Before, the tall trees and rolling hills had made for a very pleasant landscape, but after hour upon hour of that same scenery, it began to become monotonous. Occasionally a different bird would sing it’s song, and the woodland creatures scurried about, but that too began to become repetitive.
Thankfully, Honey Suckle had no shortage of subjects to talk about. Starry had decided to pick her brain, and learn all that she could about the world around her, and maybe even herself. Honey, despite appearing to be a country bumpkin, was quite knowledgeable of the wider world. She talked about the big cites, such as Trottingham, Manechester, and Vanhoover. There was even a Pegasus city in the sky, Cloudsdale.
When she got to it, Honey could not stop talking about Canterlot. She talked for what seemed like an eternity about the opportunities that awaited anypony who wanted to get a fresh start. Honey spoke of taking her floral business there, but only as a dream. She seemed to think it would never happen.
Soon though, it was getting to be sundown, and both ponies were tired from the long day’s hike. “Just a little further, dear. I can see a cave we can sleep in for the night.”
Those words encouraged Starry forward, but then her heart sank when she saw where it was. The cave was on the other side of a river, and the only crossing they could see had definitely seen better days.
Starry was visually unsettled by the rickety rope bridge. “Are you sure we can get across?”
“We’re gonna have to. That cave is the only safe place to stay for miles.” Honey was equally troubled by the condition of the bridge, but was trying her best to make Starry feel better about it. “We’ll go one at a time. I’ll go first, one hoof in front of the other.”
Honey set off, gingerly setting each hoof down, each step eliciting a creak from the plank she stepped on. With each successful step, Starry grew more confident that the kindly earth pony would make it safely.
Not far from the other side, Honey suddenly fell through one of the planks. The jolt caused the ropes suspending the bridge to snap, sending both it and Honey swinging back towards the side of the cliff.
Starry didn’t even think. She immediately dropped her saddlebags, spread her wings, and started a steep dive to catch Honey before she could hit the cliff face. She flew closer and closer, till she was finally able to get a hold of Honey. “I got you! Don’t let…” Just then, a sharp pain radiated from her wing, which wasn’t over the old wound. Slower, they both swung helplessly on the bridge.
“I’m sorry! I tried to catched you, but my wing just gave out!” Starry was hysterical, but she could see through her watery eyes that Honey gave her a familiar, comforting smile, like none of this had ever even happened. She spoke in a calm voice, “Don’t fret over it now, sugar cube. You did everything you could.”
Just then Starry had an idea. “Not everything.” She closed her eyes, and focused on the ropes holding them. Her horn began to glow, and a magical aura began to surround the ropes. They pulled taught, and the two began to slowly rise to the top of the cliff. It seemed as if they would be okay.
Not long after she started the spell, Starry got another headache. She began seeing herself running again, but this time from what appeared to be a massive castle, everything drowned out by the sounds of alarms and the deep, commanding voices of stallions shouting orders at each other. The sounds grew quieter the farther she ran, and eventually, everything faded to black.
Starry was aroused by the bobbing she felt. She could tell her entire body moving up and down in a steady rhythm. It was enough to jolt her awake, and she frantically began looking around, even though her vision was still a blur.
“Good morning sleepy head! I feel like a nurse looking after you like this.” Honey Suckles voice came from behind, and actually made Starry focus her eyes.
“Honey, you’re okay! I’m okay! How, the bridge, I...” Honey began to tap her gently on the shoulder.
“Don’t you fret. That’s behind us now. This kind gentleman saved us just as you passed out.” Honey gestured behind her, to the head of a large, purple sea dragon.
“Good Afternoon, Ladies.” As he spoke, he stroked his obviously pampered mustache. “I hope your felling better, Miss Night. You must’ve really pushed yourself to faint like that.” Starry didn’t mention her flashback.
Honey continued her introduction. “This is Mo. He just happened to be passing by, and saved our lives. What a Gentleman.”
Mo was visible blushing. “Oh stop it. I just did what any good samaritan would have done.”
Starry returned a smile to Mo. “Thank you.”
Suddenly, Mo lifted his head high above the ponies, and pointed over to his left. “There it is girls. The great city of Maresailles.”
Starry suddenly regained her energy. Now she may finally get to know who she really is.