2/9/16; Traveling

[The Wastelander]

Bygone Echo let out a bit of a yawn, tail flicking as the foal started to stir. However he found that he was unable to move! Why? He was being held against the old pony! The foal squirmed every which way but the older stallion seemed to have quite the grip on him! Some part of him felt a pang of fear for a moment but then the fear faded. Old pony was a nice pony yes? He and the nice pony had just had that tussle because she scared him, right? Part of him refused to believe that but the old pony had been awfully convincing somehow before he'd fallen down that incline! After a few more failed attempts to slip out from the surprisingly strong grip he had an idea. dropped a few feet onto his hooves somewhere around two meters from old pony and nice pony. Far as he could tell thy were the only ones there! He hesitated as he looked at them. Dare he stay? They were just going to take him to that place, right? He could take care of himself, right? No need to burden other ponies...Bygone Echo could perhaps... slip away? He turned to look into the wasteland and his ears fell. Could he, should he? He took a few steps from the group and fell still. An indecisive foal was he!

Spring Serenade had been curled comfortably against Discord's side since the hours before, never stirring until the telltale sound of teleportation drew her up from sleep. She came awake with a little start, expecting to be surrounded, but she saw no sign of strangers. Only the foal, awake and some distance away. The alicorn slowly leaned up to rest on her folded legs, trying not to disturb Discord, and took a quick glance around. Autumn was gone. She guessed that she must have left for one reason or another; bathroom, exploring the perimeter, or returned to their cave. It was hard to tell. "Bygone?" Spring spoke softly, questioning.

Dark Strife's eyes blinked open. The unicorn in disguise had unexpectedly fallen asleep. How many days had he been awake since last? The male had fallen into exhaustion after his mind collapsed and shut out a great deal of information from the hours prior. He wasn't sure if it was morning, or early eve. The lights played with his head no more than usual. The silent whispers he had grown used to in his travels were gone? This distressed him, causing the older male to scurry to his hoofs, though not without the unsteady stagger that he seemed to always hold. His head was held down, guarded in a moment of confusion. He would scrap out his hoof against the ruined soils, heavily breathing as his conclave chest sun deeper into his body. After a moment he would hear the night mare's voice grace his ears. Turning his head up, his scruffy tail gave an annoyed flick.
Dark Strife's claret eyes turned toward the foal, who had put distance between the, or whatever was left as he looked around only to see the other mare was gone. He couldn't hear anything, leaving him in an agitated state.He raised his head slightly, eyes focused on the foal. "What are you doing so far?" He spoke in that raspy tone, not the voice the mare had heard him use the hours prior. "There's danger out there." He looked around, short cropped mane raining silt as he shook his dirt-covered body out. Though he tried to shake clean, it did little to alleviate his filth, long since given up taking care of his own needs.

Bygone Echo jumped a little when he heard a voice and then movement from behind him. Not only was Serenade up but so was the old pony! "Oh - uh... good mor-er-afternoon!" he'd say as he glanced up and caught the position of the sun in the sky. When Strife asked his question the foal near visibly gulped and his ears fell back. He couldn't hold a poker face to save his life. "I was... thinking about leaving. I-I mean... As nice as the Rusty place might be nopony needs more mouths to feed in the wastelands. They might accept me but it will cause them naught but hardship... right?" his ears fell again. "Better it is just me than all of them. I've managed to survive." he'd say as he took a couple steps back. Perhaps it was more because he was uncomfortable with the idea of being cared for after having lost his family? After all he'd lived on his own in the wastes since he lost them. He could continue to do so, right?

Spring Serenade felt movement next to her and looked to see that Discord had awoken. His voice was that of his old man's persona, and Spring had a moment of worry that he had regressed back to it in the time they'd slept. Unless he was just playing it further so the foal suspected nothing. She hoped that was the case. The unicorn stood up, making sure she was covered again by her cloak, and gave herself a shake to knock the wasteland dirt off. She refocused on the foal then, frowning faintly. "Leaving?" Spring echoed. "Hm.. I suppose I ultimately cannot force you. I could take you there, but you would still leave. I had a thought that you could come and stay with my sister and I, but.." She shrugged to show how uncertain she was about the idea. "It worries me to leave you on your own in the waste, but if it is what you wish.. the least I can do is try to teach you a few things."

Dark Strife had lost much of his pity, any of his caring. When the foal expressed his desire to leave -- it did not bother him in the least. "You choose what'chu want, but don't go around fibbing foal." He narrowed his eyes a bit, glancing up at his horn, only to receive an unusual silence. "Might as well walk together since I am going that way anyway." He asserted. He did seem to return to that strange old man she had first met. His eyes stared at the ground, really anywhere but at them. Letting out a chuckle he shifted on his body and waved his hoof. "Reckon you don't wanna be snatched up now, lest let the adults do this much." He looked to his hoof, the shoe missing. he had discarded it.... If one looked at his hoof it seemed a little dry. It had likely been swollen kept in a shoe too small for him, and traveling constantly on uneven footing. He lowered his hoof, giving the ground an unceremonious stomp.
Dark Strife. His jaws parted as he let out a yawn, though were one perceptive enough they could perhaps spot the snaggle tooth that hung on the right front of his teeth, the rest either missing, or worn down to nubs. Eating cans probably didn't do good for a pony's health, but he was not a true pony in the sense -- yet he was clearly deteriorating. He arched his back and began forward at a slow, elderly pace. He paused a moment to look back at the mare. "Don't fall behind Eventide, weren'tchu goin' this way too? Ain't afraid of a boogeypony is ye? Ehehehe." He cackled hoarsely before moving toward Bygone. If the foal did not move he would lower his head to bump his tush to get the lil guy going.

Bygone Echo looked at Serenade with something akin to amazement for a moment that she had thought about taking him in. However then he started to go back down the same route of worry again. The little foal didn't want to cause either of them more trouble than he already did. Serenade already gave him a whole can of food! More than most other ponies had. His gaze then switched to strife and he blinked. "Fibbing? What do you mean fibbing? I'm not fibbing am I?" the prospect that he might be fibbing somehow was entirely novel to him! Was he still fibbing to himself somewhere o-or what was going on in his head?! He was totally still to the point that strife bumped him, and then he jumped up and back a little and looked in the nudged direction. Were they leaving? Shouldn't he go another direction? Old pony didn't really seem to care much if he left, but... "I suppose any help before I leave you two in peace would be welcome." he'd mutter quietly. Just a little longer among both of them, then he'd go?

