For a United Equestria

Chapters

The Tundra
Miss Nightengale
A Cry For Help
On Death's Doorstep

The Tundra

It was cold, so very cold the clothing he wore seemed to do nothing to keep out the biting winds. But on he marched his heavy boots crunching into the snow with every step. For what felt like days he had been at this. The monotonous rhythm of his footsteps was the only thing keeping him conscious. He had never felt so helpless...so alone.

His companions were always at his sides. They were inseparable the three of them. Having grown a bond much like a real blood family over the time they knew one another. One would be hard-pressed to find another team so close. His voice had long turned raspy and quiet as he screamed out their names.

"JERICHO WHERE ARE YOU? TRISSIA PLEASE ANSWER ME!"

He had already been searching for hours, and came up notjing. His cries were left answered only by the howling winds and biting snow. He raised his hand to his mouth to cover a heavy cough as he stopped moving. Looking down at his hand as it was pulled away from his face he cringed. Blood not a lot of it, but even a little is concerning.

"P-please....this isn't funny anymore. If you're here please just say something anything!!"

Once again he was met with nothing, but silence his struggling breaths being his only company. It was such a rare sight to see his blood. He had abilities that one would consider extraordinary, super-human even. In fact, they would have been perfect for where he is, the heat of the flames could drive away any cold.

But something was wrong everytime he tried to activate his powers. They would be snuffed out as if something was preventing them from activating. What's worse is his weapon was missing it has reserves of his power tucked away inside, in case a situation like this were to ever occur. But when he awoke in the frozen tundra with no memory as how or why he was here, the weapon was nowhere to be found.

He wasn't sure where he was the winters from his homeland were nothing compared to this. Something about this cold felt unnatural as if it was able to bypass any amount of clothing he were to put on. And it was taking it toll on the man his feet no longer stepping. Replaced by dragging through the thick white powder. His fingers and hands were numb and his face had begun collecting ice crystals from the sweat that poured down his face.

The the heavy snowfall blocked all vision. The cloud covering above completely sealed off the sky from the ground. It would not matter if it was day or night visibility would not change. He had arrived in this place a very short time ago, it could only have been a few hours. And he could already feel the weight of his body. His shoulders slumped, and he grunted and groaned with each painful step. Something was pushing him to keep moving despite his tiredness, perhaps a desire to see his family again? Or even a need for survival, it did not matter to the man. A low chuckle escaped his lips as pressed onward.

"Hehe.....n-never thought I would go out like this. F-f-frozen to death how.......ironic.."

His small comment was followed by another cough. This time his arms did not respond when he tried to raise them. And a small patch of white snow was painted with streaks of crimson. His body almost doubled over from the force of the cough. His feet have stopped moving, his legs shaking and feeling as if they would crumble beneath him at any moment. He stared down at the blood-stained snow and groaned.

This was it...this is where he would die. As he collapsed to his knees, about to fall foward into the crimson snow. He heard a voice, it seemed to cut through the howling winds. And he forced his head upwards looking ahead of himself. And in the distance unsure how far, he saw a light. A faint orange flickering light. He had heard that people often see a distant light right before they die. Was this his light? His invitation to spend the rest of eternity in paradise? Or maybe it was his salvation. The voice called again this time he could understand their words. The light getting brighter as they got closer and closer.

"Is there somepony out here?! I thought I heard shouting! Hello Is anypony there!!!?"

The voice sounded so sweet compared to the winds. Like a mother calling out to her child in the darkness. Having confirmed with himself that this was no hallucination or paradise that awaited him. He tried to call out, but all that he managed was a pathetic cry just above a whisper.

"O-over here! I see you!"

Thankfully this seemed to be enough. As the light stopped for a moment before swaying violently. As if someone were running with a lantern, and as the light approached the man's eyes widened. The creature before him was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Around three heads shorter than him if he was standing, a fur-covered creature stood before him. It was female if their voice was to be believed. She stood on two legs like him, but her face was a strange shape. And elongated nose that formed into a muzzle, along with two large eyes that took up most of its head. And a pair of ears that seemed swiveled in his direction.

Maybe this was a hallucination, or maybe he was dead and this was purgatory. Regardless he isn't sure what compelled him to speak up as his eyes drooped.

"P-p-please....help me...."

Was all he managed to say before he felt his head hit the soft ground. His eyes closed for what could be the last time. A darkness clouding his vision and his mind.

