Adventures in the TARDIS

Stern Wing's yawning and stretching helps to awaken Feather Wind in addition to the brighter conditions around them. Stirring too, he peels back the cloudbag he is in then turns about so that his stomach and legs are facing the bottom. By then, Stern Wing already is standing and stretching pretty much every part of her. Her neck is straight. Her tail is straight. Her wings are extended so much that it briefly offers Feather Wind three-quarters shade from the sun.

“So . . . what did you think of the cloud/sleeping bag?” Feather Wind asks brightly. “Pretty neat, huh?”

Finally finished stretching after leaning heavily forward then back, Stern stands up straight and regards her small blue friend in confusion as she asks, “What are you talking about? We slept on clouds before.”

“Yeah, but I made these this time,” Feather brags proudly a little. “I didn't used to have this much weather . . .” He pauses for a moment as he re-considers his words then decides to amend, “Control isn't the right word. I'd say influence is more apt. I speak to the air and it listens to me.” He looks around as he goes on to say, “But my influence was strictly known over the wind. It wasn't until shortly after I dropped out of the Wonderbolt academy when I realized I could influence all the rest of the weather too.” He pats the cloudbag he's on. “Which includes the creation of these.”

An affectionate and cunning grin grows on Stern's lips as she regards her friend and asks, “That came in hoofy while you were camping out in nature, right? I think some of your wind messages you sent to me alluded to that.”

“I'll admit, I eventually got a little creative with my influence,” Feather says with a slight shy blush. “When one is away from the rest of society for so long, it encourages adaptability.”

“Well that's fine for you,” Stern says with a dismissive flick of a large brown wing. “But I occasionally need my deep-tissue sports massage.” She refolds her wing. “And I can only get that by remaining closer to normal pony society.”

“That makes sense,” Feather agrees with an accepting nod while gazing up at his friend. Due to his angle and the brightness of the sun behind her mane, Feather ends up squinting a bit. His eyes aren't fully adjusted to the daylight yet. “You actually did work in a professional sport. Even the practice for such a game probably caused a lot of muscle tension so a deep sports massage probably helped to cure what ailed you.”

“You know what else helped me back then?” Stern asks as she aimed her left eye at Feather exclusively for a second and leaned her head down at him to put even more emphasis on the word “else”. She then straightens up and points to her mouth as she says instantly, “Food goes in mouth now. I'm starving.”

“Well let's get you some breakfast, then,” Feather decides as he stands up as well but still squints a bit as he looks up at his friend. “I'm pretty sure the Tribe down below will have some food to offer. If they don't, I think we have some still in our saddlebags.”

“Foraging for food doesn't seem that difficult in this area of the world and time either,” Stern figures as she looks straight forward. “Part of me is tempted to try that. I've been studying and learning under Daring's wings for a while now. I kind of like to put that into practice.”

“Well the rest of our friends are down there in the village right now,” Feather reminds his friend. “Before we take off, we should probably check what their plans are first.”

Stern nods in agreement as she looks back down at her friend then says, “Good idea.”

Since Stern Wing is so focused and driven by her hunger right now, she missed something that is, more or less, obvious to Feather Wind. That is, when he lands in the village, he notices the tribe is abuzz with excitement, activity, and for some reason they are regarding the both of them with excited curiosity.

There might be multiple reasons for that, but one of them is very clear to him.

“Oooooo! What's that?” excitedly asks some of the young foals as they shamelessly reach and touch Feather Wind's Mist Cloak moments after he landed.

“It's soft and squishy, yet also solid,” another foal marvels before pulling his green hoof closer to his muzzle then sniffs. Then his eyes brighten with delight as he reports to the rest of his friends, “It's moist too!”

Stern snorts in thinly concealed amused laughter for a brief moment while privately musing how so many sexual innuendos the foals just mentioned likely went way over their heads, but then her expression suddenly becomes serious when she notices her small blue friend's uncomfortable reaction to all of this sudden and focused attention. As a result, her expression and stance suddenly becomes firm and she spreads her wings dramatically and commands sternly, “Alright, you foals. Get back! All of you. You're crowding him and making him nervous.”

