=====|]Exposed[|=====
=====|]Chapter 2: Present Day[|=====
Sitting in a high tree, I had the perfect view. The forest stretching outwards is very beautiful. In this position, I could stay for long periods of time, just thinking to myself. Nothing up here could bring me down, and everything below to make me smile.
A movement below caught my eye. I shifted my position to find a wild deer in the underbrush.
One thing you need to recognize in Equestria is the very real fact that there are other sentient races out in the world besides ponies. The problem is that just about any animal with hooves is another sentient life form. There is some good news for a hunter like me, however, in the form of non-sentient wildlife. The wildlife is basically a mirror of the sentient life, though as you might expect they aren’t nearly as smart.
In case you were wondering, I recognized the deer as non-sentient due to its unpreparedness for its current location.
Well, that and the fact that it wasn’t freaking out about being trapped in Everfree.
Not wanting to waste the opportunity, I grabbed my bow, one of the items I never leave home without, and notched an arrow. Pulling back on the bowstring, I sighted my arrow cautiously, making sure to account for anything the shaft might encounter on its journey. Once done, I took a deep breath and held it...
My hands never left their positions until I was sure the arrow was gone. A shrill squeal told me that it had hit the mark. The bushes below began shifting as the deer ran in a futile attempt to save itself. In about three seconds, the sounds all stopped. At this point, I started climbing down from my perch. Once at the lower branches, I ran through the trees towards the location of the last sound I heard. Over the years, I had picked up skill in free running. Eventually, I found the deer lying in a small clearing in the woods. Jumping down from my position, I gave a small bow alongside a clenched fist over my heart as a sign of respect. This is something I did just for kicks to begin with, but now it's just become habit. After doing this, I pulled out a knife and began skinning it. I put the venison in my hunting bag as well as the hide. This in all took about forty-five minutes.
I should mention I brought some of the other innards with me. I wasn't going to eat them, but there were other creatures that might. Some of the monsters in the woods will usually leave you alone after giving them something to eat that isn’t yourself. I carry around bits of meat for that reason. Luckily, I didn't have to use any on the way home.
I reached my camp exited for a good meal that night. I unpacked my items and began removing my gear.
Some items weren’t too important, but others I feel the need to say where I acquired. My bow, for example, is just one of many attempts to create one. Since ponies aren’t exactly hunters, and unicorns have spells to cast for ranged attacks, I had to make one myself. All I had to go off of to begin with was my head, but after a few months of trial and error, I found a shape that works.
Item number two that I feel is important is a blade I have yet to name. I don’t mean a name in the sense of “Excalibur.” What I mean is what to call the weapon. It’s about five feet long, and has a sword blade on one half, and a long pole on the other. I acquired it during a trip to the local blacksmith. Originally, I was only there for coal, but then I saw the weapon on the rack.
That was one of the few times I left a note alongside the usual gift.
The third object was a band of leather that I had across my chest. I used it to carry an arsenal of small knives. I kept a larger dagger on my belt, but these knives were kept on me specifically for throwing. I first picked up knife throwing during my fourth year, and so far I haven’t had too much time to practice or use. I can’t say I’m some kind of master with them, but I can throw accurately.
Now unequipped, I grabbed an iron grill and placed it on two large rocks that sat on opposite edges of my fire pit. This done, I lit some dried moss and began building a fire. Once I had a considerable blaze going I placed some of my freshly caught meat on the grill. While on the grill, I salted one side while the other cooked. After a few minutes, I flipped the meat and began repeating the process.
It was during this time that I heard a noise behind me. Quickly recognizing that whatever was making it wasn't trying to stay silent, I realized who it was.
"Evening, Zecora." I said without turning, "Want something to eat?"
"While an apple may sound delightful, I have already eaten. I am quite full." She responded.
I left and brought out a stool for her. She sat down quietly. Meanwhile I returned to my cooking.
"Is that meat from today's hunt?" Zecora asked, "To find the creature must have been quite a stunt."
"Actually, it didn't take much. I was sitting in a tree when it came into view." I answered, "All I did was took the shot."
"Then some fine shooting you have done today." She commented.
It was when I heard that sentence stop there that my mind started counting down. 'Five, four, three, two...'
"Oh, I nearly forgot. Is this your night away?" Zecora continued.
'There’s the finisher.' I thought somewhat happily. Then I realized she was waiting for an answer.
