Nohbodi and I readied ourselves to travel to the wastelands. It would be a long journey, and while we had a significant idea of what we would contact during part of our journey, what we would find after crossing the borders of the wastelands was completely unknown. It lay beyond the Undiscovered West, a forested land that was on the western edge of Equestria, and poorly understood. From what little Intricate Compass saw before rushing back, it was similar to the Badlands. After this forest it slowly became less dense, until life was replaced with rock and sand. Perhaps the Undiscovered West is a portion of our former homeland. Due to the ever-changing landscape of this world, slow as it may be, the memories blur after a certain point. It has been so long that the hive no longer records it, beyond a notation that it is our former homeland. Uncounted years ago, changelings spread across the whole of Equestria. Some phenomenon or entity caused it to be unfit for the Changeling Empire, and a mass exodus of some sort was required. Even if re-habitation proves impossible, this knowledge will be valued.
The train was capable of taking us past the White Tail Woods, but there was no station to disembark. Still, it would be faster and safer to take this locomotive past our goal to Las Pegasus, and back-track to the Undiscovered West. From that point onward, most of what we encountered would be a new experience to us. We took as few chances as possible with our provisions. We must travel lightly, as there will be no caravan or guide for us. Nohbodi informed me that while humans are immune to magic, they are not so protected from nature. It would be theoretically simply for him to be poisoned by a plant that humans react to in a negative manner, or to fall to the strikes or venom of more physically powerful creatures. During this discussion he stopped packing to rush up and hug me, followed with a passionate kiss. It was quite pleasurable.
“Not that I have issue with it, but what brought such an action?”
“Saving me from that hydra.” That had been nearly ten years ago. I wrapped my arms around him and returned the kiss.
Once we finished “And what was that for?” he asked with a smile.
“For introducing me to love. For loving who I am.” We held each other for several minutes.
We grudgingly ended our entanglement and resumed packing. We had scant space for our provisions. A back-pack for Nohbodi, and a split one for myself. It was of custom make by the pony Rarity, one of the elements of harmony and a seamstress of unparalleled skill. It was weighted to convert to saddle-bags should I need to transform at any point while wearing it. I spend most of my time in human guise now. Nohbodi still loves me, knowing that I am a changeling. However, he has been honest that he is not physically attracted to equine forms.
“Don't know what's out there. We should pack some clothes. Something tough.” While Nohbodi kept himself dressed the vast majority of time, I was commonly nude within the house. Human anatomy requires covering in public, due to consistent display of said anatomy. He never voiced disapproval in my decision. Going outside with genitalia on display in public areas is considered a crime in Equestria and the Crystal Empire, as well as several others where the local inhabitants can suppress viewing of the same. We would require clothing that was protective as well as covering, due to the possibility of dangers such as dense thorn growths or similar. We packed what else we would require, and sojourned to the shop of Rarity, a boutique, for the clothing. A relatively significant amount of bits would cover supplies needed immediately, within Equestrian borders. Various dried and salted food-stuffs for Nohbodi, who required sustenance of the mundane variety, should the land be truly barren, or hunting efforts fail. Mostly dried, as salt is regulated as a minor drug within Equestrian borders. Nohbodi once was nearly arrested for not knowing this, and attempting to market 'beer-salt' as an additive to his creations. Herbs with healing properties from the zebra Zecora, who had previously housed and employed us in dire circumstances. Some shops had started carrying stock of the same since that time, but we are certain to specifically acquire our stock from her. As per the request of Zecora, we only inform those who ask us, as she sees no issue with the competition, and prefers a degree of privacy. Bandages, rope, two folding-knives, and other tools took up the remaining space not delegated for our clothing.
We traveled the short distance to the place of business of Rarity. We entered without issue or her fawning over my effective station. For several years she would do so, being enamored with the highest tiers of society, and seeking to emulate them. She was granted an honorary title by princess Celestia five years ago. Perhaps she views us as being on near-equal ground now. Regardless, she turned at the sound of the door-bell fastened on the frame at our entrance.
“Welcome to Rarity's boutique, where everything's chic, unique, and- Oh, hello queen Aranea and king Nohbodi! What can I do for you today?”
“No requirement for such titles here, duchess Rarity.” I countered with a smile.
“What she said.” smirked Nohbodi. “And it's technically prince-consort anyway. I'm the one that married into royalty. Never did bother to figure out how that works.”
“Oh, but you simply must learn some time! Why, when I-” Nohbodi held up a hand to silence her while interrupting.
“I know, I know. Listen, we're not here for that, and it's really important. But I do apologize in advance for what we're about to do.” Nohbodi rarely cared to use his title, at least outside of the infuriating effect on Canterlot nobles. At first he was so excited at the prospect after our wedding. Time has changed him in some manners. Perhaps a title was worth considerably more on Earth. Rarity stopped her impending lecture on Equestrian nobility with curiosity.
“What do you mean?”
“We're gonna need some clothes.” Her features lit up with excitement.
“Why, of course! What would you like?”
“Something tough. We're talking strictly function over form here.” She displayed disappointment.
“I... understand. What, may I ask, are these for?” She retrieved a collection of thicker fabrics from the back via her magic with annoyance.
“We are venturing past the Unknown West, to the original home of the changelings.”
Rarity looked back at us while her magic held the dense materials. “Are you leaving Ponyville?”
“Not as you may think, though it is a potential option. Recent information demands research on the matter. Research that can only be accomplished by personal visitation.”
“Oh, you should bring Twilight. You know how she's always looking for new subjects to study. Why, that table hardly ever calls us to solve a friendship problem anymore. She's been bored, you know.”
Nohbodi turned to me “What do yo think?”
I faced him “A distinct possibility. I am unsure of what we will find, but help may be welcome. We will discuss this with her shortly.”
“Pardon me, I'm afraid I've still got your requests for clothing to fill. We can talk specifics of that while I'm working on them, of course. What are you looking for?”
“Basic stuff. Has to be tough, but something we can move in. This' for protection, not fashion.”
“I see.” Rarity did not generally enjoy such mundane work. Having been featured in Canterlot, Manehatten, Fillydelphia, and Las Pegasus for her work indicates that she has not done such function-oriented jobs in a considerable length of time. “Very well. Since it's for royalty, I'll get right to work on it.” Our measurements have not changed within several visits, and she kept them on file at this point.
“We'll be back to pick them up and pay. Guess we're off to see Twilight.”
I did not know if princess Twilight Sparkle would join us in our venture. If she chose to do so, her magical abilities and status would be a considerable boon. The only thing that was a certainty was that the path had a high likelihood of danger.
We would likely require all of the aid we could procure.