Author's Note

I'm deciding I want to try again with this story. I missed writing it, but I realized it needed work and it far from finished. But I hope you enjoy it if you read it ^^.

Miss Nightengale

There was a spark, that fundamental moment between consciousness and death. The first thing that he noticed was the warmth. A gentle weight resting over his body trapping the heat his body created. It felt soft and comforting as if standing next to a blazing fire against a cold breeze. Warm, but not hot, cold but not freezing. Just somewhere in between that made him feel at ease.

The second thing he noticed was the pain. Everything in and out of his body ached, the sharp pain of muscles being overused and torn. The twisting feeling of a stomach that has been empty for days. A small groan came from him as he attempted to adjust himself. Unaware of what was causing him so much pain, his vision was met with only darkness.

At first, he feared that he may have gone blind. But after lifting his hand back up to his face he found that from the middle of his nose up, had been tightly bandaged by some sort of thin cloth. He winced as his arm fell back down to his side. Disturbing the comforter and sheet that were laid on top of him. It was not the worst pain he had ever felt, but unlike those pains, this one was all over.

His ears picked up what sounded like a crackling fire. Unsure of how he arrived in this place he started to think back as far as he could. The last thing he remembered was seeing a bright light in the distance, along with a sweet-sounding voice calling to him. Besides that, not much seems to pass through his mind as far as memories go. He remembered his name, callsign, rank, and team members.

"What...happened to me...? Okay let's go over what I remember. I woke up in a frozen wasteland with suppressed powers, my name is.....my name is Gabriel. I was looking for Jericho and Trissia before I saw that bright light. Hmmm I....I dont think I'm dead, but if am what kind of shitty afterlife still let's you feel pain?"

Gabriel wasn't really sure who he was speaking to. Perhaps to himself? He often found filling silence with words calms him down when he was stressed. But as he lay there pondering his situation all he could feel was confusion. On top of everything his throat was incredibly dry, and his thirst was making itself known, along with his hunger.

Another groan of pain escaped his lips even though they felt dry and cracked. Just then another sound caught his attention. The distant muffled sound of a door quickly opening then closing. Along with footsteps in what he could only assume to be another room in a small house. These wraps around his head prevented him from seeing, and Gabriel briefly entertained the idea, of pulling them off. Though it was quickly dashed as knew next to nothing of his condition and worsen any injuries he might have sustained.

The footsteps could still be heard from where he lay. The crackling fire doing little to mask their presence. Was this the person that had saved him? If so, why? What did they stand to gain from keeping him alive? He was in their debt to be sure, but what would they ask for in return? These questions clouded his mind so much that he only heard the footsteps again, when they approached the door, that seemed to be the room he was currently in. He stopped moving the instant he heard the door creak open. What sounded like boots against a wooden floor slowly approached the bed he lay upon.

A soft feminine sounding sigh was heard from his side, before the sounds stopped. He wasnt sure why as he could not see, but soon enough his answer came in for of. A presence on his forehead a warm fur covered hand rested there as if taking his temperature. While another pulled the covers he had disturbed back over his arms and chest. Then he heard it again that same sweet sounding voice.

"Oh my...your finally awake. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up. Can you hear me? It looks like you've moved around a tad. I'm just here to make sure your feeling better."

She said pulling her hand away and taking a step or two backwards. To give her patient some space to breathe and talk. Gabriel wasn't sure what compelled him to answer, but something about her voice and the gentle touch she had. Made him feel safe and comforted strangely. Although he could not see her he still turned his head to where he thought she was and spoke.

"Y-yes....please if you have any water. I-I would greatly appreciate it. Where am I? And I hope this is not rude...but who are you? And why did you save me?"

Gabriel asked unable to keep the questions from pouring out. He felt ashamed demanding so many things from someone who just saved his life. And presumably tool him into their home to recover. But these questions were burning and needed answers. But the woman stayed silent through his words listening intently. And she responded in kind her voice carrying a hint of amusement with it.

"It is quite alright I do not mind. Can you sit up? I have a pale of water right here next to your bed. I'll help you drink some with the ladel inside."

Gabriel would give her a nod another moan of pain coming out, as he slowly started to push himself to a sitting position. His bare back leaning against the slightly chilly wooden wall. A shiver running down his spine, the sound of a pale of water being moved in front of being all that heard.

"Open up and we'll get you something to drink. Be careful not to drink to fast okay. Your probably still in a lot of pain."

