Aisede

Rose just chuckled, landing beside her. She didn't much mind being wet, however, but still shed her own coat of water- but gathering all the added moisture into a little blob at the tip of her horn, then flicking it over deck.

Because why not?

"Oh, if we recited that performance you would have been in there quite a bit longer," she informed with a humorous chuckle. "Would you beleive me if I said I made it all up as I went?"

Realizing that she hadn't actually made her presense known before now, she offered token greetings to their impromptu audience, smiling and nodding. On sheer impulse, she also subtly studied the conditions of everyceature onboard. One can never be too cautious when it came to health. 

Well, that put a damper on the mood, didn't it? Guilt welled in the changeling as she seamlessly returned to her appropriate age, calmly folding one hoof over the other while offering the two an apologetic smile- mainly the foal, the poor thing. Maybe she went a little overboard...

"My apologies, miss Bar, Mayor Rich." She nodded to each in turn, uncertain how to salvage what little dignity she had left. Perhaps she should ask Aloe to tutor her on social etiquette? Or bother Twilight over how to make friends... Hah. Right. "You're right, of course. Both of you."

Despite herself, she still managed to smile. "I'm afraid I'm not quite as adept at socializing as I am my own craft. Please forgive my outburst."

Rose perked up at this, a sudden energy filling her being. "Oh, perhaps I may join you!?" Accompanying this sudden outburst was a spontaneous transformation. Now, supporting herself with two forelegs against the table, was a miniaturized Rose Compass. "I do not believe I ever got to actually be a foal."

She beamed at the two ponies, for once acting her apparent age. Rose could not remember the last time she reverted to her juvenile self, but it felt good. Refreshing, even. Perhaps she should find a way to turn Aloe into a foal as well, and the two could play?

Rose mentally giggled before promptly closing her mouth. Soon enough, she used that powerful tail to propel herself upward, accelerating at an incredible rate. Black receded into dark blue, and that into lighter blue as she breached the surface.

She was sure she must have been a majestic sight to the crew of Twilight's airship. What probably was not as majestic was their princess as Rose curved midair and ejected her from her blowhole. Rose likened it to fireworks in terms of spectacle, grinning as she discarded her titanic form in a brilliant display of turquoise flames.

Of course, a gentlemare catches her dame, and Rose was anything but unkind.

"How is that for an entrance?" She asked as she caught the princess bridal style, having equipped herself with her own pair of wings. 

An independent soul if she ever knew one. Rose most certainly approved, and expressed this through a satisfied smile and a nod. 

"Independence Is a valuable trait, Miss Bar," she said, feeding more on the modicum of affection between the two ponies in front of her than the salad she barely acknowledged. 

Noting Major Rich's unique choice of word, Rose chuckled into a hoof, eyeing the two with no small amount of humor.

"Friends, she means," Rose butted in. "As arbitrary a concept as that is, it does hold some merits."

Naturally, Albedo didn't appear to really comprehend what the sorceress was saying. She examined the forest with idle curiosity, swimming around her protective sphere to get a better look at this and that. Her ear perked in Hou's direction as she talked, and she prodded the enchantments placed on her bubble during the attack, but otherwise... She was pretty detached, all things considered. Instead of having regarded the predator with fear, she responded with curiosity, and pouted when Hou prevented her from seeing what she was doing with the creature.

When Rose came back, Albedo perked up, and was more than happy to bre returned to her custody.

Rose nuzzled the tadpole through the sphere, smiling. Albedo didn't smile back, but Hou would get the feeling that didn't neccesarily mean she wasn't happy.

"Yes, I brought the vials," she said, floating them over the the sorceress and getting a good look at this pond. She dipped a hoof into the water, frowning as she contemplated it. "The sea is around 3.5% salinity, but I've found I rather prefer more salt rather than less, so 4%."

This said, a simple flick of her horn and a potion for just the ocassion snapped into existence. It'd change the PH levels in the water, as well as salt it up some. In it goes ~

"Now, what will I be doing during this ritual?" She asked, satisfied with the results. She vanished the empty vial and held up the one she brought, withholding drinking it immidiately. The power boost was temperary, so it's best to use it when she needs it. 

Rose decided to pitch in as well, sharing some of her sentiments. "I second that. Despite the odds, you've conducted this exchange in a remarkably mature manner. Your parents should be proud ~"

The sea-colored mare smiled warmly. And then their food came out.

Admittedly, Rose hadn't been paying any attention to the menu, not what she was ordering. Some kind of salad, it looked like. And a simple one at that. 

