Ciraxis

"Is that what you think? Hmmm..." Hou murmured with risen eyebrow. Either way,she wasn't in hurry to disprove Rose's opinion on the soul magic - changeling queen should already know better seeing Shuren's mastery over many different skills she had occasion to witness. But back on track.....

"Enhanced or not, there are limits to everything that has to obey physics to at least limited degree." white mare pointed out. Even her own abilities were supplemented by souls, that either acted as fuel for them, or as a resource that was spent to counteract against things Hou didn't wanted to deal with at the moment - like exhaustion...or ageing.

"Or perhaps you have a means to um-enhance yourself? After all, what one unplugged, other can unplug." Hou said with almost-nonchalance in her tone....

However inside, Shuren groaned in irritation. It was good that Compass was open to counsel of others, recognizing that she lacked perspective necessary for many things. If she truly wished to improve herself, she needed to tap into those few virtues that her Mad Template clung to in her mad quest - namely willpower and determination to seek solutions to fix her own problems.

"Do I really have to remind you what is at stake? Not only our firstborn daughter's very life, but also well being of all her current and future siblings. And how do you think Aloe would react if anything happened to them? Do you truly wish for her to end like Him? Your time together is already limited as it is...." sorceress said.

"Oh you would think it would be so easy, did you? Do thing 'A' at place 'B' and with addition of 'C' and you get result 'K'.....like another potion recipe. " Hou said in half mocking tone as she walked up to changelings face.

"So simple, so easy! So clinical, so unsavoury....." sorceress dragged her vowels at the last word, with near-disgust.

"This is something you and Sparkle share. This....disrespect for Magic. You think you can catalogue it, give it labels, wrap your mind around everything it represents. Treat it like another tool in garden shed" Shuren glared at Rose before walking off to the ponds edge.

"You have yet to understand that some things hold power, precisely because they retain their mystique." she contained staring into the water "They are what they are because they can't be understood by logic, because at some point logic and mind alike b r e a k s ! What we are to attempt is one of those things." white mare explained.

"Unfortunately.....neither You or your Template decided to be monk, esotericist or other of similar life callings. Most your life experience can be split between 'insane magic-experimenting hermit' and 'pirate yandere'. " Hou summed up before adding "It's the Neighponese term. Look it up later." she said with dismissive hoofwave.

"The point is...you don't have a mystical oriented bone in your body Rose, and I doubt you ever will. However there are....things that we can do to ease of finding perfect sync that is required for the ritual. The Body at the state of total, physical exhaustion is much more susceptible to fall in line with Mind and Soul. Thus, we need to tire you out...the old fashioned way." Hou said with a grin. "You can either run, exercise, or I can pummel you for hour or two. The choice is yours."

"Your child is....a curious one." Hou commented as Rose and her spawn had a moment together. "Not a desired trait for a medically expert...but one welcomed in explorer or scientist." white mare observed before continuing. "I suppose it will be up to your other children to carry your task as a healer. Seems Albedo might aspire...to higher things. Perhaps she will explore other frontiers then Equus itself." sorceress mused.

As Compass hoofed the vials, Shuren put one of them against the sunlight. She seemed to admire it's contents...

"Water and magic...two conduits of life. Look how brimming with potential they are when combined...and from such simple pond." she said.

"Sometime, long ago, before Dragon's Folly, there had to exists and ur-pond that combined the two.....no, not pond. A Well with capital W would be better term for such grand reservoir. Yes, a Well of Orgin. Imagine what kind of power would a waters from such reservoir hold...." unicorn mare marveled before sighting.

"No matter. And back to things at hoof..." Hou said before emptying the vial into the pond, empowering it. Empowered by the aether, now it was suitable as the meditation focus aid, but not strong enough to harm Albedo while she swam in it.

"Do you recall what I said about the world and how it's composed of by Planet and it's Magic? About them being the same and yet distinct at the same time? Well, ponies - and other magically sensitive species I suppose - are not so different. However while the World 'construction' is simple and thus durable. Ponies, as I explained have....more 'moving parts'." Hou said before pausing.

"To get you to develop your own 'Root' , we need to get you into contact with your Magic. However you also need to be lucid while doing this, and thus other parts that composes you - Mind, Body and Soul need to be in sync to achieve the required state. To do this, specific ritualized form of mediation I developed is needed. The magically enhanced waters at land rich with laylines...." Shuren waved at now enhanced pond. "...will help at reaching an require focus. Likewise a presence of your child as a reminder of what is at stake will enhance your willpower through the ordeal." sorceress explained before adding.

"Now...ten laps around the jungle should suffice. No magic."

Hou frowned when Rose disappeared. Her child's very life was on the line, and yet she showed such foolhardiness? Was it arrogance? Dismissiveness of the danger? Attempt to mask her nervousness? Or perhaps....her trust in...?

Sorceresses train of thought was interrupted by the feeling of something on her back. She slowly glanced over her shoulder, and saw all too-familiar bubble of water, and big childish eyes of Albedo. Shuren couldn't had but grimace as mixed emotions clashed in her mind.

".......How foolish.." white mare finally muttered, coming to terms that she was to be this child temporary ward. Not wasting more time she moved further into the foliage.

Hou didn't paid Albedo much mind. She knew that little larvae was surely distracted by both her new 'carriage' and the surroundings. Sorceress doubted that Rose took her to such place as jungle before. Was the little thing found the place fascinating? The recognition and familiarity with oceans was surely in grubs blood. To be instead surrounded by the sea of leaves....had to be entrancing.

".....I envy children like you, at times." Hou muttered to Albedo. "For you, everything surely appears new, fascinating....ready to be discovered." Shuren monologued. She doubted if child could understand her, but alas, she was only ear in vicinity.

"For me it's almost a forgot feeling. With knowledge, came realization. And now, everywhere I turn, I see scars, and how much this world had have lost. And with how things are, i realize that I can't experience those things and places. What was like an Empire of Abada, lost after they repeated folly of dragons million hundred thousand years later? What about dragons themselves? Before the War shattered civilizations of those from west and east...and completely wiped out white wyrms from north? True Maratonia, lost either to seas or tear in time?" Hou asked question that she knew there were no answers for yet.

"For over thousand years I watched, and I am certain. The wheel revolves, but the Equus stays the same. It just....less in it." unicorn said with surprising bitterness.

"And I will give to it back, everything that was stolen from it by the sands of time." she said before tapping the bubble, and erasing the recording spell that Compass oh-so-sneaky hidden in magic keeping the water together. Speaking of water....