She softly commanded as she lifted the ladle full of water to his mouth and tilted the handle forward. He sighed as the cool liquid touched his lips, and he greedily began to swallow it down. The soreness in his mouth and throat disapearing with every sip. He almost didn't hear her speaking to him as she dipped the ladle back into the water to give him another drink.

"To answer your questions my name is Nightingale. And you are inside my cottage. When I found you, you were on the brink of death so I managed to drag you back to my home. To try and nurse you back to health. As to why I saved you, it was just the right thing to do. I would have done the same for anypony...or any creature in your case hehe. What about you? Do you have a name?"

After he had his fill she set the pale back down next to the bed. And Gabriel took in a much-needed deep breath. His chest and lungs burning and aching from overuse. But he managed a small smile, as his head turned back towards who he now knew as Nightengale. A strange name to be sure, but he was not willing to voice his judgements to his savior.

"Yes thank you kindly I owe you my life Miss Nightengale. My name is Gabriel, and my gratitude knows no bounds. But I have to ask...did you just say anypony? What exactly does that mean?"

Nightengale paused her smile slowly fading as her head turned to side in confusion. This strange creature had asked her a question that nopony ever had before. She stared at him as if he had grown a third leg and hummed in thought. Of course she knew the answer, but she thought everypony did.

"Well...it mean referring to other ponies like me. And I said every creature because your not a pony. Or at least you don't look like one. What are you might I ask? I've never seen any creature of your kind before. And it's very nice to meet you Gabriel."

A small memory flashed in Gabriel's mind of when he saw her for the first time. She was obviously not human with her muzzled face and, large eyes and, ears. But she somehow spoke his language and walked on two feet as he did. He didn't get to see specifically what she looked like. As the blizzard clouded his vision at the time. She referred to herself as a pony. He knows he's heard that word somewhere before, but he just couldn't place it. Not while his mind was racing like it was now.

Gabriel's eyes were still bound by the bandages around his head. But given what she had said what he experienced couldn't have been a hallucination. While thinking about his eyes he brought one if his hands back upto his face and touched the thin cloth. A heavy sigh coming from his mouth as he spoke once more to Nightengale

"Um...Miss Nightengale I must ask. Did something happen to my face? I'm afraid I don't remember much about what happened."

She tsked and gently grasped his hand with her own. Pulling it away from the bandages as she spoke in a slightly more commanding tone.

"Hey! Don't touch! I just changed those bandages last night. I was going to change them again before I realized you were awake. You got a lot cuts and scrapes from the wind, and when you fell down. I dont know if your eyes were injured, but I wrapped most your head to be safe. I-I suppose if you'd like I could remove them. And fetch some new clean ones. As long as your promise not to touch!"

Said Nightengale still holding his hand in hers. His hands were so cold. They lacked any natural coat like she was used to seeing. It was no wonder he was practically frozen to death. His whole body only had a small amount of hair. And he certainly was not dressed for that type of weather. After realizing she had been holding his hand the entire time she let go. Her face gaining a small bit of pink as she pulled her hand away.

Gabriel felt her touch to be quite strange. It was so unusual to be touching a hand several times smaller than his. And this hand appeared to be covered in a thin coat of fur. It was very warm, but not unpleasant only a little strange. Regardless of this Gabriel nodded to her question and stayed still to allow to her work.

"If you would not mind that would be very helpful. And I promise I will not interfere with your care, and thank you."

She hummed in approval as she stood closer to the bed. Leaning over him to the point where the light from the fire was blocked out by her presence. She traced her hand along the side of Gabriel's bandaged head earning a small wince from the human. She squeaked and stopped pulling away with a hint of concern in her voice

"Eep! S-sorry I didn't mean to hurt you. I was only trying to find where I tied of the bandage.

Gabriel quickly raised a hand in placation and spoke in a gentler tone than he usually used.

"I-its quite alright Miss Nightengale. It was more surprise than pain. Please continue and ignore my winces. I am nearly not used to injuries such as these"

A small moment passed by before Nightengale released a breath she wasn't sure she was holding. While she thought it would be rude to say she was slightly terrified of Gabriel. He was rather large and strong looking. And provoking his ire was the last thing she wanted to do.

"V-very well Gabriel please tell me if it hurts too much okay? I would hate for you to be in any more pain than you already are."

