(Windbreak Valley along the Griffica/Equestrian border, township of Windbreak, Drunken Rodent Inn, nine hundred ninety third Celestial year, twenty first day of Spring)

Her eyes opened slightly, the lavender orbs watching the rays of sunlight flitting through the nearby window in visible shafts. Slowly, she turned her head and focused downwards upon a small bundle nestled against her belly. The silvery cloaked bundle rose and fell as the creature within softly breathed in and out, still deep within the grips of slumber. Gingerly, the lavender mare lifted herself out of the sheets and warm comfort, taking care to not disrupt the small bundle in the least.

‘Oh how precious.’ the filly thought, as she trotted quietly across the room towards one of the inside portals leading to a small room tiled with compressed wood varnished to a bright shine. On one end sat a solid, wooden tub with a condensed grey cloud above it. On the other side was a smaller tub with a single hole in the middle, and a bucket next to it. Smiling to herself, the lavender filly headed over to the larger tub and entered, standing below the cloud. She examined the controls, faintly remembering instructions from her past as she grasped the white colored knob in her magic and pushed it in slightly. She was almost instantly rewarded with a soft warm sprinkle from above as the cloud dripped its shining tears upon her mane and coat silently; only the soft pitter-patter of the drops hitting the tub floor could be heard. Contented, the lavender filly reached inside and pulled forth magenta energy from her core, lighting her horn and then began to systematically flash, vaporizing the dust and grime of her travels off and letting them wash down the drain.

Her fur refreshed and clean, the lavender filly softly pulled the white knob back with her magic, careful not to break it from the delicate device. The water trickled out of the cloud until eventually the last few drops fell onto the bridge of the filly’s nose. Feeling refreshed, the filly padded quietly out of the washroom and started towards the bed, as she used her magic to flash steam the rest of the water into vapor off of her, straightening her mane and tail at the same time. She looked towards the bed only to notice the precious, covered lump wasn’t there any more.

‘Fang? FANG?’ The filly screamed mentally, as she rushed over to the bed. She then turned towards her saddle bags, only to find them suspiciously open.

Trotting over to the brown packs stained many colors by the vastly varied forest matter she came across during her travels, she immediately noticed what was missing. Sighing to herself, the filly turned and noticed a faint trail of blue mist leading to the room’s only closet, this time dipping her head as she sighed she trotted towards the closet as quiet as she could, reaching the door she gently grasped the tip of the handle then yanked the wooden obstruction out of the way letting all the light surrounding to burn away the darkness and bring out the color of the being within, its mottled green scales reaching across a face, clawed feet, a torso, and a set of leathery wings.

‘Gahh,’ the creature responded while falling over and squawking in protest to the sudden invasion of light. Giggling softly the lavender filly eased the small creature up, while a sheet from the bed without any warning or coercion lifted and floated over to the two beings in the room gently landing on the back of the scaled creature. sheepishly the small scaled creature lowered it’s wings letting the chromatic sheet cover him a little easier. looking at the shards of crystal behind it the creature turned back and noticed the lavender filly’s disappointed frown. ‘I’m sorry, Mom. I was hungry when I woke up and you were nowhere to be seen. So, I checked the last place that I knew the food was. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong.’

Small droplets of moisture began to form on the scaled beings face, however before they could start falling a lavender hoof began brushing them away while another lifted the scaled creature’s eyes to meet the lavender filly’s.

‘Now, Fang, I may be disappointed that you ate the crystals without asking first... Buuut I can’t really fault you for being hungry. Anyway I’m just thankful that you’re okay.’ The filly felt the muscles in her shoulders relax slightly the tension melting away calmly. ‘Next time ask first,’ demanded the lavender filly sternly. ‘Agreed?’ she let out softly her tones relaxing into tranquil peace.

Fang nodded swiftly as he resettled down on the bed trying to coax the sheet off, only succeeding in freeing his wings from it’s comforting folds.