The pond was exactly what they needed. Ideal size, near perfect clarity, and whatever lived inside was easy to deal with. The only problem was horned feline-like beast that was now rising to it's paw upon seeing Hou and Amazing-Water-Grub on her back. Shuren rolled her eyes and groaned in annoyance. Normally she would emanate a killing intent, that made any jungle creature big and small to flee for her lives. Unfortunately, white unicorn wasn't exactly  in position in doing that now, with Albedo that she was babysitting now - after all, returning the tadpole to Rose near catatonic with terror wouldn't exactly be the sign of trust....

The beast pounced at the pair - to gorge them with horns or to tear at them with claws, Hou wasn't sure which - and Sorceress Eternal sidestepped the attacking creature with almost bored expression. As it missed by wide margin, it turned around at lightning speed and tensed like a spring to make another go at the unicorn and larvae.

Hou decided that she really didn't had time for this. As the beast leap at the two again. Before it's instinct where able to make it realize that something was wrong, unicorn's magic closed upon it's neck, and unceremoniously snapped it. The lifeless carcass hit the ground with a heavy thud, while uncaring Hou was already inspecting the pond. What she saw wasn't really encouraging. The mosquito 'wiggles' where harmless enough, and dragonfly larva could at best pinch the little Albedo.

But Hou saw what she believed was giant water bug from Unyasi.....somehow?

"That won't do..." Hou stood up to her full high, and prepared to to scour the pond from life before pausing. While the spell shouldn't harm the grub on her back, Hou wasn't exactly certain of it either. After all, it was relatively new creation, and it was possible that it might bring some harm to changelings - due to their insectoid nature. So Shuren surrounded Albedo's bubble with warding sphere of her own. And then another, different one - just to be safe. Satisfied with precautions, Hou turned her attention to the pond, and it's unwanted residents.

"Vermin Bane." she flatly intoned and fired her magic, obliterating all the insect life in the pond in a column of green and teal aether flames that briefly emanated from the water.

Sorceress tilted her head and inspected the results. Satisfied, she was ready to put Albedo into now safe pond....and at that moment  a snickering form of Compass ported right next to her.

Upon hearing Rose question Hou answered in deadpan voice.

"What do you think?" Shuren asked, the last embers of the spell dancing along her horn and with dead predator behind her. After a pregnant pause sorceress snorted and spoke again.

"You brought the vials no doubt. So it's my turn to prepare the right tools for the ritual. Assuming we done contemplating out navels, check the water. I am not really certain what level of salinity would make her most comfortable." white mare said, as she passed Compass's child back to her.

"Or simply getting locked." Hou said, referring to Hei's one would-to-be apprentice who tried to lock - or rather seal - him in his residence and taking over his studies. Naturally it didn't worked. As for traitorous student in question....well......it ended poorly for her. Sorceress never bothered asking what Hei did, but she doubted it was enjoyable.

"For somepony who did everything to never pass it, you treat passing through the veil awfully lightly." Shuren said to the changeling, using a poetic euphemism for death. Through it was more of a jab at her Original self, Hou still felt that Rose needed to be grounded by somepony. "Ever heard Maretonian myth about Hepius?" she asked in deadpan tone.

As blood mage walked through the portal Hou parting words were...

"Guide your heart well, Shooting Star." which was her 'good mood ' farewell. With Dox gone Hou turned to Rose.

"Seems we are done here Compass. Now excuse me. It's been a while since I was here. Need to re-familiarize myself with the area." white unicorn said and - not waiting for an answer - she walked past changeling queen and out of forgotten temple stone chamber, that Rose chose as a meeting room.

"All the better." Hou said when Rose revealed her desire to make her travels a 'family trip'. "Others can see different aspects of those cultures, ultimately offering a different perspective then your own. Sharing them, is too a form of wisdom." sorceress said, before glancing over her shoulder once again.

"And I believe I don't need to point this out, that others nations are far less forgiving for a changeling race then Equestria is. Be sure your guise in them is flawless."

When Compass started mentioning certain place of power, Hou had to admit, she was tempted to make Rose spill more. Such pond could potentially.....

No. I the grand scheme of things, it was only a short term benefit, and she learned long ago that they were never worth it. So when young queen trailed off in hesitation, the white mare raised her hoof and shook her head instead.

"You keep my secrets from Sparkle, feel free to keep hers hidden from me. I won't enforce you to chose between myself and Priggish Purple Princess." Shuren said.

She knew that Rose will recall her words if she happens to find herself in similar conversation with Sparkle.

"As for the pond itself...." Shuren paused and massaged her temple, pondering. "We need power, but not that much power. While Albedo will not be the one to undergo the ritual, it will obviously affect her via your parent-child connection - since it's the entire point of it. Pond of pure aether will only hurt her, since she already absorbs too much of it as it is. No, we need a place strong in magical might, but also teeming with primal, untamed strength of nature." Hou explained.

"That said.....go to that font of magic you mentioned, and fill at least three vials with liquid aether Rose. We will enhance a normal body of water with vials contents, striking perfect balance between nature and arcane. You shouldn't have trouble finding me, seeing my magic is strong enough to act as a beacon." unicorn mare explained, moving forward and leaving Compass behind. With two tasks split between them, preparing for the ritual should take no time at all. "Bring the vials, and regroup with me. Then I will tell you what needs to be done." Shuren said, disappearing into the jungle.

"Pond Rose. I want to have your little grub under my gaze. You will be pretty.....dazed, during and after the process. And I prefer not having to comb every part of a large lake looking for Albedo cause she decides to explore." Hou explained.

"And yes, I assume you have some kind of supremely special crib for her in that hideaway of yours....but the other reason is that leylines here are good. Very, very good." sorceress said as she pulled herself away from the stone slab, and began to walk away - looking for small body of water they needed.

"Do not misunderstand me. Ponyville and surroundings aether lines are.....passable. However we need better. Much better. Like here." the mare explained before glancing over the shoulder.

"We at the same latitude Crystal Empire is. Why do you think there are the frozen wastes barely kept away by the Crystal Heart, while here is life-teeming jungle sandwiched between mountain ranges?" Shuren pointed out. Well that was oversimplification of course, but it didn't changed the fact that Basin's concentration of leylines were one of the best on the continent.

When Compass decided to remedy her earlier slight, Hou merely nodded in approval. However when Rose mused that she should do so under Jade persona (after casting anti-espionage spells. Probably unneeded seeing where they were, but the gesture was appreciated), unicorn shook her head.

