MAR 1 Thursday.

As the wind rushes past me I spend my time flying in deep thought, mostly thinking over the events of the past month, and what I just did earlier today.

I will admit it was a bit rash to show Larimar my ability to cut things with space magic so close up, but a part of me was very interested in seeing her reaction. Or maybe I wanted to show off a little? It's not something I can do often and not something I should make a habit of.

At least in this situation, I showed someone that I slightly trust to not tell others, not because we're friends but because I know Larimar somewhat. She doesn't seem like the type to give away information like that easily, or without some price tag attached to it.

I paid quite a bit for the information she's given me and it took a lot of questions to get some good answers. Still, I think being in the Dragon Lands has made me drop my guard a little. The Dragons are simply too relaxed and calm about things, I can slip up and they won't care or really even notice.

Ironically I think that's what makes it such a good vacation spot for me, as despite the fight with Obsidian I enjoyed my time in the Dragon Lands. It was very relaxing and nice not to have to lie as much or hold my tongue around others either. I could be more of my human self, for the first time in a long time I could stop pretending, just a little.

That's not a good thing to keep up though, I am a pony and I should act like one. Not just from fear of my secrets being noticed, but also because it is part of who I am now. I have those same impulses, maybe it's from living in this world so long, or part of being in this body, but I feel less human with the passage of time.

No, maybe that's the wrong way to say it. I still am me but it's just not the same as it was before, Pony life has been slowly grinding me down to something else. Who knows what I am at this point, I'm certainly still human, but I'm also not completely human anymore. How much of being human is tied to our bodies?

That old debate, nature versus nurture, how much have I actually changed? It's hard to tell if I've changed at all, but I know I have. I shake my head a little and start to descend from the sky. I can be a philosophical insane pony later, I have things I want to do today. I am pretty excited to go home, the Dragon Lands might be freeing in one way, but they are also stressful.

I might not need to be on the lookout for nosy Dragons, but I do still need to pay attention to my surroundings so I don't get killed. I land with a soft thump on the dry rocky ground while Entropy lands on my back a moment later. Both of us looked at the interesting sight before us.

I'm standing in front of a massive tree stump, all that remains of the gigantic Red Wood tree I grew here a month prior. The stump was cut in a haphazard way, as if someone took a massive blade and just hacked away at the base of the tree until they cut through. It's probably from some Elder Dragons claws as they cut the tree down to take it away.

I stare for a few moments before turning to Entropy. "You remember where you are taking us, right?" I ask to make sure she remembers the way. I could just fly back the way I came, but while I was leaving Griffonstone a few weeks back I took a moment to have Entropy remember a location not far from the city to hopefully teleport to.

I wasn't entirely sure how long the journey would be so I didn't know at the time how much of the travel time she could cut down on. I decided to do it anyway as it would still shorten the journey regardless as long as I plan things properly, if I measured the distance right while flying here Entropy should be able to take us to Griffonstone from this location.

Entropy is silent for a moment and closes her eyes to concentrate, I brace myself for what I know is coming and embrace the Void a moment later. As we move through the spatial crack Entropy opens, I pay far more attention than I normally do to what she's doing when she teleports.

I try to follow along with her process, and it is blatantly simple from what I can make out in the fraction of a second I have to observe it. The fabric of space rips open like a zipper and in an imperceptibly fast moment, the crack spreads far enough to consume both of us, the sight and feeling of space being destroyed in such a way throwing my senses off like always.

Even with my space magic, I can only vaguely tell what's happening, while my eyes are so incapable of keeping up that I don't even see anything at all. The Void is something I also try to pay attention to, I barely catch the crack in space snapping shut before another one opens and we are now standing on a rocky cliffside in the mountains, barely a breath in between each action.

I wasn't really able to learn much from that, just like the last few times I've observed her teleporting, but it is interesting to watch and gives me a small idea of how I might be able to do the same. I take a moment to check on Entropy as she looks tired, but not overly so and she just sits on my back as I take flight again a few moments later.

As I fly I distract my mind from those earlier questions by thinking about my recent experiments with space magic, specifically Spatial Cutting. During the fight with Obsidian, I noticed something interesting, it was chaotic and I nearly ignored it entirely, but while cutting off Obsidian's tail I'm pretty sure I encountered some resistance to my efforts.

It wasn't a lot, but it was there and after a little more thought I might have an idea as to why and how. The more magic a being has inside of them the more likely they are able to defend against magic, a Dragon's scales can block spells better than a lot of things.