“Huh? Crow-ding?” asks a confused yellow pegasus mare with a mop-like green mane. “What does that mean?”

“It means you're being rude by standing so close to him,” Stern replies while lifting an eyebrow at the foal who asked. She's privately debating whether the foal's confusion over that word is really serious.

To get away from them, Feather lightens his body weight somewhat and hops up. A small tingle of magic envelopes his hooves since it is the least sensitive part of his body. He uses that magic to briefly assist his jump. He ends up landing on Stern Wing's back then looks back at the crowd of foals around them. He uses his magic to lift the hood of his cloak forward then over his horn in order to rest at his neck.

“This is my mystical Mist Cloak,” he explains to the foals around them as bravely as he can. “I made it myself to help me fly.”

Most of the crowd of foals around them gasp in delight then erupt with too many questions spoken at once for either Feather or Stern to understand them.

“More like gliding with style,” Stern corrects as she flashes an amused grin to her friend on her back.

“Details,” Feather replies with a casual shrug but he shares a similar amused grin too.

Stern giggles a bit then regards the foals with renewed seriousness again. She decides that, instead of answering their dizzy array of questions, she'll distract them by asking one of her own.

“Okay. SILENCE!” Stern cries aloud as she spreads her wings dramatically again. That momentarily rewards her with their silence and rapt attention. Feeling satisfied, she refolds her wings and says, “We can get to the rest of your questions later. For now, I'd like a bite to eat and reconvene with the rest of our friends. Do any of you know where they are?”

To both Feather and Stern's surprise, they all pointed to two tents immediately. Absolutely all of them were not even remotely uncertain where the rest of their friends presently are.

“The one called Daring Do is over there,” the eldest red earth pony foal announces. “But she's busy.” He then nods to where the other foals are pointing. “The rest is over there.”

Feather Wind suddenly grew tempted to ask these foals what was going on with the tribe this morning, but he ends up too shy to ask. His hesitation also costs him his moment to ask.

“Then we'll meet with the rest of our friends,” Stern decides. “If Daring is too busy, we'll ask everypony else what's going on.”

Stern Wing brushes aside the curtain leading inside one of the tents and steps inside. Feather ends up joining her because he's still on her back. From within, they can see Derpy Hooves, Margret Wessle, and Doctor Kelly Saddler.

“There you are!” Derpy expresses with delight when Stern and Feather enter the tent. “I was about to go out looking for you.”

“I probably would have found you two faster with my instruments if I was allowed to use them,” Margret says just a little bitterly.

“That's not wise for the moment,” Doctor Kelly argues. “We're in the middle of the village of the Earthbound and I think they made themselves clear that certain things are taboo to them. Let's not be rude guests.”

“I could have found them,” Derpy assures a little insistently. “I deliver mail in my time, so I have practice finding other ponies and delivering their letters.”

“What's going on around here?” Feather asks as he hops off Stern Wing's back. Since he floats gently down to the ground, the others can tell he lightens his body weight to that of a feather during his fall.

“Oh that's right! You two don't know yet,” Margret says in a tone of realization. “Where were you two anyway?”

Feather looks confused as he asks Margret, “You didn't get my wind message?”

“I did,” Derpy assures as she raises a hoof.

“So did I,” Doctor Kelly agrees.

“Oh!” Margret looks amazed. “So that was your voice in the wind.”

“I explained that I could do that during our travels together,” Feather reminds. “I think I even proved it to you a few times.”

“Right. Sorry,” says Margret as she closes her eyes, applies a hoof to her forehead, and shakes her head. “I'm a little scatter brained right now.”

“Welcome to the club then,” Derpy expresses to Margret. “I'm like that literally all the time!”

“Well, anyway,” speaks up Doctor Kelly after she momentarily fake clears her throat to signal for attention. She looks back at Feather Wind as she answers, “To answer your question, the tribe is abuzz with activity because they are preparing for a special ceremony tonight, and the reason Daring is absent among us is because they are currently giving her temporary tattoos in preparation for that ceremony.”

“Oh wow.” Feather looks taken aback, but not completely. “So she really plans to go through with this? To join the Tribe so that they'll trust her enough to take her to see this Quetzalcoatl?”