Spring Serenade flicked an ear when she heard what Discord had said. Was he.. not sticking around after all? She frowned and moved to pick up the discarded shoe and amethyst shard, bringing them with her as she followed the pair up the slope. Her saddlebags were still there. She slipped the objects underneath one of the flaps and picked them up, strapping them back on. "Were you not going to come with me, D-.. I mean, Strife?" Spring pointed out, rather than outwardly answering his question, or to the nickname 'Eventide.' "No, as far as I have been aware you have not been lying." She assured Bygone, looking around to study their location. There was the pile of junk the two had gone digging through this morning, and the worn path beyond it. She took the lead, heading that way. "I am not sure what spells you might need most.. but you still need gems to buy food. Somepony like you, you could become a scavenger and sell off old things you find."

Dark Strife gave a huff, the mare certainly asked to many questions, but her voice was better than the silence in his head. He titled his head back, hind hoof coming up to scratch his skull. Settling down on all fours before he broke a hip, the elder male rolled his shoulders, his pack settled on seeing as he failed to remove it before sleep, of course this made sleeping difficult, a bit painful. "Foal's withholdin', seen as the same thing by many. If'n you wanna tell the truth, gotta tell others how ya really feeling. Can always say sorry if'n they don't like what they hear." He chuckled with a smirk. Flicking his tail, annoyance showing as his eye narrowed.
Dark Strife kept his head turned from the mare. "What has you figuring I aim to follow you. Didn't I tell you I gotta follow the sun to the old capital?" He may have told Bygone to be earnest in his self-assertions, but the scruffy male seemed adamant about avoiding the mad idea that these mares were -- They were dead. "Unless you suddenly start flying and gain weight -- I gotta head to the old capital. They're waiting for me, you know. The sun and moon." Yes... just like always. Go to Canterlot, return to Ponyville. Eventually he would catch up. He lowered his head, shame pressing against his dirty scalp and matted fur. He did not want to accept it, he wasn't ready to.

Bygone Echo stared from the old pony to Serenade while his ears fell back. He was rather assured that he hadn't been lying. He didn't think he had been! Then again the foal's ears fell as he stilled and looked down. Perhaps he was right! He wasn't saying everything, was he... He didn't want to replace his lost family like they hadn't existed... He didn't want to force himself upon another family either! Then there was his luck. He could swear that he was cursed in a manner! Many of the towns he'd decided to try to stay at for a time had been attacked by raiders! He'd escaped each time of course, but.... what if it was something to do with him? Much like his many times ancestor he was a bit of a bleeding heart. He'd take loneliness long as other families got to experience family! Between everything going on and the vague hope to Eventually Run into Dissy... he didn't know what to do!

Spring Serenade's brow furrowed and looked back at them, specifically at Discord. She slowed her pace until she could walk beside the old pony, lowering her voice. "You know what you saw yesterday." She let the sentence hang for a moment. "I should not have yelled, I was frustrated, but you can always stay with us. We are all that we have left in the wastelands." The alicorn sighed, a mere outward rush of air. Louder, to both of them, she interjected. "If he is hiding something, then that is his business. Only when he is ready to share would he do so. It is.. nopony's place to push."

Dark Strife seemed to shiver when Spring leaned in close. he perked up, rather surprised, but would fold his ears back and grumble. With her head close he tilted his own slightly, but she pulled away to speak towards the foal before he would wheeze out his spiteful refusals. He gave a rather aggressive snort. "Well, Eve, life is short. Time is all consuming. Either ya speak up now, or end up six feet under." He seemed to defy her in any chance he could. Maybe he did remember ... He kept his head turned from her as they walked. Why was she so close?

Bygone Echo stared between the two with an unsure tone of voice. "What happened yesterday? I remember falling and then... well, yeah! I must have missed something since you two seem to be more friendly with each-other!" he'd say with a quirk of his head. The little foal was 'perceptive' when he wanted to be, then again hearing Serenade speak of 'yesterday' and seeing something... "What did he see?" And there was the foalish curiosity rearing its head! "Was it interesting?! Ooooh, I missed good scav material didn't I!" he'd whine as he hung his head.

Spring Serenade glanced back towards the old stallion, noting his attitude; he seemed to be refusing to look at her, too. Her ears flicked back and she looked towards the foal, an eyebrow raised. How could she possibly explain anything when she'd already promised Discord she wouldn't tell Bygone? "Your belongings made quite a racket earlier when you fell.. it attracted a couple of feral changed. We had to fight them off so they would not eat you, and my sister showed up to help. She.. is not here now, she must have left sometime while we were all asleep." Spring told him the basic of it, leaving out the more important details. Like the fact that she was an alicorn and they were immortals. "It was nothing of interest."

Dark Strife narrowed his eyes at her when she turned away, As she walked, he watched her. Again that feeling of shame. He did not mean to shun her, but he felt guarded since he roused from that unexpected bout of slumber. He had mistakenly relaxed around them. He tilted his head to looked toward her hindquarters, His skulls napped up when she spoke to Bygone, the lie slipping from her lips. It was far more than just nothing of interest... "Reckon I also had a strange nightmare." He chuckled. "Bit silly, but we're gettin' to where the morn is becomin' stronger, so them nightmare'll flutter away." He hoped. The silence -- was killing him. Did their 'revival' kill his solace in madness?? A frustrated snort escaped his nostrils.

Bygone Echo looked rather disappointed. Nothing had happened, just them having to look after him again because he fell. His gaze turned to the ground and he kicked at the dirt some. He wished he had been awake; he liked to think he could be a help in a fight. ~ But alas he'd been knocked out by a little fall! No small amount of shame started to flow through the little unicorn. "I'm sorry for causing trouble.. All I seem to be good at; Causing trouble and getting ponies killed." The second was more of a mutter than a full on statement.

Spring Serenade nodded a little after what Discord, or she supposed she should think of him as Strife while he acted, had said. "A strange nightmare, indeed." She almost confirmed and looked to the way the foal showed his disappointment. "You caused no trouble at all. You were only.. frightened." The unicorn replied, reaching out a hoof to try to pat Bygone's shoulder in comfort. "Do not worry so much about it. If those feral changed were as close as they were, they would have found us sooner or later from the sound of our voices or our hooves."

Dark Strife turned his line of sight from the mare. His thoughts dragged off toward her earlier mention of the white mare. Had he chased her off? Maybe the sun and moon didn't want him? His body felt heavy as he lowered his head, burdened by his more malicious thoughts. The foal spoke of his reasonings to remaining distant from others. He thought on this, and couldn't understand why the foal lamented. "Ponies die every day." It was what the mortal suffered. How he envied them. "Whether you were the cause, or not -- they would have eventually come to meet their fate. Why do you lament over this? Would it have not been crueler for them to live in such a land?" He seemed to not understand, trotting along at a slower pace, trying to keep his distance, but in the same staying close, and off to the side, of the lilac mare.

Bygone Echo let out a bit of a smile as the comforting pat was applied from Serenade. That helped calm the little unicorn down some. ~ At least until the old pony once again began to speak... Needless to say after that line the unicorn's fears from the day before were starting to resurface since that was once again something that he would expect a raider to say! How many ponies has old pony possibly slain since he felt that life in the wastes was crueler? W-would he kill him to?! The young unicorn didn't know! The unease bubbled to the point that the little unicorn moved to the other side of Serenade to 'hide' while they walked. If he could hide under his large pack he would to... But while his pack nearly turtled him due to his small size his head and hat were still visible.

