Changing Changelings [private]

Changing Changelings

Long shadows covered the streets as the sun neared the end of its daily journey. There were still some ponies around, but the town square now got emptier with every minute. As beautiful as it might be, the night was still mostly used for sleeping, and the stargazers also retreated to their homes or went into the fields where no buildings (and no giant crystal tree castles) could block the sight. But not everypony likes the night only for the wonders above.

A pony stepped out of the shadows, seemingly appearing from nowhere. Nothing had been there a moment ago, apart from a few crates belonging to the shop nearby, but surely no pony. Most of the unicorn's features were covered by a black cloak; the hood pulled deep into the face allowed only the horn be identified. Whoever this was, he or she obviously liked to make a obscure impression.

On the door to the town hall there was a single notice. It had been there for some days now, but hardly anypony had been interested. Not very surprising, considering how vague it was:

Expedition to the badlands
Searching group of adventurers to explore the cave system beneath the badlands. If interested, come to the inn, tuesday evening.

A short look, and the mysterious pony turned around, heading right for the inn.

--------------

The inn apparently wasn't the most active of places in Ponyville, only a few tables being occupied. And it surely wasn't used to mysterious strangers not showing their face. With a mix of curiosity and caution the innkeeper, a light blue earth pony mare, approached the new guest. "Welcome to the Ponyville Inn, how can I help you?"

"Nothing, thanks. I already found who I was looking for." Though the answer didn't give much information, at least the voice identified the stranger as female. Not giving the innkeeper another look, she headed towards one of the corners where a single light brown earth pony was busy ignoring the beer standing right before him. His grey mane and tale were both cut short, and his silver eyes were locked on the unicorn since the moment the door had opened. "You're the one who wants to go to the badlands?"

"I am. And you are?"

Finally the hood was lifted, partially revealing a dark blue mane, most of its length still covered by the rest of the cloak, and a pair of red eyes, warily watching the stallion.

"Call me Ruby. So, what do you want with the Changelings?"

"Changelings? I never said anything about them."

Ruby snorted, half in amusement. Usually she was the one earning the suspicion of others, this time it went in both directions. This expedition was everything else than simple exploring, that much she was sure about. Though his cutie mark of a map admittedly would fit to it.

"Don't take me for a fool," she said. "The Badlands are their home, exploring the caves means running right into them. That's more than a little dangerous, most ponies won't risk that unless they have to. What are you up to?"

Somehow, the earth pony liked the answer. A thin grin appeared on his face, this mare could be the one for the job. "If you're already thinking this far, you should also be aware that I can't trust anypony. You could be a changeling yourself, every information I give you is a risk. You look like you'd be in for a good adventure, and that's what I can promise you. For more, I'll have to know you first."

After a moment, Ruby softened her expression a bit. There wasn't much to argue about this answer. "Fair enough, but don't expect me to trust you either. Who's with you so far?"

"You're the first one."

As per dramatic cue the door was thrown open. A mare tripped over the shallow threshold of the inn not a moment later. Her fall was accompanied by an high pitched 'Eep!' as the rag of mane, bags, and raincoat slid towards the innkeeper. Once she came to an halt she opened her eyes, a bright purple iris staring towards the inn's host. Slowly and completely self-assured she rose back to her hooves, as if the whole entrance was meant to happen.  
She brushed away a lock of dark blue hair from her horn and put it behind her ear. Her smile broadened as she asked the innkeeper a simple question. "Could you tell me where I could find the stallion named, Silver?"

"Right here", the brown earth pony said, throwing a suspicious look at the newcomer, but beckoning her over. "Though I can't remember meeting you before. Where did you get my name?"

Meanwhile Ruby eyed the unicorn with less suspicion and more curiosity and slight amusement. That clumsy pony wasn't really here for the expedion, was she? Her unusual entry didn't speak for her, and neither did her age. But for now, Ruby just sat down and watched the conversation that was to come.

The mare turned her head towards the voice, it was beaming with excitement. She trotted over to the stallion keeping that broad smile on her face. Her bags thumped on the floor as she made them slid off her back. As she sat down at the table she just glittered with glee for a moment before speaking. "Well, it's in my nature to know these kinds of things. I'm Valet Sprigs, pleased to meet you two."

