//------------------------------// // Chapter 59 // Story: Away and Afar // by PropsValroa //------------------------------// Collapse smiled slightly in embarrassment at the meal. At least it looked nice but she felt as if it wasn't good enough. Oh well. There are greater issues that lay ahead than good looking meals. She sat down, and began to eat her portion. "But, we should find something to do today. What should we do? Add more to our shelter or what? Explore? But it seems like on the map the other locations might be far away, but we'll have to see which is closest for that, I suppose." she mentioned. "Nah, all the places on the map are too far away. The closest one looks to be a day away, to and from. Plus we would waste all our energy walking when we need it for the night." Magloria pointed out. "What about looking around here instead?" Jump Start offered, "We haven't really seen what we have nearby, aside from the river, and we haven't even gone that far up the river either! We could go up, see what's there then return when it's becoming night." "You know that's a real bright idea that I am not sure why we didn't do that earlier. You decided something for once, so we'll go do that." Collapse giggled and would stand up, getting her boots and saddlebags on. "Right on then, up the river." she declared, almost like she was a filly playing some kind of a game. Maybe she was bleeding a childhood memory into her manner of speaking there, but she was ready to lead them up ahead. Magloria shrugged. "Might as well. Not much else we could do around here that's not just monotonous work." she said, gathering the equipment for herself and Jump Start. Some things were left behind, in case they needed the extra room later. They started following Collapse up the river, right up to the point where they could see the panthin outpost, still under guard. Beyond that was more river leading to relatively unknown origins, since the map didn't help out with that. Collapse looks at the panthin outpost once they were in visual range of it. "Makes me wonder what Eliza is up to, and if we'll ever see her again. I hope she's doing well." Collapse remarked, and proceeded to lead them beyond, but out of sight of the panthin outpost just incase if any of them were watching the area. Better safe than sorry. As they moved further up the river, everything looked pretty much the same as the river before. The river got wider in certain parts and there was maybe a lake or two, but no interesting changes. Until they reached a part where they found a thin section of river. Across the top of it was a wooden bridge with it's own tower. The place looked a lot better maintained and fortified than the other outpost, indicating it was more important for the panthins, considering the bridge that lead elsewhere into the jungle. "Isn't that her?" Jump Start asked, pointing up at the panthin currently in the bridge watchtower. There was definitely a similar grey colour, but they couldn't make out other details from this distance. "Seems like this is a proper settlement here to say the least. Likely another town similar to Carocal. Perhaps we can go here instead of Carocal to avoid interacting with Ash, again." Collapse suggested and squinted her eyes at the grey panthin in the watchtower on the bridge. "Could be, but this is a different area so it might be more unlikely at that. Maybe these Panthins are more grey?" she asked, suggesting that. It was clear Collapse was interested in this area, but she would proceed onward, keeping out of sight as was clear by the 'path' she was taking forward. "What do you think about coming here later tonight, instead of Carocal?" Collapse suggested. Looking to the left and right of the bridge, Magloria rose an eyebrow at what she saw. "I don't see anything through the trees that would indicate a town. There's just a bridge and that one building. We're only a couple hours away from Carocol anyway." she stated, "Unless you're saying the path leading away from Carocol ends up at another town...?" Magloria didn't answer the question about returning here, given what she thought of the place, it probably didn't seem very worth it. As Collapse moved to get around the place, they came up to the open area and road that the bridge was set up next to. They'd have to sprint across out in the open and potentially get seen, since there was nowhere to hide from the watchtower, at this distance. Collapse looks over at the bridge and figured it probably went elsewhere beyond there sight. She personally would believe that it lead to another town out of sight but that wasn't something that could be confirmed or denied at this moment. "Well, this is a bit of a pickle here. Should we turn back and head away? We could find another route around to see what lays even further on." Collapse suggested, not liking the thought of sprinting out in the open. Risks didn't need to be taken, for such a simple looking around a place. "We just need to get out of range of that tower, and whoever else is