to you --both, I... I don't understand it but please don't send me away." He seemed rightly scared of the idea. 'You drag him here, don't send him back to that shitty homestead. At least be amicable guests. You have him you have me, besides I'm the charming sassy one. He's the cute sidekick.' She assured.
Gleaming Echo let out a sigh as Tarnished simply growled and laid his head down upon his forelegs. Gleam glanced at the inviting wing and couldn't help but smile and move to settle down himself on the other side of the alicorn. "Charming sassy one... more like pain in the rump with a side of headache." the dark half covered his head with his forelegs and tried to tune her out at this point. The light half just let out a sigh and looked to Thunder and Lightning. "He is quite welcome to stay... just please try not to torment Tarnished. His temper is still rather... short." Tarnished was still silent; nuzzling up against Yuna.
Yunalesca gave Thunder an unreadable look and tucked her wing around Gleam the moment he joined them on the large pillow-bed. Her attention shifted towards Lightning, catching his greetings quite gladly. "It's good to see you, Lightning. How.. How are things at home, then?" That comment from Thunder did not go beneath her notice. One hoof idly stroked at Tarnished's side, soothingly, and his nuzzle earned him a gentle nibble to one of his ears. Yuna lay herself down more comfortably between the two unicorns, and part of herself wanted to beckon Lightning over too. His sister though.. might follow. "What is it like there?"
Distant Lightning looked down, ears folded back. Thunder smirked. 'Can't promise I won't. I'm not so stuck up like my brother that I'll swallow a comment.' She assured. Lightning looked up at the question from Yuna and turned away. "...It goes." He stated vaguely. 'Lili.' Thunder responded. "N-I'm tired. I haven't had much rest since i returned. Alright?" He bit at his sister. "They rejected my thesis on Equestrian culture, Thestrals, evening worships. I have to find something that will get me recognized,. they won't give me a grant to return." He finally explained but, even still, it felt like he was giving half of the information. 'Lili...you--' He stamped his hoof and moved to spread his wings, Thunder scoffing her hoof and spreading hers as well, the two standing off. Thunder raised a hoof, only for Lightning to scuffle back. She lowered her hoof and tucked it away. 'We're not tired. It hurts Lili.' Lightning had to say it on his own though....
Gleaming Echo fell silent, however it would have been Tarnished who's ears perked again. Something hurt? Why did it hurt? The dark half's glowing eyes focused upon Thunder and then Lightning once again. "Is Lightning hurt in some way?" he'd ask with narrowed gaze. Even if the Saddle Arabian was still somewhat mud in his eyes the dark half still... cared? Did he care? Well... yeah... Gleam's ears also perked at this and he also gazed in the direction of the duo. "We could probably make our way to Saddle Arabia." the light half was actually rather concerned by the mention of pain?
Yunalesca's brow furrowed, troubled; Thunder she didn't pay attention to so much as that ghost of his twin didn't act up. Lightning kept most of her attention. No rest? Pain? It didn't sound all that great from what Yuna could gather. Her gaze flicked between the pegasus twins when they faced off, and relaxed when they- Lightning, backed down. The way he acted when ponies raised their hooves, the way he acted when Dusk attacked him.. Her face darkened a little. Yuna's mouth dropped open a bit when Gleam suggested visiting the country. It would take money.. but they could handle working for a house later. "That.. would be something. Would we be able to?"
Distant Lightning chirped, a funny noise he mad, as he choked on hi saliva. "N-no! I have spoke...spoken of this, to you, at length. My country is hateful of outsiders, most particularly Equestrians." He rolled is shoulders. "I am just sore from constantly working since my return. Moreover... I simply was punished for a few errors I made. I mean your superiors certainly find punishments for the non workers." He motioned his hoof dismissively. "I am w...alive." He could not say well, honestly. It was not true.
Gleaming Echo narrowed his gaze and Tarnished turned to look to Yuna as he saw her expression darken and then her mouth dropping open. However it was when Lightning spoke that he let out a humph. "Since when have I cared whether or not they are hateful? If they get in my way they will eat the dirt." he growled completely forgetting his irritation with Thunder for the moment. However it was the comment about being 'slightly punished' that caused him to bristle like an angry cat. "Does this 'punishment' include physical trauma? If it ~" He clamped down on his comment and glanced at Thunder briefly. He might be able to wrangle info out of her over Lightning perhaps? Gleam nodded at the question from Yuna. "It would take time and well... bits, but.. We could have tickets to head to Saddle Arabia with tomorrow's earliest transport."
Yunalesca knew little of Equestria's unsteady ties with Saddle Arabia, let alone they were unsteady at all. Regardless, she partially agreed with Tarnished. It didn't matter to her if they hated her, whatever reason it was; they were strangers. She could put up with a little hate. The rest of Lightning's reply was puzzled over, about punishment, and it was covered by Tarnished before she could ask herself; she'd seen his earlier glance. A hoof was raised to brush over the nightmare's dark mane, idly playing with the wavy ends. "It sounds good to me, if that's something you want to do, and its doable." Yuna spoke towards Gleam, ears perked.
Distant Lightning stared, shaking a bit. "No." He said it, in a low, almost vacant expression. "Please." He begged as he moved towards. them. Thunder follow and seated herself as he paced, silently begging to sit with them. Back and forward. "Stay your hoof. He paused. "W...what is it you mean by physical trauma?" He did not understand that. He just knew that, sometimes, discipline hurt. "Please just, forget about me. I cannot ... return." Though if it kept up as it did, he may never..... Raising a hoof he gently motioned toward them as if he wanted to approach, but hesitated.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a sound and nodded. "I think we have enough bits to make it there." he'd say with narrowed gaze at the begging and now pacing Distant. "You imply that these punishments include physical pain." the dark half was livid. Nopony but he harmed his friends! Eh? That wasn't a good thing was it.... Not like he actually tried to harm them though. The dark half of the pony noticed how Distant's hoof motioned towards them. "Are you wishing to join us?" he'd ask with a curious expression even if he was still upset. If the response was positive the dark half would shift to give the pegasus room between himself and Yuna. The light half was once again sporting an entirely amused expression.
Yunalesca nodded, liking the idea. Another adventure? Lightning's approach was marked, her gaze sliding past him towards Thunder at her movement, before it moved back to her sibling. So long as Thunder was quiet, she was sure they could get along nicely~. "Yeah, as in getting hit. Small errors don't earn that kind of punishment, nor should anything else." The alicorn frowned, watching his gestures, ear twitching towards the question Tarnished ask. So long as it was considered okay to the unicorns.. Yuna beckoned the pegasus to join them too, using a gesture of her hoof. Gleam's expression was caught out of the corner of her eye, but she wasn't sure what it was he was finding.. funny? "Did you.. ever think about running away, Lightning? Anything would be better than.. that."
