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Previous part: https://ponepaste.org/9738
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> "[Back for more?]" Willow said. He laughed at his own attempt at a joke and turned to the female sitting beside him. His arm was around her and he pressed her closer as he added: "[You know, Thistle practically begged me to beat her.]"
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> His tone was a mix between boasting and humor, and Thistle's first instinct was to scowl and tell him to get lost. Except *she* had come to *him*, and she needed his support. Faking this particular smile was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do.
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> The girl with him was vaguely familiar, one of those background faces from an inconsequential family. It took her a moment to put a name to the face. Inju. Her mother was one of Kantuta's lackeys, and her family produced most of the raw leather Darkhan used to make his tools.
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> She peered at how the two were sitting, at the casual familiarity with which she leaned against Willow. The way she kept one hand on his shoulder, and how she looked at him. There was something deeper going on there, and Thistle could almost put her hoof on it. Maybe if Willow wasn't trying to rile her on purpose.
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"[Can you stop being a donkey's ass for a single evening? We should talk.]"
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> Her insult just made the man laugh harder, and even Inju gave a small chuckle at the comedy. She fell silent when Willow pulled his arm back and told her: "[Go and see if your grandfather needs something. It looks like our little pony has something serious to say.]"
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> Her suspicion was confirmed when Thistle watched Inju plant a quick kiss on Willow's cheek, right before she stood and left the circle of the fire. The kiss wasn't that surprising, and many young lovers exchanged such gestures. What had caught her eye was the way Inju had touched her own belly as she stood up. Willow was left alone with the mare, who sat down to his side, although not close enough to touch.
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> She didn't want to be quite across the fire from the man. Sitting a little closer made their conversation much more personal. More intimate. It was why she had had two chairs and a coffee table in her office back in Ponyville. For some ponies, a more personal touch worked better than a more official one.
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> "[What is it?]" he asked casually. To her surprise he did not sound particularly annoyed that she'd interrupted his evening with the girl.
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"[I've talked to Salki. He agrees we should go to Equestria.]"
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> "[That is your magical land of talking ponies, right?]"
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"[Yes. I think life would be better there for nomads.]"
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> Willow gave this some though, then picked up a stick and prodded at the embers of the fire. A fountain of sparks shot up, some of them landing on him, others settling on Thistle's coat. She'd gotten used to it and didn't even look twice.
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> At length, the nomad spoke: "[Life is not too bad here.]"
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"[Have you already forgotten Adilet and the Ruslans? How many of the camp people died last summer? We have had a peaceful year, but before that it was near constant fighting. How long until some new clan tries to take our lands, and we have to fight again?]"
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> The man gave her a nonchalant shrug and pointed the stick at her. "[This is what we do. We fight over land. It keeps us strong, it keeps our children tough, and it keeps our skills sharp. What will we do in the pony land?]"
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> On some level she knew that his world-view was bad. Violence only got them more violence. She'd seen it first-hand. The Equestrian way was *better*! Yet... having lived the life of a nomad, and having fought beside them, she could also see how his argument made a lot of sense. They certainly were a strong and independent people.
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> Everyone in the clan, even the young, was tough and stoic, a trait which had allowed them to survive - even thrive - in this harsh land. What would the safety of Equestria do to their culture? What would they turn into, if they lived lives of luxury and peace?
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> Then again, their culture was also full of pain, and loss, and cruelty, and slavery. Was it really worth preserving?
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> She firmly shook her head, but still lowered her ears and bowed a little in respect at Willow's well-made point.
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"[There is some wisdom in what you say, but think of the hunger and the hardship we faced in the mountains. Think of the Ruslans rising up from the dark and striking at our old, and our young. Do you want your son to grow up in such danger?]"
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> Willow leaned back in surprise and clutched his smoldering stick with both hands, as if holding a spear against her. "[My what?! What are you talking about?]"
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> His confusion was palpable, and Thistle suddenly realized he hadn't known. Perhaps Inju hadn't told him yet? Maybe the girl herself did not yet understand. Could her gestures have been completely subconscious?
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"[I didn't mean to break this news to you like this. I think Inju is with child.]"
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> "[No, she can't- Inju?]" Willow said, staring in the direction she'd left.
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"[I am very sure. Um, congratulations?]"
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> He turned back to stare at her, eyes narrow in suspicion. "[How do you know? Did Inju tell you this? Are you two conspiring behind my back?]"
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"[I haven't spoken with Inju in a long time. I merely watched her. I may be a pony, but I am a female, too. We notice.]"
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> She thought back to the bits and pieces she'd learned from Xuan, and asked in her best shaman-mare voice:
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"[Was Inju sick some mornings? Do you know? Were her breasts sore? Did she have pain in her belly?]"
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> The hunter looked less angry, frowning in thought instead. "[She had to run from the tent one morning some days ago. Surely it was only the beer we drank the night before?]"
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"[Maybe, but I don't think so. Look, maybe she doesn't even know herself yet. In either case, even if it's not true, you will marry Inju soon, no?]"
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> All Willow did was nod in reply. With Thistle's earlier statement and his reaction to it, this wasn't much of a stretch.
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"[So what does it matter? It will be a happy occasion.]"
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> "[Why are you telling me this?]"
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> She took the opportunity while the man was shaken and unsure of himself. He was treading new ground, and didn't know what to expect, or how to respond, really. She scooted closer and placed a careful hoof on his knee.
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"[Every parent want their children to do well. In Equestria, they will have opportunities they cannot have here. Blacksmithing is common there, and there are more wonderful things. Most importantly, I promise every nomad who goes with me will be safe, and will have enough to eat every day.]"
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> Willow jerked his head to one side and stared at her in surprise. His stick had slipped from his hands and now he crossed them over his belly. He had a distant look in his eyes, not seeing the mare or even their immediate surroundings. Perhaps he was imagining a child he might have someday?
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> It was clear he hadn't been expecting that promise, but he didn't question Thistle's word. She'd repeated pretty much the same thing more than once when she'd talked about Equestria, so it was nothing new. The novelty was in the way this promised land would affect him now. Him and his new family.
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> Her conscience flared up a little when Thistle considered how she was using this world-alerting news to influence his decision, but she needed his support. Willow on her side would go a long way toward convincing Intor, and through her Kantuta and Darkhan. After those, and with Salki at her side, not even Darga could object.
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> She remembered Willow's other friend.
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"[Think of Hisein. We have- um- powerful shamans in Equestria. They could give him his leg back.]"
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> This wasn't an absolute certainty, but a skilled alchemist, perhaps that Zebra in the Everfree forest, might have some trick up their sleeve, even if outright magic couldn't help. Thistle was fairly sure something could be done, even if that something was merely a very advanced prosthesis.
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> "[You really want this, don't you? Why do you want all of us to follow you? Why don't you just go alone?]"
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> The question came out of nowhere and it made the mare step back in turn. That had been razor-sharp, and she stared at Willow in slack-jawed shock. She blurted out the first thing which came to mind:
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"[I can't go up the mountain on my own. It's dangerous, and there are wild animals.]"
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> Willow harrumphed in disdain. "[So? Ask some people to go with you. You have friends. Some hunters - Buygra, and those kids - Zaur and Temir - would go with you. They could even bring back some game for the camp, so it's not a complete waste of time.]"
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> He was right, she *could* do that. If it came to that, she *would*. If no one agreed, she would even make the trip alone, dangerous or not. So why was she pushing so hard for the entire tribe to come with her?
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> The name he'd dropped - Buygra - brought on a memory of Xuan's mischievous smile. She remembered how their daughter was named in Thistle's honor. Mare-friend.
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> She remembered the tender moments she'd shared with Salki on that long trip out West and back. She remembered how Hisein had taught her the way to navigate in the land, and how Janus had tried to teach her fighting with a blade. He'd even made a knife she could strap around her hoof.
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> It had turned out useless, because she needed all four legs for walking, but the thought had been there. He'd taken the time and effort to try and make her a little safer in this dangerous land.