"No. You mate for one, will start asking questions why simple ethologist like Jade is able to pass arcane blessings. It will be much better if somepony else, unrelated would do so. Preferably after you do some trips aboard. Like Maretonia, Long Guo or Saddle Arabia. There are many sages and hermits around the world." Hou explained, hinting that she will pull a third appearance, unrelated to either her real self of 'Jade Beaker'.

"Travelling is something you need to do anyway Rose. So far you sicked mostly to Equestria. However it is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding other ways of thinking, other nations will help you more complete being then your Original ever was." dark sorceress advised.

"Heh....." Hou scoffed as she seen Albedo try so hard to reach her.  "Your child has certainly enough gumption, can't help but like her...." she commented before turning to Rose, exasperation that she didn't bother hiding visible on her features.

"Which make make your failure of inviting me to give my blessing to her all more vexing." sorceress said, finally revealing why she thought Compass offended her.

"But as I said earlier...." unicorn mare broke contact with the water bubble and strode to the stone slab again. "....I let it slide. However....be sure to be more.....mindful in the future." Hou 'advised' Rose, while glancing over her shoulder.

Then their conversation turned towards Compass other children. When Changling Queen, mentioned that her other egg-born children weren't getting as much attention as Albedo did....

"Obviously." Hou said with an eye roll "She's your firstborn AND designed successor. Of course it remains to be seen if she agrees to play along with inheriting role." Shuren found it amusing that Rose was doing to her daughter what her Template did to her....even if in less abusive way. If she becomes aware of this remains to be seen. Hou wasn't going to hoof-hold Rose through everything. When Compass mentioned her mammalian children....

"You don't know, but does it matters what they be?" sorceress asked - but only to keep the conversation going. Hou herself knew, that for her, it didn't. From where she stood, only Rose's changeling scions held value. Her foals? Well, world had enough foals already. Unless they will turn really exceptional like Sparkle or Shimmer. Not that she will tell Compass this, since Changeling Queen mental stability was other of those 'things that mattered' to sorceress. "You will care and love them all the same." Shuren added, to maintain the illusion of interest.

When Compass proved overeager to jump into action, which prompted a sight from Sorceress Eternal - Rose like her Original had intellect of the academic mare, but only enough wisdom to fill a teaspoon. Not surprising seeing that said 'Original' was essentially a advanced example of 'basement dweller'.

"......Compass, less is more." she chastised the young queen "That and I am sure child within you would be delighted to go through all you proposed." Hou added, more mockingly.

"Well....first we need to find a suitable pond. We will sterilize it, and then put Albedo in it. You won't be able to maintain a bubble for what we need to do." Shuren explained.

"You got this almost right. Think bigger." Hou said "Any creature born into any realm with Magic develop The Root. However The Root developed in one world is seemingly not universal. I don't have exactly have a means to test this" sorceress explained with a shrug. "That aside....the ability to develop The Root is inherited, but not in genetic way...." Shuren said as she started to walk back an forth. "Understand that while Root helps with absorbing aeather, it's not exactly necessary. Like a safety wheels on a bike, it's only needed 'till body, soul and mind develop enough to handle it without side-effects." white mare said, before turning her gaze towards Rose.

"You however Rose was not born...you were made. You have a donor...a matrix, but no real parent - even if you remember otherwise. Your body, soul and magic is 100% copy of Original at certain point of her life, while your mind is copy of that and beyond...although it is possible that there is still some time-frame gap between what you recall and your creation. I don't know what process your Template used to make you, but gazing at your soul I am certain.....The Root can only be nurtured, not copied. However....since you essentially came into existence as an mature specimen of your species, you neither needed it, nor was able to notice it's absence." Hou said before turning 90° and closing to Compass and Albedo.

"I can only speculate why Albedo doesn't have it either. It's true her other parent is mare from this world, but your case is very unusual...." Hou said as she extended her hoof to poke the tadpole's bubble again "You are not only expatriate from different dimension but also a different species the Aloe. At this point we can only guess if the same issues would to arise if Albedo was born a pony, or if your chose mate was changeling as well. Insufficient data." unicorn mare explained....

Then she recalled the bit about 'enhancing' Albedo further, which made Hou frown. Sorceress dope slapped the changeling queen (but not too hard) before continuing.

"You got into this because you 'enhanced' her before birth. Understand this Rose, this isn't a problem just for your firstborn, but all your changeling children as well. However they should be able to get through the childhood....at the price of being sick prone during and after it. Albedo meanwhile was over-designed. She will eventually begin absorbing aether at such rate it will start burning-out her body from strain." Hou summed up. "We can't throw elixirs and potions at all our problems Rose, even if we prodigies in that. One has to be more flexible then that." sorceress advised, before returning to problem at hoof.

"Luckily, the same link between you and your daughter that caused this trouble, is something we can use to fix this. Although since your obviously..." sorceress gave changeling a look-over ".....beyond adolescence, it will require a few extra steps."

"I am not surprised you didn't heard of it. It's a term I coined up after studying extensively Equestria's, Long Guo's and Unyasi theories of magic, with addition of some ancient texts from very, very, very long time ago.....from before history of this world and the one your 'Template' resides in diverged." Hou said, without actually explaining what in Tartarus 'The Root' was.

"To understand 'The Root' you have to understand relationship between the world or the 'Planet' and it's 'Magic'. You might be aware that 'Magic' - the capital M 'Magic' by the way - has a will of it's own. What most doesn't understand it that so is the 'Planet'. The tow are distinct, and yet part of one. Do you follow so far?" Shuren asked before continuing with the explanation.

"Now....the wills or rather wishes of 'Planet' and 'Magic' most of the time coincide with each other....they never oppose mind you - since how you can oppose yourself? - but they once in the while, they do diverge." Hou said with emphasis.

"Ultimately, 'Magic' desires to be used. Dark magic, soul magic, harmony magic it doesn't matter, since ultimately each branch is but a one facet of it....." sorceress continued.

"Now...sentient, magic using beings are built similar to the world, although we have more moving parts, and thus our relationship between them is more complicated: mind, body, soul and magic. Now there are suspicions that there is fifth part - The Heart - but if it does exists, it's relationship to other parts of one's being is something I myself have yet to determinate. Now, most sentients come into existence with capacity to generate their own magic - the capability to do so granted by the 'Magic' or in case of Albedo, you." Hou pointed at Rose "Think of it like an ignition spark in engine. Once it is provided, the engine is able to generate more on it's own, provided sufficient fuel is at hoof." Shuren started to support her words with some illusions, to provide visual aid. "This own, ponysonal magic shows thought owners soul, which acts as the matrix for it. In changelings, it shows as an ability to transform. In most equines it appears as what we call 'Cutie Marks'. " white mare explained.