Distant Lightning folded his ears back when Tarnished questioned him. When responded to he nodded and pushed to climb up, Thunder followed. He dropped down between them, wings remaining tucked, as he settled down on his side. He looked to relax almost instantly. Thunder laid down in front of them, not among them, for what need did a ghost have for comfort? He wasn't sure how to answer to Yuna. He was sure they were great sleights to incur the wrath. He frowned, his back to Tarnished, rather strange given he was the evil one, and his head lowering to rest by Yuna's stomach if she allowed it. "I...once." He was punished for even mentioning that he wanted to leave. Traveling for study was the furthest he could get. "I cannot lave Thunder alone." He stated. "H...her grave is here." He clung, not strong enough to go on his own. "Please, you'll end up like Thunder if you come."
Gleaming Echo glanced at Tarnished, curious about the whole thing. The dark half really tried to stay mad with the foreigner but whenever he flopped down the irritation was replaced with concern. But then the concerned expression was gone and he frowned. "Then we can go there, rob her grave, and re-bury her in a place of your choosing as you run away with us." Yes, suggesting grave-robbery was he! "Besides... What does Thunder there think of the idea?" he'd ask with a wave of his hoof. The light half looked rather unnerved at the notion of graverobbing but... well, if they needed to. "We'll wind up like Thunder? Please, I'll bury anypony that threatens us. National relations be damned, nopony hurts my friends." he bristled again at the thought. The light half nodded at that since it was something he could agree with.
Yunalesca watched Lightning's approach, aware of Thunder behind him, but she had not come anywhere near. She made to give Lightning room, and made no fuss when he rest his head down, close to her stomach. After she had used him for a pillow for one night, his nearness didn't bother her anymore. Part of her was even tempted to reach over and run a hoof over her mane, but she was uncertain with displaying such a thing she usually reserved for Gleam and Tarnished. The latter's suggestion of graverobbing drew a bit of a face from Yuna. "I.. agree with Tarnished. On the ending up dead thing. We know how to fight, we can deal with them if they threaten us. So don't worry."
Distant Lightning glanced up at them. 'I want to be buried somewhere nice. It's cold where I am, it was always cold.' She would state. Light would mutter incredulously. "It is not robbing if we are relocating her... " He stretched out stiffly and rolled to his side, head remaining close to Yuna's and his body nearer Tarnished. His forehooves moved to raise to his face. "Threaten you... I doubt." Him, on the other hoof, would be punished. "I...did not want to leave...everypony..." He murmured.
Gleaming Echo stretched a hoof over to Distant and gave him a bit of a pat. Tarnished, however, found the blank expression falling as his eyes closed. "Then we can steal her.... remains... and bring her back to Equestria. We can keep our operations secret until we are ready to leave; that way you have no reason to fear for yourself." The dark pony shifted and somewhat leaned up against the pegasus while his head went to rest upon his forelegs. "Let the dark do their part." he hummed while the light half of the pony nestled up on the other side of Yuna and got comfortable.
Yunalesca looked over at Thunder, her expression unreadable. Cold. If Lightning implied physical punishment, she didn't want to think of what happened to his sister; if anything did. Maybe she was feeling a little bad about it, but she turned away. "Yeah, we can definitely relocate." The alicorn agreed with the dark cultist and caught the light hoof that went for its pat. It was a sign that it was okay, to her, and she reached out herself to stroke over Lightning's red mane, with him close to her. "We understand. Didn't want you to leave either, but.." Yuna murmured, glancing over at Tarnished. Her gaze shifted to Gleam next to her and she leaned to nibble at his cheek idly.
Distant Lightning seemed to completely relaxed, as opposed to before where he had been skittish, terrified. Content nickering escaped him before he shivered. "I... apologize." He looked up at them. "I did not wish to lose you in kind. I don't know what to do. I can only sleep to stave off the aches. It was wrong of me to leave, but I could not dishonor my family more than I had being born." He lamented. He was conflicted.He wanted them to come, but -- at what cost? Thunder's eyes were closed. 'If you cry...' "It will hurt more..." He calmed down a bit and closed his eyes. He just wanted to sleep a little longer...
Gleaming Echo narrowed his eyes and Tarnished outright growled when he mentioned the 'dishonor' of being born! "Is that what they think?" The dark half was coiled tighter than a spring. "I'm afraid I need to.... be right back." he'd say with a bit of a hiss. The dark half slid to his hooves an glanced briefly at the small group of ponies. He turned and strode from the room. Or perhaps stomp was more accurate than not. The dark half stomped his way from the room and Gleam let out a sigh. "I guess Tarnished is going to let off some steam..." The light half just shook his head and tried not to think about what was said.... They'd get to Saddle Arabia soon and then eeeverything could be taken care of.
Yunalesca didn't pull her hoof back, so long as Lightning allowed her touch. It remained, lightly petting, while she listened to him talk. When she heard the same, her face darkened again, but she didn't speak until an enraged Tarnished had had his say. She wanted to reach out for the nightmare to brush him too, but she let him go off on his way; giving him his space. "You don't dishonor anypony. Don't ever think that." Her tone was of the same that she'd used when she once told Gleam he wasn't a madpony, rose to his defense. To think she would give Lightning the same respect, but thinking of that.. she regretted the things she'd said about the arabian. Yuna glanced Gleam's way, eyebrows raised a little in sympathy before she rest her head down on a free forehoof, trying to lend comfort.
Distant Lightning would relax against the petting and just the general company. This was better than sleeping alone. Pillows were not warm like bodies. He opened his muzzle again, but shut it. What could he say that -- was even positive at this point. He was tired. "....thank you." It was the only nice thing he could think to say to them.
Gleaming Echo remained passed out in bed for at least a day. Why would he not? His body had been about to the point of dropping when he'd arrived back at the inn after all! Whenever she took his robe he'd only let out a quiet murmur before a snore signaled him returning to unconsciousness. However it was whenever she finally returned with his fixed robe that it seemed like he just 'might' be nearing time to wake. He was more actively shifting in bed and, with a groan, he finally awoke.... He didn't remember falling asleep on the bed! Oooh, wait Yuna was there! She probably put him up in the bed! The cultist yawned and stretched out his limbs only to accidentally roll the wrong way. Unless something stopped him he'd roll right off into the floor; landing with a thump and an 'oooomph'!
Yunalesca, unfortunately, never returned to invade his room again. She kept the robe with her, tucked under a now bare wing while she waited for the time he woke, just so she could show it off to him. She wanted to see the face he made when he saw it was as good as new! The seamstress, despite her vibrant, overenthusiastic personality, knew what she was doing- Yuna was convinced she used spells just to fix up the burns.. The alicorn currently sat outside of her room, but even sitting in the hallway was a little painful. Alas, she sat there, book open, until she thought she heard a faint thump? It was usually silent in the inn, and it caught her attention. Yuna got up and peeked into Gleam's room again- was he awake yet? "Gleam?" She whispered questioningly, ears perked.