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> A lot of people had shown her kindness, even while she was technically a slave.
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> She also thought about Fen Ko and Ning, and about Gol, and poor Tashi, who was finally beginning to smile again after her ordeal in the Ruslan camp.
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> Saule had gone after Tashi with the men, since she was the most skilled with a bow. They'd been friends back then, before there was this horrible jealousy between them.
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> Maybe if Thistle got herself a stallion husband, Saule would finally let go of her suspicions?
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"[Because-]" she said slowly.
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> She swallowed a lump, and lifted her face to look at Willow, eyes brimming with sudden tears.
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"[Because I have many friends in the camp. I care for many of the nomads, and I want them to have better lives. Even-]"
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> This would be hard to say, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She had to force the words out through her teeth.
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"[Even you, in some way. I thought you were a bastard for the longest time, but-]"
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> He burst out with a chortle at the jab, but didn't Say anything. It was still enough to interrupt her train of thought.
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"[You are. You're a donkey's ass, but you want what's best for the people. You've grown since you became the first hunter.]"
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> Willow reached out his hand to tussle her mane. "[You're an ass, too. I still think I should have beaten you when I first got you until you stopped talking. Things would have been easier.]"
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"[Maybe,]" she agreed, grinning. "[I'd kick you every time you came near me, and I'd bite you every chance I got. You wouldn't have bows, and you wouldn't have horses. No bread, and no path to Equestria.]"
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> "[Maybe,]" Willow said, neither agreeing, not really disagreeing. "[I will consider your proposal to go. I will speak with Inju. We will see.]"
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> The mare groaned and pushed forward, right in front of his face.
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"[Not good enough!]" she growled. "[I'll get a 'yes' from you, or I'm really going to kick you right now.]"
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> "[Try and I'll break your leg!]" Willow grunted in reply, all mirth suddenly gone from his face. His eyebrows drew down and his eyes flashed with anger.
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> She nearly backed down and apologized, but a stubborn streak made her flare her nostrils and blow a lungful of hot air out. It made impressive swirls of fog in the dim light of the fire.
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"[I'm stronger than you, and I'm tougher. The only leg broken would be yours.]"
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> Thistle tensed, ready to spring aside. She visualised herself turning around and bucking at his midriff - carefully so she didn't permanently injure him, but strongly enough to put all thoughts of fighting her out of his mind.
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> For a long second, neither of them moved. Then Willow's face relaxed. "[Good. If this is so important to you, I will support the idea. On one condition.]"
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> She kept glaring at the man for seconds out of pure shock. Surely he wasn't backing down? Maybe *he* was the one having that monthly heat nomads had instead of Inju? She'd seen how erratically the females acted sometimes.
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"[What? Why?!]"
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> Willow shrugged and picked up his stick again. He gave the fire a good poke. "[I wanted to see if you were really determined. You always try to please everyone, I had to know this was something you want, not something someone else told you. I know you want to lead, even if you hide behind Salki. I don't care like my mother does, but our leaders have to be strong. It's why I didn't care that Darga was Chieftain. She is strong.]"
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"[Why are you weirder every time I talk to you?]" Thistle groaned. "[What's the condition?]"
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> "[If we go to your pony place, and it is not as good as you say it is. If you are lying, you will come back with us. I will whip you until you learn your place and obey. You will give us more secrets, like the bow, and I will make sure you don't get distracted. Either way, the clan will have a better life.]"
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> It was a hard thing he was asking for. Could she do it? How sure was she that Equestria would be better for all of them? Could she lie to him now and pretend to promise? Once in Equestria, she could seek sanctuary with the Princesses. They would never let them take her away.
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> The mere thought of such betrayal left a bad taste in her mouth. Besides, she would need to return sooner or later for Rainy Day anyway. She shook her head and lifted a foreleg. She held it out to him.
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"[I swear it.]"
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> After a momentary pause, he grasped her fetlock and they shook.
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"[So that is it?]"
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> "[Yes. I will speak with Mother. I know you only came after me because you need my help to convince her. She has the power in Darga's inner circle, not me.]"
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"[You keep surprising me, Willow.]"
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> He just gave her a smirk, and she responded by sticking out her tongue at him.
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"[Tell me when you are talking with your mother. I will be there.]"
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> "[I will tell you. Now either cook me something to eat, or go away. I'm hungry.]"
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> She opted for the latter and left him in peace.
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> Her head was reeling from the conversation they'd just had.
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> ~~~~
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> The walk was wet, and cold, and miserable. Exactly as she remembered it, except that this time they weren't looking over their shoulders, expecting an attack at every moment.
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> They also weren't rushing so fast that people were falling behind. It was an orderly, almost stately, trip and they knew the way. She'd been on the same path several times, so this time she could estimate how much was left.
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> If only the persistent slow drizzle wouldn't keep finding ways through her cloak. If the thick, cloying mud wouldn't tug at her hooves. If she had something better to eat than the occasional spruce tip or a few blades of brown grass.
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> Still, the feeling of relief and triumph was keeping her warm, despite Janus' heavy cart tied to the crude harness around her barrel. She'd won and Darga had given in! Both Salki and Darkhan had spoken in favor of Thistle's suggestion to escape into Equestria. For a while it looked like Intor would argue against, despite what Willow had promised, but even she agreed once she'd heard the others.
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> Harder to believe was that Saule seemed mostly ambivalent with the idea, although her opinion didn't matter as much as the others. She did not yet have quite the same clout as the older two women.
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> It was decided and Thistle almost couldn't believe it. The tribe would camp near the place where the worlds touched. In a few weeks it would be the fall equinox, at least as far as Thistle could determine simply by observing each sunrise and sunset.
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> Then her hardship in this cruel land would be over, and she would get to see her friends and family once more. She would get to enjoy the modern Equestrian conveniences!
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> Even better, she would be able to introduce those same pleasures to the nomads. Doubtless they would thank her once they saw what she could offer!
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> She glanced at Janus, who was plodding on beside her and keeping an eye on his most precious possessions. He'd entrusted her with his best anvil and the selection of his favorite tools. His apprentices had harnessed a few of the donkeys to move the ore, and the ingots, and the half-finished lumps of metal.
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> That was another small victory! Janus had some of the younger men build makeshift wagons. They were crude and laughable, and they broke down every day, but some of the other nomads, Thistle couldn't help noticing, were surreptitiously watching this new invention. They'd seen this before, each time they managed to waylay travellers from the far West, but not until they'd seen other nomads use the invention did the people consider it might be useful.
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> Perhaps the difference was that the foreigners' wagons were large and bulky, suitable to live inside, and couldn't move very fast or tackle the rough terrain nomads often travelled.
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> The small wagons clearly allowed them to move larger and heavier items than donkeys alone. The beasts complained about the unusual burden, but the young boys drove them expertly with supple leather whips, and the procession moved at a sedate walking pace.
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> The people were beginning to see the advantages of embracing change. If only she managed to maintain that momentum in Equestria!
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> Janus sensed her looking and turned his head to face her without breaking stride. She gave him a bright smile, which made the man chuckle. "[You are happy, but you look like drowned rat.]"
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> It made her laugh, too. 'Rat' was a word from Janus' own, eastern language. It was slightly easier for him to pronounce than the nomad word or the Equestrian word, so he simply used that. She'd adapted, and some of the other nomads had picked up the term, too.
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> She wondered which word would ultimately survive. Perhaps Equestrian? Aside from a few individuals, there wasn't much interest in learning her native language, but once they were surrounded by ponies it would become inevitable, and useful.
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"I am happy because I am going home!"
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> As if in honor of the occasion, she'd started using her language a lot more, especially around Janus and Salki. It earned her some confused or displeased looks from the other nomads, but she paid them no mind. One hot shower, she reckoned, and they'd be singing her praises in any language she asked for!
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> She was going home!
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> Her smile slipped when one of the wheels of her little cart caught on a root, nearly tossing her into the mud. The leather straps of the harness bit into her shoulders and she hissed in annoyance.
