Buttercup and Honey Suckle were aghast. “The Mountains!” they exclaimed in unison, before they remembered they were in a library. Buttercup was the first of the two to regain her bearing. “You can’t be serious!” She had lowered her volume, but still came across as hysterical. “Nopony goes over the Hadrian Mountains. Who knows what over there!”
Starry was unfazed. “That’s the problem. I need to know what’s over those mountains. If I go there, there may be other ponies like me who can give me answers. It’s the only chance I have, right now.” Buttercup and Honey exchanged glances of concern at one another. “I appreciate everything you both have done to help me, and I don’t expect you to come with me, so once again, thank you.”
“Hold it right there!” Honey exclaimed. “Did you just think that after all we’ve been through together, I’d just let you waltz outta here on your own?” Starry stared at her in amazement. This was not the reaction she was expecting. “You have no idea where you’re going or what you’re gonna need. Since you’re a friend in need, I’ll be your friend indeed.”
Buttercup landed alongside her cousin. “I’m coming, too. I haven’t known you that long, but I take care of animals and ponies alike. I want to do everything I can to find you you’re home.”
Starry was touched. She couldn’t remember having any friends, but now she knew she would never forget it. She actually began to tear up. She wiped her eyes before speaking again. “Thank you, girls. Thank you very much.”
“Well now, we can’t be sittin’ ‘round here forever. Let’s hop to, hop sing!” Honey exclaimed, only to be met by loud ‘SHHH!” from a passing librarian. Honey blushed, and lowered her volume. “Back to your store, cousin?”
Back at the pet store, the three were hard at work preparing for the long journey that lay ahead of them. Honey Suckle was hard at work making their food, while Buttercup charted their route. Starry had made a list of the supplies they would need; blankets, canteens, tents, and all of Honey’s food had to fit snugly in their packs.
“OK girls, here’s our plan.” Buttercup gestured them both to come over to her table. “For the first leg of our trip, we’ll be heading northeast along the coast, towards San Franciscolt. It’s a long hike, so we’ll camp part way along the trail. We’ll pass through the city, and head to Manechester, the last town before the mountains. We’ll get whatever we need there before we...” Buttercup gave out an audible gulp. “...cross over.”
Starry could see she was still distressed. “Don’t worry. As long as we stick together, we’ll get through this just fine.” Starry wasn’t entirely sure what she said was true, but it did help Buttercup’s nerves.
“The path from here to San Franciscolt isn’t very well travelled.” Honey interjected. “We’re gonna need a guide to get through safe.”
“I’ve thought of that.” Buttercup explain. “Which is why I’ve already arranged for a guide to get us from here all the way to Manechester. We’ll be meeting her around 5 this afternoon, and depart immediately.”
It seemed like a sound plan. The three mares nodded in agreement, and proceeded to pack their saddle bags. Buttercup headed for the door to the shop. “I’ve already packed. I need to go make sure the animals are taken care of.”
After she left, Starry noticed that Honey was packing a picture into her saddle bag. It looked to be her homestead, with her and a stallion standing in front. They both had smiles from ear to ear, like whatever was happening couldn’t get any better. “Are you all packed, Honey?”
Honey fumbled the picture into her bag, and quickly turned to face Starry. She was obviously trying to hide the fact she was startled. “Yes, yes deary, of course. Got everything I need. I’m good for the whole trip.”
Starry was concerned now. Whoever that stallion was might explain some of the strange behavior she’d seen. Starry would hide her concern, for the time being.
The three made their way to the edge of Maresailles. Starry continued to be hypnotized by the myriad of sights and sounds the city had to offer. Honey answered any questions she had, because Buttercup was too busy worrying about her animals.
As they approached the city limits, Starry noticed a somepony leaning against a building. She had very plain features; rather appropriate for a rough and tumble trail guide. Her jet black mane was mostly hidden beneath her pith helmet, and her khaki rucksack contrasted against her orange coat. She noticed the three ponies’ shadows, and lifted her head to reveal piercing blue eyes. “Butters! Good to see you again, girl!” The pony immediately dashed and gave what must have been a very powerful bear hug. Buttercup’s eyes looked like they were about to pop. She was released just in time to take a breath. Butter cup took a second to catch her breath.
“Hello, Rosie. It has been a long time, hasn’t it?” Her voice seemed to be the opposite of the guide. “You know my cousin, Honey Suckle. That over there is Starry Night. She’s the one we’re making this trip for.”
The guide pony walked up to Starry, before Starry could react, her hand was being shaken violently. “How’s it goin’? I’m Compass Rose, the greatest navigator in all of Equestria, here to deliver you safely to your destination.” This certainly was a humble pony. “I have to ask though; why exactly are you going all the way to Manechester? There isn’t really that much out there besides trees and rocks.”
Starry wasn’t sure exactly what to say. How would she react if she told her she was going over the mountains? “It’s just some personal buisness. I’d rather not say.”
Compass Rose was a bit perplexed by the response, but shrugged it off.
“Okay then. Whatever you’re doing out there, you won’t be late to it. You can count on that.” It was a relief to know something in her world was sure. Rose threw on her rucksack, and pointed in the direction to go. “C’mon girls! Let’s hit the road!”