Gleaming Echo let out a rather odd sound and raised his head sleepily from his position on the floor ~ aaall tangled up in the sheets! "Good ~yawn~ morning Lady Yuna." the light half would reply as he attempted to shake the last of the fatigue from his head. Of course that would take time... or coffee. "I-I'm sorry about getting back so late this morn'. W-what time is it?" Obviously a certain pony wasn't aware that he'd pretty much been out like a light for over a day!
Yunalesca stepped more fully into the doorway of his room when she saw that he was awake. She didn't want to keep coming in his room while he was asleep, after all. "It's.. not morning. You were out for a day.. and probably a night too. I'm not exactly sure what time it is at the moment, though." She scrunched up her face in thought. Afternoon, midday? She couldn't be sure. "Don't worry about it.. all that matters is that you came back at all." Her voice was softer this time as she walked over to him, holding out a hoof to help him up- or to help untangle him from the sheets if he needed it.
Gleaming Echo stiffened up and his ears laid back. "I w-wasn't gone that long, right? We told you we'd be back by morning!" Did they not return before then?! Memory was rather hazy! Thankfully the alicorn moved over to offer them assistance. Gleam managed to untangle himself from the sheets and pushed himself up. "A few times I was afraid we wouldn't... Tarnished was just so angry and... the creatures he fought. The last one took all our magic to survive..." the light half shivered and would have leaned in to give the alicorn a nuzzle.
Yunalesca flicked her ears back. "You were gone a whole night and I think you must have come back early morning.. but you were out for a while though." She clarified, inching back once the unicorn was upright again, cringing a little at what she heard. It was a better account of what he'd given her when he woke up before, when he was exhausted. "I.. wow." Yuna frowned and leaned into his nuzzling, closing her eyes for a moment. "Tarnished probably needed it, I guess, but he.. you two should be more careful." She didn't want to think about it, but she did have something else she was just burning to show off.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face. "I'm sure the ponies of the town might be happy to know they are down two small packs of timberwolf, an insect, an owlbear, and also one gigantic house-sized bear. Actually think it was as big as this building now that I think about it." he grimaced. "I...we ~ Tarnished and I... We're doing what we can to adapt to suddenly being well... ourselves. But the original's memories don't help us with many new experiences. We've... never had a friend leave before ~ much less two." The unicorn was clamming up and and lowered his head. He didn't know... His ears laid back and he wished he could just hug the alicorn without looking like something was wrong. He had to stay strong, right?
Yunalesca's eyebrows went up at the list of creatures he laid out, and she tried to imagine how big the latter was. She couldn't. There was little she knew on what creatures inhabited the Everfree, having never needed to learn them when she didn't live in Ponyville until a couple months ago. The topic of their friends were brought up and she was quick to notice his change in posture with sympathy- a topic she didn't want to try bringing up herself unless he felt comfortable talking about it. Yuna moved back in to wrap her forelegs around him, cheek brushing against his mane. "I understand. Distant said he was sorry." She felt a little antsy. "We'll see them again, but.." Pulling away a little, she settled her hooves on his shoulders and made use of the nickname she'd heard Tarnished use before. "I have a surprise for you, Gleamy."
Gleaming Echo leaned into the alicorn when she put her forelegs about him. "I just... don't know how to deal with it!" he'd say with a bit of a sigh with ears laying back. "Tarnished just.. did what felt natural, I guess." the light half perked his ears at the mention of a surprise, however. "Oooh? What sort of surprise?" The cultist was quite curious what this surprise might consist of! Was it a hug? A sword? The armor of invincibility?? (what, he still wanted that!) ~ Did none of them actually leave!? N-no... he wouldn't be that lucky.
Yunalesca used a hoof to gently rub his shoulder, soothing him if she could. "I don't know how to deal with it either. I keep thinking.. but I have to remind myself they're gone." She shrugged and let the topic go. "Well.." Her head dipped towards her wing, a violet aura glowing around her horn as she pulled his fixed up robe out with a flourish. She held it out in the air, letting it unfold of its own volition- there were no more signs of wear or fraying, nor any sign of the burns and stains. It was almost like new. "I had a seamstress in town fix up your robe for you! Since it was a mess."
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face as he nodded and sighed. He let Yuna dip her head down towards a wing and then his eyes widened as his robe was pulled out! He hadn't even thought about it! He let out a gasp at the repaired robe! "Oooooh! Thank you Yuna! I was afraid it would be beyond repair soon." The cultist dipped and wrapped his hooves about the alicorn in a mighty heroic bear hug! "Thank you!" he'd look proper once again! How could a hero be in service of his goddess without looking his best?! He didn't want to look like some rabble in the eyes of everypony else!
Yunalesca watched his face closely, and she was pleased with what she saw there. A wide smile of delight swept across her face as she was pulled into that strong hug, burrowing into it. Her own forelegs gave him a gentle squeeze. "I've been wanting to get it fixed up for you for a while, something of a gift. Sort-of gift, anyway, since it's already yours." Yuna rubbed her cheek against the side of his neck and lowered the robe down over his back with her magic, left loose, leaving it up to him to put it on if he wanted. "I'm happy you like it. Took me forever to get that pony to fix it, too."
Gleaming Echo gave the mare a few gentle nuzzles as he held her! However he was soon forced to let go lest he send them both toppling over due to balance issues! He fell back to all fours and smiled wide as the robe was settled down over his back. A few spells and stuff and the robe was fastening about his shoulders and tightening into position. "Oooh ~ It looks SO much better than it did." Happy unicorn was happy. All to the point he was practically bouncing like a foal that was given a new toy!
Yunalesca closed her eyes to his soft touches, enjoying his closeness until he released her. She bumped her nose gently to his and withdrew, inching back to give him the space he needed. Her head was leaned to the side while he put on his restored robe, eyeing it- she had to agree, it looked a lot better. Back to how it used to be. His bouncing brought out a chuckle before she grew a little serious again; now that he was here, awake, they probably had to talk. "Since.. well," Yuna didn't like mentioning it, a sore reminder, "we should probably save the bits on the empty rooms.. Strangers or no, it seems pointless to waste money, right?"
Gleaming Echo let out a shaky breath and nodded with a flick of his tail. "I- Well... perhaps we could go with our original idea and find ourself a little cottage on the edge of town? Maybe we could, um... buy something big enough for them if they ever come back, but...." He didn't want to say too much since it would just cause himself to feel upset again. Tarnished was still sleeping... "It would be nice to sleep in a bed that we'd 'own.'" he mused with a rather amused tone of voice.
Yunalesca's ears perked at the mention of a house for them; she had honestly forgotten about it. A hoof scuffed against the ground as she thought about it, nodding. Her smile had faded but it returned again, faintly. "It would be nice. We wouldn't have to worry about dealing with strangers, especially not in a bath." She smirked at him, lightly teasing. "I suppose while we have the chance to, we could start looking around or something if you want?" Yuna asked, head tilted a little. "My cart, we could probably use whenever we go wandering around outside of Ponyville or traveling or whatever.."
