An Artifact of Untapped Potential

A town named Petch was just on the borders of the Badlands which if one were to head north for a number of miles would reach Dodge Junction within a few hour's time. The town itself was close enough to allow for easy trade between the two settlements, which was crucial since the Badlands are not known to have resources in abundance.

Though, one stallion, in particular, was spending the relatively cool night collecting cacti (Which was surely in abundance here) in order to further his progress within his alchemical studies. His name was Northern Compass, an Earth Pony with light chocolate coat, a fair blonde mane, and (Predictably) a compass for a cutie mark, though it had four needles, all pointing in four directions, perhaps to symbolize that he doesn't just travel north, but in all directions of his choosing.

His pale blonde eyes examined the cactus while we pulled out a small device, in the shape of a mirror of sorts, and used it to gather details on the plant.

"...Herba, Terra, and Aqua..." He noted aloud. He took a bowie knife in his mouth and cut the pricks off before storing it in his pouch.

'Time to go. It's getting late.' He thought, jotting down his notes on the cactus before heading off back into Petch.

The town itself had only average looking buildings. They were definitely weathered but were not visually displeasing generally.

Northern decided he should pay the shopkeeper a visit. He found some gems earlier that he figured would fetch for a nice price.

Walking up to the store that was almost crude in comparison to the rest, he walked inside with a bit of an awkward expression towards the smell of the establishment. In all honesty, while it didn't smell rancid, a touch of air freshener goes a long way.

The decor wasn't much better either, but at least the owner tried. Whether or not it was their best attempt was left up to consideration.

Behind the counter was a slightly older mare with her hair tied into a bun and some gray hairs being seen, but only a few. She was currently polishing an unappraised urn, perhaps preparing it for resale. She noticed the familiar customer walking in, and greeted him with a slight smile, showing young wrinkles.

"Hey Compass. Did you come here to take some more of my money?" She asked, jabbing at how he always has something to sell when he visits.

He nodded in agreement, returning her kind expression. "As always Bit Coin. How's business?"

She shrugged and sighed, answering, "Well, it's alright I suppose. The lights are still on, and my belly full, so can I complain? Nah. Maybe I can nitpick a lot, though." She responded with a chuckle.

"Starting with the furniture in here or lack of?" He smirked at his snarky comment. "Just kidding, though this place is in need of a cleanup."

"I'm gettin' to it. I've just been super lazy lately. And it doesn't exactly help that you keep selling me things. Speaking of which, what did you bring today?"

"Oh, boy do I have a deal for you." He said with a light chuckle as he pulled out a couple of orange stones and a red one. "I found a couple of Topaz and a Ruby. What will that get me?"

"You trying to trade? What are you looking for?" She asked, pulling out a fair number of old trinkets and the likes.

"Something rare will do the trick. Maybe a book or something." He played with the stones as he spoke.

She looked slightly confused. "A rare book? I only sell common stuff in here pal, but... let me see what I can get you. Hold on." She scurried off to the back room to look for something that might qualify as a rare book.

"Alrighty then." He leaned on the counter and waited for her to return. His eyes trailed along the floor and walls, looking at how dusty her knick knacks and other unorthodox collectibles were.

Soon, she came back with a book. It strangely looked brand new.

"What's this book here?" Compass inquired.

"It's the first volume in the Traveller's Guide to Equestria, supposedly written by the first one to settle in these lands. Isn't it great?"

"It is, definitely!" He handed her the gems in exchange for the book. He was already excited to see what he would find! But, he would wait until he got home since he prefers to read in private.

"Now, that all?" Bit asked with an amused grin.

"Yes indeed! Much obliged Bit Coin! I'll be seeing you soon!" He made his way for the door, happier than when he walked in.

"Sure thing, come back anytime." She waved before returning to her urn cleaning.

Northern was just out of the door, already hopping in excitement at getting a rare book of text. He galloped home, eager to begin his intellectual journeys.