‘Agreed, Twilight, I don’t think I’ll be sneaking anything past you again if I can help it.’ The Drake answered sincerely, his eyes beating softly, maintaining a fixed gaze with Twilight’s...

Only to have the moment disrupted by a deep rumbling growl. Twilight felt blood rushing to her cheeks, having immediately figured out where the rumbling sound came from.

“I guess... I’m hungry as well. Fang, do you need anything else?” Twilight asked concernedly.

‘Not right now but later I might wish to snack on some more of your magicite crystals.’ The small Drake answered as he fluttered over and onto her back after she finished strapping on her saddlebags and placed the remaining magicite within.

Twilight nodded. “Alright, Fang, we’re leaving town today, but first, I’ll have to dine with our hosts and thank them for the night.”

Lifting his head through the cloak, Fang settled on her back, disguising and hiding what was underneath.

‘Alright, Mother, just be careful, I’ll try and get some more sleep so when we finally get out of this stuffy town, I can actually practice with these!’ The young Drake chittered in glee as he pulled both his wings from underneath the sheet before settling back down, letting the fabric’s smooth texture enfold him once more in its shadow, as it formed into a cloak.

Twilight smiled benevolently upon the Drake as he settled down and began to gain a slow rhythm and slept. Nodding once, she turned to face the exit to their room and passed through the wooden portal. Her hooves guided her as she navigated down the simple corridor to the stairs leading down to the main tavern below. Leaving the staircase, she took a cursory glance around the room.

Off to the right were several patrons with medium sized saddlebags on their backs, too engrossed in their conversation with each other to notice the filly entering the room. Near the left corner was a stallion sitting alone with a white sun emblazoned cloak covering his features, and a steaming drink before him on the table watching the room. Briefly, Twilight caught and held his gaze and held it until he looked away. She felt more than heard the small giggle that rose from her chest. Towards the main door of the establishment were a pair of mares arguing softly over a minor matter that they perceived as important, on the right side of the establishment twi saw the orange bartender she met the day before sitting behind the counter washing a glass and waiting for the next patron to call or walk up for refreshments. On the table next to the counter was a grey unicorn mare, snoring softly, her cheeks still a little flushed from the night before with a small blanket wrapped around her shoulders to keep the cold at bay.

The cursory inspection of her surroundings complete, Twilight set off immediately towards the counter, smiling at the bartender as she arrived.

“Hello, are you willing to part with some food while I’m here?” is what she meant to say. However, in its place was, “Hujambo, bhfuil tú in ann ugawanyaji le roinnt bia sasa kwamba mimi niko hapa?”

“Uh wut ‘s that ya said?” the bartender asked, his muzzle forming into a frown of confusion while Twilight’s cheeks lit up like lights.

Switching to the right language, Twilight answered with her cheeks still flushed.

“Sorry, what I meant to say was, ‘Are you willing to part with some food while I’m here,’ or should I make some for myself?”

The orange pony behind the counter snickered as he barely held in his mirth.

“Oi! D’ja hit yerself in the noggin las’ night?” the orange bartender asked. “Oi ‘member tellin ya that Oi’d be serv’n ya this Morn’. And I certn’ly don’ plan on makin meself a habit o’ lyin’.” The bartender ranted, while turning around and grabbing a white tray, placing it before Twilight. “Nah’, ah’ve unly go’ three Items on th’menue t’day. Oat and c’rnmeil hash, butter bread biscuits ‘n cream cheese, an’ special order pepper ’n’ cheese omelettes. So, whacha n’th mood fer?” The bartender waved a hoof, telling her to go ahead.

“I think I’ll just go with the omelette; I haven’t had eggs in a long time. Can I get some hot water on the side?” Twilight returned, her voice soft and kind as she made her order.