Silent Dusk flew towards the border with a heavy heart, leaving her loved ones behind just for a chance to save Lightning from his homeland and bring him back through military contacts.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face as he scuffed his own hoof and smiled. "Well.. we can always try to save up money and... stay in your cart otherwise. I-I mean.... It would just be both of us there, yes?" they could survive a little while in her cart if necessary! It would save the nightly bit cost. "It is up to you, Lady Yunalesca." he smiled and sat on his haunches. As long as he still had Lady Yuna he'd survive, he thinks... If he were to be abandoned out here then who would he have? That thought sent a pang of fear through the pony that even Tarnished felt!
Yunalesca nodded again and moved over to his side, drawing one wing up, extending it towards him invitingly. "It would. I.. think there might be enough room for us in the bed, but it might be a little cramped." She shrugged and peered down at her hooves for a moment; staying out in her cart meant the loss of baths, though.. there were always rivers. They just couldn't use soap. Something she was used to when she was out on the road, but it was a nice thing to have regardless. "If you think it'll work better, we could do that. I'm fine either way."
Silent Dusk arrived at the border post from where she would infiltrate Saddle Arabia, under the cover of night the bat would eventually find the Storm household, she was sure of it, influential families were never hard to find.
Gleaming Echo inclined his head some. "Nothing says we can't have the occasional nightly stay in the inn... Share a room for a bath." he'd say with a playful waggle of his eyebrow. Alas he wondered what their companions were doing. Distant had gone home and Silent had gone off to do stuff for the Equestrian Guard. He wondered if he could join the guard. Then again he probably couldn't... What would everypony think of his having a nightmare? Not good of course. Tarnished would probably wind up killing somepony though....
Yunalesca spied that waggling of the brows and giggled softly, leaning over to nudge his shoulder playfully with the wrist of one wing. "I'd be quite happy with that arrangement." She sprang up to her hooves, though she wasn't feeling as sprightly as she pretended to be. It was hard that their companions were no longer here, and the knowledge of that absence made the inn seem that much emptier. Yuna twitched her bound tail towards him with a flick, eyebrows raised. "We've got all the time to do.. whatever we want. I'm not sure what there is, but.. hey."
Gleaming Echo let out a sound and smiled with a happy nod. "Schweet! We have plenty of time to try to find somewhere to live." he'd say with a bit of a thoughtful tone. "I suppose we should check out here. Lucky I haven't paid for the night yet!" he grinned with an amused look. Thus the unicorn stretched and nuzzled the mare before him. They had work to do! Ergo ~ House hunting! Alas there was little to no luck; and both would be stepping into Yuna's cart as the sun set! The cultist was still in a good mood. There were actually a couple of tempting villas! Alas they were currently out of their price range.. Perhaps if Tarnished went out hunting again?
Yunalesca found she would miss the inn a little, at the thought, nodding and moving into his nuzzle with affection. On their way out, she thought to gather up her few belongings before they left it, carrying them along as they explored. It was a pity they were more than they had; Yuna herself had only a little over a hundred bits saved to her name. She could save up more to pool with Gleam's, she was sure. In time. When they returned to her cart, she unlocked it with her magic and stepped inside, the boards creaking slightly under her weight as she moved through the familiar, slightly cramped, space. It wasn't too bad though, and part of her felt it was nice to see it again. Yuna put away her things in their usual spot and settled down on the bed, getting comfortable without her shawl.
Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a yawn as he shed his own robe and carefully placed it somewhere it wouldn't get in anypony's way. "How about we... perform another shared dream? I'm fairly sure the Night Princess won't bother us this time." He hoped... The unicorn climbed up next to the shawl-less alicorn and cuddled right up, nuzzling the side of her head and neck as he settled in on the bed himself. "That would give Tarnished a little time with you to help... well.. with things." he'd say with a hesitant smile. The good half was trying to tell himself that he was okay now, but... NO, he was fine! Tarnished was the one still not dealing with things well!
Yunalesca turned towards him, her ears perking forward again at the mention of shared dream. She inched over in the bed, giving him room to lay down beside her. "I think that'd be quite nice. He probably needs somepony to talk to after that.." A frown was about to cross her face, but his nuzzling stopped it before it could form. Yuna tilted her head to allow him better access to her neck, and later turned to plant another, loving kiss on his forehead. A wing was draped over his back, additionally, as she got comfortable in the cuddling with him. "I think we'll be fine, this time."
Distant Lightning was exhausted when he got home, but he wasn't allowed a moment's rest. The male was sent directly to the academy to hand in his research. After long hours waiting for the chairs to meet concerning his data, which he had collected of Ponyville, their natives and a species of Pony called Thestrals, or Bat Ponies. Much of what he had wrote was extremely detailed, detailing the social environment and the common discussion of lore in everyday conversation. He had enough work to propose an opening, a chance to study the rural country, that seemed to hardly develop since ancient times, in depth. It was concluded that the cost for researching wasn't worth the data received. It was to be entered into the databases, stored for future consideration. Distant was dismissed and sent home. After arriving home he could only dream of entering the washing rooms to sooth his swollen ankles, having been forced to stand and wait after his journey, than stand and listen to old horses talk.
Distant Lightning's trip took nearly three days to complete,, delayed die to the Sandstorms that would, at this season, wash over the lands periodically as the rainclouds were gathered from what little moisture was retained in the sand. He stepped through his door only to come face to face with his granpappy. His ears pricked as he stood tall, ignoring the pain from his tired body. "Greetings grandpap!" He called, but granpap was not happy to see him. His parents stood off to the side looking rather distressed. His mother pulled a handkerchief over her muzzle and turned into her husband. The father looked up. 'We heard you were dismissed early from your meeting -- for going on about ponies with bat wings? Are your trying to bring us shame?' Lightning parted his jaws before lowering his head. Vampires were a taboo subject in Saddle Arabia. Many were said to roam the deserts at night, rousing from the sands to attack travelers. Distant Lightning could not argue against the accusations so remained silent. 'Follow me boy.' His grandpap ordered, taking him upstairs into his office. Granpap was an old Earth Pony, his parents pegasus. The family seemed to share their sandy brown manes and dual toned wings. When compared to Lightning they were a bit thinner, built more for acrobatics than the body of a workhorse like Distant was cursed with. The door of the grandpap's office could be heard closing.
Gleaming Echo flicked an ear and smiled, inclining his head. "Tarnished will be really happy to see you...." With that his horn lit up with magic which touched gently against her own. It was much easier to create a shared dream this way at the very least! The cultist's spell went into effect just about the time that he moved to give the mare a nibble to the side of her neck. However that was about it since he both He and Yuna were going to be feeling the effect forcing them both to fall asleep! Both would once again wake in the castle ruin; the familiar setting from the night before. A place important to the cultist and Nightmare, it was! Yuna was of course once again alone, but this time in a more posh and comfortable looking room in the ruin. Obviously 'somepony' perhaps had been living there? At least it seemed like it in the dream.