Nightengale said her voice wavering slightly as she went back to her work. Running her hands along his head. Trying her best to ignore the winces and grunts of pain. Eventually she did find the small knot she tied to keep the cloth in place. And she sighed in relief as she untied the knot, and began gently unwrapping Gabriel's head.

Gabriel could feel the cloth being pulled away layer by layer. His eyes remaining closed as to not be poked by the cloth. The last layer made him wince once more as parts of the bandage stuck to his face. A sure sign of nasty cuts have crusted over with blood. But the light from the crackling fire washed over his eyelids as Nightengale pulled away from him. And with some effort he slowly pulled his eyes open. His vision blurry from the tight bandages restricting his sight. But with a few blinks and a focusing on the fire in the room a few moments passed until his sight cleared.

"I-I...I can see! By the gods I thought I had gone blind. Miss Nightengale you truly are a....miracle....worker.."

Gabriel exclaimed his voice trailing off, as his head turned to face Nightengale. There it was the muzzle, the eyes, and even the ears. He had already seen it once before, but yet it was still so shocking to see it a second time.

"Is...there something wrong Gabriel?"

Nightengale asked her soft voice and large portraying the concern, that he had only heard upto this point. Where ever Gabriel was it certainly wasn't earth. At least not anymore it wasn't a hint of dread creeping up his spine. But he quickly swallowed it down taking deep breaths to calm himself. Forcing himself to look back up at Nightengale after he lowered his head.

"N-no Miss Nightengale I am just still a little shaken from yesterday. Forgive me if I seem jumpy I've been around too many ponies hehe"

Gabriel said with a nervous chuckle, and Nightengales gaze softened. And she seemed to sigh in relief as she set down the bloodied bandages. Giving Gabriel a quizzical look when he mentioned the day before.

"Yesterday? If I remember correctly Mister Gabriel you've been unconscious since I brought you here. And that was about eight days ago. I've been doing my best to give you food and water since then. Hoping that you would awaken eventually and tell me how you eneded up in the tundra. O-oh....did I say something wrong?"

She asked as Gabriel looked at her with hid mouth slightly agape. A look of shock and horror plastered on his face.

"E-eight days!? That's a little over a week! My companions were with me! You didn't happen to find anyone else out there did you?!"

Gabriel said in a panicked voice making Nightengale take a few cautious steps back. A wince appearing on her face as she watched him groan in pain while attempting to stand. She quickly rushed back to his side as he swung his feet over the side of bed and onto the floor.

"No! Please don't try to stand your far too weak you'll hurt yourself. I promise I did not see any others out there. I went back and checked after I brought you here. There was nothing even after the storm ended. I saw nopoby else if it makes you feel any better I can tell you what I saw when I found you"

Said Nightengale managing to keep Gabriel seated on the bed. And he let out a low growl as he his legs shook from even the smallest amount of weight placed on them. Soon enough he nodded looking back up into Nightengales concerned deep blue eyes. She was much closer now and the fire seemed to illuminate her form. So much so that he was now picking up more details of her body. Her fur coat was a very dark blue nearly black. Her eyes were a bright piercing blue, and slitted much like a cats would be. Her muzzle had two small fangs protruding from her top lip that glistened in the fire light. She smelled strangely wonderful, a hint of lilac and lavender. Her clothes were rather simple, her tunic was a slightly lighter shade of blue than her fur. And a white undershirt could be seen in the v shaped hole on its chest. Her hair was past shoulder length. And was a lighter shade of blue than coat and it somehow shined in the light of the fire.

Her clothes seemed ro exemplify her features in a way he had never seen before. He did his best not give her chest a size as he felt it disrespectful, but it more than generous. Gabriel felt his cheeks heating up as he realized he had been staring after not answering her question.

"O-oh...well I would like to know if you wouldn't mind. My family was with me, and I have to find them."

Nightengale sighed in relief as Gabriel stopped struggling and sat back down on the bed. Pulling over a chair from a desk that Gabriel hadn't even noticed before she began her tale.

"Well it started when I came home from market day a little over a week ago.."

Author's Note

This story is going to subject to alot of edits and rewrites ^^;. Right now getting someone to proofread it for me. Sending me any mistakes I make. So I can only hope it gets better from here.

A Cry For Help

It was a cold afternoon in the small town of Bleakmount. It was a town high in the mountains north of the recently established country of Equestria. It lay in a area known as Everwinter. Despite its name it was in fact not always winter in these mountains. The colder seasons were just particularly harsh this far north.

