A Scholar's Journey: Equestria

by Tower of 0

Rating: mature
Tags: Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Adventure, Sex, Alternate Universe, Anthro
Length: 7771

A figure comes to Equestria with claims of being a scholar. Looking for nothing more then to see a new world.

Someone or something has come to Equestria, with the help of a friendly Equestrian ship captain. He ventures into the unkown and new world. As he ventures deeper with curiosity and determination to push on, The Scholar will meet some colorful characters and a maybe some companions to help him along the way. He will face challenges and obstacles along his path, it will be up to him to overcome them.

(Will contain: Alternate Luna, Some Genderbent characters, and maybe some loving.)

Published 2017-02-11 19:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-09-13 14:45:42 UTC

Vanhoover Arrivals

Vanhoover was a rather small and unassuming town. Ponies moved about the lives day in and day out, ships came in and ships went out. It was all like clockwork for the small harbor village of Vahoover. Today had a slight mist that rolled in from the bay, not too dense and never impeded on the daily lives of the ponies there. A trading ship pulled into port, mooring onto on of the docks as some of the dockhands gathered to offer their help in unloading the ship's goods.

A boarding deck slid out from the vessel and lowered onto the dock. The captain of the ship soon appeared at the top of the walkway and came down it. He was soon accompanied by a hooded pony with a humble air about him. His muzzle could only be seen as most of his face was covered by his robe's hood. Pouches and potions were strapped across his chest and waist and a strange book hung off of his right side.

The guards were on approach and the captain produced his paperwork for the ship and cargo he was bringing in. They took one look at the stranger.

"He was stranded at sea. He's also with me." The captain just told them. The guards nodded and handed the page back.

"You're cleared." The stranger gave them a small smile and tapped the captain on his shoulder.

The hooded stranger took the captain's hand and placed an object in his palm. The captain noticed that the stranger's hands also had claws, even strange for something that looked like a pony. Once the hand moved, he saw a small medallion with a symbol on it. The captain tried to hand it back.

"There's no need to pay me."

"It's a gift." The stranger gave the captain a smile again."To bring you good fortune on your travels."

The captain looked back at the object. "Then you should have it." The captain tried again.

The hooded stallion just grinned and pushed the older ponies hand back and to his chest. "I don't need good fortune, my journey will be long."

The captain nodded and let the stranger go. The hooded figure weaved through the streets of Vanhoover, going between ponies as he looked for three buildings; A general store, a book store, and an inn. He found the first shop on his list no problem, and whilst there he got himself a map, compass, and satchel to carry his bigger items that he may find out in the wild.

The hooded figure moved on to wander the streets once more. His eyes scanned the surroundings, keeping an eye out for the signs. The figure wandered for hours, only stopping twice to get something to eat and store some food for his journey. No luck with the book store though, no matter, he will just have to head to another town. The sun was setting now, the stars were peeking out from behind the dimming curtain of light.

The stranger made his way through the emptying streets of Vanhoover back to where he spotted the inn. The inside was warm, a big fireplace on the far wall was blazing a good amount of heat and light across the main floor. Ponies of all walks were gathered around tables with their buddies or other and spinning their tales to one another. Most of the patrons with mugs of drink in their hands.

The clattering was cheerful, some groups even singing sea shanties and other bouts of tunes as they enjoyed themselves and their company. The stranger wasn't here of any of that, he was there for a room. He approached the main bar and smiled at the keeper. The keeper just stared at the hooded stranger in front of her, not really amused. The stranger' sleeve waved over the counter and produced a single gem the shone against the fire's light.

Her eyes widened and looked up at the stranger. "I'd just like a room for the night." The stranger asked, a small smile on his muzzle.

The keeper just nodded to him and quickly gave him a key that disappeared into his sleeve. "I will be up by morning to return the key." The stranger told the keeper mare.

"Upstairs. Door in the farthest corner to the left." The keeper told him. The hooded figure smiled and nodded, following her instructions.

The stranger liked his rented room. It wasn't too small nor too large for him to use, and the cheeriness of the main floor below seemed to be in a distant muffle. He laid out the map on his bed, then setting the compass down next to it like it were a treasure. He grabbed a candle as the room started to get a little on the darker side. His hand waved over the wick and it lit almost immediately.