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> Janus was with her in two steps, but he walked right past and went to fuss over his precious cargo. That was much more important even than her. She stuck her tongue out after him and took a few careful steps back.
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> She was used to the maneuver by now. Back a little, left two steps, then forward again. Nine times out of ten the cart would come free and she could continue on her way.
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> The forest really wasn't the best place for this, but there wasn't any choice. The contents of that wooden box were the clan's most valuable belongings.
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> In a way, it was a mark of honor that Janus had decided to trust her with it. Yeah, that was how she could see it! It wasn't a chore, it was an important responsibility.
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> Once she'd freed the single-axle wagon she waited for the blacksmith to finish his inspection. He came back past her and patted her side. "[Good,]" he told her.
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"What?!"
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> "[Good!]" he spoke louder, thinking she might not have heard in all the noise of the people walking through the wet, muddy forest.
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"I can't understand you," she repeated, carefully lowering her face to hide her mischievous smile under her hood.
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> Janus caught on quickly and groaned. "I say good! You done good! Cart is good. Go!"
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> As if to mock-punish her for recalcitrance, he smacked his hand on her rump. A quick and hard open-palmed hit, making her squeak in surprise and indignation. It got her moving, though, out of sheer pony reflex.
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> "I thinking," Janus said in his broken Equestrian, "after- later- Bah!" he gave up and switched to a slightly more familiar language: "[After done walk, you and me, we are even. No more owe for knife."
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"[Are you sure?]"
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> She held her breath. She'd promised herself she would labor until the full price of the dagger was paid off, and only later realized she had no real concept of how much that would be, or even how much her work was worth. She'd been silently hoping Janus would say something.
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> Now that it was happening, she nearly said the opposite, out of some twisted desire to be appreciated, to be considered honorable and fair. She bit her tongue and told herself to accept the verdict.
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> "[Yes. You have help me a lot. I make many arrow and knife, and thing for Darkhan-]" he said the name of the instrument in his own language, since the people didn't yet have a word for it. It was like a curved knife with two handles, and could be used to strip fur from leather, which made it a lot easier to work with.
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"[I know. Okay, thank you. I liked helping you!]"
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> She could say that, now that the monotonous and backbreaking work was over. Carrying water, charcoal, or ore. Pumping bellows until her eyes watered and her fur singed. Making food for the blacksmith, and taking his products to people in the camp.
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> They didn't have a system of payment, and the tools were distributed based on need, but more often than not the people expressed their gratitude by sending Janus a bit of dried meat, or a small bag of salt, or some yams.
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> Many times those were the exact ingredients she later cooked for him in a stew, and Janus had never begrudged her a small taste before she added the meat.
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> She would find a way to repay the favor, somehow. In fact, an idea occurred to her.
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"[Janus? When we get to Equestria, I will introduce you to pony blacksmiths. They will teach you how to do new things. A new kind of metal!]"
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> "[Yes?]" he asked, mildly intrigued. "[I will learn new things, yes. It will make the clan more powerful. We will have best weapons than all!]"
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> His enthusiastic statement got her to chuckle again.
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"[You won't need weapons in Equestria. Well-]" she paused in though. "[You might, if you stay in the forest. If you move closer to pony village, you will be safe. I promise.]"
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> The man gave her a dubious nod, not completely convinced, but not willing to insist. He could read her conviction just as she could his. She would be proven right, and then he would admit his mistake.
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"[How much further today?]" she asked.
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> There wasn't a lot of land left between them and the special place. She thought some of the nearby, forested hills looked familiar, and by sheer reckoning she knew they weren't far off. More importantly, none of the scouts Salki had sent ahead had come running back with news about the hole to Equestria, which meant they hadn't missed it.
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> She was *fairly* sure they hadn't, based on the lengths of the day and night, but it was good to have confirmation.
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> Janus looked around, and tried to estimate the position of the sun behind the clouds. "[Some further,]" he said. "[You can pull cart okay?]"
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"[I'm fine. Give me a drink of water, please.]"
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> He unslung the water skin from his shoulder and she stopped so he could pour some of the warm, stale liquid into her mouth. It wasn't the freshest, but it served its purpose. At the same time, she lifted her tail and relaxed the other end of the same process.
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> Janus glanced over at the splashing sound, but didn't comment on it. It wasn't like it would make the mud any worse, and there weren't a whole lot of nomads walking behind them. The donkeys certainly wouldn't mind.
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> Once she was done, both with her bladder and her thirst, she nudged Janus' hand away with her nose and began pulling the cart once again. That first step was the hardest, to get it unstuck, then it became routine again.
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> Boring, repetitive, dull. Routine.
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> Another trickle of cold water wormed its way between her hood and trickled down her shoulder and foreleg. Thistle ignored it, already dreaming of stretching out in front of a hot fire that night. Perhaps she would get Rangi to spoon her from behind, and her entire body could get warm.
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> Besides, the work kept her from feeling the chill too much.
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> She soon began to smile again.
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> ~~~~
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> The air of the nomads' new camp felt like it was charged. This was their second winter in the mountains, and this time the people knew what to expect. Several of the more inventive families had pitched their tents against or around thick thee trunks. Someone was even building a small sitting platform in the branches of a big oak tree - a rarity in the largely coniferous forest.
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> Most importantly, word had gone out that they were waiting for some magic to happen. Rumors abounded and some of them shocked even Thistle with their ingenuity.
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> The current favorite was that more ponies like Thistle would appear and give them new gifts, even better than bread and archery, with which the Borchi-Quin would then retake their lands and drive out the pesky Ulan-Zuk.
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> Some others said the same thing, except it wouldn't be ponies. Instead, it would be Janus' old people, the mighty blacksmiths.
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> Among the younger nomads, especially children, one popular belief was that Thistle would perform some feat of magic which would remove winter from the land forever, and they would be able to play in the constant summer.
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> There was some truth in what the people whispered to one another. More than one of the myths claimed that the people would travel, by some magical means, to a richer land. A few of those said they would go to the West, where the villages were rich and ripe for plunder, and where no one really knew how to fight.
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> Another, whispered quietly and more fearfully, was that Salki and Darga were taking the entire clan into the spirit world, to live with their ancestors. That one had actually gotten Thistle to roll her eyes in exasperation.
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> She had tried to tell people the truth, and one of the wild theories was indeed the right one - that they would go and live in the land of the ponies - but even with her patient explanations there were some scary variations. A few of the hunters were convinced they would *plunder* Equestria and bring back more ponies to serve like slaves.
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> Some of the older women said the ponies would, in turn, enslave *them*.
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> Thistle really didn't like either of those, not least because they reminded people that she was, technically, a slave, even if one with extra privileges. Her recent servitude to Janus, which had been very public due to his work around the forge, had revived that sort of talk.
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> Her best hope was that a stroll through the wonders and dangers of Everfree, and the sight of flying ponies and some unicorn magic would shut those people up. The majestic structure of Canterlot, visible from most of the western Equestria, would surely help, too.
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> If all that failed, meeting Celestia ought to cement the obvious pony superiority in the nomads' minds.
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> Having Intor and Darga face off against the Royal Sisters promised to be quite the spectacle. In a way, Thistle was both fearing it and looking forward to it. Talk about powerful, overbearing personalities!
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> In a good way, of course, for Celestia and Luna!
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> She couldn't help the sudden bubble of excitement as she thought about her home land, and her hooves started a small prance all on their own, even as she walked through the mud of the camp. The fact that her steps landed with wet thuds didn't dampen her spirit.
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> Everything was covered in sticky sludge this time of year, it was either get used to it, or go mad.
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171.
> She made it to the clearing, which had been kept clear of tents by the simple expedient of posting a few of the younger hunters there as guards. They served a dual purpose; to watch for the opening in the air, and to keep other nomads away.
-
172.
> Thistle wasn't sure what would happen to a person if they happened to be standing where the way opened, but the sheer cut on the dead logs and the rocks told a particularly grim story.
