You leave the cottage at once; traveling through the Everfree Forest is dangerous business, and you feel sure that it would be unwise to come to a Bhrùnaidh-mòd late. However, there is one thing that must be done first: you haven’t eaten since breakfast, and you need to get some food in your stomach before going on a long hike. You stop by a small deli to grab a sandwich and drink before you head out.

A few minutes later, you sit down at a table with your food. You try to pace yourself (no sense eating too fast and getting stomach cramps later, after all), but you can’t help hurrying. Every few bites, you nervously glance at the sun, as if to reassure yourself that it isn’t evening already.

As you polish off your sandwich, you hear a voice behind you. “Carrot Top? What are you doing here?”

You cringe as Twilight Sparkle sits down next to you, her sandwich in tow. Looking at the remains of your meal, she smiles and says, “I guess that’s a silly question, isn’t it? I usually skip meals when I’m busy like today, but Spike sent me a message a few minutes ago to remind me to get some lunch. Isn’t that sweet of him? He doesn’t even know about the...” Twilight looks around and lowers her voice, not wanting to panic the diners, “He doesn’t know about Applebloom, I mean. But I guess I’m just that predictable, huh?” You nod absently, and are about to leave when Twilight puts her hoof on yours. “Is something bothering you, Carrot Top? You look really distracted. You know you can tell me if something’s on your mind, right?”

You hesitate. You know you aren’t supposed to talk about the Bhrùnaidh-mòd, but you also know you’d feel a lot better if you had somepony to confide in. Or at least, if somepony knew where you were. Besides, Twilight seems like as trustworthy a pony as any; you truly doubt she’d spill your secret.

1. If you tell Twilight about the Bhrùnaidh-mòd, go to page 46

2. If you make up an excuse for your behaviour, go to page 47