Silver was just about to respond, but was interrupted by Ruby bursting into laughter. The black unicorn had her head lowered in her chuckles, and only after several long seconds turned an eye at Valet again. "Seriously? YOU want to go on this expedition?" Another laughing fit. It was commendable that she already brought equipment, judging by the saddle bags, but that didn't make the fact that she was a bit young and frail any better. "Do you have any idea what to expect there?"

Silver had a bit of an awkward expression, mostly caused by Ruby's not existant hesitation to make fun of a pony she has only just met. "Well, I would have put it a bit different, but Ruby has a point. You don't seem made for this kind of trip."

"It's not that laughable," She objected, her smile drooping of her face with every part of the unicorn's chuckle. She frowned a little, puffing up her cheeks, her pure irises of purple staring offended towards her assailant. She objected. "I know what I'm getting myself into! I've read and seen enough! I know I might never return, but I need this adventure! I really do! It has been itching me for months!" Although the eyes sparkle and the face as cute as any little filly, the expression was genuinely serious.

Suddenly Silver looked confused, and Ruby threw a curious look at him. For months? "I'm only planning this for about three weeks, and I've put up the note at the town hall a few days ago," he said, the suspicion he had gotten from Valet knowing his name returning. Something was odd here, and seeing that they were going to mess with changelings, something odd was rather disconcerning. Ruby could only agree and grew more serious, waiting for Valet's reply.

"I know, I know. Calling ponies by their names before meeting them is creepy and suspicious." She said rather whiny and melodramatic as if she had repeated that too many times. A strong sigh left her body as she recollected herself. "What I know so far is that I'm going to be involved someway or another. And I thought it'd be best if I started together with everyone from the beginning."
Her giddy excitement had crept away, still leaving a cheery mess of a filly behind. She started digging into a bag, retrieving a deck of cards not a moment later. "So, here's to open honesty. I have... Uhm.... You can call it.... Miss Sparkle called it divination once."

Ruby didn't laugh again, but her scepsis was clearly visible. "How likely is it that she has found out your name in a conventional way?" she asked Silver.

"Definitely possible, though unlikely. But I think we're getting a presentation," he answered, watching the deck of cards with interest.

Valet was brought to a timid smile as she started to shuffle the deck. Her horn didn't glowing, the cards weren't flying, just normal hoovy shuffling. She finished by cutting the deck and hitting it a single time on the table. She started to lay down a spread, starting by five cards in a cross and surrounding them with seven cards on each end. 
She put her hoof on the card in the middle, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "In this spread, I'm asking about the journey and our destination. I've done this reading multiple times before, Fourty three times to be exact." She flipped the card in the middle and opened her eyes. "Fourty-four readings, fourty-four times 'The Tower'." The little mare sighed, a shiver was sent down her spine and she recoiled a little. Her bright purple eyes turned to Silver, focused deep into his pupils. "I know this is going to be difficult, but I still want to take part in it."

The mare stared at the card a little, before snapping back and continuing to flip them over by hoof. "I'll spare you the details, and the 'mystical guidance'." She said, complete with Air-quotes. "But this is what I get for our companions. Besides us there will be three, but no fifth. Oddest of them would be the feathered one, for he is light yet heavy. Another unicorn, practicing an Earth Pony's wish." She paused a moment. "Wish, might not be the right word, but he's practical more than sinister. And lastly an ego, that might or might not be backed up." 
The little filly smiled as she got her cards together. Averting her attention back to her company. "That last one looks,... readable. But you might value me telling about your own pasts, if you don't mind me looking."

Ruby wasn't convinced. "That's rather vague. I don't think I can accept it as proof if three ponies fitting those descriptions join up, and I wouldn't like you poking around my past. Either way, if vague hints are the only thing we'd get from you that won't make up for dragging along an unexperienced filly."

"Please keep in mind that I'll be the one to determine that", Silver reminded the shadow-hued unicorn before turning back to Valet with a thoughtful expression. "However, Ruby is probably right. Even if you can predict the future, you'll need other skills besides that to survive out there. What was the longest time you've been away from civilization?"

