Present
Void Streak's POV

At this point, the sun had already gone down, leaving only the moon and street lanterns to guide Void Streak. Her hooves had also begun to feel raw. Then her stomach decided to make itself heard as it let out a low gurgle. Okay, that settles it! Food first, sleep later!

A few minutes later.

When she finally reached the Inn, she could hear the rowdy, likely drunk, patrons from outside the door. Well, here goes. She opened the door and quickly stepped inside. When she did, she barely managed to avoid a bottle to the head, as it impacted the wall behind her. Void just shrugged and continued on her way to the counter and spotted the deer from before. As she did so, her mouth began to water as she smelled all the food and drink at all the various tables. She was quickly brought back to reality when she heard the Innkeeper clear his throat. "Ah, if it isn't little miss broke." He snorted as she leaned on it. "I hope I won't have to remind you-" He paused as she pulled out 15 storm bucks and slid them across the counter.

Void stared at him as he gingerly took the money and looked it over. Once he finished, he put it under the counter before he looked back at Void. "Well, Miss, it would appear that everything is in order. Just give me a moment to get you a key." Said the deer as he bent down again and grabbed a room key. "Here you are." He gave her the room key, which she stuffed in her pocket. "Your room is number 4 on the second floor." He stated as he pointed at a staircase that was adjacent to the bar. "It's the second door on the right-" He stopped himself as Void's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as they heard a low rumbling noise.

She quickly tried to hide the blush. "Ahem, um, do you serve any food?"

"Yes, of course, we do." He said with a slight snicker. "Although, it will cost you ten storm bucks."

She once again stuck a hoof in her pocket and pulled out the needed cash. "Here you go." She deadpanned.

He took the money as he looked at her in confusion. "Aren't you going to ask what we have?"

Void shook her head. "At this point...I'll eat just about anything." She said as she stared blankly at him.

He cocked his eyebrow and looked her over before he shrugged and walked into the back of the bar. When he reappeared, he quickly made his way to where she was standing. "Alright, does a plate of dried fruits and rabbit jerky sound good to you?" And Void nodded as she attempted to prevent herself from drooling right then and there. "Alright then, find an empty seat, and I will bring it to you when it's finished."

She then made an about-turn and began looking for an empty table. But, as she was searching, one of those strange creatures- Humans, right. And a hippogriff waved her over to their table. Huh? Void cautiously made her way over to them. And, as she did, got a better look at them. The human was 6'2", with brown hair and blue eyes. And he wore a loose-fitting tunic and pants. The hippogriff meanwhile wore a belt with a small knife and a pouch. "Hey. Come sit with us." Said the human as he (she presumed it was a he from his voice) patted a chair.

"I guess." She said in response as she sat down. "Why did you guys call me over anyway?"

The human simply shugged. "Well, I guess you could say that we thought you could use some company. After all, you look half-starved." He said in a friendly tone as he looked down at her. And, as he did, Void noted something in his eyes. Is that...joy? She quickly shook away that thought. Pfff, who am I kidding? No one would be that happy to see me. Least of all, some stranger.

"Indeed." Said the Hippogriff. "Now, would you like anything, friend?" He asked. Void turned to look at him and was stunned to see that he had a simple, friendly grin on his face. Did he just...unironically call me friend? And- She cut off her inward rumbling as she looked at his eyes. He's not lying... Okay, first, Skystride is nice enough to not only give me some food. But also my money back. And now these guys are offering me anything I want? Really? She shook her head at the thought. This day just keeps getting weirder. Then he cleared his throat. "So, is that a no or-"

void quickly regained her senses. "Nono. Imeanuh. Yeah, I would like something." She blurted out before holding her hooves over her mouth. "Ahem, what I meant to say was yes, I would." She said as she sat back against the table.

The human, who had never taken his eyes off her, tapped her on the shoulder. "I am sorry, but I don't believe we have been formally introduced. I am Arther Cooper." Then he pointed to the hippogriff. "And this is my friend: Razorbeak."

Void then sat up straight. "Well, my name is Void Streak. Nice to meet you." She said with a friendly tone.

"And you as well." Said Arther as he extended his hand. And she responded in kind and shook it. "Not a bad grip you got there."

Void recoiled her hoof and shrugged. "Well, what can I say? I've been living out and about for over a year and a half." Then, she heard the sound of hooves approaching.

And she turned to see the Innkeeper. "Here you are, Miss." He said as he placed a plate of dried apples and what dried meat in front of her. So that's what jerky is.

"Thanks." Said Void as he left. And when she turned back to her food. She couldn't help drooling a little as she took in the smell. I cannot believe I'm actually drooling over meat right now.

And as she was about to eat, she felt something touch her shoulder. And turned to see Arther with his hand on her shoulder and a concerned look on his face. "I know it's not my place to ask. But...why did you order meat?" He asked as he turned from her to the plate, then back to her.

Void just pushed his hand away. "Well, if you really wanna know..." She proceeded to fold her hooves. "I was stuck in a cave for three weeks with nothing to eat but meat." She said as she dug into her meal. Mmmmm...It's good. But I guess my hunger makes it taste better.

"Right..." Said Arther as he recoiled slightly at the sight of her shoving food into her muzzle. Before he leaned over to Razorbeak and whispered something.

A few minutes later

Once Void was finished, she collected her things and said goodbye to Arther and Razorbeak. Before she headed upstairs. And followed the Innkeeper's directions to room number four. Well, time for bed. She took out her key and unlocked the door. And when she walked in, she quickly realized how small the room was. As it had only a cupboard, a simple cot-style bed, and plain wooden walls. With a single window that faced the street below. It'll do. She then locked the door behind her before she put her bag beside the bed. And, with a weary smile, she placed the sheet over herself and closed her eyes. Hmmm...so comfy.

An hour later

There was a metallic click and then a quiet groan. After a moment filled only with snoring, Void felt something warm run through her mane. Which elicited a purr of contentment from her. As a smile graced her muzzle. "Сладких снов ... моя дорогая маленькая Воид." Said a deep masculine voice as she felt a slight pinch in her flank. "На завтра ты наконец будешь дома." Then she went silent and still.

What just happened!? No seriously what just happened to her!?