The candle lit up his area just fine and set it on the surface with a small clinking sound. He soon reached into a pouch and pulled out an inkwell and a quill. The hooded figure popped the cork on the well off an the smell of fresh ink enter his nostrils. He dipped the quill's tip into the ink and looked at the map, a small smile as he circled his next destination.

It was a place south of Vanhoover, "Los Pegasus" was the name and he was certain to make it there. He only knew of Vanhoover from the old captain that told him where the ship would be landing. The stranger started to estimate the travel to Los Pegasus now, figuring the trip would take him a few days. Especially if he only traveled during the day and found places to rest up at night. Then that would mean that he'd have to get a few more things. The stranger started to fold up the map and put away his quill and ink.

Tomorrow was gonna be the start of his long journey, Vanhoover now being the first step. The stranger started to hang up his straps and robe, making sure they were ready for tomorrow. He locked the door before he walked over to the bed and pulled back the cover. He was going to need all the rest he could get.

Smokey Mountain Trail

It had only been a good amount of time since he left Vanhoover. A few hours since his encounter at a place called 'Tall Tale.' There wasn't much to the village but they were in the middle of a trade agreement, or rather a disagreement, when the stranger arrived. He ended up helping them settle to disagreement and was offered a reward.

At first he turned down the offers, but more they were insisted upon him. So now he carried a small pouch of bits and a dagger now. The stranger wasn't a fan of weapons, but he figured he could use it in others way. He hadn't decided on what to do with the small pouch of money that was handed to him, but the figure would figure it out soon.

The trail he was on going up the mountain was winding about. The dirt sunk with each step of the figure's hooves, giving a soft yet solid footing. The stranger soon stopped and sat on top of a rock, bringing out his book. The latch to keep the covers closed popped off with ease. He started to page through the entries in the book til he stopped on a blank page.

It didn't really take him long to pull out the ink and quill again. He wished that there was something he could carry in place of the two items. He didn't stay on that train of thought for long as he started to scribble out a small map of his own just for the mountain. The figure pulled out his compass to make sure he was scribbling the incomplete map in the right direction. With that confirmation, he slipped the compass away.

After he put away his items, closed his book, and locked it tight. The figure stood back up and began his trek back up the mountain's trail. He rounded around the peak and saw a valley near the mountain base. The sight was amazing to see as he quickly started to descend the mountain.

The grass was the greenest he had ever seen, the trees were full of life and there were critters all around him. This valley was alive and he was glad to be in the middle of it. Once he made his way down to the center of the small valley, he sat down and started to put himself in a trance. He felt a proper meditation would be in order in a place like this.

He crossed his legs and closed his eyes. Letting his mind flow freely through his thoughts. Reviewing his past and current decisions, conversations, things he held. The list had gone on until he felt it, the connection to magic. He could feel it all around him, a lot more then he ever imagined. He never touched it though, not to his own fullest, he felt it would be dangerous to do so.

When he drifted out of his meditation he saw the wildlife around him. The sun was setting now and the wildlife were skittering around to their homes for the night. The figure decided it was time to do the same and set up a small camp for the night. It took the stranger a bit to get set up, collecting enough rocks to make a fire pit took a good amount of the time. The firewood wasn't enough for a big fire, not that he wanted it too large.

He did find a sizable chunk of wood that he put away. The fire was alive and well for it's small size, and he was carving away at the piece of wood. The figure just hummed as he turned the chunk into a rough outline of something. The more he twiddled away with he dagger at the wood, the more he got an idea. The outline soon became a kingly figure, and he started to feel something as he stared at the statuette.

He let out a small sigh and placed the small likeness into his pack. The moon was rising over the mountains as he ate with his eyes fixed on the fire. Wasn't much for fruits but he wasn't complaining, seeing the fruit he ate as a source of energy for him to use tomorrow.

The morning came and the figure winced a bit at the light in his eyes. He sat up, rubbing his face, and yawning. Then he noticed that he was being stared at. The stranger looked to his visitor to see that it was a young falcon. The bird cooed a bit and flapped its wings once, its head tilted off to one side.

"Well hello there." The figure said with a smile.

He put his hand out for the bird and it jumped back some. It looked between the hand and who it was coming from. The bird cooed again then hopped up onto the figures's forearm. Chirping some as it looked back to the stranger, then hopping on up to his shoulder and perching right there.

"Wanna come along with me on my journey, little buddy?" The figure asked the falcon.

The bird cried a bit in excitement and confirmation. "Hmmm... I think I'll call you Talon."