"Hm." She took a bite. Not bad. "I do have to wonder, if you will excuse my curiosity, why it is that you are here in place of one of your elders." She redirected her attention over to Spoiled, then. "Is it not customary for Equestrians to wait until they are at least adolescent before undertaking such stressful tasks?"

Rose giggled. "I think we've done enough of that for now." She also looked up, although without a simulacrum topside, she had no way of simply seeing that far into the water. 

"Oh, I know a fun way to do this!" A fun way indeed, as she suddenly turned into a large marine mammal of some sort. It wasn't quite a whale, but it had a blowhole, so it was enough.

She opened her mouth wide, projecting her thoughts to the pony. 

Now get in my mouth. 

Anypony could see where this was going.

Rose had forgotten what a nexus of energy that mare was. It was refreshing to know such anxious youth still existed, even if she could forget from time to time just how exciting being young could be. Around every corner was a new discovery, a new curious concoction to try out. Novel experiences and dangerous fun to be had.

"I see you're still getting up to trouble," she spoke up with mirth in her voice. A brief but controlled gust channeled through the room, whipping the mare's mane as the entire room was cleared of lingering smoke in a matter of moments. "Perhaps you should... Stick to machines for now. Oh, but where are my manners."

Stepping up beside her beloved, she hooked a leg around her neck and smiled wide. "Bevel Gear, this is Aloe, the most beautiful mare in Equestria ~" Giggling, she nuzzled the pink mare affectionately. 

"And on her back is Albedo. Say hi, Albedo!"

The little albino changeling, nestled within the safe confines of a watery bubble, let her eyes wander around the room. She didn't seem to be focusing on anything in particular. 

"I understand, Miss Bar," Rose politely inclined her head. "And it will not happen again, I promise. And I shall keep that in mind, good Mayor!" Here, she tittered, amusement still plentiful in her eyes. 

Rose wasn't really paying attention to the meal in particular, so she ordered whatever the other two were. She didn't need it for sustenance anyways. 

"Now, I have tested my potions, many times, and on different species. I'm confident nothing will go wrong should ponies follow common sense." She looked Mayor Mare's way at this, recalling what she had said about the age treatment. "There are other things I'd like to introduce to the public as well, but I have been... Dissuaded from such a notion. Tell me, little filly, how do you- personally- feel about the subject of aging?"

Sure it was slightly off-topic, but she was curious. Would anti-senex have a different effect on one so young? Well... She already knew the results were about the same, but would it have any mental affects?

"Aye captain ~" Rose served a deliberately wrong-hoofed salute, then promptly vanished. Having dismissed her simulacrums In preparation for this 'ritual', she'd need to go fetch the water herself. She also contemplated dropping in on Aloe and telling her what's happening, but she didn't want to needlessly worry her.

It only took a couple minutes to drop by her place, gather some empty vials and potions she may need, then go to the lake, then come back and locate the sorceress. Although... Maybe sorceress wasn't the proper terminology? Technically, all unicorns are sorcerers due to inmate magical affinity, so it's better to call them wizards if they're learned practicioners of magic.

Coincidentally, she had also left Albedo with Hou- both as a show of trust, and to keep the loner company that won't judge her... At least not too harshly. The little scamp almost never peeled her attention away from the pony- and, of course, Rose had glued the sphere to Hou before she left. 

When she returned, it was with potions to temperarily enhance her own magical power, as well as the three vials.

"Have you two gotten along without me?" She asked with a giggle. 

It'd been some time since Rose had visited the old machinist. Too long, in fact. She hated to admit that she'd only been reminded she should go visit her by the impromptu conference of intellectuals that gathered to solve the problem of true transformation, but that's not the real reason she was here. 

No, the reason she was here would become more readily apparent by the twin pouches on either side of her flanks, supporting two modest turquoise eggs. It'd become more apparent once Bevel saw her love with Albedo aboard.

Rose had been wanting to take Aloe out of the house for awhile now, but just couldn't think of anyplace convenient to visit. There was always something to do, always someone to meet- but not today. Today is a social day, to mix and mingle with friends and family.

She smiled as this brought a warmth to her chest, approaching the large ship with a loud, psychic call inside. Because this is Rose we're talking about, since when does she do things the normal way.

Hello! This is Rose and Aloe, we came to visit!

At the mention of this experience having the potential to leave her dazed, she had her simulacrums place becons before recalling them it'd be very awkward to have one suddenly glitch out of existence in front of a pony.

"I interact with other cultures," she said, although her argument was rather weak, and she knew it. "My simulacrums-" she sighed and shook her head. "Maybe you're right. I'm still bringing Aloe, though. I've we've been meaning to take a trip."