-
173.
> It wouldn't be a lot longer, not now. She'd been observing sunsets and sunrises, and she was convinced they were about equally far apart.
-
174.
> The anticipation was making her giddy. If her guess about the equinox was correct - and she was *sure* it was - then the opening would happen at noon, the same as it had that spring. Erlan and Izzet had been very sure about it.
-
175.
> That meant that Thistle spent every evening with the watchers, and most days she managed to scrounge up a few treats for them. This time she had freshly-baked bread, courtesy of Mitra, and a few strips of dried meat, grudgingly donated from Salki's personal stash by Saule.
-
176.
> The young men lounging around the empty space spotted her and one of them - Yasin - raised his hand. He was easy to identify at a distance thanks to his unfortunate birthmark.
-
177.
"[Hi. It is almost time!]" she announced.
-
178.
> The goodies were bundled in a leather sack, draped across her back. By now, everyone was used to her little midday ritual and they helped themselves. There was a bit of grumbling as the men snatched the sack from each other and rummaged in it for food, but these things usually resolved themselves.
-
179.
> Thistle was aware that the hunters had some kind of a pecking order, with Willow right at the top, and Erlan somewhere at the bottom. Age had something to do with it, but it wasn't everything. As best she could understand, daring - or rather *foolhardiness* - during hunts played a major role, as did luck.
-
180.
> Skills with weapons probably also figured in there somewhere, but those seemed to hold less value than she would have expected.
-
181.
> Whatever the hierarchy, she'd brought enough snacks for all three nomads and they soon had their hands full. She sat on a dry log, next to Yasin.
-
182.
"[Anything change today?]"
-
183.
> He shook his head. "[No. Izzet said it would happen when the sun is behind those trees,]" he explained and pointed with a piece of dry meat. Its sharp aroma entered Thistle's nose and she blew air out to clear it.
-
184.
"[I think he is right. I guess we will see soon.]"
-
185.
> The sun wasn't quite there yet, but it wouldn't be long.
-
186.
> She examined the scars on the vegetation, and the clean slice through one of the rocks, and wondered if she would feel something. It would have been right for her to sense that her home was near, but the pragmatist she'd become said there likely wouldn't be anything.
-
187.
> After all, she hadn't felt any real loss when she'd been brought through the first time.
-
188.
> "[What do you think we will find on the other side?]" Erlan, sitting opposite the small clearing from her, asked.
-
189.
"[If it opens to the same place, and I think it does, we will go into a forest. A scary one, full of beasts and dangerous plants. You will have to make sure the people stay together and don't touch anything. I will guide you out of the forest.]"
-
190.
> They looked eager to try their hunting skills against said monsters. She saw how Yasin was gripping his spear, and how Erlan had surreptitiously touched his belt where he kept his knife.
-
191.
"[We will not fight any of them!]" she said sharply. "[People would die if you tried to fight these beasts. We will move quickly and quietly on the shortest path out of the forest, understand?]"
-
192.
> The two younger hunters looked a little crestfallen, and she thought Bulat, who was crouching off to one side, seemed relieved. Perhaps he was the only one among these who was thinking clearly.
-
193.
"[You'll obey me, or I will tell Willow. If any of you try to do something stupid, like hunt a dangerous beast, and you lead it back to the people, it won't end well for you!]"
-
194.
> That threat seemed to work, and some of the eagerness went out of the two wool-headed youth. Thistle nodded to herself in satisfaction.
-
195.
> "[What is after the forest?]" Bulat asked.
-
196.
"[We will go and make our camp in a field I know. It will be close to a farm - a place where ponies grow food in the ground. Like the farms we have seen in the West. I will make sure we have enough food for everyone.]"
-
197.
> Yasin grinned fiercely and lifted his spear a little. "[If they do not give it to us, we will go and take it!]"
-
198.
"[We will not!]" she retorted in a heated voice. "[Ponies will do the right thing, you can count on it! I will make sure. There will be no fighting!]"
-
199.
> "[Okay. Where will we hunt?]" Bulat asked. "[If your people make farms, they have captured animals, like we have seen. There is no hunting those, we can simply pick and slaughter, like the donkeys.]"
-
200.
> That was a more problematic topic, and Thistle was hoping she wouldn't have to deal with it for a while yet. It would come as a cultural shock, but she was sure once everyone had experienced the peace and prosperity of Equestria, they wouldn't insist on the violence of hunting animals.
-
201.
> If not- Thistle bit her lip as she imagined Fluttershy's reaction. That one was quiet, but she had a lot of authority, what with her status, and her Equestria-famous sanctuary. She could be *fierce* when it was important to her.
-
202.
"[You may not need to hunt anymore,]" Thistle said.
-
203.
> She saw the skeptical look on Bulat, and the disappointment on the others, and quickly added:
-
204.
"[If you want to hunt, there are places in Equestria which are dangerous and full of wild animals. Maybe we will find a way.]"
-
205.
> "[Like this forest you mentioned!]" Erlan said triumphantly. "[It will be close! We will hunt the dangerous animals in the forest.]"
-
206.
> That could work, she thought. It would serve as a proving ground, maybe even as a kind of sport for the reckless young men. Perhaps they would tame the forest with their fierce strength, or perhaps the forest would subdue them.
-
207.
> Maybe, if she was really lucky, they would negate each other!
-
208.
> She glanced at the sky and saw the sun was poking out from behind the pine's branches. She looked at the place in their midst, but there was no change.
-
209.
"[Erlan, what did the place look like when the way opened?]"
-
210.
> He followed her gaze, then shrugged. "[It is not today,]" he said, with disappointment. "[There is a shimmer in the air, like when it is hot in summer. There is a breeze, warm and dry. You will see it.]"
-
211.
> The mare slid from the tree and stood up. She went to fetch the empty sack and swung it across her back again.
-
212.
"[Maybe tomorrow,]" she said.
-
213.
> The men murmured agreement, and she left them to their watch.
-
214.
-
215.
> ~~~~
-
216.
-
217.
> Of course it had to happen right when she was indisposed! She'd wandered out to where the camp people had dug their latrines. The whole business took no more than a few minutes, and yet right in that time she heard someone shouting in the camp for her. It was a woman, but the urgency could mean only one thing.
-
218.
> It shouldn't have been the time! Surely the sun couldn't be in its zenith *yet*, could it? Maybe she was just bad at judging its height?
-
219.
"[Damn it, I thought I had time!]"
-
220.
> She shuffled her hooves in a hurry to get it over with. A moment of strain, then she was galloping for the camp, not even looking back. It didn't matter, not if they were moving!
-
221.
> She ran into Aina, who was the one shouting her name. "[Hurry! Zaur said to get you! It's happening!]"
-
222.
> Thistle didn't need to ask what. She knew Zaur was one of the hunters watching the clearing. His squeeze must have been visiting him, or perhaps she'd taken some food to the man. The two had been pretty much inseparable lately.
-
223.
"[Good. Find Salki and Darga. Tell them the people need to go. Now! There isn't much time!]"
-
224.
> According to Erlan and Izzet's story, she had estimated the way would only stay open for a few hours, and everyone had to pass through in that time. She knew the Chieftain had ordered for the camp to be ready, but they'd been waiting for over a week and it was too easy to become complacent.
-
225.
"[Tell them if people can't pack everything, they are to leave it behind. We can't risk splitting the clan!]"
-
226.
> She barely waited for Aina to acknowledge the instructions before she ran for the clearing. Even if the nomads didn't make it, *she* was going home.
-
227.
> The thought struck her and nearly made her stumble.
-
228.
> She was going home today.
-
229.
> That realization slowed her down to a canter and she looked through the sparse trees at the distant plains. Rainy Day was still out there, somewhere.
-
230.
"I'll come back for you," she promised quietly.
-
231.