"Now......our own personal magic usually fuels those special talents of ours, but by no means it means it's only magic one's is capable off.  Just like changeling can do more then transform, ponies can do more then what is represented by their 'Special Talent'. In quilin it's extra powerful breath, in earth ponies endurance, strength and talent for plant life.....you get the idea." Hou followed with lesson. "Now, if that innate capabilities could be likened to a breathing, others skills are in that comparison rope walking. A slip and doom awaits." sorceress said, and an miniature, illusionary pony fell into abyss.

"Now...this is the part where 'The Root' comes in. Just as you must learn rope walking, so you do need to cast spells, fly or tap into that enhanced strength and stamina. 'The Root' is an extension of spirit - which is what we refer to as combination of magic, soul and mind, but without a body - that taps into capital M 'Magic'. As I said before 'Magic' desires to be used, 'The Root' helps with that it acts like a safety harness of sorts, an instructor that slowly helps you with using your 'extra' skills, and a pipeline that allows you to link and 'draw' from 'Magic' to quicken replenishing your own supply. It also a limiter for said pipeline, so you don't overdraw and not suffer from aether overload. Is what I say clear so far?" Shuren asked.

"<Sigh> How can I explain this to you?" Hou mused. The fact that Rose didn't noticed this problem when making blueprints for Albedo meant that her understanding of Soul Magic was fairly deep but at the same time narrow. This shouldn't be surprised really. Compass's Template didn't specialize in it like Shuren did, instead focusing on potential of bringing back dead and gaining immortality. Add the fact that Hou added to the magic branch, substantially contributing to it and....

"Imagine you building a train. The fastest, most powerful train you could. So you design and engine - and indeed you create train engine about all others. Strong, long working and self improving! But you focus on this task so extensively, that it comes at price of parts of the said train. The frame, wheels...everything! You didn't consider the power of this new creation of yours, so even through other elements are very solid, they should be made with consideration of it from the very start." sorceress explains.

"At first everything is fine...for first few months...But then defects start to creep. Windows slowly start to break from engines vibrations. The frame that supports it starts to deform due to how much heat it generates. The wheels not designed for such speeds wear down and steadily loose their friction.... And one day...."

Hou stomped with her hoof, suddenly. "The train derails, crashing and burning...." she said poignantly before pausing. "Albedo is fine now because she's 'new' so to speak ...but as years go by her immense magic will wear down other parts of her. And swimming in pool of healing concoctions for rest of her life can hardly be called 'living' if you thinking what I am believe you are thinking."

Hou walked to the side for a moment, allowing Rose to digest all this, before continuing.

"....Before you start going through 'Five Stages of Grief' notice that I wouldn't be telling you any of this if there was no solution. I promised you, didn't I? If you ever star the same downward spiral your Original did.......Well, if it was truly hopeless I would simply put you down like Old Yeller when your guard is lowered." Shuren managed to say something that was somehow reassuring and ominous in equal measure.

".....Albedo's magic might be powerful. But there were other being that held the same if not greater potential in their infancy. Twilight Sparkle or Startswirl the Bearded wouldn't survive past foalhood if there wasn't a lighting rod of sorts, to disperse excessive power. Although lightning rod is over-simplification....it's in equal part a power dispenser for magic and instruction manual for other elements that makes one's being - mind, body and soul -  for grow strong enough and adapting to withstand it....." Hou continued with the lesson.

"Your larva here however, doesn't has it because you don't as an extra-planar creature. And you didn't felt anything different since you came here as fully developed being and thus didn't really needed it despite the advantages it could bring. I am talking about 'The Root'. "

".......Does that enjoyment always has to include chromosome mixing?" Hou asked, still nonplussed, while she put the vial and scraper into the same pocket space she put them out of. "Even heard of...alternatives? Visit a theme park, go to theatre, take cooking classes together...." she continued in deadpan tone.

When Rose mentioned her new position however, Shuren's interests was piqued.

'I wasn't aware of this....' Hou thought. Her information gathering was superb, but it's not like abilities of her spy network were absolute. How luckily then that Rose provided her that titbit on her own accord!

'It has to be recent development.' unicorn mare mused in her mind. 'This means Rose will be a valuable source of information that I can milk from her about Sparkle. It seems associating with her is even more beneficial then I assumed.'

"Hmmmm. Odd....." sorceress mused aloud, careful to not appear brooding for too long. "It should be 'Court Alchemist' since she's not an only royal in the realm, but the only one that keeps an active court." Hou explained "Either power is getting into her head already, or the wording is the signal to other powers..." by which Hou meant political entities..."...that Sparkle is THE Royal that they have to reckon with." she explained.

"...Regardless...it seems that your new.....position indeed could come with decent salary, but since this is title without precedent yet, don't assume it or pay-check for granted. They are court positions in....western nation likes 'Keeper of Swans', 'Grand Almoner' or 'Master of the Hunt' that are mostly for prestige and come with only minimal material benefits." Shuren explained, "...although I assume you would already know this....." despite speaking such, Hou herself wasn't so sure. Rose Template used to be 'Rape, Pillage, Burn' kind of pirate before shifting into hermit/insane researcher. For being that boasted consciousness  of great age......Compass understanding of many topic could hardly be described as anything but 'pathetic'.

Rose....Original and Copy alike, seemed like creature of laster-thin focus - at expense of everything else. It will be a challenge to break out the later from that way of thinking....

Which she wouldn't have a chance to do, if she doesn't stop potential future insanity spiral here and now!

Hou walked closer to changeling queen and delicately poked the Albedo's bubble. She was certain to become a major player in the future. But only if...

"Yes...aside from complete lack of pigmentation, her body is indeed ordinary, while housing incredible magical potential.....and this is precisely the problem."

Hou judged before stepping back.

"Rose...ten years wasn't estimation for this cycle of her development....It was ten years of life...overall...."

Hou gave out a heavy sight before putting a tighter lid on her magic then moments before. Not her soul magic though....she needed it to get closer look at....Toddler...? Grub....? Whatever Rose wanted to call that spawn of hers. So instead she just said....

"...Charmed." she said, and proceeded to finish filling up a vial.

"Well it's not like she's capable conversing about quantum magic-circle enchanting yet..." sorceress deadpanned.

When Compass asked about lichens, Shuren instead of answering conjured up a what was apparently '2004 Lichens of Aquelia, Badlands and Equestria. By C.K. Yardshrubthorn.' and hoofed it to changeling queen. The reason for that because her eyes was set on Rose's gravid gut.....