This however was usually not an issue for the denizens of this small country. As most of them were Thestrals or "bat-ponies" as most other races called them. Their supremely thick and fluffy fur helped them survive, even thrive in the harsh mountains. The long pointed ears they sported seemed to pick up sound like no other. Allowing them to hear pins drop from hundreds of feet away. Along with their eyes they had large eyes with cat like irises. Giving them the ability to see in the dark better than any sentient creature.

The Thestrals has a thriving culture and community in these mountains. While they rarely interacted with other creatures. They seemed to get along with the ponies of the south. With their newly formed country came trade, and with trade came prosperity. Exports from the mountains usually included ores, pelts, and sometimes even soliders. Everwinter had no ruling system of government. And nearly allowed each tribe, or village to govern how they wished to be governed.

Bleakmount specifically exported ores as the Thestrals that settled there. Built their village over -top a rich iron, and brass veined mountian. And has been supplying ore to the country of Equestria since it was founded nearly 100 years ago. What they asked for in return were bits and knowledge. They asked how to control the weather from the pegasi, then the earth ponies on how to find and use fertile land wherever they go, and finally the art tp imbue any item they wish with magical power.

Because of this Bleakmount grew to be one of the largest settlements in Everwinter. One could even consider it to be the capital. And if the Thestrals had a unified system of government it most likely would be. Bleakmount is governed my a mighty council of elders. With one being nominated chief every 200 moons. Bleakmounts market was also quite large due to its high amount of trade with the ponies.

The clouds and weather of Everwinter seemed to have a mind of their own. And the Thestrals could control it, but it usually required way more effort than what was necessary. It usually ended in many casualties and deaths, so instead the pegasi worked with them. Through no small amount of effort the Thestrals and pegasi created devices for predicting the weather in advance. To give the citizens time to prepare.

One citizen in particular was making her way down the streets of Bleakmount. A bag designed for holding produce, and essentials lay empty across her back. As she hoped to get in some last minute shopping before the blizzard hit later in the evening. According to the message the elders sent out this was to be the worst one of the season. Thankfully enough it was most likely to be the last one as well. Spring was only a three weeks away after all, and Bleakmounts harsh winter would be over for now.

Nightengale was excited to get back home and continue studying her recently purchased reading material. While Equestria didn't have any long history books yet being as new as it is. It did have quite a few stories written, by the endlessly creative ponies. It did have small history books about the Unification War, and small tidbits on its current rulers. The ponies preferred to spend their time with the whimsical and fictional side of literature. And Nightengale certainly was not complaining.

She only hoped this shopping trip could go a little faster, so she could curl up by her fire and, bury her muzzle in a book. With these thoughts in her mind she put a little extra spring in her step. Approaching what looked like a market stall full of various vegetables. Manned by a bulky looking earth pony giving him a wave while she approached. Pulling out her coin purse to buy some things from the stallion.

Later on in the evening Nightengale began her journey back home. A large bag full of things she needed weighed down on her back. Sadly she had forgotten to stock up last market, so she needed more than usually did on these trips. As if to make a bad thing even worse, some of the items were clear across town. And with it being the largest village in Bleakmount this was quite a hike. Thankfully she managed to make it inside her door as the heavy snowfall began. Marking the beginning of what would be one doozy of a storm.

The minutes ticked by into hours, and Nightengale found herself sitting down in a comfortable chair. About seven or so hooves away from the roaring fire she had started hours ago. A steaming cup of tea resting on the table at her side, and an open book resting in her lap. There was a hint of a blush on her cheeks as she turned to the next page of Joemoe and Ruliette. She hadn't been sure what this 'smut' was when she purchased it. Only that the book salsepony said she might find it interesting. And oh did she never had a work of fiction gotten her so hot and bothered.

But her fantasies would have to wait it seems. A particularly loud crackle from her hearth pulled her vision upwards. Seeing that the stack of firewood next to the hearth was practically empty. She let out an exasperated sigh she wanted to keep reading, but she knew if she didn't get more now. It would take much longer for any firewood to dry out enough to be used.

So with another small sigh she placed a small piece of cloth between the pages to act as a book mark for the story. And stood to her feet giving a small stretch her bat like wings sticking out straight behind her back. A few satisfying pops rang out as she sighed. She quickly grabbed her lantern that she kept by the door. Even with her Thestral eyes in a storm this heavy. Her sight would he just as bad as anypony else's. So this lantern was needed if only to walk around the side of her home to pick up some wood to bring inside. After lighting the lantern she slipped on her heavy snow boots and pulled back the bar on the door, that worked as a lock from the inside.