Spring Serenade didn't stray too far from Strife's side, but the way he was talking had her looking a little displeased. It was true, which was the worst of it, but.. "There is still hope. The unicorns in Canterlot have learned how clean the dark magic poisoning from their land so they can grow food again. Some other settlements have learned it too, not many, but a few.. Imagine if we could unite the land again and clean it of this taint. It will flourish again." Spring argued. "There are also the El-.." She cut herself off there, ears flattening back. There were the Elements, but.. they were useless without new bearers. Autumn and herself could do nothing with them, as though they couldn't combat what had changed so drastically. They bore study.

Dark Strife turned up his claret eyes as the foal skittered to use the mare as a shield. His back arched a bit, giving his aging bones a pop. Rolling his eyes up the tired, shadowed expression was turned upon the mare as she defended progress. "Growing food doesn't stop anypony from the end. The taint still spreads, carried from those who travel into the towns and villages that remain. Would you really suggest they offer shelter to Wasterlander such as we?" His lips pulled back as he let out a laugh. "You're as mad as me Eve! Given the choice, I'd rather eat a can than beg for their help, having them look down on me. It's better to just wait for the sun and moon to take you back. At least then you become a stare and can look down on everyone." He raised his head proudly, pausing as his left hoof raised against his chest. "I'll find me the sun and moon and prove them wrong." he trotted quickly to catch up, moving around Spring's other side to spook the foal. Dark Strife would move to bump his shoot against Bygone's tail end. "They won't appreciate it. Smiling faces fade away."

Bygone Echo let out a bit of a cry as he suddenly found something bumping him from behind! The small unicorn scrambled to turn around and saw Strife behind him. He managed not to have a panic attack at least, but he did scurry to the other side of Serenade once again. His ears laid back at the words... Smiles faded but... "Smiles make the wastes bearable... Days on end with nothing but corruption and death can be forgotten in an instant. Companions, friends... Standing together helps a pony fight a raider band off! Smiles may fade but those fleeting moments of happiness, and the hope for more of such moment, are all that keep many ponies going day to day.." him included...And there was one of those 'moments' from the little unicorn.

Spring Serenade quirked a brow at the old stallion, but chose to stay quiet for the colt to speak his piece. It impressed her, his determination and optimism. Something she could have hoped to hear again in the wastes, and something that the wastes needed more of. It made her wonder how many ponies left out there believed in such a line of thought- if only they had a unifying force to coax them out of the shadows. "You are our star," Spring murmured quietly to Strife as she moved close to bump her shoulder lightly into him. "Listen to him. The wastes may be a cruel place, and the hearts of the ponies darkened, but there is still a spark of hope. Hear him very well! Imagine how many others keep such thoughts, hoarding them quietly so nopony could take them."

Dark Strife's face was twisted down in an annoyed expression. His greying brows were knitted together as his brows ceased. His lip quirked as his ears folded back, her soft words not gone unheard. He flinched softly at the contact, it almost feeling like the burn of fire, or maybe a warm spark of physical contact he had long forgotten. Bygone gave him lip, the foal expressing that which he was likely being kept in. While he was not wrong, his optimism was -- the mare dared to back him up, causing the old stallion to roll his eyes, head turning away. "Well if you feel like that, stop trying to make it out on your own. If ponies can survive better together, than they should stay together when they can." Had -- had he provoked the foal on purpose to get him to agree in some backwards way. "We'll go together, alright?" Though he still needed -- needed to see it again. Their home. "Sometimes the sentimentalism of mares can be quite infectious." He gave a snort and flicked his short tail.

Bygone Echo came to a stop as he rather abruptly got a rather blank look on his face. That was the result of his brain crashing from the counter-logic clashing with his previous thought process! Bygone.exe encountered a critical failure! His thought process abruptly began and he spat out a rather brilliant sounding "Bwhuuh?" and looked in the direction of Strife. Did old pony just... was that intentional!? Nah, that couldn't have been on purpose - Old pony was half crazy! But then again who wasn't half loopy out here in the wastes? The little unicorn started to walk uneasily forth again. Perhaps... he could... linger a little longer. Almost haunting the two like some sort of bygone specter.

Spring Serenade had been a little confused as well, but unlike Bygone she knew Strife well enough to know of his strange, backward tricks. And knew not to think about them too hard. To his little comment on mares, she rolled her eyes. "A little sentimentality never hurt. So, I suppose a trip to the Rusty Shoe and then.. where?" Spring asked, interrupting. "I suppose I have enough food for the trip, although it will require me to find more before I return home to Autumn. There is no shortage of ponies who require healing magic, so it should not be hard to achieve the funds."

Dark Strife glanced over to the mare with a board expression. He did have some kind of madness about him, but it was as natural as the horns and wings she was born with. The stallion had likely always been mad, but not a madness that suffered with sickness, but instead a bedlam in his seemingly erratic and foolish behavior. Logic sometimes was crushed beneath the twisted views of a broken world. "We? Well I know not what destinations you had in mind, but I am going to Canterlot to pay my respects to the Sun and Moon. If you want to reach them, you have to pave a way to them." Of course traveling did also keep him anchored. Being able to see ponies and find the few that have not been broken, yet, by the wastes kept a bit of purity in the tainted chaos. "But I'm also lookin' for a rare piece a loot." He chuckled. "Course getting it may be difficult to get, but I'd have all the cans I could eat!" It was probably this horrendous and weird diet of his that had him near the whisper of death.

Bygone Echo remained silent as he followed the ponies with a pensive expression. Strife gave him quite a bit to think about indeed! Should he try to stay with the ponies in Rusty Shoe like it had been suggested? Dare he? Even if he was tempted by those words it just.. didn't feel right to intrude upon the happiness of others. What if with the addition of him things changed? He closed his eyes and decided to stay lost in thought while Serenade and Strife spoke.

Spring Serenade snorted in a moment of annoyance with Strife. It was as though everything that had happened the hours prior had been nothing, for nothing. Maybe she shouldn't have apologized for shouting at him after all. "You cannot reach what you already are." She said in a grumpy undertone, tail flicking. Louder, "I was going to pay the Rusty Shoe a visit should Bygone wish to go there.. I would like to see Canterlot again, however. It has been too many years since I have set foot upon that mountain." Spring replied, "What is this 'rare piece of loot' you are seeking?"

