The day was not unlike others, Ater had invited an old alumni, Fay, to observe as he tried to break the approximate 12km range of gateways. It would be powered by four dark nexus set up in a square for stability around it.
A sinister construction, the dark nexus slowly but invariably pulls living creatures from around it inward to its center. Upon reaching the middle, the souls of the damned emerge from the nexus and tear the life force out of the creature. The dark nexus feeds on the life force, gaining a great deal of power. The power does come with a cost though, as the dark nexus will rapidly corrupt the area its in, so great is its evil. It produces a dark power that tends to increase efficiency and decrease stability.
Ater being aligned with Styx, had nothing to fear from such proximity to them while Fay, being aligned with Gaia, would have to make do with rooting to resist the pull.
"I assume your nexus are all at capacity? Do I even want to know how many creatures you had to feed them?"
Ater laughed as he answered, "It sure took awhile," then in an act of diplomacy continued, "no worries though, the majority were creatures I summoned."
Fay just sighed, "That might be worse than feeding it villagers."
"Oh I am sure a few foolish villagers got to close whilst I was sleeping, honestly they should thank me for helping weed their populace."
"Your morals aside, how far to the other gateway?"
"I went with 24km to avoid any who would try and deny the success on account of rounding."
"Well best of luck. Best get on with it though, I have a long journey ahead of me."
Ater patted Fay on the back before walking to the gateway and turning it on, "Longer than you may realize."
" ...You wouldn't."
"I would," Ater then teleported Fay,roots and all, into the gateway which promptly sent Fay along.
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"Stereotypical dark mage, and they wonder why people all assume such bad things about them." After looking around Fay noticed a lack of gateway. "Well, serves him right." Being lost was of no true concern. It was a mighty inconvenience but, being nomadic by nature made being called for experiments like that natural, although as a courtesy people usually were clear about the role they expected to be performed. Fay turned around to walk in the direction of the sun, only to be greeted with the rift used to store useful things.
“Well that’s odd,” upon checking the spellbook it appeared that the rift spell was indeed the one currently marked; it had seemingly cast itself. Then the knowledge that there were no gloves on made the odd texture seen require a closer look. Achieving photosynthesis had always been the pinnacle of an alignment with Gaia but this… Thick twisted roots wound in thorny vines hidden under ivy, hands now a coil of excess vine with the feet being exposed roots spreading in a cross, likely for balance. Fay’s face appeared to be molded beech covered in fine moss with lavender stalks for hair that went to a leis of Calla flowers where the collarbone used to be. This was no longer emulation but outright transcendence into another form. Was it the travel or the location?
No matter, it had to wait. Either mana control was lost or the land itself had a surplus. Deciding to turn to a harmless spell that accelerated plant growth, Fay set the book down and put some distance between them. When the spell continued without Fay it became clear this land was not the one from which the gateway was located. Mana was supposed to be made in the body during metabolism and poured into spellpages, kept in binding for convenience, to activate a spell with the desired strength. Magic here must take a different form, most likely stronger than anything possible back home. Hopefully the locals are peaceful.
The rift now closed and the spellbook reclaimed, Fay walked towards the sun like planned, more vitalized than ever before. Eventually an isolated mountain with a castle perched on it could be seen with a village near the mountain’s base, a place to learn a whole new style of magic. With a new objective and joyful days ahead Fay headed for the village with vigor. Upon reaching the crest of a hill on the outskirts though that optimism faltered on seeing the residents.
A society of herbivores with a more powerful magic than Fay had previously thought feesable while in a brand new, entirely plant body with spells acting on their own... Society meant classes and classes meant distinctions had to be drawn usually through regular displays of power by obtaining rare resources, and Fay couldn't help but feel pretty rare. But the need to know is strong, this new land had such potential to open open all sorts of doors that were once walls.
An apple orchard could be seen which meant grafting was done regularly enough. Forcing the limb of an elder to take over the newborn body of another, a barbaric practice done out of ignorance or indifference. And for what, a more satisfying taste? Housing was built of wood rather than sturdier quarry for a good reason hopefully. The nearby forest however seemed free of their jurisdiction for whatever reason. Perhaps certain plants had superior rights? With any luck only fruit bearing trees were subjugated.
Curiosity won out in the end. The rift was opened once more and an ancient item was pulled out. An old cloak from the days in which harsh sunlight had to be feared and not welcomed. Herbivores should still be cautious of the unknown. Surely there were some predators out there they still had to fear? Walking covered entirely in cloth took a great deal of willpower and was much more exhausting than anticipated. New grass and flowers marked the slow progress Fay made towards the most official looking building. Many curious eyes watched the traveler approach Ponyville city hall. Hushed whispers over the nature of the trail but much more calm than during the early visits of Zecora, lessons having been learned.
The written word was lost on Fay but overhearing conversations showed that at least conversations remained. Once inside the city hall ponies went about their business once more, any creature that willingly approached government bureaucracy was likely very calm by nature.
The pony at the front desk greeted the guest with a chipper tone, “Welcome to Ponyville city hall. How can I help you today?”
With fatigue apparent in Fay’s voice, “I cannot read your language. For now, can you give me the abridged foreign relation policy? Anything important you think might concern me.”
“Travelers are granted all the rights of citizens excluding, suffrage and property rights.”
That could be a lot of rights or very little, can’t be helped mustn't appear too ignorant, “What kind of foods are available?”
“Meat is not sold inside city limits to avoid upsetting citizenry, but we have a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for sale in the market on main street, as well as a few rarer delicacies exclusively at BLANK fine dining. They have quite the skilled chef. There is also the Cake’s bakery,’ Sugar Cube Corner’ and Berry Punch’s ‘Lift your Spirits’ liquor store.”
Yeah sure, all the same rights. You don’t want to see your kind eaten near you, why would you? Carnivores just need to suck it up, clearly. I can let fruits slide, it is made to be eaten and spread, but vegetables… That's just another name for the roots and leaves of those plants you enjoy the most. I never knew any sugar personally but I am sure the refining process is not pleasant. As for liquor, isn't that where the fruit is sealed and allowed to rot until it is deemed fermented enough and is toxic to the drinker? That seems bad for both parties. What is the point? Careful to keep the calm facade up,“Thank you. Is there a place of learning in town I might be able to visit tomorrow?”
“Golden Oaks Library, it’s in the large tree in town, hard to miss.”
… In the tree… They don’t care at all do they? Is this even worth this risk? The cloak seems to be doing the trick though, and they don’t seem to be trying to force it off of me for some cultural rule. A quick trip to the library should be enough to know if I should bail or not. Fay couldn't avoid being hopeful and optimistic, with the reply being brighter than perhaps would be seen as natural, “Thank you miss, I will be there early should the caretaker need to know.” With that Fay turned and just as slowly left the building. Casually heading for the free forest with plans to enjoy the remaining sunlight.
A smile was on the clerk’s face, “I imagine Twilight will get along nicely with that one. Not many sound so excited when planning a trip to the library.” She made sure to write a memo to have delivered before tomorrow. With some prior notice the local librarian might be able to set up something truly worth anticipating.