Void walked around aimlessly, no real place in mind. She was still unfamiliar with the town, so it wasn't like she could look for something in specific. Eventually, her hooves began to ache. Even the hard packed dirt of the forest trail was still quite a bit softer then the hard stone street of Kells Keep. So, she looked for a place to sit and just think for a minute. Before, she would have been disgusted to just sit and do this, but she found herself doing it more and more.
She settled for a small alley, in between a small store that advertised something called Crystal, and what she guessed was an apartment building. It was small, with most of the space being taken up by a pair of large dumpsters. However, she to the time of day, the overhangs covered the alley in a cool shade, and it was all she could think of. So, she walked into it. Next to the dumpster on the Store side an old crate, which she turned over and used as a chair. So, leaning back to you eat her sore back, she began her contemplation.
What was she to do? She had two options: go back to find Skystride later, or don't. She started to weigh each option. On one hoof, she was hungry, and had nothing other then her sword. She could get something out of him. More food, a blanket, some money, maybe even a place to sleep. Plus, since he was offering it to him, she wouldn't have to steal it, so that was obvious.
But on the other hoof, it could be a trap. He was a little too nice. She hadn't encountered anyone like that down here, and she had a feeling about why. It tied back to something she had heard Rarity say: 'Mares don't like Nice Stallions'. This was relevant here, as it seemed to be 'Anyone in the Southlands don't like Nice creatures'. Considering how harsh this place was, she doubted he could've lived this long. So, she was suspicious.
What if it was a trap? He could be on the payroll of a Raider, or a slaver. Since this was such a barbaric place, she figured Slavery was a thing. So, he and a few others could try and Ponynap her. She then realized that she wasn't a helpless little filly. She had a weapon, even if it wasn't a big one or anything. Plus, she was cautious, which could be as helpful as a suit of armor. So, she had little to worry about. She would be fine if it was a trap.
And that was even if it was a trap. Skystride may have made her suspicious, but she maybe was just paranoid. It wasn't like all of the creatures down here were bloodthirsty murders and psychopaths. There had to be even a tiny diamond in the rough. In addition, the present offered advantages outweighed potential threats, which may just be her paranoid ramblings. So, she decided that she would go to this meeting later. She allowed herself a small smile.
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It was a few hours until sundown arrived. The fading sun, which she had gotten a good look at yesterday, now poked threw the taller buildings, casting long shadows over the streets. Void stood from her spot in the alley and began to walk back towards the market. She was walking into the sun, so she kept her head down to avoid it's harmful rays.
She turned down one of the streets, and suddenly realized that she had no idea where she was. She was new to town and as such, she supposed this was to be expected. She looked once more out towards the sun, casting her gaze lower at the wall. As she remembered the market was by the gate, she knew she had to just follow the wall. As such, she made her way down the street to the walls base.
She reached the wall, and turned left, marching down the road. As she did, she thought of how the hippogriff would help her. Food was top on her list of ideas. It made sense, and she figured he would give some of that at least. Maybe a blanket or some money to buy one. What she desired most, yet knew her odds were slim of getting it, was shelter. A safe room, a warm fire, and a comfortable bed. She got even One of these items, and she would be a happy mare.
Finally, she reached the market. Most of the stands were deserted; their wares gone and owners with them. Without them, and all of the down shopping or just milling about, it made the place seem empty. Amber and golden light danced through the shadows of the stands, buildings, and the battlements further back, turning the cobblestone streets into a vast mural. However, she caught no sign of Skystride.
Further investigation confirmed her hypothesis: the dull, that colored Hippogriff was no where to be seen. She was in fact, very few other creatures. One of the strange creatures was finishing packing up his stall, and a pair of griffins dressed in guard uniforms were patrolling near the edge of the market, by the wall.
Thinking that he might just be a little late (Sunset was a rather vague time-frame), she walked over to where she believed his stall was. It was all folded up, the cloth being stored under the table and the supports for them leaning against the wall. She stood by the stall, waiting for him to appear.
After about an hour, she lost hope of his appearance. He didn't seem like the type to forget or something like that, but she was never a good judge of character. So, maybe it was just a....Actually, why? What would be have to gain? It wasn't like she had any valuables in her, or in fact at all! Maybe she should just fine a place in a alley to get some sleep.
She began to walk away from the stall, heading toward the inn. Maybe she could find some more food in the dumpster. She hated she had to lower herself to that, but she had little choice in the matter. She doubted she could get anything from begging, and she had no money. Her hunger was staved off by the bread earlier, and had come back with a vengeance.
Then, her ears flicked up. Footsteps. A set of class and hooves. Behind her, getting closer. Fast. She heard all of this, which was strange, as she didn't exactly have the best hearing. Maybe it was just the silence. At least that's what she told herself.
She turned around, and was greeted with the sight of Skystride. He had a large bag over his back, and was running as fast as he could. He stopped in front of her, gasping for air. He held up a claw, signalling for her to wait for him to catch his breath. Once he stopped wheezing, he straightened up, and looked her square in the eye.
She said simply, "Your late."
He sighed. "Yes, yes, I know." He said. "But I have a business to run, and I just can't leave it. Plus, I met up with a friend to get some of this stuff for you. Least you could do is be grateful!"
"Sorry." She replied.
He said,"Oh, it's alright. I would be cranky too, it I was as starved as you were. Anyway, inside you'll find some food, a blanket/Cloak, a canteen, a small sharpener stone, a filter, a first-aid kit, and a bit of twine." As He finished, he handed the bag to her. It was heavy, but not unmanageable. "Oh, and I believe this is yours too."
He handed her a small wad of stormbucks. They looked no different then others she had seen. Yet, the hippogriff said, "Those were found on a city thief. Little Human c***."
Void figured that he was referring to the human who had 'flipped her off', as He said. She thought it was him, but now it was confirmed. "Where is he?"
"Dead in a ditch. Tried to flee town." He answered. "Also, one more thing. Don't stay long. We don't have much work, even for such a big town. Plus, some of the locals don't take well to outsiders. Stay in the inn for a few days, then leave. Anyway, best of luck to ya!"
Void stood their for a while longer. He had given her all this. It wasn't much, but she was on the verge of tears by it. She hadn't met a more generous creature since rarity. No, no, no! Rarity wasn't generous. She was just another backstabbing traitor, and she can rot in Tartarus for all I care! Same with the rest of 'um! She sighed, thinking of her next move.
Well, if she now has money, why not get a room at the inn? After all, a warm meal and a proper her seemed nice to her. So, she shouldered her new pack, and marched down the street.