Dark Strife noted how the foal lost himself in his thoughts. This allowed the stallion an opportunity. The saddlebags were heavy on his back, given his malnourished form. The shoe he wore as a primary means of defense was gone, but the leather straps around his forelimbs, and hind legs kept his creaky bones steady. He would have to scavenge some junk to provide himself a better means to guard his gaunt flesh, but for the time being he allowed that hobbly, slender form to ghost up to Spring, his shoulder pressed against her own with considerable presence, given earlier he dipped from her as if she were the Waste itself! "My dear moon." He whispered close to her ear. "You have become rather feisty over time, do you wish for my attention that badly? I have waited for you, for quite some time. I am sure you can find patience." Stepping ahead he glanced over toward the foal to ensure his mind continued elsewhere.
Dark Strife cleared his throat. "I suppose passing by a few new faces would liven your dull faces up. But my destination is not to change, so if you wish to go thereafter -- you are more than free to accompany me. As for the loot, well don't you know that Canterlot is one of the best places to scavenge? Many say because of its mountainous region much of its pre-war antiques were not lost." he raised his hoof, motioning to the mare. "You are only borrowing my shoe witch, I will have myself a pair by the month's end!" He promised.

Nightglace dove straight down out of the clouds as she had followed the group and had her sights set on that pack the two unicorns seemingly were levitating around not knowing there was somepony attacked to the thing, touching down on it as she tried to get a grip and pull it up with her, black wings beating as hard as she could knowing very well that most horned ones knew a spell or two that would hurt to high heavens if it hit, hood drawn over her head to at least not be recognizable, black suits were not uncommon in these days as it was after all.

Bygone Echo continued to wander while hardly paying attention only to suddenly feel a tug upwards! The pack was actually rather light considering the litle foal could only carry so much before getting crushed under the pack's weight. But there might be valuables in there yes? Should she have managed to get off the ground with him he'd let out a bit of a cry and flailed in the straps that currently held him suspended above the ground an uncertain amount of feet! "Heeeeeelp!" was the cry from the foal who was potentially going to be kidnapped! Then again there was Serenade and the old pony. They'd help him right?!

Spring Serenade felt the press of Strife's shoulder against hers, and soft breath on her ear as he whispered to her. She suppressed a shiver and went back on her earlier thoughts; perhaps he was just playing up that persona again.. With him, it was so blasted difficult to determine what anything was. "Okay. I shall accompany you to Canterlot. Certainly many of the old ruined buildings they have not yet cleared would be full of old artifacts, 'lest they have taken them. And I daresay those shoes are too small for you. Find a bigger pai-.." Spring was cut off by the shrill cry behind them, and whirled to find that Bygone was being spirited away by a pegasus. Spring didn't like to fight ponies, but only in self defense or protection over the young would she. Her horn lit, notably not the glimmer of dark magic, and she aimed a spell at the pegasus- nothing inherently harmful, just something to make them lose their grip.

Dark Strife gave a soft smirk in pleasure as the mare relented to his decisions. While not the sort to act as a leader, or a figure of deference, he was still driven by the base force that seemed to consume the Waste. It was still power that a stallion like him fed off of, craved. Constant, shackling disorder needed a path to follow, one he demanded be set by his rules, and no others. Twisting her wants and wills into consenting to his selfish ventures was gratifying. He had not noticed the eyes upon them, a vulture in their midst. It was too late for the foal by the time the male noticed, and even than he had made no move to defend the boy. He could have easily jumped, but the boy was still -- his, in the sense. The lack of understanding was poised toward the female. Where Spring sought only to buffet her attempts at foalnapping and larceny, he was not so kind. Dark Strife lowered his head and made aim toward the winged crook, but a moment after Spring. His intentions -- could only be guessed at, for one would not know what would become of the hoodlum until the spell hit.

Nightglace was hit by Spring's spell and fumbled, dropping the talking pack even if she had wondered where that voice had come from, blinking she would turn to the unicorn scowling a moment as she eyed the pack again now torn between attempting to steal it again or the option to flee the area as the mare seemed to aim pretty well with those spells of hers.

Bygone Echo dropped from about the height of two ponies and fell to the ground with a thud! The little creature let out a 'meep' and scurried onto his hooves, racing to try to join Serenade and Strife again! "I don't like heights!" he'd dive to the ground between them, all but duck and covering while letting the other two do what they will!

Spring Serenade stood at her full height, her head held eye as she eyed the hooded pegasus above them. She would sidestep to cover Bygone with one foreleg after he dove for safety. If it were not so dangerous for her to reveal her status in the wastelands, she would have had her great wings spread in a grand and aggressive display. "What kind of pony do you think you are, to try to run off with foals?" Spring demanded, her horn still glimmering. It had completely escaped her realization that the stranger had only been aiming for the pack attached to the colt. She would make no further attacks, however, not unless the pegasus showed likewise aggression- if she could talk her way out of a situation, then she damn well would. She was no murderer.

Dark Strife being that he was, indeed, the only adult male in the group, would not be so generous to outsiders. He lowered his head, presenting his horn to the offender. Stepping in front of the mare and foal he would stamp his hoof against the ground. While he seemed all gangly and old, there was something to be said by his bravado, but by the attack earlier, he was not the sort to pull punches. He stamped forward, posturing. "Get out of here, or I'll crush you like a squirrel beneath my hoof. You are lucky I have yet to do so." He pulled his left hoof to his chest, only to slam it down in show.

Nightglace screamed as unlike Spring's attack that of Strife definitely did hurt, making her drop into the dirt as well, then saw the pack dive behind the ponies and heard Spring ask why she would steal a foal, that question made her freeze a moment then she blurted out. "I only wanted your gems! not your child or grandfoal! honest! mare gotta eat you know?" as the elder unicorn took a more threatening stance she gave a whimper and tried her best to look pitiful. "Don't.. I swear I wasn't after your family."

Bygone Echo peeked out from behind both Strife and Serenade as the pegasus let out a cry and fell to the ground! From that position the pegasus would definitely be able to see the hat and the foal attached to the pack that she'd tried to steal! Now that he was 'safe' he wasn't feeling quite so scared. The stance old pony took was also quite reassuring! But then he noticed something else... "Is she... hurt?" the foal stepped out, concern and curiosity getting somewhat the best of him. She didn't look like a raider!

Spring Serenade seemed to relax somewhat, not because Strife took the head of their shield, but because the attacking pegasus seemed genuinely surprised. She glanced down at Bygone when he revealed himself, expressing.. concern. "Perhaps a little.." She murmured back and stepped up to Strife's side, reaching a hoof for his shoulder. "Relax, I will handle this." Spring had no need for anypony else defending her, although she felt grateful he would do that. The cloaked lady stepped around the graying stallion to cautiously approach the downed pegasus. "I would suggest you find a better hobby that pays more than thievery. Any other wastelander would have killed you where you lie helpless, but I am not like any other wastelander. I am extending a hoof of mercy to you, and perhaps an offer to heal your wounds before sending you on your way, so far as you prove yourself no further threat." Spring told her, a subtle warning riding her words. "You could do so much more good in the wasteland than this."