“You mean she was serious about that request?” Stern asks as she looks down at her small blue friend in surprise.

“Apparently,” Feather replies up at her with a light shrug.

“Qwatzy … what now?” Derpy asks with a confused tilt of her head. “I never heard of that.” She straightens her head. “Is that a name of an individual or an entire species?”

“Quetzalcoatl,” Feather repeated for clarity. “Or courtal for short and it is the name of a species.”

Doctor Kelly lifts a hoof half way, up to the level of her chest, as she announces, “For once, this is information I am lacking.” She lowers her hoof again. “Either this is something I haven't read yet among my kind, or this is information that got lost through time so the Magi have no records of this anymore at all. I'm kind of leaning on the latter theory, too, since studying history is a hobby of mine and I've been doing that for centuries.”

Feather Wind suddenly feels a little shy when he notices the attention of all of his friends are suddenly focused on him, but he swallows that reaction down since he does, indeed, have some information on this subject.

“Well, fortunately, records like that are not so lost in my time yet,” Feather Wind announces. “A Quetzalcoatl, or courtal,” he adds with an emphatic nod to Derpy in particular then scans among all his friends again, “is said to be a powerful, mystical, and majestic legendary creature with god-like magic. It is an ascended being probably not unlike Princess Celestia,” he adds with a glance up at Stern Wing. He resumes scanning among them all as he resumes his lecture. “It isn't confirmed whether or not this creature exists in my time, but there are statues and carvings of these creatures in some ancient cultures. Of those, they seem particularly prevalent in any culture in which the kirin had strong influence.”

“Oh!” Derpy exclaims in surprise but also some recognition. “You mean those horned creatures I unconsciously danced with?”

Feather nods at Derpy as he confirms, “The same, although in my time, the kirin seem more talkative and sentient.” He shrugs. “At the very least, their culture was evolved enough to have some form of writing.” He lifts a hoof. “It should be noted, though, that sightings of the kirin are very rare in my time.” He lowers his hoof. “Most of the general populace of Equestria, again in my time as well as Stern Wing's, haven't even heard of the kirin. Of those who do, they will most likely be members of either highly educated scholars, or social elite.”

“And you're both,” Derpy recalls.

“Correct,” Feather agrees with a neutral nod.

“There isn't any sightings of these creatures in your time?” Margret asks Feather curiously. “Not even rumors of such sightings?”

“Oh, that?” Feather gives Margret a dismissive wave of a small blue hoof. “Rumors abound with pretty much any subject. Whether they are true or not is up for debate. From my perspective, I'm simply announcing what we have formal records on and what I happen to come across.”

“Based on those records, can you tell us anything else about these creatures?” Doctor Kelly asks. “The courtal, I mean,” she clarifies.

“According to our records and pictures of them, they are very tall serpent-like beings but with colorful wings. They are highly intelligent, beyond the caliber of mortal kin, and probably also telepathic. It's been suggested that they can change their forms too and that includes the ability to become incorporeal. Because of that, scholars have speculated that, if any of these creatures actually existed and weren't part of some ancient cultures wild imagination, then the Quetzalcoatl are most likely magical spirits not unlike that of a draconequus. Some even believe that the Quetzalcoatl also have similar reality-bending powers.”

“Oh Sweet Celestia!” Stern Wing groans, closes her eyes, and slaps her forehead with a hoof. “Not another one of those creatures.” She opens her eyes and returns her hoof to the floor. “We have Trouble enough as it is.”

Feather regards Stern Wing calmly as he assures, “Actually, Stern, if it's true, you might like this one because it is also said that Quetzalcoatl are highly benevolent creatures. They are more likely to push for harmony rather than against it.”

“Oh? Really?” Stern asks in surprise and delight. “Well that doesn't sound so bad, then.” She applies a hoof to the bottom of her chin and rubs it thoughtfully. “In fact, if you're right, then I hope it is true because that means there is a balancing force out there to keep beings like the draconequus in check.” She returns her hoof to the floor. “Call me crazy, but I rather like the fact that there is something out there that can stop a single bored draconequus from saying, 'You know what? I'm bored now.'” Stern Wing lifts her left wing and makes a snapping motion with two feathers. Somehow she successfully produces a snapping sound from it. “'It's time to turn the whole world into a cupcake today.'” She then carefully looks among her friends as she asks them, “I'm not alone in this, right? Are any of the rest of you comforted by the idea there are other beings out there that can say things like, 'Nope. That ain't happening,' and use their own powers to successfully thwart such an outrageous attempt?”