Valet's cheer dipped a bit, and got a bit anxious at the foresight of this disapproval. "The vague hints are only because I didn't focus for details enough." She said apologizing. "And uhm, I've been camping with my family in the wilderness for a week once. Does that count?"

Ruby merely facehoofed while Silver answered sighingly. "Probably in an area with lots of greens and no predators around. Where we're going, food and water will be a rarity and attacks are likely. We'll spend most days carrying our provisions around, either under the heat of the southern sun or in dark, slippy caves where we'll regularly have to climb. It's dangerous and exhausting. If we get into trouble - again, which is likely - there will be no help around for miles, and a pony who can't fight will be a hindrance. If you've seen what this be like, I can't imagine you wanting to go. If you want to have adventure, I suggest you start with the local woods."

"Well.." Her voice wavered as she anxiously sought the next few words. "...I know that I'm going to be involved one way or another. I just don't know 'how' yet." She let out a small sigh as her eyes started to waver in tears. "I just don't know how to persuade you'll, I thought that I'd just show confidence and no fear, it'd...." She took her seating and moved closer to Silver's, creating a broad opening for another pony. The mare wiped away her small tears and let breath flow into her as she put on a cheery smile again, turning her stare towards the entrance. "Your hunter is at the door."

A soft cold breeze could be felt as the door to the inn opened, revealing a broad shouldered stallion standing in the door way. On his back a quiver and a crossbow whilst hanging from his chest and neck was a large collection of necklaces containing all kinds of scales, feathers and teeth and by the way the stallion was displaying them, it was quite clear he was proud about them.

Closing the door behind him and giving the inn a good look through, Venatus soon found what he had been looking for. The stallion who had put up the flyer in the town's hall, or at least, he thought so given the strange company surrounding the stallion. 

Trotting up to the table, Venatus paused for a moment to take in the form and shape of the black coated mare sitting with her back towards him. Eventhough most of her body was hidden by a long cloak, the things he did see certainly caught his attention. I certainly won't object to her coming along.

Deciding to make his entrance, Ventatus took the final few paces towards the table and cleared his throat. "I take it you're the one in need of some muscle?" Venatus asked with a smug smile before giving both mares at the table a good look. "I can see that the 'amusement' for during the trip has been taken care of already as well."

While unimpressed by the little wailing, Ruby grew curious when the next team member was anounced. While she wasn't willing to believe Valet's ability without proof, she certainly wasn't claiming that it wasn't possible (which generally is a foolish thing to say), and it would be a useful talent indeed.

She only turned to face the newcomer when he was at their table. "If by amusement you mean getting your snout blodied, I can certainly help with that", Ruby answered as sweetly as she could after quickly appraising him. If that stallion thought he'd easily get her into the hay, he was in for a disappointment. He was quickly filed away as the one with ego from Valet's prediction. Apart from that, it looked reasonable for him to be here. If those necklaces were indeed his trophies, but so far there wasn't really a reason to believe they weren't.

Silver also didn't seem to have any objections and greeted him with a smile (secretly thankful for the interruption. Mares! Especially the young ones!). "Welcome. I'm Silver, the leader of this expedition. These are Ruby, and Valet Sprigs," he introduced the group. "And your name is?"

Purple iririses glistered below a little confused frown. As Valet tried to decipher exactly what sparked between the strong 'personalities'. But with a cheery grin and cheecky smile she took the word. "Pleased to meet you Ventatus, you can call me just Valet or Ms. Spriggs or anyth-..." Her sentence trailed before being cut off as she cringed together in shame when she realized her own mistake. "I'm being creepy and suspicious again aren't I?"

Venatus expression was one of surprise although it was soon replaced by a grin. "Fighting spirit, I love that in my mares. No fun in an boring young mare who agrees to everything you say." Ventatus stated, this mare was turning more interesting by the second. Turning afterwards to Valet, Venatus laughed a bit.

"No, no! Of course not, when one is as admired and amazing as me it's only logical that my name precedes me." Venatus said as he struck a pose momentarily before turning his attention to Silver. "I am Venatus, hunter of whatever big scary thing is making you feel afraid at night and unlike some who claim to do the same thing as I do, I have proof of my deeds." Venatus continued as he gestured towards the scales, teeth and other kinds of hunting trophies around his neck.