"Compass...." Hou started, her tone even more dry then moments before "...Most mares get to know their country's tax tariffs before they start making their own hooffball team." she added. "Or are you that dead-set on going bankrupt buying school supplies ten years down the line?" sorceress asked before giving up a heavy sight.

"Look I understand you wanting to stand up to your 'Template' how good of parent you are, but certainly not by allowing your instincts running unchecked. Are you sapient being or and aphid?" Hou questioned, while her gaze held promise of something if she doesn't like an answer.

With that, sorceress shifted her attention back to Albedo, who continued staring. If she didn't know better, Hou would say the little thing was in awe.

"......Also....you over-designed your firstborn. Just ten years...." unicorn mare shook her head.

It's been a long time since Hou found herself walking among the ruins of ancient Technotitlan.....

Ancient....some would think that centuries old sorceress referring to anything as ancient was absurd. Yet there were places and things that were much older then her...things and people that faded from legend into myth. And Shuren didn't yet earned the status of truly timeless being. Not yet.

"....." white mare placed her hoof on cold, moss covered slab of stone. She knew who placed those buildings here and for what reason. How many and for how long could say the same?

"I will.....never be a memory." she proclaimed before casing her gaze at stone.

"Hmm? Oh, a rare litchen!" Hou said in pleasant surprise before conjuring a scraper and a vial. Seconds later she was fervently gathering the uncommon ingredient into glass container.

Her enthusiastic scarping was interrupted but a sudden presence behind her. Sorceress went still for a moment before she resumed what she was doing.

"I thought we were done for today? <SCRAP, SCRAP, SCRAP> If you want another trade, you have to offer something else then that kind of spel. I made it clear I am not all that enthusiastic abou...." Hou interrupted herself as she realized that she felt not one but two presences. The sorceress looked over her shoulder before saying.

"Is this...?" white unicorn asked, even through she knew the answer already.

"Hmmmmm...." Hou hummed. 'Monsters' was appropriate term, although sorceress could see that unlike herself, Rose was gnawed by regret by her Originals actions......

No, perhaps that was not it. Shuren's own actions were always deliberate, they had intent behind it. What Compass was repulsed by was her Template's apathy to everything but her insane goal. Which in turn brought something that Hou could assume was close to Reverse-Martyr complex 'All of thee that carry stones...Hurl them at me!' kind of thing.

"You are yet to learn history of this world, and thus become privy to some of my accomplishments...." unicorn reminded to the Changeling Queen...."But with knowledge of them or without...trying to outbid each other on 'atrocities accomplished' seems a bit silly." Hou pointed out. Not that she would care about her actions being deemed as 'atrocities'. She would understand the reasoning for such judgment of course....but with that many years behind her, she deemed all moral systems and roles that society tried to impose on her irrevelant.

"Your gut failed you before...although this time it came pretty close...." white mare said placatory "...for me it's pinning for the greater good that IS the future." she explained.

"I am not like Nightmare Moon, Chrysalis or Tirek...who all cheerily marched towards the dead end, Rose. I simply grown a little beyond myself. Enough to realize how much growing awaits me still." Hou said "And for that reason, to have time to grow and fix what is broken within this immature planet, I will claw and bite at anything that tries to plunge this world into future that has no future." sorceress explained, explaining to Compass views that likes of Celestia or Serpent King could not comprehend behind her actions.

This rare act of opening up.....somewhat, had left Hou unprepared for changeling's expressions of.....gratitude?! What was it Equestria Games of Astonishment?

"You know that my actions were for all of those, had ulterior reasons and yet you still thank me?" Hou asked, cracking an amused smirk. Rose was simply too clever to not come to realization that unicorn mare's actions had selfish motives and plans within plans already in motion, and yet....

"....I can't decide if I am touched by your faith, disappointed by your naiveté or astonished by your reckless optimism so I guess I have no choice but to be all three." sorceress summed up. "All of this, and wish to call me friend despite full knowledge that I may, at one point or another hurt your friends? Rose Compass....you're a quite fascinating and multi-faceted creature."  Shuren addressed the changeling queen with new gleam in her eyes.

This was the moment that Hei decided to rejoin the conversation, expressing his desire to depart. Few things made him as alive as prospect of analysing and dissecting what he saw as new and interesting. Hou had a feeling that if Hei was a pony, his talent would be of studying and understanding inherited mechanics behind material and visible things. Give him operating table large enough to strap it, and he could come up with Unified Theory of the universe.

"It was....despite my initial expectations being for opposite." Shuren agreed with his assessment of their little gathering. ".....Just take a nap between sessions Mr. Shooting Star. That much coffee you pour into yourself might kill even you, eventually." she quickly added in deadpan tone. "Don't dare be dead, at least not within a week's time. I...might have a 'commission' for you, one that needs to be finished before December."

With that acknowledgment she turned towards Rose and her spell once again. Hou eyed the unique arcana for a moment before giving a heavy sight and pocketing to some pocket dimension for the time being - she will give it better look over at Wunyun.

"I am still not making any promises....." white mare reminded the female changeling

Well I will be first to admit, that I took way to long to post, and should be way more communicative.

However that doesn't mean that it makes it okay to take over the thread like that. Double, triple, quadruple-posting is generally considered a bad manners.

As such I unfortunately must consider the thread as defunct.

"Well...." Hou started. "Define 'corruption'....." sorceress started before putting down her drinking vessel and standing up. Moment later, her magical aura flared to life - and unlike their meeting at Marais de Feu, Shuren didn't hid anything back. Dark and soul magic alike could be felt, and even heard in Hou's aura. Changeling queen could even see some recently harvested souls spin around unicorn's raised hoof.

".....I had a feeling that you still held some misconceptions about me Rose. I told you before, didn't I? I am a predator. Hou Shuren, Sorceress Eternal - the Soul Reaver. This is who I am. Equestria, isn't exactly fond of me as you can imagine. Walking around that country undisturbed requires...some extra steps." white mare said before pausing, allowing Rose to process what she just heard.

"Are you still sure you want to give me such spell? I can't promise I will give it back to you intact, if at all. That and.....can you attest for elements of the spell that Sparkle worked on? Can you say with certainty that they don't contain any surveillance mechanisms? I have hundreds of spells in my repertoire, and many of them are mine and mine only, since I created them. Sharing them with your spawn is one thing, but revealing them to one who views me as enemy is another thing entirely." Hou pointed out.

"....Also, I have a feeling you wouldn't like your kids having me as a role model." she added in a deadpan tone. "I am as far away from 'healer' as you can get. We both skilled in alchemy, but at the end of the day our......specializations differ, Rose."