Following along, a thought came to the nascant queen. A memory of a place, very old and very powerful. She wasn't sure if Twilight would appreciate her revealing this to someone who thinks her an enemy, but it was probably better than some pond.

"There's a pond I know of that may work better. Its 'waters' are pure, liquid aether. Twilight brought me to it once before..." Here, she paused, furrowing her brow. What did they do there? "Well, we talked about a lot of things that changed my outlook on life. Would that be suitable, or should we stick to a normal pond?"

"There's Saddle Lake," Rose supplied readily. "That's where Aloe and my underwater home is, and where I keep my eggs. I've done as much as I can to create a hospitable environment for my kind there, but I can only do so much without disrupting public order." Considering if she really did terraform the lake, odds are ponies wouldn't find it as pleasant as they do now. And it's still kind of a public lake... Well, unless she officially buys it.

Maybe she should just buy the lake? She already made a home down there.

"And I would be honored if you could bless Rubedo and Nigredo," She added with a steep bow. "I'm certain Aloe would appreciate it, too. But if you do show up for such an event-" She paused, glancing around, then put up a sound barrier and anti-scrying field. "If you would like to do so, it would be best to arrive as Jade."

She knew it was rude, and probably reflected badly on her, but the mare simply couldn't help letting her humor show in a few light chuckles.

"Apologies," She said, hiding her smile behind a hoof. "That was me. You just appeared a little stressed, so I sweetened your drink." At this, she folded one hoof over the other, appearing as relaxed as ever as the milk turned a proper pink. "I really am sorry, Miss Bar. I did not mean to startle you."

I do sincerely apologize if I startled you as well, Mayor Rich, she added with a mental note. Here, her tone was more sympathetic. I suppose it is a bad habit of mine to indulge in such inappropriate behavior. 

"I'm sure he appreciates it!" Rose said, unable to contain her own laughter. Oh, what are these two even doing down here? "Although it's certain that he'll be experiencing these troubles again. We should setup a dental appointment for him. What do you think, mr... ?"

The beast cried out again, no doubt overjoyed at the prospect of meeting these lovely mares for a second time. 

"Mr. Toothless! Oh, what a funny name!" The mare chuckled, then swam over to Twilight, laying a single hoof on her shoulder. She'd all but forgotten the immense pressure pressing down on her, enough to reduce any regular mortal into paste. "How does that sound, Twilight? We'd get to see those pearly whites every once in awhile!"

Just incase, Rose actually already cast a tracker on it. She hadn't gotten to study these as much as she'd like. 

Aww, poor High Bar! Rose could practically feel the stress radiating from the filly. If only there was some way she could help her... 

Picking up her glass in her aura, she would take a dainty sip of her drink. Coincidentally, the next time Spoiled took a sip of her drink, she'd find it had a much richer flavor. Fruity. High Bar, however, would experience something quite different. 

While the milk remained white, what the filly would taste suggests it should be pink instead. 

"Thank you ~" Rose nodded towards Spoiled, taking a small bite out of the bread. Decent. "And I agree, Miss Bar! Nothing quite like a glass of milk ~" 

Rose giggled into her hoof, an impish gleam in her eyes, but she didn't say anything. 

"Now, as for the number... I estimate around six hundred. Most of my potions are eight ounces, although some of the more potent ones are four. There is such a thing as too much healing, after all."

"Why, I would never!" Rose exclaimed with faux-hurt, a pout forming on her lips. "Unless of course they asked for it. I'm sure these cuties would appreciate a good snack once in awhile. Isn't that right, cuties!?"

She called out to the monsters lurking just beyond visual sight, and received a deep rumble in response.

"He said he'd like that," Rose translated. "Don't worry, I speak fish. Another innate talent of my waterborne brethren ~" The fish-pony pressed a single hoof to her chest, glowing in pride. Of course, that was total bullshit... She just read its mind and interpreted its intention, which did not at all mean she could 'speak' with them.

It also didn't say it'd appreciate a good snack. More along the lines of 'GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE I EAT YOU!' which was not nearly as friendly a message. 

Rose giggled into a hoof at the mention of Twilight. Oh, she's concerned about the Princess? "Oh, no, I'm not concerned about her."

"Let's say..." She paused, taking this moment to sample her drink. Hm. a little ripe. "Convenience. Equestria's healthcare professionals aren't interested in experimental drugs, even if they work."

Rose gave this some thought, observing her surroundings curiously. 

"We could start that aquarium," the pony said with more than a little humor in her voice. "Wrangle up some monsters and put them on display. I'm sure Equestria would love that... So long as they didn't touch the glass."