Dark Strife sneered, feeling no pity for the thief. "And next she will cut your throat in your sleep. You don't give them that chance." He raised his head, glaring at the winged mare. "Snatching things that belong to others -- leaping before you look. That's how wings get injured." He'd threaten before moving to rear up and mock stomp toward her wings, body in general. "Get out of here, rat, before I toss you on the fire too." He'd threatened. He did not seem the sort to care if another pony was sorry, or wanted to apologize.He apologized how many, hundred times? How much had he begged them to come back? A slip of madness, a bit of mercilessness, but a dose of sobering reality. The mare could very well die were she to afford herself a dangerous habit, and scaring her out of it, was one way to do it.

Nightglace nickered in actual distress at the seemingly wasteland heroine and foal as well as the demented old stallion that apparently was all too willing to harm her beautiful wings. "I.. I don't hurt ponies and especially not in their sleep you.. you how dare you, I'm a thief not a bloody murderer!" she then spread her wings and looked at the ground for a moment, then at Spring. "Yeah well lady, when we meet again and you actually can tell me a better way of life and yer old man won't kill me, I might actually listen." then she took off flapping her wings a few hard times just to get out of spell range looking for a nearby resting spot.

Bygone Echo let out a bit of a snort when the pegasus declared she was a thief and not a murderer. The little foal couldn't help but give a sage-like nod at that. She was a thief, not a raider! So much more forgivable! However old pony scared her off! He gazed grumpily at strife for a few minutes before he turned to Serenade and would potentially go back to following them again. He wasn't as oblivious as he was before though, so that ruined their secret conversation chance....

Spring Serenade looked around at Strife when he chose the more aggressive approach, going so far as to go for the poor pony's wings. Her own twitched under her cloak and saddlebag straps in sympathy. She turned back to the mystery mare, nodding solemnly; she'd be around for such a talk, should they ever cross paths again. The unicorn chose to wait until the stranger gained some distance before she flicked her dyed-brown tail at Strife. "I do not ask you to drop your guard, for the more ruthless would take advantage of that, but try showing a little kindness. It can go a long way, and ponies who appreciate it will remember." Spring told him gently, turning back towards Bygone to check on him. "Are you hurt at all? Any bruises?"

Dark Strife folded his ears back at the scolding, looking away. "It isn't my job to be liked, it's to make sure ponies don't forget there are dangers in this world. Reckless behavior only feeds this tainted atmosphere." He moved to walk about checking the vicinity, to ensure no troublesome creatures had gotten wind of their positions. He was, after all -- a being who believed in the pure existence of Chaos, which was far unlike this taint. Turning to face the pair his ears folded back. "Mercy is something you can provide the next thief, but a moment of weakness for me is just one more hoof in the grave." And he already looked pretty darned close.

Bygone Echo lets out a bit of a smile, tail flicking back and forth some. He agreed with Serenade that a little kindness went a long way, but at the same time he did also agree with Strife that a pony needed to be careful where potential hostiles were concerned! He turned back to Serenade and shook his head. "I'm alright...just a few cuts and maybe a bruise...." he'd say as he brushed himself off with a hoof.

Spring Serenade knelt down a little to look him over, sympathetic. "The cuts I can heal. We do not want any of them getting infected, and such a thing is easy in an environment like this." She replied. "Show me the cuts and I will cast my magic on them." The lady leaned back to give him time to respond, should he consent to healing in the first place, and turned her attention towards Strife. "It does not have to be a job, things have changed.. Besides, I am certainly not being reckless. I know this. I just do not want to be like everypony else, hateful and selfish.. Trust me."

Dark Strife watched as she settled in an attempt to help Bygone. "You, neend't be like everypony else." He slowly walked toward her just standing there, looking down at her with a crazed look in his eyes, though it could have been the natural red and bags of exhaustion. "One does not need to be hateful, or selfish, but you cannot be gentle either. These ponies only recognize this taint. A rough hoof is sometimes needed." He lowered himself to the ground, tucking his limbs carefully, leaning his back to her own in a physical display of his full, unquestioning..."I trust you, even now. But you -- do not seem to trust me." She did seem quite confused by his persona, the way he played his game, but they had always such difficulties understanding who he really was.

Bygone Echo inclined his head and paused. "They are only a few but... my side here." he'd say as he turned. Indeed there were a few tears in his outfit from some of the debris he'd landed upon. As Serenade took care of the healing he turned to look at Strife again.. "But sometimes it takes a single act of kindness to teach a pony that the world isn't only hatred." he'd say with a somewhat quiet voice as his eyes lowered and he busied himself with staring at some of the dirt... quite fascinating dirt it was. Some moss and - oh! Look at that bug that was crawling in the dirt! How interesting it was!...

Spring Serenade exerted a healing spell upon the cuts the colt bared to her, cleaning and closing them up easily. They were small, so it took little from her. She'd felt Strife settle against her in that time, but she dared not break her concentration until it was done. "Bygone is correct." She murmured in answer. ".. And I do trust you. Sometimes.. you are just difficult to read. Perhaps not like a poem but more like a riddle." Spring told him, leaning over to nose his cheek while Bygone was captivated by the ground.

Dark Strife had pulled his forehooves to tuck against his body. His ears folded back at Bygone's worlds, seeming entirely grump over it, but this is what he needed -- this sort of optimism. A world full of chaos, darkness -- and no hope or kindness was not a world worth living for. Sometimes it was all that kept him saying 'one more day' in hopes of seeing them again. He stiffened for a moment when, raising his eyes from his hooves, the mare's muzzle was but inches from his own face. He pinched his eyes to a squint, grump noises expressed from his throat. "Perhaps I like being a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside of an enigma. Sort of like those tacos they sell from that blue cart. You never know if its squirrel or those green mushrooms that make everything taste purple." The ever bloody Tartarus Strife? But, even with his backwards ass saying, he moved close to brush his face against the female's before pressing himself against her in a lazy lump of, affection, one could almost say, if not for his corpse like appearance.

Bygone Echo waited for the feeling of magic being cast to fade before he made to move and adjust the large pack upon his back. The little unicorn couldn't help but let out a giggle. What, with them both so close he had good hearing! "Riddles are fun!" he'd interject only to flick an ear. Cart? Tacos? Old pony was crazy! He raised his head to see the way the two interacted, or at least the way the older pony seemed to interact with the nice pony. He offered both ponies a set of quick hugs to their forelegs and then bounced a small ways away and started to dog through his bag.

Spring Serenade's face was close to his, indeed, but she made no further move other than the little nose bump to his cheek. An uncertain smile had appeared across her lips, an expression that slowly formed to one of amused puzzlement. She had no idea what blue cart he was talking about, let alone what it served, but she supposed it told her enough. The unicorn was eventually distracted from this moment by Bygone, hugging her and forcing her to realize that the colt still existed. Whoops. "Y-Yes, they are. I suppose I know a few.. if I can remember them correctly." Spring replied, on the topic of riddles.

