Makuzui4220

Silt nuzzled Silver and adjusted the stallion's weight to better support him. [colour=#008000]"You'll be fine, Silver. Look, I'm standing in it, and it doesn't hurt."[/colour] Silt gestured to the ground. The unicorn was on slightly lower ground than Silver, and green water swirled about his hooves as Silt stood in the river, keeping the rushing water away with magic and reeds. [colour=#008000]"It's quite warm, just like Sky said."[/colour] Silt smiled, hoping to reassure Silver.

Zelda had given up the cart, for good reason too.[colour=#ee82ee] "I'm not much of a fighter."[/colour] Pyper admitted as the others helped secure the wagon to her frame. She looked quite delicate, strapped to the wagon as she was, with her lean runners muscles and tall willowy build. [colour=#ee82ee]"But I think,"[/colour] Pyper said as she began to pull the cart with a little effort, [colour=#ee82ee]"that I can be counted on when there is need."[/colour] The lavender pegasus looked to Arcana, thinking on her words. The security of Zelda's wings... it was true that the griffin would be far more suited for a fight than she would be, but Pyper didn't want to be the only one of the party without anything to contribute, for that would make her a burden. [colour=#ee82ee]"If I may say something to make the party feel better... When the time comes to make camp, I can scout the area. I may not fight much, but I'm a fast and quiet flyer, and I can fly for days without stopping if I have to." [/colour]

"Yes I agree. To the river then back to Ponyville." Sapphire swirl nodded in agreement, then added, "Silt... uh, no worries." A her words the unicorn nodded; no harm had been done. "Alright then. Uh, Silt, you should probably lead. You know the way, after all." Sky reasoned aloud. At this Silt faltered slightly, he was not used to having leadership on his hooves. But the colt breathed deeply and began forward, being sure to keep a slower pace for Silver so the stallion could keep up with the rest of the group. The river was not far, perhaps a hundred or so footsteps from his tree. This was purposeful, he had wanted a source of water close by when he first planted his home. It wasn't easily seen, however, as the reeds and cattails grew thick on it's banks to hide it. Drawing up a small amount of magic, he bent aside the plant life for easy access to the flowing waters. Thinking on what they came to do here, he pushed the plants further into the stream to ebb the flow so that there would be a still pool for Sky to throw in the leaves and for Silver to bathe. [colour=#008000]"Will this do?"[/colour] he asked the two ponies as the water collected about his hooves.

(There's a posting order? I wasn't aware of that, I thought we just posted once and then when everyone else had a chance we could post again.)

(Don't feel like you have to rush gentlemen, we won't leave you behind if you want to join. Take your time with your writing, work DarkShift's backstory in as you go along so it doesn't overwhelm people, if you have a long back story that is. And describe what's happening - I see that he is close to Caymellow, but where did he come from? Did he come from the sky, or the underbrush of the forest? There is also a stream nearby that the group is heading towards, maybe they meet there?) The great twisted tree unraveled itself to allow Caymellow and Sapphire Swirl passage from its innards. Silt smiled at them as they stepped into the sunlight, and the unicorn took joy in seeing how well Caymellow was healing. [colour=#008000]"You're feeling better?"[/colour] he asked as the pegasus eyed the sky. [colour=#008000]"I'm ready to get going if you all are. The stream is just a bit north, Silver can bathe there with Sky's leaves and heal, and we can go look for the Wind Lilly then; which is west. Then it's, it's back to Ponyville for you guys.."[/colour] Silt's voice dropped just a tad at the thought of the others returning to their homes. It was a pleasant surprise for him to find the company of other ponies, and Silt wasn't sure he wanted them to leave. But he wouldn't be able to live in Ponyville with them. He couldn't take that chance. Silt pushed the thought to the back of his mind. The others wouldn't leave until later.