> Her time for reflection ended when she arrived at the bustle. Following Aina's urgent shouting, a lot of people had gathered around the clearing and they were staring at the join between the two worlds. A hot wind was blowing out from the clearing and the forest on the other side was noticeably different from this one. No snow, for one thing, and the trees were mostly deciduous, with big, lush green leaves. The floor was brown dirt, with patches of grass, and the tree trunks were covered in moss.
-
232.
> Already Erlan was standing in the middle of the passage. By her estimate, he was half in one world and half in the other. Thistle shuddered to think what would happen if the way shut in that instant.
-
233.
"[Make way! Let me through!]"
-
234.
> She pushed gently but firmly between people's legs, until she broke through the front line and ended up in the clearing. The air from Equestria was moving into this world and she raised her head to smell.
-
235.
> It was hot and humid. There was a scent of rot, and of damp mushrooms, and of swamp. She would know it anywhere.
-
236.
"Everfree Forest!"
-
237.
> "[Thistle! Come, walk through with me!]" Erlan said, laughing. "[Come, it's easy!]"
-
238.
> To prove his point, the young hunter hopped forward and he was entirely in Equestria. Then he jumped back, as if skipping over a rope. The line between the two realities was clearly visible where packed mud met the darker, untouched ground of the forest.
-
239.
> Some of the more adventurous nomads were moving closer, and the hunters who had been watching the clearing were near enough to the boundary to touch it. She spotted Zaur and Aibek, but neither looked in her direction, so amazed were they by the phenomenon they were seeing.
-
240.
> Heart hammering wildly, Thistle walked gingerly forward until her nose was almost touching the invisible layer of the portal itself. She glanced around, but couldn't see the edges. There was no glowing circle, nor a line in the air. She only saw how big the opening was because the sky on the other side was different.
-
241.
> Here, it was a gray mess of clouds, with a hint of the sun's orb above her. On the other side, the sky was blue, with hardly any white cover. Equestria's sun, just barely rising above the trees, was more yellow, she saw. It looked like it would turn into a fine summer day.
-
242.
> She couldn't see the landscape because the horizon was completely obscured by trees, but even that small glimpse of her homeland tugged at her heart. She wanted to step through and run to Ponyville. Her hoof lifted almost without her conscious control.
-
243.
> There was some shouting behind her, and she firmly pushed the desire to bolt away. She'd asked the nomads to come, so she had responsibility to see them safe. She lowered her leg, trembling, and glanced back.
-
244.
> Darga and Salki were both there, staring in a mixture of disbelief and awe. Soon after, Willow arrived with some of his hunters in tow.
-
245.
> Several of his older men pointed and exclaimed. After all, Willow and a few of the senior men had seen this once before, even if not everyone from that group was still alive. They started talking excitedly among themselves while the Chieftain and his mother approached.
-
246.
> "[So it is true after all,]" Darga mused.
-
247.
"[I told you. Willow told you. So did Erlan!]"
-
248.
> The woman waved the words away, eyes still intent on the forest clearing before them. "[Stories. People lie, and if a lie is repeated enough times it is believed even more strongly. I will step through and see for myself.]"
-
249.
> Salki reached out a hand as if to stop her, but a sharp glance from the determined, formidable woman stopped him in his tracks. He watched a little anxiously as Darga walked forward and paused just before reaching Erlan. He was looking around at the sky and didn't seem to be paying much attention to the events back in the snowy forest.
-
250.
> Darga clenched her fists and firmly strode forward. She walked a few paces past the hunter, then slowly turned to take it all in. She ended up facing the collected nomads behind Thistle. "[There is nothing to it. We can simply walk through. Pack everything and come! We will camp on this side for now!]"
-
251.
> The order was ideally supposed to be Salki's, and Thistle hurried to his side. She tried to give his hand a surreptitious nudge with her muzzle, and when he looked down she hissed:
-
252.
"[Command them! You're the Chieftain!]"
-
253.
> He recalled himself and jerked upright. He raised his hand with a spear he'd been clenching and spoke: "[My mother is right! We will pass through into Thistle's world and conquer it! Pack up and move! Move!]"
-
254.
> This started an outright commotion as the people began to hurry away. A few stayed, faces showing a mix of fear and anger, and it looked like they might argue.
-
255.
> A new voice sounded from the edge: "[You heard the Chieftain! Let's go! We don't have much time! Anyone who is not ready will be left here!]"
-
256.
> It was Intor, having been found and informed of the news by Aina, who was standing by her side and staring, wide-eyed at the portal.
-
257.
> That commanding tone seemed to clinch it. Even the angriest-looking nomads turned and left, albeit slowly and grudgingly. They muttered, and Thistle had no doubt they would complain the whole way, but they were moving.
-
258.
> She switched her gaze to Salki.
-
259.
"[Make sure they start going through. We only have maybe two hands-breaths for the sun to travel before the way closes. We should be across as quickly as possible. I will find Rangi and Saule, we'll start packing our tent!]"
-
260.
> The order had been to only set up the bare minimum number of tents, and not to dig them in too deeply. They were also not supposed to unpack their bags. Thistle felt a guilty pang as she recalled her recent habit of leaving things where she last used them. There would be a lot to pack in a hurry.
-
261.
> She didn't wait for Salki's response and began galloping back to the main body of the camp. She was already calling for Rangi.
-
262.
-
263.
> ~~~~
-
264.
-
265.
> They were on the other side! It hadn't gone without a hitch, of course, but aside from a sprained ankle, a few bruises, and a lot of grumbling when things were left behind, all the nomads made it. The injuries would heal soon, and they would get new water bags, or racks for drying meat, or even a tent in one extreme case.
-
266.
> Thistle stood on the Equestrian side of the hole in space and looked at the snowy forest. Going purely by dead reckoning, the gate had stood open for over three hours already. It was the only guess she could make, because she couldn't tell if the sun had moved any significant distance.
-
267.
> Something about that made her fearful, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on it. It had surely been *hours*! The morning should have changed to noon by now. The only explanation was that something was badly wrong in Equestria. Maybe Discord had stopped pretending he was good now and had plunged everything into chaos again?
-
268.
> It would be a strange coincidence for them to return right in the middle of such a disaster, except for the fact that something like it seemed to happen practically every other week lately.
-
269.
> Thistle kept glancing at the still sun and did her best to ignore her unease. The nomads and the hole to their world were more important right now. Three hours, maybe close to four. Why would that be the time the way remained open? Why would it line up with the equinox on the nomads' side, but not on the Equestrian?
-
270.
> Whatever the reasons, the time matched Willow's experience when they'd come and snatched her and Rainy Day. The nomads had needed the time to get to the outskirts of Ponyville, grab the two of them, then drag them back to the hole. It must have taken something like three or four hours, at least.
-
271.
> She wanted to see what would happen when it closed. She'd set Rangi to put up Salki and Saule's tent, gotten Xuan to cook some rice broth without meat, told Willow to keep the young hunters from exploring in the dangerous forest, then sat herself on a relatively dry, mossy stone in the clearing, well away from the line which divided the two worlds.
-
272.
> The weather on this side was stifling hot. It felt like the middle of summer, and the nomads had quickly discarded their winter clothes. Many hadn't even bothered to put their tents up again.
-
273.
> They were here! She was home! Everything would be okay.
-
274.
> She would lead a delegation to Ponyville in a day, after everyone had gotten settled down, she would find the new mayor, and arrange for some land near the town to be given over to the newcomers. Then it would be time for introductions. She would need to send a letter to the Princesses as soon as possible. Maybe Twilight would have a faster way to reach the Royal Sisters.
-
275.
> They'd have to procure food for the nomads before their stores ran out, and get Salki to agree to some basic rules, especially about hunting.
-
276.
> Her head spun when she tried to think about all the things which would need organizing! It had been too long since she was in charge of anything this complicated, and it would take all her skill to reach a good outcome for everyone involved.
-
277.
> For now, she had a few hours of peace while everyone made themselves at home. The camp was secure, and she hadn't heard or smelled any of the dangerous beasts in the Everfree forest. In the morning she would have Willow send out a few scouting groups to make sure, but for now posting men to watch seemed sufficient.