Dark Strife settled himself so that his head and much of his shoulder was rest on the mare. He was using her rump as a pillow, there was no denying it. His eyes were closed and forehooves pulled to his chest, lazing about like an egg. "Riddles now?" Oh it tickled the spirit's fancy, but he was an old stallion right now! What old codger didn't like Riddles? Well given the fact he was a riddle. "What question can never be answered with a yes?" He pushed his hind hooves against the ground to smoosh himself closer to the spring mare. Was he doing it purpose? You bet. Did he want to see her squirm? Yes.

Bygone Echo gained the most perplexed look upon his muzzle as he heard the 'riddle' from Strife! He strained to think what the question was but no matter what promise was shown he always came up blank. It was to the point that he was thinking so much he was causing his head to hurt.... Silly foal! In any case he cheerfully dug through his pack a little and pulled out a few gleaming gemstones which were set upon a necklace that he put around his neck. He didn't think he'd need the magic but... he had nearly been foal-napped so... Better safe than sorry right?! The family jewels would give him the magical 'oomph' he needed to cast spells to protect himself! Typically a little foal wouldn't have the magic to cast combat spells but.. well, the gems helped!

Spring Serenade flicked an ear back at Strife; she could feel him leaning on her, more specifically, pushing up against her. It didn't escape her notice that her rump had become a pillow. The alicorn casually leaned herself back up against him, a proper pony-shaped support. She puzzled over the riddle with Bygone, her face scrunched in thought. She had.. never been very good at riddles, it required thinking around corners, imagination.. Spring frowned. "I would not know. What is the answer?" She asked curiously, looking back around at the aged stallion.

Dark Strife yawned and snugged his head against the mare before turning his lazy gaze toward the foal. He was a king of riddles and am aster of paradoxes, but a good portion of him was simple, logical thought -- considered in an illogical matter. "Are you asleep?" he bade before he seemed to relax against her, something he seems to have done the night prior. He felt comfortable enough around her to rest easy, but he was still ready to act when needed. "Which is what foals should be settling down to. We've a long way to go." And they had precious little energy to waste given recent encounters.

Bygone Echo wouldn't have been able to help but jerk a little as he looked to Strife and blinked. Was it really that late? The little unicorn's ears lowered and he inclined his head. "I.. uh... I suppose I should?" he'd ask with a rather odd tone of voice. He supposed he felt comfortable, or maybe safe enough to sleep but.... what if something happened over night? Dare he sleep? He was somewhat uneasy....

Spring Serenade had a moment where her face froze in a mingled look of surprise and realization when Strife revealed the answer. It seemed so.. simple. She'd never considered it and she felt ridiculous for it. Ah well. "Sleep seems most ideal for all of us, but should we find a more sheltered location first? In the case that we need a fire going, few will be able to see it." Spring suggested, but dared not be the first to pull away. "Then we may rest, and once we have we can have a meal and move on.. at least until night falls."

Dark Strife was remiss to do as the mare wished. Being who he was, and a crazy old man who hardly had trouble in the wastes... he had no need to find secret hideyholes to rest. "Must we? These old bones..." He complained before pushiness to his hooves with much struggle, though that could have been a ruse in and of itself. It was not. Without proper nutrition, nor any sort of mental or physical care his form was being eaten away. How he managed to hold this disguise, well -- it was nothing short of a miracle, or just amazing credit to his stubbornness.

Bygone Echo wouldn't have been able to help but tsk some though he'd have bounced over to help the older pony to his hooves. "You need to eat more than cans Mr old pony!" he'd say with a smile as he finished pushing strife up. "Something a little better like... berries might be nice! I haven't had berries in a long time though." he wouldn't have been able to help but frown a little before he just shook his head. "There used to be some near by old home, but that is all gone now probably." he continued as he paced waiting for the two adult ponies to get to moving.

Spring Serenade waited for Strife to stand on his own, unfolding her legs and standing beside him to provide him something to lean against. Even little Bygone came in to assist the elderly. Such a thought was just teasing, but it was nothing she'd say aloud until teasing was needed. "Indeed. You should listen to him. However bad the wasteland food tastes, or even the preserved food itself, you must eat something more nutritional! You are withering away." Spring chided in addition to the colt's and started walking, keeping close to Strife's side while she lead them to.. wherever. A place with a tree and enough brush would do as cover for them.

Dark Strife rolled his eyes at the foal's assertions. It did not help the mare was adding to the lecture. Foods? These were hardly foods anymore. he was the sort of creature who had relished in the finer tastes. It wasn't always the food itself he liked, but the complexity of the food. Cucumbers were actually rather complex and intriguing foods, as were porcelain tea cups! Taking a moment to look at them, the crunchy, intricate textures than the fact that neither had a legitimate flavor, save what the water, or paint, manufactured on the taste buds. He sighed. "I don't see myself eating berries very soon." he was never too fond of berries in general. Too sweet, too plain. "Hay will do." Though that hardly had little more than cans, which left the old man most likely grazing for hours on end between traveling. He followed them at a slower pace. He eyed the mare before lowering his head to trudge along listlessly. Dark Strife had intended to just waste away. "I felt it was just better I waste away. No matter how far I went, I could never keep time with the sun and moon." he had been chasing a dream, that moment at 11:11 where you made a wish.

Bygone Echo stared at Strife through his little explanation but then his expression soured and the little changeling stared at old pony with a rather disbelieving expression. "No talking about wasting away while I'm here Mister Old Pony!" he'd hop to the larger pony and would actually try to hop up and bop said pony over the head! However he failed at that. He missed by a yard and face-planted into the dirt. But even still he hopped up and glared again. "You are gonna eat more healthy food Mister Old pony or I'm gonna sit on your face all night!" What a.... strange threat that was...

Spring Serenade listened quietly, mulling things over. She only knew that Canterlot had cleansed their land for farming, and had to hazard a guess they could grow normal food again. If they had any seeds or roots preserved to grow them again, that was! It meant there was hope for regular, fresh vegetables. Perhaps.. perhaps once they reached Canterlot she could treat him. A smile touched her lips at this, which faded when she heard Strife's admittance. "No longer shall I allow you to waste away, not when we are together again." Spring said with determination. "I have little care how much I will have to fight you for it, I will." She added, and couldn't help but give Bygone quite the quizzical look. From there she fell silent until she could find them a place to settle down, just off of their path. It had enough brush she felt she could use for their needs and settled, slipping off her saddlebags. "Here?"