This one's going to be annoying, Ruby thought. "I haven't heard of you," she said critically, "and my guess is that Valet only knows your name because she apparently has a talent for divination. So far, it seems plausible."

Silver shortly looked between Ruby and Venatus, trying to guess how well those two would get along with each other. Judging by their behavior right now, he expected a bit of bickering on the way, but how detrimental it would be was hard to tell. He decided to try and keep the conversation on a professional level for now. "I'm sure your abilities will be helpful. I presume then you know what to expect in the Badlands?"

Ventatus' prideful demeanor visibly dented for a bit at Shade's comment but soon recovered. "I suppose it means there will be only less needed to impress you two then. Worry not however, eventhough less is needed you two will still both receive the full package amazingness Venatus is known for." Venatus stated as he once more turned to Silver.

"Although admittedly I've never ventured deep into the badlands, I know what she's capable of. You learn to respect her, even it's just the tales you hear. And to clarify it, I'm talking about the bandlands itself, not the fleas and lice which are the hydras and changelings that live and feed upon her." Venatus explained, very few others saw it like this and perhaps that was the reason why the badlands were so deadly. Ponies feared the critters living on her skin, not the harsh weather, rough terrain and lack of water that were her.

Valet's shame had turned into curiosity and excitement once again. As she watched the others discussing the trip she would be part of, at least she hoped to be part of it.
Halfway between replies her attention started to shift towards the door again. The little mare became a little uneasy as seconds passed. Her soft voice budged in. "Silver, I'm going to excuse myself for a moment. Say hi to the griffon for me." With only a little hurry the unicorn pushed the deck of cards from her hooves into her bag, and left for the restroom.

The door opened once again with a cold breeze, but this time it was not a pony who entered, it was a Griffon.
The Griffon had white feathers, with a grey underside. He wore a simple, black, long-sleeved shirt and had a dark backpack on his back. His weapon, a simple two-handed sword, was balanced on his shoulder, his relaxed talon sitting just above the hilt to maintain the balance.
His overall posture was very relaxed, indicating he was quite a calm individual to those who knew how to read it.

He had entered on his hind legs, his sword occupied one talon whilst a small book occupied his other. He raised his head as the wind took the courtesy of shutting the door to look around the Inn until he spotted the most obvious set of ponies sitting at the same table.
He put his head back down to read as he walked towards them. As he got closer his eye colour was revealed to be Red, and that he wore no armour whatsoever, he also didn't have a sheath for his weapon. Once he reached the table, he was content to remain standing. And reading.
He looked up from his book and spoke, "So, can I give myself a gold star on perception or have I got the wrong group?" he said with a friendly tone.

"A griffon?" Silver said curiously as Valet excused herself. "I suppose that's the feathered one."

When the griffon entered a moment later, he immediately drew every pair of eyes onto him, most looking with worry and suspicion. Carrying such heavy weapons in public was rather unusual in Equestria, and that it wasn't even put away properly didn't make the appearance any more confortable. The innkeeper, who had been eyeing the rather unusual meeting with discontent for a while looked particularly unhappy as she tried to ignore it. "I don't like the attention we're gathering here", Ruby quietly said as the new guest came closer.

"True, but by now there's only one more, if Valet is right. And by now, it seems very likely that she is", Silver answered quickly.

When the griffon finally was at their table, Ruby was first to answer him. "You've got the right group alright, but I don't think that's a particularly great achievement", she said smirkingly.  "Whatcha reading?"

The griffon started chuckling, "I would have asked for something much more worthwhile, but a gold star works very well considering that eyes were all over you when I got here. Well, until I got here." He said with a smirk.

"You can call me Dax, and as for what I'm reading, It's just a little story I borrowed. You know, ancient treasures, endless riches and all that nonsense." He said as he turned the book towards Shade, what she'd see is that the book in question was more of a diary. With drawings alongside words, the pages also looked fairly aged. After a few seconds he turned the book back to himself, leaned his sword against the table and got down to his natural position of at least 3 legs.