Derpy rubs the back of her neck as she expresses with a slightly shy blush, “Chances are, if there are such beings out there that can keep a draconequus in check like that, then that might just be the only reason the rest of us aren't extinct right now.” She lowers her gray hoof back to her folded lap. “Silly whimsy like that could've gotten the rest of us killed even if the being who did it didn't specifically intend those results.”

“Try breathing when the entire world's oxygen supply suddenly turns into something as silly as pink soap,” Doctor Kelly expresses grimly. “It might sound fun to the being in question for a moment while little realizing the consequences that would have upon the rest of us, so I think it's true. There must be something out there that keeps the world from suffering overwhelming consequences like that.”

The group is quiet for a moment until broken by Feather Wind.

“Well, anyway, another thing I can say about the courtal written on ancient tablets is what seems to be their primary mission, and that is pushing for the evolution of other species into higher states,” Feather announces.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Stern asks stiffly. “It doesn't seem wise to leave a term like 'evolution' to remain ambiguous. After all, I heard terms like that often used by those who wish to excuse something as heinous as genocide.”

Feather looks up at Stern as he says, “To tell you the truth, I do not know for sure, but the Quetzalcoatl are said to be highly wise and compassionate beings so their perception of 'evolution' likely isn't anywhere near that dark. Try to imagine best-case scenarios instead because their aims are more likely to be in line with that.”

“Eh . . . well.” Stern Wing shrugs. “I suppose I can let the issue rest at that if they really are aiming towards everypony's highest good, but I'm not sure if that's something I personally wish to be involved with. I much prefer to be in charge of my own destiny. So much so that I'm gladly willing to accept the consequences, if any, thereof. I wouldn't want any other being meddling with me no matter how kind they think they are.”

There is another pause among the group but this time it is broken by Doctor Kelly as she fake clears her throat again.

“Be that as it may, it does leave a certain important decision among us.”

“What decision?” Stern Wing checks with Doctor Kelly cautiously.

“It's been heavily implied that the Tribe is interested, or at least open to the idea, of the rest of us joining their Tribe with tonight's ceremony,” Doctor Kelly announces. “If any of you chooses to accept, then there are a few things you should know first.” She gestures out the exit of the tent they are in. “Step one is informing them of your intentions, obviously. After that they have to accept. Step two, at least on our part, is fasting till after the ceremony. After that there shall be a grand feast.”

Stern's shoulders slump as she asks, “Fasting, huh? Bummer. I'm already hungry.” She gestures to herself with a hoof. “As you can see, I am still a very large and growing mare so I need my eats on occasion.”

Doctor Kelly shakes her head slightly as she announces, “Fasting will only matter if you accept their invitation to participate in their ceremony, but if you do, there is something else you need to know.”

“The tattoos, right?” Stern guesses. “Somepony here said those things would be temporary so I don't see that as a problem.”

“I said that earlier,” Doctor Kelly reminds, “and yes, that is another step in the process but it's what occurs after that which has me concerned.”

“Oh?” Stern asks in a bit of alarm since she hasn't forgotten that Daring had already decided to move forward with this process. “What else is involved?”

“Just before the ceremony takes place, which seems to be some kind of ritualistic dance from what was explained to us earlier, many of the tribesmen, which must include the new participants who wish to join them, shall ingest a substance which shall induce a hallucinogenic state.”

“Oh,” Stern replies with a spooked expression.

“Well I, for one, am not surprised to hear that,” Feather announces. “For I have read that such things often are part of indigenous, tribalism practices. Such traditions often go way back for them.” He shakes his head. “And I highly doubt that this tribe would offer anything that they would consider dangerous. Something like this is most likely a sacred rite of passage for them which means they've been taking such substances for a long time now. That's a long track record to prove what they are offering is most likely safe.”