-
278.
> Her hoof idly scraped moss from the rock in front of her, and she inhaled the rich, green scent deeply. It smelled foreign, somehow more poignant than any of the greenery in the nomads' world. It was the scent of home.
-
279.
> She'd kept watch on the sky, but with her poor eyesight and the fact that even pegasi avoided the heart of the forest, she hadn't expected to see anypony flying overhead.
-
280.
> Her gaze returned to the split between the worlds. Air was flowing from Equestria into the other place, so any smells from the snowed forest were lost to her. This suited Thistle fine. She couldn't wait to immerse herself back in Equestria's culture. She missed fried foods, and pies, and coffee.
-
281.
> Perhaps she would take Salki and whoever was in their entourage to Sugarcube Corner for talks with the new mayor.
-
282.
> Someone was walking to her and the scent identified Janus before he was close enough for her to bother looking. He came to a stop next to her and laid a careful hand on her back.
-
283.
> The gesture somehow felt closer, more intimate, now that she wasn't wearing her coat for the first time in months.
-
284.
> "[What you watching?]" he asked.
-
285.
"[I am waiting for the way to close. I want to see what it looks like.]"
-
286.
> He merely grunted in an answer. When he didn't move for long seconds, she glanced at his face. He was staring into the other world, too. "[So this really you-land? Pony world?]"
-
287.
"[Yes.]"
-
288.
> "[You say big powerful pony blacksmith. You say I learn new metal. You say you show me.]"
-
289.
"[I did, and I will. Don't be hasty.]"
-
290.
> He gave her a blank stare. "[What is 'hasty'?]"
-
291.
> She couldn't help chuckling at the incredulity of giving an impromptu lesson in the nomad language to a foreigner, while standing deep in the Everfree forest.
-
292.
"[Hasty means you want to go fast but should not. Don't be hasty is the same as 'be patient'.]"
-
293.
> "[I understand. I will wait.]"
-
294.
"[Good.]"
-
295.
> She returned her gaze to the other landscape. It shouldn't be long now. Janus slid his hand down her back and idly scratched at her fur. It was pleasant. They both watched in silence.
-
296.
> It happened suddenly, and without fanfare. Thistle almost missed it, engrossed in her thoughts. When she noticed, she jumped up to her hooves, mouth open in shock.
-
297.
"[It didn't close! It's still there! It changed!]"
-
298.
> That was all that happened. The forest clearing had been full of mud, now it was covered in snow. It just appeared in an instant! She hurried to the dividing line and stopped a hoof's-breadth away from the barrier.
-
299.
> The world on the other side looked different, but it was the same clearing. The land looked the same. The mountains, their familiar peaks, were in the right places. All the trees were just as she remembered, identical to before, except for a broken branch or two.
-
300.
"[What is this?! I don't understand! I thought it would close!]"
-
301.
> Some of the nearby nomads noticed her standing at the hole and wandered over to see. There was a bit of murmuring, then Thistle turned and pointed a commanding hoof at a young boy.
-
302.
"[You! Go fetch Erlan and Willow! Run!]"
-
303.
> The child ran off and the others came closer. "[What is it?]" someone said.
-
304.
"[The snow! The clearing was mud, now it's covered in snow!]"
-
305.
> Janus had joined her at the barrier, careful to stay on the Equestrian side. He asked: "[Snow fall?]"
-
306.
"[No. I didn't see snow falling. It was too quick.]"
-
307.
> She experimentally reached a hoof and pushed it past the midpoint. It felt the same as always, except, she though, this time the air was blowing from the nomad side into Equestria. It was icy cold. She gingerly took a half-step forward, until her head was through.
-
308.
> The danger of the situation struck her and she hurriedly pulled back a solid few paces, just to be safe. Maybe it was just a weird thing the portal did before it closed? She didn't want to be sliced in half.
-
309.
> Some of the hunters came running with Willow at the head. He was asking what had happened even before they stopped. When he saw her, he came over, with Bulat and Buygra in tow.
-
310.
> She explained, in a few short sentences, and the three stared at the forest clearing in bewilderment. Eventually, Buygra gave a chuckle and jumped through the hole.
-
311.
"[No! It may close any second! Come back!]" she yelled after him.
-
312.
> The man ignored her and took a few steps forward. He turned around in a circle, then faced the group on the other side. He was smiling in disbelief and his eyes were wide and full of wonder. "[It is spring!]" he said. "[The sun is up highest, like it was when the way opened, but the winter is ending. You can smell it in the air!]"
-
313.
> Thistle lifted her nose and inhaled. He was right! The wind carried scents of fresh, young growth, of green things waking up, and of melting snow!
-
314.
> Something made her uneasy, and she took another step back. Why had the portal changed? What did this mean? How was it spring on the other side?
-
315.
> Did the way switch to other worlds, ones where the seasons were different? Maybe it touched several, and maybe they were similar to each other. Buygra had said the sun was at its peak. Perhaps another cycle had started and connected Equestria to yet another, different place.
-
316.
> Would it have nomads, or would even stranger creatures inhabit this new land?
-
317.
"[Can you see anything?]" she asked. "[Any people? Any things made by people?]"
-
318.
> Buygra ran to the edge of the clearing for a better look. It was probably safe, she though. Maybe this new connection would remain open for four hours, too?
-
319.
> After a while, the man shrugged and walked back. His foot struck something and he crouched down to examine it. She watched him dig around in the snow until he lifted a large stone.
-
320.
"[It's just a rock.]"
-
321.
> He went back to digging through the snow with his hands, and after a few minutes her mouth went dry. There were more stones, placed in a rough circle.
-
322.
> It was a fire pit.
-
323.
> "[This has been abandoned for a long time,]" Buygra determined. "[The stones have dirt on them, and grass was growing from it before the snow covered it.]"
-
324.
> Perhaps, in this new world, nomads or creatures like them, who used fire, came this way, but moved on. If they hadn't figured out when the way opened, they wouldn't have placed any special significance on this clearing.
-
325.
"[Come back, Buygra. I don't like this.]"
-
326.
> She looked up at Willow and said:
-
327.
"[We should watch this. I want to know if it changes again. If it stays open for the same time, it will change when the sun is-.]"
-
328.
> Her words faltered when she glimpsed at the sky. The yellow orb was still behind the same cluster of trees.
-
329.
"[Never mind. How long it was open when we crossed, it will be the same time again. Someone should watch it. I need to go eat something, but I will be back after.]"
-
330.
> If it really was open for four hours at a time, it would be afternoon when the way closed, or changed again. The sky still looked like morning, though.
-
331.
> Perhaps he was spooked by her unease, or maybe the chill was getting to him, but Buygra gave up looking at the firepit and hurried back. He was shivering when he rejoined the group, and Thistle sensed that his skin was cold.
-
332.
"[Let's go and eat something warm,]" she told him. "[Xuan is making broth for me. Come.]"
-
333.
> The man nodded and began walking away, leaving a few snowy footsteps in the warm mud of the Everfree. She nudged Willow with her nose.
-
334.
"[Have some men watch the hole, but I don't want anyone to go over. It may change suddenly and leave someone stranded.]"
-
335.
> He nodded, but kept his eyes on the other clearing. "[I agree. I will watch it myself for a while.]"
-
336.
"[Thank you.]"
-
337.
> His hand went to her head and she waited barely long enough for him to give her a pat, then she hurried after Buygra, stomach already growling at the thought of hot food.
-
338.
> She hardly felt the hunger. The mystery of the endless day was bothering her too much. She wanted to gallop all the way to Ponyville and ask what was happening, but the forest was dangerous for a single earth pony.
-
339.
> She needed at least a few hunters with her, but they were tired. She remembered that it would be afternoon for them, and the people had been busy packing up and moving, not to mention setting up the camp once again.
-
340.