I think that while the physical material of a Dragon, the scales, flesh, bones, all of that. It can't help defend the Dragon from Spatial Cutting, but their own internal magic probably would give them some resistance to it. Space magic is still magic, even if it's a rare form it can be defended against in the right conditions.

The main problem for me comes from the fact that I need to form a simple but delicate magical structure inside a living being to cut them, the more magic they have inside of them the more difficulty I would have in forming the needed structures properly. As a test of this theory, I decided to try and cut a gem and a gem filled with magic.

While waiting through my last few days in the Dragon Lands I got two gems that were as similar as I could find. Roughly the same size, shape, and quality. I then enchanted one to hold magic and filled it completely, when I tried to cut both with Spatial Cutting the gem filled with magic gave me some very slight resistance.

It wasn't much but the gems I was using were only an inch wide for safety while experimenting with them, so the amount of magic inside was pretty small. Things with more active and fast-moving magic, like a Dragon or Pony would probably have even more resistance to them. This test also made me look at the experiment with the Vita Tree differently.

I once cut a branch off with Spatial Cutting, at the time I was so busy making sure the Vita Tree would survive that I never questioned how much magic it took to cut that branch off. I think with something magical powerful enough I wouldn't be able to cut it at all, the magic would simply be too strong for me to make a stable Spatial Structure that I need to be able to cut things.

I have no idea what that limit would be, and most things are still very easy to cut though, but it is something I should keep in mind for more dangerous foes. I leave my mental rant as I slowly fly past another mountain and see Griffonstone come into view through the light rain that is falling around me.

I'm already soaked from flying through the rain so I decide to find somewhere to land quickly. I look around the city before landing on an open street, the few Griffons around giving me little more than a glance before going back to their business. I've been living off of my own meals for a few weeks now and a good-tasting lunch without me having to cook sounds nice.

I wander the streets for a while and look around at the buildings, interestingly I notice that they have changed a bit since the first time I visited Griffonstone a few years ago. Griffonstone has had a rough time over the past two decades, with a few failed military ventures and some economic troubles combined with a not-so-competent king.

I still remember the city being a bit more degraded when I first visited, if things had continued on as they were then the city would probably look more like what the show was like. Yet again it reminds me of just how much I've changed things, how far fate has bent to the will of a mad pony.

Some combination of my intervention in the assassination plot in New Trotten, my presence at the trade negotiations a few years ago, and increased trade from my inventions. All of it has changed the city, I notice many buildings undergoing various forms of construction or repair, and many others that look rebuilt already.

Thelis did say that the trade deals he signed have worked out very well for his Griffons, and I see why. Even in the rainy afternoon, there are many vendors selling goods, and not just Griffons ones, there is a small splattering of many different races trading different things on the streets.

It is both an uplifting and concerning sight for me, to know that my actions have changed things so much from what they once were meant to be. The entire fate of a city-state changed from some random ass orphan Pony, and the changes from this alone will ripple out into endless unknown things.

It makes me question if I did the right thing, just as I have many other times before. Sure I helped this place, and its residents, but I may have changed things so much that it might just kill us all. Then again, another part of my mind thinks that the world can adapt and overcome what is going to happen, it sounds naive.

I sigh after a moment and spot a place to eat, a small restaurant like many others. "Come on Girl, let's get some food." I smile at her slightly tired and excited chirp as I walk closer to a decent meal.

time skip

I slowly draw out another line as I sit on a bench in the evening sunlight. After getting a good lunch me and Entropy have just walked around the city for a few hours exploring things, seeing the sights and getting a few snacks from the many food stalls we came across. After a while, I found this park and have been simply sitting and drawing out the statue fountain at the center of the park.

I didn't even read the small plaque at its base to see who the Griffons they made a statue of are, I've just spent my time relaxing and drawing it. The clouds and rain blew away a few hours ago and the sky is mostly clear now, with the exception of many Griffons traveling around the busy city as night approaches.

It's near the end of the day and it will be dark in an hour or two, so with that in mind, I finish my drawing and turn to Entropy as she sleeps on my side. "Girl." She jolts awake and looks at me. "Sorry, we have to get going though. Hop on." I chuckle a little at her annoyed look while casting the Wing spell on myself.

A few moments later I'm flying through the air, climbing higher and higher to reach the second to last branch of the massive stone tree. After landing and dismissing my wings it's just a short walk to make it to the highest branch and the gate to the Blue Palace, and here as well I see the growing prosperity of Griffonstone.

