I awakened to the cracking of branches not far off from the tree I was sleeping in. I was alert, as anypony who's clever (or foolish) enough to survive in the Everfree forest should be, especially after dusk.
There was a voice, possibly female, that I could hear in the same direction, and they were making a lot of noise. They also appeared to be carrying a flashlight, as its light managed to briefly cut through the thick undergrowth and ruin my night vision. Whoever (or whatever) it was, they didn't know how stupid it was to carry a light around out here, no matter how dark it was. It basically makes them a big target for any creature out hunting at this hour. I pondered letting the poor fool get eaten, then thought it would better off if I at least tried to help them, rather than have their last screams be etched into my mind later.
As I climbed down the tree with my bag on my back, I heard a yelp, and the figure started running. I could tell by the light bouncing frantically around, and the sound of hoof beats thudding quickly across the brushy ground. They must have seen something to have gotten so spooked. If I was going to help, I’d better hurry.
I had almost caught up to the light when it flew up into the air, then fell to the ground a few feet away from me. The figure that had been carrying the light was partially obscured by shadows, so I could only catch a glimpse of a light purplish and pink mane, and a white hoof, which was sticking out at a slightly odd angle. The pony, as I was relieved for it to be, was whimpering and staring at the area in which her light was now pointing, not seeming to notice me. I have heard tales about some of the creatures that dwell this forest, and the last thing you want to do is to look them in the face, as they could either perceive it as a threat, or would turn you to stone if it makes eye contact.
I hope I’m not correct on these assumptions, and better do something quick before any of my theories came true. So I closed my eyes and jumped in from of the mare, extending my wings to make myself look bigger and obscure the pony's view. With any luck, I took the creature by surprise.
I turned and picked up the pony, becoming slightly surprised myself as to how small she was. It was a filly. She didn't respond, which told me she was unconscious, perhaps in shock. This made things easier, as I was able to put her on my back and, balancing her with my wings, then ran as fast as I could away from the creature. I didn't hear anything behind me as I ran. It must have thought a bigger pony would be more difficult to handle. I easily dove between the trees, careful of my delicate package, and used the glimpses of the stars through the thick branches to tell me the direction to go. If there is a filly out on her own out here, there had to be a village not too far off. I knew if there was a filly out here, then there must be others nearby.
-S-
As I broke through the final wall of trees, I spotted dim lights not too far ahead. I also saw a small tent in the darkness. I decided to head there first to ask for help.
"Hello? Is anybody in there?" I asked loudly, shaking the tent a little.
"Um, nobodies here. Go away, please." I heard from the tent. Then there was a small thud.
“OW! What’d I do?”
I took it there was more then one pony in the tent.
"I have a small foal here that’s been injured in the forest; can you tell me where the nearest hospital is?" I tried again.
"Sweetie Belle?!!" I heard two small female voices in unison from the tent. Then the door unzipped and two heads popped out.
I sighed. "I'll take that as a yes. Now, do you know where the nearest hospital is? Her leg is pretty badly hurt."
One of the fillies gave me directions, and asked if she should come along to show me. I told them they needed to stick together, break camp, and head home, as the forest had gotten too restless tonight. Then I headed towards the hospital. What I had said to the fillies was mostly the truth, as whatever had attacked the now unconscious filly could still be nearby, and I didn't want anypony else to get hurt.
I reached the hospital and checked the filly in, giving the nurse my name and info about me so they could contact me again in the morning for more information. She said I may need to speak with the filly's older sister, who was the filly's legal guardian. I was very tired and sore after all I’d been through, so I asked for the location of the nearest hotel, so I could speak to the intended mare in the morning, and so that I could check on the filly. I rented a room and fell asleep almost instantly as my head hit the pillow. It had been a long night. And who was I to know that this little adventure was only the beginning.