Around the world through laziness and boredom

      If the dragon meant that the company needs to walk just as much as they crossed with Sidewinder, then yes - they need to walk not that far. Just some few tens of kilometres, not rushing anywhere, through hidden glades and away from clearings.   — You said it won’t be far! What about Opvlie?   — Don’t worry about her. We all need some rest from each other. She should think with her head sometimes, not only listen to me. And I..   The draconid could not finish, as his glasses vanished with a bang, just like amber lizard’s arrows moments prior. The spell probably stopped working on its own, due to distance, than it being an attempt at vengeance - those two were too attached to each other. Still, such bold statement made the travellers shiver.   — ..I also need to learn how to live without her help. We cannot exist without each other, but we must be ready if we are suddenly split.   — You lied to us! Why didn’t you say so?   — I didn’t lie - I simply understated. If I were to explain everything in detail, then it would not happen. - blue creature slowed down, getting down on all his four claws - Distance from the valley to the camp is the same, as from there to the city. Is it far?   — N-not really..   A double-edged feeling. In a way, everything was right, but it is still unpleasant. Unpleasant to think about, but impossible to leave the thought. How so is it all? Are scaly beings really much as fragile and weak in mind as ponies? “Want to pity him, and punch him!” - the blind creature was not used to walking without seeing, and the orange pony rained with contradicting emotions.   — I thought dragons were smart.. - long-eared pony disappointed.   — That is true. We always learn and we know a lot.   — And you want to say, that something can be too hard for you, and you have to lie? Have you thought how she would feel?   — She knows. She certainly guessed at this point in time. And I know her - she would not be mad at me. Unfortunately, we are only dragons.   So many questions appeared, that it was hard to watch the path. The changeling had it a bit easier, but not entirely - he did not simply feel the emotions, he wanted to feel for others; sympathise. He wanted to help. And what would a good question be at this moment, if not help?   — So, talk is difficult for you, and-   — Yes, and no. - Hersenen understood at half a word - One experience borders with another. Disagreements give us new experience that connects the other two. Remembering is easy, but learning and realising afterwards - a formidable task.   — It.. is strange for me to realise, that we are so similar.   — You are more like us than you might think. We are all similar to each other, because.. - for a moment, the fluffy dragon stopped - No, forget it.   What was so hard to explain and talk about, for someone who wished to share new knowledge and knew a lot himself? The shapeshifter confused for a moment, which emotions belonged to whom, as their power and difference were so alike to each other.. How fascinating, for something to tear down such a might creature from inside, making him hold his tongue!   — If I say it, it will lead to consequences. Maybe, very bad ones. Please understand, I don’t want for something bad to happen. - the ancient beast stopped and laid on the grass - But I see that it won’t stop you. So I offer to take some rest, and I’ll hint at it while we do. Something tells me you already know about it, at least in some parts. But it never is too much.         Dragon’s companions moved closer to him - nobody wanted to refuse hearing a story and a big pillow. And even though Hersenen did look gloomy without glasses and with ticklish questions in mind, he was not even close to what folk say about this species.   — A long time ago, we swore on one thing. Or rather, more correctly, reached an agreement; a pact. Not all, but very many dragons did share the same point of view. - Hersenen tried to prop his glasses, though they were no more - Hm. Our unspoken leader wanted to save the world as it is..   — And then Discord appeared? - clarified the sunny mare - My brother told me about it, but I didn’t understand anything. And I don’t understand it now!   — You have a very good brother, Sunshine. - the blind dragon smiled - And yes, you are right. While we explored and learned about this world - some for themselves, and some for later generations, one of us wanted to leave their mark in history.   — How did it happen? - the bug liven up - Are we connected to it, somehow?   Half-scaly draconid sighed with difficulty and grumbled, while he tried to find the right words and epithets. Very much noticeable, that the talk about a rogue dragon - is a taboo around ancient creatures. Nobody wanted to be like him, but it was not an option - their leader’s idea is impossible to exist in full.   No matter how strong the ancients were, they also needed to take something from the nature. At least, they had to eat and drink something, not to mention other needs. Though their leisure is satisfied by a rather extraordinary method - by observing everything around.   — The gas. We call it Ethereum. It helped create everything that lives, and it helped us develop like we are. Thanks to this blue stuff that comes out of the earth, we all learned how to use our power of thought to interact with the world..   — And we learned how to fly, for example! - the winged pony admired.   — Not exactly. Ponies did achieve some kind of intelligence, and we learned how to use everything that I just spoke about. The thing that you call magic. With the help of this said magic, Discord interfered in a natural course of events - an unforgivable deed for the dragon. At least, by old principles.   — ..In other words, he gave us wings. - guessed the changeling - And not only them.   — More than that. I cannot say what, exactly. You simply will not understand.         Hersenen shook his head in disapproval and laid it down on the grass. The listeners understood the story their own way, and it was not possible to learn how it would end for them. One thing warmed his mind - if left unexplained, friends would try to look for an answer themselves, straying from their path. Another meaning of those words, or an attempt to get it, could lead to something dire.   Yet this way, it makes sense - hooved beings can also use what they have in their heads, to reach their desires or something greater. They, like the scaly creatures, are able to sense this unexplainable aught. And the perception of both species was very similar and it crossed each other a lot, which lets them understand each other. But why?   — So that’s why Opvlie is so angry at everything? - orange pony tilted her head - Because you can’t do something?   — Yes. She expresses her discontent to this pact with force, and I - with words. We want to make this world better, not just leave it as it is.   — I do not understand. What is so bad about that? - thought the whiskered insect - Why is that, chief of yours, does not want to change anything?   — If everyone would do what they wanted, it could lead to a catastrophe. It contradicts with the idea. Both us and you are too young to completely sacrifice our well-being for someone else, or a higher purpose.   Higher purpose? Again? First it was Elytra, and now Hersenen spoke about it. Feels like everyone knows about something, but nobody would explain it to friends! Both hooved creatures not just simply misunderstood the sharp words, but also visibly condemned and resented them:   — What purpose? Tell us! Everyone says about it, but nobody explains! - red-eyed pony puffed her cheeks and crossed her hooves on her chest.   — I meant figuratively, but if you want to hear the answer so badly.. - the dragon thought deeply - Imagine, for example, that.. There is a big city, and every creature inside had an idea of their own. And nobody would give way or even discuss all those ideas!   — That’s silly! They are silly!   — ..The truth is, those silly - are all of us. Long time ago, dragons did give in to each other. There were not many back then, and they barely agreed on this noble thought. And now, everyone thinks too right about themselves. Us, you - too. That can be said about everyone.   — ..I don’t understand. - red-eyed mare moved her head to another side - Why can’t we all just talk? Five of us did understand each other! Why set and jump inside boundaries that nobody likes? All of us can reach well-being, together!         If the pony would know what awaits her - this question would drop on its own. However, she saw only glimpses of this world. Just as the dragon said - she is too young. All the brutes that they had to deal with - a rare occurrence, is it not? “It’s not possible for everyone to be so silly!”.   Even the changeling understood that wisdom, but he decided to stay silent. The nature of other creatures, especially simple ponies, could not be explained and shared with words and stories, no matter how one would try. It needs to be observed. It needs to be experienced.   — That is what I am talking about. Some day, you will understand. - the dragon closed his eyes - And now.. you better go.   — What about you? - both travellers did not understand.   — I.. I need to be alone. I’m sorry.   — Sun? - the changeling awaited orders.   The mare did not want to leave the saddened dragon. “He would not get to his lover in that condition!” - worried the winged horse. And it is not certain how much distance was left until the city borders, albeit the path is mostly crossed. Not able to leave a new friend just like that, the mare tried to hug him by the neck.   — Sunshine, listen to yourself, and listen to Gambit. - the fluffy creature smiled - It is not the first time that this happened. In a few moments, Opvliegend will make herself known, you’ll see. Do two good deeds - do not stop, continue going forward, there. - the dragon pointed where the city stood - ..And leave me to my thoughts. Alright?   — Will you be fine? - the pony cuddled even closer to the scaly creature.   — Yes. Now go. We will meet each other again, be sure of it.   