"Griffon? How do you mean say hi t-" Venatus started before being interrupted by the door to the inn opening, revealing indeed, a griffon. 'Interesting...' Venatus thought, so this mare was indeed a very special pony. "And please, miss, meeting the one and only Venatus is an achievment on it's self." Venatus quickly added to Ruby's comment, no reason to be humble when it came to strangers, right?

"Nice looking sword though, I assume you know how to use it?" Venatus continued as he looked at the blade Dax was carrying. It was nothing fancy but would certainly do the job.

Dax took his eyes back up from his book and looked at Venatus, who looked like some kind of tribal pony with all the feathers and charms on him. That and he was giving off the aura of 'Smug Bastard'.
"Yeah, I guess I can use it. What about you Mr. Voodoo? Know how to aim that thing on your back?" He said with a friendly chuckle, as he turned back to his book. Fully prepared just in case Venatus took unintended offence to that statement. Dax couldn't tell if he would though, he hadn't gotten much of a first impression yet.

"I'm pretty sure he does", Silver interfered before Venatus could answer. "I'm Silver, leader of the expedition. Apart from sword fighting, do you have any other skills that might be helpful?"

Ruby meanwhile was half glowering at Venatus in annoyance, half mustering the new arrival. But mostly, she was thinking about Valet, and she looked absent enough for the others to possibly notice.

"Well, I've learned to be pretty good at surviving outdoors in dangerous environments that could lead to, you know, death." he said, eyes still glued to the book.

"That, and I'm a bit on the smart side, you know translating, creative thinking, map reading blah blah blah. That kinda stuff." He said, still reading the book at the same time as talking. Still very calm in tone and appearance. "Was there something you were thinking of specifically?"

"No, I just rather like to know what the ponies - and griffon - I'm traveling with are capable of," Silver explained. "That reminds me... Ruby, I don't know what your talents are yet."

The mare was pulled out of her thoughts and needed a short moment to deliver an answer. "Let's just say, if you need to get somewhere without being seen, I'm your mare," she said confidently, and then added with a smirk, "Past experience has even shown that I'm less suspectible to be discovered via the changeling empathy sense, which should be helpful."

Venatus rolled his eyes, first the only book worm Griffon he had ever 
seen and now a spy?! "Ah, so you're one of those, would explain the cloak and all I guess. No fun in fighting in the shadows though, no guts no glory all the way" Venatus stated, what fun or honour was there in fighting when the enemy couldn't even fight back?

"I very much prefer avoidig fights, if at all possible", Ruby responded nonchalantly. "Considering that we don't have a chance to stand against a whole changeling hive, maybe you should take my lead in this regard."

"NO. WAY. a brown unicorn wearing a white cloak slammed both front hooves onto the table the crew was sitting at. "VENATUS!? Dude! you are that famous hunter pony, right? big fan! you're going on this badlands expedition trip too? sweet! Sign me up!

Venatus laughed. "Pfft, let them come! They better bring the entire swarm if they want to stand a chance against the one and only Venatus!" Venatus stated as he placed his hoof triumphantly on his chest. Of course, he knew better than to actually do such crazy things in battle but this mare didn't need to know that. What was wrong with a little bragging here and there anyways?

Suddenly being interrupted by a loud voice, Venatus turned around o meet somepony that could only be described as a fan. "It's always nice meeting somepony who actually can appreciate somepony as awesome as me." Venatus continued as he gave Ruby a glare, this only further proved that he really was famous, right?!

"A filly and a fancolt. I'm not sure if that's better or worse than your ego", Ruby said with her eyes rolling, then she turned to the newcomer. "So, you're the 'unicorn, practicing an Earth Pony's wish'. Care to tell us what that's supposed to mean?"

Scint gave the mare a blank look. "An... earth pony's wish? now that's a peculiar thing to ask. I guess, every earth pony wishes it had magic?" Scint tapped his horn, and a bright, golden glow. an etherial, bright yellow hammer landed on the table with a loud *thud* "or, magic tools I suppose. I know a lot of earth pony artisans could use tools like these." the hammer "melted" into the table as his horn light dimmed. otherwise I have no idea! what do earth pony's wish for?