> They'd need to rest, at least for a few hours. Maybe sleep. After that she would take some of the strongest warriors and guide them to the town. She was sure they would get some answers there.
-
341.
-
342.
> ~~~~
-
343.
-
344.
> They chose six fighters to go with her. After all, the delegation included both Darga and Salki, both of whom needed protecting. Willow had to come, obviously, otherwise Intor would never have shut up about it. Beyond them, there were Buygra, and Janus, and Darkhan, as the representatives of the clan.
-
345.
> It was a sizeable delegation, but not an overly large one, or so Thistle hoped. She didn't want to frighten the ponies with an army of nomads marching on the town.
-
346.
> They set out after they'd slept and eaten, when their inner clocks insisted it was morning. They weren't bearing any gifts, or peace offerings, on Thistle's advice. She only had them bring a bit of food and water for the long trek through the forest. They were, however, wearing their best clothes, despite the summer heat.
-
347.
> She herself had decided to wear her nice wolf-skin cloak, not so much to impress the townsponies, but to reassure the other nomads that she was taking the solemn occasion seriously enough. To complete the picture, she'd even clipped a spear to her side, ready to hoof. That last part was mostly for protection in the Everfree forest, but it also served the purpose of making her look more official in the nomads' eyes.
-
348.
> The sun was still frozen in the sky and Thistle was really starting to worry. Something was very badly wrong in Equestria! It almost made her postpone the visit until it was fixed. She didn't like the idea of springing something so controversial and complex as the nomads and their arrival on any of the alicorns during a national emergency.
-
349.
> Darga wouldn't be kept waiting, however, and the people needed to get out of the Everfree forest as soon as they could. No dangerous beasts had shown up anywhere near the camp yet, even with scouts venturing out significant distance to look, but surely it was only a matter of time. More importantly, their stores of food would run out and hunting in the forest would be exceedingly dangerous this far in.
-
350.
> The trip out was just as eerily quiet as the camp. They saw no other living being, as if the beasts themselves were scared of the new, tall strangers. Thanks to Hisein's tutelage, Thistle could hold her own in navigating, especially now that she was in her own world. She led the little party. Pride, if nothing else, demanded that she find the way on her own.
-
351.
> Some nomads with her were expert trackers, which reassured her, as did the fact that the sun was an immovable waypoint in the sky. She kept nervously glancing at it as she scanned the horizon for that all-important landmark.
-
352.
> It finally came in a small clearing and they could all see it through a break in the treeline. She halted and stared, eyes filling up with tears at the welcome, familiar sight.
-
353.
> The others stopped around her, followed her gaze, and-
-
354.
> Reactions were different. Salki gasped in shock, and Darga froze, stunned into motionless silence. Darkhan swore under his breath and Janus exclaimed in delight. Some of the others fell to their knees, and Zaur looked like he was about to be sick. Only Willow was unaffected, having seen this particular sight once before.
-
355.
> "[How is that possible?]" Darga asked, the first to overcome her shock. "[How did you get it up the mountain?! I have never seen mountains so tall and steep!]"
-
356.
"[I told you Equestria is full of wonders.]"
-
357.
> She walked over to Salki and pressed her side to his calf.
-
358.
"We call it 'Canterlot'," she told him.
-
359.
> Increasingly she was talking to him, and to Janus, in Equestrian. Perhaps it was the fact she was home, or an effort to accelerate their learning the language.
-
360.
"I will take you to see it someday. We should keep going. There are monsters in the swamp."
-
361.
> It took a few nudges and a gentle, surreptitious kick to snap everyone out of it. They began walking again, but she held back to peer at the distant blur. Her eyes couldn't make out detail, but the memory was razor-sharp, like an image captured in a crystal. The parapets, the tiny, dark windows, even the flags and banners flying in the breeze all over the city - it was all there in her mind's eye.
-
362.
> No wonder it was such an impressive sight to people who hadn't seen anything larger than a stone hut, or - most of them - not even that.
-
363.
"[When we get to my town, I think only Darga and Salki should go with me. I promise you ponies are not dangerous.]"
-
364.
> There was no reply to her suggestion, but she attributed that to quiet awe.
-
365.
>...
-
366.
> They stopped for the last time on a small hill, overlooking the village. It was away from any of the paths and roads, so they hadn't encountered any ponies yet. Now they could see them, going about their business on the outskirts.
-
367.
> "[So many colors,]" Darkhan murmured.
-
368.
> If anything, the nomads seemed even more worried with the sight of the town than they had been when looking at Canterlot in the distance. She thought she understood. After all that time, even *she* was worried about meeting her kin. How would they see her? How would they react to the tall, nearly hairless barbarians among them? To the sight of all that leather, animal fur, and spears?
-
369.
> For that matter, what would the ponies say about her wolfskin cloak? The thing still had the head attached!
-
370.
> The others probably weren't worried about *that*, but she saw how tightly they were gripping their spears, and how Salki was standing in a near-crouch, ready to fight at a moment's notice.
-
371.
> She walked over to him and laid a comforting hoof on his calf. She had to reassure him, but also remind him that he was in a new land and he should be on his best behavior. She chose Equestrian and even translated his name. The added benefit was that his mother wouldn't understand any of the words.
-
372.
"Relax, Wind. It will go well, I promise."
-
373.
> For a moment, the unfamiliar sound of his name in her language made him stiffen. His muscles stood out just under his skin, but then he translated the words to himself and looked at her strangely. She'd never called him using the Equestrian word before.
-
374.
> She gave him a nod, and saw him relax.
-
375.
> "[Are you sure the three of us will be able to defend ourselves?]" Darga asked.
-
376.
"[Yes. The ponies will not fight you unless you attack them. Stay calm and do what I do. Don't try to grab, or hit, or spear anyone, and you will not be harmed. Ponies are a friendly bunch.]"
-
377.
> She was banking on Princess Twilight's friendship lessons to have had time to spread through the community and take deep root. Even so, Ponyville didn't have guards, and the ponies didn't have weapons. There were a few unicorns, and - notably - the Princess, if things got really out of hand with the delegation, but they certainly wouldn't attack the strangers preemptively.
-
378.
"[Remember that our ways are different.]"
-
379.
> Darga didn't look convinced, and the others looked relieved they would be staying there. Only Salki seemed impatient to get going. "[I remember how you fight when you are cornered, Thistle,]" Darga said. "[That is why I worry.]"
-
380.
> The mare stared with incredulity. That had, very nearly, been a compliment!
-
381.
"[It will be fine. Let's go.]"
-
382.
> At her words, Salki straightened up and began walking, trying for his most imposing, chieftain-like walk. To her eyes it looked as if he was constipated, but Thistle didn't comment on that and fell in step with the youth. She heard Darga following a few steps behind.
-
383.
>...
-
384.
> It was a stroke of luck, but Thistle didn't question it. A few ponies were working their garden behind their house on the town outskirts. No one else was around. This would be a good, gentle introduction for her new friends, and she could send someone ahead with the news to prepare the rest of the townsponies.
-
385.
> Lilly Valley, Roseluck, and Sweetie Drops. Thistle knew they were friends, but the garden was attached to Roseluck's house. Well, she owned it, but all three flower ponies shared it. Maybe Daisy had moved out and Sweetie had broken up with Lyra and was now living with the other two?
-
386.
> Even after all that time, Thistle found herself easily falling back into the old, gossipy habit of trying to understand the constantly-shifting relationships of her friends and neighbors.
-
387.
> Figuring out all the little social changes in Ponyville would have to wait, however, as the three mares became aware of the newcomers and drew closer together, watching the unusual procession with wide, disbelieving eyes. Only the fact that a pony was leading the group kept them from running away in terror, screaming.
-
388.
> Even so, Thistle saw how tightly they pressed against each other, and the small tremble in Roseluck's hind legs.
-
389.
"[Walk slowly. Don't threaten,]" she ordered in a whisper.
-
390.
> A bit louder, she called out to the trio:
-
391.
"Greetings! It's okay, they are friendly."