'Jade' had information about lot of things in Equestria. Economy, military movement, politics, latest accomplishments in the arcane, locations of notable and rare artifacts....

Fashion? Fashion certainly wasn't on top of this list - which anypony but Hei would find strange for such chic mare. But as aforementioned 'Hei' would explain, 'Beaker's' choice of attire consisted mostly of 'Timeless classics'.

Which was a long way of saying that she had no idea about what the logo meant.

"Truly?" 'Jade' said, Blueblood description of the gift getting her full attention. it really got her curiosity going.

Which was the reason that - as soon as he stopped talking - she opened box on the spot.

...

.....

..........

'What the buuuuuck?!!!' 'Doctor' thought. Outwardly her face was as poker as always, but inside her mind was running at full speed.

How? When? Why nopony noticed or told her that Blueblood was into such stuff?! She...well.....she herself WAS into it for a long, long time.....'Jade' was 'Experienced' after all which was a go-to word for 'If It Was Invented, She Tried it'......Recent events when her and Berry engaged in 'pass the sausage' game being just a one example....

Then again, she really shouldn't be surprised, should she? Being able to change genders as freely as others would switch socks, along with him netting himself not one but TWO wives (still not as impressive as some harems she saw, but hey, everypony needs to start somewhere!) meant that Blue wasn't exactly chained to public standards of decency.

With conclusion reached , 'Beaker' sloooowly closed up her gift box, gave her mane another hoof flick and gave Prince a most 'amused' smirk she could muster.

"Well, ain't you a sweet charmer? Such a shame. If my heart didn't already flutter for two others, you would get contestant for your third wife right now...." she explained before stepping forward, leaning down and planting a kiss on royal pony's cheek.

"Although. I think I may be able to convince Berry to come along and play once in the while regardless.....what would you say, Your Highness? I have lot of tales about 'nature' for such sleep-overs."  she mused.

Having done her (arguably, fun) obligation as 'Secret Princess' (and seriously, did everything had to be Princess this or that for those Equestrian's?) 'Jade' turned towards for a real reasons that prompted her presence in Ponyville: Berry, Midnight and Tiger.

After a quick stop at her rented room in a hotel - in which he switched her attire to red coat with white trim, and gold-white dress underneath it - she was read to prowl looking after any of those three.

However, before she could really dedicate herself to this search, 'Beaker' found herself called out by vaguely familiar voice. This was....Prince Blueblood, isn't it? 'Jade' recalled him from her time at the wedding, where she was Berry's extra. Until that event, the royal from the ancient bloodline slipped under her radar - deemed too unimportant in comparison to his cousin, his aunts and their chosen successor. But perhaps that should change? The Prince (and at times princess) while nowhere near as powerful in arcane as other royals, had held much clout politically, and undoubtedly knew many of state's secrets. And since he was guarded much more lightly then Sparkle, milking him out of both was bound to be much easier. ...

But this was something that she should ponder much later. Today she wasn't 'Sorceress Eternal'  (Even if she wanted, she reminded herself. This body was such snug fit that it felt like she had it forever, and thus she was bound to forget her limitations). Today she was 'Jade' Breaker' Doctor of Ethology (now in two different specializations!).

As such the appropriate response was.....

"Your Highness?!" 'Jade' yelped in carefully measured 'surprise', an 'astonished' gaze through her glasses and followed by mane flip. "You scared me for a second. I was lost in thoughts..." she smoothly half-lied.

'Jade' had to admit, she always preferred Equestrian holidays over any Long Guo ones - with sole exception of Lunar Festival. Perhaps it was because most of eastern celebrations had root in Longri-La manipulations, and thus was overly focused on few things: reverence of your ancestors/elders, contemplation of the past, and tradition.

'Beaker' had nothing against elderly - in fact being able to reach your autumn years implied a certain level of competence, something she approved.

She wasn't disapproving of pondering and studying the past either. Why, her own overarching goals meant restoring many things lost to sands of time, to their former glory. It was only when one focused on it exclusively: neglecting the future, and - more importantly - the present, such thoughts became the problem.

But tradition, oh the accursed tradition.....

It was good until it became bad, and it became bad quickly. Long ago, when travelling to Aquelia she heard one of the nobles calling it 'A guideline for wise, and rule for fools.'

'Jade' regretted not coining this phrase herself. She also regretted that such words came from the beak of such hypocrite. So she decided to end his 'tradition' of existing for over 50 years. After all one should practice what they preached, right?

And yet...despite all her enmity for 'tradition' , unicorn mare couldn't help but actually like Hearth's Warming Eve. Perhaps it was because the holiday evolved throughout the years? Equestrian's overall willingness to try to twist and shake up formula meant that almost every decade the celebration was at least a little different. And one couldn't forget about it being a boon for country's economy, in otherwise dead winter season.

As such she couldn't miss the chance to interact this winter with some interesting ponies; hung Tiger Blood, cute Midnight Oil, and funny, soft and overall pleasant Berry Punch.

Ah, but she should do something well received to get even more into their good graces. The presents for them was one thing of course, but if Equestrian's were suckers for anything, it was altruism and kids charity.

So 'Jade' signed up for this 'Secret Princess' thing. While being paired with any of the Three was attractive, it was also counterproductive to what she wanted to do. At the same time, being paired with some nopony wouldn't do either.

So after carefully examining the kids around town 'Jade' found a colt that seemed to be a perfect candidate for her generosity.

A lonely, confused colt that was orphan in all but name. And most importantly, his talent made him physical manifestation of half Remembrance Stone powers. If would be a shame if such potential was to wane due to some silly ideas spread in School of Friendship. Perhaps she should thing about opening educational establishment herself? She was collecting a lot of pupils lately.

So she sat at top of the waterfall above School main entrance, garbed in appropriate red coloured hat and vest with white trim, while humming seasonal songs.

"....Padoru Padoru ♪ !"

'Jade' decided to go after him first. After all, she might not be in most clear minded state after visiting Berry establishment.

And what's this? It seems that green colt finally decided to end her field of vision.

"Today should be better isn't it?" she asked him, leaving it vague for him what exactly this 'better' was. Good Doctor knew of course, but it was better to make him guess at the moment. After all, she was stranger for him, at least for now.

"Ohhhh you better do more total recall, then just remembering your anger management lessons...."  Hou said trotting around Luna.