"Depends on who you ask," Silver answered thoughtfully. "But I can assure you that the wish for magic isn't often heard among earth ponies. Though, if you want me to guess, I would say that you're probably practicing something that's usually done by earth ponies."

He looked at the members of his little expedition (having already accepted Valet's prediction as true). It was a strange bunch. The griffon still had his beak in his book, but Silver was sure he was paying attention to the group anyway. Venatus currently was noisy and overbearing, but if his skills (and apparently fame) didn't lie he would probably lose a good deal of that attitude when on the hunt.

Scintillance obviously had a talent for conjurations, though the question was if he could also do it with less light. And his demeanor didn't exactly reflect a personality made for serious business. Ruby on the other hoof was likely going to be the most serious member of the team, and he wasn't sure how she'd put up with Scintillance and especially Venatus, who has already proven to annoy her. A stealth specialist would definitely be useful.

And finally, there was Valet, who was still away on filly business. Her prediction abilities could give them an advantage like nothing else - but that wasn't certain, and overall, she was the one least made for this trip. If he would alow her, that was a question he still had to find the answer to.

Lance was stunned, to say the least. This random mare he's never met before just hoofed every-pony some drinks, more importantly hoofed him half his favorite drink, and apologized for not being able to bring the other half. he accepted the smooth with joy. However he couldn't help feeling a strange tugging from "ruby." not physical, or anything. just... as if something was off about her, not just off it was as if he had a reason to hate her, but none at all.
Lance stretched, "accidentally" knocking an arm into Ruby as she took a sip from her carrot juice. "Oh, sorry! Just, when ya gotta pull something, a surprisingly loud *click* could be heard from Scint's shoulder "ya just gotta pull it, it's been bothering me for a while now."

"Thanks," Ruby said with surprise as she was hoofed carrot juice. Valet couldn't keep herself from showing off... in the pleasent way, if this was any indication. However, as useful as knowing the future and the charasteristics of others was, it was dangerous as well. Especially for mares with secrets, and Ruby had quite a lot of them.

She was quite literally knocked out of her musings, some of her juice spilling over in the process. However, before it could reach a surface, it passed through a field of blue glowing magic, in which it came to a stop and began floating upwards and into the glass again. Ruby decided to ignore the incident. "By the way, what's your name?" she asked curiously.

Lance's head was somewhat tilted back while he was drinking his smoothie. in doing so he gave Ruby a startled gaze when she asked for his name, and dropped the smoothie back onto the table as he sat upright. he smiled, "Haven't said yet, have I? Scintillance DiCanterlot Charmer, carpenter by trade and practitioner of the Luminous Arts by specialty! or as no ponies like to call it, conjuring flashlights shaped like everyday objects. I'd ask for your name, but apparently it's Ruby. Lance gazed at the dark mare in the eyes. "Ruby Glare if I had to guess. Yeesh I dunno, last I checked red eyes were kinda scary.

"Just Ruby. And last I checked red was an eyecolor like every other. If you're scared by that alone, I'm not sure if you're fit for the badlands. They're a lot scarier than red eyes," Ruby said with an amused smirk. "Also, I think we now know what 'an Earth Pony's wish' is. What is a carpenter doing on an expedition?"

Silver simply sat back and followed the conversation, seeing as all the important questions seemed to be asked. Wouldn't have thought that the first pony I get likes to play recruitment officer. Finally remembering the beer he had ordered long before even Ruby had arrived he took a sip, frowned, and set it back down. Great, stale...

Lance had no change in his demeaner, it's as if every word he spoke was enveloped in misplaced content. "Two notions, two answers: I am curious as to the badlands, and I said it before, I'll say it again; carpentry is my trade, and Luminous Arts are my specialty. I've been wanting to put those arts to a more practical occasion for a while now, it seems the opportunity has arrived. as for "scary red eyes," a pony's eyes are the gate to their soul. it's the reasons ponies become so uncomfortable when making eye contact. the pony can wear any mask they choose, but they'll be the same on the inside. if you learn anything growing up in Canterlot, it's that a lot of ponies like to wear their masks, but every mask still needs a pair of holes for their eyes."
he took a sip from his smoothie, and glanced back at the mare, "My turn! What interest does a... Shadey pony like you have to do with cave exploration? I mean, c'mon. black cloak, black coat, it's all very intimidating.