A section of the stone street is being repaired and maintained by several skilled Griffon crafters. I move around them and walk up to the gate, a guard approaches me just as before. "Sir." The female guard simply nods and lets me through after inspecting me for a few moments, much to my surprise and confusion.

I don't show that though and just nod before walking past the guard and continuing down the gated street to the palace, the guards at the gate not guiding me. It only takes me a moment to realize I did tell Thelis I'd stop by on my way back, it seems he gave the guards enough information to recognize me.

I'm not entirely sure what to do when I arrive at the palace doors, so after a moment I just knock on them. A few seconds later a well-dressed Griffon opens the door and looks me over for a moment. "His Majesty is working in the study at the moment, I can take you to Lord Phelix if you wish, Sir?" They also recognize me.

I knew Thelis was likely to be busy, he may not have an entire kingdom but he still rules over a city and is most likely busy very often. I was expecting to just be given a room to wait in until I could meet Thelis, but I don't have anything better to do so I nod after a moment. "Very good Sir, please follow me." They move to the side and I'm let inside as they close the door behind me before walking off with me following them.

I try my best to learn the layout of the palace as we walk and stretch my senses a good distance to feel out the area more. It's not nearly as large as the palace in Canterlot and is more like a very large mansion, I do sense a good amount of Griffons moving around inside and going about their work.

After following the Griffon down several hallways and up a few flights of stairs we stop on one of the upper floors of the palace at an ornately carved door. "Lord Phelix is inside, please inform us if you need anything." The Griffons use a bland but somewhat respectful tone before walking off, clearly being professional despite my lack of status.

I knock on the door and an old gruff voice answers instantly. "Enter." I open the door and look around the room for a moment. It's a study, a large fireplace at the back wall with several large bookshelves lining the walls, all filled with many tomes and other reading material.

At the center is a large carpet with several seating areas, a pair of couches, and a few chairs, along with a coffee table in the middle of it all. I notice Phelix lying on a couch with a book in his talons, slowly flipping through pages. He looks up at me and pauses abruptly, seemingly surprised but not showing it in any way.

He looks me over for a moment and at Entropy as well as she inspects the room, I close the door behind me and walk a little closer. "Hello, Phelix. Nice study, this place has a rather good theme." I say honestly as the many shades of blue that decorate the palace give its name credence.

He just nods and shows no expression beyond a tiny smirk. "Shade, sit." He motions to the room and encourages me to sit wherever I like. "Have a good trip?" He asks while going back to his book. I look around the room for a moment and decide to just sit near him in a nice and comfy chair.

I try to ignore the human thoughts that point out I'm naked and sitting upright, so I take out a book of my own to distract myself. This is one of the older Griffon books I got from a Dragon and an interesting one as it talks about different methods for treating chronic conditions with herbs, although it is very out of date. "Well enough, it was certainly interesting." I give a non-answer.

His eyes glance over at me and the book I'm holding for a moment. "Hmm, I used to be like that. I never sat still for a day." He reveals in his normal blunt manner. "Get the set out." I raise a brow at that and his small smirk returns. "Let's see if you can still play while reading, a good challenge."

I chuckle a little at his rather dry humor, but still do as he asks and bring out the chess set I've neglected for a while now. "I'm sure you have a fair few stories to tell, but I'm rather burnt out on stories at the moment. I've spent days getting my ears talked off." I did enjoy what I learned but talking constantly can get tiring fast.

He shifts over to the floor as I stay in my seat and bring out my chess set before placing it on the small table with my space magic so we can play. He raises a brow at my odd saying, saying your ear will fall off is a little dark for a Pony. :Shit, I really need to watch that: I curse at myself as I normally wouldn't be so overly grim with my words.

He nods after a moment staying silent as he makes the first move on the board. There are a few moments of silence as we both take turns reading before making a move while the other waits for their turn to come again. "What do you do? For work?" He asks after a while, slipping into fluent Pony.

It's my turn to raise my brow a bit as they seem to like speaking Pony when I'm around, maybe they just to make me feel more comfortable? I think for a moment trying to remember if he'd know about what my job used to be. He never got access to my file but Thelis did, did I ever tell him?