White Tail Woods Encounter

The trek down the rest of the mountain took a good bit of the day away. Talon was flying high above the woods they were in to keep a good eye out. The figure weaved through the trees with some ease, always checking up on his new pet. Careful not to trip over of the tree roots, rocks, and any other natural item that could make him fall.

Luna huffed and panted as she ran through the woods in a panic. She was unable to fly or use her magic, he arms were tied to her back against her wings. Luna's horn fared no better, having some sort of magical device on it that blocked any magic she could conjure up. Her pursuers on her tail, but still far enough behind. That's when she ran into somepony, knocking herself and them to the ground.

They both groaned, and the figure Luna was on top start to shift a bit. She was pushed off and the figure got to their hooves. Luna blinked a couple of times and became aware rater quickly to what was going on: Another bandit found her. She screamed a bit and sat up, scooting away from them. Giving them a pitiful glare as she backed up against a tree.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on me, fiend!" Luna yelled out.

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you." The figure tried to reassure her. "What're you running from anyway?"

"Your kind." Luna snapped, not believing a word about not hurting her.

"My kind? Miss, I'm just a scholar." He gave her a warm smile, taking a small step towards her.

Luna just looked at the figure, trying to disappear into the tree trunk as he took a step forward.

"Here, let me set you free. You can go on your way." The figure offered.

Luna, despite her not wanting to be there anymore, reluctantly agreed to the offer. The figure grinned and helped her up. Now that he got a good look at her, the mare was beautiful. She wasn't like any girl he had seen before, but he couldn't dwell on that now. Luna turned around and the figure pulled out his dagger. The blade cut into the ropes like hot knife to butter.

Luna felt relieved to be alive still and to know her bindings were off of her wings. She may have been on the brink of being naked thanks to her captors. Luna got quick to work on getting her horn free, took her a minute to get the device off and toss it aside. The stranger,however, noticed that she had both a horn and wings. Most ponies he had seen and interacted with had one or the other, or none at all.

"Thank you." Luna said to the figure, who just nodded back.

"You take care now." The figure told her, then something popped into his head. "Oh, I may have something for you."

The figure reached for his pouch of bits and tossed it to the mare. Luna caught with a hand and looked at him. Giving him a small smile before spreading her wings and flying off above the trees. The figure just watched hte beautiful mare fly away, a bit of a grin on his face.

"Well, well well, lookie what we got here." A voice called from behind the stranger.

He turned around to see five armed and barely dressed ponies, all staring at him.

"A goody two shoes of a pony let our catch go." One of the others said.

"We had plans to hold her for a nice ransom..... after we were done with her." Their leader said, the others started to chuckle. "Guess we will have to settle for taking yer valuables instead."

The figure backed up into a nearby tree. "Guys... you don't want to do this."

The leader just scoffed. "You let our prize go, you give us your money and maybe we will let you live."

The figure's face turned solemn as they approached. "Then you're mugging the wrong guy."

A sudden fog started to roll in, snaking it's way pass the trees and around the group. It soon became so dense that only a silhouette of the hooded stranger could only be seen. The disappearing a brief moment later as the bandits started to close their distance to each other. Some of them were in a scare at the sudden appearance of said fog.

"Wha...what the hell is going on?!" One of them asked.

It didn't take long for one of them to get pulled into the fog, screaming before it went quiet again. The bandits were more on edge and some of them regretting being here already. Another bandit was pulled into the fog only to not be heard from. There were only few of the bandits left now, shaking away in their boots.

Bright blue eyes shone in front of the group, causing the two ponies to run off into the fog screaming like little fillies. The remaining one just slashed his sword at the eyes, and hit nothing. The fog started to clear, snaking around once again and this time leading behind the last bandit. Being drawn into the sleeves of the scholar.

"I told you." The stranger's voice called out. "You chose the wrong guy to mug."

Before the last bandit could react, his world went dark. The stranger was walking away from three knocked out bandits. He was humming to himself as two of them were hanging by their belts from the trees. Talon screeched and came down from the skies, landing on the shoulder of it's owner.

The night fallen once again, the stranger having settle down just outside the woods for the evening. He was contemplating about the mare he saved earlier. He took another bite of his food, then tore off a piece and fed it to Talon. There was another presence there with him he hadn't addressed yet, but continued to go about his business.

"You can sit down, I wont bite." He said out loud.