"After all, you speak about rising the silver globe, but you don't really sound over the moon about it. As if...." sorceress paused the grinned as realization hit her "You not 'done' yet, are you? Don't deny it, your words are proof enough." sorceress mused. "You not worn out and tired like Tia is, aren't you? For all you nodding about agreeing to 'retire' , you still want to be involved. After all, that 'lost' millennium was more of a nap for you then anything, was it? Like taking a train ride.....you KNOW wagon is not moving by it's own power, but can't do a thing to change it." white mare made a comparison.

"...Where was I? Oh right ! As we both aware, you not 'done'. But that's not all...." Hou paused for dramatic effect before leaning towards the former Princess. "Want to hear a secret? Neither is She." Shuren said, before pausing for a moment to savour Luna's reaction. When she spoke again, she did so while waving her hoof in dismissive way.

"Oh don't get me wrong, she might speak she is, even behave like she is.....But while she is very good to give others carefully measured truths or half-truths, but when it comes to being dishonest with herself, she's a virtuoso!"  sorceress explained before grinning again.

"But perhaps this is where I should leave this topic at. It's rude to talk about somepony without the pony in question being present, isn't it? Hmm....?" unicorn's babbling was stopped by few consecutive arrivals. Hou's gaze rested at two yokai's first.

"Oh? Are those part of your entourage too, or should I ask who let the dogs out? Or who 'cried havoc'? " white mare 'asked', bemused by the sight.

"I am surprised your presence is not overwhelming for those two yaoguai' ." she said as she walked towards two wolves. "After all, their smell is keen enough that they can sense me, and 'Me' here is just a very resilient and accurate echo....." Shuren said, as she waved her immaterial hoof through Nesho's and Toboe's muzzles - and concomitantly, their nasal chambers

Leaving the two yokai to paw their muzzles from sudden surge of strong smells, her attention turned to blue unicorn mare that descended unto the scene like some Winter God.

Hou only tiled her head in curiosity, intrigued by Ice unleashing some of the frost and furious, boreal-like winds at her disposal.

"My my. Elemental magic doesn't match, but spell-casting seems similar. Protege of yours, Lulu? Not bad of an entrance at all on her part. I give it A-..." white mare continued with her quippage towards the only pony who could hear her. Hou heard that Luna was associating with some unicorn mare after hours. What she saw now only made her belive what she suspected earlier. Luna had a student!

"Are those Opalus Spheres? Now, isn't that blast from the past! And welded directly to he soul?! Talk about dedication." Hou said somewhat approvingly. This mare was certainly interesting. She will have to take a close eye on her in the future.

"Can't say I fan of that armor however. She looks like she's wearing a tacky, blue and silver kettle. And she's glowing like walking Heartswarming Eve ornament" sorceress added "Also, what with that frown? So young, so serious." she commented before listening in to what Ice Storm had to say to the former Princess. Other unicorn's words and tone prompted a risen eyebrow from white mare's astral form.

"She's speaking to you like that? Where's reverence to your elders? Respect for one's teacher?" Hou for the first time seemed genuinely surprised. Her astonishment didn't however lasted long, before she turned even that into more mocking material.

"And I thought Celesta was bad at choosing pupils. Had to go all the way to No.3 for one good enough to make Tia dump her job on her. And yet, your first is already treating you like a grunt. Bravo Luna! You finally surpassed Celestia at something!" sorceresses words were accompanied by some sarcastic hoof-clapping.

The 'mare' in question, that was walking towards the former Princess didn't seemed nonplussed by alicorns display and usage of Royal Canterlot Voice.

"Hello Luna. It's been too long. I see you're abusing your lungs and vocal cords the same as ever..." Shuren said in deadpan voice, apparently nor impressed nor surprised by Luna's threat.

What did surprise her, was presence of a certain guard, who was charging her. Midnight? How? WHEN?! Only centuries of practicing her pocket face prevented her from showing her worry. Instead she tilted her head and raised her eyebrow in silent 'Really?' towards both of them. Luna should know better - sending anypony apart from herself into physical confrontation was like asking Hou to tie them into pretzels.

But to sorceress relief, Luna seemed to recall that tidbit, and called off the cute guard at last second. Not that it would change anything. Hou's gaze followed areion for a moment, before she refocused her gaze at ex-Princess

"You know, you seem very eager to prove to others how cuckoo..." Shuren wasn't allowed to finish, because Luna decided to make good on her threat.

A petrification ray surged from Luna's horn through the air...!

Which hit 'Hou' into the chest, passed harmlessly through her, and turned the plant behind the mare into stone.

Shuren's image 'shimmered' for few moments, before solidifying enough for Luna to see frown on unicorn's face.

"Rude." she said, before briefly turning around to see what alicorn did. "Look what you did to that poor shrub! Is this your answer to everything?" Hou said as if she was scolding a naughty schoolfilly.

"I thought Celestia related to you enough to expect that much?" Hou - who apparently wasn't even here - asked "She either didn't, or you weren't listening enough. Which would explain why you are still a Princess of Second-Bananas in everything but taste for guards...." Shuren trailed off before 'realization' hit her  and she leaned towards alicorn with the most trollish grin.

"Ohhhh rrrrright! You not even Princess anymore, you retired! Spending your days in rocking chair and complaining about deficiency of Vitamin B-12....or a backbone." white mare's voice turned more contemptuous at last part.

"Oh I bet when Tia said 'We quitting!', you folded faster then Chestnut Jill at World Championship." dark sorceress said, referencing a memorable poker tournament.

"Still feel like you own Celestia for that little 'Nightmare Night' stunt I bet. So you smile and nod at everything Big Sis says. Alicorn of the Night? Bah! Alicorn of Door-mats more like!" sorceress mocked Luna relentlessly.

"Oh and by the way..." Hou switched topic "I hope you enjoying talking to the air, proving you lost few marbles. Only you and your sister should see this projection of me. Well....should. One of few countermeasures I put if either of you put your hoof here. I guess spending time as a guard rubbed You on him. Hmm I have to keep this in mind..."

"By 'new' you mean Griffonstone, the that only now started to crawl away from being butt of Aquelia jokes for centuries?" Hou 'asked' in most sarcastically deadpan tone she could manage. Griffonstone was many things and was many things, but it wasn't new for long, long time. "And by their 'allies' you mean a bunch of spear shaking savages from the woods and forests we currently are in? Yes, they both certainly are in position to make promises." she added, barely restraining herself from scoffing.

"Mrs. Rose, since you clearly don't know how to do politics just yet, you might wish Sparkle for help. I am sure she might have a diplomat at hoof - a retired ambassador or something - with enough free time give you some lessons. As I explained, and you acknowledged, you will need it." sorceress said. "When they 'promised' to expand their farming, they meant taking more space for more crops. What I meant, is increasing yield from the same amount of land, without depleting the soil." white mare took another sip of her wine.