I think for a moment but can't remember any clear answers. "I used to be a librarian apprentice, it's the reason I ended up coming along on the diplomatic trip as a scribe, they needed someone who spoke Griffon and wrote on short notice." I use my cover story even though I know he will see through it to some extent. "As for now? I'm volunteering at a hospital, learning to heal others." I say simply and leave out the rest of my life.

He looks up from his book to me once again, his face mostly passive but a little bit curious. "An interesting path, why healing?" He asks in his usual short manner, but I also notice he's more relaxed around me than the last time I visited. Maybe spending time with me last time made him more comfortable.

I shrug a little and feel myself relax more as I try to get used to talking to creatures that aren't Dragons. "I always had an interest in it, during my years at the library I'd read about it often. It is nice to be able to help others." I give an honest but vague answer, like I often do with those I sadly can't fully trust.

He looks me over for a quick moment, putting his book to the side and eventually looking at the title of my book. "Healers are respected for good reason, it is not an easy job. Dated almost five hundred years ago, a good find." He points out the date on the back cover with some interest.

I nod almost absent-mindedly at his words, knowing that he noticed something like that when I took the book out. "It was, I got it from a collector." I half lie as all Dragons are collectors, just of a different sort to the type most think of. "A lot of the books in here are old, I noticed a few that looked like they were falling apart." I motion to a few on the shelf to change the subject a little.

The old Griffon keeps his smirk and turns his head, keeping his body in the same position while nearly turning his head completely around. "Hmm, no, just damaged. The fledgling is rather wild, I've seen manticores who can't cause damage like her." He huffs out a dry chuckle.

I smile at the mention of the adorable filly who I'll undoubtedly see on this visit. "Tea?" I ask while bringing my teapot out from my saddlebags, along with some regular juniper berry tea. He nods and I cast a quick spell to gather water, the small droplets becoming a small stream and filling the teapot quickly while the enchantments on the teapot heat the water in mere moments.

There are another few beats of silence as I take out a pair of teacups and let the water boil before adding the tea in. Once I pass over the small filled cup he nods his silent thanks and takes a long sip from the steaming cup, "Hmm, it needs to sit more." He comments and simply places the cup down for the time being.

I don't say anything to his comment and simply continue reading as he focuses more on the board and his next move. "You are a skilled caster, why settle for healing? Why not something more notable?" He brings the subject back in a different way than before.

I stay silent for a long moment, sipping my tea and enjoying the mood. Phelix might be questioning me, but it's more like he's trying to get to know me, from his tone it's clear he's not demanding answers. "The same reason why I have told very few of my relationship with your family. I don't like attention, it's annoying." I am honest as I see no reason to lie about this.

He looks at me and nods with some respect. "I sought fame in my younger days, I find that fame to be rather hollow now. Now, all I want is a quiet day of fishing." He says back with a slightly wishful tone. "But, fame has its uses and its place. Losing any advantage is a good way to never win." He offers some words of wisdom and starts to speak more.

I find that Phelix is not the type to speak without reason, like Larimar in a different sense. He often speaks little when he speaks at all, but when he does speak it is mostly good advice. "It is also good to know when to cut your losses, and simply walk away." I offer my own advice and topple my own king piece, conceding the game as I was already about to lose the match. "What would you do with an impossible choice?" I ask after some thought while resetting the board.

He raises his weathered brow a little and motions for me to elaborate. I close my book and put it away, focusing fully on him. "A choice where there is no clear good or bad. A situation with no right answer. Damned if you do, damned if you don't." I am reminded of an old saying from my far-gone home.

I asked him this as my walk around the city had got the topic on my mind. It's not tearing me apart inside, but a new perspective would be nice and Phelix does have wisdom from his age. He picks up his tea and drinks for a long moment. "Don't pick, just do something." He says after a long moment of silence.

I ponder that for a moment and he continues. "Sometimes we think too much, we get so lost in those thoughts." He places the tea down and makes his first move, starting our game once again. "In battle, sometimes you must stop thinking, and simply DO. All the choices are bad anyway, so it doesn't matter how much you think about them." He gives me a view that I don't fully agree with.

I am the type to think about everything, constantly, and the idea of simply ignoring it is unappealing. Even after I stopped caring about making changes to the timeline as much I still didn't ignore my actions and their potential changes. Or maybe his words of advice don't work as well when not having all the context?

I sip my tea in deep thought as our game continues into the night.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading. :D
Current year is 996

Something nice and relaxing for today, nothing too much happening though.

Any suggestions or ideas for this small visit to Griffonstone before we leave?