Luna stepped out from the shadows, looking down and nervous. Soon stepping up and sitting next to him, holding out the pouch of bits. The figure sat there and continued to eat. Luna just looked at him, hoping he'd take back the money. The bird near him just tilted it's head at the mare.

"Keep it, I don't have a use for it." The stranger said, finally looking at the mare with a small smile.

Luna caught a glimpse passed the stranger's muzzle due to the fires light. His eye was interesting to look at, could almost say enthralling if he would just take the hood off. She was getting distracted and cleared her throat some after putting away the pouch. His eye shined a bit with a sparkle.

"I wanted to thank you for setting me free." Luna started, shifting a bit.

"You're welcome. I'm always willing to help any in need." The stranger offered the mare some of his food.

Luna graciously accepted the offer, having been starving since her capture. "I'm.. Luna. If you were wondering."

The stranger just gave her a warm smile. "Such a beautiful name and I am Reavin."

"Reavin." Luna said, trying the name to find she liked how it rolled off her tongue. "I like it, it's rather unique."

Reavin smiled his same smile, Luna was blushing from earlier's comment.

"Where is it from?" Luna decided to ask.

"It's Scalewardian." Reavin replied.

"Scale..wardian?" Luna cocked her head a bit, now interested in this new knowledge.

"It's usually what we call ourselves, since our country's known as Scaleward, respectively."

"Is it a nice place?" Luna asked.

"I think it's beautiful for being one of the hardest lands to find." Reavin looked at her with a grin.

"OH, and why is that?"

"Maybe you'll have to see one day." Reavin mused, knowingly as he rubbed his chin.

Luna looked away, and sighed as she hung her head. "I've always wanted to see the world, travel to new places. My brother told me it was too dangerous for a pony like me. Now I see that he was right."

Reavin just sat there and listened to her.

"So, I came to thank you for rescuing me, and to ask of you if I may come with you."

Reavin was silent, then spoke. "You may. Even if i said no, I wouldn't have stopped you."

"Really?!" Luna had a hard time containing her excitement. "Just like that?"

Reavin nodded, looking at her with his trademark smile.

"You seem so casual about it though.. most ponies would be more excited that I was asking to accompany them." Luna said, trying to avert her gaze from his eye.

"I simply don't care what you are, what you did, or where you're from. I think it'd be nice to have a companion, I'm just surprised it's a beautiful mare like yourself." Reavin stated, grinning again

Luna was fighting the heat creeping to her cheeks. The night grew darker and Reavin was fast asleep on the ground, Luna was sitting next to him, staring up at her stars. She was feeling a bit homesick now, but she wanted her own adventure first. She was also thankful for coming across the stallion when she was in trouble, he surely would be a blessing in disguise to her.

Apples and Pegasi

When the morning came, Reavin woke up to a surprise. Luna, at some point, had wrapped her arms and legs around him and was snuggling herself close to his back. The moment was short lived though as he pulled away from her to start cleaning up the small camp. He had hopes of reaching Los Pegasus today, and was going to make it happen.

Luna was rubbing her eyes, still sleepy as she got her bearings. "Leaving so soon?"

"I apologize, but we can cover more ground travelling all day than night." Reavin explained as he finished up.

Luna yawned and Talon flew down from a nearby tree and landed on Reavin's shoulder. The mare took notice of the bird for the first time since last night. Talon chirped a bit at his owner and a hand came up to scratch at the bottom of the falcon's beak. Luna was standing now, patting the dirt off her rags.

They were soon traveling, walking away from the woods and into the plains. Luna was staying in close proximity to Reavin. Talon was flying high above them and keeping ahead. Reavin was humming to himself rather happily as they walked. Then Luna nudged him to get Reavin's attention.

"How'd you come across your falcon?" Luna asked, pointing to Talon

"Oh, Talon? The same day we met, I woke up to it near me." Reavin explained. "Named it Talon and it hasn't flew away yet."

"Must have a way with animals then." Luna smiled a bit, remembering her brother's own bird at that moment.

Talcon screeched out in excitement, staying high in the sky. Luna watching the bird as she stuck close to the stallion. Reavin was going through his back, checking what supplies were left and made a mental check list as he checked each item. Then it hit him when he came across a problem.

"We're going to need to get more food soon." Reavin stated.

"What?" Luna asked, confused about what he said.