The group seemed eager to head out. Silt was nodding with agreement when a small voice squeaked from his tree, "Hello?" The unicorn turned his head and saw the hamster, Jogurt, emerging with his eyes squinting and his helmet and sword glittering in the sunlight. [colour=#008000]"Jogurt!"[/colour] The unicorn whinnied in delight. [colour=#008000]"Good to see you're awake, I believe we're just about to head out."[/colour]

(Shall we move on? with the three of us?)

A multi-purpose plant? Silt nodded at Sky's information. He knew more about the leaves than he did, and that was good enough for him. It was exciting to know that there was another pony who shared his interests! [colour=#008000]"Sky is right Silver, you need to be well before we head out into the forest. Otherwise, you might be targeted by things that would hunt us..."[/colour] Silt shivered at the thought and turned his attention to Sapphire at the two stallions' mention of departure for the stream. [colour=#008000]"Are you coming with us? You know the way back to Ponyville best. Caymellow and Jogurt are welcome to stay with me until they're up for the trip."[/colour]

Silt held his ears high, intrigued by Sky's show of the leaves. What kind of plant were they? He just had to know! Maybe, if he could get a leaf for himself... It still wouldn't be any use to him. His magic cannot bring dead plants back to life. But if Sky perhaps had a seed, or a live specimen... [colour=#008000]"Y-yes. There's a spring underground, in my home, but if we walk there's a river not to far from here. Well, more of a stream, really. But Sky, you said your Professor put them in a bath. Are you supposed to drink the potion or bathe in it?"[/colour] The unicorn thought it necessary to ask this, since he knew many remedies that were helpful as either a drinkable potion or a bath, but most that were helpful in one form were toxic in the other. Hearing about the object of Sky's search, and reason for entering the forest, Silt stood and stared at the trees in thought. Wind Lilly? Four petals, white... [colour=#008000]"I've heard of that before."[/colour] Silt said more to himself than anypony else. [colour=#008000]"Wind lilies... they don't grow on the ground." [/colour]Silt looked at Sky and told him, [colour=#008000]"It's a good thing you have wings. Wind lilies are vine flowers. They grow around the trunks of the tallest trees into the canopy, and from there up into the space above the forest where the wind is strongest."[/colour] Silt searched his memories, trying to think of the place he had seen them growing. [colour=#008000]"I know of a place, but it's out of the way of Ponyville. Not by far, but still a delay." [/colour]He added, looking at the others. [colour=#008000]"There might not be any; once Wind Lilies flower the wind catches them and carries them, and the seeds they hold, to distant places to sprout anew. Though, if we found the vine, I could use my magic to get more to grow."[/colour]

Silt nodded his head. It was good to hear that Sky slept well, given the sudden meeting they had, and nice to hear Sky compliment his home. [colour=#008000]"Oh, this?"[/colour] Silt gestured to the poison joke in respose to Sky Blue's inquiry. [colour=#008000]"I'm making sure my tree is protected. A lot of my magic went into it, so it's very important to me..."[/colour] At that point, the trunk twisted open again to release a blur of black shooting towards the sky. Silt watched the pegasus do a few loop de loops before descending. "Hey guys it's time to head back to Ponyville when the others wake up! And Silt..." Sapphire Swirl trailed off, leaving Silt to raise his eyebrow in question. Another pony came from the trunk before he had time to ask. It was the pegasus that had been suffering from hypothermia, though he seemed to be much, much better. [colour=#008000]"Oh! You're awake!"[/colour] Silt said excitedly, trotting over to the pony.[colour=#008000] "How do you feel Mr... um?"[/colour] Silt flushed, realizing that he still didn't know the pony's name. He had, after all, been a little out of it with the hypothermia.