Doctor Kelly nods as she says, “I agree, but there are other factors to consider here even if their intentions are benign, and in this case, they most likely are.”

“Like what?” Stern Wing asks cautiously as she squints one eye at Doctor Kelly.

“I have no doubt that such substances will have their intended effect,” Doctor Kelly informs. “There are plenty of records stating that certain substances often induce altered states of consciousness and, in this case, that is most likely their intent.” She lifts a hoof. “However, there are other factors to consider like the side effects. There might be some debilitation before, during, and after the ceremony.”

“True,” Derpy agrees. “I haven't thought of that.”

Doctor Kelly lowers her lifted hoof then levitates a lollipop out of her coat pocket even though that technically is relying on her 'technology' a bit. She sucks on the lollipop as she says, “Another thing to consider is if any of you have an allergic reaction to the drug. In the worst case scenario, it could be lethal if untreated. Just because a substance doesn't have a particular hostile effect for most ponies doesn't mean you'll have the same reaction.”

“You're a credit to your profession, Doctor,” Feather Wind says with emphasis to Doctor Kelly. “It's just like you to wisely realize chemical substances can have unintended side effects like that.”

Doctor Kelly nods in professional agreement at Feather Wind then goes on to announce, “The last issue that concerns me is if anything else tries to take advantage of us in our moment of weakness.” She waves a hoof. “Let's put aside the possibility that such a thing would happen by the tribesmen because the chances of that are decently remote, but they are not the only forces in this world and time which could be a concern.”

“Oh yeah!” Derpy gasps in realization. “What if one of the Chaos Beasts attacks during the ceremony? That would be one very inopportune time for us.”

“Agreed,” Doctor Kelly replies as the stem of her lollipop switches sides in her mouth. “Which is why I have a formal announcement.” She scans among her present friends. “I shall not, under any circumstances, willingly take in any substance that shall impair my judgment. As such, I shall abstain from their offer.” She lifts a hoof again. “But for that same reason, it is safer for the rest of you to participate if you wish.” She lowers her hoof again. “Because I shall remain safely at the sidelines and monitor the rest of you. And, if indeed an emergency comes up, it is within my power to detoxify the rest of you from being debilitated from this drug during such a moment of crisis. Keep in mind, however, I might have to use some of my technology to execute that plan with precision.”

Feather sighs then says, “Under those circumstances, The Tribe might not mind.” He shakes his head. “I can't say that for absolute certainty but something tells me they'd rather rely on taboo methods rather than totally die outright. After all, there has to be a future for them to defend later.” He shrugs. “If only one option is left at that point, they might not begrudge you for it.” He stands up straight. “Just to be certain, though, you can ask the elders what they would think under that hypothetical scenario.”

“I don't plan to ask them,” Doctor Kelly replies.

Taken aback, Feather Wind asks her, “Why?”

Doctor Kelly shakes her head slightly as she says, “Because, at that point, it doesn't matter to me what they'd say. I'd rather have all of you, and them, alive and mad at me rather than dead but satisfied. I took an oath not to harm anypony and I meant it when I made it.” She squints. “And sometimes that might mean making tough calls on occasion.” Her expression straightens to one of dignity. “At the end of the day, I have to live with myself and the decisions I made. I'm not saying that there won't be any regrets, but I have to follow my rational mind and personal moral decisions. In this case, I wasn't planning on joining their tribe anyway. We're about to leave after this, aren't we?”

Doctor Kelly regards Margret as she asks her, “Speaking of which, did you give any reports to Commander Viraxis lately? Specifically after we encountered this tribe?”

“Um,” Margret cringes with discomfort. “No. Not yet. Truthfully, I'm not certain what to do in that regard. After all, if he isn't really the kind of pony everypony thinks he is then let's just say I have my reasons for feeling conflicted.”

“Fair enough,” Doctor Kelly accepts with a nod. “What's important here is deciding our next move. At the moment, only Daring Do has one other agenda with The Tribe before she, too, departs from them.”

“I wonder what she's going to ask him?” Derpy asks curiously as she lifts a hoof and gingerly touches the side of her gray cheek.