Just as the dragon said, his significant other made herself known. Albeit in an unusual manner - Opvliegend shot an unusually bright arrow very far in the sky. It sounded so loud and shot sparks so bright, it felt like an artist tried to use the sky as canvas. Very beautiful show, and it did not go away by wind!   — Sun, let’s go. That is for the better. I feel it.         Pony barely managed to gather her strength and walk towards Clopburg with her companion. An indeed hard choice, as the blue dragon’s pain is very noticeable. However, as it soon revealed, the city was a few minutes of walk away - the wide road showed itself after another set of bushes, and it led to big stone walls.   Nasty thoughts immediately vanished after the sight of destination. Should the pony walk away from vegetation, as she was stopped by the white changeling. The mare understood him without any words - the likes of him are not welcome there, and the adventurers should resort to their trusty tactic. Nobody would suspect a little horse with white bags, would they?         It did indeed go smoothly. The pony walked the road alone and did not draw attention to herself. Even when the curious one stopped and shamelessly looked at the guards from head to legs. Compared to the warriors from the east, those stallions did not impress at all.   The most ordinary horses with armour on their backs and dulled spears. They stood there seemingly for show, adding more depth to the same stupidly looking walls. Soldiers did not react to the curious being at all. At least, before she tried to step beside them, closer to the gates.   — Halt. - the guard closed the way with his weapon - Passage only to thou who hath transit pass.   — Pass? What pass? - orange pony did not understand anything - What for?   — Merchant came by, someone who goes by A. S.; said that changelings will come here. That changelings won’t have the pass. - the stallion lowered his head, looking over the traveller with despise - Do you have the read?   — ..No? But I am well-read! Does that count?   Even though the big-eared pony’s wording was absurd as nothing else is in the world, the guard seriously thought about it. The second horse, who stood in pairs with the first military stallion, decided to show his wits and moved closer to the little mare, copying the first one’s moves.   — Are you a document?   — No, but I am important!   Now the second horse began his thinking. The adventurers had a feeling, as if those two had one head for both of them - when one of them thought, the second one spoke, and other way around. And to think of it - a city of smart - the guards should also stand out with their minds. And so they did, in the opposite way.   — Does the important pony have a stamp?   — ..No. Only a cutiemark!   — Then no pass it is. Now shush, away with thee.   And how should friends proceed then? Should certainly not fly over - such a city probably has defences against pegasi. And if there is none such thing, then same armoured flyers would certainly continue with the questions. There are two other entrances to the city, but they were far. Not to mention that the guards over there might also be notified. The laziness did not let the horse test those mysteries.         However, not far away from them, matching the lazy thoughts, an ordinary door stood out, not guarded by anyone. Just behind the soldiers and the gates that went slightly forward the walls themselves. And the door led to the tower, but it should lead to the city, too. If only the architect was not similar to those two.   The sun pony pretended to walk away towards the far forest, only to sneak to the door itself. The law enforcers did not even move after their talk - they were indifferent to the traveller’s motives and movements. But the squeaky wood immediately brought the soldiers to the orange troublemaker.   — You make the door noises? - asked the horse with the spear, getting closer to the sound source.   — No! - lied the little one.   — The door. Makes noise.   The guard did not at all get what was going on. Probably because he did not see with his own eyes, how the solar pony touched the door - she managed to let go of the wood just before the half-minded horse came by. But why is he so oblivious? Is he that tired?   — ..Why? - the mare tilted her head to the side.   — The door is old. - the stallion concluded.   — Why?   — ‘Cause there is none other. Nothing here at all.   — But why?   — ‘Cause Celestia is an old whorse!         Very surprising, just as how easily the spear-wielding stallion went back to his post, leaving the shocked horse alone with an open door to the tower. The winged pony wanted to resent out loud, but how could one leave such an opportunity? After all, the friends did go on this adventure for very important information. Which was probably hiding inside the walls of this town.   One could endure the unpleasantries, not the first time friends heard the swearing. Maybe the higher purpose is patience? However, with all respect, the absence of a door on the other side appeared too insulting. There was indeed a hole there, and nothing more than shutters for a new one. Just like that lawbringer said.