"Well, I wasn't planning on it. I just made a trip last week. Why do ask?"
She brought out a herbology book from one of here bags and opened it to a specific page. She then pointed a hoof
towards one of the pictures.
"I am in need of a special herb. It’s a common ingredient to make potions superb."
I took the book and looked at the picture closely. Then I noticed the wall of text next to it. Upon further searching of the
page, I discovered that it was the list for potions requiring the specific ingredient.
"I take it this stuff runs out fairly quickly."
A simple nod was all she gave. I closed the book and handed it back.
"Alright, I'll do it. Just tell me how much you need."
===|===|-|===|===
I finished the last of my meal with gusto, thankful for the meat. I put out the fire soon after, making sure that every last ember was gone. Once the wood was cool enough to touch, I sifted through and grabbed the leftover wood that could be used to burn again. I tossed those into my small woodpile under a covering of branches and leaves. After that, I found the larger pieces of charcoal, and put them in a bag for later.
Now finished with my after-meal cleanup, I gathered my equipment and suited up in preparation for the night. I remembered to bring my messenger bag this time, knowing I didn't need too much room for everything. Now fully ready, I grabbed a hooded cloak for the final touch. It wasn't much to look at, just a plain dark brown cloak, but it would at least make sure ponies couldn't see my features.
Now fully prepared, I took the short trek to the edge of the forest. Then all I had to do was wait for the houses' lights to go out. It was already dark, so there weren’t too many on to begin with. Once the last visible light went out, I ran in a direct line towards the closest house. Not yet in town, I gave a quick glance around the corner of the house. There were some ponies here and there in the streets, as well as pegasi flying in circles above. The fact that each pony had a partner told me that they were search parties, most likely looking for me.
I feel such an odd mixture of pride and worry when I see things like this.
Not wanting to be spotted, I dodged in between buildings. Every once and a while, I would have to wait as a patrol walked past. I found moving like this somewhat tedious. Normally, I would have chosen to go over the rooftops, but the pegasi patrols kept that option out of the question.
There were a few patrols I had to distract due to complete dedication to finding me. One such patrol included the only pony to see me so far. I managed to flee that scene quickly. I stuck around later to hear her description of me. It was fairly accurate. My hood kept her from seeing my face at least. The other ponies didn't believe her though. Apparently, she's thought to be crazy because she believes humans exist. Go figure.
In any case, I managed to distract most of the more focused parties after throwing a small rock in any direction away from my current path. There were a few other patrols that were more annoying, however. This was mostly because of lack of movement. They just sat in one place and never moved an inch. Luckily, most weren't too focused and didn't notice me. It was with these patrols that I liked to eavesdrop. I usually stayed up to date through methods like this.
"I wonder if we'll see it tonight." said one voice.
Though I couldn't see, the voice seemed familiar enough. My thoughts, probably Ditzy Do. Makes sense that they would keep her on the ground considering her... condition. Her eyes aren't exactly in alignment, to say the least.
"Probably not. Ya' know it ain't just gonna' walk down the road."
Okay, only three ponies have a southern drawl like that. The fact that it sounds like an older female tells me it's Applejack, the owner of Sweet Apple Acres, the apple farm to the north. Thinking of this reminded me of the need for more apples...
"Ah' still can't believe ah' got roped inta' this. Ah' got a farm to run, an' food to get preparin'."
At this point, my mind starts to wander. 'Food? What does she need to prepare food for?'
"Oh right! You're in charge of the food for the Summer Sun Celebration." Ditzy asked.
'Summer Sun Celebration?' I repeated in my head. Then I remembered. It was the summer solstice. The ponies celebrate the longest day by staying up all night and watching Princess Celestia raise the sun in the morning. Each year, a different town hosts it. Apparently, this year is Ponyville's turn.
Great, just what I need. More ponies to keep away from.
"Well, it ain't jus' that. The Apple Family Reunion is also happenin' at the same time."
Wait a minute...
Apple Family Reunion?
From what I've heard, the Apples have relatives spread all across Equestria. The family is gigantic, and it's almost impossible not to find a town without its local Apple.
I'm having a slight headache just thinking of all the ponies that will be crammed into this town soon.
Not wanting any more bad news, I soon left the area and left to my first location: Carousel Boutique. I was in need of a few cloth materials. I tried to take tougher, more resilient cloth. I normally used them for patches, but they had other uses.