After pulling the door open Nightengale winced at the sight of the outside. A thick layer of fresh snow and ice had already covered the once clear streets. And the storm showed no signs of slowing down or stopping. Nightengale sucked in a deep breath and slowly walked outside. The snow reaching almost to her knees as she trudged through. Holding her lantern up to light her way through the heavy winds of ice and snow.

It wouldn't take her long to reach the side of the house. The firewood was thankfully underneath an extension of the roof of her home. So it was no buried in snow, but the winds would cover most of the rick in a thin layer of ice. She grumbled stepping underneath the overhang knowing. Setting the lantern down on the ground for a moment as she grabbed a piece of split firewood trying to pull it free from the rick. She grunted her cheeks puffing out with effort as her hand suddenly slipped, and she was sent tumbling into a tall pile of snow. She squeaked as she fell landing with crunchy thud as her small body impacted the snow.

"Eeep!! Oof....ugh....s-stupid firewood!! Stupid ice! O-oh dear it's actually starting to feel rather c-cold out here! I better hurry inside"

Nightengale thought outwardly. Raising herself to her feet she grabbing the hatchet hanging on the nearby wall. Along with the wood and cloth sled she had made specifically for carrying large bundles of wood. Or anything else that might have been extremely heavy that she couldn't pull or push normally. As she got to work her ears perked up from hearing what sounded like a voice in the distance.

"ICHO!! WH- ARE YOU!?"

The thestral paused and turned to face outwardly towards the blizzard. Unsure if she had truly herd somepony calling in the distance. A few moments went by and she heard nothing. She let out a soft thoughtful hum. The wind had a pension for hitting objects just right to make music or other sounds. So Nightengale simply chocked it up to be the wind.

That was until she heard it again only this time it sounded closer and more clear.

"TRISSIA PLEASE ANSWER ME!!"

Nightengale nearly fell back in shock as she heard the voice in the distance. The winds from the blizzard were loud and drowned out most noise. But somehow the winds managed to carry this voice all the way to her.

"Who in all of the world would be outside at a time like this!? They are liable to freeze to death Thestral or not nopony could survive this storm! I-I...I have to do something. They could be lost they could die without my help. Y-yes I have to do this! I must do this!"

Said Nightengale this storm was scary so a pep talk was necessary. Or at least...that what she tells herself. Quickly grabbing the rope attached to the sled. Just I'm case whoever this pony was needed to be dragged to safety. She grabbed her lantern, took a deep breath, and stepped out into the storm. Ice and snow oelting her face as she took slow and deliberate steps. Trying to maintain her balance on of the slick surfaces.

Even though she could vaguely hear where the voice was coming from. She didn't know exactly where they were, and she hadn't heard the calls again. His ears almost folded against the back of her head starting to wonder if maybe it was just a trick of the wind. Or maybe her teas leaves had gone bad and this was some sort of fever dream. But she decided to try one last thing calling out into the storm Nightengale said

"Is there somepony out here?! I thought I heard shouting! Hello Is anypony there!!!?"

Almost immediately she heard the voice again. Yelling in a raspy broken voice.

"O-over here! I see you!"

Nights ears instantly turned towards the direction it was coming from. It sounded like it was only a little further ahead. So she began to run as best as she could moving faster through the snow. Until she came upon one of the strangest sights she had ever seen. A large flat-faced creature lay on it's knees with its back straight. Looking up at her with small eyes and a face that torn, and bleeding.

"P-please help me..."

She heard it say before it collapsed into the snow by her feet. Probably tearing it face and hands even more in the process. It's clothes were torn and filled with holes, and night let out another squeak when it's face hit the ground. Quickly moving her sled foward she tried to drag the creature onto the sled. Whatever this thing was it was large. Almost twice her height and weight it's body cold to the touch. It's skim or what little she could see of it was fur-less but tanned.

She grunted and heaved eventually managing to get the large creature onto the sled. Taking a moment to catch her breath she wheezed before slowly standing back up. Tying the rope around her waist and picking her lantern back up. It took her twice as long to get back to her cottage with the added weight. But eventually she pushed her door open and heaved the sled inside. The creatures unconscious body shifting in the sled as she rushed to shut the door. The fire still roaring in the hearth, and that was when she realized that she still needed more firewood.