"I only brought enough food for one. I'll get more when we get to Las Pegasus." Reavin said as he placed his bag to his side.

Luna stopped in her tracks, quickly descending into a panic and muttering to her.

Reavin stopped and looked back at her. "Luna, are you okay?"

"I can't just show up like I am! In these rags!" Luna exclaimed.

"I planned on getting you some decent clothes when we arrived." Reavin explained. "If it helps, you can wait out of sight."

Luna thought over it for a moment then sighed. "Fine"

It had been hours since they last stopped and it was becoming evening and no sign of Las Pegasus was in sight. The sun was getting low on the plains below. Talon squawked as the bird perched on Reavin's shoulder. Luna on the other hand was panting rather heavily from the heat. Reavin reached into his robes and pulled out a canteen and handed it to Luna after screwing the cap off.

The mare took the canteen and thanked Reavin for his kindness, and took a swig from the canteen. Almost as though silent prayers were answered, a city skyline started to emerge over the horizon. the sight filled both the ponies with some hope and Luna was about to rush forward. That was until she remembered the rags on her body. Reavin looked over at Luna's shame filled face.

"Luna, I may have an idea." Reavin said to her with a small smile.

"Are you certain about this, Reavin?" Luna asked, gazing at the bottle held in her hands.

Reavin had concocted a temporary potion out of some of the nearby herbs and flowers. He had explained to her that it would make her unseen to any one. Luna was swirling the contents of the bottle, unsure of it since it took up the last drops of water. Unsure, she looked back to her companion. The only expression she could make out was the small little smile he always seemed to wear.

With the only reassurance she had, Luna downed the bottle quickly. The taste was bitter, but the bottle was left empty. She stared at Reavin, feeling nothing as he just stood there watching her. Luna happened to bring her hand up to look at it. She couldn't see it.

"This is amazing!" Luna shouted in an excited tone. "It really worked!"

Reavin nodded and smiled at her. "Yes it did, now come along so we can get you something decent to wear."

The city Reavin came was known as Applewood, and more of a developed community than Vanhoover. Buidlings would tower over ponies in certain areas while some had single story shops. Most of the sights started to remind him of home, and completely forgot about the invisible Luna that was following him.

"Reavin..." Luna whispered right against the hood. "... I do not believe you are focused on the task at hand."

"Reavin snapped back to the present. "Oh.. right."

Talon perched himself on a nearby light post as Reavin and an unseen Luna entered a nearby dress shop.

The clerk mare looked up as the bell rang from the door hitting it. "Oh Hello! Is there anything i can help you find today?"

Reavin looked at the mare with a smile. "Well, I have a friend who's rather embarrassed to be seen in a dress. So I'm looking for something that isn't too... flashy."

The mare took a moment to think over the request and nodded. "I have just the thing. Right this way."

The dress, or dresses, Reavin were shown seemed alright enough, especially since the whispers of Luna were filling his ear. He settled on a plain black dress and paid for it. Once outside the store, Talon flew down and accompanied Reavin and the invisible Luna on their way to a hotel. A proper room was the answer to Luna's wishes and a nice break from camping for Reavin.

Talon had himself perched outside their window, making himself comfortable. A sigh of relief came out of the scholar as the sound of his magic fizzling out. Luna soon faded back into visibility, staring at her companion. Reavin didn't dare look at her, holding the dress out to her. Luna just took it and started to put it over her body.

"Reavin," Her tone was a bit stale, "That was no potion you gave me."

"No." Reavin replied. "I didn't know if you'd agree to being turned invisible by an experimental spell."

Luna scrunched up her nose and huffed and snatched the dress right from his hand and quickly slipped into it. Reavin listened to the sound as the room soon fell quiet and she sat on the bed. An audible breath left her lips as she closed her eyes. Reavin soon turned to look at her, reaching up and grabbing the hems of his hood an pulled it down.

Luna soon felt his presence plop down onto the bed next to her. She opened her eyes and for the first time since they met, Luna was looking at his face. She took in his features, but his eyes remained closed. Reavin let out a sight and opened them to look at Luna, they were a color that seemed to glow.

"Your eyes." Luna trailed a bit, almost lost in thought now.

"Luna." Reavin started again. "Now that you have some proper clothes, maybe you'd like to get out and about the town?"

Luna gave it some thought and shook her head. "No, I wish not to draw a crowd."

"Well, is there anything I could get you while I'm out?"

