Flutterhshy walked deeper into the labyrinth-like city. The voice of Ach'ri'oa her only company. The city cheerfully coaxing her onward through the dark hallways.

"Alright Quiet Girl, we're almost there! You're going to be so thrilled when you see this!" The city squealed.

Fluttershy shook her head, the slime encrusted hallways stood in stark contrast to the almost maniac personality of the city. She hoped that Rarity could help the city. Looking at the walls she recognized the symbols.

"Pardon me? I was wondering if I might bother you, but are these incantations to Shub-Niggurath?"

The city joyfully snickered, "A worshipper of the Dark Mother of the Wood? Whatever would Celestia think?"

Fluttershy blushed, "Oh, it's more a Hzn-Szrm and Vjfrmlc thing, something for holidays then for all the time. Discord is more serious about it then I've ever have been."

The city giggled, "The converts take things so seriously, as opposed to those born to the faith, don't they."

Fluttershy giggled back, "Oh indeed, as soon as I introduced him to the faith and made him my Sfhyzmw before the Mother he became most enthusiastic."

"Well I'm so glad! Congrats girl! To initiate a Lord Of Chaos like that! And one that is so devilishly handsome as well. Tell me, it's just us here, any plans between you two for xsrowvm?"

Fluttershy turned red. "I.... I..... just don't know."

Ach'ri'oa teased back, "Sounds like you do, but I won't press. Still it would be nice to see the trouble that would cause, and I happen to think you'd be a great nlgsvi."

True to her word the city let the matter drop, to Fluttershy's relief. The Quiet Mare didn't want to share all her secrets, at least not yet. Turning a corner the Young mare stared into a round chamber. In the darkness shapes half her size darted, carrying small bundles. The shapes had long snouts and moved sometimes on two feet, sometimes on four. Long tails lashing through the darkness. Fluttershy squealed.

"Why this is a Izgulp Mfiuvib. They're so adorable."

Ach'ri'oa chuckled, "Well go ahead, I informed them of your arrival."

Fluttershy stepped forward, then halted. When she addressed the city again her voice was quiet and deep, "Ach'ri'oa, you told me that you would show me why the Manticores were evicted. Am I right that this Izgulp Mfiuvib is the reason?"

A pause strecthed out, the city, when it answered, spoke using the same tone. "Yes, the Manticores that had been living here had been feeding from those in this room. Had been doing so for some time. When I became the new Intelligence the first thing I did was make sure they knew where the door was." A dark chuckle was heard, "Some of them were slow learners. But go ahead, I have told the Ratfolk you're an honored guest."

Fluttershy approached one of the Nursery Attendants and holding out her arms was given one of the precious bundles they carried. An adorable pink nose showed itself to her, snuffling curiously, cooing she eased the pup back to sleep, returning it to the warren nurse, who bowed low, then darted off,

Snarling, Fluttershy spoke again to the city. "I've a feeling Ach'ri'oa I'll be teaching those Manitcores the meaning of some things as well. Namely, the definition of certain words, like PAIN, and DON"T EAT BABIES UNLESS YOU LIKE HAVING A DRACONEQUESS TURN YOU INSIDE OUT, WHILE YOU STAY ALIVE AND RETAIN THE ABITLITY TO SCREAM!!!!!"

Taking a breath, she calmed herself. "Where there any orphans that couldn't be taken in by another family?"

"I'm not sure Ms. Shy but let me summon the Elder, he'll know for sure and be able to give you any particulars."

The Pink maned Pegasi shook her head, "Oh, I wouldn't want to be a huge bother, just take me right to him. I'm sure he's involved with much more important things than me."

Ach'ri'oa responded happily, "Of Course, Ms. Shy just follow where my light goes and I'll take you right to him."

Fluttershy nodded her thanks then walked deeper into the Warren, her eyes twinkling at the adorable ones that called this place home.

Rarity strolled deeper into the city, her eyes wandering, taking in all of the details spread before her.

"Darling, forgive me for saying, you seem to have held up well for a city that was built before the rise of Celestia and Luna.

Ach'ri'oa chuckled. "Rarity dear, This city has been in this location since before the rise of pony kind. Previous Intelligences that watched over this city, observed the death of the old world and the rise of this one. It saw the rise of all of the races that populated this world. My Mistress herself, existed before even discord. As far as I am aware she is the single oldest living creature on the entire planet of Equis. I have only taken over this city within the last few days. I have however, as I said done my best to repair whatever I can, althogh I have to give credit where credit is due. I had some assistance.

"Oh? Who, I would so love to meet someone that has such attention to detail, darling. I can hardly distinguish what was replaced from what was already here. It would help to be alble to coordinate my efforts with such an individual.

"Not Individual, Rarity Dear, Individuals. A race of artifical beings had moved into this city in the absence of it's former owners. I am taking you directly to them."

Sure enough, Rarity soon saw several wooden figures, they held a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some favored a female appearence, while others seemed to have a more masculine frame. However, this soon seemed to be a personal prefrence rather than a gender identity.

As the city Guided her toward them she noticed how beautiful they all where, standing only up to her waist. Smiling at all of them, she bowed as the city introduced them.

"Ms. Rarity Belle, Element of Generosity, I would like to present to you, as a race, The Wyrwood."

Author's Note

By the Way, Ratfolk:

And Number 2 Wyrwood

Both are Considered Small in size