"Oh ponyfeathers...."

Author's Note

Hey I hoped you liked this new chapter! Quick question would like to have the story of the eight days she took care of Gabriel? Or would you rather we return to the present?

On Death's Doorstep

The bringing of a stranger into her home was putting Nightengale on edge. Whatever, or whoever this creature was they were large. To be honest alot of things were large to the small statured Thestral. She always was quite small even for a female, but she made up for this with seemingly boundless wells of positivity and energy. Which she used in her daily job working at the small recently established clinic.

While she was no doctor, at least not to the ponies standards. She knew how to care for a sick patient, and had plenty of experience dealing with creatures that were suffering from hypothermia. Even as the creature lay on her floor still shivering Nightengale held out hope that they would survive under her care.

Moving quickly she flipped the creature onto it back reaching for its neck with a finger to check for a pulse. It was weak, but there was one, and leaning her ear down to its nose and mouth she heard ragged breathing. While in the clinic she was very professional and almost never reacted unprofessionally there was something different about this. She was not in the clinic, this was her home, and this creature was dying.

She felt like she wanted to scream, to panic, to run for the actual doctors who worked at the clinic. But she knew if she left now this creature would probably be dead long before any help actually arrived. So Nightengale managed to swallow her anxiety, and think what this creature needed. First was obviously warmth, but not to quickly as a reintroduction of warmth that quickly into the bloodstream. Could send the creature into shock, and all but assure its demise.

It was then that she remembered something. In her small cottage she had a spare cot, for whenever guests would come over. Though unfortunately she was never able to use it, as....no guests ever came over. Putting those saddening thoughts aside Nightengale stood up and retrieved the foldable bed and laid it out onto the floor. Scooting the sled closer to the piece of furniture she took in a deep breath as she rolled the creature over onto the cot. Managing to roll it completely 360 degrees onto its back once more.

She gave a small cheer at her success, before she pushed the sled aside. Her hands were soaking wet she had noticed. The ice and snow that had clung to the creatures clothes was melted by the fire when it was brought inside. If it were any other situation in her home she would dread having to undress a strange creature. But with another gulp of nervousness she began the process. Most of its attire was segmented especially on the forearms, legs, and upper torso. It was made a very heavy and hard material. It was too soft to be metal but to hard to be any kind of cloth. It looked like it could function as some sort of armor. As the placement on the body was very reminiscent of the villages gaurd precinct.

The clothing beneath came next. It wore a crimson colored outfit. The top sporting gold accents, while the bottoms had green accents. Certainly a strange combination in her eyes, but this did not stop her. What she found the most interesting were the multitude of scars that dotted its chest and back area. More and more she noticed similarites between her own species, and whatever this one must be. It muscle structure seemed identical to a male of her species if its flat chest and thin stomach was anything to go by. Regardless she only saw this type of physique on gaurds or solider who trained their whole life. Perhaps they were some sort of solider, or gaurd? Oh.....he.....perhaps he was some sort of solider....Nightengales face turned a very deep shade of red when her gaze traveled further downwards. Tearing her gaze away from...that she quickly threw a very thin blanket over him. Having the creatures gender revealed to her did not make the matter any better.

Nightengale gave herself a few moments to clam down from what she had just saw. If her father found out she had a naked male of any species for any reason in her home, he'd skin the colt alive, and then yell at her for making him do such a horrible thing. As her mind started to spiral it was suddenly grounded by a somewhat scary thought. What would the rest of her village think about this creature?

Outsiders were hardly ever welcome in this village. It took years before the council even considered letting the ponies from the south into their borders. And even longer before a small amount were allowed to live here. So how would they react to this creature. With these thoughts in her head she turned back towards him. The thin blanket leaving little to the imagination. She couldn't help the blush on her face as she approached getting onto her knees beside the cot. Trying to be roughly chest level with the cot itself. Focusing on the creatures face Nightengale began to examine him. It was then in the light of the fire she noticed something, a small gasp escaping her lips, as she saw the many cuts and bruises that covered its face. Previously unseen due to the ice that had clinged to every part of him.

Standing up from sitting on her knees Nightengale quickly walked over to the cabinet at the far end of the room. Passing by her room door in the process she sighed and spoke aloud, as if the stranger was awake and listening. While grabbing supplies to clean and bandage the wounds.