Yunalesca's eyes moved up when he came close for the spell, though their horns were out of her view. Its effects were quickly noted, as was the nibble to her neck. She shivered, but she lay her head down on her worn pillow rather than try to reciprocate it. That heavy feeling of sleepiness, it called her. She could use some sleep.. Her eyes closed, and the next time she opened them it was to the sight of the castle's dark, weathered stone; but this time she was on something soft. Yuna shuffled, readjusting her wings as she studied her surroundings before she bothered to stand, poking around. "Hello?" She called out, but she was sure both of the unicorns already knew her location. It was their dream, after all.
Distant Lightning left the office after a short while. His hoof came up to touch his swollen cheek, the flesh split from the force of the strike. He scuffled up to the highest point of the manor where his room was located. A decadent display of beauty as his walls lay as decorated as his floors. Luxurious blues and golds dotted every inch of his room including his sleeping area and the mounds of pillows he kept. The male couldn't even bother to bath. He flopped down onto his nest of pillows. There was no proper bed to speak of, just a thick feather-filled mat with pillows to entertain his loneliness. Once he hit upon them -- he fell fast asleep.
Gleaming Echo stepped into the room Yuna was located with a bit of a smile. "Hiya Lady Yuna!" The light half smiled. The dark half was currently nowhere in sight. "I'm afraid Tarnished wasn't wanting to move so we'll have to go to him." he'd say with a sigh as he leaned in to give the alicorn a nudge. "We tend to 'relax' in different parts of our mind whenever the other is in charge... This is well... my area!" he smiled only to get a bit of an odd look. "Oooh... I wonder what would happen if I tried to see if I could locate Distant! Though would Tarnished want to see him? I'd suggest seeing if Dusky is asleep but she IS a nocturnal pony so chances are...." The light half of the pony was rambling!
Yunalesca's attention jerked towards Gleam at his entrance and she nudged him back, but she looked worried. "It must be bad if he wasn't jumping to come and see me." Her ears lowered. The room they were in was given another, closer look than before- his area? Their mind, of course. "It's nice." She didn't think they had such a representation to go to when one of them wasn't in charge.. It made her think how any of it even worked. Huh. Yuna refocused. "Oh.. that would be interesting, but would you even be able to get him into the dream? If the cultists needed a lot of magic, wouldn't you.. er.. us?" Working together, they could do something about that. "Let's go find Tarnished and see."
Distant Lightning was out harder and faster than he had ever been. His body was crumpled to pieces at this point, his energy sapped and spirit half dead. The stallion only had one place to go in his sleep. Just an empty place, nopony around, save for his sister. There they lay, just silence. It was his only safe place here in Saddle Arabia. Eve his room was occasionally intruded by of servants trying to tend to his every whim, of which he had few. For now, the dark, cool evening he slept with his windows open, the familiar desert air brushing over his resting, broken body.
Gleaming Echo led Yuna through the darkened halls and several times it would have been like they abruptly changed position in the castle. Where one hall would look one way it was suddenly looking different! However soon enough they came to a second room. The part of the castle they were in was far more ruin with crumbling walls and holes in the ceiling. "Here we are." he'd finally say as he knocked gently. The only answer was some noncommittal grunt. The nightmare was curled up onto the only pillow in the room and was... sulking? Now that he'd been on a rampage he was now just... laying there. "Hey Taaarnished, why the long face?!" The nightmare didn't even bless that with a response.
Yunalesca followed after Gleam, studying the hallways and places as they passed, puzzling over the strange changes. The thing about it being in a mind, she guessed, was that nothing ever stayed the same for long. Specific details, even in something known well, were hard to pin down. She faced forward again, noting the damages to this part of the castle, and came to a halt at the door Gleam lead her to. Her ears twitched forward at the grunt, and the curled nightmare. A faint, amused smile quirked at the corners of her mouth at the teasing and stepped over to Tarnished, reaching out a hoof. "Taarniished~." Yuna singsonged quietly. "I'm here too. Do you want to.. talk or something?"
Distant Lightning seemed perfectly at peace, a painted picture that displayed the lavish ideologies of what Saddle Arabian life was meant to be. Beds of silk from silkworms. Cotton plucked from the fertile river. Feathers from the finest birds. In his room, caged, was a small, leucistic peafowl. It warbled in an attempt to get the attention of its master, but with his face sunk in his pillows, monocle hardly fell to the side, he removed himself from the world for now. IN his dreams just a vast emptiness, a silence he oft hadn't privy to in his daily hours.
Gleaming Echo tried to hold back a snicker as Yuna walked up to the grumpy Nightmare. Oh yes, this was going to be good! The moment Yuna spoke up the dark half of the pony shot up like a rocket with ears perked. He spun upon the bed and took in the sight of the alicorn before him and let out a rather odd squee like sound? The alicorn quite likely found herself being plucked up via magic and pulled into a bear-hug from the larger pony! He said nothing yet but after a while the Nightmare released the pony and glanced at Gleam quizzically. "Shared dream again, Tarnished. Say.... Do you think we could get Dissy in here from Saddle Arabia?" The dark half blinked owlishly at the thought. How... novel! How... he never even thought of anything like that! However Tarnished was forced to remember about the alicorn in his forelegs. He quickly diverted his attention back and... "I'm..uh.. fine, Yuna..." villains couldn't be seen as weak, right? Then again was he a villain? He didn't rightly know anymore.
Yunalesca nearly flinched back from Tarnish's abrupt reaction to her presence; she thought he'd known she was coming. Apparently not, if the magic and the tight hug by the large nightmare was anything to go by. She accepted it willingly, trying to wrap her forelegs around whatever part of him she could manage and nuzzling her face into his chest, ruffling the dark fur. "You seemed quite sulky for somepony who's just 'fine.'" Yuna observed, looking up at him, eyebrow quirked. "After the way you left the other day. You guys can talk to me, you know.." Her head tilted up and she left a kiss on his collarbone. "Can we though, is that something that's doable to bring Distant here?"
Distant Lightning had made no effort to move. In this dream it was a silent peace he could tolerate. It could explain why the pegasus was quite good at sleeping when he did sleep: like a rock. His skull was pressed to Thunder's, the pair like cribbed foals. They were without their reading spectacles or ornate clothing, so it was quite difficult to tell them apart. If not for the slight difference in muzzle length one could mistake the pair easily. The pegasus clearly had no imagination though as it was simply a sand-colored void. No end, no beginning, no up or down.
Gleaming Echo sat not too far away from the duo as Tarnished gently pulled Yuna to join him on the somewhat small pillow bed. The mention of Distant cause a bit of a shadow to appear over his eyes as he twitched. He still wasn't very happy with a few things; however he quickly nodded. "O-of course lady Yuna. I just...I don't know how to deal with things most ponies would." he deflated and rest his head upon hers. However it was from there that he nodded. "I believe we can. I might have to draw on your own magic to help us bring him here though, Yuna..." It did take a good bit of magic to do such a thing as bring somepony to his dream!