"I may need a few things..."

Reavin exited the hotel with his hood up again. His usual look as his snout poked out from the brim. He went about checking out the sights of Applewood and catching glimpses of the next city above. Right now he just wanted to relax, even if his new companion didn't want to come with him. Reavin took note of a festival happeneing tonight and smiled to himself about it. He glanced over her list of the things she had requested. It's short, but to the point. The first thing on that list though? A cloak, some plain clothes, and a single sleeping bag.

After all was done on the for Luna, Reavin was making his way back with a bag full of her things and another bag full of groceries. He entered the room and placed the bags onto his bed. Listening to the shower run had reminded him of how nice it would be to feel clean again. Especially after the several days of travel through woods. Talon cawed a bit from the upon his owner's return and spread his wings in show.

"Well hello, Talon." Reavin smiled and walked over to his bird, scritching the falcon under his chin. "Did Luna let you in? Hopefully you've been some good company to her."

"In fact, he has been quite friendly." Luna chimed in from behind Reavin.

Strange, he didn't hear the shower shut off.

"That's fantastic to hear. Talon usually isn't the best with strangers." Reavin said as he turned to face Luna, who was now wrapped up in a towel.

Luna just sauntered up next to Reavin and started to pet the falcon. "He has not cause me any trouble."

"It's not everyday he likes just anyone." Reavin smiled as he looked at both Luna and Talon now. "You should value that, he's picky about who gets to touch him."

"Well, I appreciate you liking me, Sir Talon." Luna cooed at the falcon

Talon just ruffled up a bit and puffed out his chest in pride.

"I got what you asked, along with some food for us."

"Excellent! We will have no trouble getting around in the open now!"

Reavin just looked at Luna as she walked her way over to the bags. He didn't feel it appropriate to ask her about. Luna on the other hand, had no trouble finding her things and went back into the bathroom to put them on. It wasn't even a minute later when she came back out in her chosen attire and the cloak he had gotten her.

"How do I look?" Luna asked as she spun around once.

"If I didn't know you. I'd suspect you were a regular unicorn."

Luna just smiled at him and flipped her hood up to hide most of her features. Noone would be any the wiser while she travelled with Reavin now. The stallion went over to the other bag and flipped open the flap to reveal it's contents of food. He rummaged around for bit until he found the pack of treats he had bought for Talon. Luna watched with mild interest as he gave a treat over to the falcon.

She started to smile again, watching him show such compassion to his friend. It was also then the moment was ruined when her stomach let loose a loud enough growl to attract the attention of the room. Reavin stood up straight with a chuckle and looked over to Luna.

"Must be time for dinner" He mused. "So I have an idea. I saw that there's a festival later on in the night, would that be fun?"

"Now that I have some appropriate attire, it does."

With that, the two smiled at each other and headed out for a night in town. They stayed relatively close to one another, eating, dancing, and looking at the sights the festival had to offer. Luna went to dance again in the center of the festival while Reavin went to get them some treats. As he was chatting to the vendor, there was a tap at his shoulder.

"Excuse me, sir, but a moment of your time." Reavin heard, he turned to face a pony clad in gold armor with another of the same make. "Have you seen the Princess? Luna has been missing from the castle for quite some time and there is a reward for any tips you have on her whereabouts."

As the one stallion guard was talking, the other held up a missing poster for Luna.

"Hmmm.. no." Reavin replied. "I would remember seeing somepony like that if I did. I wish you the best of luck!"

"Thank you for your time. If you end up finding any clues, please let the Royal Guard know." The stallion spoke.

"Think I could get one of those posters, just in case I do end up finding her?" Reavin asked with his smile.

The guards nodded and gave him a copy of the missing poster. He folded it up and stashed it on his frame, paid for the treats and disappeared into the crowd. Reavin made sure he wasn't being watched by the guards as he took a longer route to reach Luna. He softly tapped her with his hoof and nodded for her to follow, holding up the treats. She just smiled and obliged.

"This is the most fun I have had in ages." Luna said, happily eating at the fare.

The two were now on a bench together, enjoying the night.

"Yeah, I had a couple of guards ask me if I knew where you were." Reavin said in a nonchalant tone.

Luna almost choked. "Wh-What?"

Reavin just nodded. "I see now why you didn't want to be seen a whole lot in public now, you're a missing princess."

"I swear I was going to tell you." Luna looked down now, almost defeated at the truth being found.