around." Magloria pointed over towards the road in the opposite direction. All they had to do was travel a bit further down and then cross. Even if they somehow were still spotted, they would only see strange colored blobs. "Right on." she remarked, and Collapse would lead them over in that direction. When she was doing so, she would be sure to be brisk in her motions. When / if the panthins would see them, they would see some fast moving colored 'blobs'. Likely not anything they would investigate as when they'd look again, the 'blobs' would be gone. Due to moving further down the road, they were naturally able to see more of what lay beyond it when they sprinted across the path. What they saw could be described as systematic destruction of many trees and plants, also known as a woodcutting project. It probably wasn't worth visiting, given it would just have stuff that they already had in their possession. In just a few seconds they were across and in the bushes on the other side, with no one being the wiser. Collapse looked across the cut trees, finding that it was interesting to see. Part of her wanted to see if they could take more tools for their possession but they didn't really have to do that. Yeah, not worth visiting indeed - and so Collapse forged on, eager to see what would await them on the other side of the bushes. They all spent the next few hours wandering up the river, not really encountering anything of interest, until they happened to stumble across someone they had seen once before, but refused to go near. Before them sat the big bronze scaled lizard creature that wore pouches, once again surrounded by many other little lizards. There was no campfire with them this time, only the river that they looked into as they minded their own business, while the others scavenged around. This was going to be the last stop they'd be able to check today, otherwise they wouldn't have enough time to go back to Carocol by the time it's night, and wandering around the jungle at that time didn't seem like the smartest thing to do. Collapse would quickly realize what - or rather who they were seeing in front of them here. Whoever this big lizard was, they obviously had a greater intelligence than the regular lizards she was used to. "Well, there's the big lizard again. Should we try talking to them? We may get our only chance here to do so, not to mention we probably shouldn't be heading anywhere further for today." Collapse replied, wondering what Magloria thought of the idea of talking to the big lizard before they would head back to their shelter. Magloria's face scrunched up in bitter thought at the idea of going up to what could be a massive predator. On the other hand, it might just be some sort of travelling native who already had their needs in order. They did look well equipped. "I don't know about it, seems risky. But if you want to try anyway I at least have the river nearby, in case things go south. Just try not to get killed by one of their claws *before* I can throw an ice spear." She replied. Jump Start didn't say anything, but she couldn't help but stare at those large golden eyes. Did they seem beautiful, or were they menacing? She couldn't tell. Collapse gave Magloria a look of acknowledgement as she nodded. "Well, I won't get too close anyways. So, you are free to join me - or you can just watch from here." Collapse stated as she looked to Jump Start, thinking she would want to stay behind and just watch. Collapse would slowly and quietly walk towards the large lizard creature. It was clear she wasn't going to go within slashing distance of it, for sure. Once she was at a distance she thought was within earshot she would glance back to the others. Then she would speak. "Hello? I don't know if you can understand me but, I'm not from around here. Just curious, seeing someone else in this jungle. If I'm bothering you I can leave you be." Collapse declared to the large lizard, in an honest and open fashion. They all moved forward together, despite what Collapse though Jump Start would do. Their approach first attracted attention from some of the smaller lizards, but if they saw their approach as a threat, they didn't show it. The big one looked up calmly from their deep stare into the river, their gaze falling on them as Collapse gave her greeting. There was a moment of silence afterwards, neither of the two parties talking. An uneasy feeling was felt by the ponies as those eyes rested on them, as if they were being judged, and not in the usual way. Collapse could almost feel a terrible weight through her bones. Then the feeling washed away when the lizard looked elsewhere and spoke in a soothing female voice. "Greetings strangers of this land. You are not a hinderance." she calmly replied. Collapse stood there for a few moments as she processed what was said by the large lizard. It was something that was definitely unexpected but most certainly welcome. Her own brown eyes would look up, meeting the lizard's own in a respectful manner. Her focus wasn't on