Silt probably would have slept quite a bit longer had the tree above not moved. But it had, and the sensation woke up the unicorn. He looked around his den, surveying the others sleeping and the dying embers of the fire. The sleep had been much needed, and Silt felt ready to face the day! Summoning his magic, he summoned a small trickle of water from the spring to put out the remnants of the fire. When the others woke, they would be able to see thanks to the glowing mushrooms spotting the walls and ceiling. Silt nodded, satisfied with his work, then quietly trotted to the seed wall. The group would head out today, and he wasn't one of the unicorns that could see the future; he took all of the pods and stored them in his mane - just in case. Nothing else came to mind to prepare his den for the journey he was to take, but his tree would need protection should he be away for a few days. Silt ascended the dirt stairs into bright sunshine and shared the joy of the forest for wet earth and warm light. [colour=#008000]"Good morning."[/colour] Silt greeted the pegasus from last night as he came further out from the trunk. The stallion was doing stretches. [colour=#008000]"My uh, my name is Silt Treble."[/colour] the unicorn mumbled, remembering that they hadn't been properly introduced. Silt went about preparing the tree for departure while he tried to make small talk. [colour=#008000]"Did you sleep well?"[/colour] he asked as he trotted over to a small patch of Poison Joke that grew on the opposite side of the entrance in the trunk. His horn glowed neon green as the accelerated its growth process to produce seeds. Since the ground was very damp from the storm, it was a lot easier to multiply the funny-looking blue flower so that it covered a large patch, save for a small trail leading from the entrance, around the tree to protect it.

Pyper Uscroll attached her lyre to her saddlebags, ready to take her turn pulling the cart. She listened closely to Curio's choices then said, [colour=#dda0dd]"I think, for the sake of time, it would be best for us to press onward up the trail."[/colour] The pegasus looked to the other party members, wondering what they would say. Pyper knew that she would have no problem making camp anywhere, she lived in the outdoors and had no issue finding a place to rest for the night. But what of the others? What kind of lifestyle were they used to, and what would their preferences be? Looking to the mountains, Pyper had an eager feeling in her gut, the one that preceded new places and adventure.

A dragon? Silt blinked in surprise at Jorgurt's statement. [colour=#008000]"You... you're very brave." [/colour]Silt Treble said admiringly to the hamster.[colour=#008000] "I would never have the courage to do something like that. In fact, I don't have much courage at all... I'd like to hear the whole of your adventure, sometime."[/colour] The unicorn chewed on another mouthful of hay and thought of the ring. How very odd it was, the idea to be able to change your shape, but Silt supposed that it was a magic that could be very useful. "You guys should get some rest, you've been up for a long time. Especially you, Silt." Sapphire Swirl mentioned to Jogurt and Silt from across the fire. Indeed, as Silt looked around, most ponies were asleep or just about to be. [colour=#008000]"Jogurt, you say you don't know how you got here?"[/colour] Silt asked as he rested his head upon his hooves, his belly finally having enough in it to quite the rumblings. [colour=#008000]"I don't know where you come from, but you're welcome to my home for as long as you like. And my help, if you'll have it."[/colour] He closed his eyes, so heavy they were from his fatigue. It didn't take long for him to fall into a sleep without dreams.