-
392.
> At the sound of her voice, Sweetie Drops took an incredulous step forward and ventured: "M-Mayor?! What are you doing- um- dressed like that?"
-
393.
> Beside her, Lilly gasped: "Is that a *wolf*?! You're carrying a spear! You all are!"
-
394.
> For a moment it looked like the three would bolt, so Thistle stopped. The nomads also came to a halt just behind her. A quick glimpse showed that Darga had a white-knuckled grip on her spear, and Salki was clutching his dagger under his cloak. She let out a small growl in her throat and the two relaxed, though they kept an easy hold on their weapons which they had been using as walking sticks on the way over.
-
395.
"The place I come from is very cold and dangerous. It's either this, or freeze. Oh, but don't worry, the animals there aren't intelligent like the ones in Equestria. It's all right!"
-
396.
> Having a conversation was helping, even with the strange, imposing presence of the tall barbarians, and the three mares were walking slowly closer. Obviously despite the time which must have passed, they trusted their mayor quite a lot. They stopped, still in a tight group, a few hoofsteps away, staring at the new creatures.
-
397.
> Suddenly Rose gasped and pointed: "Mayor! Your mane is pink! So short! What happened?!"
-
398.
> It was bound to come out, and some of the townsponies did know, especially after that dreadful Gabby Gums incident, but Thistle still groaned as the secret came out fully. She hadn't thought of that, and even if she had, there wasn't much she could do about it.
-
399.
"Yes, yes, it's pink. I dyed it white because it went better with my coat."
-
400.
> That was not *completely* a lie. She simply omitted the other fact, that a gray mane gave her a certain gravitas in her political dealings.
-
401.
> "And, um-" Rose went on, her nose wrinkling. All three of them flattened their ears and stepped back. "I'm sorry, but, um- you smell," the mare finished.
-
402.
> Surprised, Thistle bent her head and inhaled, but her own scent was nothing unusual. Was it possible she had gotten so used to the omnipresent stink of a nomad camp? She hadn't bathed in months, and even then it had been without soap. A strong blush colored her entire muzzle and her ears crept back. She couldn't meet the other's eyes.
-
403.
"I have been gone a long time," she finally murmured, "and the other world is nowhere near as advanced as Equestria. There are no showers or baths."
-
404.
> The mares looked at one another, then Sweetie asked: "Uh, what are you talking about, Mayor? What other world? Where were you gone? We talked just the other day, remember? Lyra wants to move her garden and you approved the new zoning. We were both in your office..."
-
405.
"What!?"
-
406.
> The bad feeling she's had since they'd crossed over into Equestria flared up strongly, and Thistle glanced at the sun. Was it just her, or had it moved higher up toward noon?
-
407.
"Uh, Mrs. Roseluck... what day is it?"
-
408.
> "August twelfth. Mayor, is everything alright?"
-
409.
"What year?!"
-
410.
> The three mares took a half-step back at the fierceness of the question. Only after did Thistle realize she'd dug in her hind legs, as if she was about to charge. Behind her leather creaked as the nomads shifted to uncover their weapons.
-
411.
> "[What is happening?!]" Salki asked urgently. "[Is that yellow one threatening you?]"
-
412.
"[It's fine. Settle down!]"
-
413.
> Luckily neither he nor his mother argued, but they kept a close watch on the new ponies and Salki didn't remove his hand from his dagger this time. She didn't tell him off, not with the monumental urgency of her question.
-
414.
"What year, please?" she repeated.
-
415.
> "I don't know the number the unicorns use."
-
416.
"Tell me!"
-
417.
> It was Sweetie who answered in her stead: "Storm King's attack was last year. Mayor, you know what year it is! What's wrong?"
-
418.
> Her rump hit the floor. Maybe she'd somehow suspected it, but hadn't allowed her conscious mind to fully grasp the idea.
-
419.
> Time flowed differently.
-
420.
> The reason the sun was stuck in the sky in the nomad camp was because the forest messed with time and it was flowing much more slowly than in the rest of Equestria. There was no disaster, no Discord-style chaos. At least not outside the forest.
-
421.
> She had been gone for years, but in the town only a day had passed.
-
422.
"[Fuck!]"
-
423.
> Even in a foreign language, the mares knew it was a bad word, merely from her tone and the feeling with which she'd sworn. They cringed, and Sweetie began to glare. "Mayor, I don't know what you're-"
-
424.
"No time. I need you to hurry. Find Princess Twilight and have her call Celestia and Luna! There are more nomads with me. We'll need a room where we can talk in private, I guess in the Town Hall. One of you go to the Apple farm. Tell them we will need a wagon and a lot of food. Oh, and a few ponies to pull it!"
-
425.
> Salki placed a hand on her withers, even if he had to bend down a little to reach. "[What is it? What's wrong?]"
-
426.
> She shook her head and tried to get her hind hooves under her to stand up again. After a false start she gave up on that and remained sitting. Her mind was racing through the implications. The anomaly meant that if they spent any significant time in Ponyville the camp would feel it as a lot longer. The sun hadn't even moved in the day she'd spent there!
-
427.
"[I will explain later. We will talk with the leaders, but we have to be quick. Someone will need to go back to the camp and tell them. We'll need to take food to them!]"
-
428.
> Darga stepped in front of her so she could look at Thistle face to face. "[What are you talking about? Explain!]"
-
429.
"[I- time is moving differently in the forest! The camp will think we are gone many days, but we will only be here a few hands-breaths of the sun! We have to bring the people out of there, quickly!]"
-
430.
> The two looked at one another, then Darga took charge: "[Salki, go back to the hill. Send Buygra and two others with news to the camp so they know what is happening!]"
-
431.
> Unfortunately, the boy shook his head. "[Mother, I am not sure I understand what's happening! How will I explain it to them?]"
-
432.
> The woman sighed and lifted her spear. "[Then I will go. I think I understand. A little time passes in this pony village, but a lot of time passes in the camp. It is some strange magic. Our people will starve if they do not come out. They will run out of game, and out of edible plants. The supplies will run out. All the while, only a few days may pass here for us.]"
-
433.
"[That's it exactly! Send people to the camp and bring the rest with us. We're going in.]"
-
434.
> Once again Thistle was in awe of the ex-Chieftain's quick wit, and she was reminded just how this formidable woman had managed to keep a firm hold on her clan until her son could take over. She watched her walking away, and then break into a gentle jog.
-
435.
> Hopefully the time discrepancy wasn't too large, and no more than a few days might have passed in the camp. Thistle really wished that.
-
436.
> She saw the three mares were still staring in dumbfounded surprise at the exchange. "What is that language? How do you know it, Mayor?"
-
437.
"Never mind that now! Go and find the Princess! Don't forget the food from the farm! Go!"
-
438.
> At her urging, the three finally turned and cantered away. She'd have preferred a bit more urgency in their step, but at least they were moving. Between the three of them, they would have a better chance of actually finding Twilight.
-
439.
> In the meantime, it sounded like she was still the Mayor. That meant her decision to use the Town Hall to house the nomads for a while was official. There would be some snacks in there, and some water. She looked at Salki.
-
440.
"[As soon as the other hunters arrive with your mother, we'll go into the- in the- among the buildings. You did good, but you need to lead by example. The ponies will not attack us. Take your hand away from your knife. We are guests to them!]"
-
441.
> He stared after the retreating mares. "[You told them to find someone? You said they need to get us food and water?]"
-
442.
"Yes. Good."
-
443.
> She realized she was still sitting after the shock and stood on uncertain, wobbly legs. As soon as Darga was back, they would need to move through the town as quickly as possible, to upset as few of the townsponies as they could. She'd forgotten just how grotesque the sight of dead animal fur would be to them.
-
444.
> For a moment, she considered discarding her wolf cloak and her spear, maybe have one of the hunters carry them for her. Her lips pressed together in determination and she shook her head to her own silent question. No, this was who she had become. The ponies would simply have to get used to it.
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