Curiously, she reached out for the mind of one of the creatures, roughly the size of Twilight's ship above. To any regular pony, it could best be described as 'fathomless', but to Rose it was just very complex for an animal.

"I'd really hate to get sued because a pony got eaten."

It would appear that Reflection's new friend had taken it upon herself to fix breakfast personally. After all, what kind of friend would she be if she let other ponies do all the work?

The owner of this establishment didn't seem to agree with this sentiment. In fact, be very vocally opposed it, even as smoke rose from the pan Kara was cooking from.

The little filly perked up when she saw the unicorn, waving enthusiastically from atop her stool. 

"Reflection! Good morning!" She smiled wide, innocent beyond a shadow of a doubt. "I tried making breakfast, but it's not turning out how it's supposed to."

"She's trying to burn down my kitchen is what she's doing!" The larger pony exclaimed, aiming his ire towards Reflection.

"Thank you, Miss Rich," Rose nodded, smiling. Unlike the good Mayor, Rose felt the filly was doing a remarkable job being a mature... Well... Being mature. She was well beyond her years in that regard, or so it seemed at least.

She did have to wonder what the pink bag was for, though. After all, 'school bags' weren't a thing where she comes from, at least not school bags like these. 

"As you may know, I am an alchemist. I primarily create remedies for various ailments, as well as tonics and potions to enhance creatures in various ways. From increasing basic physical and mental attributes, to advanced healing, such as regeneration."

As if on cue, a labelled bottle appeared on the table, glowing a dull red eerily reminiscent of blood.

"It took some work-" and more than a few morally questionable choices "- but I've managed to create a potion that, for all intents and purposes, would allow you to restore lost limbs, or recover from grievous wounds." Another bottle appeared next to it, this one a jolly green... Like a frog. "Its progenitor works especially well on foals, but becomes less effective the older the creature is."

... She's getting ahead of herself here.

Clearing her throat into a hoof, she got back on track.

"Anyway, while I am thankful to S.T.A.R. for seeing to the production of my assets, I currently have no way of distributing them among the public. I hear you may be able to help with that?" 

Well... Something was better than nothing, she supposed. But oddly enough, listening to Twilight list off her own woes was a balm in itself.

Rose found herself hugging the alicorn, ignoring the monsters she herself had probably grown up around. If they were a similar genus, at least. 

"Thank you... But you will not be alone forever, Twilight. I don't know if I'll live as long as you do- with your weird cosmic magic, that's actually a possibility- but I will be around for centuries to come, and mellinium after that. If ever you need a friend, or a shoulder to lean on, I will be there."

Pulling back, she offered a small smile. "My children too, some of them. Although if I am unable to recreate my cure for mortality, only Albedo will be preserved from time."

Again, Albedo tried to tug on Hou's hoof, and with a surprising amount of force for a creature so young. When she realized that magic really wasn't going to cut it, she swam to the surface of the bubble herself. She couldn't leave the bubble, even if some things could get inside. That didn't stop her from trying to put the hoof in her mouth, though- a trait all babies share nigh universally.

"Rubedo and Nigredo are... Not as enhanced as Albedo is," Rose said, not wanting to directly admit to favoring any one child over the other. "And our pony foals..." At this, she placed a single hoof on her belly, looking down. "If I'm being honest, I haven't given much thought to them, but I haven't enhanced them in any way. I don't even know what race they'll be."

Odds are a unicorn or earth pony, though. A unicorn for speculative reasons, and an earth pony because of Aloe. 

"Anyways, what do I need to do to remedy this? I can inhabit the body of an adolescent, If that's what it requires. Create a younger version of myself or... Well... Possession." Rose snorted and cracked a grin at this, shaking her head.

"Maybe I am still a villain? ... And trust me, Aloe is not a changeling."

Although Rose didn't approve of Twilight's rather extremist parody of friendship, she was beginning to understand the sentiment. Having friends was nice, especially when they were sane and well-connected.

Seeing as this was a formal event- or as formal as Ponyvillains got- she opted to arrive dressed to impress. Usually, she'd have shown up in a suit, as was traditional for a creature of her station, but instead she arrived in a crimson backless dress. 

"A good wine is all I could ask for," Rose chuckled. "Although personally I would prefer my own Luna Rosa. The coasts know their trade ~"

Turning her attention to their guest of renown, she couldn't help but note their... Small stature. She didn't let this influence her opinion of the pony just yet, however. 

With a bow of her head and a curtsy, she smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you, miss High Bar. I am Rose Compass."