Dark Strife glanced to Bygone, his head raised. "Such callous threats, I am but a feeble old man foal, how can I fight you off?" He bade, head lowering to look down at the collapsed brat. He moved to pick the lad up by his scruff, taking a few steps before he would set him down, were the monster not to wiggle from the elder. Had he a moment to consider the mare's words he would have come to the conclusion she just said: 'fite me on this', but seeing that she soon found a place of rest he just sighed with deep lament. "Fair enough, but do not hold surprise if I call of you, a ruffian." Bullying an 'old stallion', how contrived. Given his current state, it was unlikely he could fight back though -- physically. "Tis your choice. Had I may way I'd likely sleep pon the road's edge." That's whee you could jump and spook travelers before having a laugh with them, or getting free things when they toss stuff at you in anger!

Bygone Echo let out a startled 'eep' as he was picked up by the scruff and carried a few steps before he was once again settled down. Right now the little unicorn was focused on the 'elder' pony. He adopted a bit of a pout the whole while as well; all the way to the point his hooves were touching the ground again. "If that is what it takes Mr Old Pony! Miss Serenade seems to like you so... you being a cooling corpse would likely hurt her.... A lot...." he muttered only to perk up once again as he hopped to a point where he could take his large pack off! "Before old pony sleeps he must eat!" Thus the little unicorn declared.

Spring Serenade felt a twinge when the little colt muttered that, evoking such worrying mental images. She never wanted to see such a thing, but she could console herself knowing she probably never would. Discord, no matter what persona he sported, was a wily creature. He would have to be an utter, mindless fool to get himself killed.. and he had never proven himself such. Spring took a steadying breath, bringing herself back to the present, and set to gathering twigs, dead leaves, and other bits of nature's detritus to form the skeleton of their soon-to-be campfire. To her saddlebags, she opened them and offered Strife a look inside. "Take your pick, and no cans. Food."

Dark Strife would shift to use his hind legs to push his saddle bag off. it was a bit harder for him seeing as he was unable to stand. His ears flattened against his skull when the foal made note of her ... possible affections toward him. "Well tis perfectly normal for a mare to like a stallion." He pressed to deflect the twinge of red on his muzzle. Finally slipping the straps off he fell forward and landed on his chin. The sudden loss of what balanced him was enough to send him tumbling. "Than I shall not sleep." He protested, settling back on his hooves He watched the female get to work.. "But what if the food is in a can?" he sassed with a dry undertone. Looking away he would hover a can from his pack and slowly lean to toward his face... "Ah..." He opened his muzzle and bit down on it mockingly. Yup, honestly there was no question this was Discord. Blatantly defiant and dramatic.

Bygone Echo narrowed his gaze at the old stallion and a bit of a frown would be back on his expression again. He had the urge to pounce the stallion but he was almost so... fragile? "I will... sit on... your face. ~ All... Night... Long..." he'd reiterate his odd threat from before with a serious look that by all means looked quite comical from the little hat-wearing foal whom was still wearing his giant-sized pack! Would the silly foal actually do that to the poor stallion? Well... there was only one way to find out!

Spring Serenade set their little firepit ablaze and stood to move over next to Strife, levitating her saddlebags along with her. "Well, you can eat the food in the can, but not the can itself." She said, stressing the distinction; she knew what he was trying to twist, and she was clearly not having it. Clearly Bygone wasn't either, repeating his strange threat. She.. didn't know what to say to that at all, other than maybe a 'Bygone, no.' that lingered on her tongue. "Here, look through the assortment of food, Strife, find something to eat.. Please, for me?" Spring asked, leaning close and wondering if she'd better convince him.

Dark Strife gave the foal an arched brow as he chewed on his can defiantly before floating it from his muzzle a bit. "W...what did they do to you?" Referring to any adults that had him previously. Like was this a normal punishment in the waste? He felt inclined to redact the behavior, but it was kinda funny. It confused ponies, he was sure. The mare wanted him to eat, even played the card, you know that card. A yellow card that was a penalty! Using another's personal affinity for the feelings of other ponies was underhooved! It was sort of cute she could be sneaky. He was flattered she tried to use such sneaky tactics with him, but he had to keep up the ruse, one supposed. "Only if you feed it to me!" Was his deal, shot back with the same valiant effort to manipulate her emotions. "I do not trust waste food, for all I know it is tainted. You take first taste of each bite, I shall follow through." Oh he was going to be difficult.

Bygone Echo simply inclines his head some. "No, but me trying to take a paddle to you would be embarrassing for both of us. Me because I can't reach that high, and you because a foal would be the one with the paddle ~ or pan in my regard." he'd say with a somewhat dry humor tone of voice. Yep... he said it ~ However it seemed that he was being amiable to Serenade now so he turned away and slipped his bag off to start to look through it again.

Spring Serenade lifted a brow at the exchange between Bygone and Strife, something about paddling. Yikes. Personally she didn't approve of physically punishing anypony, foal or adult. "I do not think there will be any cause for such a thing, anyway." She interjected and smiled to Strife, still close in his personal space before she turned back to her saddlebags. She looked through them, picking up a can and discarding it back into the bag, checking their faded labels or marked lids for something suitable to eat. Vegetable soup? That might do. Spring peeled the lid off and held it over the flames, just as before. "But of course." She could play his games.

Dark Strife looked to Bygone, speechless. "You need help." He pressed before turning his head, watching the mare pick, ever so confident. So she sought to one-up him eh? He took this act as a challenge, not as one of care and worry. He had been alone for so long everything had become a game of back and forth. Why would anypony care if an old wizard died? A pony who served no purpose to society but wasting resources. He truly though she would fall back on her threat. he could understand the foal. They did not have as much concept with the subject because parents would starve to feed their young. "You taste first. A proper mouthful." He teased, keeping his face close, truly unaware of what he was doing.

Bygone Echo let out a bit of a huff and mumbled to himself something along the lines of. "Who out in these wastes doesn't?" The foal dug around only to pull out something that might have passed for a moth-eaten bedroll which he curled up in and closed his eyes. The foal was throwing a tantrum in his own way. Miss Serenade and Old Pony were nice company but if old pony didn't take care of himself old pony would waste away! And if old pony wasted away then Serenade would be sad! Then nopony would be happy!

Spring Serenade let the can slowly cook its contents in the heat of the flames and glanced Bygone's way as he finally found what he was looking for. "Do you happen to have another spoon I can borrow? We may have to clean the others, but I certainly cannot feed either of us without a spoon." She said in such a sly tone of voice as her teal gaze shifted from the foal to Strife, who's face was still quite close to hers. She didn't dare pull away, it would have been seen as a sign of backing down. "Oh, I will, do not fear. Once the soup is done."