the smaller lizards - what she believed were the Lizard's young. Then Collapse smiled. "We actually saw you around before but we didn't want to bother you. To say the least we are very, very far from our homeland. Very lost, but we are getting by. What's your name? My name is Collapse." she spoke, also introducing Magloria and Jump Start to the supposed lizard mother as well. "I am sure you are well traveled, around here." Collapse also commented, opening up possible conversation about the map and the eye - perhaps they could see if she knew about the locations on the map. When Collapse's eyes fell on the lizard's own, she had this feeling that maybe looking right at them isn't the best idea. There was something odd about those orbs of gold that was unnerving, despite the peaceful outwards stance of the grey-frilled lizard. They patiently listened while Collapse monologued about the group's circumstance for being there. "I do not have a name. I have never been given one, and no one I know would use it. But if you must call me something, call me... Pebble." she spoke in return. "That is true, I have roamed around these lands for decades. Even past the strange mountain range barricading this lush forest from the rest of the land." Because of the lizard's eyes she would be sure to not look at the lizard's eyes directly. It was quite strange because this lizard was clearly not any normal lizard, that was for sure. "Alright, I'll call you Pebble then." she remarks with an almost shy grin. "We have so many questions about this land and what we have seen here. Most importantly - we came into contact with a white...sphere thing? But when I touched it, I got into this whole almost lucid dream like sequence about a temple and all sorts of things. That probably doesn't make sense, but that's what happened. I'm sure you've probably seen a white sphere with a blue glow around here, somewhere." she remarked, nodding to the answers she was given. Pebble's eyes narrowed in thought over the subject being discussed, as if trying to remember something that they hadn't seen in a while. After a moment of silence, she replies. "You may be referring to what I call the Night Wanderer. It acts like a spirit of a lost creature, endlessly roaming around the jungle. For what purpose, I do not know. I do not know about your lucid dream either. It makes no attempt to pursue me, and I keep my distance out of respect for it. So far, we have not quarreled." "That makes sense. If I had any guesses as to what it could be, it is some long lost creation of an ancient civilization or some sort of society that once existed somewhere near in this area. We found some sort of Ruins that weren't of Panthin design, too." she remarked, and would tell Pebble about what they saw - along with where it was as well. "That place. Been around for a very long time, longer than me. One of the smaller ruins of whoever was here before. There are a few other places of similar to it's design, but all have one thing in common. They are abandoned, ruined, shells of their former glory." Pebble's looks around as she continued, "Some still have dangers present however, and they may not be what you expect. If you plan on seeking them out, take care to watch out for the bones and dust of those fallen before you, so you don't match their fate." Collapse acknowledges Pebble's statement. "That is about what I would have thought. We have not seen those ruins only above ground but below...at least what we think could be something related. Underground in the Panthin settlement of Carocal there is a hole that leads to a long tunnel that goes down and down...underground this place is a whole ecosystem of mushroom forests of various colors. There are rivers with what seemed to be large cut stones along and in between diverging rivers." Collapse explains. "What is the furthest you have traveled from here? Sure there are Panthins and all sorts of things around here - but what lays beyond here? The mountains?" she asked curiously. "Thank you for telling me about this. I may not be able to delve below the earth into such caverns as the ones you speak about, but I can still imagine what it may look like down there." Pebble said. "The furthest I have travelled... let me recall..." She took another moment to think about the question, closing her eyes in concentration as she did so. As she did so, the strange feeling from looking at her vanished, albeit briefly. When she reopened her eyes, she answered. "A great desert spans the entirety of the opposite side of the mountain range, heats in the extreme and absence of lifegiving water. Many perish there, yet many can also survive if they know how to. Where the winds calm down and the sands fade are a mixture of rocky hills, many lakes and ponds between them with stretches of plant filled lands scattered throughout. A welcome respite when contrasting the desert before it." "I have not searched any further, for my home is here, and I do not wish to stray too far from my roots." "Well from the sounds