[colour=#000000]"That.....That sounds nice. Um.....Thanks." The pegasus muttered. He seemed to be made of similar stuff to Silt! The unicorn gave him an awkward half smile. He didn't mean to be so, but he was so tired.. Finding out that it was another pony in the forest and not timberwolves that knocked upon his front door, so to say, was a relief to Silt. It was also a relief when Sapphire Swirl ascended the stairs.[/colour] [colour=#282828]"Silt get the pony inside I'll keep an eye out on the forest," Sapphire told him, once more donning her strange armor. Silt needn't have done anything, however, as howls sounded from the foliage not to far from where they stood, and the new arrival bolted down the stairs. Eager to join him, but not wanting to leave Sapphire alone with the wolves, Silt hesitated.[/colour] [colour=#008000]"Sapphire, you don't need to stay out here. The wolves don't know about my home, they can't get in. And there are other... precautions... I've taken to prevent break-ins."[/colour][colour=#282828] Silt furrowed his brow in worry when he looked upon the mare. [/colour][colour=#008000]"Please, we all need rest. Especially you, who've gone out into the forest trying to rescue others. Stay out here if you want, I won't make you come inside, but we sure could use your strength tomorrow when we start heading to Ponyville."[/colour][colour=#282828] With another half smile directed towards his friend, Silt descended the stairs into his home. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light, but Silt lived a good part of his life in the forest and his eyes were used to the perpetual twilight from the leaves blocking out the sun. Underground wasn't to far from that. Pausing on the bottom steps, Silt surveyed the room. His bed was taken up by Cawmellow and the hypodermic pegasus (who seemed to be doing okay, even if he was shivering still) while Jogurt sat a little ways a way, closer to the spring, playing with his mortar and pestle. The new pegasus seemed to still be finding his place, but Silt wasn't to worried. The room explained itself, and he would be sure to speak up if the pony went to near to his seed wall. Otherwise, Silt didn't mind what the newcomer did.[/colour] Silt took his place next to Jogurt, not too far from his stash of hay and the spring. He eased himself into the dirt, sighed contently, and ate a mouthful of hay before turning to Jogurt. [colour=#008000]"Forgive me, friend, I've been meaning to ask... That ring of yours? I'm curious about it."[/colour] Silt watched the hamster and chewed slowly. He mustn't rush food, fatigued as he was, or he would end up sick. [colour=#008000]"And your weapons; your sword and shield.. are you a warrior?"[/colour]

Ah, the forest. There was no place else in Equestria that Silt Treble couldn't have felt more at home then here, among trees. The sunlight shining green through the leaves, the smell of rich earth beneath his hooves, and the twitter and chatter of various animals. Though, the howl of timberwolves worried the colt, the unique colouring of his storm purple coat and leafy green mane (and being covered from ear to hoof in dirt, something that never bothered Silt) helped hide the young colt as he traveled alone in the forest. A sound that had not reached Silt's ears in a very long time stood out quite noticeably from the rest of the forest sounds. Pony chatter? Here? Intrigued, the colt followed the sound all the way to two others - a mare and stallion. The mare held a lyre, she must be a singer, or maybe a bard like his own mother, and a unicorn, like him. Silt smiled as he eyed pair. How eager he was to say hello and get to know them! But, alas, his shyness got the best of him and he could only fidget in place while he tried to work up the nerve to present himself. Perhaps he should just leave them be, would they be startled to see a colt alone in these woods? He remembered the shock on Ingrid Marie's face when he came to Celestia's School on his own to enroll, and take his exam, and attend class.. On the other hoof, the unicorn, as Silt discovered as he followed the pair, unseen, had lived in the forest for quite awhile. Perhaps it wouldn't be so odd to present himself. The problem commanded Silt's attention. He became careless as he walked, and didn't notice that he wasn't moving a silently as a shadow anymore, but rustling leaves and snapping small twigs underhoof while he thought of how to go about the simple act of saying hello.

Maybe summer where you are?

Silt Treble's horn glowed a neon green, albeit very faintly. The trunk hiding the entrance to his home slowly twisted open and let in a rush of humid air and wet rain. The drops felt good on the unicorn's face. Silt stepped out into the downpour that dripped through the forest canopy, not minding the rumbling thunder booming unseen overhead. Not forgetting why he came up to the surface, Silt glanced around for the pegasus, Stormwing, and the diamond dog that he brought along. They were both gone. Silt shivered despite the weather. Where had they gone? Did the diamond dog attack Stormwing? Or, Silt shivered again at the distant howl of timberwolves, had some worse fate happened upon the pair?[colour=#006400] 'I'm sure they're safe. Storming is a strong pony, I'm sure he can take care of himself.'[/colour] Silt thought to reassure himself, though he didn't quite believe it. A rustle! Silt's head turned so quickly it cracked his neck, and he saw a shadow of a creature stumbling though the forest. He forgot his fatigue, adrenaline was coursing through him like a powerful awakening potion. Was it a timberwolf? He almost bolted into the safe haven below the tree with the thought. Though, when he thought about it, timberwolves called this place home as much as he did. They did not stumble unless injured. And, as far as he knew, they didn't talk to themselves either... [colour=#282828]"It's like the forest itself trying to kill me! But I can't go back to the Professor without that flower. I haven't disappointed the Professor yet, and I don't plan to now!" Silt heard the pegasus say as he quietly drew closer. He wore a muddy cloak over his teal coat, and seemed to be searching the ground. It couldn't have been very easy looking for anything in this weather. Silt watched the pony for some time, stumbling over roots and branches as he searched, before deciding that he wasn't a threat to the ponies he hid. That, and he could hear the howl of timberwolves again and wanted to go to his home where it was safe and warm...[/colour] [colour=#008000]"H-hello?"[/colour][colour=#282828] Silt said soflty as he revealed himself to the newcomer. So many ponies in the Everfree lately... hadn't they heard before that this place was dangerous? [/colour][colour=#008000]"Um, excuse me!" [/colour][colour=#282828]The colt said a little more loudly, as the pegasus appeared not to have heard. [/colour][colour=#008000]"Whatever you're searching for, can it wait until the storm lets up? I have a place we can go that's safe..."[/colour]