“We may never know,” Feather replies solemnly. “That's between her and that being . . . if they meet. Keep in mind, though, that Daring is a very experienced adventurer in her time and she must have run into all kinds of various issues in her travels. Questions that need answering and/or advice for various problems.”

“So, in other words, there could be many reasons why she'd want to meet this being,” Stern Wing concludes.

Feather squints slightly as he says, “It seems to me, though, she knows this one personally. She knows this one by name, but I forgot what name she said specifically.”

Doctor Kelly frowns then says, “If I were allowed to keep my drones active, I could have recorded that conversation precisely for moments like this. Daring, or even the Tribe, could have found that kind of information useful from time to time.”

“Let's not get into this debate again,” Margret discourages.

Doctor Kelly looks at Margret in surprise as she says, “True, but it's kind of surprising to hear that advice coming from you of all ponies.”

“Let's just say I've been a little more open-minded about the idea since the time we first started,” Margret informs. “Plus I've grown tired of the debate.”

Feather Wind stands up straight as he says with dignity, “Alright, then. So here is the situation we're currently facing. Participation in the ceremony before we depart; yay or neigh?”

“Before deciding something like that, you all should consider your personal motives about this,” Doctor Kelly puts forward. “Daring Do actually does have something she wishes to accomplish with this move, but what about the rest of you? We're about to leave soon, aren't we? The consequences and benefits of this action aren't going to endure for long so keep that in mind.”

“I've already made my decision,” Feather announces, which surprises the rest of his companions.

“Which is?” Stern Wing checks.

He looks up at his large brown friend as he replies, “I plan to do it for personal reasons.” He then looks at Doctor Kelly. “But believe it or not, you are the primary linchpin of my decision. Because you decided to refrain from taking the drug and also because you are a trained medical professional, I think the benefits outweigh the risks in this case.”

“If you don't mind, care to elucidate on the reasons for your decision?” Doctor Kelly offers to Feather Wind since she's interested in his psychology.

“Ah . . . what now?” Derpy asks in confusion.

“To clarify the reasons for his decision,” Doctor Kelly counter offers then shrugs. “Sorry. It slipped my mind that you're not likely to command that level of vocabulary.”

Derpy sighs then says, “That's okay. I'm used to it.”

“I think I can,” Feather brings up. “That part I am comfortable telling you is I suspect they might have a way to deepen my bond to nature. These ponies have been living close to it for centuries and it has become something sacred to them. I can't help but be curious if this is one of the reasons why it is so. Perhaps, during their rite of passage, they all experience this . . . for lack of better words, spiritual transcendence as a result of the ceremony and that does interest me.”

Feather Wind shakes his head. “It actually wouldn't surprise me if they told me that a ceremony like this is exactly what spawned their initial cutie mark awakenings. If, indeed, this ceremony can have an impact that profound then I don't wish to go on living the rest of my days forever wondering what would have happened to me if only I had the courage to participate when I had the chance. I leapt off a cliff before in my youth because the sky once insisted it would catch me. I took an enormous leap of faith back then and it eventually paid off.” He waves a hoof. “If there is any chance that this ceremony could have the same impact then I have to take it, but only because you're offering us a fail-safe strategy.” He nods to Doctor Kelly.

“In that case, I will participate as well,” Stern Wing announces.

Feather Wind is so surprised to hear that he actually does a double-take at Stern Wing then asks, “Really? You, Stern Wing? But . . . why? Doctor Kelly aside, you honestly are the last pony I'd expect to be interested to do this in this party.”

“I agree,” says Derpy to Stern Wing. “You seem so concerned with security all the time that I would never expect you to do something that might deliberately debilitate yourself. You seem like you wouldn't want to leave anything to chance if you can help it.”

“But then I wouldn't be here in the first place if that were true,” Stern Wing counters. “I'm not a coward, Derpy. I'm willing to take risks too if it feels like it's worth it.”

“No pony here said you are a coward, but I think we're still confused why you consider this worth it,” Feather clarifies.

“Lots of reasons,” Stern replies. “Beginning with you.” She nods at Doctor Kelly. “I never would have considered it if there wasn't somepony here to watch our backs in our moment of weakness but, in this case, it turns out you're the perfect pony for the job because you can return the rest of us to our senses if need be. Because of that, I'm more willing to press forward with this particular risk.”