Yunalesca tried to adjust herself in the nightmare's embrace, turning her side up against his front so she could hook her forelegs over one of his. "I.. understand. As I told Gleam, I don't really know how to handle it either." The alicorn frowned and leaned her head back against his chest, cheek against the dark coat as she thought it over. For her friends, she would do it. "Of course. I'm sure I've got enough to give to do this. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it." Yuna said, looking between the two unicorns. She only ever really used her magic for carrying things- at least, as of late after the simple spell from days before.
Distant Lightning slept, like a rock. He would hide in his dreams forever if he could, but that was the coward's way out. His body was in a deep sleep, mind clinging to a memory that did not grow. Who knew what Thunder looked like when she was small save for Light and close members of his family. What he saw now, mirroring him, was perhaps just that: a reflection of a memory he could not quite piece together.
Gleaming Echo smiled some, more than happy that the alicorn was in their dreams. Hehe... The alicorn of their dreams was IN their dreams? How did that work? Meh, who knows! "Just lay right there and look adorable milady." Tarnished rumbled in a cat-like purr as the nightmare's horn lit up with magic. Gleam's own did as well! The light half would vanish~Out in search of their wayward companion. It actually took naught but ten minutes, although perhaps time passed strangely, before Gleam returned and smiled. "I found his dream... Let's pull him in!" And thus the two unicorn used their magic as well as some of Yuna's to try to pull Distant into their dream!
Yunalesca's eyebrows went up; no effort on her part? Disappointing, but she was still helping in away, while they drew off her magic. She made a high, 'hm' noise in her throat. Look adorable? She could.. do that she guessed, but she still had no idea how or why either of the unicorn saw her as adorable. She would ask, but they were both concentrating on magic. Gleam vanished and she blinked, staring at the spot he was just a moment ago. In the time that Gleam was gone, she was tempted to cuddle up more to the nightmare, perhaps go to nibble at his chin from beneath from her closeness to it, but she resisted the temptation. They were busy. Instead, she looked around the room Tarnished spent his time in, wondering if the damage left there was what he had caused, or just natural to the castle in their mind- her gaze quickly averted the moment Gleam returned. "That's great!" Yuna exclaimed and.. was left to wait, while they did what they had to do.
Distant Lightning looked up from his resting place, but his head was forced back to lay down by Thunder's. He sniffled and snuggled against her, storm-colored orbs looking toward the strange feeling. He wasn't waking up was he? He did not want to wake up. He would be okay staying here forever. He didn't want to stay, but he had no choice. they were preventing his return to Equestria. Calling his research -- foalish, among harsher words which were quite devastating to a scholar who has struggled over twenty some years just trying to get his hoof in the door.
Gleaming Echo gave Yuna a gentle nudge and glanced to Tarnished. The nightmare narrowed his (or her depending on one's point of view) eyes and finally let out a breath. The dark one wasn't sure about seeing the foreigner again. After all; parting already drove him to a frenzied madness! The dark half of the pony let out a quiet breath and focused, horn lighting along with Gleam's own. Should nothing go too terribly amiss Distant (and maybe even Thunder - depending for the lulz~) would be pulled into the dream; appearing not too far from the group.
Yunalesca nudged Gleam back and looked between the two unicorns while they exchanged glances. She offered Tarnished a nuzzle in kind, backing off once his horn was alight yet again. They were going to do it, or try to, and she could only hope the magic between the three of them would be enough to share a dream with a pony who was separated from them by a great distance. Her tail flicked and she watched the both of them, studying their faces and waited a little anxiously. The ripple of something nearby drew her eye, both of which widened. "Did.. ?"
Distant Lightning and Distant Thunder were not 'happy', persay. it was thought the dream being had was broken and back to the damnable world of the living. The twins were cross, but it took them a moment. No separation. They were still together? "What goes on here?" Were they pulled into another -- nightmare? 'It's the magic cat and his dame.' Thunder bit. Lightning winced and stood side by side with his reflection of sorts. "What-- are the cultists back--?" He worried. 'Putz, I don't think this is the same situation. Someone's touching your head without your permission.' The twins glared towards the pair. Who did what now in teh butt now?
Gleaming Echo rolled his eyes, but then Tarnished did the same. "Oi, don't you look at me like that. I'd rather not blast yer crazy peacock arse back into yon dream! I mean; c'mon, can't an evil creature miss his fri-victims?" There was a pout there. Gleam was looking at the nightmare in amusement at the whole thing before his attention once again turned back to the new duo of Distant and his... mind-twin? Twin? Whatever..... "If you are b-bothered by it we could just... send you back. This isn't a curse.... And this isn't your head either. For better or worse you're in our head. Better than losing track of friends, r-right?" the light half of the pony looked hesitant and perhaps a little fearful? This was all his idea after all.
Yunalesca sat up, draping her forehooves over Tarnished's back, something comfortable for her to lean on, so she could be visible to the newly arrived pair. It was strange that Lightning's twin was here too, unless.. he had been dreaming of her? Or it was just like the nightmare again, in that aspect only. "Hey Lightning." Yuna chirped up quietly after the dual unicorn fell silent, ears twitching back as she glanced over at Gleam's uncertainty. "It's just a shared dream. To see you again. Did you.. make it home okay?" Yuna wanted to ask more, but she would rather not dump a flood of questions on him. His twin was given an unsure look; she remembered her attitude, and how uncomfortable she'd felt.
Distant Lightning seemed confused. This was not normal for him okay? "W-what do you mean?!" 'I told you he is rubbing his hooves all over your mind.' Thunder reminded. Disgruntled noises escaped the peacock as he fluffed up a bit. thunder would do the same, though more in excitement. 'Lookit, it's the hot, evil, piece of ass. You know I have to say you can try that again, but bet Lili won't come back if you do.' She threatened Tar. Distant backed up a bit, hiding beside Thunder. "In your head... I don't understand." He looked to Gleam. Lightning seemed a little distressed, more so than usual. Thunder narrowed her eyes at Yuna. 'What am I a ghost?' She thought on that a moment and laughed. 'Probably, but that's no reason to be so rude, where's my greeting? This is why you unicorn are hated. Doing as you please, not even asking permission!'
Distant Lightning shirked back a bit. "T-thunnie it's okay..." She glared at Light. 'Don't you let them walk all over you too Lili. Grow a spine, and an imagination. Could have at least like put something on entering the manic's dream.' He hadn't any of his usual vestments and -- did his wings look smaller than usual? "Um.. it's okay, I-- this is strange. Maybe I am just dreaming." He did not quite get the concept of Nightmares and their abilities, at least how far the could go. Forced astral projection -- on other beings?