of it, a vast desert would not be in our best interest. We wouldn't have any reason to go there - but thank you for telling us about that." she said,, contemplating her response. "I wish to show you a few things, about where we come from. It may not be much, but I suppose you may be able to get a small glimpse at it." she stated, summoning in a few images of her family that were in frames. The frames were a bit damaged from the water but thankfully with the way they were designed, the images on the inside didn't get damaged. Collapse held up the frames with her magic. One of them showed an overlooking of her hometown. Dodge Junction. She was flying with that strange ring like device on her, and the town was set behind her. The various buildings had a western style to them, with the sprawling dirt roads and buildings. It wasn't really a desert though, there was what looked to be a few farms. It did look arid, though. "This one here is my hometown. Dodge Junction. We come very far from here. At least a week's worth of sailing over the nearby sea. We came here by accident." she remarked as she showed Pebble the other image she had. It was some sort of graduation image where Collapse was with a selection of other ponies, likely her graduating class. They were all dressed as one would expect. Behind them, was some sort of field with the city of Canterlot on the mountain. This was some sort of trip, to get that scenic shot after all. Collapse would explain what was in the image, too. When Pebble shifted her eyes over the frames that she offered, Collapse realized that maybe that wasn't the greatest idea as she started to get that disturbing feeling again. Not that Pebble seemed to notice as she examined each of the images. "Interesting and strange places you come from. While I appreciate you showing me personal information like this, I am uncertain as to what you wished to accomplish by letting me know. Did you perhaps just want to share it with me?" she asked. Collapse nodded to her. "Yeah, I just wanted to share it to you. You are well traveled, so I figured you would be interested in some sights beyond those of here. Perhaps if any other travelers come about, you can tell them about us." she suggested but turned to Magloria and Jump Start. "Do you have anything else you'd want to ask Pebble?" she asked them calmly, and wasn't going to bring up that disturbing feeling she felt. Pebble shook her head, before being distracted by one of the lizards that were scampering around the clearing. Collapse might've thought they were children before, but examining them closer now showed they were all a completely different colour, and didn't have some of Pebble's identifying features, such as her neck frill or strange eyes. "I don't have anything to ask you." was her simple reply. Collapse nodded, and realized the lizards scampering around seemed to be different from her, more so than she thought. "What are all these little guys crawling about? If you don't mind me asking, it seems like you take care of them." she replied, calmly. "Them?" Pebble reached down and picked up one of the lizards, causing it to wiggle a little bit before relaxing in her grasp. "They're friends that I met. They like to follow me whenever I'm around. I help them out by protecting them, showing them the warmer spots in this jungle and, on occasion, offer them food, and they give me company in return." She put the lizard back down, where it got up and began it's search around the area again. "It's a pity they cannot hold a real conversation with myself, but their presence is welcome enough." Collapse would reach out a hoof and give one of the lizards a gentle pat on the head. "Well, I am glad that you at least have some form of company. Maybe while we are around these parts, you could stick around our camp or in the area if you want someone to talk to, in the meantime." Collapse offered in a friendly manner. "But if you prefer to wander as you wish, I will not keep you." she added. The lizard, having no idea who Collapse was or what she was doing, immediately moved away from her as she approached. Seems they much more fond of Pebble compared to a stranger. Pebble considered the offer. "Perhaps I will, when I happen to find myself in your area. Thanks for the offer." she replied, turning back to the river where she began watching the waters again. "Well, I suppose that will be all. See you around. Be well." Collapse said to Pebble and turned away, ready to go back with Magloria and Jump Start. She wanted to know what they thought of Pebble and all of this, but Collapse would take another look at the lizards before she'd leave after Pebble's reply to her parting message there. It didn't seem like she had anything else to talk about. "Safe travels." was all that Pebble said when Collapse started to leave. The smaller lizards seemed to be no different to what they were doing before, still searching around for bugs in the clearing. Several of them were busy sunning themselves on nearby rocks, as they do. Collapse