“Yer food’ll be out n’a minute er two. Here’s the hot water ya asked fer though.” He passed a wooden mug filled with the steaming clear substance. Nodding to herself Twilight lit her horn and lifted out a few ingredients. Crushing them in her pestle, she sprinkled some of the fine powder into the steaming water, turning it a dark green. The rest she placed within a pouch, while waiting on the rest of her order.

After a few sips of her tea, the food was finished as the orange coated bartender flipped the omelette and closed it to one side, holding together with melted cheese.

After a few minutes, Twilight ate the last bite of her omelette. Looking around the bar, she took a minute to acclimate herself to the massive intake of food.

‘I haven’t eaten like that since the last meal I shared with Zecora.’ Her lips softly dragged upwards in a slight smile as she recalled a few of her older memories alongside her mentor. Nodding her thanks to the bartender, she hopped from the bar and began walking through the exit of the establishment, barely noticing the cloaked figure that stood up, while she walked through the portal.

Ignoring a slight feeling of foreboding, she swiftly set a soft pace as she headed down the Eastern road out of town, waving to several ponies she met the day before as she went. On her way along the road, a young unicorn colt stepped into her path. He looked to be only five summers younger than herself, with a small tear in his eye. Her wistful smile from the bar slowly melted into a worried frown as she halted in front of the colt.

“Larraim ort,” she began to ask, catching herself mid-phrase. Starting again with even more sincerity, “Aghem, what is wrong, little one? ”

The young foal looked up at the purple unicorn before him then crumpled to the ground.

“M-m-my mother. My mother, she’s sick. Can you help?” he asked, his calls drowned out by the noise of the bustling streets around him to all but the young unicorn listening carefully. Nodding to herself Twilight rose a purple hoof to the young colts shoulder.

“I will help in whatever way I can. However, I must first know the place of residence, so I know where to go.” Twilight felt her smile return as the young foal’s face exploded into brilliant joy.

“We live just a few blocks down the East direction of this street. It will be the bright red house to your left.” The colt excitedly flipped around as he contemplated having his mom around again.

Twilight was nodding, her mouth opened for another question, when she noticed the bouncing colt had disappeared. She let out an extended sigh as she turned to follow the vague directions the colt had given. With a cursory glance over the crowd around her, the lavender filly set forth, her stout legs leading her across the way till she found the cherry red house. The building was bedecked with bright pink frilled curtains, the front door a vivid lime green and the roof an azure blue.

Twilight walked up to the door, about to knock, when a bright voice caught her from behind. “What are you doing? Nobody lives there.”

Turning on the spot, Twilight started, face to face with a bright yellow pegasus colt with an amber mane, brown eyes, and a cutie mark resembling a wolf's paw.

“I’m sorry but I was told otherwise by a colt. I think his name was... Hm, I never did get his name,” Twilight responded, somewhat bewildered.

“That would be the ghost of Circle Sight. He’s one of the few hauntings in this town,” the stallion responded calmly, Flicking his ears forward a little, he felt a small blush of embarrassment flow to his cheeks. “Oh sorry, m’name’s Tracker Field. What’s yours, young filly?”

“Glimmering Wisp, though to get back to the conversation before what do you mean by ‘haunts’?” Twilight asked, her interest completely absorbed by the stallions words.

“More of a haunting really. Circle Sight died three years ago when he and his mom caught a terrible disease. His mother passed first then he did, both while they slept. The village apothecary was bedridden preparing for her last breaths as well so she couldn’t do anything to help them. Twas a sad day indeed. The day before, Circle had been searching for somepony that could help heal his mother, completely delirious he eventually made it back home where he passed out on his mothers bead next to her where he eventually died.” The stallion orated gently. “Now his ghost can’t move on because he’s still searching for somepony that could heal his mother who’s already passed.”

“That’s quite sad, I can’t imagine being unable to move on like that. Is there really anything I can do to...” Twilight began to ask, her ears splayed back.

Tracker cut Twilight off with a slow, firm shake of his head. “Not really eventually he will pass on, but until then, ya might as well continue where he stopped ya.”