I'm still here. I check every other day for posts... I wish people were a bit more active.

(Welcome to the chatter, Smartbrony! I'm sure you'll fit in nicely. I'm not sure where Fio and Stormwing got to, but should we assume that they're gone? Perhaps, taken by the timberwolves? If they wish to join up again, they can just jump right back in.)

[colour=#282828]"That's not gross.." Fresco stated, "You're like some kind of plant pony. I think its cool!!" The corners of her mouth turned up, forming a grin. Silt smiled back up at the filly. Her comforting pat on the back made him feel a bit better; at least the colt had friends to reassure him! Flushing slightly, Silt mumbled a [/colour][colour=#008000]"Thank you.."[/colour][colour=#282828] to Fresco, although he wasn't sure if the filly heard him.[/colour] [colour=#282828]"Er guys," Wind Walker tried to get Silt's attention by tapping his shoulder, "Aren't you a little worried that birds might try to get your seeds while they're still resting in your hair and they'd pull the heck out of them? I'm guessing that would hurt, like a lot!"[/colour] [colour=#282828]Silt thought about Wind Walker's words for a moment, then shrugged.[/colour][colour=#008000] "I don't know, I've never really had that happen before. Birds like to keep themselves clean, don't they? Always bathing and splashing in the water... maybe they don't like the dirt?"[/colour][colour=#282828] Silt continued to listen as Wind Walker talked about canoeing; being interested in the subject since he had a very large fondness for water. He mentioned to her that he had never traveled that way, then listened eagerly, but quietly, while Wind recounted her experience. [/colour][colour=#008000]"Woah! The Raptorclaw Rapids? You've been to the badlands?" [/colour][colour=#282828]Silt's eyes shown with admiration as he gazed at Wind Walker in a new light. The colt had always dreamed of visiting the home of the griffons, but his age and timid nature prevented the colt from doing so.[/colour] [colour=#FF0000]"That's okay - learning to canoe is a snap, and oh filly will you have fun doing it!"[/colour][colour=#282828] Maple, the canoeing instructor, piped in. Silt looked to her. She seemed like a very kind mare, but that only made Silt look forward to her classes even more. [/colour] [colour=#282828]The talking was cut short; counselors were calling out to the youngsters. The fillies all gathered around Jigsaw while the colts headed over to Harrington Sleuth. Slowly, Silt left his new filly friends to join the other colts gathering around their counselor. Hearing that Harrington was an investigator piqued Silt's interest. What sort of stories would this stallion have? He sat on the ground and listened quietly about toast and s'mores, unable to suppress a smile. That smile faltered a bit around the mention of scary stories, however. Well, as long as they weren't to scary, Silt would be okay.[/colour]

(Don't worry to much about that, we'll keep you involved! )

[that we will! ]