Dark Strife was starting to see the mare would not back down, so he decided to take the respective pony by her reigns. Now the beast was at constant war with himself. Voices, temptations, agitations. Chaos rattled the lighter side of his personality while on occasion both tugged at his more difficult partitions of personality. He was chaos. He was neither good, nor evil, but he was not malicious so his emotions were a swirling game of 'would this be fun?' or 'I think they didn't like that'. There was no concrete existence in his being save for the solidified characteristic that he was lonely. He did anything and everything to remain close to another pony, be it act gently toward them, threaten them, or pull a frivolous prank to keep others interested in him. The foal readied himself for bed and a devilish thought crawled into his noggin.
Dark Strife lowered his head as she seemed focus on the can of soup. He pressed his hoof against the ground as if to stand, but pulled closer to the female. "Oh, I suppose you are right. I do need quite a bit of help, with many a things." He leaned his muzzle close to her neck and parted his jaw. "Though perhaps a cannibal perk?" He whispered, nipping at her neck before leaning back to look at Bygone, trying to sneak sneak. He sighed and laid down, pressing his head against her chest, spoilt and tired. Mostly spoilt and trying to avoid dinner.

Bygone Echo wasn't quite asleep so his eye opened whenever he heard nice miss Serenade request a spoon! He all but threw himself from the bedroll to the bag. "Sure! I have another spoon around here somewhere! The foal started to take stuff out and throw it over his shoulder - some pots, some coins, some gemstones, a dagger, a miniature figure that looked like a golden gryphon, and a large gemstone of sorts. Finally he pulled out the spoons and hopped over to the two with a smile. "one spoon! Make sure old pony eats!" the little foal grumped before he smiled and hopped over to the bed again, flopping down.

Spring Serenade smiled when Bygone leaped to retrieve her a spoon, all the while his back was turned.. Her ear tilted to Strife and she glanced back towards him, brow furrowing slightly at such as that. She felt his breath on her neck, followed by a nip. The alicorn couldn't suppress a shiver that time, her shoulders tensing up in response. The lady tried to smooth them back down, offering Bygone the best reassuring smile she could manage when she plucked a spoon from the ones he offered. "Thank you, Bygone, now try to get some rest." Spring assured him, eyeing the discarded odds and ends before withdrawing the can from the fire. It was bubbling slightly, and she stirred it before she lifted a spoonful to her mouth. Spring blew on it to cool it, and very deliberately looked over at Strife as she ate it. "Mmm!" Almost mocking, partially tempting him, as she offered him a spoonful. "It is edible for vegetable soup, do please try!"

Dark Strife wasn't having any of that sass. His expression fell flat at her over compensation for the food's taste. He doubted it. All the food tested of excrement. To him anyway. It had all lot its texture, its freshness... it was filled with dark taint and other unwholesome shit. But he supposed if she was going this he would do his part. He had many choices to make on the matter and sat himself up. When he was sure Bygone would be distracted he would attempt to push his muzzle against her own and steal her meal before flopping back down, regardless of success. Ah feeble old man game. Well played. Well played.

Bygone Echo left the two older ponies to eat as he moved over to the bedroll and hunkered down inside of it before curling into as small of a ball as he could... While he wasn't quite tired, laying down to sleep let him forget about his troubles and... move on with his thoughts... Alas after a time the little unicorn's breaths evened out and he was hopefully asleep; leaving the two older ponies free to talk!

Spring Serenade was, suffice to say, not expecting what Strife had done in the least. She'd thought he would just lie there and take his medicine, in other words, food, like a good pony. What a fool she was to expect that out of Discord! He did not go for the spoonful of food held out for him, but towards her. She didn't react when it happened, she simply froze up- but so surprised was she that her magic simply fizzled out. Both the spoon and the can of soup went tumbling towards the ground, and she had little time to save them once Discord had withdrawn. Spring fumbled with both her hooves and her magic, managing to lift the soup can before too much was spilled- precious, that. Spring opened her mouth to say something, but really nothing came to mind. She couldn't berate him, nor figure out what to say about the kiss. Whoops. The only thing she really could manage was to try to get him back in kind, swooping down on him while he lay not-so-helpless. Bygone, for the time being, had made no noise. It was probably safe to assume he'd fallen asleep. Foals needed their rest, after all.

Dark Strife would offer a small pout when the soup was not destroyed by his actions. Sometimes chaos was spread out in ripples from the center of a pond. It knocked over all the water bugs, but she had managed to remain standing -- or at least the soup can did. He grimaced only to find himself under attack?! Now he was still lamenting over her recapture of the soup, so the only way to foil her was to fight back. He could not call himself a spirit otherwise, a wastelander -- a heathen standing against the sun and moon. He was perhaps not as feeble as he sometimes let on for, malnutrition or not, he kicked off the ground and all but pinned the mare. He wasn't very strong, but he had the element of surprise and all of her neck and face and muzzle at the mercy of his muzzle. Why? Because he was a sore loser. "Just give up on the damn soup, I'll sooner drink you than that waste tainted shit. You smell much nicer than the waste anyway." Oh.

Spring Serenade hadn't expected a counter attack either, although she knew there might have been something. She found herself pinned by the surprise attack, but there was little resistance- although it did result in her dropping the can of soup again. She just couldn't hold onto it with all of.. this, nor could she rescue it this time. If her cheeks hadn't been bright red before, they were now beneath that periwinkle fur. "Y-You have to eat, though! If not for me, for your health, no matter how bad it tastes." Spring said in a hushed tone, the only response she could manage to pull up in the face of such affection.

Dark Strife finally pulled away and settled back a bit, watching her expression. "Eat what?" Soup was all gone now. "I'd rather eat you, maybe for you, than to my own health. It is not that it tastes bad, it is bad. There is no heart in any of it, no life." He pressed before moving to rest his head over her own. "Ah, I teased you too much." He admitted. "Spilled all your soup." Opted out another word he was going to use, but thought of the children. He snugged against the mare, his mood changing as quickly as one would expect a mad spirit of chaos. "Ah how I missed troubling you. How I have missed all of you." He pulled her close, hugging her tight.

Spring Serenade still blushed, but she listened, both amused and concern for the spirit. "I suppose, if I cannot make you eat old preserved food, I shall have to find you fresh food. There is much word that has reached me over the years that Canterlot has used their combined magical strength cleanse enough land to farm. They are growing food again." Of course, that maay or may not be because of Spring and Autumn's own influence, being the only two left in the entire wasteland whom still knew old magic. Pure unicorn magic. It was the result of small nudges, teaching proper healing magic.. and let it go from there. "No matter.." Spring replied and leaned close, forelegs reaching for an embrace, perhaps to touch her hoof briefly to one cheek. "I missed thee too, and your face. Your true face." She paused after admitting such and let her head rest against him, probably on one of his forelegs as a pillow. "We should rest."

Dark Strife wasn't even sure he knew his face anymore, just the mask of the pony he had to become in order to be able to travel, to find them. But now that he found them, had he reason to hide anymore? He gave an annoyed grunt. "You are far too sentimental, Eve." He moved to lay his head over her side, in such a way he could keep an eye on them both, just in case. Maybe he'd sleep again? It has been a while since he had seen such warm sleep and seemed only to do so in their midst.

The End.