"Maybe I like sneaking around caves?" Ruby said suggested playfully, pretty close to the truth. "I've always been on the more adventurous end of the scale. I don't care much about the environment it's in. Besides, it will be interesting to see what the changelings are up to.

"Anyway..." Ruby's gaze shifted to Valet. "One decision left to be made before we can start. Despite a horrid lack of experience or good judgement, I actually vote in favor."

Silver just looked at her in surprise.

Dax took his eyes off of his book and looked at Ruby, then to the rest of the group. "Assuming, that you are talking about taking this young one with us or not, I'm inclined to agree. We should." He said in a friendly tone.

"You know, after observing how the young one knew exactly what drinks we like, anybody would be baffled when they thought about it. But I got the feeling you knew I was coming, and the way you asked Lancey here about 'The Earth Pony's wish', and he turns out to like building things, I'd rightly guess this one can predict the future. " He said with a quick look to Valet. "I'd add couple more points to look smarter but, eh."

"You can't deny the ability to see what's coming is useful, in fact, I find it to be quite a cool little talent." He said with a grin as he returned his gaze to the book

Purple irises sped away as fast as they could, but to no avail. The inexorable onslaught of ever expanding pupils swiftly annexed the last bit of space on the wide open eyes. A grin so cheerful that it never seemed to stop, even when the corners of her mouth were reached, expressed the happiness that the flopping sound of her ears never could. The face of joy was like a newborn filly witnessing the bizarre wonder that is a quadruple rainbow. She clapped her hooves together in excitement, and smiled some more when also the griffon piled on compliments.
Then she remembered it was not polite to smile like a maniac and her face snapped back into a pleasant cheer. Then ever so slowly doubt came creeping around the corners of her expression. The clapping hooves changed to a nervous grind as she gulped before speaking. "My gift only tells me what is going to happen. And only clearly when I can focus and filter. I don't have answers somepony won't give me."

"It's fine, it's fine. Just do your best, Venatus is good enough to count for two." Venatus laughed as he took a big gulp out of his glass, only to give Valet a good pad on the shoulder a second later. "And you're treating us on drinks! I'd be more than glad to have you on board. Perhaps just for some comical relief if you're not into fighting and all. Seeing as miss 'black is the new black' over there probably won't provide it." Venatus stated as he gestured to Ruby, she didn't look like a pony who could appreciate a joke or two.

"I'm probably outvoted by now," Lance leaned forward, eyeing over the young mare. she looked really young to him, "But I'll admit I'm not too keen on bringing a filly out into a bad situation. Do your parents at least know where you're going? even if you understand what you're getting yourself into, it's selfish if those important to you don't."

Ruby ignored Venatus, but paid much attention to what Lance had to say. She nodded as she turned to Valet. "I'm with Scintillance on that. The reason I'm voting for you is mostly because I was about the same age when I had my first serious adventure, and I wasn't really any better prepared than you are. But I made the mistake of not leaving a way for my parents to find me should I not return in time. Two years later they still couldn't tell if I was dead or just missing, perhaps intentionally. Don't do that to them if you love them."

Guilt crept out onto Valet's expressions. "I told them already what would be happening, but they didn't listen. They should know where I'm going, or rather the general direction." A little shiver crawled over her spine. As she returned a smile. "I'd be much safer with you guys, than staying here in Ponyville. Even if the trip is going to be difficult."

"That's it then. Welcome to the expedition everybody", Silver then concluded the meeting. With most others agreeing to take Valet with them, he made it easy for him self and accepted the majority vote. He stood up and looked around the table. "Since some of you likely joined on short notice, have an hour to prepare anything you might need. I'll supply provisions and general equipment, so you don't have to worry about that. We'll meet outside as soon as everybody's ready."

Ruby nodded, and went to leave. "I'll be back in twenty." Before she stepped outside, she pulled up her hood, and then vanished in the darkness of the night.

Silver only had one other matter to deal with, and that was their supplies. Regarding those, he didn't fully trust the greenhorn to have packed well. "Valet, could I see what you've packed in those bags?"