Gleaming Echo let out a sigh as Tarnished bristled. "Here I am trying to be -ewww- nice and -ugh- cordial but nooooo!" he'd start as his eye twitched. "I meant boot you back to the dream you two were in since you so obviously would rather be there, but if you want another fireball to the face just keep pushing those buttons!" The dark half had a notoriously short temper, obviously, and the way those dagger-like teeth were grinding he was at least trying to clamp down on his reaction of blowing up things that irritate him! "Calm down, Tarnished. She'd probably trying to get a rise out of you." the light half just shook his head and sat down not too far from the pile that Yuna and Tarnished made. He was tempted to lay down himself. "Remaining is entirely your choice. Be kind, or please let us know to send you back." the light half's ears were flat at this point.
Yunalesca's mouth dropped open a little, but she had nothing to say to.. any of it. She sank back a little behind Tarnished, but her hooves were still draped over his back as she frowned at Thunder. This twin, she did not like, and the meeting wasn't as.. happy as she'd hoped.. She let the unicorn handle most of the talking. "The only pony I'm happy to see again is Lightning, and he's the only pony I planned on greeting, other than Dusk. Unfortunately, we don't have her with us." Yuna bit down before she could say more and turned away, towards Gleam, reaching out a wing for him invitingly for their little pile.
Distant Lightning winced when Tar lashed out, Thunder perking up. 'Oh I'll push his buttons if I get a rise out of him.' Lightning didn't even have the strength to be mortified anymore. "Good evening Miss Yuna..." He turned to look at Gleam. "Good evening to you --both, I... I don't understand it but please don't send me away." He seemed rightly scared of the idea. 'You drag him here, don't send him back to that shitty homestead. At least be amicable guests. You have him you have me, besides I'm the charming sassy one. He's the cute sidekick.' She assured.
Gleaming Echo let out a sigh as Tarnished simply growled and laid his head down upon his forelegs. Gleam glanced at the inviting wing and couldn't help but smile and move to settle down himself on the other side of the alicorn. "Charming sassy one... more like pain in the rump with a side of headache." the dark half covered his head with his forelegs and tried to tune her out at this point. The light half just let out a sigh and looked to Thunder and Lightning. "He is quite welcome to stay... just please try not to torment Tarnished. His temper is still rather... short." Tarnished was still silent; nuzzling up against Yuna.
Yunalesca gave Thunder an unreadable look and tucked her wing around Gleam the moment he joined them on the large pillow-bed. Her attention shifted towards Lightning, catching his greetings quite gladly. "It's good to see you, Lightning. How.. How are things at home, then?" That comment from Thunder did not go beneath her notice. One hoof idly stroked at Tarnished's side, soothingly, and his nuzzle earned him a gentle nibble to one of his ears. Yuna lay herself down more comfortably between the two unicorns, and part of herself wanted to beckon Lightning over too. His sister though.. might follow. "What is it like there?"
Distant Lightning looked down, ears folded back. Thunder smirked. 'Can't promise I won't. I'm not so stuck up like my brother that I'll swallow a comment.' She assured. Lightning looked up at the question from Yuna and turned away. "...It goes." He stated vaguely. 'Lili.' Thunder responded. "N-I'm tired. I haven't had much rest since i returned. Alright?" He bit at his sister. "They rejected my thesis on Equestrian culture, Thestrals, evening worships. I have to find something that will get me recognized,. they won't give me a grant to return." He finally explained but, even still, it felt like he was giving half of the information. 'Lili...you--' He stamped his hoof and moved to spread his wings, Thunder scoffing her hoof and spreading hers as well, the two standing off. Thunder raised a hoof, only for Lightning to scuffle back. She lowered her hoof and tucked it away. 'We're not tired. It hurts Lili.' Lightning had to say it on his own though....
Gleaming Echo fell silent, however it would have been Tarnished who's ears perked again. Something hurt? Why did it hurt? The dark half's glowing eyes focused upon Thunder and then Lightning once again. "Is Lightning hurt in some way?" he'd ask with narrowed gaze. Even if the Saddle Arabian was still somewhat mud in his eyes the dark half still... cared? Did he care? Well... yeah... Gleam's ears also perked at this and he also gazed in the direction of the duo. "We could probably make our way to Saddle Arabia." the light half was actually rather concerned by the mention of pain?
Yunalesca's brow furrowed, troubled; Thunder she didn't pay attention to so much as that ghost of his twin didn't act up. Lightning kept most of her attention. No rest? Pain? It didn't sound all that great from what Yuna could gather. Her gaze flicked between the pegasus twins when they faced off, and relaxed when they- Lightning, backed down. The way he acted when ponies raised their hooves, the way he acted when Dusk attacked him.. Her face darkened a little. Yuna's mouth dropped open a bit when Gleam suggested visiting the country. It would take money.. but they could handle working for a house later. "That.. would be something. Would we be able to?"
Distant Lightning chirped, a funny noise he mad, as he choked on hi saliva. "N-no! I have spoke...spoken of this, to you, at length. My country is hateful of outsiders, most particularly Equestrians." He rolled is shoulders. "I am just sore from constantly working since my return. Moreover... I simply was punished for a few errors I made. I mean your superiors certainly find punishments for the non workers." He motioned his hoof dismissively. "I am w...alive." He could not say well, honestly. It was not true.
Gleaming Echo narrowed his gaze and Tarnished turned to look to Yuna as he saw her expression darken and then her mouth dropping open. However it was when Lightning spoke that he let out a humph. "Since when have I cared whether or not they are hateful? If they get in my way they will eat the dirt." he growled completely forgetting his irritation with Thunder for the moment. However it was the comment about being 'slightly punished' that caused him to bristle like an angry cat. "Does this 'punishment' include physical trauma? If it ~" He clamped down on his comment and glanced at Thunder briefly. He might be able to wrangle info out of her over Lightning perhaps? Gleam nodded at the question from Yuna. "It would take time and well... bits, but.. We could have tickets to head to Saddle Arabia with tomorrow's earliest transport."
Yunalesca knew little of Equestria's unsteady ties with Saddle Arabia, let alone they were unsteady at all. Regardless, she partially agreed with Tarnished. It didn't matter to her if they hated her, whatever reason it was; they were strangers. She could put up with a little hate. The rest of Lightning's reply was puzzled over, about punishment, and it was covered by Tarnished before she could ask herself; she'd seen his earlier glance. A hoof was raised to brush over the nightmare's dark mane, idly playing with the wavy ends. "It sounds good to me, if that's something you want to do, and its doable." Yuna spoke towards Gleam, ears perked.