[colour=#808080]"W...where is this place?"[/colour] the pegasus asked, his voice calm and steady. Already the potion was taking effect. [colour=#008000]"My home."[/colour] Silt mumbled. The colt was tired, so very tired. He wanted nothing more than to sleep, but then Sapphire spoke up. "Silt, what about the others? The diamond dog and the other pegasus?" It felt like a rock had lodged in Silt's stomach. In his rush to help the chilled pegasus, he had forgotten about Stormwing and the dog. He didn't want to go outside, he was terrified of the though of facing the dog, but he couldn't leave his new friend alone with a predator. [colour=#008000]"I'll go look for him.."[/colour] Silt said wearily, pushed himself to his hooves, and slowly ascended the dirt stairs to the surface. (Ooc: Just curious... Who all is still a part of this? I've noticed that a lot of people haven't posted in a long time...)

He was running out of time, Silt knew this when he heard the pegasus complain about his hooves and saw the frostbite that had taken over them. He needed medicine now, there was no time to wait for the other ponies to clean the melon. His horn glowed a bright green as he summoned his magic, for the fourth time that stormy night. The seeds wriggled free from the white fruit flesh and came to settle in Silt's bowl. Carefully, he crushed all of them. A thick, dark red liquid, like magma, flowed from the crushed seeds and mixed with the shells and bits of fruit in the bowl as Silt magically moved the pestle about. The unicorn felt fatigued from all the spells he had been casting; the mortar blurred and he had to blink his eyes hard to get it back into focus. What he needed was sleep. No, a good meal, and then sleep. [colour=#008000]"There we go."[/colour] Silt sighed wearily as the consistency turned into a thick magenta paste that gently pulsed a dim red light. Taking the mortar between his teeth he carried it to the chilled pegasus, carefully avoiding the fire, and put it before him. [colour=#008000]"Hello there, can you hear me okay? My name is Silt. I'm here to help you. I need to you drink this, all of it."[/colour] Silt pushed the bowl closer with his nose. [colour=#008000]"It will taste very bitter, though I tried to sweeten it, but it will warm you and help cure your frostbite."[/colour] [colour=#808080]"What are you?"[/colour] The pegasus proclaimed, noticing Jogurt. There was panic in the pony's voice. [colour=#008000]"This is Jogurt,"[/colour] Silt said gently, not wanting to spook him. [colour=#008000]"He's a friend."[/colour]

Flames flicked to life inside the cavern. The crackling was quite cheery, and the warmth that flooded the chamber was welcome to all inhabiting it. Even Silt felt himself like the element ever so slightly more. Sapphire Swirl was skilled indeed to bring one to life so fast, and Silt trusted that the mare would be able to tend to it without his help. "There! Everything is prepared, Silt! Squeak!" Jogurt said as he brought the mortar, pestle, and water to Silt. The unicorn smiled gratefully and motioned with a hoof to the fallen ring. [colour=#008000]"You've dropped something, friend."[/colour] Silt trotted over and used the tip of his horn to lift it off the ground rather than a spell. He didn't want to use more magic than he had to. The ring, very unique in its design, intrigued the colt, but he knew it would be best to hold his questions until later. Having given Jogurt his property back, Silt went back to the spiky melon and examined it. With a well aimed kick from his hoof, the purple and green melon cracked open into many pieces. Using his horn, Silt pried the fruit's thick hide open to reveal a white inner flesh, dotted with jet black seeds. [colour=#008000]"Have you ever had dragonfruit before, Jogurt?"[/colour] Silt asked the hamster. [colour=#008000]"The white flesh is very sweet and tasty, but doesn't do much. The black seeds, on the other hoof, will warm whatever eats them from the belly out."[/colour] Silt looked to the others and said loud enough from them to hear, [colour=#008000]"I need only the black seeds, so if anypony wants a bite to eat, come and get it! But put the seeds in this,"[/colour] the unicorn motioned to stone mortar. Before the others had a go at the fruit, he took a bit and scrapped both seed and fruit into the bowl. The fruit may not do much on its own, but it would help sweeten the drink he was making for his newest patient.