Twilight nodded, seeing wisdom in his words, her ears unable to detect any signs of lying upon his being. As he finished, the lavender filly looked up into the young stallions eyes. “Alright but if I find anything in my travels that can help, I will, once I return, okay? I know it’s not much, but thank you for letting me know.” The lavender filly responded softly, while the butterscotch stallion fluffed his wings a little.

“S’all good, M’used to helpin’ strangers avoid things like this. As fer yer promise, can’t really say anything t’that, since it seems t’be a personal one.” Tracker remarked offhoofedly.

Letting her lips curl upwards, she allowed a small rumble of joy to pass her throat, “A good day then, Tracker. Hopefully we will meet again.”

The elder pegasus nodded agreement.

“T’meecha again someday. Till then, best be off.”

“Good day,” Twilight replied, as she nodded and turned. Then she began trotting back the way she came, till she reached the main road. Sniffing east upon the wind, Twilight turned appropriately onto the left path from the intersection and began towards the main road out of town.

Reaching the town border Twilight noticed a familiar stallion sitting next to the road out of town.

“Hay! Now, I hope you didn’t think o’ gettin’ outta town a’for sayin’ g’by t’me, didja?” asked an old caggy voiced stallion, as he stepped forward, his bright green fur and aqua main giving away his identity almost immediately.

“I’m sorry, but did I do something wrong?” the lavender filly asked worriedly, her ears folded back slightly.

The green stallion couldn’t help but chuckle at the apologetic look the lavender filly was giving him, leaving her slightly confused.

“Cours’ not. But still, by the same token, tis’ a wee bit rude ta leave without givin’ proper goodbyes t’yer friends.” The elder stallion rebuked firmly in a slightly scratchy voice.

Twilight blushed slightly, then blushed even more as she realized who else had arrived to see her off. Stepping out of the brush nearby was bookish unicorn with a coat whiter than a cloud and a sky blue pegasus mare with a dark magenta mane and tail. “I’m sorry Uncle Berry. I’ll try and remember this next time. Oh, good day to you Miss Wind, Miss Runner.” Twilight added, nodding in the direction of the two ponies that had just arrived respectively.

“Oh Deary, no need to be so formal amongst friends. Besides, we should really be thanking you; it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to let loose like that.” The alabaster white mare opened with a flick of her silver haired tail.

The sky blue pegasus stepped forward.

I meant to give you my thanks before you up and disappeared on us. ‘sides, I haven't compensated ya fully for the drought ya game me. Here take this fer yer travlin’.” The elder mare dropped a small bag from her mouth onto Twilight’s partly outstretched hoof. The small sack jingled slightly as it landed. “Think of it as fare, in case ya need to purchase somethin’ and can’t really barter with what ya have.” Flicking her wings gently the elder pegasus mare flew off.

“Oi! Don’t ya be startin’ the party w’thout me,” Berry Bash called after the sky blue pegasus, as he began to follow after her. “See ya, Glimmer. Hope ye make some good friends in the next town as well,” he nearly yelled, as he turned the corner out of eyesight.

Twilight smiled slightly, her tail gently flicking twice, as she silently thanked the two ponies that had left.

“Well Whitewind,” The lavender filly called, as she turned to the last pony on the road next to her. “I guess this is goodbye. Thank you for helping me set up the stall and attracting customers.”

Twilight was about to continue when she noticed a pure white unicorn having a hoof from side to side, grabbing her attention.

“I should be thanking you instead: you’ve helped me in more ways than you could possibly imagine with that small artifact you made me. Safe journeys, young filly.” The elder mare called as Twilight trotted off.

Turning back only once, the lavender filly smiled at Whitewind, as the white mare re-entered the village to assist Berry Bash and Cloud Runner during their pranks.

Author's Notes:

Well here's chapter 10 part one.
I've had immense help from two authors Janushayed and Skeeter The Lurker.

Severely Edited and Yelled at by Zetetic,