Red Sand

The sun returned to the desert sky and brought with it once again scorching heat, the calamity of any who resided there.

Meridian and his new friend (who he still didn't know the name of) had a light breakfast and began to travel towards the town that she had alluded to last night. He thought it necessary to learn about this town.

"So what is the name of the place we're going to?"

"It's called Heiracon, and it lies just west of here. It should only take a few hours to get there unless something happens on the way."

He found this news very interesting. He had never heard of nor seen any place called Heiracon, and was eager to arrive. Perhaps some ponies successfully settled in an oasis! Equestria and her people would be proud.

He then had another compelling thought, this time of his unknown guide:

'I have no idea who my guide is...maybe she's not as honest as she seems, like a criminal or something. If she were a bandit, she could be leading me into a camp of theirs to loot me!'

"Wait a second!" he yelled.

"What's the matter, stranger?"

"You've just said it, I'm afraid. Neither of us have introduced ourselves."

Meridian walked up to her and removed his hat, as a formality from home.

"I'm Meridian. Pleased to meet you."

"And I am Latet, greetings."

She then removed the hood of her wrappings to show herself. She had a light blue coat and unruly black hair.

"Heiracon is not much further. Let's keep moving." "Yes, let's."

With that introduction in mind they neared the end of their travelling.The sun was ready to rest as well, and kissed the horizon.  On the earth stood a lone mesa attempting to contest the mountains nearby. At the top of this mesa were small shapes that couldn't be made out from this distance.

"Is that the city?" Meridian inquired.

Latet turned around to reply. "What else would that be? A ghost?"

"Good point."

They approached much nearer to it, he could see the buildings that lined the mesa's roof in much more detail. A massive bridge connected the mesa to the ground below with an ornate gate at the end. It completely baffled Meridian that something so decorated could exist in the desert south of home.

'This is absolutely incredible! How did any pony create anything this marvelous?'