"It's good that you admitted your inexperience. However, that doesn't excuse you from finding somepony who is knowledgable about the topic....." Shuren said as she refilled her vessel.

"Nor does it excuse your overeagerness. You want to bite too much and too fast, and without knowing what side-effects on society it will bring. If I was in your horseshoes - and if I cared - I would find a bunch of experts on topics I am not familiar with yet: agriculture, military, politics, economy etc. I would wait a decade, or two or three, all the while focusing my children and broadening my knowledge on those aspects I mentioned. This would also ensure that you mixture have no long-effect drawbacks. Only then, when I would get sufficient data from the nation, I would start distributing the concoction. The world is running just fine without that elixir of yours right now. I am sure being ignorant of it for a little longer would hurt that much. As Equestrian's say 'Out of sight, out of mind'. " Hou explained, refocusing on the drink. When Compass however showed how haughty she was about anypony figuring out her 'work', sorceress glanced at her, but without saying anything. Seems she still had some of her 'Template's' arrogance.....

Hou allowed Hei to say his part, in response to Rose.....very dramatic confession.

"I don't know about the 'suffocating' part. She already started." Hou said, drinking one more time before setting her wine aside for a moment and focusing on Rose.

"That. That what you just said, shows you on a road to become the biggest cosseter any changeling queen ever was. Your Original treated her children like arrows in a quiver. And like with most things, you take way too hard swing in opposite direction, to distance herself from her." Shuren berated newbie parent, without raising her voice however.

"What if something happen to you or your mate? Then your children will have their Aunt. They will have their grandparents. They will have nameparents - if decide to partake in that tradition, and as a royal on Equestrian soil, you certainly allowed." she reminded the Compass.

"Half-cognizant, autonomous and self-improving spell. Most parent's with the same worry as you write memoirs." Hou summed out how much of an overkill Rose endeavours were. "Your biggest problem Mrs. Rose, is that you are projecting your own experiences unto your children. You attempting to give them what you never had, instead what they need." unicorn mare said with emphasis before giving up resigned sight "....I guess that much should be expected. It's not like you had any references aside that disaster of parenthood that was your 'Template'." sorceress lampshaded before leaning in towards changeling.

"You want to watch you children? Fine. But first, better learn to be subtle, and I mean very subtle. Your spawn will come to know you better then anyone, at some aspects they will know you better then you do yourself. And they will NOT need a constant reminder that you are hovering above their heads. They will come to resent you for that, if you do. Learn when to allow them to earn few bruises as the lesson, and when to step up." she advised.

"Second, never, ever, show them that your work comes before them. This may lead them to do stupid, dangerous things to make you pay attention to them. Be there for your spawn, but never force themselves on them. Show they can count on you." Hou explained.

"Third: Never assume they are too young to understand something. Children are not pets, and smarter them most realize. If they old enough to take interest in something, they are old enough to comprehend it it too. Answer them truthfully, and if you can't, tell them why you cannot." Shuren said, before sitting down again, and coming back to her wine.

"Now. About that spell of yours...."

Hou Shuren...errr I mean 'Jade Beaker', yes!

"Exchange of notes seems like a reasonable price. Especially since this formula of yours could still use of improvements." Hou said, magically incarnating a parchment and a quill, and sketching map of Hesperia at lightning speed.

"It isn't a jab at your skill with flasks and condenser Miss Compass. But you have to spread your horizons. Just as in this dimension your species became a past tense, in yours there are species of herbs and fruits that failed to survive, or never existed to begin with." sorceress said before floating the pierce of paper to female changeling. On it, surprisingly detailed map of the continent, geographical coordinates and a sketch of a plant of some sort.

"This is Hesperia Silverleaf Thyme. It only grows on crossing laylines of the dry and iron rich 'soil'. In short red sanded deserts. Those coordinates lead to one of such spots. The fermented extract from it's leaves added to healing concoctions greatly boosts it's potency. Just make sure to dilute it first in water at 1:10 ratio. Otherwise...side effects might become quickly apparent. Also never take whole plant. Just up to 35% of leaves from one and not more. It's a hardy little bush, but overharvesting will make it focus it's healing powers on itself, instead of distributing those juices evenly - resulting in lose of potency for many years to come. Also make sure to cut diagonally, and only with electrum coated knife." Hou spewed very detailed instructions to come along with them map. "Of course that's not just one plant endemic to this dimension. I am willing to showe more..." Shuren left 'for a price' part unsaid. Rose was certainly perceptive enough to take a hint.

With this show of goodwill as part of 'note exchange' done, she was once again free to dissect her propositions.

"So you want recognition of that mixture you made to spread? I can't speak for Mr. Shooting Star here..." she gazed at Hei when saying this. "...but I myself can accomplish this through my servants. However...do you really want to?" she asked, in tone that Rose recognized as 'You idea suck, and I am about to explain why'. However instead of waiting for answer or confirmation Hou kept going.

"We spoke of this before, didn't we? While not really an outright immortality inducer, and from your description it doesn't lengthen lifespan in any way...." Shuren spoke "....you must've realized that this will outright eliminate old age related sicknesses and afflictions - leaving organisms free to deal with other issues. While on paper good, you have to consider that those ponies - now living longer - have to eat and need places to live in?" sorceress pointed out. "I know your specialization is medicine, but you should think about increasing yield of crops and other things before you introduce this. Those ponies staying productive longer should help somewhat, but it's not enough, something else will need to be done. Perhaps tamper with your formula a bit, so it reduced fertility - not too much, mind you - to balance out higher expectant age? If you won't I guarantee you that either a) overall standards of living will drop, period or b)it will result in class and wage divide, with 85% of world's population living in poverty and the top 5% of the richest  taking a lion's share of resources." unicorn mare advised. "Also, do not delude yourself that this concoction will not be used or tweaked to make some weapon. It was done before, even as recently as five years ago. Ask Sparkle what W.R.A.I.T.H. forced Clan Askr from Whitescar to go through if you want some details." sorceress warned Rose.

As of that autonomous spell that Compass was tempting herself and Hei with....Hou couldn't afford to show her reaction. Sparkle's essence was something that she desperately wanted to get her hooves on....however there was a catch with it. More then one, even. Perhaps she would be able to haggle for more if she points them out?

"I am afraid I don't really share Mr. Star's enthusiasm, even if design is indeed elegant. My worries and reservations aside - and yes, I can and am willing to explain them - it seems like you want to give your children a crunch before they learn to walk. What do you think will happen when you take this crunch away?" she asked before taking a sip of her wine.