Distant Lightning stared, shaking a bit. "No." He said it, in a low, almost vacant expression. "Please." He begged as he moved towards. them. Thunder follow and seated herself as he paced, silently begging to sit with them. Back and forward. "Stay your hoof. He paused. "W...what is it you mean by physical trauma?" He did not understand that. He just knew that, sometimes, discipline hurt. "Please just, forget about me. I cannot ... return." Though if it kept up as it did, he may never..... Raising a hoof he gently motioned toward them as if he wanted to approach, but hesitated.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a sound and nodded. "I think we have enough bits to make it there." he'd say with narrowed gaze at the begging and now pacing Distant. "You imply that these punishments include physical pain." the dark half was livid. Nopony but he harmed his friends! Eh? That wasn't a good thing was it.... Not like he actually tried to harm them though. The dark half of the pony noticed how Distant's hoof motioned towards them. "Are you wishing to join us?" he'd ask with a curious expression even if he was still upset. If the response was positive the dark half would shift to give the pegasus room between himself and Yuna. The light half was once again sporting an entirely amused expression.
Yunalesca nodded, liking the idea. Another adventure? Lightning's approach was marked, her gaze sliding past him towards Thunder at her movement, before it moved back to her sibling. So long as Thunder was quiet, she was sure they could get along nicely~. "Yeah, as in getting hit. Small errors don't earn that kind of punishment, nor should anything else." The alicorn frowned, watching his gestures, ear twitching towards the question Tarnished ask. So long as it was considered okay to the unicorns.. Yuna beckoned the pegasus to join them too, using a gesture of her hoof. Gleam's expression was caught out of the corner of her eye, but she wasn't sure what it was he was finding.. funny? "Did you.. ever think about running away, Lightning? Anything would be better than.. that."
Distant Lightning folded his ears back when Tarnished questioned him. When responded to he nodded and pushed to climb up, Thunder followed. He dropped down between them, wings remaining tucked, as he settled down on his side. He looked to relax almost instantly. Thunder laid down in front of them, not among them, for what need did a ghost have for comfort? He wasn't sure how to answer to Yuna. He was sure they were great sleights to incur the wrath. He frowned, his back to Tarnished, rather strange given he was the evil one, and his head lowering to rest by Yuna's stomach if she allowed it. "I...once." He was punished for even mentioning that he wanted to leave. Traveling for study was the furthest he could get. "I cannot lave Thunder alone." He stated. "H...her grave is here." He clung, not strong enough to go on his own. "Please, you'll end up like Thunder if you come."
Gleaming Echo glanced at Tarnished, curious about the whole thing. The dark half really tried to stay mad with the foreigner but whenever he flopped down the irritation was replaced with concern. But then the concerned expression was gone and he frowned. "Then we can go there, rob her grave, and re-bury her in a place of your choosing as you run away with us." Yes, suggesting grave-robbery was he! "Besides... What does Thunder there think of the idea?" he'd ask with a wave of his hoof. The light half looked rather unnerved at the notion of graverobbing but... well, if they needed to. "We'll wind up like Thunder? Please, I'll bury anypony that threatens us. National relations be damned, nopony hurts my friends." he bristled again at the thought. The light half nodded at that since it was something he could agree with.
Yunalesca watched Lightning's approach, aware of Thunder behind him, but she had not come anywhere near. She made to give Lightning room, and made no fuss when he rest his head down, close to her stomach. After she had used him for a pillow for one night, his nearness didn't bother her anymore. Part of her was even tempted to reach over and run a hoof over her mane, but she was uncertain with displaying such a thing she usually reserved for Gleam and Tarnished. The latter's suggestion of graverobbing drew a bit of a face from Yuna. "I.. agree with Tarnished. On the ending up dead thing. We know how to fight, we can deal with them if they threaten us. So don't worry."
Distant Lightning glanced up at them. 'I want to be buried somewhere nice. It's cold where I am, it was always cold.' She would state. Light would mutter incredulously. "It is not robbing if we are relocating her... " He stretched out stiffly and rolled to his side, head remaining close to Yuna's and his body nearer Tarnished. His forehooves moved to raise to his face. "Threaten you... I doubt." Him, on the other hoof, would be punished. "I...did not want to leave...everypony..." He murmured.
Gleaming Echo stretched a hoof over to Distant and gave him a bit of a pat. Tarnished, however, found the blank expression falling as his eyes closed. "Then we can steal her.... remains... and bring her back to Equestria. We can keep our operations secret until we are ready to leave; that way you have no reason to fear for yourself." The dark pony shifted and somewhat leaned up against the pegasus while his head went to rest upon his forelegs. "Let the dark do their part." he hummed while the light half of the pony nestled up on the other side of Yuna and got comfortable.
Yunalesca looked over at Thunder, her expression unreadable. Cold. If Lightning implied physical punishment, she didn't want to think of what happened to his sister; if anything did. Maybe she was feeling a little bad about it, but she turned away. "Yeah, we can definitely relocate." The alicorn agreed with the dark cultist and caught the light hoof that went for its pat. It was a sign that it was okay, to her, and she reached out herself to stroke over Lightning's red mane, with him close to her. "We understand. Didn't want you to leave either, but.." Yuna murmured, glancing over at Tarnished. Her gaze shifted to Gleam next to her and she leaned to nibble at his cheek idly.
Distant Lightning seemed to completely relaxed, as opposed to before where he had been skittish, terrified. Content nickering escaped him before he shivered. "I... apologize." He looked up at them. "I did not wish to lose you in kind. I don't know what to do. I can only sleep to stave off the aches. It was wrong of me to leave, but I could not dishonor my family more than I had being born." He lamented. He was conflicted.He wanted them to come, but -- at what cost? Thunder's eyes were closed. 'If you cry...' "It will hurt more..." He calmed down a bit and closed his eyes. He just wanted to sleep a little longer...
Gleaming Echo narrowed his eyes and Tarnished outright growled when he mentioned the 'dishonor' of being born! "Is that what they think?" The dark half was coiled tighter than a spring. "I'm afraid I need to.... be right back." he'd say with a bit of a hiss. The dark half slid to his hooves an glanced briefly at the small group of ponies. He turned and strode from the room. Or perhaps stomp was more accurate than not. The dark half stomped his way from the room and Gleam let out a sigh. "I guess Tarnished is going to let off some steam..." The light half just shook his head and tried not to think about what was said.... They'd get to Saddle Arabia soon and then eeeverything could be taken care of.
Yunalesca didn't pull her hoof back, so long as Lightning allowed her touch. It remained, lightly petting, while she listened to him talk. When she heard the same, her face darkened again, but she didn't speak until an enraged Tarnished had had his say. She wanted to reach out for the nightmare to brush him too, but she let him go off on his way; giving him his space. "You don't dishonor anypony. Don't ever think that." Her tone was of the same that she'd used when she once told Gleam he wasn't a madpony, rose to his defense. To think she would give Lightning the same respect, but thinking of that.. she regretted the things she'd said about the arabian. Yuna glanced Gleam's way, eyebrows raised a little in sympathy before she rest her head down on a free forehoof, trying to lend comfort.
Distant Lightning would relax against the petting and just the general company. This was better than sleeping alone. Pillows were not warm like bodies. He opened his muzzle again, but shut it. What could he say that -- was even positive at this point. He was tired. "....thank you." It was the only nice thing he could think to say to them.
To be continued.