"It's okay, I'm sure you were going to say something." Reavin just said and looked to her, his smile ever present for her.

She didn't look at him. "I am not ready to go back yet."

"Luna, I didn't tell them you were here, buuuut there is a reward for you being found I won't claim."

She looked up to him now and saw his smile. He didn't need to say much after that. "Thank you"

He puts his arm around her shoulder and pulls her close to him. "For now, let's just enjoy the rest of our night. Then tomorrow we head for Las Pegasus."

Luna agreed to the sentiment and they went about enjoying their night at the festival. They didn't get back to their room until late and quietly enter even though it was their room. Both took off their cloaks and tossed them on their respective beds. Reavin went to his travel supplies and started to get out some night attire and head to the bathroom to wash up. He started running some warm water for a bath and stripped down.

The door to the bathroom was closed, but not locked. Luna was sitting on her bed now with her cloak in her hands. She ran her thumbs across the fabric with a smile. In the short amount of time that she knew him, Reavin had proven to be a greater friend to her. Saving her hide from some rogues, letting her travel with him, getting her clothes with his own money, and letting her have a night of fun despite her brother looking for her. Things he didn't have to do, little things.

She wasn't ready to go home yet. Luna was set on having this adventure, even if it isn't hers. The water stopped running and she heard him get in the tub. The water shifted around him. Luna let out a sigh and folded up her cloak and set it on the night stand next to the beds and started to settle between the sheets.

Reavin sat in the hot water, relaxed. It was nice to feel the touch of the liquid after a few longs days of travel. He sunk deeper into the bath with a sigh of content. This is a night for him to remember, just having fun with another, a princess no less! He did feel a little bit bad for lying to the guards looking for her, but even worse for knowing he betrayed he trust. He left his thoughts there and started to clean himself up.

The bathroom door opened and there he saw Luna laying in bed, probably asleep. So he quietly strode across the room to his bed, putting his dirty garments away and slipping into the other bed. Reavin turned and reached over to the lamp to turn it out. There was Luna standing before him, a bit more timid than usual.

"I just wanted to thank you. For earlier and tonight." Luna started.

"Oh, it's noth-" Reavin was interrupted by a kiss to the cheek.

Luna didn't say anything more and got back into bed. Her cheeks felt warm after that and she snuggled deeper into the sheets. The light clicked off and Reavin laid there for some time before dozing off himself for the rest of the night. Basking in the memories and thoughts of earlier. Luna turned over, her eyes peeking from blankets and gazed at Reavin's sleeping form.

The morning sun shone through the open hotel window and roused Reavin from his slumber. The city sound mixed with the soft calls from Talon. He sat up in his bed and looked around, no Luna. Reavin let out a sigh and got out of bed at the same time the door opened. In stepped Luna with a platter and two dishes on top. He smiled upon seeing her.

"I was hoping you were still asleep, I brought breakfast." Luna told him with a smile.

"Well, I can get back to bed if you wanted breakfast in bed."

"That would be nice."

Reavin gave her a grin and sat back down on his bed, patting the empty spot beside him. Luna was quick to make her way over to him and sat right down. She made sure the platter shared both their laps. The breakfast she brought up smelled absolutely wonderful. Reavin could get used to this Equestrian cuisine, the aromas were just right and hit the senses in such a way. The two wasted no time in enjoying their shared meals.

After breakfast, the two were busy packing their things up for the next stop on the trip: Las Pegasus. The city didn't seem that far away until someone had to figure that it was a literal city of clouds. Reavin had to find something to help with that problem until Luna showed him how to cast a cloud walking spell.

His vigor was renewed now for his journey must continue. They cleaned up the room together and set out. Their first stop was to find a carriage service that could take them to the cloudy city. Luna stayed close by and kept her head down as they went about on the busy sidewalks. Reavin doing most of the talking so Luna can keep herself from being found out. The missing posters are almost on every street corner now.

They did succeed in finding a carriage that'll take them to their destination. The down side of the carriage is that the trip will take several hours to get there. They accepted since it as the only carriage they could find at the time. The bits were exchanged and they two loaded up their things. Seating was a little tight but neither of them minded as the journey was now on its way.