Now in sight of my first stop on my “excursion,” I made note of the lights on upstairs. I listened for any sign that the town’s local seamstress and up-in-coming fashion designer, Rarity, at work. Luckily, I found an even better sign. There was a light tune heard through an open window. Singing, coupled with late-night work meant she was either slammed, or “in the zone”. At a time like this was the perfect time to strike.
Cautiously, I circled the bottom floor, trying to find any opening I could. What I discovered was an unlocked window. I lifted it slowly, and crept inside.
If I could describe the interior in one word, it would have to be posh. On one side, there was a wall with evenly spaced mirrors. A long table affixed to the wall was set underneath with stools under the table, one for each mirror. A few pony shaped mannequins were lined up against the remaining wall. Each mannequin was wearing some piece of clothing. On the other side of the room was a small stage, most likely for ponies to show off any new look. A small saloon style door could be seen to the side, with a dressing room behind it. If I had to guess, the dressing room had some door leading to backstage.
In any case, the room I was in was not the room I was looking for. I made my way as quietly as I could to the back rooms. Eventually, I found the room conveniently titled “Storage.” I opened the door and went for the cloth rolls currently stockpiled. I gave each roll a slight tug before making my selection and rummaging through my “gift bag” as I started calling it.
Knowing that this designer liked her gems, I found the biggest one I had and laid it where the roll of cloth used to.
Now done with my heist, I begin to make my way back to the open window. Then hoofsteps from upstairs cause me to freeze. Luckily, those steps stayed upstairs, though they came close to the stairwell. Not willing to take any more chances, I made a silent dash for the window.
Now outside, I began making my way across town to my second destination: the sweets shop and bakery known as Sugarcube Corner. I needed salt for my meats. This part would be slightly more challenging due to two factors. One being it was located near the center of town. The searches were more coordinated there. The second factor is the pony named Pinkie Pie lives in the building. This was a problem because of the pink pony’s pure spontaneity. That and she appears to have the ability to ignore all known laws of physics. I once saw her pop up around one house corner, and then move to the other house corner… on the opposite side of the road. There are other examples of this, but I think I made my point.
In any case, she seemed to be asleep when I found a way inside. Her snoring was loud enough to be heard from outside the building. I moved to the cupboards and looked through the shelves to find the object I needed. I grabbed a container and left an ornate carving of a wolf in its place. I left the premises shortly afterwards.
Now out of the bakery, I sneaked across town to the next stop on my escapades. The local spa. They would most likely have the herb I was looking for. After all, I promised Zecora I would get her the herb she wanted. Besides, that was pretty much the only reason why I decided to make a trip in the first place.
Upon finding the spa, I managed to climb the side of the building into a steam vent. They had a massive hot tub inside, which made plenty of steam. I eventually crawled through into the building. Once inside, I walked to the back to find the herb. Luckily, they had everything organized with a name and picture right next to the many small bags containing many different herbs.
I took the one I needed and left a small gem in its place.
I managed to open a door from the inside to make my way out. I then moved swiftly through the buildings to my final destination. I wasn’t planning on heading to Sweet Apple Acres beforehand, but the conversation from earlier reminded me about my apple shortage.
The farm wasn't too far outside of Ponyville, so getting there wasn't a problem. The strange thing was that search parties never showed up around the farm. Whatever the reason was, it made my job all the more easier.
Now at the farm, I found a suitable tree and began climbing. Once level with the fruit, I began picking apples one by one. I finished my apple picking after eight, and left a parting gift in the bough of the tree where it would stay until a strong shake to the tree.
My list now fully checked, I hit the ground rolling and started running for the farm edge. As soon as I was outside the farm boundaries, I began arcing my run to make a longer path around town. After I was sure I was out of sight, I immediately picked up my pace and booked it back to the forest whence I came.
Once in the thick of the trees, I slowed my run to a brisk walk. I didn't want to run the whole way, but there were still creatures out at night. Eventually, I made it to my camp. By now it was about 11:30pm, so I was ready to unpack and sleep.
I removed my baggage and placed everything in my stores. I then unceremoniously dumped all my extra gear on the side of my makeshift bed. Now completely ready for a good night’s sleep, I fell into bed, literally. Before sleep could take me, I started thinking about what the immediate future would hold. I had a strange feeling that the Summer Sun Celebration would definitely bring something different in the long run, though I didn't know what. There wasn't much time to dwell on the subject however, as I found rest soon after.