“What else?” Feather checks. “You said there are multiple reasons. I welcome you to share them if you're comfortable with it.”

“Another reason is to show support to my friends,” Stern Wing announces with a soft and affectionate look in her eyes. “During our travels, Daring Do has become a very important pony to me. The exact way is different from the relationship you and I share.” She gestures between herself and Feather Wind. “I'd rather not go into details about that in public, but when it comes between me and Daring . . . there is a bunch of things I see. A sister. A mentor. A friend. A kindred spirit. Somepony that I share a deep and unspoken level of understanding for some reason.

“To be clear, I'm not perfectly certain why that is true but I don't tend to overthink things either. Sometimes I just go with my gut and, in this case, it feels right.

“Still another reason is I regard it as polite to these ponies here. They are offering to let us into their tribe and welcome us as an honorary member of it. Something feels downright rude to me to take that offer and reject it. To me, it feels like ingratitude. To spit in their face when they made a deep and symbolic offer that comes from a place of trust. In my eyes, they already made a risk by inviting us in and I don't want to seem like the kind of pony that would be unwilling to push myself just as far.”

“But we're about to leave,” Doctor Kelly reminds. “Why is it important to you what their lingering impression of you is?”

“Because, no matter what they think of me, I still have to live with myself and my own decisions,” Stern Wing replies as she places a hoof on her broad chest for a second. “More than them, I want to prove to myself that I am willing to go this far for a friend, even ones I just met. Loyalty is very important to me and I need that rock-solid foundation to feel firm under my hooves. Risks be wind-blasted when I know something is right in my heart. I need to know that integrity is solid for me to remain confident in myself and all of my decisions, so that is why.”

Doctor Kelly floats out her yellow lollipop in front of her, regards it thoughtfully, then floats it back in her mouth as she nods in respect to Stern Wing and says, “Fair enough.”

“I think I want to participate too, then,” Derpy puts in. “If the rest of you didn't then I'm not sure if I would, but since you are, it feels like moral support to me and I want to be equally willing to share it back.

“Plus, it just sounds fun!” Derpy says so brightly that she closed her eyes for a second. Then she opens her walleyes again as she goes on to say, “Plus I think something like this happened to me while I danced with the kirin. Ever since then, I felt like something has awakened inside me but it kind of sat dormant since then and it's kept me wondering at times. I feel like they gave me a gift but I don't know what it is yet. Perhaps the ceremony might help to clarify that for me?”

“I suspect it would,” Feather says to Derpy. “Furthermore, I think you're right that the dance with the kirin helped to awaken something inside you, or at least plant a seed of potential of sorts. This ceremony might give you the chance to put that into better perspective and it seems to me that you don't have much to risk in this case. Fun is enough for you anyway. I won't argue with that.” He smiles in delight. “And I love seeing you happy, Derpy. If this has any chance to cause it then I say it's worth it.”

“Aw! Thank you!” Derpy replies cheerfully but also a little bashfully.

“As for what comes next,” Feather says with sudden seriousness as he looks back at Doctor Kelly sharply. “We should decide something like that after Daring rejoins the party. She's our appointed leader, after all, and even if she wasn't, she is our friend and fellow member of our party. I think she should be included in whatever decision that will also affect her life. That's only fair.”

“Agreed,” Doctor Kelly concurs. “The main reason I pointed this out was for the rest of you to keep this in mind. We're probably not staying here so we need to factor that in our own decisions with regards to this ceremony. Honorary Tribesman or not, we're still leaving. We still have things to do and ponies to see.”

“And possibly confront,” Stern Wing adds grimly but also sadly.

“Indeed,” Doctor Kelly says back to Stern then announces to the whole party, “Well then . . . if that is your decision, you should announce it to the others of the Tribe. Preparations will need to be made before tonight's ceremony.”

“Which includes fasting. Ulg,” Stern Wing winces in disgust but then cheers up moments later. “But then we'll have a feast tonight. Looking forward to that. I'm as hungry as a horse.”

Hearing that, Feather Wind scratches his head and privately wonders what the etymology of that particular idiom is.