The few hours they spent in the carriage felt a little longer than it did. Luna slept against Reavin for most of the ride while he wrote in his journal about last night's festival. It was a little hard to manage in the tiny space, but he got by just fine. Luna snuggled herself closer to him, somehow. The carriage took them out of Applewood and down a road towards the next city. It stopped after some time in front of a balloon, Reavin looked out the window and smiled before gently waking Luna.

She gave him a smile and the two got out to grab their bags. The two loaded themselves into the balloon basket and it went up. When they finally reached their destination, the two were met with the sight of bustling metropolis and a long strip of casinos. Reavin and Luna took in the sights before looking at one another.

"We should find a place to stay for the night." Reavin said while checking the money. "Hm, may have to pay for it using a gem or two, bits are low."

"We could always make more somehow." Luna reassured him.

"It'll be fine, when we hit the next town we can see about work." He just smiles at her while casting the cloud walking spell.

"Please stay on the designated paths and you won't fall through the clouds." A greeter said, helping them both on to the platform. "Enjoy your stay here in Las Pegasus."

"Thank you." The two say before heading off into the city.

The duo spend a bit of time looking around at the various shops and attractions Las Pegasus has to offer, but first they needed a place to stay for the night. Reavin ended up finding a hotel some ways away from the main city, but Luna wanted something closer. The two thought about it for a moment until going off to the market district for a place to stay.

"Hello, and welcome!" A mare said with some excitement as the two walk in. "Will you be staying with us today?"

"Yes, how much for a room?" Reavin asked, pulling out one of his pouches.

She told him the price and he pulled out a couple of gems to place on the counter.

"This should cover the cost."

The mare just nods, taking the gems and replacing them with a room key. "Please enjoy your stay!"

"Thank you." Reavin said with a smile and takes the key, leading the way to their room.

The door to their room opens and they both step inside. The room was a little more spacious than the last, but it also had one bed. The mattress was big enough for the both of them. They didn't waste any time unpacking some of their things. Reavin setting his journal on the desk present in the room, then he looked to the bed.

"You can take the bed if you'd like, I can sleep on the floor."

Luna just looked at him, then back to the bed. "I do not mind to share it. You deserve to get some quality rest too."

"I just don't wanna invade on your personal space."

"It is fine, I enjoy your company."

"Well, if that's the case, how about we get settled here and go out for the day?"

Luna gave him a smile. "I would like that."

After the two go some things situated in their room, they left for the streets. The first thing they did was go get a bite to eat at a local restaurant, both enjoyed the meal and the lunch time chat. After lunch, they headed out to see the sights, visit some of the casinos, and get on some of the attractions. Their day was spent by each other's side and well into the evening where they found themselves near the hotel bar.

"Today was quite fun. I thank you, Reavin." Luna told him with a smile.

"You're welcome, we should plan a day out elsewhere." Reavin smiled back at her.

"Well, the fun does not have to end there." This caused the male to raise a brow.

"What do you have in mind?"

Luna smiled and nodded to the barkeep, and put two of her fingers up.

"Oh?"

The bar pony placed two pints of cider on the surface. "How about a little wager."

"I'm listening."

"A little contest, whoever can drink the most cider." Luna paused for a moment. "Can sleep on the bed tonight."

Reavin just smirked a little at her. "Wager taken."

They both walk into the room about an hour later, Luna barely able to keep conscious. She had out drank him at 12 pints, but he also intentionally lost. Alcohol isn't a favorite beverage of his, but he did have to admit that the cider was delicious. Luna was leaning on him as he guided her to the bed.

"All right, here we go." Reavin said as he tucked her in a little. "Safe in our room."

"Huzzah! Our sanctuary!" Luna exclaimed in a not so quiet manner.

"Shhhsh, don't wake the other rooms."

"Huzzah! Our sanctuary!" She repeated in a more hushed tone.

Reavin just smiled at her and goes to his bags, but his hand was grabbed before he got anywhere.

"Stay. Please."

"I'm not going anywhere, Luna. Just over here to get my sleeping bag."

"No, you may sleep in the bed with me. I want the company." Luna looked at him, almost pleading."

Reavin looked right back, she may be under the influence of the cider, but her eyes spoke a truth. He gave her a small nod. She gave him a smile and let his hand go. He went over to the other side of the bed and sat on the edge. He took off some articles of clothing before he slid under the covers and faced her. He couldn't help but stare into her eyes and she stared back. Before he knew it, one of her hands was caressing his cheek. Luna then turned over and pressed her back against his chest and fell right to sleep.