returned to Magloria and Jump Start to see that they were both sitting about, having watched the conversation patiently the entire time. An icy spear rested by Magloria's side, in case it had been needed. When Collapse returned to Magloria and Jump Start she smirked upon seeing the icy spear, thankful that nothing bad happened with Pebble. "Well, what did you think? Pebble is pretty nice." Collapse remarked, seemingingly ready to get going. It was nice that nothing bad happened for once. "Yeah. Seems nice." Magloria simply said, not really looking all that invested in giving her opinion. Jump Start on the other hand gave a nod. "She might look big and scary but she seems to just be a big softie. Would be nice to meet her and her little lizard friends sometime later." she then looked away, remembering the eyes. "But I can't help but feel strangely... connected to the way she looks at us. She can definitely do something we don't know about." Magloria got up and began to lead them away, back down the river. It would get dark soon, so hopefully they arrive at Carocol before it does, and without distractions. Collapse nodded to Jump Start. "Yeah, I am not sure what she can do or what she might do but it is definitely something that I don't understand. Glad we can have someone to talk to, or at least someone who won't hurt us." Collapse spoke, and followed along towards Carocol. If nothing stood in their way, Collapse and the others would have arrived. She didn't have much else on her mind currently. The sun was almost entirely set by the time they reached the panthin city, giving the entire place a low golden glow mixed with the blues and blacks of night time. There was a lot more activity than there usually was when they saw the place, giving them a glimpse at what the town was like usually if it wasn't for the fact that most panthins were heading home to sleep. When everything had settled down, the sun had completely set, putting everything into darkness except a few lights in buildings. Some cats still lazed about on buildings as usual, which might be a problem. Collapse would observe the panthin city for a bit to get her bearings on everything. When the sun was setting she pulled out the map and pointed out important locations for them to visit. Important in the terms of which they were needed such as any places that could have a tarp, extra tools, or supplies they needed for building the ship as well as anything else they thought they would need. Once they agreed upon where exactly they were going and what they needed, Collapse would allow Magloria to make the decision that lay ahead of them. It was up to her, as she was the captain after all. The map didn't have much detail, as they already knew, but it was simple enough to determine where to go based on what buildings *looked* important, where they were or how big they were. The place they had previously tried to reach but couldn't due to time limitations was in one of the industrial areas of the town, according to the map. Magloria decided that they should get what they absolutely needed first and couldn't substitute, so she intended to lead them towards that factory building. Extra supplies and tarps could come later. On the way there as they were sneaking around buildings, they could hear purring coming from some of them. Nice to know they were happy about something, and hopefully it would distract them enough that they didn't try to look outside. Collapse follows along. Hearing the purring coming from some of the buildings, it must be because the panthins were entertaining themselves. Perhaps with their giant cat toys. The thought made Collapse smirk under her breath as they approached towards the factory building. Upon arriving at the factory building if there were no issues along the way, Collapse would sneak along the wall of the building on the outside after checking her surroundings to make sure there were no panthins about that could spot them. Provided that there were none, she would have likely found a way to sneak inside the building. Compared to the foundry that they had previously visited, the factory was largely similar in building design, but the machinery inside was different. For one, the orange glow inside was done by oil lamps instead of large vats of molten metals. This lit up the inside far more than normal, which would make it harder to sneak about inside. There were no panthins on the *outside* that could spot them, but a few late night workers were on the inside, still maintaining machines and processing materials. The ways inside the building were also quite similar to the foundry as well. A couple massive doors that would be used for bringing through wagons of material and finished products. A bunch of open windows on the lower floor that were too high up to get through without making obvious noise, and a second floor with windows as well. The second floor however didn't seem to have much up there however, as all the machines were on the lower floor. Didn't have any panthins either.