"Im glad I found you...whoever you are. Much longer and I might have been too late. What were you doing out in that storm, you certainly don't look like your from around here"

There came no response from the creature as it lay unconscious on the cot. But the words kept flowing from her mouth without any sort of filter. Kneeling back down beside the cot using some warm water to clean any dirt of debris that might have been caked on his face.

"You know...you actually don't look that different from a Thestral or Pony. You poor thing....I wonder who you were calling out to in the storm..."

Raising his head with her soft leathery wing she began to wrap his face and head in the bandages. Thankfully the damage was mostly limited to the upper part of his face, and his eyes seemed to be untouched. Then again she had no idea to truly know if they were un-damaged. As the anatomy of this creature was extremely limited. Nightengale was just thankful he seemed to resemble Ponies and Thestral so much.

Once she had finished wrapping his head in the bandages she gently set the creatures head down on the pillow. Pulling the thin blanket over the creatures form again while placing a soft furred hand on his forehead. His body was still shivering heavily from the cold, and she hummed about what she could do to help. A few thoughts came to mind and they made her blush heavily. But she quickly shook them away, and pulled her hand away with a sigh. If he was in any immediate danger Nightengale might have considered sharing her body heat.

As she thought about the ways she could help another thought passed through her mind. If Nightengale was to keep this creature alive she was mist definitely going to need help. She had no idea what he ate, she could barely move him without exhausting herself, and he might need medicine to minimize the pain he'll feel later on. But she couldn't take him anywhere without getting spotted... but maybe she could bring somepony else here! The pony doctor that ran the clinic she worked at that pony had taught her everything she knew. If anyone knew how to help it was Scarlet Scalpel, the best doctor this side of the great divide!

Nightengale wore a hopeful smile across her face, of course it was quickly dashed away by a sudden light coughing. She had her back turned to the creature as she had been lost in thought. And when she turned back around she that started coughing on his cot. At first they started light, but eventually they graduated into a full on coughing fit. His body convulsing on the cot, and Nightengale but a hand over her mouth when crimson red blood started to spew from its mouth. Quickly staining the thin blanket and its remaining skin that the blanket didn't cover. But soon after she started to hear it gurgle the blood in its throat and mouth making it impossible for air to seep through.Thinking on her feet she quickly tied a clean cloth around her muzzle and mouth. Moving closer to the creature while his coughing fit continued.

Remembering her training she managed to wedge her hands beneath the creature heavy bare body. Before she started to lift from one side tilting the creature up until it laid on it side. Her ears perking up as she saw more blood spew from its mouth with every cough. But the gurgling stopped as it was able to take in the warmer air. It's possibly inflamed lungs having a visceral reaction to the sudden change. Though within a half minutes time the coughing fit calmed down. Now it was only occasional coughs, and no more blood spilled out of its mouth after she cleaned it with another clean towel. Nightengales ears fell as she gently lay the creature back on his side. His breathing heavy and wheezing it seemed like there was no doubt its lungs sustained some form of damage.

"By the gods....you certainly gave me quite the scare. For a moment I thought I was going to have to explain to the elders why there was unmarked grave behind my home hehe..."

Nightengale said to the creature, but when it did not respond to her poorly timed joke. She simply walked across the living room and collapsed in a heap in her chair. The events of the night starting to catch up with her. Crackling and splintering wood once again garnered her attention. And another heavy groan escaped her lips as she noticed that she still had not gotten extra firewood.

Pinching the bride of her nose between the fingers of her right hand. Nightengale could only growl in frustration, but another cough pulled her back. A smaller sigh came out as looked at the little amount of wood she had left.

"I suppose....this could last the rest of the night. I cannot make it to warm in here after all. Oh I hope Scalpel is in tomorrow if she isn't. I'm not sure there is much I can do to help you anymore. I know I just met you Mister Stranger, but I hope we can be friends...if you survive that is."

These grim thoughts were weighing on the small Thestrals mind. So much so that a yawn forced its way out of her mouth. The chair she sat in wasn't enough to sleep in at least fot her, but her room wasn't far. After soaring the stranger another glance she stood from her chair, and trudged over to her room. Pushing the door open removing her boots and collapsing onto the soft mattress. Leaving her room door open in case the stranger started having another coughing fit. She let her eyes flutter close, as sent up a small prayer on the strangers behalf to god's. Praying that Scarlet would be in her office tomorrow often as she often wasn't. As that pony may be his only chance at survival.